TNA ADM 199 xxx

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2017
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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.
0210 Secured alongaide 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 seened fuller
than 10 had over been. shile "Malcoln" was alongside
embarking troops, "Leoust" had completed embarkation
of troops from small boats and signalled she had room
for about another 100 or 30 and proceeded alongside
pier ahoad of "Malcolm" 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 10.
About this time R.A.D. told as verbally by loud speaker
from & H.P. B. that the last two ships were to use
their discretion about recaining.later than 0230 and
"Express" was told by no to loave not later than 0300.
It 1s understood that she remained until 0318 before
shoving off full or French troops and the Naval Beach
Party, which 1 consider gost creditable to the
Commanding Officer, Captain i. llickford.
0245 Slipped. Cutaide Dunkirk not "Shikari" and
signalled her to return to Dover. Peund she was
escorting & blook ship. At this time a magnetic
nine exploded alonguids the block ship just after
"Malcolm" passed her at about a half cuble's distance.
It la understand from subsequent signals that "Shikari"
went alongaide to take off further French troops who
1020 still on the pier. In the circumstances I
consider this showed courage and initiative on the
part of the Commanding "fficor, Licutenant Commander
H.N.A. Richardson, R.N. Beach Party had already
been embarked in "Express" and destroyers had been
ordered to return to Dover. on way back during
thick weather near North Goodwin heard cries of
distress in the unter and picked up survivors,
mainly soldiers, from "Schuyt" which had been
aunk by collision with one of our minesweepers.
A French motor boat who was picking up survivors and
whose propeller had been disabled by wreckage,
asked 130 for a tow. I took her in tow and
found that Admiral Abrial, French Commander-in-
Chief, Dunkirk, was on board her.
0600 Secured alongaide Admiralty Pier and disembarked
approx. French troops and French Comander-In-chief who
was received by Vice-Admiral, Dover.