TNA ADM 199 795

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Fire was opened and was effective in preventing further
On arrival at Dunkirk It was low water and only the outer
Other fighters approached later and were identified as Spi at
at the east pior could be used. That nearest the shore was
alroady occupied by "ICARUS", and "VANQUISHER" was berthed
ue
alongaide her. Shortly afterwards "WINDSOR" berthed outside
"VANQUISHER". Mess tables were rigged across "B" Gundecks 0
inside ships and troops were hurried across to outside ship
all despatch. "VANQUISHER*s" electrical hailing equipment
great value here, as all the troops were French and variou
exhortations in that language backed by ample powerz produc
a marked effect. The pier was crowded and every effort was 18
to embark the greatest possible number which is believed to
been not less than 1200,
During the proceedings onemy aircraft were such in evidence
5/44
Bombs were dropped to the eastward of the pier, apparently
"ane
simed at one of the numerous wrecks. Both barrage and close
five were frequently opened, and one bomber, despite heavy 12
pressed home his attack and dropped a salvo of 4 bombs which
fell near "VIVACIOUS" port how.
The sky was cloudy and bombers were several times seen dimly
through the oloud directly overhead at 1500 to 2000 feet.
Fortunately they dropped no bombs. "VANQUISHER"S" aerials wer
10
shot away by "ICARDS" 0.5" machine gan.
Troops were disembarked on return to Dover and samunition to
Date
complete was requested.
de
Meanwhile it was clear that "VANQUISHER*s" Ship's Company had
reached a state of exhaustion which made it most undesirable
take them to sea again without rest. This was reported to the
Vice Admiral's Office and the ship accordingly reverted to 2
hours notice.
The following day Sunday and June, orders were received at 043
to raise steam for full speed with all despatch, but later
reverted to * hours notice.
I had now decided that there was no longer any reason to
Lieutenant Harbottle in "VANQUISHER". Be vas anxious not 1
leave while operations were still not complete, but he wast
need of leave and 1 also falt 1t desirable that he should 3
available to handle "WITERN's" refit in case By absence been
protracted. I therefore discharged him Selle Sunday 2nd June
requested the Vice Admiral's Staff that 1f not urgently regil
elsewhere he might be sent on leave. & for hours later the
Commanding Officer of "VANQUISHER" rejoined and took over
I reported to Vice Admiral Dover and vas instructed to proceed
Folkstone with 1 Leading hand and 8 1,3's and 80 on Soard the
transport "TYNTALD". It was emphasised that 1 was not to sons
myself in command or the ship but to employ all possible mean
get her to sail for Dunkirk as a number of the officers and 0
were apparantly unwilling to do 30. Owing to the efforts of 18
company which owne the ship, and their agent in Folkestone, 1
presented no difficulty whatsoever.
The Chief Officer - Ne Thiteaway - had been recalled from les
and relieved the Master: the Second Officer because the Chief
Officer with & now Second, the Chief Engineer and several
Ingineers were relieved, and all sen unwilling to sail had bear
replaced by others sent down from London by bus. These were no
only willing but sager to sail.
Naval and Wilitary Lewis and Bren and grown were barried,
were in charge of the Military Liason Officer, Captain
Hicholson, who was of the greatest assistance throughout.
The ship left Folkestone at 2115/2nd June and borthed at he
outer and of Dunkirk east pier at about 0100/3rd June, This
presented some difficulty as the Master was clearly new to ship
handling and there WILD no one on the pier to take lines. This WV
done by Captain Nicholson and a rating who jumped for it.
Another transport was struck once and the pior twice before
borthing was completed.