TNA ADM 199 xxx

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to ENCLOSURE I. TO FORD'S LETTER NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
The only other person that I saw who was aboard the boat
when we were fired on was a Frenchman and he was not
interested as he had passed over the border.
Able Seaman Strand reported himself and me by phone on
arrival at Margate.
Sun.
2nd. Reported to the Officer 1/c and was given warrants for
transfer to Littlehampton. Left Aello and arrived at
Littlehampton Pallo reported to Camp on arrival.
(SIGNED)
A. BENHAM STOKER.
warres
ute.,
and
got
under
way. No convoy. Hear Dunkirk, boat struck obstacle or
shook from bomb explosion. Warships in vicinity continually
repelling air attacks. Just off shore at Dunkirk we saw
all small boats suddenly turn about and leave, as if
ordered so our Officer 1/c decided on own responsibility
to do likewise. No ship near to give a general order.
On turning snw 8 large ships steaming away from Dunkirk
packed with soldiers. Suddenly a crowd of German bombers
came out of the clouds, dropped their bombs and disappeared.
Direct hits were registered on both big ships which sank
within 20 minutes. All small boats, including ours,
naturally steamed all out to pick up survivors. Te picked
up 10 and as bimbs fell, Officer 1/c decided to make back
to Ramagate. Large destroyer on the scene of resume was
being bombed but kept raiders off.
After steaming back for approx. 1 hour saw three trawlers,
8 on Stb. hand and 1 on Port. I saw one making morse signal
and shouted to C.P.O. on wheel to stop engines and asked for
torch to try and answer signal, but could not be heard or
was disregarded. Shot fired noross bows, but still steaming
fast towards trawlers. Next thing, very heavy firing from I
think, all 3 trawlers, our boat being the target at about
myself our ensign and waved it as I trawler plainly sent boat see they
1,600 went over the side. Firing eased could & 80 I
yards. All hands except both R.N.V.R. little Officers and
were our in water, got our boat alongside. 1 dead Officers, (perhaps 9) C.P.O.
grabbed own chaps. Firing ceased, Both after
Lighton chaps and several survivors wounded,
belonging to crew of sunk transport.
Later minesweeper which eventually us of what Ramsgate.
took our boat in for (massed up took a bit) and into transferred
us to a our boat at Pier and being ignorant by wire, which reports, I
I moored had been sent decided to report to N.O.i/c. Got order did,
2nd.
Stoker boat where it was, would On be arrival P.M. after,
if any, Benham and self reported again looked handed
rail to leave warrant for Littlehampton. reported to
Commander personally.
(SIGNED) L.F. STRAND.