TNA ADM 116 4649

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OPERATION "DYNAMO" - RECOMMENDATIONS OF PERSONNEL.
H.M.S. "BASILISK" - Commander Maxwell Richmond, O.B.E., R.N.
While embarking troops off La Panne on 1st June,
"BASILISK" was attecked by nine Junkers dive bombers. They
approached from astern and dropped a pattern of 5 bombs each.
One bomb exploded at the after end of No. 3 boiler room on
the port side, all engine room and boiler room personnel
being killed. A number of bombs with delay action then
exploded underneath the ship, flooding the after magazine
and shell room; the upper deck and sides of the ship cracked
right across in the vicinity of the mainmast,
An attempt to tow was made by a Belgian fishing smack
"Le jolie Mascotte" of Caen, under French colours, but
shortly afterwards a further dive bombing attack caused the
ship to settle and orders to abandon her had to be given.
"BASILISK" had only pom-poms, using belted ammunition,
and 4.7" guns with 30 elevation, but a determined resistance
was made and the guns fought to the last.
"BASILISK" had made two round trips, conveying 1,115 mon,
and was sunk on her third on 1st June.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
OFFICERS:
Commander Maxwell Richmond. O.B.E., R.N.
This officer displayed great coolness and courage and,
as was to be expected, his ship fought gallantly to the last.
His leadership in all circumstances, has been an
example and inspiration to all.
Recommended for Mention.
Lieutenant Commander William George Boaks. R.N.
As first Lieutenant of the ship, this Officer set a
fine example of leadership and cheerful courage in most
adverse circumstances. A bomb from the first attack burst
near him singeing his hair and eyebrows, but he carried on
with his duties without a thought for himself. He
concentrated on making ship as watertight as possible by
stopping up leaks and placing collision mat, and in this he
succeeded admirably. He also visited gun quarters and
supply parties during action and kept them going. Later
he provisioned and equipped the extra boats lying off and
was largely responsible for enabling every man alive to
get away safely when the ship sank.
Recommended for Decoration.