Take Men on Board!

The Dutch WW2 Escapes to England

By: Borre Winckel

Narrated by: Borre Winckel

Dutch law school 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!

©2024 Borre Winckel (P)2025 Borre Winckel

A True WW2 Escape Fueled by Courage and Luck

Take Men on Board! The Dutch WW2 Escapes to England tells a remarkable and sobering true story that reads with the tension of a novel but carries the weight of lived history. Centered on Philip Winckel’s escape from Nazi-occupied Holland in 1944, the book captures just how narrow the line was between survival and execution for those who dared to resist.

The escape itself is astonishing. Five men, a repurposed fishing vessel, and a truck engine crossing the North Sea while slipping past the Atlantic Wall feels almost unreal, yet the details make the danger painfully clear. The comparison to Russian roulette does not feel exaggerated. This was a one-chance gamble, and most who tried before them paid with their lives.

What strengthens the narrative is the broader context. Over one hundred people risked everything to help make this escape possible, reminding the reader that resistance was rarely a solo act. The story does not stop at England either. Philip’s continued service to Queen Wilhelmina and the Allied forces, followed by his involvement in the chaotic aftermath of liberation in Indonesia, adds depth and complexity that many war accounts leave out.

Narrated by Borre Winckel, the audiobook feels personal and carefully researched. The pacing is steady, and the inclusion of historical detail never overwhelms the human stakes. Knowing that this rescue was actually filmed adds an eerie layer of reality to an already gripping account.

This is not just a story about escape, but about endurance, moral choice, and the unpredictable consequences of survival. It leaves the listener with an unsettling and unavoidable question about courage under impossible circumstances. A compelling listen for anyone interested in World War II history, resistance movements, and the human cost of freedom.

Powerful and Inspiring True Story

I found this audiobook gripping and deeply moving. The author brings this true escape story to life with strong detail and clear research. The courage of these men and the many people who helped them is inspiring. This book highlights sacrifice, resilience, and the human will to fight for freedom. It is a compelling listen for anyone interested in World War II history and true stories of bravery.

Freedom at Any Cost

This audiobook does a wonderful job of illustrating why the Dutch coastline was such a difficult place to escape from during the German occupation. The narrative builds a lot of momentum as Philip Winckel moves closer to his goal, highlighting the constant fear of betrayal and the physical exhaustion of the journey. It is a very direct and honest look at the human cost of war and the lengths people will go to in order to reclaim their autonomy. The story is packed with details about the environment and the climate of fear that made every successful escape a reason for celebration.

True Event - Learn Some History

Centering on the 1944 World War II, this book details only one ship that made it to England. I learned they had a lot of help along the way. However, I found the rest of the story even more amazing as five men joined the military when they arrived in England to go back and free family members from prisoner camps.

This book was so good that I even found myself wanting to watch the video of the event that the book includes.

Remarkable story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

If you like stories about survival, resistance, wartime contributions and transformation look no further. This book tells a compelling story that demonstrates how ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Trust is everything. Brotherhood can form with those you least expect when circumstances require. Sometimes the best stories are those told around the campfire. So sit back and hang on for a true adventure that will captivate your imagination. Enjoy.