Symbol of comfort from Dunkirk hell

The film Dunkirk and your recent articles on the evacuation will have brought those fateful days in 1940 to people’s minds. But I have a constant reminder on my living room wall.

It’s a broken crucifix that was taken by a British soldier from a bombed-out house in Dunkirk. The house had just one wall standing and the soldier took it in a simple act of faith that it would protect him. It did, because he survived and gave it to my future father-in-law, who was one of those who met the trains carrying the battle-weary rescued men.

PC Fred Wakefield was a railway policeman who took the men – some barefoot or wrapped only in a blanket – to be fed and bathed and to have some sleep.

My father-in-law gave the crucifix to my wife and me when we married in 1955. And from that day, it has remained above a mirror on our wall.

It has seen a lot: air raids, peace, happy times, children, a family growing up, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It has been a small symbol of confidence and comfort every time someone has entered our home. Tony Mallard, Northampton