TNA ADM 199 790

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Dynams 147. 259
H.M. Tug "St, Clears",
275
Sheerness.
TO: KING'S HARBOUR MASTER.
7th June, 1940.
Sir,
Tug "St. Clears" during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk of Hollo area.
I submit the Ang report and the movements
naval in company with "Sun Via, towing eleven naval outters and
The Tug "St. clears" under my command left Sheerness,
28th May.
ratings under Cormander Hayward, R.N.R.Ro on board at with 1205 70 on
0015 examination tug in Sauth Downs and both tugs proceeded and
After arriving at Dover route instructions were issued by
locate same. I then proceeded as instructed by "Montrose". to
"Montrose". I searched the vicinity for two hours but failed
on 29th May, "Sun V" was involved in collision with H.M.S. at
passing in Gravelines we were surprised by fire from a shore battery Then
on our course for a short time until the firing because intensified
a position bearing 0220 from Dunkerque C.W. buoy. We continued
shells falling very close to our stern some of which holed and sank
two cutters in tow. I then ordered the helmsman to alter course
to bring the battery astern of finally stearing a course of 020°
till out of range of guns. The us, wireless operator was maintaining
continuous watch so I was able to make an immediate report of the
attack which I considered urgent in view of the possibility of
a and by North Foreland Redio. During the
the same route. This sarning was received
conduct of my officers and men THE admirable,
that of Able Sesman Artime Chawner who was at the wheel,
0200 efficiently when ordered to do SO₂ No then proceeded on the course
ship with great precision and altered course
Rovers" Was some delay I proceeded Northern route
we arrived at position 3 where H.M. Trawler "Blackburn
by Destroyers, very close, were lost in this action and
a a this battery was silenced
passing Newport, shore batteries again
Eagle" adrift, this cutter was proceeded with
a third cut but two cutters later picked up by H.M.S. "Crested
and towed cutters cutters to my and position to anchored the beach off off of La La La Parme. Panne Panne. I and Commander commenced time Hayward at
embarking troops During the whole of the and
immediately. continuous. Commander Hayward his
the courage troops.
attacks were and endurance in working the cutters,
the guns were manned, after Lewis gun by myself, guns at
Our the foremost by/navel a rating being one of
supplier with crew ammunition of outters, by naval the ratings. We fired machine both which any
and and and and and and a Garried out that a came machine within gunning range attack. particularly Under taking at these one shelter very exceptional in I alleyways 1050
in anchor decks when ordered by me. destroyer which had "Bideford" been ashore,
the crew behaved excellently During one bombing raid his but
to signalled unknown to assist proceeded H.M.S. to assist.
was to "Golden 70 Eagle" French and troops from The small defect local was boats.
up to main engines. situation to H.M.S.
back "Hebe". a to Sheerness I closed at "Hebe" slow and speed saked made due me necessary to to defect. report (Sgd) report W.J. then Permey. proceeded
H.M. Master. Tug "St. Cleara".