TNA ADM 199 790

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Dynamo NE
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. 494
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head steamer to seaward Garry" in tow out of harbour. After
proceed up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the transport
then gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre.
I was ordered to tow transport out, as turning I had
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while the steamer came astern with engines.
towing her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
harbour all clear stern first, but for some reason, which I
This operation would have taken the vessel out of
cannot explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing
the towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by the lengthened
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G. wiring of
towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
which I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying us both
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to go full
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I e-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troopa coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).