TNA ADM 199 790

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smallest possible targets for enemy planes.
It was originally decided to embark a small
proportion from the East Pier and the rest from the beaches
by lighters or barges. The pier method, however, proved
so effective as regards speed and order that it was used
exclusively, parties of 50 men coming along the beaches
to the pier and embarking.
Due to adequate air protection there was comparatively
little enemy attack on the area.
During the night there were probably 6000 men embarked
and cleared.
Day of Tuesday, 28th May.
Commenced embarkation of B.E.F. from end of Sestern
Mole. The Germans were contenting themselves with bombing
the town and port.
Situation Report 0935/28 :-
"There are 2000 men on Dunkirk beach and 7000
men in sand dunes for whom I have had no ships.
They are now in need of water and Army cannot
supply. Unlimited numbers are falling back on
this area and situation will shortly be desperate."
The embarkation was continued throughout the day
but few ships arrived except destroyers. The enemy air
action was again slight due to adequate air protection and
also due to the fact that a heavy pall of smoke from the
burning town covered the operation most of the day - the
only attacks that occurred were those when our aircraft
were some distance off at the further points of their patrol.
During the morning three shells fired from an enemy battery
Southwest of Dunkirk landed near the embarkation point, but did
no damage.