TNA ADM 199 795

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17.
As it was desired to leave a few men behind to embark
at La Panne, and as I had already lost touch with General
Montgomery, commanding llnd Corps, who had left earlier,
I apologised to General Johnston for the non-arrival of
the boats, and informed him that I would go down to
the piers and assist in the embarkation of those who were
not to march.
18.
It being dead low water, it was now about half a mile
2130
to the end of the piers, which were now high and dry, and
whilst walking there, I was twice knocked down by H.E. bursts,
one splinter smashing the box signalling lantern I was
carrying and another slightly injuring my left ankle.
Several houses on the front were now blazing fiercely.
19.
When I reached the embarkation point, I was informed
that there had been no boats in for over half an hour, and
the naval beach party had apparently left. This was
probably in accordance with my orders that they were to go
off in the last boat.
20.
There being neither ships nor boats now at the beaches,
I ordered a general retirement westward of all the groups on
the beach, without waiting for further orders, with the
object of getting them inside the defended perimeter outside these
Bray orders were being carried out, I rounded up all the stragglers
Dunes, which had been arranged for 0400. Whilst
I could find and sent them off after the other bodies of men
with officers.
21.
After this was done, I set out to Bray Dunes, and walking
0700
along the edge of the water to avoid the shelling,
collected & few other men of all units.
22.
About out three ships at anchor and soon after met to attract a small
two or more miles down the beach towards Bray,
I made who informed me that they had endeavoured There being
attention by parties ahead whom I could see authorities by should had
party, firing shots without success. flashes
no boats, that all troops were being withdrawn to close enough Panne,
further large and being anxious that the naval from La
be informed best to swim off, and managed get line brought
I to thought "Gossamer" it to be picked up by a lifebelt on a
to me by one of the ship's company.
informed the captain of the change inform of R.A. plan Dover, and
23.
I then beaches, and asked him to being sent where
by the cypher, state of to the avoid the possibility of boats
they were not required.
to walk numbness, because I of
24.
my should to state left be THE that more I of a hindrance than a help as its if I felt I returned that I ashore. regret