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 Lieutenant, H.M.S. "Basilisk".
The general conduct of affairs during the combat
between large numbers of enemy bombers and H.M.S. "Bamilisk"
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 onboard I was most
impressed with Commander .Richmond's conduct throughout this
heraasing period and I feel that his afforts to keep mg 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 enemy
bombers made it necessary to slip tow twice and the last of
many salvos striking the ship sunk it and attempt was abandoned.
The foremost 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 01° Commander Richmond.
Firing at the after guns was stopped by my orders
after one round due to the possibility of the shock breaking off
after end of ship near mainmast where 11 was badly backled 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 or
C.B. S, A/S gear and F.C.C., etc.
I have the honour to DO₂
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(signed) W.G.BOAKS,
Lieutemant Commander,
Royal Navy.
To :-
Commander-in-Chief,
Western Approaches,
Plymouth®