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
enemy at any time. Battery of two guns believed French 5.7"
firing continually on beach parallel with Sutton. Observed
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 magnetie mines
laid during night.
II30. Alongside at Dover, discharged troops.
I8I0. Proceeded from Dover in company with Niger.
2I2I. 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 eastern 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 at half
without incident, but bombed about twenty minutes after Sutton's
departure by about 50 aircraft.
Sunday 2nd June I207. Proceeded out of harbour for Dover, with
speed reduced to minimise listing when turning, troops below
trimmed to reduce listing and boats swung in. When abeam of
FG buoy received report that magnetic mines had been laided
round buoy. When just abeam of Y buoy, report again received
that mines had been laid in the vicinity. A 7 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 alongside Morcester
which had 45 killed and many injured in bombing raid on Dunkirk
shortly after Sutton laft. 7 survivors of Keith also arrived
alongside with Captain D I9 in small motor barge, sunk in same
raid.
Monday 3rd June. 2010. Proceeded from Dover for Dunkirk, having
embarked medical officer and orderly.
2052. Passing through the Downs, engines developed feed tank
trouble, reduced speed. While attempting temporary repairs
weather thickened rapidly reducing visibility to half a cable.
Found impossible to arrive at Dunkirk soon enough for embarkation,
in addition to unreliability of engines for manoeuvring required
at Dunkirk.
2230. Signal made stating circumstances and decision to return
to Downs to effect repairs. In turning in very thick fog to
return, destroyer passed at considerable speed distant 5 yards.
Sunday 46. June
Anchored at North Goodwin Lt Vessel.
0517. Visibility improved, proceeded to Dover.
0720. Made fast alongside Niger. Received signal, operation
completed satisfactorily.
Greenille. M. Tenna
Act Cand. Rozal. Navy
Commander office. H.M. S. Sallin