TNA ADM 199 788 A

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In the early afternoon, the wind lightened and conditions became
Observing that there were boats at the davits of a wreck close
I borrowed some hands from WINCHELSEA to lower and man them, and
a R.A.F. launch which was lying astern of a neighbouring vessel
to over these boats ex- the wreck and embark troops.
Soon after this, on the suggestion of the Captain of WINCHELSEA, I
making boarded all remaining troops march to Dunkirk for embarkation.
KEITH to discuss with Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker the possibility of
By 1730 hours, there were few troops waiting to embark at this
the this time WINCHELSEA signalled proposing that this
beach and the remainder were making their way along the beach
trip; I concurred. In the last trip only about 30
in the cutter, and I transferred them to the cabin and
engine boat, handing over the cutter to the R.A.F. launch.
last half-hour, several dive-bombing attacks were made on
which appeared to be straddled by the first salvo. A
transport further to the Eastward was hit about this time, and enemy air
SWALLOW was hit by a few small splinters, presumabli
but was undamaged.
After the last trip inshore I proceeded direct to Ramsgate, and
arrived there at about 2150 hours. The engines of the boat had and been a
since 0315, and when outside Ramsgate first the port,
minute running later, the starboard engine failed; the port engine was restarted.
The crew of the SWALLOW worked extremely well throughout and I
would of the Patrol Service at Lowestoft; this man was working and in was the
like to bring to your notice the work of an Able Seaman, Peter
Johnson, single-handed for some of the earlïer trips to the beach I
cutter in his efforts and showed great initiative and resource;
put untiring him on board IMPULSIVE before she left and obtained his name as I
wished to draw attention to his very good work.
estimate the total number of troops embarked from 800. the beaches
and transferred I to H.M. Ships by SWALLOW as between 600 and
Robin Hutchins
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Grenadier Guards.
(A.L.O., Admiralty).
To be attached to my upat, bleak
himel Prescom
Dorp 13.6.