TNA ADM 199 790

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31. Owing to the swell a number of boats capsized in the
surf, which gradually subsided with continued good weather.
The swell on the 31st had calmed down considerably by the
morning of the 1st June.
32. The marksmanship of the A.A. machine-gunners in HILDA
seemed to be very accurate, and they realised that it was
essential to fire at bombers before they got into their dive.
The dive bombers seemed to be extremely accurate in their aim.
33. Messrs. Hammond of Deal, who act as Admiralty agents,
were most helpful in every way in finding suitable motor boats
and lifeboats, in arranging requisitioning, and obtaining
spare supplies of petrol at short notice.
34. I was much impressed by the good-nature of the ship's
company in handing to all those who lost their clothing or
were in sad condition owing to being covered in oil, any parts
of their uniform or private possessions not in use. This
applied equally to the soldiers, who were most generous in
sharing their clothing of all sorts.
35. I must record the assistance given me by Lieut.Few, R.N.V.R
of H.M.S. SANDOWN, in bringing the troops from one of the piers.
He made a great number of trips in a most expeditious manner,
and his cheerfulness was a decided asset.
36. I should like to bring under notice the efficient manner
in which the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. HILDA, Lieut. Gray,
and the coxswain, Petty Officer Curd, carried out their duties,
and this applies equally to the whole ship's company. Many
seriously wounded men were on board, and each of these received
such careful attention as was possible.
37. I was much struck by the efficient manner in which
H.M.S. HILDA was handled while rescuing survivors and also in
avoiding dive bombing operations.
VICE ADMIRAL
CAPTAIN, R.N.V.R.
2nd June, 1940.
JUN 1940
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DOVER