TNA ADM 199 795

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the French authorities
On my return to my office I found Lieutenant Nettle R.N.R. of
S.T.O's staff with instructions to obtain from me an appreciation of
10 situation; this I give hereunder :-
The situation varies from raid to raid. At the moment nearly normal
and there are a few tugs and pilots. The Engineer of the Port's office
is open. Police de Navigation is run by the French Naval Authorities
the office is in the abri and is functioning fairly normally. Ship due
at 1430 has not yet arrived (1520); she is for personnel. Two store
ships expected with rations this afternoon, all arrangements made for
their discharge etc. Lieut-Comdr. Dummett wounded in air raid yesterday
being evacuated in personnel ship to-day. Main water supply in the town
appears to be out of action but auxiliary supply in & few hotels (where
staff are living) in fair order. Gas is out off in certain parts but
electricity functioning. Fetrol tanks still ablaze unfortunately adding
& smoke screen to enemy aircraft. Food shortage acute particularly
bread. Town largely evacuated, local dock labour being supplemented for
discharging our ships by No.151 Construction Company. Large number of
unarmed Belgian soldiers about the town yesterday, majority have dis-
opeared. Reported that 60 stevedores arriving in this afternoon's store
ship. Communications poor; civil line phone 1244 working intermittently
direct line to Bastion 32 working at the moment; military line out of
order."
During the night (22/23rd) repeated air raids or bombardments as
16 French call them took place and I decided that if they continued
ctra staff would be required in order that officers night obtain some