TNA ADM 199 xxx

414
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52
June, wreck close outside of the entrance and then let go of the tugs. During the period we were at Dunkirk, shells were flying overhead, air raids, shrapnel shells were exploding, pieces flying over the bridge of the tug. No damage done.
We remained close to the entrance of the pier heads after getting the towrope on board. Two vessels that came close to us hailed us for directions to get into and alongside of the East Pier. To instructed them how to get in and the
"FOREMOST" let one of them into the berth. We then dropped alongside of a small vessel alongside of the East Pier at
11.55 Dame waiting further orders. About 12.15 Refle of the
31st the Salvage Officer informed me that a Wireless message was coming through. 12.30 BeMa we received message to return Dover. Both Tugs then left the Pier proceeding to
Dover. When off the South Foreland we received a message telling us to return to the North Goodwin and report on
Drifters "GOLDEN GIFT"and "SHIPMATES" that were ashore.
We returned telling "FOREMOST" to proceed on to Dover.
On a proaching the North Goodwin we could see a drifter coming along with other vessels and closed her about 8.10 Balle It was the "GOLDEN GIFT" whose master reported that he had been ashore and got off again and he had not see the "SHIPMATES". We could see across the Goodwin
Sands and no sign of anything ashore. Sent a message to
Value Dover about the "GOLDEN GIFT" and returned to Dover arriving alongside of the P.W. Pier at 10.15 Stelle
We did not see or hear anything of the Tug "ST.ABBS".
Yours faithfully,
Sgd.) F.J.HOPGOOD.
MASTER.
1. M.
Signed Tuesday 11th June 1940.
DOVER.