By Kirklees Armed Forces TV –

A powerful interview released by Kirklees Armed Forces TV is shining a light on the hidden sacrifices of soldiers who were captured during World War II and spent years as prisoners of war.

Nigel Proud appeared on the programme to share the moving story of his grandfather, Percy John “Jack” Proud, a soldier in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

Jack was among those left behind during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940 and was later captured by German forces at Saint-Valery-en-Caux.

He endured five years as a prisoner in Stalag VIIIB/344 Lamsdorf, a camp notorious for its harsh conditions.

Speaking with Dr. Milton Brown, Nigel detailed his decades-long journey researching Jack’s life, using sources like the Stalag VIIIB/344 Lamsdorf Prisoners of War Facebook group and The Online Memorial and Museum of Prisoners of War.

Jack, like many others, seldom spoke about his experiences, but the scars of war remained evident in his behaviour and health.

Nigel’s account also highlights the psychological toll of war and the challenges veterans faced when reintegrating into civilian life after enduring trauma that was rarely discussed or understood at the time.

This emotional interview is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of preserving the memories of those whose stories have long gone untold.