TNA MT 40 66

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S.S. MAID OF ORLEANS
60
Southampton
June 20th '40.
R.P. Biddle Esq.,
Docks and Marine Mngr.
Southampton.
EVACUATION OF B.E.F. FROM DUNKIRK.
Sir,
On May 26th, this vessel received orders to proceed to Dunkirk.
Prior to leaving 6.000 (2 gall) cans of water were put aboard for use
of troops at that port, together with other stores, cases of maps etc.
A detachment of troops 250 in number, consisting of details of A.S.C.
Signals etc. were also embarked. Left Dover at 1100 and proceeded to
Dunkirk, taking the short sea route. Came under fire from a battery
near Calais. Shells although falling cloas. registered no hits on
the ship.
Arrived off Dunkirk, but did not enter port, but returned to
Dover, arriving off the port during the afternoon.
Received orders to return to Dunkirk, this time with an escort
and arrived off there at about 1730. Entered and berthed alongside
Mona's Queen at the Gare Maritime. She was already loaded with
troops and we could not discharge until she had pulled out, thus
allowing us to go alongside the quay to land the water and stores.
There was no interference from aircraft, probably due to the
fact that a thick pall of smoke covered the ship from the oil
reservoirs burning nearby. All hands then discharged the cans of
water. This was done by forming a chain quay from the Well deck to
the gangway. Work proceeded until an order from the quay was given
to stop. The water supply being considered sufficient. Troops were
embarked and the ship left about 0300.
Some difficulty was experienced on leaving owing to the low
state of water and the port propeller was slightly damaged on vessel
sunk in fairway. The total number carried on this trip was 988,
including 8 civilians. Arrived at Dover at 0600 and discharged.
The same afternoon (May 27th) we returned to Dunkirk, but on
arrival at the Roads received orders from the S.T.O. Dunkirk
(transmitted by S.S. CANTERBURY) not to enter, so returned to Dover
and anchored in Harbour.
On the morning of the 29th May, at 0437, returned to Dunkirk,
and berthed alongside East Mole, as far inshore as possible. Shifted
ship three times as tide ebbed making inner berths at pier untenable.
Vessel was alongside about five hours, during which time the pier
was shelled. On leaving, passed through an area where a submarine
hunt was in progress. Stopped off Nieuport and picked up two French
officers who were attempting crossing in a small open boat.
The vessel was subjected to bombing attacks. Arrived at Dover
and discharged the 1372 troops carried and which included a number
of stretcher cases. On May 30th, at 2145 we left again for Dunkirk
and arrived at the East Mole at approximately 0100. The only berth
now usable being the one at the extreme end as the pier had been
subjected to heavy damage from shell fire and bombs.
Embarked 37 Officers and 1216 O.R. (including 42 stretcher cases)
The/