TNA ADM 199 790

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Subject.. H.M.S. BIDEFORD.J Report of Proceedings for the
. 238
period May 29th - May 30th. 1940.
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. Bideford.
Date
June 6th. 1940. No.
6.0.1.
To
The Vice Admiral Commanding Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward a narrative of the
proceedings of H.M.S. Bideford, under my commabd, on May 29t
30th, and 31st. 1940.
B. H.M.S. Bideffrd was ordered to sail at noon on
May 29th, to proceed via The Downs and the South Rutyngen
Buoy to Dunkirk Roads, and to bring off from Bray Beaches as
ma ny as possible of the soldiers there; and to report on the
situation.
3. H.M.S. Bideford entered the Rade de Dunkeerke at
No.6W buoy at 1645 and zig-zagged up the channel at thirteen
knots.
4. At about 1700 fire was opened on a squadron of ene
enemy bombers who passed overhead at a height of about 6000
feet. One hit was observed and a bomber fell into the sea
about two miles distant.
During the next three hours fire was opened at fre
frequent intervals as enemy aircraft came over, but no furth
hite were observed. The tendency of all fire appeared to be
low and behind.
5. At about 1710 "Bideford" was attacked with bombs
for the first time. The attack was carried out by one of a
squadron of bombers flying at about 8000 feet. The pattern
of four bombs fell in a line along the port side at a range
of about fifty yards. The ship was sprayed with splinters
and there was one casualty at No.2 Gun.
6. Immediately after this the ship was machine
gunned by a single low flying ircraft, which passed down
close one side and a few minutes later turned and repassed.
The order was given to "take cover" and there were no
casualties. ( No.1 Gun's crew lay flat on deck only, which
gives some indication of how low the aircraft was flying).
and hove to. The ship remained have to, except for manoeuver-
7. H.M.S. Bideford arrived off Bray at about 1730
ing as requisite on the approach of enemy aircraft, for the
next three hours.
majority 8. whom were French, came alongside. Confuston and several was
At 1750 the first boat loads of troops, the
swamped The off from shore. On arrivalalongside drift off
evident. of boats were dangerously overcrowded the
men on the way onboard and let their boats the boats on
useless. tide. "Bideford's" Paddles motor boat was lowered whaler and was to
the would all jump were lost overboard rendering ordered
collect and tow inshore any empty boats. The was lowered.