Hudson by Neiwill ... The Hudson also found a new role as a transport operational training,being used as a clandestine aircraft in conjunction with SOE activities in Western Europe by No 161 Squadron operating out of RAF Tempsford. Many Resistance/SOE agents,including Free French political personalities found themselves brought in or brought out of France by a Hudson of 161 Squadron,often landing on to inadequte landing strips cut out in the forest, and made worse by adverse weather conditions. By 1944, it is estimated that there were 100,000 members of the various resistance movements that existed in France. Just one year earlier, there were just 40,000 members.. By the spring of 1944, there were 60 intelligence cells whose task was solely to collect intelligence as opposed to carrying out acts of sabotage. In the build up to D-Day, the intelligence they gathered was vital. In May 1944 alone, they sent 3,000 written reports to the Allies and 700 wireless reports. Between April and May, the resistance destroyed 1,800 railway engines. When this figure is added to the 2,400 destroyed by Allied bombers, it is easy to understand why the Nazi's had such difficulty transporting equipment across France. To those who gave their all for their country and their way of life We salute you...