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alongside the pier. They could carry large numbers, some as many 08 3,000
mon, and so were very valuable, but they Were also large targets and were
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used with reluctance when bombing was probable, especially as several would
only go into Dunkirk in daylight. This WAB now considered too dangerous, and
in consequence Naval Officers were put on board to act as advisors to the
masters and the crews were stiffened with seamon. For the rest of the
ovacuation they went in every night and did magnificent work.
Besides the personnel ships various other craft were to go into the
harbour to load alongside, including French destroyors, The British ships were
to use the East Pier where the British troops were and the French the Foot quay,
where the French were.
If any large numbers were to come off from Dunkirk itself it WCG covential
to be able to use the East Pier. This already had one gap in it made by the
"KING ORRY", but the gap had been bridged. I feared that the Germans would
now shell this pier heavily and perhaps damage it or at any rate make it
impossible to keep ships alongside. I accordingly asked if the P.A.F. could
reconnoitre and report what the state of the pier was and whother It was being
sholled. This was arranged and had an amusing seque]. as will be told later.
Before I returned to Dunkirk a report came back from the air reconnaissance
giving an accurate description of the gap in the pior which we alroady know
about, but not a word as to whether 3.t was being shelled.
It was arranged that I should go over in N.A.S.B.10, one of the Motor
Anti-Submarino Boats. These are large fast motor hosts, enthor like M.T.B.to,
with a speed of 25 knots and armed with two twin mochine guns and depth charges.
A portable Loud-spockor act was to be fitted in her. as I had found cirilar
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set very useful in "HEBE" and "EXPRESS."
In the afternoon my Secretary, Paymaster Commander Batloy, srrived down
bringing with him some clothing which was very welcome, and I VIOB able to feel
respectable once more. I sent him back to London 85 there WOD nothing there
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for him to do.
I had arranged to leave Dover at 1700 and on my way down to the Naval
Horbour I stopped in the own to buy & pair of pants and SOMO food to take bed over
with UD. I picked up Wynne-Edwards and Norfolk at the hotsol where they