About Us
Follow in the footsteps of WWII Escapers & Evaders to remember their historical and inspirational journeys.
Our Story
About Mad Recce
Mad Recce is the result of years of researching WWII Escape & Evasion Lines and retracing Routes, born out of a passion for bringing a hidden area of history to life. We aim to preserve the memory of escapers/evaders and their helpers in history, and reinforce the understanding of resilience through following in their footsteps. Whilst the main body of research has been retracing individual and group routes through the Pyrenees, relevant research has been conducted in mountainous regions in Europe.
Our core values include
Our mission is to honour these stories and make them accessible to veterans, historians, trekkers, and anyone seeking to connect with the past in a meaningful way.
Going far beyond the mainstream history of WWII.
Remembering and recognising the achievements of the renowned and the unknown.
Inspiring customers through the education of a seldom-recognised part of WWII history.
Enabling Customers to experience the immersion of escapers and evaders in mountainous terrain.
Creating tailor-made tours and journeys suited to the needs of everyone.
Meet Our Founder, Allan
“The inspiration to research WWII Escape & Evasion routes came from a discussion with a local who described a captivating escape story during the ascent of a 3000m peak in the Pyrenees. Further research revealed the huge scale of escape & evasion. The subject became enthralling as did the need to share the resilience and experience of escapers & evaders. What could be better than to share historical knowledge by following in the footsteps of men and women in the most arduous of circumstances?
Being brought up in Africa gave me a love of the outdoors, and my interest in WWII history comes from my father’s experience of landing at D-Day+6 and fighting all the way to Germany to see the eventual surrender. Serving as an aircraft engineer in the RAF for 25 years and then transferring into civil aerospace design for 18 years has given me a unique insight into aircraft.
With respect to mountain walking, 2012 saw qualification as a Summer Mountain Leader and then 2022 as an International Mountain Leader. The discovery of the subject of Escape & Evasion led to the need to share the subject in the most professional way possible. This resulted in joining the International Guild of Battlefield Guides (IGBG) programme to develop into an “Accredited Guide”. Being an IML and IGBG battlefield guide carries the responsibility of observing the Codes of Conduct.
FAQs
Your Questions Answered
How long is a Battlefield Tour?
Battlefield Tours are 6 days, assume 2 days of travelling, on travelling days, time permitting, there will be short Battlefield ‘stands’ or museum visits. Overall, there are 4 days of full Battlefield Touring.
How long is a Battlefield Walking Tour?
A. Battlefield Tours are 6 days, assume 2 days of travelling, on travelling days time permitting, there will be short Battlefield ‘stands’. There are 4 days of full Battlefield Walk Touring. There is an option to tailor-make a pure Battlefield Tour and Walking Tour depending on customer desires.
How much is a typical Battlefield Tour?
Customers should budget for approximately £1500 excluding flights and meals when in a group of six. Our philosophy is to discuss customer requests and then provide an itinerary and a quote.
How much is a typical Battlefield Walking Tour?
Customers should budget for approximately £1500 excluding flights and meals when in a group of six. Our philosophy is to discuss customer requests and then provide an itinerary and a quote.
How much is a self-guided walking Tour package?
POA
How demanding is a typical Battlefield Tour?
Battlefield Tours are no more demanding than traditional tours in Northern Europe. Our preference is to have a discussion with the customer to determine customer needs.
How demanding is a typical Battlefield Walking Tour?
Battlefield Walking Tours range from easy to very demanding. Our preference is to discuss customer needs to support determining the most suitable route or routes.
How accessible are the Battlefield Tours?
Our ethos is to make Battlefield Tours as accessible as practically possible.
How accessible are the Battlefield Walking Tours?
Since Battlefield Walking Tours range from easy to very demanding. Our preference is to discuss customer needs to support determining the most suitable route or routes.
Ready to Begin?
Start Planning Your Battlefield Tour Today
Whether you’re seeking a guided walking tour, a custom escape route expedition, or in-depth historical research, our team is here to help bring these incredible wartime stories to life. Start your journey today by getting in touch.