TNA ADM 199 790

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over envisaged for more men being embarked from the beaches than was in
tice possible when the moment arrived, and I had therefore to modify them
the spot to make greater use of Dunkirk, and continually adjust the plan and
means to a changing situation.
During the day of 30th May embarkation proceeded slowly - there were not
gh ships off the beaches and at one moment HEBE was there alone. Men were
ng off in pontoons but there was often no one to take these craft shore
in, During the day lorries were driven into the sea to form piers.
There were many wounded on board HEBE, and at 4 Della I decided to
a her home. Captain Bush went in her to stress the vital necessity for
ts and crews if any mmbers were to come off from the beaches.
Accordingly I transferred to WINDSOR off Bray at 1600, and at 1630
ded at La Parme to visit the C.-in-0. It was necessary to wade the last few
ds. Captain Tennant was with the C.-in-C. and the situation was discussed.
tressed my views as to the difficulties of embarkation by boat and the
essity for moving towards Dunkiric, but I could not but be aware of a relustance
the part of the Army to do so and a feeling that the Havy ought to be able to
ark large numbers by boat from the beaches. Arrangements to take off the
in-C. at 1600 on Friday were made, and he informed = of the affort of which
had heard from the 1st Sea Lord by telephone, and which was to be made on
day night. The details of this I received next day at 1000. when Captain
sh returned in HEBE.
At my first attempt to return to WORCESTER in a pontoon peddled by
ldiers the boat swamped in shallow water, but the second attempt with a
aller crew was successful and I got on board at 2200.
31st May
At 0130 on Friday, 31st May, as WORCESTER was full up with troops I
ansferred to EXPRESS and in her proceeded to Dunkirk at daylight to direct ships
where they were most needed.
On this day the breese freshened and being onshore made boat work very
ffficult. Many boats were breached to and stranded at high water so that
barkation from the beaches case almost to a standstill. I continued to urge
ovement of troops to Dunkirk and considered the value of beaching shipe but
dde. as very doubtful that it would be of any use except for a small period of the
9.
At 0645 I transferred to H.M.S. XETTH and kept her free from troops
mbarkation or wounded men.
hereafter that my movements should not be haspered by consideration of
O.
At 1000 HEBE arrived with the plans for the evacuation for Friday night.
The essence the provision of larger numbers of small boats and
crews to bring of off these the was rearguard at 0430 to minsswespers which were to be there
about that time.
made 21. it During the day to get Destroyers, Paddlers, and other creft these
the time of embarkation was advanced to 2030 and off this
Dunicisk at that time. could have Boaded quicker. As it was, I sent every mmber ship of
beaches necessary for no Buf for this many of these ships would have been sent into
which could itself where be they taken from the beaches into Dunkirk but I the liked. large
places from which possibly boats were working looked up more ships than
moved 22. About noon At 1430 I proceeded in KNITH to La Parme to try to locate
HOLD off La Panne came under fire from a shore battery and
the battury on I withdrow.
further but West. it was being directed by an observation balloon. KEITH was
/23. A