TNA ADM 334 83

DUNKIRK NOTES
From Lt. J.A.Simson. In Command of Unit of M/S Trawlers
"Lord Grey"&"Clythness"
Based on Dover we had heard and seen a good deal of what was afoot over the other side. Tragic stories, humorous stories, stories of great courage.
As we were engaged on sweeping for magnetic mines with ships & gear that were then a well-guarded secret, we did not actually anticipate being sent over unless magnetic minelaying took place off Dunkirk. As the Germans did not know then how to deal with the clearance of their own magnetic mines we did not think they would lay them except in the last resort.
However on Thursday the unit was given 1 hour's notice to sail for
Dunkirk and sailing & route orders were duly supplied. We sailed out at 15.30 on a dull, cloudy day and the sea was as calm as a lake.
We had instructions to contact H.M.T. Fyldea if we met her homeward bound, and ask for any information which might enable me to judge whether our original orders should be modified. As our route was changed twice in the course of the voyage - by wireless signal - it is perhaps not surprising that we missed Fyldea.
Dunkirk was visible about 30 miles distant as it was burning furiously. On the way across we had met numerous British & some French
Destroyers going 'full bat' for home, their decks a mass of khaki &
all their guns at maximum elevation - ominous! We seemed to be the only people going our way and I suspected the worst - that we were too late. My orders were to enter the harbour and make fast to the most convenient stone quay, and report to Capt. Tennant.
As no one aboard the ship had been to Dunkirk before, we approached s/o/
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