TNA ADM 199 790

Raw OCR

Unformatted machine-generated OCR for document page 730.

260
650 Troops.
June.
ntd)
At 2000 received orders (F.O.C. Dover Most Secret Memorandum No. 246
A.14/0/40.) to proceed to vicinity of Bray to lend support and
covering fire. Owing to low visibility and necessity for oiling
before starting "Locust" was one hour late in position. Took
ship close inshore but coast was very misty and no targets could
be seen. Heavy small arm firing was heard in Bray, which was also
being shelled from apparently the village of Furnes. After some
waiting "Locust" was fired at by machine guns from a position
approximately half way between the foreshore and Adinkerke. This
was replied to by 0.5 machine gun fire from "Locust". Further
fire was directed at the ship from the direction of La Panne,
and this was answered with 4" H.E.
I then attempted to silence shore batteries which were shelling
Bray from Furnes, and 30 rounds of 4" H.E were fired. This ap-
parently achieved some result as the firing died down, and several
explosions causing fires were observed.
d
June. 0300. Ceased firing and proceeded.
0350. Tug "Fossa" signalled she was ashore and required assist-
ance. In attempting to close, "Locust" took the ground but same
off again, and I decided it was impracticable to close "Fossa".
A Motor Landing craft was therefore hailed and brought alongside
and her troops, 51 in mumber were transferred to "Locust", and the
M.L.C was sent to rescue the crew of the Tug, and any troops she
may
had on board.
0450. Proceeded, and at 0545 overtook a small armed yacht in the
charge of a Major R.A, who had 28 mén with him. Party was trans-
ferred to "Locust", and Major gave information that covering fire
of "Locust" had been effective.
1005. Arrived Dover, and disembarked 79 Troops.
1820. Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk Harbour.
2223. Went alongside East Mole, Dunkirk and commenced embarkation
of British Troops.
2302. Sailed with 650 British and 70 French Troops.
June. 0408. Arrived Dover.
1845. Slipped and proceeded.
2300. Anchored off Dunkirk Mole and commenced embarking troops
from Motor boats.
June.
0015. Demolition party consisting of Lieutenant Holdsworth and
6 men left by Motor boat for wreck of "Mosquito". On arrival
it was found that the wreck was submerged to the level of the
battery deck, and despite repeated efforts of Lieut. Holdsworth
who attempted to enter the Captain's Quarters, the forward charge
had to be placed in the wheelhouse. The after charge was placed
in the after magazine. The demolition party were working under
great difficulties due to the movement of the wreck in the swell,
and to the darkness, and great initiativewas displayed by P.T.O. Lieut.