Harold`s "Release Leave Certificate" shows that the slow process of leaving the army began on 22 November 1945, with The Comd, 2nd Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment" completing Harold`s testimonial:

For more images of Harold's "Soldier's Release Book" click here

Harold left Bombay for the voyage back to England on 8th December 1945, passing through the Suez canal on 16th December. Apart from helping with ships fatigues, Harold spent the voyage resting and mastering the art of playing cribbage, a game he continued to play all his life.

The ship was moored up outside Liverpool docks on 24th December, and by some far from gentle persuasion by the ships captain, the ship was allowed into port for disembarkation two days earlier than planed, on Christmas Day 1945.

From there, the battalion headed for Strensall Camp, or to give it its full name " No.6 Military Disembarkation Camp, Strensall", some 7 miles from York city centre moving on the next day for demobilisation, and transfer to the reserve at "No 2. Military Dispersal Unit York".

Harold spent some time at Bacton Drive in Nottingham with his mother's sister, Ada Swift, and her husband, Arthur. Having a sabbatical from his job at the Iron foundry, near Melton Mowbray, Harold travelled to Scotland to stay with his sister Edith Simpson and her husband Walter. Harold married Walter`s half sister Kathleen, in Glasgow, Dec 1946, and managed a Vegetarian and Health Food Shop in Aberdeen. Barbara, there daughter was born in 1948, and following their return to Melton Mowbtay, Ian their son, was born in 1954. Harold resumed his job with the now British Steel Corporation, and worked there until his retirement in 1978.