TNA ADM 199 795

6
231
GENERAL REMARKS.
3
No words of mine can have the power to describe how efficiently the personnel carried out their jobs under very trying and arduous conditions. Each one went about his task quietly and efficiently, and the manner in which they made the necessary arrangements did much to counter the apprehension which was marked in the ships companies towards the end of the period. Their bearing must of necessity had a most benificial result upon the morale of the various ships in which they were working. There was very little to choose between the ratings of the contingent - but L.S.B.A. WRIGHT AND
LOCKWOOD are worthy of special note, Whenever volunteers were called for these ratings were always the first to orier themselves.
Everyone was tireless and cheerful. During the continued aircraft attacks and shelling the treatment of patients was as if there was nothing of interest happening outside the Sick Bay
Quarters. Immediately after the collision between "St Hilier" and
"Sharpshooter" (30.5.40) the stretcher cases were brought on deck and kept in sheletered positions. This was not an easy manoeuvre with a blacked out ship, overcrowded with tired French troops, who lay in all gangways and who did not understand English, and with the ship listing heavily, and with planes overhead during the whole proceeding.
Upon the separation of the ships these cases had to be replaced below.
Upon arrival in a ship due to sail for Dunkirk arrangements had to be made for reception of casualties, dressings and lotions to be prepared, blankets, hot water bottles mustered and available members of ships staff instructed in first aid. A cheerful atmosphere had "maintained. Very little sleep was possible throughout the the week. After evacuation of patients at Dover and Folkestone, stores had to be remustered and sick quarters cleared in case of a further trip.
The bearing of the troops - British and French -
will be forgotten by anyone who was prèvalidged to behold it.
The down soldiers whenever possible and fell fast asleep. In many cases prolonged Folkeston never marched onboard quietly and without fuss or haste. They lay efforts necessary to awake them upon arrivals at Dover or of
The their Frenchmen water bottles, were but gave absolutely no trouble. All ranks appeared were slightly excited - possibly due to contents grateful for their evacuation.
cases discharged to hospital were accompanied by notes (written upon All labels attached to their uniform). value. One book of
Naval Casualty labels was available and was of great value. and that each It haversach should contain a book of naval casualty RN. and is suggested that M & B. might be included in each valise labels.
The Wildey's syringes supplied were of inestimally
The reports of Surgeon Lieutenat Armstrong
Surgeon Lieutenant Stutter RNVR. are forwarded.
Surgeon Commander RN.
8.6.40.