TNA ADM 199 790

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Dynam. 311.
27
I
FROM Commander in Command Mine Recovery Flotilla,
27
DATE
10th June, 1940
North Shields.
TO
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate
copy r. Cape Hultern
REPORT OF OPERATION ON NIGHT OF
3/4 June, 1940
Sir,
I have the honour to report the operation
of the 5 scoots under my command on the night of
3/4 June.
2.
On being refused permission to take the
drifters of the 2nd M.R. Flotilla, I was offered
command of the 5 Dutch Scoots, "PASCHOLL",
"HORNSRUG", "REIGER", "LENA" and "BORNRIF".
3.
There was little time to make any arrangements
and comminication was difficult. I made some rough
orders on a signal pad and sent them round by the
motor boat which took me on board "PASCHOLL".
4.
Under way about 1600 for RV at N. G odwin.
"REIGER" had meanwhile run aground on the Quern on
a falling tide and was out of it.
5.
Proceeded in company without incident, timing
my speed to reachlio. 12, buoy Dunkerque at 2230.
6.
My orders were to use Western pier Nouvean
avant Port and on rounding Western mole I headed into
the avant Port. I was unable to find enough water
anywhere in this area so I came astern and headed for
West pier of the main harbour, which I could seeagainst
the burning town.
7. go alongside West side of West Pier. They got their
Meanwhile 2 of my ships passed me and tried to
bows up to pier but had a job getting their stern to
and "LENA" which was the outside ship of the two grounded
just off the pier. I got alongside east side and
"HORNSRUG" came alongside me.
8. very glad to find Commander H.R. TroMp, who said he had
The Pier was full of French troops and I was
appointed himself Piermaster.
He and I were unable to get a tug to pluck
"LENA" off and finally had to take the men off and
leave her.
Lieut. Wise, R.N.V.R., and his Sub Lieut. were
meanwhile 9. loading the ship with men and "HORNSRUG" destroyer was
also loading vessel alongside each side astern of us. Cormander of
across my decks. There was a
escort complete control of the situation in spite and
Tromp had almost lost his voice, and without his help have been
having judgment the loading of 5 ships at once would
difficult.