TNA ADM 199 795

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ecided to postpone this until the next day. I learned from military
ources tant one ship with 300,000 rations (approximately 700 tons)
ould be ready to sail on 21st and another with 200,000 rations on
he following day both for Dunkirk although it was not clear from which
ort they would sail. In order that I should know the total number of
ritish ships in the port I sent Lieutenant J.Swinsco R.N.R. to obtain
his information which proved to be:-
1) S.S.Belwyn
2) S.S.Bawtry
3) S.S.Dover Abbey
1) S.S.Rupera (?)
On the following day (Tuesday 21st) I gave orders that *Sawtry*
buld be required for R.A.F personneland vas to sail as soon as they
id embarked but owing to the state of the tide and the look gates the
rsonnel were embarked in another ship and "Sawtry" vas, 1 think, sunk
the harbour by & bomb. "Rupera" apparently sailed without orders but
le remaining two vessels I took over in the name of the Minister of
ipping and instructed the masters to await orders re sailing from ne
d that these would not be given until arrangements had been made to
11 them with troops.
During the afternoon Lisutenant-Commander R.A.3.Villians R.Y
ported for duty but at the same time Lieut-Comdr, Dunnett was wounded
aessitating his evacuation home - in the meantine he Tas placed in &
ench hospital. It was during this somewhat exciting period that some
mbers of P.S.T.O's staff arrivedviz: Lieutemant Commander V.R.Seymour
N.V.R., Lieutenant W.Blandy R.N.V.R., Paymaster Lieutenant N.L.V.