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 abb tido
in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading
of boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerablyby lack of
control at shore end of pior to move troops along and by natural
reluctance of troops to venture along pier without being relieved
of part of their heavy equipment. Some defficulty experienced
in loading tow of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell
and in handling pontoons in tow in provailing conditions which tended
to reduce embarkation rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large
open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchordd broadside
or sunk at Hoad of pior 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. 120 trags
embarked mostly R.E., R.A., R.A.S.C. with a for infantrymen and guards,
morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Bolgium
treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with updes, night
positions during retreat seen to be signalled by flashlight to planos,
bombed within half nn hour of being established. Surprising speed of
advance of Germans against positions being propared and defencelossness against
dive bombing also important factors.
1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Wind
and sea increasing alightly, rather Low cloud.
1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next
reddezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops.
1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel.
1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company ml. th Higer.
Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlors.
2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from
beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shelling tom.
Fires in Dunkirk more extensive.
2147. Anchored off beach between La Fanne and Dunkirk. No sign
of boats as expected.
2235. Boat from shore reported troopa 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 airoraft overhead, observed
parachute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern. lines
0130. Commenced loading troops with own notor boats and whalar
reported dropped all over fairway.
Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, X Yorks., and machine
and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Lator assisted by motor yacht.
gun detachmont. No R.A.F. assistance before or after. dawn. Opened
fire occasional reconnaisence aircraft at dawn. One level bombing
wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving attack wounds in
attack on of about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst embarking back
whilst helped over the side. This machine gun but undoubtedly for
would being been pressed home causing very heavy casualties manned
L.G. concentrated Detachment of Guards also offered to provide low gun
have Lowis gun and Bron gun fire from troops, who Bron ships
defence armsment. for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional flying
COMMANDING OFFICER
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"
to