TNA ADM 199 792

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185
SECRET.
187
R.N. BARRACKS,
DEVONPORT,
2nd June 1940.
BASILISK
Sir,
I regret to have to report the loss ofcH.M.S.
"BASILISK" by enemy action at 1213 1st June 1940 off the Belgian
coast. The circumstances are as follows.
2.
At about 0815 while embarking British troops off
A/C
LAPANNE I was attacked by a squadron of nine German JUNKERS
dive bombers. They=approached from astern and on sighting I went
full speed ahead (3 boilers connected) and as the bombs were
released turned hard to port. As far as I could judge each aircraft
released a pattern of five bombs one being a large "B" type and
four smaller bombs with slight delay action. One of the latter
exploded at the after end of No.3 boiler room on the port side and
piereed blew away the bulkhead, piercing both main and auxiliary
steam lines and main oil fuel supply. All engine room and boiler
room personnel were killed. About six of the "B" type bombs then
exploded underneath the ship flooding the after magazine and
shell room and probably the gland compartments and store rooms
just forward of this position. The upper deck and sides of the
ship cracked right across in the vicinity of the mainmast. This is
a general line. of weakness in destroyers.
JUNEI
3.
In order to preserve stability the torpedoes and
depth charges were jettisoned and the ship floated comfortably
with little increase in draught. I inspected engine room and No.3
boiler room and found that a small amount of water was making its
way through shrapnel holes. These were plugged and collision mat
placed over the worst leaks. It was found impossible to get steam
to the engines and the ship thereafter remained immobile.
4.
Efforts were now made to send out messages for
assistance. A tug who had been attending on H.M.S. "KEITH" passed
me a signal telling me to sink KEITH to which I replied that I
was out of action and required immediate assistance. I also
requested him to inform The Flag Officer Commanding, Dover to
this effect. Tug then disappeared. Signals for assistance were
also made by W/T using type 4 H with battery power. It is
doubtful whether any of these messages were received owing to very
heavy traffic at the time and comparative weakness of my signals.
5.
A Belgian fishing smack under French colours was
seen in the distance and the motor boat was despatched to summon
her to our assistance. She was LE JOLIE MASCOTTE of CAEN and after
some efforts a tow was passed and corse set to open from the coast
This had hardly been accomplished before a second attack devellopp
at about 0945. This consisted of level bombing from about 000ft
each bomber acting independently. About half a squadron of 18
carried out the attack. Considering the ship was & stationary
target and there was little wind these attacks were poorly carri
out and no bombs hit. This may have been due to pom pom fire of
which Mr FRANCIS Gunner (T) was in charge. Unfortunately this
gallant officer was killed at his post by machine gun bullets whic
were fired continuously as the bombers passed overhead.