TNA MT 40 66

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STATEMENT FROM "BENLAWERS" ON EVACUATION FROM CALAIS.
131
On the 23rd. May 1940 "Benlawers" was instructed to
proceed to sea from Southampton with her usual cargo of M.T!s, whi
were mainly filled with ammunition and in addition about 30 tons of
Petrol was stowed on the after main deck.
9060
On arrival off Dover on the morning of the 24th. May,
orders were received to proceed in company with the "Kohistan" and
a Destroyer Escort to Bologne, all going well till we headed down the
French coast towards that port, when heavy gunfire broke out close
ahead, and we were not surprised when the Escort ordered us to
about ship and follow him.
Off Calais the Escort ordered us to proceed into harbour,
warning us that we were in for a hot reception, and that things did
not look too well. As we headed between the breakwaters we picked up
a message "Keep out", which was flashed to us from the harbour, but
this was easier said than done owing to the strong tide and the space
available for ship's of "Benlawers" size. On clearing the breakwater
we were ordered in again at once by the 0.C.Escort, and once more
"Benlawers" was put in a position to enter, on reaching the
breakwaters, however, Escort hailed us and instructed us out to sea,
having apparently received the signal from within.
In the afternoon we managed in, mooring alongside the
quay with our head out ready for any emergency, for it was apparent
that Calais was not to be held long. Major Attway R.M., D.S.T.O.
came on board together with Officers of the unit our cargo was destined
for, who asked us to co-operate as much as possible to get the cargo
der
single
the
The great majority of the buoys were unlit,
TWIS
a bi., carge and
were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat
and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the
next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)