TNA ADM 199 788 A

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The as they slower motor boats still removed stragglers and odd parties
with were encountered whilst the faster types co-operated
larger ships inside the harbour, even when the enemy had
reached the inner part of the harbour itself.
Those who lost their little commands returned to England
as best they could, some aboard other small motor craft, others
aboard larger ships lending a hand with the wounded or snatching
a few hours sleep aboard before reporting for further duty.
Many officers spent sixty hours or more at a stretch before
gaining a much needed sleep.
The total number of such small motor craft engaged in the
operation cannot at present be assessed. It is doubtful if
the exact figure can ever be computed since many who took a
part did so with their own boats manned by their own relatives
or friends; did their best, shared the dangers and discomforts
and, when no further work remained to be done, stole quietly
away unrecognised and unrewarded.
The numbers, too, of soldiers taken off the beaches by
these motor boats can never be more than estimated. Lieut.
Read's report of 600 men ferried to transports and 420 brought
direct to England in one 35' motor launch gives some idea of
the usefulness of this "miniature armada".
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