TNA ADM 116 4649

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ter No.B23/D/321/41 of 2nd April, 1941. Page 2.
ility and resource. His good judgment and common nse were invaluable in keeping me in touch with the tuation and obtaining the close co-operation of rench Naval Forces.
During the enemy's advance into Belgium and France his officer showed officer-like qualities of the ighest degree, working almost day and night without stop for three critical weeks prior to the artillery evacuation, during a which time he was continually under fire and subject to repeated enemy air attack. During the his services were of inestimable value, the pier his actual evacuation of the British Expeditionary and
Force coolness and cheerful leadership on all with whom and sent he came back in to Dover by Amiral Abrial on 1st June. "
and beaches contact. He was finally courage, were a constant inspiration to wounded
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
S.
Savey
VICE ADMIRAL.

COPY TRANSLATION.
D. GESELLE.
Belgian Telegraphist,
G.1. Mess.
R.N. Barracks.
Devonport.
19th May 1942.
Dear Madam,
TRANSLATION.
Th. Everaert.
address and I sun sending
Dutch Naval Base.
ps
Milford Haven.
a to you.
a
Belge
I
10th May 1942.
not know,
1
the took c, bu!
To the Editor of the "MARINE"
it at
Newlyn, I am writing you on the subject of Mr. Georges the
Ragaert.
board the same ship, young and as I am his best friend, I
As this man has always sailed with should me on pres very much like to know how he has obtained the D.S.C.
lish ths;
L.
regarding the for a long compensation while I am now now in I have for the loss Royal been of Nethorlands a effects, I was working with in come
Ragaert. Netherlands the Z.50, Belgian owner: The Government flag, latter Prosper I should has but, Everaert, often be seeing grateful advised where that to me the you to 2.50 apply if was you to under could the
We
:hre give me helpful advice.
en any for more obtain further details Ragaert about which and myself, or If you wish to let you have them, relevant as papers
I about the boat, I can nearly on account are, of managed his as you to doubtless bring away enbolled know, in as will engineer.
ent having I been thank you pupil in advance this that of saying you that re give I am me very good pleased advice; with I the take journal
113
Your obedient Servant,
(signed) T. Everaert.
LYDIESUZANNE
4
on

D. GESELLE.
COPY TRANSLATION.
Belgian Telegraphist.
G.1. Mess.
R.N. Barracks.
Devonport.
19th May 1942.
Dear Madam, address and I am sending you this letter, which will perhaps
It is quite by chance that I have learned your be a surprise to you.
I am a telegraphist in the Royal Navy, Section Belge
I do not know, Madam, if you are conversant with the events which took place during the dark days of Dunkirk, but
I would like to have some details on the suject of the decoration bestowed on G. Ragaert.
I myself have nothing against this young man, but at
Newlyn, Penzance and Brixham, there are nunerous Belgians who remember the fishing-boat 81.
It is a scandal that the Belgian Press and its journalists should only learn the truth through the foreign pres
I was, with two other Belgians, on board the English aircraft carriers "Furious" and "Illustrious" for seven months;
I I was in America for four months on board the latter vessel.
the to papers, but I have and now, when I come have had splendid opportunities of having my story appear in
England Independant were soldiers at Dunkirk, 600 soldiers at Havre. We
With This I see is the just what 81, such always I civilians would "Madeleine a story refused like in and Camille", you them, the 50 to "Belgique know, we Madam: saved 350 -
hours the last to leave Le were waiting for thr were for a rear-guard of Havre French, soldiers, where we of which only 50 men able to be rescued.
London; Germans for At For half the an entrance hour. to the port to we run were round bombed the by offices the
3
G. Ragaert myself, has I his have no one
Ostende; I was father. Royale de Ibis at
Navy I at have I the been age a pupil of at 191. sea of the since Oeuvre I was 14 years old, my and affairs, entent you and be that have no relatives here would I look do that not after want my letter to import will in advance,
I remain,
P.N.L.O.
(signed) Désiré Geselle.
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