TNA ADM 199 788 A

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370
Personal 31st may remarks be Rich 344
At about 0300, it was impossible to carry out
embarkation on the beaches.
of
25.
Our men were showing signs of extreme exhaustion and
as it was impossible to communicate with the Senior Naval Officer
we decided to take over a whaler that we had salved and to go
to the nearest destroyer to report to the Senior Naval Officer.
26.
We waited for high water and at about 0730 put to sea.
There was a very heavy surf running and we had only an uneven set
of oars, rope crutches and only an oar to steer by.
27. We approached two destroyers but they both got underway.
Two other destroyers passed us at about 7 cables but paid no
attention to us.
e
to
28.
After about an hour as if from nowhere appeared the
Margate lifeboat. We asked the Coxswain to take us to the
nearest destroyer but all were underway at this time. He was
returning to Margate and so we came back with him.
29.
The men in my party were completely exhausted and
were asleep within five minutes of being onboard the lifeboat.
30.
On arrival at Margate I phoned the Chief of Staff
at Dover and reported our return.
31.
I was ordered to return to Chatham with my party.
was
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