TNA ADM 199 788 A

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H.M.S. MONA'S ISLE. ( Report Confinued.)
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A British Spitfire crashed outside the Harbour; the pilot rescued and put on
board us where his coolness and help in identifying the aircraft was most
useful.
Both ships and shore batteries opened fire on R.A.F. machines
more than once when recognition was difficult.
2100. Proceeded; a sunken trawler just inside the entrance made approach to
the wharf difficult which must have been much more so after dark for the ships
which came in after us.
The enemy were apparently shelling the dock entrance from some distance
whilst we lay there, but nothing came close to us.
2300 Passed North Goodwin L.V. The darkness was not deep enough to prevent
ships seeing each other at some distance, or to pick up the wreck of the Scotia
were she lay practically in the channel down to the No 5 buoy.
I consider the navigation of all the numerous small craft to have been
of the highest order, all things considered.
June 2nd Sun. 0150. Reported arrival off Dover entrance to V.A.D.
0300. Berthed at Admiralty Pier and Com'ced discharging.
Ship was then found to be making water in No 2 hold; stokehold. is The main steam
pipes joints were leaking in three places, and fracture was suspected. The
L.P. turbine rings collapsed; the base of a bilge pump suspected fracture.
The maintaining of a fairly good speed and working in the engine room on the
passage back, with the escape of steam due to these defects was very
creditable work.
On this occasion as before the behaviour of the ships company was most
praiseworthy; ppp the conduct and courage of all ranks of the military was
all of the very highest order and an inspiration to all connected with them
theoughout these grievous times.
J.C.K.Drodung
Comdr R.N.R.