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 ebb tide
in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting
loading of 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 being relieved of part of their heavy equipment. Some
difficulty experienced in loading tow of 4 boats without
smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling pontoons
in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation
rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats
required, together with vessel anchored broadside or sunk at
head of pier to give a lee if necessary with oil slick provided.
During embarkation, Sutton collected soldiers from overturned
pontoon. allowed to broach in swell. 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. I20 troops embarked mostly
R.E. , 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 signalled 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.
II37. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alonside Lydd. Wind
and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud.
II50. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt Vessel to await time for next
rendezv ous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge
troops.
1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt Vessel.
I855. 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 distantI I cable. Heavy gunfire from
beach about 2 miles west of harbour, apparently enemy shelling
town. Fires in Dunkirk more extensive.
2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sign
of boats as expected.
2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only
Saturday Iss Junable roo. Saturday Isavailable.com No troops yet contacted. No boats except
aground. Moved 1 mile eastward.
Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed
parashute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and I cable
astern. Mines reported dropped all over fairway.
0130. Commenced loading troops with own motor boat and whaler
and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motoryacht.
Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, E. 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 embarking wounded from pontoons alongside, one
casualty receiving wounds in back whilst being helped over the
side. This machine gun attack undoubtably would have been pressed
gun and causing Bren fire from troops, who manned ships L.G. armament.
home very heavy casualties but for concentrated Lewis
Detachment of gun Guards also offered to provide Bren gun defence
for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flyiing