10 SECRET 13 2. Report on operations in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area. (Continued). Wednesday 29th May. 0300 All wounded that could be moved evacuated into Schoot or ships boats all of which returned to "Calcutta". Schoot, with a certain number of wounded, sent back to England as she was nearly unmanageable with her steering gear in a precarious state. 0345 Boats sent in again to collect more troops as they arrived and if possible to connect with Lord Gort in view of your message 0127/29th May. Officer in charge of "Calcutta's" boats, Mr F.J. March Gunner, made personal contact with Lord Gort about 8 miles inland, and placed "Calcutta" at his disposal for his or his staff's evacuation. Lord Gort courteously refused to be evacuated at this 0430 One stage, of "Calcutta's If whalers lost. 0520 Opened fire on one Dornier. 0710 "Calcutta's" boats returned with more troops and sent in again to La Panne with relief crews. 0735 "Sutton" alongside to disembark her troops into "Calcutta" and return close inshore opposite La 0810 Panne. "Salamander alongside and as for "Sutton" above, 1210 Party of tugs and drifters towing own boats sighted, proceeding homewards full of troops. All ordered alongside "Calcutta" to disembarktheir troops and return to La Panne for more. 1227 "Java" towing launch alongside. 1228 "Golden Sunbeam" towing launch alongside. 1230 "Lord Rodney" alongside. 1237 "Lord Keith" towing launch alongaide. 1247 "Lord St Vincent" alongside. 1250 "Lord Collingwood" alongside. 1335 Captain (D) 1st D/F, who was senior officer at La Panne at this time, informed that tugs and drifters were being sent in to load up again. 1350 "Calcutta's" boats returned to ship. 1357 1900 Weighed. Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 1000 troops and completed with oil fuel and ammunition. Friday 31st May. 1940 Slipped from buoy at Sheerness. 2130 Anchored off East Margate buoy with "Mallard" and "Sheerwater" in company. Saturday 1st June. 0315 Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "Shearwater" 0500 Commenced patrolling on X route between and Y buoys. 0938 Ordered to return to Sheerness. 1015 Opened fire on one Heinkel who had attacked and damaged "Mosquito". Heinkel shot down. 1018 Opened fire on two more Heinkels diving from broken clouds. 1024 Detached "Shearwater" to stand by "Mosquito". 1312