TNA MT 40 66

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Unformatted machine-generated OCR for document page 313.

31st May, 1940.
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The S.S. "NEPHRITE" was lying at anchor off Deal, loaded
with Military Stores, and awaiting sailing orders, when about 6.00
a.m. I was called by the Officer of the Watch who reported that the
Examination Tug was alongside. I did not feel too pleased at
turning out as German 'Planes had been over us during the night and
I had been up until daylight, but the Examination Officer's first
words cleared the atmosphere. I was ordered to proceed immediately
to Dunkirk to evacuate troops, and to jettison any cargo I deemed
necessary so that as many troops as possible could be embarked.
Calling out all hands I told them what was required and
they turned to with a will stripping the hatches, and soon drums
of oil and cases of cargo were going over the side.
Meanwhile I received route instructions and fresh water
for drinking purposes from the Examination Tug, and at 6.30 a.m.
the vessel was under way pro eeding through the Downs. The weather
was fine and clear with practically no wind, and the sea was calm.
After an early breakfast, which was to be our only meal
of the day, I inspected the holds and decided that with a little
levelling down of cargo the holds would carry a large number of
tropps. Decks were cleared and hatches arranged so that other
troops would be able to sit above the holds, and I estimated that
I would be able to carry 900 men.
I then gave orders that food from the cargo be prepared
for the reception of the troops, and cases of various foods were
assembled by the Galley. About 10.00 a.m. 'Planes were observed
but did not bother us, and soon the Belgium Coast, which had been
hidden by a pall of smoke, came into sight, also the sounds of
violent gunfire and exploding bombs, which we had heard throughout
the previous week, was becoming more intense. Ships of all sizes
and descriptions were passed proceeding homewards full of troops,
and soon we entered the narrow channel to Dunkirk passing numerous
wrecks. Off Dunkirk a squadron of Enemy Planes attacked the
shipping, but quickly disappeared with our Planes on their tails.
Threading our way through the numerous wrecks at the harbour entrance
04
I proceeded into the harbour against the ebb tide, and received orders
to berth alongside the Pier. It was now noon and soon about 200
Soldiers were embarked and they quickly disposed of the food we had
cooked for them. The crew were assisting in the embarkation, and were
also kept busy preparing more food for the hungry troops. Several
Officers, including a Padre and a Doctor boarded, and I gave them the
use of the Cabin Accommodation to make themselves comfortable. The
V
Steward from nowon was continuously employed in getting meals ready
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for the Army Officers who were starving, having had but one meal during
the last three days. The Doctor who was Jewish, on being told there
was pork in the stew, replied "I do not care if there are dead dogs
t]
in it, I am going to have my share it smells so good".
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