TNA ADM 199 792

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CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 38
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Inshore Flotillas and Naval Shore Parties (continued).
Bray Beach, 2100/27.
"On arrival at Bray beach at about 2100/27,
it was apparent that the first flight of the Army
were showing signs of lack of discipline and for
about 20 minutes we had a difficult time to
restore order.
I ordered the soldiers in my vicinity to sit
down and at the same time placed my platoon
across the road to prevent any more men coming
on the beaches. I then called for Army Officers
to assist me and about 7 or 8 approached me.
I divided the soldiers up into parties of 30
and placed them under the care of an Army Officer
or an Able Seaman and dispersed them at intervals
along the beaches in the direction of Dunkirk.
As each party arrived on the road leading on
to the beach they were met by seamen who marshalled
them into parties of 50 and then led them on to
the beaches.
Quiet was then maintained and the embarking on
boats cormenced."
M.T.B. 16. Bray Dunes 1600/28.
"Several destroyers were now anchored off the
beach, and whalers were embarking troops and taking
them to the ships. The two Skoots were aground
close inshore. The troops appeared in a demoralised
state. They were hampering the work of the whalers,
and some were attempting to swim off to the Skoots.
I proceeded close inshore, anchored in one
fathom, and succeeded in embarking many troops.
This was done under considerable difficulties, as
the troops were in an exhausted state and carrying
full equipment. Few of them were able to climb
onboard, and most of them had to be hauled in
through the torpedo stern doors. A slow and
exhausting procedure."
Tuesday 28th May, Bray beach 2125.
"Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised
parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E.'s who had been
engaged on demolition work. Troops were rather shaken
by the constant air attacks and machine guns. They
had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before
contacting ships. Very critical of Allied air support
during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and discip-
lined. C.O. reported no embarkation organisation or
control ashore. Clean shaven and comparatively fresh
appearance of troops and the condition of their equip-
ment contrasted increasingly as the evacuation pro-
gressed with the evidences of strain shown by ship's
companies 01 H.M. Ships."
A.L.C. 5/