TNA ADM 199 795

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491
beaching with the result that the craft rode on
much farther than was intended or desirable. She
was immediately rushed on all sides by a wild,
undisciplined mob of French soldiers, 60 many of
whom got onboard that the boat was grounded;
and it was only by the use of considerable meunt
of force that a sufficient number could be got
overboard, so that the craft could be get off the
beach,
3.
Two very good anchors, one complete with
a good long warp, were found in a derelict meter
boat and these were used to replace the Zest
anenors before making a further trip.
The second attempt to embark French troops
shewed that their undisciplined behaviour was
likely to imperil the safety of the craft, and it
was decided to proceed farther up the coast to
La Panne where British troops were found,
These troops were ferried from the beach
to one or other of the craft anchored off shore,
at the rate of approximately 3 trips per hour.
A.L.C. 5 continued working from this
beach throughout Wednesday, being interrupted only
by continuous air raids, on La Panne and on the
beach itself. During the hours of darkness the
rate of work was perhaps & little slower, but 188
free from interruption from the air.
Air activity recommenced at daybreak May
30th but was less intense. Enemy artillery however
began searching to seaward and along the beaches,