Dunkirk Evacuation - Sgt John Bridges

John Bridges arrived at Dunkirk with his small but orderly battalion to witness chaos on the beaches and "complete hell" in the town. None of his men could swim. He describes in vivid detail what it was like to be there, and how they struggled to get away. After the first few failed attempts, being bombarded by shells and bullets and narrowly avoiding getting dragged under a destroyer, he managed to board a minesweeper that eventually took him back to England.

Part of this recording was included in the programme Dunkirk: Twenty Years After. It may not have been broadcast in its entirety before.

Originally broadcast 1 April 1960.