TNA ADM 199 795

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On receiving General MARSHALL-CORNWALL's report I
ordered Air Commodore COLE-HAMILTON - Commanding the Air
Component - to move with two fighter squadrons and his one
flight of reconnaissance aircraft to the Channel Islands
whence he was to co-operate with NORMAN Force by carrying
out reconnaissance tasks and by protecting the embarkation
of that Force at CHERBOURG. As soon as he had completed
these tasks he was to proceed to the United Kingdom. The
remaining Fighter Squadron was to operate from BREST to give
close protection to that port during the embarkation of the
B.E.F.
31. At 1130 hours, I spoke to Air Marshal BARRATT, and
explained my plan to him. I also discussed with him the
arrangements for the withdrawal from LA ROCHELLE of his
party, which was defending NANTES and ST. NAZAIRE during the
evacuation. He expressed himself as satisfied with the
arrangements that were being made.
32. At 1300 hours, the C.I.G.S. telephonedand informed me
that the B.B.C. had reported that the PETAIN Covernment had
asked the Germans for an Armistice (this was subsequently
confirmed by Capitaine MERIC of the French Mission). He
directed to getting personnel away and afterwards, if the
agreed that, in view of this, all efforts should now be
situation allowed it, as much material as possible. He
United Kingdom that evening. I said that I would ring up
further agreed that I should leave with my staff for the
again about 3 to see if there were any final orders
and that, if I p.m. should be unable to communicate owing to the
cable being out, I would embark as arranged.
Officer (Captain ALLEN, R.N.) explained the situation and
I then saw General de FONBLANQUE and the Senior Naval
ordered them to make every effort to get all personnel away,
and also as many guns and vehiclesas possible.
33. hours I rang up the C.I.G.S. as arranged, hours but I
he had At 1445 returned to the War Office. At 1530 all
communications up again, with LONDON had been cut with at RENNES, any port and except that
rang not but was informed by Signals that
NANTES. did it was at also 1615 I, hours impossible therefore, - and Senior to proceeded decided get Naval in with to touch Officer leave my staff REDON to a and - point which the G.O.C. about I
H.M.S. hours. for 4 L. 34. miles of At C. outside Area and ST. the NAZAIRE. ST. NAZAIRE There Western I in remained which the Approaches armed in had until carrying been trawler 2045 was
not sent
enemy time,
survivors remained my available aircraft in from the that raids harbour afternoon. took during place, the which The but night. "CAMERIDGESHIRE" no had damage been During sunk was that done, by
although three enemy a few air bombs were dropped ashore.
/ 18 JUNE