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Amidst the chaos on the beaches of Dunkirk was young Harold. Sharing the fears and anxiety of his fellow comrades. Amongst the sand dunes and sparse cover the Allied Forces were continually bombed, harassed and fired upon. Swooping German Aircraft attacked the chaotic rabble below them. Some would attack the flotilla of ships and humble coastal launches that lay off shore, waiting to rescue the withdrawing troops.
Military equipment and vehicles had to be sabotaged so that the enemy could not use them. Perimeter force positions had to be established to delay the enemy, but still the enemy pressed relentlessly.

Smoke and fires could be seen from the shore, as the waiting Navy and Civilian boats were attacked. Some were sunk, some tilted to one side as the crews on board fought to save their only means of getting home.

Great lines of men stretched out from the beaches into the sea. Many men were waist and even neck high in the water. Standing patiently, the Famous British Queue. Hyperthermia claimed more victims amongst the other casualties, some even drowned. All witnessed by their comrades.

Harold was amongst the fortunate few thousand to be rescued from that caldron beach. The journey back to England was not taken for granted, because the enemy was also relentlessly in pursuit with aircraft attacks and the danger of U-Boat activity was constant.

Upon arrival in Blighty the process of taking care of the wounded was well under way and many troops were given hot sweet tea, a wash and somewhere to sleep. Many had not slept for days.

Harold alongside his unit survivors, comrades and others, were transported by train to other safer areas to regroup and re-equip. Because at this time, Englands troubles were just about to begin. Many set-backs, air attacks and even the Battle for Britain were still to be endured.

Finally Harold among so many, was allowed some home leave and some had to rally for parade and roll call at Victoria Park in Leicester.

This story was submitted to the 鈥淧eoples War Site by Rod Aldwinckle of the CSV Action Desk on behalf of Harold Aldwinckle and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the terms and conditions of the site.

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