TNA MT 40 66

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under water explosions. At 4.30a.m. ship again reported off
Dover, when orders were received to proceed to Calais.
Shortly after 6.0a.m. and when approaching the Port,
much of it could be seen in smoke and flames, but the vessel
continued, and when within two or three cables of the West Pier Head,
Shore Batteries opened fire and straddled both the ships and the
Harbour entrance, and many shells burst close alongside, and it
became necessary to stand off.
Ised
About 7.9a.m. guns ceased fire, and the ship made emother
attempt to enter the Port, and again batteries opened fire, although
Hospital Marks and Red Cross Flags must have been plainly seen. At
this time a British Transport was seen working her way out of the
Harbour, also under heavy shell fire. At the same time guns
concentrated on the ANDREW, evidently with intent to block the
Harbour entrance: so again the ship had to stand off.
Owing to the narrow channels and shoal water, no great
alteration of course could be attempted, thus when the Transport
and the "st. ANDREW were close together, the intensity of the gun
fire was increased and directed at both ships; although these
shells fell very. close, none actually found its target.
When the Transport was clear, the Harbour was again
approached, and still gunfire made it impossible to enter; so
the vessel returned to Dover for further orders. At 1.35p.m.
orders were received to proceed in company with the JULIEN"
to Dunkirk, which Port was reached about 4.0p.m. during a heavy
air raid.
on this voyage the vessel was without charts, and
navigation became difficult, although the "SI. JULIEN", who had
some charts, offered every assistance possible.
Wounded were embarked between 5.30p.m. and 8.0p.m.
At this Port no provision had been made for the handling of wounded,
hence there was no Medical Staff other than those carried by the
g
ship to act as Stretcher Bearers.
In response to a call for volunteers, the entire crew
responded. During the embarking several air raids took place and
much shrapnel fell, but the job was completed without incident or
injury.
At 9.5p.m., with much of the Port and town on fire, the
vessel left for Dover, thence to Newhaven to disembark.
While passing Gravelines at 9.30p.m., again in company
with the T.JULIEN", shore batteries opened fire. No alteration of
course could be made to avoid the fire, owing to the narrow channels,
thus the vessel proceeded, fortunately without damage, although the
shots all fell very close on each side.
wed
g the
id
On Saturday, the 25 May, the wounded were disembarked at
Newhaven, the vessel was placed on short notice, and about 4.0p.m.
1
of
again sailed for Dover, where, on arrival, she was ordered to the
scort
Downs.
the
raft
on Sunday, the 26 May, at 3.25a.m. the vessel left the
Downs for Dunkirk, but shortly after 4.0a.m. she was ordered by the
Guard Ship to return to anchor. At lla.m. she was again ordered to
proceed to Dunkirk, in company with the JULIEN". At 1.20p.m.,
when abeam of Gravelines, shore batteries again opened fire on both