Stephen Pemberton is retired and lives with his wife in the West of England. Born in Yorkshire the author became aware of his uncle who had died as a crew member of a Royal Air Force Wellington bomber in the Second World War. Having researched the subject, including multiple visits to the National Archive, Stephen initially published a web site. This led to various contacts and yet more information. Recognising its non-permanence, however, he was determined to publish a book as a lasting record of the sacrifice made by his uncle Stephen Fraser Smith.