TNA ADM 199 790

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22. As I now had some 530 troops on board my small vessel,
many of whom were in an extremely critical condition or
badly wounded, and as there were some 15 ships standing by to
pick up the survivors from these transports I thought it better
to continue my course to England, but succeeded in picking up
a number of French survivors. I was impressed by the splendid
action of one British army officer, who several times went
overboard to tie lines round those in the water. I did not
ascertain his name.
23. I passed a signal to V.A. Dover through a destroyer
giving E.T.A. for Ramsgate and asking for ambulances.
24. I arrived at Ramsgate at 5.30 p.m. and landed all my
British and French troops together with survivors from H.M. ships.
One man had died and two others were in an extremely critical
condition.
25. I telephoned a full report of the operations and of the
final evacuation of the beaches to an officer on the Staff of
V.A. Dover, and at 7.30 sailed for Dover. While on passage
home I passed a number of motor boats being towed to Dunkirk,
and after consultation with the Q.M.G. advised them to continue
their journey and ask for instructions on arrival, as they
might be of use to the Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation at
Dunkirk beach. The only boats brought home by me were two
which were completely out of order. The other lifeboats,
whalers etc. were left at Dunkirk for further use.
26. HILDA arrived at Dover at 10 o'clock but was not permitted
to enter. While at anchor outside at approximately 11 o'clock
a magnetic mine was dropped 50 yards south-east of the ship,
and this was duly reported to the Examination Officer and
sweeping operations carried out next morning.
June.
27. Reported at the office of V.A. Dover the results of the
operation which I had been ordered to carry out, and was told
to submit a full report in writing.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
28. The evacuation was carried out without injury to any of
the troops, but a number were killed on the beaches by shrapnel
while standing by or moving along.
29. I found that the crews of the motor boats, all young
officers and ratings, were very steady both under shell fire
and while close to dive bombing.
30. The great majority of the troops were carrying their
rifles and equipment, and I was particularly struck by the fact
that I heard no complaint at any time from these tired men,
even when up to their shoulders in water in the surf. They
appreciated to the full the efforts we were making.
31./