TNA ADM 199 790

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ter she was hit in the after Boiler Room and started to settle down.
aptain Berthon then anchored her and M.T.B. 102, which had just arrived,
me alongside. I embarked in her with my Staff, and after telling 2
ags to stand by KEITH I went into Dunkirk to see General Alexander. Dive
ombing and Maching Gun attacks were made on the N.T.B. on the way there.
5.
General Alexander was away from the H.Q., but I saw a Staff Officer
nd discussed the situation. At that time I gathered that the plan was
o evacuate during the next night from the Western Beach only and Dunicizione
he Rearguard were to withdraw at dawn and make their way to Dunkirk. is
his meant continuing the embarkation for some hours of daylight I had
rave fears of heavy losses after that morning's experience.
6.
As there was nothing more I could do at Dunicirk and all ships were
etuning I decided to return to Dover to make contact.
7.
I reached Dover at 1130 in M.T.B. 102 and left again at 1730 in
LA/S.B. 10. At Dover I was able to discuss the plans for the night
operations which was invaluable, and thereafter I returned each day for this
purpose.
38.
The plan for this night was, roughly, to embark between 2100 and
0330 from the 12 miles of beach East of Dunicirk, for which large numbers of
small craft were to be towed out. In addition Personnel Ships were to enbark
from Dunkirk.
39.
I sailed early in M.A/S.B.10 and landed at Dunicirk at 1900, visited
the S.N.O. and the General, and gave them details of the plan. I then learnt
to my great relief that the Rearguard were being relieved by the French and
withdrawing during the night.
40.
At 2100 ships started to arrive and from then omards I noved
between the beaches and Dunkirk, continually sending ships which were loading
very slowly off the beaches into Dunkirk to fill up there. The plan as
originally made would not have made full use of Dunkirk.
41. bring off some of the Naval Ratings of the Shore Party, and I lay there until
At 0200 I went alongside the root of the East pier in Dunkirk to
0245 when I proceeded round all ships barthed in harbour. there was
it was clear morning I decided to get ships away by 0300 instead the
considerable shelling of the Harbour at this time and a Trawler was sunk. of As
0330, and a very seen this put into effect I left for Dover; acue of
small craft having however, continued their work off the beaches to a later hour.
42. Night - Sunday 2nd - Monday 3rd June.
it was understood that there were 5000 enbark British from still
Dunkirk and over 30,000 except for some French local craft from the beach made any East-
ashore At this stage French, and the plan arranged was to beach close
ward. entirely Actually a strong wind and heavy shelling on the
embarkation there impossible.
43. Paddlers, Minesweepers A very large and Schools was provided in addition to and
carrying capacity in Personnel Ships, Destroyers, Drifters
Flotillas of boats working from Tugs outside.
the French had collected a large mmber the harbour. of fishing
44. vessels, Trawlers, By this and time small also steamers which worked from quays up
45.
I arrived at Dunicis in M.A/S.B. 10. at 2030, after a boaking
/attack
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