Dunkirk hero still has war dead on his mind

He was later one of 80,000 Allied POWs forced to march through Po l a n d , Cz e c h o s l ov a k i a an d Germany in appalling winter conditions.

But he also has fond memories of some of the high-jinks the men got up to – and was even part of a failed bid to help legendary RAF flying ace Douglas Bader escape.

He told The Sunday Post: “The experiences were pretty horrible, but we had our laughs.”

Despite this, he admits the memories of those who didn’t survive are never far from his mind.

“I think a lot about those people who died,” he said. “School friends, friends and relatives. I went over to St Valery every year – I was made an honorary citizen.”

Dave Chapman, research coordinator at The Highlanders’

Mr Bryden meeting the Queen. Museum in Fort George, said the actions of the 51st ( Highland) Division were a heroic last stand.

He said: “They were really there to support the French politically. It was a token force to show that the French were not being abandoned after Dunkirk.

“That was the main reason, although there’s mixed views about that decision.

Geoff Bryden probably won’t see the new Dunkirk movie at the cinema. Main picture: Andrew Cawley.

“I think there was a great deal of heroism shown, and a great many dismayed soldiers when they were told to surrender.

“It was the French who surrendered first. But they would have been beaten anyway. There’s no question, because they were encircled.

“Although it was a defeat, it was not a disgrace. It was a defeat against tremendously difficult odds.”

Du n k i r k , w h i c h s t a r s On e Direction’s Harry Styles alongside Oscar- winner Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy, opens in cinemas on Friday.

Veteran Geoff admits he might not make it along to the cinema to see the new big- budget blockbuster, but added: “I’ll maybe see it on DVD.”

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