TNA ADM 199 790

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10. The mess decks of Petty Officers, Seamen, Stokers were readily
turned over to the troops. My own accomodation provided 8
resting place for 15 Officers, the Officers dining room being
used for the remainder, about 30 in number. Passages on the
lower deck were speedily filled, the uppre deck, minesweeping
deck, chart room, being used by the remainder of the troops
unable to find covered accomodation.
11. 31/5/40. 0445. My ship now being filled to capacity and
observing that other ships which had arrived during the night I
decided to weigh anchor.
12. 0500. Anchor weighed and with all speed course was set for
home.
13. 1235. Entered Harwich and at 1305 ship was safely berthed
at Parkstone Quay where troops were speedily disembarked.
15. 1330. The ship now presented a scene of desolation, Flanders
dirt and sand, discarded clothing was everywhere, but the Military
authorities having sent a working party on board, the cleaning
process now began, being completed at 1600.
15. The ship's company, Officers and men having had no restsince
our departure from Harwich on the 30th May I decided that as
much sleep as possible should be obtained 80 as to be fit for
another adventure on the following day.
Saturday 1st, June 1940.
16. During the morning fresh provisions, medical supplies,
ammunition, etc., were delivered to the ship and, four outters hav-
ing been provided steps for departure were now made.
17. 1450 Departed from Harwich and with all speed course was set
for Dunkirk, towing 4 outters. During the passage over we were
this time further encouraged by sighting squadrons of the R.A.P.
planes which evidently kept at bay enemy aircraft for none were en-
countered.
18. 2145. Arrived off Dunkirk and here our reception was net
with bursts of shrapnel from enemy guns, which however fell short.
19. 2145. Anchored 11 miles east of Dunkirk in 4 fathoms.
20. 2200 The 4 cutters and our own lifeboats, manned by the
ship's company, now set out for the beach and having landed Lieut.
Smyth steps were taken to round up troops who had secured tempor-
ary sanctuary amongst the sand dunes and shattered houses of
Dunkirk.
21. Here my report must emphasize the greatly increasing hazards
of our adventure. Through the night the ship was constantly
under fire from many guns, and although shalls exploded within 50
yards of the ship no direct hits were accred, although "Snaefell"
bears honoured marks of shrapmel. Ships boats with their crews
Were also attacked, shrapnel spraying them frequently. Several
soldiers were slightly wounded.
2nd, June 1940
22. $330. The ship now filled to capacity, bursts of enemy gunfire
becoming more unpleasant, my ship's company all safely on board
anchor was weighed, and with full speed course was set for home,
towing the 4 cutters.