TNA ADM 199 xxx

Raw OCR

Unformatted machine-generated OCR for document page 181.

162A
2.158
WILKINSON informed me that shells had burst very close to the
boats alongside the mole on the last trip. One or two shells burst
in the neighbourhood of the tugs, but I think these were probably
mis-directed.
I had decided to leave at 0300 2nd, June in order to be clear of the
channel and round No.7 I bucy before daylight, since the enemy had
been shelling the channel from the shore on the day before. A short
time before 0300, I heard a good deal of shouting from the direct-
ion of the harbour entrance; the tug TANGA left about 0245 and I
understand from later conversation with other officers that all
ships were ordered to clear off then. I left at about 0315 having
secured the boats, and having then some 175 English and French troops
on board, besides 28 naval officers and ratings and the tug's crew.
The Tug was very full.
(a) The return passage was uneventful; I posted an English soldier
with a Bren gun, as anti-aircraft armanent, the tug having no
protection otherwise. One pulling boat was swamped on the return
passage. (b) I understand that some orders were issued for this operation,
but these did not reach me before sailing. Fortunately the tugs un-
der my orders went to the right place in the event.
On arrival at Ramsgate about 0815 (2nd. June), the troops were dis-
decision had yet been made, I made contact with various officers
embarked, and I went ashore for further orders. Finding that no
who had been working on the beaches on the night of 1st./2nd. June,
and prepared a short appreciation which I was about to telephone to
were not required that Sunday night. This tallied with the informat-
Captain DENNY at Dover, when orders were received thatbeach parties
ion that I had been able to glean, SO I decided not to telephone
to Captain DENNY.
officers named as to events on the nights of 1st./2nd. June.
The following is a summary of the information gleaned from various
(a) Lieut. Commander Miller. D.S.O. R.N.R.
Just to the Westward of a wrecked French destroyer. Left at
Had been working on the beaches about 1 mile East of Dunkirk, about
line about I 1 mile still further to the East 1.0. about 3 miles at
was on mile further to the East of this position and 1st.
1900 Saturday 1st. June. At this time, the 2nd. line of the defence
East of of defence Dunkirk. Troops would not come off from this position
this time.
(b) Lieut. Commander Sherwood, R.N.R.
sniping was going the barges by the wrecked stranded on the beach
In tug on on the Eastern mole, and French destroyer beaches 1 mile to
TANGA. Left at about 0245 (and. June), also at on this the time
the East Eastward of Dunkirk. of TANGA'S motor boat was left
at about 0215.
(c) Commander Le Mesurier, Lieutenants Wilkinson and Lloyd.
OT above. the Eist At 0315 mole, there and were some still further a few up.
Meatenant LLOYD said that there appeared 0230. to be a few people on
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk at
(d) Lieutenant Walker R.N.V.R.
float This Officer (?). He had been working from barges by the
was in charge of the London Fire two Brigade fire -
wrecked LADY French MASSEY destroyer 1 mile East of Dunkirk and had done good