TNA MT 40 66

(HO)
AND ACCIDENT CLAUSES.
COPY.
Tug "Foremost" 22.
June 6th, 1940.
Mr. R.J. Cardy,
82
Newhaven.
Dear Sir,
I have to report that in accordance with your instructions, I proceeded to Dover on Saturday 1st, last and joined the "Foremost 22" at 4.30 p.m.
We were ordered to leave the coaling berth at 7.30 p.m.
and proceeded to the Tug's berth. At about 8.30 p.m. we left this berth with other tugs to give assistance to two vessels in collision in the outer basin. We were not required so returned to the Tugs' berth and moored up at about 9.45 p.m.
Enemy aeroplanes came over Dover at 11.45 p.m., and all ships manned their guns. At 12.30 a.m. they had departed and all hands returned to rest. At 6.30 a.m. on Sunday, 2nd, we were standing by in readiness for sea and later received instructions to proceed to the Outer Basin to pick up the barge
"Thelma" and stand by for orders to proceed to Dunkirk. Later in the day these orders were cancelled and I received fresh orders to proceed to Dunkirk without barge at p.m. On arrival off the Harbour entrance at 11 p.m., I was instructed to enter and give any assistance I could.
Entering, we found the S.S. "Newhaven" aground and in an attempt to get close enough to get my tow-rope aboard him,
I went aground myself.
The tide was ebbing, making it necessary for me to get off the ground immediately. I was successful in doing this and proceeded outside the Harbour while another tug of less draft assisted the "Newhaven".
I stood off the Harbour entrance for a short time, then motor boats came alongside and loaded us with French
Troops. By this time the situation was getting very dangerous and bombs were dropping in our vicinity so I decided that it would be wise to leave and save what troops we had. I had been informed that the channel out of Dunkirk was mined and strewn with numerous wrecks, making it necessary for me to proceed with all caution.
I/
ashore.
near bombs exploding everywhere and to carry out my orders, but no sooner had I got between the
At 12 midnight, high water, I steamed between the piers astern attempting to make fast. when two bombs exploded in the piers explosion of me. One was very close as the rebound of the channel the about 15 came right over our quarter deck. I remained sea from with the minutes thinking still to make a landing and try and there for
British Naval authorities, but just as I got alongside connect the
CONTINUED.
1.