TNA MT 40 66

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J. Cardy, Esq.,
Divisional Marine Manager,
50
Newhaven.
re Hospital Carrier "Paris".
On Sunday, June 2nd, 1940, the Hospital Carriers "Worthing" and
"Paris" were anchored in the Downs under half an hour's notice.
only
Orders were received for the "Worthing" to sail at about 13 hours
B.S.T. and the "Paris" at 15.05 B.S.T.
At 14.38 B.S.T. my Wireless Operator intercepted a message saying
the "Worthing" was being heavily bombed between U and W buoys,
believed making water - and was returning at full speed.
120
On account of this message I made a radio message to the Naval
Officer in charge, Ramsgate, as follows:
to
"Re Worthings affair am I to carry out previous received orders".
After a considerable period, Deal called me up by morse, asking
why delay in sailing to Dunkirk.
Ittnu
BU
I replied by flag signal that I was awaiting a reply to my radio
message.
At 16. 48 B.S.T. I received a radio message to proceed.
I at once weighed anchor and proceeded to Dunkirk.
I
Between the North Goodwins Light Ship and W buoy we ran into
thick fog, but approaching W buoy the fog cleared. to
In the close vicinity of W buoy, three enemy aircraft approached
from the landside
From my own ebservation two of these circled around.
I immediately gave the order to "Hard to Starboard" the wheel,
but before the effect of this order operated, two planes dropped
bombs very close to the ship, the explosions causing steam pipes to
burst in the engine room and putting machinery and lighting out of
action. Also No. 2A lifeboat was blown inwards lifting the foremost
davit out of its socket.
As the ship was out of all control, I ordered lifeboats to be
swung out and lowered to boat deck level, and part of the personnel
to take their stations in the boats.
The carpenter sounded the wells, and reported that the ship was
ed
not making water.
for
On the strength of this, I decided to keep the remainder of the
crew aboard, in the hope of a rescue ship being able to tow me back
se
to Dover.
es
Immediately after the bombing, the Wireless operator sent an A.A.A.
us
message by the emergency set, as the mains set was blown to pieces.
We also hoisted the distress signal - fired rockets, and hoisted
ensign upside-down. About 50 minutes later, a flight of about
fifteen enemy planes approached from the same direction, three of
which broke off, circled the ship, and dropped about ten bombs.
One