TAKE MEN ON BOARD!
The Dutch WW2 Escapes to England

by Borre Winckel

Narrated by: Borre Winckel

Production by: Borre Winckel

Compelling and Chilling!

Dutch law school graduate Philip Winckel escapes Nazi-occupied Holland in February 1944, slipping past Germany’s fortified Atlantic Wall with a radio engineer and three geology students aboard a small, repurposed fishing vessel. Against overwhelming odds—where many before them had been imprisoned or executed—the group powers across the dangerous North Sea to reach England. Once in London, the men join the Allied cause through the RAF, the Princess Irene Brigade, and the Netherlands East Indies Army, driven in part by the hope of freeing loved ones held in Japanese prison camps. As victory arrives and the Dutch colony spirals toward independence, Philip offers a chilling firsthand account of the massive POW repatriation efforts and their deeply personal consequences.

Meticulously researched and masterfully written, author Borre Winckel delivers an engrossing story that carries listeners from occupied Holland to a liberated England and ultimately to Indonesia, the former Netherlands East Indies. Through well-crafted scenes and authentically rendered dialogue, he brings to life the countless dangers, frequent setbacks, and extraordinary perseverance that define this true tale of luck and survival. His rich and fully realized character development deepens the emotional impact, compelling listeners to reflect on the sobering question: “What would I have done?” With the Mighty 8th Air Force and the RAF Air Sea Rescue Service playing pivotal roles—and the remarkable fact that this rescue was actually filmed—Borre transforms history into a vivid, unforgettable narrative that resonates long after the final chapter.

Serving also as the narrator, Borre Winckel brings the story to life with rich, resonant tones that give the narrative both depth and warmth. His personal connection to the book adds a layer of sincerity, allowing him to deliver a voice that feels grounded, authentic, and fully in tune with the material. His delivery is steady and assured, with a smooth cadence that enhances the flow of the story. That connection—both to the characters and the events—adds genuine credibility to his performance, making the listening experience all the more compelling.

This remarkable book stands as a powerful, unforgettable testament to courage, resilience, and the extraordinary lengths people will go in pursuit of freedom.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-biased, honest review.