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Take Men on Board!

The Dutch WW2 Escapes to England

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Take Men on Board!

By: Borre Winckel
Narrated by: Borre Winckel
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Buy Now for £23.24

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About this listen

Dutch law graduate Philip Winckel manages to escape Nazi-occupied Holland in February 1944. Germany still had the Country in its deadly grip, its long coastline included. Joined by a radio engineer plus three geology students, Philip miraculously slips through the enemy's Atlantic Wall fortifications by sailing away in a small, repurposed fishing vessel. Powered by a Chevy truck engine, the five men crossed the perilous North Sea to reach England. Many had tried before but failed resulting in their imprisonment and execution. The odds of their success were comparable to Russian roulette albeit with just one empty chamber.

Theirs was the only successful Dutch get away in 1944. They had much help. Over 100 individuals risked everything to assist them. In London, the five men put themselves in the service of HM Queen Wilhelmina by joining the Allied cause through the RAF, the Princess Irene Brigade and the Netherlands East Indies Army. For some the end goal was to free family members from the brutal Japanese prisoner camps.

As their liberation was achieved the Dutch colony erupted in total chaos, barreling towards its independence. Philip provides a chilling eyewitness account by taking part in a massive POW repatriation effort with a deeply personal outcome.

Meticulously researched, Borre's engrossing story takes its listeners from occupied Holland to a free England and finally to Indonesia, the former Netherlands East Indies. Against all odds, after frequent mishaps and countless dangers, the book's protagonists finally triumph. The Mighty 8th Air Force and the RAF Air Sea Rescue Service played significant roles in this outcome. This is a true tale of luck, adversity, and perseverance. The listener will be challenged by the thought, "What would I have done?"

Uniquely, this rescue was filmed! Search for "RAF Rescue of Engelandvaarders."

Finally, visit "Take Men on Board" on Facebook for tons of images to complement the audio experience!

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Borre Winckel (P)2025 Borre Winckel
Military & War England Emotionally Gripping Air Force
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Listener received this title free

This is quite the exciting story or rather accounts of history. The heroes and challenges they overcame are inspiring and incredible to think about. The stories come alive in this narration. I'm glad and grateful that this is available to share with the world what transpired.

wild - it almost seems like fiction

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Listener received this title free

I learned some new history I had never heard before: this Dutch boat was the only one to reach the UK during World War II. The book covers the challenges and the preservation that the crew had to endure to make it to the UK. But the story doesn't stop there as five men on the boat then join the military to free World War II prisoners held in Japan.

Learned Some New History That I Never Heard

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Listener received this title free

Take Men on Board! The Dutch WW2 Escapes to England is well narrated true story / history of courage, danger, and survival during World War II. The bravery of Philip and his companions is emotional and inspiring. A powerful story of resilience.

Take Men on Board!

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Listener received this title free

The history revealed by this book is something else. The determination of these men, willing to risk everything and the endurance during their travels in order to not only make it to the UK but also free prisoners from Japan.

I thought this story might be boring along the way since it's that long and it can be hard to uphold the thriving tension and satisfaction of a good story. However, thanks to the clear narration and the ability to build suspense with emotional weight, I enjoyed it very much.

Since it's real, it makes it even a better story.

Incredible what stories you'll hear from the past.

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