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British and dropped on Dunkirk anti-aircraft (one guns were in action, heavy bombs
During German the aircraft, embarkation an aerial battle was in progress between
were being out), and in the basin near the paddler's stern
when she was and going burnt out wreck a of large fire was seen to break out in the Docks.
The split well as a sunken a British destroyer was lying alongside the
East Pier water. as A sunken trawler with her White Engaign still flying just
above the paddler and a troop ship with two large leaks in
her side were lying off the entrance.
On the return passage soon after rounding No. 5 Buoy, three enemy
planes were seen which dropped some bombs round the "MARE". These must have
been of small size as they made very little splash.
After passing the Dyck Bank Buoy four or five heavy bombs were seen
to fall round ships on the same course about two miles ahead, which included
"THREE KINGS" and "UNICITY". A salvo of seven bombs in line was dropped, and
soon afterwards a pair of enemy planes appeared over the "MARE" and "TWEENWAYS"
which were chased off by a British fighter.
2100. The tow rope of the "TWEENWAYS" boat, which was being towed
astern of a ship's lifeboat carried away, and as it was getting dark with fog
setting in, thought it advisable not to waste time in recovering it and told the
Skipper to carry on.
June
2200. Went alongside at Ramsgate and discharged troops.
Lieutenant J.I. Cruickshank, R.N.V.R. of "SARAH HIDE" reports that
he sailed at 1330, 31st May, in company with the "STRIVE" and other vessels for
Dunkirk.
"At 1920, when in the Dunkirk channel, a force of about 25 enemy
bombers with screen of fighters was sean approaching from the East at a height
of at least 1200 feet. When almost overhead they were attacked by a squadron
of British fighters and during the fight that followed four planes crashed in
the sea, of which three were identified as German.
I would estimate that 80 bombs were dropped and the only casualty
observed in the large number of small craft about was that one drifter "LORD
HOOD" had a fractured steam pipe. The nearest bomb to "SARAH HIDE" was
50 yards. Four bombs were seen to give off a yellowish green vapour gas and
must have been of light weight as there was very little spray.
The boats were sent away to the Malo Les Bains Beach at 2135.
Salvos of heavy shells were bursting on the beach at intervals of about
10 minutes. At 2300 the range was increased and shells fell amongat the
shipping waiting off the beach. "SARAH HIDE" moved 300 yards West.
alongside At and 0015, the civilian in charge stated that he had been unable to locate
1st June, a motor boat with two lifeboats in tow came
any soldiers on the beach. The boats were then made fast astern.
smacks put 5 Officers and 95 men on board at search 0145 and
one Four fishing her rudder was smashed. A thorough small craft was
made smack in the was vicinity, taken in but tow as as no other tugs, drifters, or other
could be found it was decided to return to Ramagate.
of three bombs each were dropped astern channel. and close to
"SARAH HIDE's" Three port salvos quarter as we proceeded down Dunkirk 19 Jun
The troops were landed at Ramsgate at 0850.
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