TNA MT 40 66

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.st pier two more bombs were dropped ahead of me, one in the hannel and one on the East pier, which shattered the pier for some ived listance. 30/8/40. We now opened fire on the plane and succeeded in beating
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him off at least for the time being. I could see no chance of fea
31/8/40.
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getting ashore, nor was there anyone about the place I could get any information from. Bombs were now dropping everywhere, so my first
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to thought was for the safety of the ship and cargo, so I decided to boyls
Due make a run for it and get back to Dover if possible and report.
I backed full speed astern from between the piers, but no sooner had I got my ship's head pointing down channel on our course, than we were attached by another plane. We opened fire on him and
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gave him a good salvo. He sheered off in a Northerly direction and his engines ceased to roar. We saw no more of him so I believe he must have fallen in the sea. Now when half way between Dunkirk and Gravelines they opened fire on us from some of the shore batteries, many of the shells passing close over our heads on the bridge. Anyhow, we had no alternative only to carry on and hope for the best.
After passing the Dyck Lightship I got to No.1 Buoy and I
reported the mines to Patrol Boat WL.158. He immediately went after them and before long we heard three of them blow up. At 5.30 a.m.
another plane came along from the direction of Cap Gris Nez. He sent a shell across our bows so we opened fire on him and a patrol boat close to us opened fire on him also, so he cleared off.
We anchored off Dover at 10.40 a.m. and reported to the Naval
Authorities. At 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th. several planes were hovering about. They were laying magnetic mines as we could see one of them being dropped by parachute. One was exploded close ahead of us by gun fire from the shore, so our gun was in action once more against the mine-layers. During all those operations 1,200 rounds of ammunition were used.
At 8.30 p.m. on Sunday, 26th May, we were ordered to the Downs to anchor and await further orders.
On Tuesday, May 28th. 6 a.m. received orders proceed Newhaven.
6.10 a.m. hove up and proceeded on passage. Anchored off Newhaven
2.50 p.m. at 6.p.m. received orders from Admiralty proceed Littlehampton after dark. At 2 a.m. 29/8/40 hove up anchor and proceeded i.
P.T.O