TNA Unclassified 1

Raw OCR

Unformatted machine-generated OCR for document page 369.

Dyrams 37. 291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss of H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000
Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330
Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship Finella.
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
SECRET
COPY.
133.270
enced
in
which
some
Dynamo
57 Greville Hall,
harbour and ships in
Greville Place.
Grenade" was hit, and
N.W.6.
30 intense that my
ning in the immediate
Extended Defences Officer,
Sheerness.
between raids and
5th. June
ler Clouston, R.N., who
1940.
(t) at eststa Istoeqa
1 her survivors came on
Sir,
es were passed by this
"Forward Report of Proceedings and list
With reference to your signal
when a bomb dropped down
of any recommendations" received after
rom "Finella" to "Crested
my arrival home at noon to day, I regret
that without reference to the deck and
from the damaged ships
signal logs I am unable to give a report
roceed by Commander
of the proceedings. This, I understand
has already been given by the S.O.,
and steering an Easterly
T.L.D.F. and I submit that if my report
isly until, as I learnt
10 forthwith. urgent, that I return to the base
er, four of which hit the
Les) were still functioning
out, individuals for special
I find it difficult to single
Le, but I soon discovered
from amidships right aft.
recommendation, for the entire ship's
1 the sides were in.
company behaved magnificently
ant Jones, reported on
throughout the 5 days evacuation.
lly burnt) to say that
so decided to beach the
The following members are
deserving of praise for the reasons
p's and C.B's. were
stated.
P.O. Telegraphist.
Lieut. Dunkerley (N) RNR for the very
, the beach where she
excellent navigational duties performed
under very difficult circumstances, and
ground and with the wind
for valuable rescue work in taking
drifting boats, taking them to the
charge of a motor launch and collecting