TNA ADM 199 790

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above aircraft, us at working one moment in conjunction but by with M.T.B's two right
3:22
we actually evidently observed. escaped torpedoing. twisting No surface and turning rapidly was
Daylight was welcomed by craft all.
400.
was Keep rather calling worried "St. Achilleus" by R/T and "W/T no
event of about her as we had arranged answer
at S. Buoy. losing each other during the night to rendezvous in the
.000.
Came to to conclusion "Arctic that "St. Achilleus" had gone,
been group mainly all because of W/T watches, our operator had already
gone Pioneer" and asked permission to join reported her
on night and couldn't carry on indefinitely.
315.
Whilst heading from T.Buoy towards Dunkirk in answer
to S.S. "Pragg's" S.O.S., received signal from Arctic
Pioneer that M.T.B. was approaching, we cleared for action
challenged her five times, no distinguishing mark or ensign
was shown, also she approached us zig-zagging. Fire was
opened with four inch, Pom Pom and Lewis guns, all three
ships heading straight for her firing; one four inch
from "Arctic Pioneer" struck her superstructure and she
then stopped and layto. On approach a white ensign was
observed being waved. Fire ceased and boats were lowered.
We went alongside M.T.B. took survivors and casualties off.
Report of action has been given to F.O.I.C. Harwich also
with report for Commanding Officer of M.T.B. Casualties
1 killed and five wounded. Transferred all to H.M.S.
"Saltash" who also took charge of M.T.B.
175
2100.
Received instructions to take charge of Group consisting
of "Sphene" and"Lord Melchett" and patrol between S.Buoy
and West Hinder.
e 2. 0509. Contacted "Lord Melchett" she joined us, proceeded
Eastward.
0711.
Stopped and Picked up 12 Refugees from small boat, boat
not worth keeping so cast it adrift and proceeded.
0729.
Signalled by aircraft (Hudson) piloted by Pilot Officer
Elworthy of Detling and asked to follow him. He
repeatedly circled around us and eventually said carry on
as you are going and you'll meet and open boat full of
people.
0740.
Met small boat, took refugees onboard, made boat fast
astern and proceeded on patrol.
0955.
Attacked by enemy dive bombers first one dived and
machine gunned us, the second one dropped bombs, not both
rame out on us. They dived to within a hundred exhausted, feet,
of sun, could be heard distinctly but seen
until almost fire was maintained until ammunition dropped
continual continuously. 15 bombs were Bombs
ship zig-zagged during the course of three attacks. thought
altogether 20 feet of ship both sides and setting one fire
fell within fell in bulwarks forward, also blew base
to be incendiary unprimed D/Cs and deck and bulwarks and
to two spare bar one arm supported, port by explosion but D.G.
of mast away Engines were stopped done to
gear dismantled. believed considerable numerous damage minor
carried on ship again, badly strained, deck besides hose.
engine defects. and Fire was put out by