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.

scort by Lt. Cmdr. C.M. Ramus, R.N.R. (contd).
364
2nd June. Dunkirk At 6.30 p.m. received orders
East with H.M. Schoot Tilly and to be return to beach on of harbour at midnight, so proceeded off at the could 15X route. On arrival scanned the beach once see no sign of troops or boats and but lost contact with M/Y Sea Roamer, who was as our we tender, had we proceeded into the harbour which was full of war vessels and troopships. We were then told to get out of the harbour by an M.T.B. as no troops were coming down the piers, so lay just outside West
Pier until ordered to proceed back to Ramsgate by
H.M. Destroyer laying off entrance.
3rd June. Arrived back Ramsgate 8 a.m. On this voyage we were subjected to shelling off the East beach and in the channel on leaving.
I cannot speak too highly of the excellent behaviour of the ship's company on all occasions, in the prompt way they carried out their duties and their untiring efforts to make the troops comfortable with hot tea and food under most cramped and difficult conditions.