University of Oxford
Browse

William Harwood's Trip to France

online resource
posted on 2024-06-05, 19:51 authored by Their Finest Hour Project Team

During the D-Day landings in Normandy, somehow, Bill was able to find and purchase a French-made doll for his 3-year-old daughter. He tucked the doll into his tunic, went about his duties in France and returned to England.

The doll in pristine condition is an important item belonging to Sheila.

History

Item list and details

1. 120 metres of barrage balloon rope. 2. The French doll from Normandy 1944. 3. 4 Royal Engineers service medals. 4. Enlistment document. 5. Next of kin document. 6. Discharge document. 7. Photo of bomb disposal unit. 8. Group photos of UXB team (Harwood on front row, 8th from right; 3rd from right). 9. Territorial Army enrolment document. 10. Class A release document and release certificate. 11. Transfer to Army Reserve in 1945. 12. Postcard to Harwood's mother, and redacted copy. 13. 1942 disciplinary notice.

Person the story/items relate to

William Harwood

Person who shared the story/items

Sheila Ann Unitt

Relationship between the subject of the story and its contributor

William Harwood was Sheila Unitt's father

Type of submission

Shared at Ahmadiyyah Mosque Hall, Warwickshire on 7 October 2023. The event was organised by Leamington History Group.

Record ID

95477 | LEA047