TNA ADM 199 790

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"VREDE"
Page 8.
150
144
From
8. On-closing the Naval Control Service cutter off Southend
Route Instructions and Sailing Orders were received to arrive
off Marte les Bains, 5 miles East of Dunkirk, not before 2300.
As there was time in hand "Vrede" was anchored in the Downs in
company with several other commandeered schoots at 1830.
9. I was informed by the Commanding Officer of "REIGER" that the
N.C.S. trawler off the North Goodwin Light Vessel had told him
to turn back, the trawler having been told by another schoot
that Dunkirk was in enemy hands. The B.B.C. news bulletin
gave no guidance, nor could I get any information from other
ships present, so I eventually sailed with "Reiger" at 1400
with the idea of complying with sailing orders if the situation
permitted.
IO. Owing to the darkness and to the failure of several light
buoys "Vrede" took the ground at the inshore end of the
ZUYDECOOTE PASS . Attempts to refloat her proving abortive it
was decided to wait for the flood tide.
II. During this time many ships were seen entering and leaving
within two cables of where "Vrede" lay aground and at 0030 &
large merchant ship was seen to encounter two ships leaving.
This first ship blew three short blasts and went astern. Shortly
afterwards there was a dull explosion, without any flame,and
when the resultant water and spray subsided nothing could be
seen of the ship. As it was impossible to assist from where
"Vrede" lay aground, and as other vessels were in the vicinity,
no action was taken.
I2. At 0400 "Vrede" was refloated by the tide and allowed to
drift to a safe anchorage where the air bottles might be
recharged. While at anchor an unidentified destroyer approached
and hailed an order to proceed inshore to the beach as soon as
possible and embark troops.
I3. At 0500 "Vrede" was anchored as close inshore as the shelving
nature of the beach permitted. Both dinghies were lowered and
sent to cooperate with several motor launches which proved to be
Margate pleasure boats manned by their Margate crews. These men
were absolutely tireless and cheerful under the most trying
conditions, receiving troops from the dinghies and ferrying
them to the ships. In thes manner some I50 officers tiredbut
cheerful officers and men were embarked, including a Belgian
major with whom we had some difficulty owing to the impossibility
of drying his corsets. The motor launches were withdrawn had by
been wrecked and it was impossible to get nearer to the beach
other authority at about 0930 and as one of the dinghies
than about 3/4 mile I decided the operation could best be served
by embarking troops from Dunkirk, whence many other ships were
proceeding.
I4. I alongside the eastern breakwater. Approximately
entered Dunkirk harbour at I030 Wednesday 29th. May and 500
secured full capacity, were embarked during which operation obtained
troops, several minor our bombing attacks took place, none of which
hits nearer than the central pier.
I5. As only