TNA ADM 199 790

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Dynams Alu/o/
Resident Naval Officer, Poole.
1352
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Portland.
11
copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portsmouth.
REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISITIONED
DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION DYNAMO.
ALICE".
H.M.S. Alice sailed from Southampton for Dover at 20.00 Sunday 26th
ay loaded with stores approximately 300 tons and proceeded in company
1th H.M.S.Kaap Falga and H.M.S. Abel Tasman. On arrival at Dover
rders there received to proceed immediately to La Panne and discharge.
hen 4 miles from La Panne we stopped to pick up a sergeant pilot of
Hurricane fighter who had been shot down by an A.A. Ship. On arrival
t the beach 0830 May 28th we joined the Abel Tasman close in shore
nloading and the Kaap Falga anchored close to. I closed the Abbl Tasman
nd grounded. Lt. Comdr. Crick had disembarked and proceeded to Local
R for orders, and on his return he informed me that we were to proceed
o Bray Dunes and discharge there. This was not possible until 17.00
hen we would float again at H.W. In consequence I decided myself to
o ashore to British H.Q. for definite instructions and to arrange
ands for unloading. Whilst ashore we were subjected to various
orms of aerial attack and we had to take cover with the result that
ome time had alapsed before I could be driven to H.Q. at Bray.
was then given orders to proceed in Company with the Kaap Falga to
ray Dunes to arrive at 2100 28th May, the ships to be beached and
nloaded. I was driven back to La Panne and went down to the beach
embark on my ship. Later in therafternoon the Captain and 1st
ieut. of the Abel Tasman which necessitated a redistribution of Officers
was to remain in Command of H.M.S. Alice and Lieut. Beale the Senior
fficer. took command of Abel Tasman. On arrival at the beach I found
nly two ships. The Kaap Falga, I could just see moving off to the
estward about two miles to the Westward about two miles away which
as then the visibility distance. There appeared to be no signs of
ife aboard the Alice and the Abel Tasman was endeavouring to refloat.
fter about 20 minutes I managed to attact the attention of the Abel
'asman which sent a waterlogged boat in for me. Before leaving the
each I explained the situation to the Adjutant of the R.A.S.C. who had
accompanied me during the afternoon. On arrival on board the Abel Tasman
ieut. Beale informed me that in my absence he had refloated the Alice
nd anchored her. He then received a message from the Alice informing
im that the engines of the Alice had completely broken down. He also
informed that the crew etc. had gone over to Kaap Falga which weighed
and proceeded without orders from Lieut. Beale or informing him of his
intentions. The situation was then appreciated by the C.O. La Panne
Lieut. Beale and myself and Beale decided that first Lieut. Martin and
'irst Lieut. were capable of dealing with the situation which had arisen.
The adjutant of the R.A.S.C. who was remaining ashore knew the orders
hat had been issued. The possibility of towing the Alice to Bray Downs
as considered. Owing to the absence of personnel and boats and gear
;his project was considered unwarrantable to delay departure. I
consulted Lieut. Beale and the Colonel R.A.S.C. unit who was Senior
ficer La Panne and it was decided that I should take over the duties
of 1st Lieut. (Lieut. Beale being single handed, and assist him in
taking EXEX the Abel Tasman back to Dover, as it was considered that I
iould serve no useful purpose otherwise. The situation was reported to
:., in C. Dover on arrival and he approved of my appointment I remained
second in command. The movements of Abel Tasman have been reported
y the Commanding Officer.
Signed H.M. Slater Lieut.
KAAP FALGA and ABEL TASMAN.
Kaap Falga sailed Sunday 26th May 1600 from Southampton for Dover for
orders. Monday 27th May 1600 arrived Dover Roads at 1900 was ordered
Co proseed to Downs for à route to La Panne. 0800 Tuesday 28th.
proadside on and unloading ammunition. We started unloading our Deck
Arrived at La Panne and anchored near Abal Tasman who was beached
/cargo