Home / War and Conflict / Pilot Hides as Farmhand to Evade Nazis
Pilot Hides as Farmhand to Evade Nazis
2 Dec
Summary
- An American pilot disguised himself as a deaf farm labourer.
- He hid in plain sight on a German-occupied French farm.
- His forged identity papers are now on display at IWM Duxford.
In the summer of 1944, weeks after D-Day, American pilot 2nd Lt Lonnie Moseley found himself behind enemy lines after his P-47 Thunderbolt crashed in occupied France. To survive, he adopted the persona of a deaf and non-speaking migrant farm labourer, a disguise that allowed him to hide in plain sight on a farm commandeered by German soldiers in Normandy.
For nearly two months, Moseley lived among the Lestang family, who provided him with forged identity documents and assisted in his deception. He learned to ignore the sounds of farm life and maintained his character, a dangerous game where discovery meant certain death for both him and his protectors. His survival was a testament to his bravery and the courage of the French family who risked their lives.
Upon encountering Allied forces, Moseley was eventually returned to base. His incredible story of evasion and the close bond formed with the French family are now commemorated. His forged identity papers, diary, and parachute ripcord are part of a new exhibition at IWM Duxford, celebrating the resilience and humanity shown during wartime.
