TNA ADM 199 790

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COPY.
Slade Farm,
Slade Cross,
Bovey Tracey,
Devon.
4/6/40.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report as
First Licutenant, H.M.S. "Basilisk".
The general conduct of affairs during the combat
between large numbers of enemy bonbars and H.M.S. "Basilisk"
off Dunkirk on 1st of June has been dealt with by my Commanding
Officer but the following can hardly be forwarded by the same
channels.
As the next senior officer ouboard I was most
impressed with Commander H.Richmond's conduct throughout this
harassing period and I feel that his efforts to keep up the
morale of the ship's company should not pass without notice.
Every effort was made to get the ship towed back to
Dover by the French fishing drifter "Jolie Mascotte" but although
taken in tow two or three times the attentions of the energy
bombers made it necessary to slip tow twice and the last of
many salvos striking the ship sunk it and attempt was abandoned.
The foremont guns continued firing to the last although
only using S.A.P.shell in order to keep up the morale of the
ship, this by order of Commander Richmond.
Firing at the after guns was stopped by my orders
after one round due to the possibility of the shock breaking aff
after end of ship near mainmaat where 11 was badly buokled and
splitting more with movement of the ship.
Abandon ship was ordered only after ship was sinking
but period in between was devoted to the destruction as
C.B.'s, A/S gear and F.C.C., etc.
I have the honour to DO₂
Str,
Your obedient Servant,
(signed) W.G.BOAKS,
Lieutemant Commender,
Royal Navy.
To :-
Comman der-in-Chief,
Western Approaches,
Plymouth.