TNA ADM 199 788 A

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correct lying to four off knots. place a beach and crowded Sighted many with soldiers small craft go and some destroyers was
hailed to out and a few came in as I boats. could. Was
soldiers waded went as near inshore thought this Some
apparently go alongside small coastal rowing
of soldiers aground. Went to her and steamer took
hour we went while she opened fire. In got way
on and I lay when off bombing raid started, destroyer About to
go alongside to be transferred to destroyers. off a boatload
drift in port then starboard engines broke down Returning her
to beach alongside and disembarked soldiers. about half an
while there enough in to be reached easily by pulling. go anchor.
close close to the shore before letting so let Was
could assist in the engine room to volunteer.
engines in a bad condition so I asked any soldiers who
filled up with military. E.R.A. reported boats;
Royal Artillerymen and Royal Engineers came forward Six to help
E.R.A. White. Sand was found in the carburettors and
the distributors required resetting. One engine was
ready in just over one and a half hours, so got under way and
proceeded to a destroyer to discharge men aboard.
Next attempted to get alongside pier made of army
lorries by dropping astern on anchor. Only one side of the
pier was approachable, wind setting on shore difficult sea
running, parted all my ropes in efforts to get alongside
then found pier unusable where my boat could approach.
Received and discharged more soldiers, also
received signal that refuelling drifters were on their way
to assist light craft.
E.R.A. reported only enough fuel remaining for ten
minutes running, then went alongside destroyer where I
received one drum of petrol to carry on for a while.
Received signal for all ships to be ready to leave at a
moments notice.
Both engines failed again as I was proceeding inshore
Dropped anchor in shallow water. Large air battle in
progress about thirty planes involved. Very shortly
after 1700 (time rather uncertain) the enemy opened fire
with a gun ashore. After first shell landed in the sea
I ordered my crew to get below between the engines.
Second shell landed in the water alongside my ship about
three yards off and burst. Able Seaman Todd, and Able
Seaman Holloway were instantly killed, Chief Petty Officer
Dawson received cuts on the face and neck, E.R.A. White
was hit in the leg, I was hit in the nose, hip and foot.
Blinded by blood I was unable to see the extent of
and asked for a report on the ship's condition and
the damage. Ordered charts and secret papers to be the burned
casualties incurred. Was told she was sinking slowly and
my were really dead and he reported there was no doubt, they
two A.B's killed. Told coxswain to make sure they
had been killed outright.
The Stoker burned my papers and charts while the
coxswain hailed for assistance, E.R.A. White remained by me
and kept me informed as to what was happening.
assisted The into her, the remainder of the crew then abandoned motor
coxswain shortly lowered the dinghy and I was
launch ship (Coxswain, and were taken aboard casting the dinghy
E.R.A., Stoker). Pulled over to adrift, a
during this period I could not see and did not see