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During German the aircraft, embarkation an aerial battle was in progress between
were being in the basin near the paddler's stern
British and dropped on Dunkirk anti-aircraft (one guns were in action, heavy bombs
when she was and going burnt out), out wreck and a of large fire was seen to break out in the Docks.
The split well sunken a British destroyer was lying alongside the
East Pier as as A a sunken trawler with her White Engsign still flying just
above the water. paddler and a troop ship with two large leaks in
her side were lying off the entrance.
On the return passage soon after rounding No. 5 Buoy, three enemy
planes were seen which dropped some bombs round the "MARE". These must have
been of small size as they made very little splash.
After passing the Dyck Bank Buoy four or five heavy bombs were seen
to fall round ships on the same course about two miles ahead, which included
"THREE KINGS" and "UNICITY". A salvo of seven bombs in line was dropped, and
soon afterwards a pair of enemy planes appeared over the "MARE" and "TWEENWAYS"
which were chased off by a British fighter.
2100. The tow rope of the "TWEENWAYS" boat, which was being towed
astern of a ship's lifeboat carried away, and as it was getting dark with fog
setting in, thought it advisable not to waste time in recovering it and told the
Skipper to carry on.
June 2200. Went alongside at Ramsgate and discharged troops.
Lieutenant J.I. Cruickshank, R.N.V.R. of "SARAH HIDE" reports that
he sailed at 1330, 31st May, in company with the "STRIVE" and other vessels for
Dunkirk.
"At 1920, when in the Dunkirk channel, a force of about 25 enemy
bombers with screen of fighters was sean approaching from the East at a height
of at least 1200 feet. When almost overhead they were attacked by a squadron
of British fighters and during the fight that followed four planes crashed in
the sea, of which three were identified as German.
would estimate that 80 bombs were dropped and the only casualty
observed in I the large number of small craft about was that one drifter was "LORD
50 yards. had a Four bombs were seen to give off a yellowish green vapour gas and
HOOD" fractured steam pipe. The nearest bomb to "SARAH HIDE"
must have been of light weight as there was very little spray.
sent away to the Malo Les Bains Beach at of about 2135.
Salvos 10 of heavy shells 2300 the range was increased and shells West. the
The boats were were bursting on the beach at intervals fell amongat
shipping minutes. waiting At off the beach. "SARAH HIDE" moved 300 yards
in
tow
came
alongside any one soldiers smack At and Four was 0015, on the taken fishing the civilian 1st beach. in June, smacks tow as in no a The put charge her motor other boats 5 rudder Officers boat stated tugs, were was with then that drifters, and smashed. two made he 95 lifeboats men had fast or been on A other thorough astern. board unable small at search 0145 to craft locate and was
made could in be the found vicinity, it was but decided as to return to Ramagate.
of three bombs each were dropped astern channel. and close to
"SARAH HIDE's" Three port salvos quarter as we proceeded down Dunkirk 19 Jun
The troops were landed at Ramsgate at 0850.
Continued: