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Dynams 182.
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186
From ... Lieutenant R.H. Irving R.N.R. Motor Boat "TRITON".
Date 3rd June, 1940.
To ... Commodore Taylor, Sheerness.
Submitted,
with reference to the short report handed in on my
arrival at Sheerness, Saturday, 1st June, 1940, I shall now
endeavour to fill in details left out at that time, due to
inability to recollect everything and put it on record before
being refreshed and rested, after so many hours of exertion.
On Wednesday, the 29th May, 1940, while supervising
the cleaning and scrubbing of the Dutch Scoot "PRINCESS JULIANA"
of which vessel I was 1st Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander
Gwinnir, R.N., who was C.O., instructed me, to report immediately
to Commander Troupe for orders.
I reported as instructed, and was ordered to take
command of thirteen launches and get them to Ramsgate.
I got clear of Sheerness with the launches about
1200 29/5/40, and arrived Ramsgate about 1930. I reported to
Commander Davies there, and explained to him what had been said
tome by Commodore L. Taylor regarding the launch "SILVER QUEHON
and "BEVERLEY".
"BEVERLEY", however, failed to turn up at
Ramsgate although I had sent back my fastest boat from Margate to
look for her, and waited for one hour to allow him to catch up.
Commander Davies consulted the N.O.I.C. and it was decided that
in the "TRITON" I should endeavour to get "SILVER QUESION and
seven more launches to La Panne.
The other launches for various reasons could not
proceed until the morning. Commander Davies said he believed
East of La Panne was devoid of Allied troops, and as far as he
knew no troops on beaches West of Braye Duns.
This meant I had to make the Belgian coast within
a three-mile limit, rather difficult without navigating
instruments or current charts.
Nevertheless, I thought I could
do it, so at 2200 on Wednesday I left the harbour with eight
launches.
I waited outside and shouted to them to keep close
up and follow me.
I steered for N. Goodwin Light Vessel, and
stopped there to count my fleet, though it was very dark.
I
counted five and was informed the other three had put back to
Ramsgate with engine trouble.
I then order "SILVER QUEHON to render every assistance
in keeping boats together (Sub.Lt. in command) in order that the
five of us might carry out a successful crossing.
Only the
Seaman Cox.J. Keith could steer on my boat; this meant I had to
relieve him myself. Two of the crew were already seasick, but
kept their feet and showed spirit.
From N. Goodwin I proceeded.
It was very dark, and
on and off I passed ships heading N.W. or S.E.
About 0300
30/5/40 visibility was very poor, with heavy rain, no ships in
sight, and I was a little doubtful of my position.
I decided,
however, to get into a position 15 miles north of La Panne, and then
steer South (mag) to make the coast.
At 0400 turned south, strong
wind and following sea, boat steering wildly.
Still no ships in
sight or land.
About 0420 saw a cruiser loaded with troops,
recognised her as British, and closed her.
She had received heavy
punishment aft from shellfire.
I made signs as to whether I should hold on my course,
and she answered in the affirmative. At this time one of my
boats very foolishly crossed my bow and received a blow which
damaged her.
I instructed one of the others to watch her, and