Corporal Nettle
The soldier who retreats with Robbie and later provides information about the journey.
To get the group to Dunkirk alive through a collapsing military retreat.
The book
At a glance
- Corporal
- Robbie Turner and Corporal Mace
- Retreat toward Dunkirk
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeNettle is one of the two corporals retreating with Robbie across France. Practical cooperation keeps the small group moving through confusion.
He watches Robbie's injury and shares the work of navigation, food, shelter, and survival. Later information from him helps Briony construct the account.
How the book draws them
- Worn uniformRetreat has replaced parade order.
- Practical vigilanceRoads and aircraft demand constant attention.
- Support for RobbieHe notices fever and slowing movement.
- Surviving witnessHis later account carries knowledge beyond Robbie's death.
Nettle survives and later supplies Briony with information. Robbie dies before evacuation.
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