TNA ADM 199 790

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CONFIDENTIAL
A further air attach now took place, and a salvo of bombs fell
on the port quarter about fifty yards astern. A heavy concussion vas
felt. I then decided to proceed as far as possible whilst the fan
engines could be kept running. I left the whalers to assist picking
up survivors from KNITH and taking them to a tug standing by. I saw
Captain D 19 on the bridge of this tug, and he saked = to fire H.E. at
the Andic dome of the KEITH which was listed heavily to part. Having
none left I fired two rounds of S.A.P. and destroyed her done.
Having now 480 men in addition to my ship's company, I
proceeded at full available speed to return via Dunleirk and T, T. and U
buoys. We were again attacked by aircraft off 1 bucy, but a combined
0.5" and Lewis Gun fire of the ship's company, and Bren gan and rifle
fire of the soldiers on board, kept the nachines from pressing home their
attack, and no further damage was sustained, 219 rounds of 4" H.R.R.A.
were fired in all during the morning and forenoon.
One fan engine now finally broke down, and we proceeded on
one boiler at about 7 knots, reaching Dover at 1530/1/6.
The behaviour of the ship's 00 pany was exemplary, and the
morale of the soldiers in unusual circumstances was beyond praise,
I further beg to report that of the eight ratings who formed
the lifeboats' area five are still missing, as noted in appendix 2,
and I especially wish to call attention to the behaviour of the ratings
mentioned in Appendix 4.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
L.7.S.De
Ideutenant Commander,
Commanding Officer.
H.M.S. "SALGANDER".