TNA ADM 199 xxx

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Dynams 353
2116.
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO:
Flag Officer i/c Portland.
In accordance with your Memo. No.2912 of 6th June, 1940,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative.
On Wednesday 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina" proceeded to
Dover in company with "Topaze". During the night she became
detached and reached Dover independently at 1045/30 May. The
Examination Vessel was hailed for instructions, and at 1230
orders were received to proceed to the Downs, where the
Examination Vessel would have our sailing orders. This ship,
which was engaged in towing a steamer off the Goodwins,
directed us to the Examination Tug at the North Goodwin Light
Vessel, where we anchored at 1545 to await instructions from
the shore, since the Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders
were received to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of
Dunkirk, to pick up troops.
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to east of Dunkirk
when visibility was very low owing to smoke clouds. Orders
were then received from a destroyer to investigate a reported
enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward. Anchor was weighed at 2221,
and we steamed to Bray beaches without encountering the M.T.B.
Pilotage was somewhat hazardous in the intense darkness, owing
to wrecks obstructing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was
dropped as close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after midnight, and
brought off two loads of troops totalling 32, including one
stretcher which was put aboard a destroyer. Owing to
deterioration case, of conditions, no more troops were embarked until
daylight, when the boat was pulled ashore on two more occasions.
provide proceed to "Sabre's" motorboat and use it for embarking
to At about England, so it was arranged that "Olvina" should
0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of troops and ready
troops. a crew for after refilling with petrol from "Icarus", boats
the Accordingly, manned and proceeded to tow off ships' to vessels
and motorboat Engineer's was pontoon floats from the lorries pier driven
anchored the off. The having planks lashed to 3/4 at Owing
Royal pier consisted of motor the roofs. into
to sea at low water, breeze, which freshened be used, to force and some 1100,
a northwesterly pier could boats.
in handling the Probably of
300 to 350 removed in this manner, which
240 were put aboard "Olvina".
by enemy action was experienced fired at, during and the
shrapnel embarkation, was observed to burst on the
No interference although enemy aircraft were sand being dunes.
At 1100, I conditions for proceed to Dover. to
decided to discontinue small embarking boats, troops and owing owing
the to the fact adverse that the weather ship was almost full, and to
"Sabre's" motorboat was handed over to "Vivacious" and at
1120, "Olvina" was under way.