TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2

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THE
"ADVANCE"
Preliminary.
27 May. 1630 hrs. Informed by telephone that the Admiralty had
taken over "Advance" and that we were to go at once to
Teddington to remove any private gear remaining on board Did so.
1830 hrs. At Teddington we were told that about ten other
boats had also been taken over and that there was a shortage of
crews.
Asked if we would be able to take the boat down to
Sheerness the following morning, starting not later than 0730 hrs.
we agreed. After a ranging for fuel, oil and battery attention,
we returned to London for the night, by road.
28 May. 0700 hrs. Arrived at Teddington, bringing with us a sandwich
lunch, as no china, cutlery or cooking utensils had been left on
board.
0730 hrs. Weather fine, but with slight tendency to drizzle.
Wind slight.
Slipped and proceeded. Nothing of note until 1130 hrs.
Hailed by R.E.S. launch off Woolwich Pier, and given a pass to
enter Sheerness Dockyard, also instructions to do so via the
Swatchway.
1330 hrs. Arrived Sheerness and made fast the inner basin, as
instructed, among a large assortment of other small craft. Went
ashore to report arrival.
1350 hrs. Left Dockyard and went to Lord Nelson Hotel for
refreshment and to enquire about transport back to London.
NOTE:
At this time, we had no idea what the boats were wanted for and
had not even heard of the Belgian defection. In the Lord Nelson
we got into conversation with an officer, and told him of the boat
we had just brought down, and that we were anxious to serve in some
capacity, if possible together, and in the boat with which we were
familiar.
He suggested that we might try his own section (Boom Defence)
and that while on the spot we should go and see the officer
concerned, to whom he would introduce us.
We did so, and were told that while he could make no use of our
services, he knew who could. We telephoned Admiral Taylor, to
whom we were taken.
After some questioning, we were signed on (H.M.S. Wildfire) as
The
in their pockets was
on
120 men, whom they transferred **** to a
cue
medical attention.
or
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
that day, so they returned to England, and were allowed
a day's rest. Following this they again went to Dunkirk
but were unable to remove any troops as, owing to shelling
and bombing, there were none on the beach, so they returned
to England.