TNA ADM 199 790

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55.
pier until the entrance was cleared.
I had to send some ships out and delay others going to the Test
56.
The flow of troops down the East pier was far better, but there were
bad pauses. The West pier was always crowded, and as the ships detailed for
this were insufficient I led in a Personnel Ship to the Test pier at 0145
and she was followed by ROYAL SOVEREIGN which did not leave till 0300.
57.
MALCOLM left at 0240 and EXPRESS at 0300 after embarking the
berthing party. When the latter left there were about 200 non on the East
pier and these were later embarked by SHIRART who was escorting the blockships.
58.
At the West pier there were still a few hundred men, but I only
had KELLET available and with her slow speed I did not feel justified in
taking the risk of the late departure that loading her would have involved.
59.
During the night KINGFISHER was holed by a French Travler and
transferred her troops, KELLET went aground and got off, and one paddler vas
sent back unfilled.
60.
In the foreyoing narrative I have made no particular sention of
French Ships any more than I have of British Ships. On all days, however,
French Destroyers were using the Test Quay and I think they did all they
could and played their part wall, Latterly also, large numbers of Prench
fishing boats and small steamers took part and embarked may - from
Dunicirk.
61.
There was intermittent shall fire on Dunicisk the whole time, but
it was never effectively directed on the vital points such as the East Pier
and had no effect on the embarkation, although one sunic in the
Harbour. That so little interference occurred must, 1 think, have been due
to the effective boaking of the batteries during the nights.
62.
During the last three nights at Dunkirk the harriling of aldye in
the harbour under the most difficult conditions was magnificent. Transports,
Destroyers, Minesweepers, Paddlers, and all descriptions of small araft were
moving in and out in these comfined waters, where there ware several wreaks
brought off is due to the coolness and supresse seasanship of the Captains of
in inconvenient places. Little time was lost, and that so many - were
these ships.
63. beyond the smallest craft to the largest, and what
During these operations the work of all those engaged has has been been
all orders could be given but that did not
accomplished praise is from the result of the single-ainled purpose and matter determination for of
but of those did who dame under my own observation I wish to bring your
everyone concerned. his Few utrost. I had few opportunities to pdak out special to notice cases,
the following Officers:-
Capitain B.L. Berthon - H.M.S. XXXTH
During the being finally sunk. Captain him and his ship
the I was in H.M.S. KETTH she was Borthon subjected handled to shall his
with fire great and bombing coolness attack, and judgement and not all the calls I put upon
ship.
Ideutanant G.J.A.Iamaden - H.M.S. KNITH.
air attack which fimilly disabled KNITH and this took officer drastic
handled the During ship with the complete coolness in a masterly way, /avodding ********