TNA ADM 334 83

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STATE
DITA
anw
SELLE
17879A
OF
WOTD
Lodaey
SETS
8
University
DUG
proceeded slowly into the harbour, and anchored just outside the
OF
intrance.
BEDRID
batz
The scene was then most theatrical in appearance. As
ship
a backcloth there was a semi-cimrcle of blazing town, with here
and there flames of burning oil towering fifty or a hundred feet
into the air, and silhouetting the buildings, the lightnouse,
and the piers, on which the figures of the men running backwards
and forwards were plainly visible. Now and then parachute flares
or flaming onions would light up a portion of the scene, and in
the foreground vessels of every possible shape and size were
moving without lights in all directions, suggesting a nightmare
of a cadet about to take an examination in the rule of the
road, "Now, which vessel has right of way?"
Whilst we were anchored, a destroyer manoeuvering just
ahead of us, drove baak broadside onto the bow of the tug,
thrusting her back onto us, but fortunately without doing any
damage, as the tug's counter was lifting at the moment she struck.
Tuesday, 4th Junes At about 0200 it was decided to take the tug
up to the quay. We were ordered aboard, and scrambled onto the
tug, bringing the Lewis gun with us, but leaving all our gear
behind? We also had the presence of mind to bring with us a
bottle of wine, and a cold pie whic h we had treasured throughout
the journey. We proceeded slowly into the harbour, threading our
way in between the vessels going in and out, passing close to the
worecks of some of the old pleasure steamers that had suck in the
previous days. Just as we approached the pier, a destroyer
ahead of us reversed out, and collided with our starboard quarter.
a machine gun and ammunition on
masts and putting on quay and fixing machine gun
all ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to proceed
outside harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to be towed
across in company with other yachts. Three other yachts
make fast astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines running
at half-speed to ease the strain of the tow ropes. Slight
swell. The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and they
were told to proceed on under own power. Arrived off Dunkir
at 11.30 p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir
past the Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored
alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board.
Could find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.