TNA ADM 199 788 A

240
From:- Lieut. J. Bald, R.N.V.R.
4
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
31st May.
I was detailed to join H.M.S. "Jutland" (commanded by Lt. Commdr. Clements) as first officer. The ship proceeded on orders to Dunkirk and returned on the following morning (1st June) to Ramsgate with 180
French troops on board. A detailed report of this
R.N.R. passage has already been made by Lt. Commdr. Clements,
2nd June.
Spent day fitting out and provisioning M.V. "Paulette"
but as ship was not ready to proceed to sea by the ordered time I was not able to leave for Dunkirk.
3rd June.
Took command of M/V "Sea Roamer", 20 ton private
0930 yacht, and proceeded with provisioning, arming and getting ship ready for sea. Stood by ship until -
1830
Orders received to proceed to Dunkirk.
1840
Under way with 1st officer of H.M.S. Tilly aboard.
1850
Officer placed aboard H.M.S. Tilly; first course for Dunkirk set.
2330
Fixed Green Light in position 57° 09 42N, 2° 09 42E
extinguished, also Dunkirk Channel Buoys obscured by smoke from burning town. Decided to proceed at "dead slow" on a direct course to Dunkirk.
4th June.
0040
Off Eastern beaches of Dunkirk. No signs of B.E.F.
0050
Took off two French soldiers from derelict Dutch schoot "Horst". Proceeded to patrol beach, at distance of about 100 yds out, for about 21/2 miles N. of Dunkirk.
Megaphone was used for hailing shore, but no sign of
B.E.F.
0230
Still no signs of any troops, so proceeded on return voyage.
0300
Bad engine trouble off No. 6 W Buoy Dunkirk channel.
0315
Taken in tow by H.M.S. Minesweeper NF 15.
0650
Arrived back at base.
Rest of day spent standing by.
5th June.
Operations complete order.

Dynams
Dipramo 323.
329
302
Kingmead,
Riding Mill,
Northumberland.
Friday 7th June, 1940.
Sir, g
I have the honour to submit the following account of my movements from Tuesday 28th May until Wednesday 5th June.
On my arrival at Sheerness I found a convoy of sixteen motor boats being prepared to assist in the evacuation of Flanders.
I took charge of a small boat "LIEBESTRAUM" and we proceeded for Dover towing whalers, at about 1730 on Tuesday.
285
About six miles outside Sheerness we broke down and were picked up by the Trawler "ASAMA" who towed us to Deal and then back to
Ramsgate where we arrived on Wednesday morning.
23/5
At Ramsgate I reported on the state of my boat and was appointed to the Dutch eel boat "JOHANNA" which had a diesel engine and was capable of about 6 knots. The crew consisted of a Leading
Hand and four ratings and three Dutchmen, who owned the boat and could not speak English. We set out in convoy that night with a
Motor boat under the Command of a Lieutenant Commander and other eel boat commanded by Sub-Lieutenant T.K. Edge-Partington R.N.
Finding the second eel boat only capable of 4 knots the motor boat left her behind and soon after left me. I had no charts so after casting around for a bit I secured alongside a ship, the name of which I did not find out, near the North Goodwin and stayed there for the night. Sub. Lt. Edge-Partington in the 'Chanticler' with great determination took his boat across, navigating by an extremely faulty compass and managed to bring troops back to Dover.
The next morning, Thursday, I returned to Ramsgate and 30/5
succeeded in joining up with the Dutch Schoot "Jutland" who towed me that evening. We had an uneventful crossing and anchored across about two miles east of Dunkirk at 2330. The Cutter and
Whaler went ashore. The Whaler returned to report that the cutter
I volunteered to the Captain of the Schoot to go was and see aground. what I could do but before we had got back the Petty Officer had succeeded in floating the boat.
this time the beach was swarming wi th shore French because soldiers of
I could not get of the water. I summoned heros" my and "Courage mes French
By my boats within 100 yards of the limited store of the shallowness and with cries of "En Avant mes water. My efforts were enfants" I I had to go and fetch them for miles and I leap to my aid tried to tempt them into the myself. My first unavailing and took so me into the only deep of patch the hole I waded into the water neck. Struggling out in rush and ashore. I
went in up to my to my waist the French came it threateningly. on a This was
Seeing me only up revolver and brandish get to the boats only compelled them to draw down my a bit but when crew they and I had to lift them a on few were quietened strong enough to trips get and in so brought my off about 200 in all, each time board. I had to go We did into six the water time and to get go. them. I only At had 0230 ten the Frenchmen Captain on of the
Schoot reckoned it was it was a bit choppy and all had to go below.
They board all the suffered "JOHANNA" from as sea sickness I on the sent way back. back boat on the our "LIEBESTRAUM" return Sheerness to Ramsgate and in I arrived the was Motor at boat 2230 "THARKS" to on Friday. Sheerness in On in 31/5
my old 1500 I left boats all of which reached charge Saturday of at a convoy of 12 motor Ramsgate.
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