TNA ADM 199 795

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at Dover envisaged far more men being embarked from the beaches than was in
practice possible when the moment arrived, and I had therefore to modify them
on the spot to make greater use of Dunkirk, and continually adjust the plan and
the means to a changing situation.
13.
During the day of 30th May embarkation proceeded slowly - there were not
enough ships off the beaches and at one moment HEEE was there alone. Men were
coming off in pontoons but there was often no one to take these craft ashore
again. During the day lorries were driven into the sea to form piers.
14.
There were many wounded on board HEBE, and at 4 Della I decided to
send her home. Captain Bush went in her to strees the vital necessity for
boats and crews if any numbers were to come off from the beaches.
15. landed at La Parme to visit the C.-in-C. It was necessary to vade the last few
Accordingly I transferred to WINDSOR off Bray at 1600, and at 1630
yards. Captain Tennant was with the C.-in-C. and the situation was discussed.
I stressed my views as to the difficulties of embarkation by boat and the
necessity for moving towards Dunkirk, but I could not but be sware of a reluctance
on the part of the Army to do so and & feeling that the Navy ought to be able to
embark large mumbers by boat from the beaches. Arrangements to take off the
C.-in-C. at 1600 on Friday were made, and be informed no of the affort of which
he had heard from the 1st Sea Lord by telephone, and which Yes to be made on
Friday night. The details of this I received next day at 1000. when Captain
Bush returned in HEBE.
16. soldiers the boat swanped in shallow water, but the second attempt with &
At my first attempt to return to WORCESTER in a pontoon paddled by
smaller crew was successful and I got on board at 2200.
31st May
17. transferred At 0130 to EXPRESS on and in her proceeded to Dunkirk at daylight to direct ships
Friday, 31st May, as TORCESTER Yes full S with troops 1
to where they were most needed.
the breeze freshened and being onshore made boat work that very
18. On this day boats were breached to and stranded at high continued water so to
movement was very doubtful of troops that it would be of any use except for a small period the
embarkation from to Dunkirk and considered the value of beaching ships of
difficult. Many the beaches came almost to a standatile. I but urge
tide.
19. thereafter At 0645 so that I my movements should not be hangered by
transferred to H.M.S. KEITH and kept her consideration free from troops of
embarkation or wounded men.
arrived with the plana for the evacuation small for boats Priday and night.
20. At 1000 HERE the provision of larger numbers of to be
The crews essence to bring of off these the was rearguard at 0130 to minesweepers which were there
about that time.
21. During the for day me to get Destroyers, Paddlera, and would other have been sent these
the time of embarkation vas advanced to 2030 craft and off this
made it necessary for this sany of these ships sent every into ship
beaches at that time. But could have loaded quicker. As it was, I mmber of
Dunkirk itself where be they taken from the beaches more into Dunkirk than but I the liked. large
which places could from which possibly boats were working looked up ahiya
22. About noon At 1430 I proceeded in KRITH to La balloon. Panne try KETTH was locate
HERE off La Panne came under fire from at ahore to battery to and
moved the battery further but West. it was being directed by an observation
fired on and I withdrew.
/23. A