TNA ADM 199 790

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aircraft, but this was declined in order to utilise maximum
space for embarkation. No R.A.F. machines observed engaging
firing continually on beach parallel with Sutton. Observed
enemy at any time. Battery of two guns believed French 5.7"
heavy and accurate shelling of La panne beaches and main street
and pier constructed previous day from lorries.
0600. Weighed and proceeded leaving Dunkirk Roads close
inshore to reduce possibility of encountering numerous magnetic
mines laid during night.
1130. Alongside at Dover, discharged troops.
1810. Proceeded from Dover in company with Niger.
2121. Passed Dunkirk Harbour and arrived off beach, met by
R.A. Dover in C.M.B. and ordered to proceed into Dunkirk to
load at eaatern pier. Proceeded into Dunkirk Harbour and made
fast at seaward end of eastern pier by shore instructions.
Embarked 725 troops with two brows, about one third French.
Enemy artillery very active and apparently still concentrating
on back area of Dunkirk. Pier slightly damaged. Harbour area
all quiet, embarkation completed in about an hour and a half without
incident, but bombed about twenty minutes after Sutton&s departure
by about 50 aircraft.
Sunday 2nd June 1207. Proceeded out of harbour for Dover, with
speed reduced to minimise listing when turning, troops below trimmed
to reduce listing and boats sming in. When abeam of FG Buoy received
report that magnetic mines had been laid round bucy. When just
abeam of W buoy, report again received that mines had been laid in the
vicinity. A V buoy whole route reported mined. Later received report
that Dover was being raided and mines dropped off entrance.
0306. At North Goodwin Lt. Vessel aircraft apparently enemy passed
close alongside flying low but presumably failed to observe ship in
spite of exceptional phospherescence.
0432. Entered Dover Harbour and secured alongaide Worcester
which had 45 killed and many injured in bombing raid on Dunkirk
shortly after Sutton left. 7 survivors of Keith also arrived
alongside with Captain D 19 in small motor barge, sunk in same
raid.
Monday 3rd June. 2010. Proceeded from Dover for Dunkirk, having
embarked medical officer and ordely.
2052. Passing through the Downs, engines developed feed tank
weather thickened rapidly reducing visibility to half a cable.
trouble, reduced speed. While attempting temporary repairs
Found impossible to arrive at Dunkirk soon enough for embarkation,
in addition to unreliability of engines for manoervring required
2230. made stating circumstances and decision thick to return to
at Dunkirk.
to Downs Signal effect repairs. In turning in very fog return,
destroyer to passed at monsiderable speed distant Vessel. 5 yards.
2346. Anchored at North Goodwin Light
Tuesday Sunday 4th June.
0517. 0720. Made fast alongside Niger. Received Signal, operation
Visibility improved, proceeded to Dover.
completed satisfactorily.
Sunville. M. Temple
Act Come) Royal Navy.
Commander officer. H.M.S. Sullon.