TNA ADM 199 790

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My boats having departed I made contact with
H.M.D. "FEASABLE" taking her in tow and proceeded to Westward in search
boat loads of troops and took then aboard, as there were no boat
of further troops. When off the harbour entrance I contacted three
crews I put them in tow astern of H.M.D. "FRASAHLE".
"BSN & LUCY" was now loaded to capacity and was
preparing to proceed homewards when I was hailed by a naval rating
alone in a waterlogged whaler. I took him aboard abandoning the
whaler. I was then hailed by a fishing smack (9) "LETITIA" of
Southend who requested a tow as he was short of fuel, I told him
0100 June 1st.
to tail on, and continued my passage, the time being approximately
The channel was negotiated without event, two destroyers
being passed bound in. At approximately 0200 we turned to the
North having rounded the Whistle bucy and, when about six miles
to the North of the channel aircraft was heard overhead, while Asha
gunfire and searchlights had been active for the last half hour.
At approximately 0330 a very heavy explosion occurred close to the
port quarter of "FEASABLE", The skipper and I were thrown across
the bridge with great violence. On looking art I saw a large
column of smoke and water close astern of "FEASABLE". Owing
to the abnormal phosphorescence of the water I judged this to be
an aerial attack on what was thought to be a largevessel, and as
"FEASABLE" was still in tow and made no signal for assistance
I continued. (I was subsequently informed by "LETTTIA" that
another smack named "ROWAN" which had attached herself to the tow
unknown to me had been sunk by this explosion).
"BBH & LUCY" was now making water at about one foot
per hour.
About 0700 I was overtaken and hailed by "VERNON"
Pinnace Va4 who requested a course for the North Goodwin
Light Vessel and then proceeded ahead or US.
At approximately 0745 we sighted North Goodwin to part
and headed for Ramagate.
When approximately 3 miles to the N.E. of Ramagate
"LETITIA" slipped her tow and under her own power began to
make off.
I hailed her and when he informed me about the
loss of "ROWAN" I ordered him to report to Naval Officer in Charge,
Ramsgate. I repeated my previous instructions which I do not think he obeyed.
He replied that he was returning whene he came.
while my to do this the tow rope was picked up by a length
"FEASABLE" intention a to two her in Iashed alongside & LUCY".
When mile to the Northward of the harbour "BSN I signalled
of attempting which apparently had been foul of our propeller fouled since
we Portsmouth. to anchor. I signalled disabled. A had
leaving sweep wire Our propeller became hopelessly Pierhead that I 80
100 were troops, both including obliged two wounded and that We remained I was at anchor until launch
by Monday came into "RENASCENT" in contacting acetylene harbour off morning and At outter. and to took the having 1000 clear at skipper the low on While made the troops Monday, tide of screw. unsuccesful this succeeded "DORIENTA". ashore. June the operation explosion 3rd, attempts in He we clearing was were reported of on to a hand towed our obtain shell to screw I in but me succeeded a by that tow that drifter he
broken his had managed engines the joints has to return been in damaged several at reduced blooked by steam speed pipes up the (the causing bilge boiler pumps flooding had with moved in ashes). the and to
engine I room, which in turn R.N. who instructed "DORIENTA" no to return was
Portsmouth reported to and crew with me as "wrecked"