TNA ADM 199 xxx

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also "Locust" lying off, embarking men from small craft
coming out from the inner harbour. Ships proceeded in
and berthed in accordance with R.A.D's orders.
Secured alongside Eastern Pier. Embarked approximately
800 French troops. This disappointing number was due
to difficulty of stowing French troops with the
enormous packs they carried. The ship seemed fuller
than it had ever been. While "Malcolm" was alongside
mbarking troops, "Locust" had completed embarkation
of troops from small boats and signalled she had room
for about another 100 or so and procesded alongside
pier ahead of "Malcola" at about 0225 and filled up.
This was not part of the duties for which she had been
detailed. Light was not then far off and I consider
this showed initiative and courage on the part of the
Commanding Officer of "Locust" whose name is unknown
to me.
About this time R.A.D. told - verbally by loud speaker
from & N.T. B. that the last two ships were to use
their discretion about remaining later than 0230 and
"Express" was told by as to leave not later than 0300.
It is understood that she remained until 0318 before
hoving off full of French troops and the Naval Beach
Party, which I consider 40st creditable to the
Commanding Officer, Captain J. Bickford.
lipped. Outside Dunkirk not "Shikari" and
ignalled her to return to Dover. Found she was
acorting a block ship. At this time a magnetic
dne exploded alongside the block ship just after
Malcolm" passed her at about a half cable's distance.
to 1a understood from subsequent signals that "Shikari"
ent alongside to take off further French troops who
ere still on the pier. In the circumstances I
onsider this showed courage and initiative on the
art of the Commanding "fficer, Lieutenant Commander
.N.A. Richardson, R.N. Beach Party had already
ean embarked in "Express" and destroyers had been
rdored to return to Dover. on way back during
hick weather near North Goodwin heard cries of
istress in the water and picked up survivors,
atnly soldiers, from "Schuyt" which had been
ank by collision with one of our minesweepers.
French motor boat who was picking up survivors and
hose propeller had been disabled by wreekage,
sked me for a tow. I took her in tow and
bund that Admiral Abrial, French Commander-in-
hief, Dunkirk, was on board her.
scured alongside Admiralty Pier and disembarked
rench troops and French Commander-in-Chief who
LS received by Vice-Admiral, Dover.