TNA ADM 199 795

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In the early afternoon, the wind lightened and conditions became
easier. Observing that there were boats at the davits of a wreck close
inshore, I borrowed some hands from WINCHELSEA to lower and man them and
ordered a R.A.F. launch which was lying astern of a neighbouring vessel
to take over these boats ex- the wreck and embark troops.
Soon after this, on the suggestion of the Captain of WINCHELSEA, I
boarded KEITH to discuss with Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker the possibility of
making all remaining troops march to Dunkirk for embarkation.
By 1730 hours, there were few troops waiting to embark at this
part of the beach and the remainder were making their way along the this beach
should to be the last trip; I concurred. In the last trip only about 30
Dunkirk, and at this time WINCHELSEA signalled proposing that
soldiers embarked in the cutter, and I transferred them to the launch. cabin and
room of my boat, handing over the cutter to the R.A.F. made on
WINCHELSEA further to the Eastward was hit about this time, and enemy presumably air
During which appeared to be straddled by the first
engine this last half-hour, several dive-bombing attacks salvo. were A
transport activity was intense. SWALLOW was hit by a few small splinters,
of anti-aircraft shell, but was undamaged.
last trip inshore I proceeded direct to boat Ramsgate, had been and
After the about 2150 hours. The engines of the the port, and a
arrived there since 0315, at and when outside Ramsgate the first port engine was restarted.
minute running would Johnson, cutter untiring like later, single-handed The of in to crew his the bring the Patrol efforts of starboard to the for your Service SWALLOW and some before showed notice engine of at worked the Lowestoft; she great the failed; earlier left extremely work initiative and of trips this obtained an well Able man to and throughout the was Seaman, his resource: beach working name Peter and and as in I was I I the
put wished him to on draw board attention IMPULSIVE to his very good work.
total number of troops embarked 600 and from 800. the beaches
and transferred I estimate to H.M.Ships the by SWALLOW as between
Rohn Hutchis
Lieutenant-Colonel,
(A.L.O.,Admirality).
To be attached to my upnt, bleak
himet Prescom
Dort 13.6.