TNA ADM 199 795

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Perhaps the men may have refused to take orders from English Naval and Army
Officers but this was due only to the fact that they were waiting for official orders
from their Commander before embarking. English officers trying to persuade them to
croceed to ships at the end of the jetty, shouted "Allez" at them, but the French
naturally considered this nothing more than an insult, which may have added to the
general difficulties.
As for the B.E.F. words cannot praise them too highly. They were under constant
bombing and shelling, and unable to do anything active, many, too, having marched
as much as 80 miles in 3 or 4 days, yet on no occasion was a single grumble or com-
plaint overheard. They all just seemed to want to get back at it.
I understand that one R.A.F. mechanic was the only other survivor, besides myself.
He was picked up by a destroyer, clinging to remains of the motor boat. According to
nim, the rest had already died from exposure.
the extraordinary courage of all the poor fellows in the water should be recorded.
Although I realise that it is of no consolation to those bereaved, I feel that
Even though they must have known that the end was near, they never grumbled, not before were
removing they their tin hats. When I left them clinging around the wreck, although already
afraid; they even went so far as to ask permission of Commander Cluston
suffering from exposure, they were singing and discussing old times together.
Commander Cluston's example must have helped them all as it helped end. no. Although
exhausted himself, he continued to chat, encourage and white-lie to the
(M. Solomon)
Sub. Lieut, R.N.V.R.