TNA ADM 199 788 A

Dynam. #1235.
H.M.S. MONA'S ISLE. A.B.V. Report of events covering period
Sun, 26th May to 28th May. To Dunkirk and back.
B14/0/1120
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26th May.
2000. anchored off Deal.
2116. proceeded towards Dunkirk via route past Calais. fine and clear.
27th May.
0115. off entrance to Dunkirk. signalled, no response. Being ignorant of conditions and harbour, attempted to enter slowly. Star engine failed owing to wire round propellor. Considered entrance might be fouled so backed out. Propellor cleared itself.
0130. Proceeded down channel to interrogate several French craft as to position inside harbour, pilots etc. No satisfaction.
0250. Signalled V.A.D. for instructions. HM.S. KING ORRY in similar position.
0321. Orders to enter at daylight.
0416. Entered and made contact with S.T.O. No tugs available, so swung ship and berthed at Quai Felix Faure, with all guns firing on enemy aircraft.
0530 Alongside. commenced embarking. about 1500 men, approx.
0704. Proceeded out of harbour.
BODD Off Gravelines, observed several British small craft and Hospital
0730
ship being shelled some distance ahead.
0750. Heavily shelled and straddled by several? guns, approx 12pdr, firing shrapnell. Several hits of sorts and casualities.
0805. Considered it worth the risk of turning to N.W, being at the moment ogf
Dunkirk A.W. buoy. Apparently got out of range.
0825. Six Messerschmitt appeared. Opened fire with 4" and 2 lewis guns. 12par boapp) Aircraft carried out about four attacks, from the sun, invisible to us.
from astern. "errific machine gun fire, a great deal of which missed ahead, but many direct hits with cannon, especially around after 12 pdr, whose crew under Sub Lt A.E. Neave R.N.R. stood up to it extremely well, but sustained casualties, including the sub lteutanant.
The packed troops on the open deck suffered badly; had the shooting been acurate the losses would have been very much greater.
0835. Aircraft apparently out of ammunition and sheered off.
D.G. gear: W/T set; 10" signal lamp; steering gear; out of action. speed maintained. Steered West to Outer Ruytingen Buoy No 7. by engines.
0900. Called H.M.S. WINDSOR. ( well to S.W. of us.) asked her to report our condition to V.A.D.
Steered W.N.W. approx.

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H?M.S. MONA'S ISLE. A.B.V.( REPORT CONT.)
0924 Windsor alongside. put Doctor on board and escorted us to Dover.
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1000.( approx.) off Dover entrance; Windsor asked for tug. reported the casualties.
1054. Tug Lady Brassey fast. orders to wait for berth;
1156. Tug Simla fast with orders to enter, and go to Eastern arm.
1214. Entered Harbour. and waited for berth.
1353. Berthed at Admiralty pier. cam'ced disembarking at once.
1835. All ashore, including about 23 dead and about 60 wounded. all due to air attack.
Remained at Pier all night and berthed in
Granville Dock at 0520 28th May. to effect numerous repairs to all boats, steering gear, D.G. winding; electrical circuits; dynamo.
IFresh and Salt water tanks and services.
The behaviour of the entire ships company under very trying conditions was magnificent, especially that of the Engine Room branch, whose work was considerably hampered by the congestion of troops and wounded round about the engine room, ( on the Main deck.)
The coolness, confidence, cheerfulness and courage of all ranks of the
Military was a great incentive to all concerned.
The fear lest a 600 gallon Diesel Oil tank on the shelter deck should be perforated and take fire, being quite unprotected was the greatest concern.
J.C.K. Dowding
Comdr R.N.R.