TNA ADM 199 xxx

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ENCLOSURE II. TO FORD'S NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
REPORT BY ABLE SEAMAN L.F. STRAND - CREW 0F MOTOR BOAT
NO.275.
P.M. 29th. Left Littlehampton. Got permission, after much trouble
to enter and stay night in Newhaven.
1.16 30th. Left Newhaven for amsgate and arrived P.M. - refuelled
and awaited orders.
A.M. 31st. At 4.30 0.11. ordered to leave Ramsgate independently, for
Dunkirk. C.P.O. Leighton 1/c, Stoker Benham and Able
Seaman Strand. Outside harbour picked up convoy of small
boats. 3 hours out approx. developed leak in Port
Stern Gland. C.P.O. Lighton ordered me (Strand) to turn
ship and return to Ramagate. Arrived back in Ramsgate P.M.
and had Gland repacked.
A.M. 1st. 4.30 again ordered to Dunkirk. Before leaving 8 Sub-
Lieutenants (R.N.V.R. volunteered to join boat as their
engine had given them trouble. Got charts etc., 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 1/0 decided on own responsibility
to do likewise. No ship near to give a general order.
On turning gnw 8 large ships steaming away from Dunkirk
packed with soldiers. Suddenly a around 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
10 and as brabe fell, Officer 1/c decided to make back
up to Ramagate. Large destroyer on the scene of resume was
being bombed but kept raiders off.
steaming back for approx. I hour saw three trawlers,
8 on shouted to C.P.O. on wheel to stop engines not be heard
After Stb. hand and 1 on Port. I saw one making and morse asked signal for
and try and answer signal, but could but still or
was towards trawlers. Next thing, very the heavy firing at about
torch disregarded. to Shot fired scross bows, steaming from I
fast 3 trawlers, our boat being target Officers and
myself went our ensign and waved it as I trawler sent boat see they
1,800 yards. over the side. Firing could plainly
think, all All hands except both eased R.N.V.R. & little so I
were our water, own got our boat alongside. wounded, 1 dead (perhaps 2)
grabbed chaps. Firing ceased, Both Officers, after C.P.O.
Lighton to crew of sunk
chaps in and several survivors transport.
belonging boat in for (messed up took & bit) and into transferred Ramsgate.
Later took our which eventually ignorant us of what
us to a minessweeper Pier and to being report by wire, which reports, I did,
I moored had been sent decided to N.O.i/c. Got order
2nd.
if any, again be looked after, handed
Stoker boat arrival P.M. reported
to leave On to
(SIGNED) L.F. STRAND.