TNA ADM 199 790

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109
COPY.
Slade Farm,
Slade Cross,
Borry Traccy,
Deven.
4/6/40.
sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report as
First Lieutenant, H.I.S. "Basilisk",
The general conduct of affairs during the combet
between large numbers of onemy bonbers and H.M.S. "Basilish"
off Dunkirk on 1st of June has been dealt with by by Commending
Officer but the following can hardly be forwarded by the sexe
channels.
As the next senior officer amboard I 180 most
impressed with Commander N.Hichmond's conduct throughout this
havassing period and I feel that his afforts to keep to the
morale of the ship's conceny should not pass without notice.
Every offort vas made to get the ship lowed back to
Dover by the French fishing drifter Volia liascotte" but although
taken in for two OF three thes the attentions of the energy
bombers made 11 necessary to slip tow twice and the last of
many salvos striking the ship suite 10 and attempt the abandoned.
The foremont gime continued firing to the last although
only using S.A.P.shell in order to keep by the morals of the
ship, this by order of Commender Richmond,
Firing at the after gas was stopped by my orders
after one round due to the possibility of the shoot breaking are
after end of ship need mainment where 11 was baily buddled and
aplitting more with movement of the ship.
Abandon ship was ordered only after ship was sinking
but period in between was devoted to the destruction of
C.B. B₂ A/S gear and P.O.C., etc.
I have the homour to be,
Sir,
Your obsdient Servent,
(signed) W.O.BOAKS,
Licutenant Commender,
Royal Havy.
To Im
Commander-in-Ohier,
Western Approaches,
Plymouth.