TNA ADM 199 790

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NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY 20 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
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OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
sea.
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breese, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired,
proceeded at 15 lmots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 niles,
weather clearing, Fitaroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups
towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very
oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported clean no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The the
shaven condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly of strain
and comparatively fresh appearance of troops
as and the the evacuation progressed, with the evidences
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
,
of 25, mostly with rifles and aquipment. weather. good
10 troops embarked between 3130 and Beach 0200, in
batches for embarkation, shelving send and calm
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300. Moved to another position boat broke further down, East
commenced dragging anchor into shallow water to a line now
bringing off troops but motor where by
and after surf was running, managed get Embarked small into
a of Leicestershire Regiment.
a Dutch considerable scoot, and was towed back to ship.
miles following. 0730, off proceeded shore, and disembarked all troops, COMMARDING OFFICER
detachment alongside Caloutta, who was anchored Salamanter some
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"