TNA ADM 199 788 A

65
3-3-
59
"NEW PRINCE OF WALES" again after she was hit.
Shortly afterward I managed to obtain sight with one eye and took charge of the wheel as the H.O. rating did not appear to know how to handle her. This left her Captain an R.N.R. Lieutenant free to direct operations, we proceeded to carry on evacuating military who were swimming in the sea. After about forty five minutes, the launch being loaded to full capacity we went alongside H.M.S. "MOSQUITO" where my crew and military were embarked.
on arrival on board I was given a morphia injection and remember nothing further until arrival in
Dover 0700 Saturday, 1st June.
I should like to bring to your notice for favourable recommendation E.R.A. (5th class) White who long continuous hours in an endeavour to maintain his enginess in running order under most difficult conditions;
also the stoker whose name I cannot recall who untiringly assisted the above.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd) P.H.E. Bennett,
Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Navy.

275
253
From:- Sub. Lieut. W.D.F. Claydon, R.N.R.
Date:- 4th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
This is to report that during the visit to
Dunkirk on the night of 3rd June "Greater London"
(Southend Lifeboar) successfully refloated H.M.S.
Kellett, which had gone aground during operations at the entrance to harbour.
Whilst ferrying troops to the transport outside the entrance we were hailed by the Liaison Officer to stand by H.M.S. Kellett. Upon reaching her, her Commander asked me to endeavour to tow him off.
Whilst being somewhat doubtful as to our capability stern to do this, we at once took a line from her and within less than five minutes had her afloat.
then continued our ferrying and at 0250
picked We up our last batch and set off for Ramsgate.
compass had been hit by shrapnel and during we made encountering the a considerable amount of fog we managed a previous coast near Folkestone.
As our visit it became most unreliable However, after to make Ramsgate at 1200.

289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
31.5.40.
1230. In accordance from Southend, with Commander instead Boles' instructions, decided direct closed up. us to our destination. although we had no charts, other traffic bound keep to France
Signalled Decided that to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to at Ramsgate. constantly
Dunkirk these instructions of closing the Examination Vessel to proceed would lead
1410. Convoy of was 6 closed still up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler ximately. us that Dunkirk open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 50° E. informed appro-
1820. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25
avoid bombardment.
enemy aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt to
1840. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in the neighbourhood subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near as fifteen yards to the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance with instructions they had received, skippers broke convoy formation and "starred".
1850. 3 or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the sea.
Identity of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably German.
1915. Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe bombardment from shore batteries and aircraft.
1930. Attempted to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned idea - too much ground swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and other equipment left, destroyed by the B.E.F. on beach, endangered the safety of ships.
2130. Ordered ships to proceed to outside of jetty, instructing them to fill up with soldiers and to ferry same to any larger ships unable to close harbour or beach.
Each ship was instructed to transport approximately 30 to 40 men (approximate total -
200) and they were transferred to H.V. Tilly and other ships cruising empty outside harbour entrance.
2240. Instructed ships to keep permanently closed up and to return to inside of harbour as swell made embarkation of troops from outside of jetty too difficult.
Contact between Bawley boats maintained by signal of one short flash every two minutes. Formation preserved.
2310. Mole and harbour severely shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all occasions
I was there, was superb, and though exhausted and under constant fire, their only thoughts were for the wounded among them, and of saving any equipment possible.
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; transferred same to the trawler Sarah Hayes and various other craft returning to England not fully laden. Instructed convoy to continue ferry work but if separated from me to return to Ramsgate laden with soldiers.
1.6.40.
0140. Re-entered harbour; jetty crammed with British soldiers but no ships whatever alongside. Started loading troops, sending back to shore two German prisoners attempting to get to England, leaving them in charge of a Lance Corporal.
0200 - 0250. Jetty shelled, bombed and machine-gunned by enemy - very few casualties.
0300. Proceeded to Ramsgate fully laden with soldiers of 1st Division including the
Colonel in Charge of the Worcesters and Officers of the Camerons, accompanied by
Bawley boat Resolute. Arrived at Ramsgate 0930 approximately on 1.6.40.
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RAMSGATE.
DEFENDER.
Stem damaged. Returned with approximately 60 men.
RELIANCE.
Damaged side. Returned with 80 men.
LETITIA.
Undamaged. Returned towing Renown until latter was blown up.
(Troops transferred to trawler who took Bawleys in tow).
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering gear out of order; towed back by Sarah Hayes.
RESOLUTE.
Engine trouble. Returned with approximately 40 men.
RENOWN.
Mined and sunk off Dunkirk - all hands lost. (understand the 30
or 40 soldiers aboard were fortunately transferred to a trawler before mining occurred).