TNA ADM 199 xxx

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to tow us clear but this was rendered impossible as the fire by the
bridge prevented anyone getting forrard to let go the bow wires.
I ordered the trawler to take me to the pier where I met Commander
Clouston. I arranged with him for a Belgian tug, which was in the
vicinity, to push GRENADE clear of the channel and for depth
charges to be placed near the Asdic Dome and my cabin, should it be
X
found necessary when the fire had died out. I then proceeded on
board the CRESTED EAGLE.
7. The following report of what happened at the after end of the
ship is compiled from reports of Mr Clare, Gunner T, and Mr Crews,
Schoolmaster. When the raid started they were standing near the
after door of the after lobby and the former gave orders for all
those not manning the guns to take cover. When the bombs hit
GRENADE forrard there was a large concussion and vibration aft, all
the lights went out and clouds of dense smoke and steam appeared
forrard of the Bridge, giving the impression that the fuel was
burning furiously. All compartments except the magazine and shell
rooms were then closed down.
There was then a lull in the bombing and several ratings ran
aft from the Canteen Flat; a number of these ratings were ournt and
injured and were all covered with oil fuel. In two cases the fuel
on their clothes was alight. These latter were guided to the door
of the after lobby where they were stripped of their clothes and
attended by Leading Stoker Stables.
A certain number of ratings had jumped over the side but on
being ordered to return, they did so. Mr Clare then ordered the
ready-use lockers to be closed. On hearing the order from the Bridge
to take cover he got as many men as possible into the after lobby,
telling those remaining on the Quarter Deck to lie down. Then came
the bomb which hit X gun and burst in the water al ngside the ship.
The concussion was very severe; it parted all the stern wires and
gave the impression that the stern was under water. Many of the
ratings on the Quarter Deck, especially those who had been injured,
were eiker blown or washed over the side.
th Clare then gave orders for all magazines and shell rooms'