TNA ADM 199 792

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The Secretary,
Admiralty,
London, S.W.1.
COPY.
TO:- Commander, Royal Artillery,
1st Division.
FROM:- Commanding Officer
2nd Field Regt., R.A.
Sir,
I have the honour to request that the gallant action
of the Captain and crew of H.M.S. Worcester on Saturday
June 1st, may be recorded and reported to the Lords of the
Admiralty. A considerable number of officers and men
of this Regiment embarked in H.M.S. Worcester at approximately
1600 hours at Dunkirke on 1st June.
Bombs were being dropped
in the harbour at the time though no attack was actually made
on the ship at this period. No attempt was made to leave
until the ship had as full a load as possible, and during
the period of loading the officers and crow were a. splendid
example of coolness, and continued to assist the troops in
embarking as though nothing was happening. Shortly after
leaving the harbour H.M.S. Worcester was twice attacked by
numbers of dive bombers, at least 8 aeroplanes taking part
in the second attack.
A very large number of bombs
were dropped. Considerable damage was done to the ship
and a large number of casualties were caused, and it was
a general opinion among all ranks on board that it was only
the cool and brilliant handling of the ship, already only
able to proceed at half speed, that saved the lives of all
on board.
Added to this, the magnificent performance
of the guns' crews who served their guns throughout in
spite of suffering continual casualties among the crews was
the admiration of all. The Army owes a debt to this
gallant ship's company for the large number of lives saved
and brought safely into the home port.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(signed) J.C. Currio, Lt.Col. R.A.