Search

Search Results

3030 results returned within war Second World War

Old Friends' Chance Meeting

Mr. MacLean recalls a chance meeting with one of his Comet Line guides who took him from Brussels to Paris. He reflects sadly on the fate of three others who had helped him to freedom and were later betrayed to the Germans, captured and executed.

Back to England at Last!

After some time on Gibraltar, Mr. MacLean returned to England by way of Scotland. While in Scotland, he was informed that he would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and was summoned to Buckingham Palace where he received his medal from King George VI.

From Paris to Southern France

Following his time in Paris, Mr. MacLean and several others were taken by train to the south of France. He spent the first night there in the home of the founder of the Comet Line and, the following evening, he was taken to another residence. It would prove to be his last day in occupied territory and the beginning of the last leg of his journey to freedom.

His Emotional State

In the midst of all that was happening to him, Mr. MacLean was asked if he had experienced any feelings of loneliness or worry about his possible eventual fate.

On to Paris Via the Comet Line

Mr. MacLean continues the account of his time in Brussels, awaiting further instructions. They finally come and he is told he will travel by train with two other men to Paris on the following day.

Help From the Comet Line

The Comet Line was an organization in Brussels that arranged passage into Spain for Allied service men and women who were caught in occupied territory. Mr. MacLean explains briefly its history and the subsequent help he received from the underground organization.

First Contact in Belgium

Mr. MacLean is being taken by a young Belgian man named Mondo to the home of a couple in Brussels who were to help him to his next escape route destination.

The Journey to Freedom Continues

Mr. MacLean continues his account of his escape from Holland and on into Belgium.

In Hiding on a Dutch River Houseboat

His efforts to remain hidden from the occupying Germans in Holland is helped along through a chance meeting with an elderly woman, a member of a family who lives on a river houseboat.

A Tribute to His Helpers in Holland

From the beginning of his journey through Holland, many Dutch citizens provided great assistance to Mr. MacLean, and others in similar situations. They did so at the risk of being caught by occupying German forces and being executed. He pays tribute to their courage and kindness.

A Close Call With the Germans

Now in civilian clothes, thanks to the efforts of friendly Dutch people who continue to risk their lives to help him, Mr. MacLean begins walking toward a bridge over a near-by river. Again, an unexpected development delivers him from certain discovery and capture by the Germans.

Help from the Dutch

Mr. MacLean sleeps overnight under a blanket of grass in a nearby Dutch orchard. Morning comes.

Date modified:: 2019-02-19