Operation Ark

Read the 'mesmerising' memoir of the most controversial figure of the 2021 Afghanistan Evacuation, whose story captured global headlines.

'Pen Farthing is still angry. It's understandable.' -- Private Eye

'Operation Ark was always about people and animals. Pen Farthing's actions were nothing short of heroic.' -- Ricky Gervais

'Pen Farthing is a man who has the Commando spirit writ through him: he never gives up.' -- Daily Mail Online

67 People. 171 Animals. Getting out was only half the battle.

August 2021. The Taliban invaded Kabul.

The British Government was “Missing in Action”.

The evacuation was disastrous, shambolic and deadly.

Pen Farthing refused to abandon his charity’s staff or rescue animals. Operation Ark was born.

He was branded a villain who valued “pets over people”, blamed for deserting Afghans, accused of risking British soldiers – nothing could be further from the truth.