TNA ADM 199 xxx

LOSS OF "CRESTED EAGLE" DURING OPEPATIONS AT DUNKIRK.
(Lt. Cdr. B.R. Booth's report of 31st May ICENTRA
346
342
II.
No. 3019/187.P/40.
REGISTRY
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copy to:- Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness).
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.)
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordships.
of the 2. ratings brought to notice for their good service and these
Enquiries are being made to obtain the full names will be reported later.
Bernard Ralph Booth, appears to have behaved with great credit
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander and to be deserving of recognition.
The Nore,
ADMIRAL.
5th June, 1940.
N.L.
6181
1940
34211
TEL:QILLINGHAM TEL: 15157 18757.
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS,
CHATHAM.
31.5.40
is is
9 have the honou to post on the conduct of
Telbury a.B. ow his coolness born in evacuating and courage during intensias
Toops while the ship we blaze.
9 am Sir you serond
L.R.N.R.
in for a immition They

especially report a the following men:-
Tilbury A.B.
Frend. A.B.
Plack, A.B.
Patrick O.S.
/ the
/
/
was placed in hospital a large hotel about 2 Nover
East of Runkisk He was badly burnt about the and face and suffering from shock. 6 wring to the
, H

LOSS OF "CRESTED EAGLE" DURING OPERATIONS VP DUNKIRK.
(Lt. Cdr. B.R. Booth's report of 31st May ICENTRA
346
342
II.
No. 3019/187.P/40.
REGISTRY
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copy to:- Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness).
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.)
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordships.
of the 2. ratings brought to notice for their good service and these
Enquiries are being made to obtain the full names will be reported later.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander
Bernard Ralph Booth, appears to have behaved with great credit and to be deserving of recognition.
M
The Nore,
ADMIRAL.
5th June, 1940.
N.L.
6181
1940

- 2 -
under about the 600. conditions that they were embarked, I should say 7012
bomb explosions must have been severe. After beaching I advised
As the lower decks were filled first, casualties from all hands to take to the water as their only chance, and product
200 men could be sighted at one time in the water. I regret say that they were then badly machine gunned.
In less that half an hour owing to the ship being all with the exception of the hull, she was blazing furiously for and I feel that I can safely say that any gear or instruments on board would never withstand the heat and be recognisable
The crew throughout behaved wonderfully well, the were kept going right up to the last, for which I specially the Gunnery Officer, Sub. Lieutenant R.M. Roberts, R.N.R., and
Able Seaman Frend who was acting as Q.O.
Chief Steward Cooch (T124) worked nobly in alleviate wounded which was a terrific job. There were so many in spet small place. Apart from these it is difficult to single a 02%
were all so good, no one could have been served better in of trial, for which I thank them.
original
Additional reports from Lieutenant D.J.P.Davies,
BA
only.
attached. and Sub-Lieutenant R.M. Roberts, R.N.R., with which I concury
Robind Manni
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
OMMODORE'S OFFICE
1 JUN 1940
B.R.Booth
H.M.S. PEMBROKE
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, 3.3.
The Commodore,
Royal Naval Barracks,
CHATHAM.
COMMODORE'S OFFICE
1
b none
H.M.S. M.S. PEMBROKE"
(Copy b., to Commodore, shummers)
COMMINSIONER NE CHIEF
II OVER.
JUN 1940
*
THE NORE
*

343
COMMODORE'S OFFICE.
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS.
CHATHAM.
31st May, 1940.
Sir, of
H.M.S.
I have the honour to make the following report on the loss
"CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May, 1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000: Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330: Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F., to proceed Dunkirk as it appared to him that there were only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430
:
Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer berth but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella".
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several trawlers.
1500: First raid after arrival commenced in which some trawlers were damaged.
1530 onwards Bombing raids on the harbour and ships in the vicinity almost continuous now, "Grenade" was hit, and more trawlers damaged. Attack was so intense that my attention was given to what was happening in the immediate vicinity.
Troops were trickling along between raids and boarding s/s "Finella".
I was in touch with Commander Clouston, R.N.K., who was in charge on the Jetty.
"Crested Eagle" After and W/T messages were passed by this ship to Dover, VA.
"Grenade" was damaged her survivors came on board
1700: "Finella" was about to sail when a bomb dropped down her
Eagle". funnel putting Commenced her out to embark of action. troops from "Finella" to "Crested
1700
embarked:. and Troops I was and ordered to proceed by Commander Clouston who
1800 to survivors from the damaged ships were remained on
Swung the clear Jetty. of Jetty and steering as I learnt an Easterly afterwards, course, five the my bombs was four at able ship course this on was to or dropped fire, proceed five time raided The for As feet certainly (although the Engineer, a together, little continuously engines and so the badly from while, four decided Lieutenant (paddles) sides amidships of burnt) until, but which to were I and beach Jones, were to soon hit in. right C.B's. say still discovered the the reported that aft. ship. ship. were functioning we The should on jettisoned that the deck the not bridge I held was ship be in up the on steel chest At by this the beach where she brought aft up in sometime later. Ship's steadily gained ground and aft. and with the wind board, very few minutes Fire It she is difficult was on fire to fore estimate the number of men on

- 2 -
under the conditions that they were embarked, I should say round about 600.
As the lower decks were filled first, casualties from the bomb explosions must have been severe. After beaching I advised all hands to take to the water as their only chance, and probably
200 men could be sighted at one time in the water. I regret to say that they were then badly machine gunned.
In less that half an hour owing to the ship being all E
with the exception of the hull, she was blazing furiously fore as and I feel that I can safely say that any gear or instruments left on board would never withstand the heat and be recognisable after
The crew throughout behaved wonderfully well, the guns were kept going right up to the last, for which I specially commen the Gunnery Officer, Sub. Lieutenant R.M. Roberts, R.N.R., and
Able Seaman Frend who was acting as Q.O.
Chief Steward Cooch (T124) worked nobly in alleviating wounded which was a terrific job. There were so many in such a small place. Apart from these it is difficult to single out, the were all so good, no one could have been served better in the hour of trial, for which I thank them.
orginal only.
S
Additional reports from Lieutenant D.J.P.Davies, R.N.R.
attached. and Sub-Lieutenant R.M. Roberts, R.N.R., with which I concur, are
Roland Marmi
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
OMMODORE'S OFFICE
1 JUN 1940
B.R. B.R.Booth Booth
H.M.S. M.S. PEMBROKE
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, R.N.R.
The Commodore,
Royal Naval Barracks,
CHATHAM.
COMMODORE'S OFFICE
6-in-6, none
*
H.M.S. PEMBROKE
(Cupy to Commodore, shumms)
COMMANDER-TA JUN 1940
CHIEFO
II OVER.
*
D
*
THE NORE

343
COMMODORE'S OFFICE.
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS.
CHATHAM.
31st May, 1940.
Sir, of H.M.S.
I have the honour to make the following report on the loss
"CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May, 1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000
:
Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330: Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F., to proceed Dunkirk as it appared to him that there were only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430:.
Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer berth but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella".
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several trawlers.
1500
: First raid after arrival commenced in which some trawlers were damaged.
1530
vicinity almost continuous now, "Grenade" was hit, and more trawlers
Bombing raids on the harbour and ships in the damaged. Attack was so intense that my attention was given to what was happening Troops were in trickling the immediate along vicinity. between raids and boarding s/s "Finella". Clouston, R.N.Y., who was
I was in touch with Commander in charge on the Jetty.
After "Grenade" was damaged her survivors came on board
"Crested Eagle" and W/T messages were passed by this ship to Dover, VA.
1700
"Finella" was about to sail when a bomb dropped down her funnel: putting her out of action. to "Crested
Eagle".
Commenced to embark troops from "Finella"
1700 to embarked and Troops I was and ordered to proceed by Commander Clouston who
1800 survivors from the damaged ships were remained on the Jetty. of Jetty and steering an Easterly afterwards, course, five the bombs raided continuously of which hit ship was Swung clear until, as I the learnt ship.
my was four able at this course on or dropped fire, time five The As for certainly feet (although the Engineer, a together, little engines and the badly from while, four Lieutenant (paddles) sides amidships burnt) but were I beach were Jones, to soon in. right say still discovered the reported that aft. ship. functioning we The should on that the deck the not bridge I was held ship be up on to proceed At this far, so decided to and C.B's. were jettisoned in the steel chest Ship's by the beach where she brought up sometime later. steadily gained ground aft. and with the wind aft in very few minutes Fire It she is difficult was on fire to fore estimate and the number of men on board,

SEA * TRANSPORT OFFICE Bru/plus
28JUN1940 50
SOUTHAMPTON
*
26D/HW/RM. The 28th. June, 1940. 354
Sir,
Dynama 379. 33/51
N.
6.
29th June, 1940.
hed
Vice Admiral,
DOVER.
ng ly ding under Although direct control of the Director of Sea Transport,
Sea Transport Officers normally come
Dynamo feel that as prefer to take action upon the who was
I the the Flag Officer in control of operation attached be letter Principal from Sea Transport Officer, Dover, during period.
you may Commodore S.O. de Jukes Hughes this acting
(Sgd.) with SHIPWAY
4
eat
Rear-Admiral, re
Naval Assistant to the
$
Director of Sea Transport.
of

26D/HW/RN.
28th. June, 1940.
354
Sir,
ENCLOSURE NO.1 to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE, 1940 FROM
THE PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER, SOUTHAMPTON
33.16
LISUTENANT ALLEN RAYMOND MACKSWH 2JR
N.
0.
On 29th May, 1940, it use reported to no that hed the Master of the 9ST SERIOL had refused to soil.
I sent Lieutenant Mackem to to 9 Command and also sent an arred party consisting of 1 P.O. and 6
Ratings together with 1 Sto.P.O. and 6 Stokers onboard to help in the engine room.
ly ing
Lieutenant Mackewn took the ship to Dunkirk and endeavoured to get alongaids. 4a this vas impossible, the two remaining bonts were narmed by be
Naval Ratings.
of the "CRESTED SAGLE which was on The and survivors of H.M.S. "GRENADE" which had been of sunk, were whom picked were badly up. wounded were brought the fire, About 200 soldiers, aff many from beach.
Lieutenant Mackewn auccess brought the eat re ship back.
This Officer has been untiring in his devotion
$
to duty.
under my notice when I
was THE THE
THE ___???___ when the of
Norwegian he was for EX some time have had occasion to call confidence on him for in special Whenever affort, I he has fully repaid my him.
(Sa) E.S. Jukes Hugher
Southampton
PRINCIPAL SEA COMMODERE TRANSPORT OFFICER.
27th June,1940

Sir,
ENCLOSURE NO.2. to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE,1940 FROM
347
THE PRINCIPAL SRA TRANSPORT OFFICER.SOUTHAMPTON
351
3
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RALPH WILLIAM SOPER,R.N.R
...
to.
On 29th May, 1940 the Chief Officer of H.T.
thed
"CANTERBURY" had to be removed owing to nervous exhaustion due to enery action.
ing
As it was important to get the ship to see and there was no relief available, I called for nly eing volunteers from If own staff.
Lieut-Commander Soper offered to go, and took
0
a be over the duties of Chief Officer for the trip.
1
He carried out these duties satisfactorily, reacue and was instrumental in assisting in the a
of a number 01" troops under fire.
or
(al) GlyJuRes longhes feet ere nt
Southempton
PRINCIPAL BEA TRANSPORT OFFICER.
COMMODORS,
27th June,1940
e of

SOUTHAMPTON 28JUN1940 1250
*
The
26D/HW/RN.
28th. June, 1940.
354
Sir,
ENCLOSURE NO.3. to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE,1940 FROM
218
it
THE PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER SOUTHAMPTON.
352.
3
...
to.
MAJOR LIONEL STEELE WILKINSON, R.M.
thed ing
This Officer came under my orders when I assumed charge as Principal See Transport afficer, Dover on nly
23rd May, 1940 for operation "nynemo".
eing
I was very greatly assisted by this Officer's
3
local knowledge and devotion to duty.
1 be
During the period 23rd May to 4th June, 1940 he
1
was in almost constant attendance at the office, and was only absent for very brief periods for aleep.
a
His hard work was of the greatest value.
32"
feet are at
() E.G. Jonghes
COMMODORE,
Southampton
PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER.
a of
27th June, 1940

SEA
TRANSPORT
*
28JUN1940 OFFICE 850
SOUTHAMPTON
*
26D/HW/RM.
28th. June, 1940.
354
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following brief report on the operation "DYNAMO", as far as it affected the Sea
Transport Department.
On the afternoon of 22nd. May I received orders to proceed from the Clyde to Dover to act as Principal Sea
Transport Officer for the operation.
On arrival there on the morning of 23rd. Officers were detailed by me to proceed to various ports in the area.
During the operation the arrangements for berthing (H.M.
ships as well as Merchant ships), fuelling, disembarking etc.
were made by my Officers.
On the final morning as many as eleven craft were berthed abreast one another.
The difficulties of keeping berths going and of fuelling ships in a port where only one ship could be fuelled commercially at a time, from tanks on trucks which could only be moved at certain periods owing to other rolling stock being on the lines, was apparently not fully realised in Dynamo room. Often enquiries were made as to when ships would be ready, and when this could not be given, the question would be given by the Naval Authorities as regards placing the Naval asked, why this could not be given. Every assistance was facilities at the disposal of the Sea Transport Department when not required for H.M. ships, but this was naturally an unknown factor.
and their made to the Director of Sea Transport to to be effect
All requirements ascertained. In this the personnel ships were met by a Sea Transport connection Officer a report was not being met - This turned out being met, ammunition requirements of victualling erroneous as and at the request of the Superintending ships were that ships were not only personnel ships but H.M.ships Apmament also were
Supply Officer, and forwarded, and in many cases of the Sea ascertained were made. This, whilst no part matters.
Transpor arrangements to dutice, was naturally done to help occasions Sea Transport Officers took in the them. place of
Officers On two in personnel ships and proceeded to sea
- 1 -
/The effect

5.
335h sometime during the 24 hours.
We discharged supplies from,Sodality during the day and in her I sent back and urgent message to D.S.T.O Dover that ships must bring with themgear for discharging cargo and that there vere still
357
353
41 KNIGHTSBRIDGE COURT.
SLOANE STREET.
LONDON. S.V.1
5th JUNE 1940
Sir,
I haveto report as follows on my activities during the period
20th May until 1st June:-
carned
After arriving back at Dunkirk from Ostend (having out the eyacuation of British refugees from that port and also completed & reconnaissance of the docks - which has since been lost) I received telephone instructions from P.S.T.O. French Ports through Commander H.P.
Henderson R.N. the British Naval Liaison Officer that 1 vas to take charge of the port and relieve Zieutenant-Commender V.R. Dunnett R.N.R
who at that time was S.D.O in charge. This message 1 received about
1630 on 20th May.
1 attended & conference at Headquarters at which the sevly appointed Commander - Colonel Whitfeld - presided; the remaining Director ficers present Area baing the B.N.S.O. the representative various of The Novement of Docks; Control representative officers. prepare At to of this evacuate supply conference and between Transporti the 2000 President and and 2500 intimated troops and that we were to as he called them/t to land supplies, petrol about 25
(useless mouths embark about 35qofficers and men plus returned ammunition and to Component. After this conference I Dunnett to vehicles of the where Air 1 started to take over from Lieut-Comdr. to give I
but S.T,O's as there office were go many decisions to make and orders

5
5.
335h sometime during the 24 hours.
We discharged supplies from M.V.Sodality during the day and in her I sent back and urgent message to D.S.T.O Dover that ships must bring with themgear for discharging cargo and that there were still
2.
358
354
decided to postpone this until the next day. I learned from military sources taht one ship with 300,000 rations (approximately 700 tons)
would be ready to sail on 21st and another with 200,000 rations on the following day both for Dunkirk although it was not clear from which port they would sail. In order that I should know the total number of
British ships in the port I sent Lieutenant J.Swinsco R.N.R. to obtain this information which proved to ber-
(I) S.S.Belwyn
(2) S.S.Bawtry
(3) S.S.Dover Dover Abbey
(4) S.S.Rupera (2)
On the following day (Tuesday Rist) 1 gave orders that "Bawtry"
would be required for R.A.F personnel/and 933 to sail as soon as they had embarked but owing to the state of the tide and the look gates the personnel were embarked in another ship and "Bawtry" was, I think, sunk in the harbour by a bomb. "mipera" apparently safled without orders of but the remaining two vessels I took over in the name of the Minister
Shipping instructed the masters to await orders TO sailing from to me and that and these would not be given until arrangements had been made fill them with troops.
afternoon Lieutenant-Commander R.A.B.Williams R.N
During the but at the same time Lieut-Comdr, Dunnett was wounded in a nesessitating French reported for duty his evacuation It was during home this - in somewhat the meantime exciting Commander he period was placed V.H.Seymour that some hospital. staff arrivedvis: Lieutenant N.L.V.
members R.N.V.R., of Lieutenant P.S.T.O's W.Blandy R.N.V.R., Paymaster Lieutenant

5
33
sometime during the 24 hours.
We discharged supplies from M.V.Sodality during the day and in her I sent back and urgent message to D.S.T.O Dover that ships must bring with themgear for discharging cargo and that there were still
3
355
3.
Ruoff R.N.R. with instructions that they were to re-join the Commodore if possible at Winereux. As this was absolutely out of the question
I co-opted them onto my staffand they remained as my assistants until they left for the United Kingdom on 29 th May. 1 found Lieutenant
Blandy's knowledge of the port invaluable particularly as My predecessor had been wounded before he had been able to turn over to 200 and I was working rather in the dark.
The principle I adopted after consultation with Lieutenant-
Colonel N.M.Jesper who took over the duties of Director of Deeks was to use the Monitor Quay for hospital additions and personnel ships and use those berths in the docks which were the most suitable for our purpose after making the necessary arrangements with the French authorities and I was given to understand that the only commodities with which we would/be called upon to deal sere supplies, ammition and petrol. and Lieut-
Comdre. Seymour and illiams 1 placed in charge of Nunitor Quay It was
$
Lieuts. Swinsco and Blandy of the other berths in the port.
hoped wounded and personnel during the whole 24 hours this whereas reduced 3
the to embark other ships would work from 0500 until 2200 - and also hours store of unloading and was due to lack of properly shaded of air lights raids occurred d
to during the the scareity day but of between skilled known raids stevedores. to most Colemel of A Jesper the number French and Port I managed Officials. to French call y
Alll upon supplies and these make for gentlemen both that ourselves we the were were military not very in helpful and a civilain position but made population to pick us have realise and were to choose work that arriving vis-a-vi our in berths the port without and consulting them but that we should

5.
335h sometime during the 24 hours.
We discharged supplies from M.V.Sodality during the day and in her I sent back and urgent message to D.S.F.O Dover that ships must bring with themgear for discharging cargo and that there were still
356
4.
with the French authorities,
On my return to my office I found Lieutement Nettle R.N.R. of
P.S.T.O's staff with instructions to obtain from ne an appreciation of the situation; this I give hereunder:-
The situation varies from raid to raid. At the moment nearly normal a
and there are a few tugs and pilots. The Engineer of the Port's office
"
is open. Police de Navigation is run by the French Naval Authorities
.
the office is in the abri and is functioning fairly normally. Ship due
"
at 1430 has not yet arrived (1520): she is for personnel. Two store
"
ships expected with rations this afternoon, all arrangements made for
4
their discharge etc. Lieut-Comdr. Dumett rounded in air raid yesterday the town
"
being evacuated In personnel ship to-day. Main water supply in (where
"
appears to be out of action but auxiliary supply is a certain few hotels parts but
" a 4 " staff bread. electricity a smoke are screen Town living) functioning. largely to enemy in fair evacuated, aircraft. No.151 order. Petrol Construction local tanks Cas Food dock is still shortage out labour ablase off Company. acute in being unfortunately Large particularly supplemented number dis- adding of for discharging our ships by yesterday, majority have
" " "appeared. 4. unarmed ship. direct Communications Belgian Reported Bastion soldiers that poors 32 60 about working civil stevedores the line at town the arriving phone moment; 1244 in military working this afternoon's line intermittently out of store line to order."
(22/23rd) repeated air raids if or they bombardments continued as
During the night place and I decided that obtain some the extra French staff call would them be took required in order that officers might

335th sometime during the 24 hours.
We discharged supplies from,Sodality during the day and in her I sent back and urgent message to D.S.T.O Dover that ships must bring with themgear for discharging cargo and that there were still several cranes in action. Unloading continued hampered many times by air raids but considering these inconveniences the amount discharged was very satisfactory. The labour employed was largely nen from No.
151 Railway Construction Company under Major Edwards and although an appreciation of their work will doubtless be forwarded from another source I must take this opportunity of expressing by praise at the way they not only carried out this to them - strange work but also the manner in which they returned to it after every raid.
About 2115 one destroyer and two hospitals sailed and about 0400
Sodality sailed having been delayed by the tide. Although communications were extremely poor I managed to get a signal passedto D.S.T.O
Dover regarding the sailing of the four ships with a request that the information should be forwarded to the Ministry of Shipping and Bar
Office (Searail B).
Difficulty was experienced in obtaining reliable information from the look-out station at the lighthouse so I asked that three naval signal them ship's with ratings lettersof the French should those in be requisitioned the sent lighthouse out and ships these and having which duly to arrived. were given report likely them to 1 billetted a to the list be office of employed such shallow waterI instructed them the in arriving or leaving. They proved of the greatest Staff assistance names of to ships me and when the remainder of the Sea Transport left

6.
3582
see later) I transferred these three ratings over to the naval party here their services were much appreciated. The names of these three en were:- Signalman Jones; SignaTman Walters and Ordinary Signalman uffey and I would especially recommend the former and senior for his heerful bearing under most trying circumstances and for his complete isregard of danger in carrying out his duties and: an convinced that is example influenced the remaining two non who carried out their duties equally efficiently..
On the following day an elaborate programs 138 usde out for arrivals and departures but this use entirely upset by enemy action in
AS
various ways e,3, the Tristran lock WILLS damaged and put temporarily out of actions the electric current was out and no cranss 07 lights could operate during the greater part of the day and as $ large proportion of the crews of the ships had liamppeared into various abris dhip's derricks could not be worked. The result was that the discharge was considerably reduced.
During the day the two ships 1 had taken over (*3alayn* and
"Dover Abbey") sailed on my instructions convaying apart from a full shipload of troops the surplus staff from P.S.T.O'S officei.e. 4
marines and 3 writers. At the same time 1 took the opportunity of sending Lieutenant Blandy over to the D.S.T.O. Doverpand also to the
Vice-Admiral to explain to them the situation in Dunkirk and the difficulties obtaining - particularly those in connection withfore communications both internal and external.
AT THIS MY ROUGH DIARY CEASED AND THE REMAINDER OF THIS REPORT
IS FROM MEMORYAND STAGE IN VIEW or THE CIRCUMSTANCES IS NOT ENTIRELY RELIABLE.

6.
3582
(see later) I transferred these three ratings over to the naval party where their services were much appreciated. The names of these three men were:- Signalman Jones; Signalman Walters and Ordinary Signalman
Duffey and I would especially recommend the former and senior for his cheerful bearing under most trying circumstances and for his complete disregard of danger in carrying out his duties and I am convinced that his example influenced the remaining two men who carried out their duties equally efficiently..
On the following day an elaborate programme was made out for arrivals and departures but this was entirely upset by enemy action in various ways e,s, the Tristram lock was damaged and put temporarily out of action: the electric current was out and no cranes or lights could operate during the greater part of the day and as a large proportion of the crews of the ships had diauppeared into various abris dhip's derricks could not be worked. The result was that the discharge was considerably reduced.
During the day the two ships I had taken over (*Belwyn* and
"Dover Abbey") sailed on my instructions conveying apart from a full shipload of troops the surplus staff from P.S.T.O's officei.e. 4
marines and 3 writers. At the same time I took the opportunity of sending Lieutenant Blandy over to the D.S.T.O. Doverand also to the
Vice-Admiral to explain to them the situation in Dunkirk and the difficulties obtaining - particularly those in connection with/the communications both internal and external.
AT THIS STAGE NY ROUGH DIARY CEASED AND THE REMAINDER OF THIS REPORT
IS FROM MEMORYAND IN VIEW OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES IS NOT ENTIRELY RELIABLE.

7.
359
The "bombardments" continued incessantlyduring the next day and more hangars and buildings in the dock area were either destroyed or set on fire, one of the results being thatthe crews of our ships entirely disappeared and more often than not were never seen again presumably evacuating themselves in one personnel ship or another as these ships were still embarking & certain number of refugees. It vas
I think on the morning of the 25th that I found the troops who were discharging a storeship beating & retrest from an abri In which they had taken shelter during a raid and which was almost entirely surrounded by a fire. It was the same morning that I found the.Spinnel alongside a hangar which was burning furiously - both the contents and the building itself. I decided that the vessel must be moved into a safer berth further along the same quay but clear of flames. The only member of the crew who could be found was the chief mate (an Irishman)and with the assistance of of handful of soldiers and an abandoned B.A.F. lorry we managed to tow her some 200 yards up the jetty and clear of any danger.
It was during the same day that I was informed that the Tristram look gates had been 80 badly damaged that they would have to be removed and the port would have perforce to become tidal. In view of this added difficulty the Amiral du Nord (Admiral Abrial) appointed a port commissio consisting of:-
French representatives
Captain Chicu (?) Director Chief of of Staff Port to Admiral Abrial
M.Ktienne
Engineer of the Port.
Police de Navigation
Representing the Governor of the Town
Military authorities.
Captain Ladent
British represented,
3
7.
COI
Vg

8,
3.60
H
British Representatives.
Lieut-Colonel N.M.Jesper.
Commander E.R.Lewis
At the first meeting held in the abri of the office of the
Ponts et Chaussees Major-Jeneral Lindsell opened the proceedings by appealing to the members that they should give eschother every assistance and work for the mutual benefit of both France and England.
Certain decisions were taken and everything was arranged in apmost amicable manner.
Work continued under extremely difficult conditions when Comdr.
in
Musson R.N.R. arrived with Lieutenants Vellwert and Whittle R.N.R. By
4
this time close co-operation with the military authorities and the
As
Admiral (through the B.N.L.O) THE essential so I placed Commander
Musson in charge of the 3.2.0's office and set up my own in the
8
Bastion 32 next door to the 3.N.D.O.
I attended another conference presided over by Wajor-General
Lindsell when he informed us that the far Cabinet had decided to evacuate the 333. through Dunkirk using the beaches as such as possible and the sole alongside which several ships could berth at the same time. Captain 1.0. Pennant and a navel staff would arrive as soon as they could be got together to organise thefevacuation but that had meanwhile to report all that available the dook ships area had should become be utilised almost untenable to embark and troops. cargo that I it was doubtful if we should be able to discharge any more from ships.
8,
8,

8,
360
british Representatives,
Lieut-Colonel If.M.Jesper.
Commander E.R.Lewis
At the first meeting held in the abri of the office of the
Ponts et Chaussees Major General Lindsell opened the proceedings by appealing to the members that they should give eachother every assistance and work for the mutual benefit of both France and England.
Certain decisions were taken and everything WS8 arranged in apmost amicable manner.
Work continued under extremely difficult conditions when Comdr.
Musson R.N.R. arrived with Lieutenants lekwen and Whittle R.N.R. By this time close co-operation with the military authorities and the
Admiral (through the B.N.L.O) was essential so I placed Commander
Musson in charge of the 3.2.0's office and set up my own in the
Bastion 32 next door to the B.N.D.O.
I attended another conference presided over by Major-General
Lindsell when he informed us that the Tax Cubinet had decided to evacuate the 3,3,3. through Dunkirk using the beaches as sich as possible and the hole alongside which several ships could berth at the same time. Captain 1.0. Tennant and a navel staff would arrive as soon as they could be got together to organise theferacuation but that meanwhile all available ships should be utilised to embark troops.
I had to report that the dook area had become almost untenable and that it was doubtful if we should be able to discharge any more cargo from ships.
E
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9,
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During the forenoon of 29th I received a message from S.T.O's office that the building next door had been hit by an incendary bomb and that it was considered desirable to evacuate it and would
I find alternative accomodation. I spent some time arranging for this and finally settled to share the abri office of the Police de
Navigation close to the Tristram lock. The staff was preparing to move into this office when H.M.S.Nolfhound arrived with the naval party under Captain Tennantfor the final evacuation. After consultation with Captain Tennant, and as the port was entirely out of action for Sea Transport work except personnel and this vse being taken over by the Navy I decided to send my staff home to the United Kingdom. AS
the orders to the military were to "travel light* and that no kit of any sort should be taken I gave the same orders to the staff and this order accounts for the fact that on arrival noone had any gear with him. On arrival in Ingland they were instructed to report to the nearest D.S.T.O. for further orders.
In view of the fact that I was all fait" with the port generally and knew personnallyall the local French and military authorities the accepted my offer to remain and assist him to
Captain Tennant The naval party finally embarked on the night 2nd of best June 1st/2nd of my ability. and I arrived in Dover during the forenoon of Sunday
June reporting By arrival to the D.S.T.O of that port.
Cve the honour to be, by her On SIR, and of that ient servant se. E.R. LEWIS.
of party No that port.
COMMANDER. R.N.
bomb as ationy to be,
I find alterna foim.
this and finally 9y
Navigation clos move into this party under ation with for Sea by the the 8
any aim.
ad Kingdom.