TNA ADM 199 790

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Dynam 33
444
DAMAGE TO M.T.B. 67
PHONE
112:
From THE COMMANDING OFFICER, 10th M.T.B. FLOTILLA,
418
at Dover.
Date 1st June, 1940. No.
01/2.
To
... THE COMMANDING OFFICER, R.N. DEPOT, FELIXSTOWE.
(Copies to:- The Vice Admiral, Dover,
The Captain, H.M.S. H RNET".)
signal timed 0947 of 1st June, 1940.
The following report is submitted with reference to my
2.- At approximately 1900 on Friday, May 31st, 1940, H.M.
Motor Torpedo Boat No. 67, under my command, was employed in
evacuating the British Expeditionary Force from the beach two
miles west of La Panne. Heavy surf was running at the time.
3.- I approached the shallow water at dead slow speed,
keeping my port auxiliary and starboard main engines running in
order to give me immediate astern power when required. On my
port bow was a jetty at the end of which I had been informed was
deep water, but which I had been instructed not to use. Ahead
of me were various small craft of about my own draught. These
were not aground.
4.-
Soundings from the forecastle showed ample depth of
water and the port engines were going astern when a wave caught
the boat and carried it ahead causing the propellers and rudders
to ground. The bow was afloadt
5.- All around in the water were wounded and exhausted
soldiers and as the tide was rising the worst of these were
taken aboard.
6.- AS embarkation of these men was taking place however, a
therefore considered advis ble to get T.B. 67 under way as soon
shore battery opened fire on the neighbourhood. It has
as possible.
This was done by manual pushing, lightening starboard the stern
7.- of the bow, and going astern on the action is
main at the engine. expense It is considered that this latter
responsible for most of the damage.
Charles
LIEUTENANT, Royal Navy.
VICE ADMIRA
JUN 1940