TNA Unclassified 1

Raw OCR

Unformatted machine-generated OCR for document page 14.

396
-2-
Note of proceedings of M.T.B. 107 (continued).
3/VI.
Left Dover 1815 after ferrying blockship Captains
to and from "SHIKARI"taken in tow by "SHIKARI" and
proceeded at 2030 to Dunkirk. Slipped tow off
Dunkirk. Waited for transport to clear - block-
ships proceeding inside - attending on leading
block-ship when she blew up - probably by mine -
near wreck of "KING ORRY". Secured alongside to
render assistance at about 0250. M.A.S.B. also
came and took off part of crew. Ship sank rapidly
breaking heaving line by which 107 was secured.
Thereffter remained in vicinity to rescue persons
in water - picked up 8 including Captain (3 seriously
4 less seriously injured). "SHIKARI" and M.A.S.B.
not being visible and as no other survivors could
be seen and it was now (0345 - 0400) daylight decided
to proceed to Dover. On returning ran into thick
fog and grounded on Goodwins - anchored and when
weather cleared proceeded to Dover arriving 0700
(approx.) Sailed for Portsmouth 1000 5th June.
Comment. Great difficulty was experienced in handling
107 in confined waters and Dunkirk harbour owing to
absence of any reverse gear, and very poor turning
circle. Navigational facilities are almost entirely
absent, and crew get very wet under almost all
conditions at sea. These boats do not seem useful
for anything beyond purely local defence purposes.
During the time alongside Dunkirk Pier boat was
severely crushed by French fishing boats and ther
was also great difficulty experienced in picking up
survivors of block-ships owing to boats' unhandiness
and presence of large amount of wreckage.
(Signed) J. Comeron
Lieutenant R.N.V.R.