TNA ADM 199 790

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Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C.B.O.
Sir,
7
6n Imday the 31" M May. we the s. Jug. Vincia
left Ramagate in taw of three skiffs for Duskin at
2.45 2.45pm.
543
513
This
too
On arriving at Dover on Friday morning
31st May, orders were issued to me regarding the
embarkation of troops from Dunkirk by lifeboats. I then
proceeded by motorcoach to Ramsgate where I was alloted
4 lifeboats, one of which had an engine. To sailed at
noon for Dunkirk in the tow of the trawler "FAIRBREEZE".
On approaching Dunkirk we were heavily
bombed by enemy Aircraft, one bomb landing on our starboard
side not 50yds away which, luckily, did not explode. We
proceeded inshore to my alloted position and cast away from
the trawler. With the three lifeboats in tow I made for the
beach which, to my disgust, I found was almost deserted,
then, on account of the surf and so few troops, I left
one lifeboat and proceeded with the other two along towards
La Panne where a number of troops were congregated. I
waded ashore to discover, to my surprise, that the troops
refused to wade out. By a little 'gentle persuasion'
1
however, I succeeded in filling two lifeboats and returned
to collect the one left earlier before proceeding out to
the waiting trawler.