TNA ADM 199 790

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Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous
day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at ehb tide
in of line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading
boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerably by lack of
control at shore end of pier to move troops along and by natural
reluctance of troops to venture along pier without beding relieved of
part tow of their heavy equipment. Some difficulty experienced in loading
pontoons in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation
of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling
rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats
required, together with vessel anchored hocadside or sunk athead of pier
Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. Allowed to broach in
to give a lee if necessary with oil &td provided. During embarkation
awell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore
authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats
in deteriorating weather conditions. 120 troops embarked mostly R.B.,
R.A., R.A.S.C. with a few infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very
critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Belgium treachery behind lines.
Country said to be filled with spies, night positions during retreat seen
to be scignalled by flashlight to planes, bombed within half an hour
of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against
positions being prepared and defencelessness against dive bombing also
important factors.
1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Widd
and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud.
1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next
rendezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops.
1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel.
1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company with Niger.
Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlers.
2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from
beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shalling town.
Fires in Dunkirk more expensive.
2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sdgn
of boats as expected.
2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only
boat available run aground. Moved 1 mile eastward.
Saturday 1st June 0100: No troops yet contacted, No boats except
Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed
parachute mines decending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern.
Mines reported dropped all over fairway.
0130. Commenced loading broops with our own motor boat and whaler
and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motor yacht.
Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, 3. Yorks., and
machine gun detachment. No. R.A.F. assistance before or after dawn.
Opened fire on occasional reconnaisance aircraft at dawn. One level
bombing attack at about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst
in the back whilst being helped over the side. This machine gun attack
embarking wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving wounds
undoubtedly would have been pressed home causing very heavy casualties
but for concentrated Lewis gun and Bren gun fire from troops, who manned
ships M.G. armament. Detachment of Guards also offered to provide Bren
gun defence for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flying.