TNA MT 40 66

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I swung the ship and berthed on the store jetty at the root of
the East Pier and soon the troops started to board carrying badly
wounded men on stretchers.
Shell fire continued; shells falling on either side of the
Pier, one damaging the handrail on the east side abreast of the
ship, the pier is about six feet wide at this point.
Bombs fell at intervals from aircraft flying in the pall of
smoke over the town and fires were observed to start in many places.
At 1001 having on board 650 Officers and men 18 wounded, 4
French and 2 Belgian Officers, the Naval Embarkation Officer decided
to sail me as the shell fire was getting more and more accurate
I could probably have taken 20 or 30 more. The holds were full hut
there was a little space on the forecastle head.
On leaving the Pier a number of shells fell on each side of
the ship, one bursting under the starboard quarter. No damage was
suffered to the ship or troops. The vessel lying ahead appeared
to be damaged by this salvo (Malines).
The voyage back to Dover was uneventful except for a distant
air attack on vessels arriving and a few shells falling over apparently
from our unfriendly battery.
Dover was reached at 1640 after making a detour of some miles
to avoid mines laid the previous evening.
During the passage my hands tended the wounded and provided
tea etc., to the tired but wonderfully cheerful troops, until water
ran out.
I would like to emphasise that the conduct of the whole crew
was splendid throughout under most trying conditions. The engine
room staff kept a constant head of steam and the many difficult
manoeuvres were executed promptly. The Chief Engineer Mr. J.Bamforth
shewed leadership of his men by his example.
The Deck Officers and men embarked the troops rapidly and filled
the ship to capacity and carried stretchers from the quay. The
helmsman Able Seaman S. Walker obeyed every order I gave him and
shewed skill and coolness when entering and leaving the port, when
the rest of the crew had to take shelter. We remained at Dover
under immediate steam for four days but were apparently not again
required.
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently.
(Signed) R.W. Morford.
Master.
When off the No. 3 beach in addition to many other craft sunk
and aground our S.S. "LORINA" was observed, broken backed and aground.
R.W.M.