TNA ADM 199 790

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TO ENCLOSURE I. TO FORD'S LETTER NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
The only other person that I saw who was aboard the boat
when we were fired on was a Frenchman and he was not
interested as he had passed over the border.
Able Seaman Strand reported himself and me by phone on
arrival at Margate.
2nd. Reported to the Officer i/c and was given warrants for
transfer to Littlehampton. Left A.M. and arrived at
Littlehampton P.M. reported to Camp on arrival.
(SIGNED)
A. BENHAM , STOKER.
shook from bomb explosion. Warships in vicinity continually
repelling air attacks. Just off shore at Dunkirk we saw
all small boats suddenly turn about and leave, as if
ordered so our Officer i/c decided on own responsibility
to do likewise. No ship near to give a general order.
On turning saw 2 large ships steaming away from Dunkirk
packed with soldiers. Suddenly a crowd of German bombers
came out of the clouds, dropped their bombs and disappeared.
Direct hits were registered on both big ships which sank
within 20 minutes. All small boats, including ours,
naturally steamed all out to pick up survivors. We picked
up 10 and as bombs fell, Officer i/c decided to make back
to Ramsgate. Large destroyer on the scene of resume was
being bombed but kept raiders off.
After steaming back for approx. 4 hour saw three trawlers,
2 on Stb. hand and 1 on Port. I saw one making morse signal
and shouted to C.P.O. on wheel to stop engines and asked for
torch to try and answer signal, but could not be heard or
was disregarded. Shot fired across bows, but still steaming
fast towards trawlers. Next thing, very heavy firing from I
think, all 3 trawlers, our boat being the target at about
1,600 yards. All hands except both R.N.V.R. Officers and
myself went over the side. Firing eased a little so I
grabbed our ensign and waved it as I could plainly see they
were our own chaps. Firing ceased, trawler sent boat after
chaps in water, got our boat alongside. Both Officers, C.P.O.
Lighton and several survivors wounded, 1 dead (perhaps 2)
belonging to crew of sunk transport.
Later took our boat in tow (messed up a bit) and transferred
us to a minesweeper which eventually took us into Ramagate.
I moored our boat at Pier and being ignorant of what reports,
if any, had been sent decided to report by wire, which I did,
Sun. 2nd.
Stoker Benham and self reported again to N.O.i/c. Got orders
to leave boat where it was, would be looked after, handed
rail warrant for Littlehampton. On arrival P.M. reported to
Commander personally.
(SIGNED) L.F. STRAND.