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French officer olinging to bows of wreck informed us that he saw an empty boat about 6 miles off in the direction of Gravelines. Asked permission of Commander
Cluston to try to reach same, and he and I decided to go off together. Commander
Cluston, however, shortly abandoned the swim and returned to cling to the remains of the wreck. As the water was slightly rough, it was impossible to see the open boat, and only the shore occasionally, but at 2230 I sighted a large empty destroyer outter No.2., which may or may not have been the original I set out for.
Reached same but was unable to climb aboard, as sides were too high, and was suffering slightly from exhaustion.
2300. Decided to swim for German shore but fortunately before abondoning boat swam to other side where I found a fender hanging down. With the aid of the fender and the remains of my kit used as a ladder, I was able to get aboard. Lashed helm hard over, and attempted to row outter with one oar in direction I imagined the survivors might be. After approximately one hour I abandoned the attempt, as cutter was too large, distance too far, and it was already dark.
0000. Tide changed and open boat instead of drifting towards the Corman shore, between Dunkirk and Calais, started to drift towards the Green flashing buoys of
Dunkirk Channel. Destroyed all personal belongings and identifications, and threw remainder of kit overboard, as I did not want to be identified should capture be effected by the enemy.
3.6.40.
unable to attract them, as they could not hear my shouts. Decided to shout
0130. Destroyers and other ships started passing by, about 25 yards away, but in was
French and English, and was finally picked up by & French fishing boat, Stella where Mavis.
Crew "wined" me and put me in their bunks, dressed in French sailor's uniform,
0280. passed of Stella Mavis informed me that he was unable to make Dunkirk his speed as he
I out for a while, suffering from exhaustion.
had Skipper and had lost his convoy whilst picking no up. I enquired Dunkirk and he no charts "6 knots". I estimated by the fires that the distance from could have was reached of this and speed into unnecessary danger if he proceeded back to to Dover, approximately Dunkirk. 15 Pointed out to Skipper that, in by opinion, it Dynkirk in replied miles. Therefore it would have been 0580 before would ship leading &
daylight. As Skipper we were no run down by Torpedo Boat S. 27, but vas not dressed damaged. in &
ship type had charts I helped in navigating ship badly and at 0730 approximately, Mavis closed French Escort Vessel and as I held
French Matelot uniform, "Il prétent detre Anglais, mais not je by the French
Arriving Dover, Stella and by story sounded far-fetched, the Commander crois qu'il no eat on
Commander. parcequil Finally parle however, le I persuaded them to let no be out ashore allemand suspicion as a Garman spy. français trop bien" was the remark passed arrested by 1030. British Successfully authorities. arrested by a Naval Lieutenant Commander and reported to Commander
Goodenugh 1400. Sent and to Admiral Chatham Ramsey. Hospital in ambulance for treatment to leg.
GENERAL REMARKS.
I feel mention should be made of the exemplary conduct of the givilian crews of
As the far cockle All as of I bawley know, them were boats. none manned of them by had volunteers ever been who under were gun rushed fire through before, in and one certainly day. none which of them These had ships, ever leave been the it should Estuary, under be Naval remembered, and discipline. only one were of their Thanes crew Estuary had been Cookle further fishing affeld boats, than
Ramsgate. In never spite of these facts, and although they the day had neither and night, charts and not all equipment, orders were perfect carried formation with great was maintained diligence, throughout even under actual shall fire and aircraft attack.
I have out overheard some reports critising illusions the conduct should be of quickly the French diamissed, on the beach as and any and
Mole, such opinion and feel was most the strongly result of that the such slight lack of understanding between and French elsewhere,
British did their On conduct all authorities. occasions was to embark excellent. I came as a in complete If contact anything, regiment with their the or French discipline other on Army the was unit, jetty too being good, most as they disappointed their best if they were forced to separate.
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