TNA ADM 199 790

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into tugs there (I did not know that ships were going
to embark troops and return to Margate, discharge them
alongside the Pier - according to the chart there is not
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enough water) and return to position W. by 2200. I
turned West again, but there seemed there would be a waste
S.
of time so, I decided to turn East again and eport myself
Panne) and assist in embarking troops aboard other ships.
to "HEBE" (who had informe me me was Senior Office, La
Circumstances made it necessary to embark 100 troops
aboard myself, no opportunity arising to put them aboard
any ot er ships.
6.
Later I was ordered to proceed in execution of previous
orders (I left one boat with "HEBE"). Just Test of Bray
I passed the Admiral and reported to him that I had 100
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troops on board. He told me to join him and I followed
DS.
him back to La Panne. While lying off there a further
raid commenced and he ordered ne to 80 West at full speed.
It was during this raid that one aeroplane ms brought
down by the 12 pdr. gun at maximum range. The raid was
nearly over and the Admiral out of sight by the time I was
West of Dunkerque, SQ I returned to look for him and was
told to return to La Panne, and embark troops after dark.
7.
At La Panne an B.N.V.R.Signalman reported to no that
"HEBE" wanted an officer badly, the wording of the signal
sounded as if the Commanding Officer wanted someone
capable of relieving him for a period. This appears to
have been wrong, and may have originated in at verbal
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message from the C.O. or the Commodore of the motor boat
alongside. At any rate, I sent over my 1st. Lieutenant,
ADS.
he found he was not required in "HEBE", SO took the motor
boat ashore to look for more troops. Finding none, he,
with the aid of to sailors, walked along the beach pulling
the whaler with them to see if they could find any. The
whole time the place was being bombarded. ("HEBE" was
signalling at times with a bright light) He eventually
returned to "HEBE". I consider his actions worthy of
reward, as he could eatly have rned to no at once.
8.
In the meantime I had taken a further 300 or SO troops
on board and was nearly full and, as the difficers amongst
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them told me there were no further troops on 8 org, I
ADS.
reported this to "HEBE" and was told to return to Marcate;
not knowing my 1st. Lieutenant was assore, but thinking
him in "HEBE", I did SO.
9.
I had now been between Dunkerque and La Panne for about
steamer when she was being shelled and during frequent air
13 hours, several times passing the burning Clan Line
raids. Ships company had been continuously at action
they had been courously employed almost continuously
stations, or takins on troops, without proper food; also
since leaving the Tyne 60 hours before but, as yet, showed
only officers were myself, Lieutenant R.N.V.R., Sobey R.N.R., and
no signs of strain. I was short of two H. seamen and the
Temporary is surficiently experienced to be left as 0.0.7,,
Lieutenant A.R.Patton, who, as yet,
except not under the most favourable conditions, and the