The Second World War is famed for being the conflict that changed the face of warfare, and it is the last that changed the face of the world. In addition to remembering those that passed away in those dark days of war, a sincere debt of gratitude is owed to all those now in their twilight years who gave all that they had for King and Country. Here Gary Bridson-Daley presents forty-two of over a hundred interviews he conducted with veterans over recent years, adding to the history books the words and the original poetry of those that fought and supported the war effort to ensure freedom, peace and prosperity for generations to come. From each corner of the British Isles and every armed service, from Dam Buster George ‘Johnny’ Johnson through to riveter Susan Jones: heroes, all.

GARY BRIDSON-DALEY hails from Manchester and has always had a keen interest in world history, especially the Second World War. Working as a tour manager in travel and tourism for over fifteen years led him to extensive worldwide travel and exposure to many countries and cultures. This, along with a deep respect for the freedom bought for us by the efforts and service of Second World War veterans, inspired him to begin the ‘Debt of Gratitude’ project and to publish it in the form of The Last Heroes in order to honour those who served and to capture their precious stories for posterity.