TNA Unclassified 1

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above aircraft, us at working in conjunction with M.T.B's
3892
we evidently observed. one escaped moment torpedoing. but by twisting No surface and turning two right was rapidly
actually Daylight was welcomed by craft all.
400.
Keep rather calling "St. Achilleus" by R/T and "W/T no
was of worried about her as we had arranged in answer
at event S. Buoy. losing each other during the night to rendezvous the
.000.
Came to to "Arctic conclusion that "St. Achilleus" had gone, reported
gone Pioneer" and asked permission to join her
been group mainly all because of W/T watches, our operator had already
on night and couldn't carry on indefinitely.
315.
Whilst heading from .Buoy towards Dunkirk in answer
to S.S. "Pragg's" S.O.S., received signal from Arctic
Pioneer that M.T.B. was approaching, we cleared for action
challenged her five times, no distinguishing mark or ensign
was shown, also she approached us zig-zagging. Fire was
opened with four inch, Pom Pom and Lewis guns, all three
ships heading straight for her firing; one four inch
from "Arctic Pioneer" struck her superstructure and she
then stopped and layto. On approach a white ensign was
observed being waved. Fire ceased and boats were lowered.
We went alongside M.T.B. took survivors and casualties off.
Report of action has been given to F.O.I.C. Harwich also
with report for Commanding Officer of M.T.B. Casualties
1 killed and five wounded. Transferred all to H.M.S.
"Saltash" who also took charge of M.T.B.
175
2100.
Received instructions to take charge of Group consisting
of "Sphene" and"Lord Melchett" and patrol between S.Buoy
and West Hinder.
2. 0509. Contacted "Lord Melchett" she joined us, proceeded
Eastward.
0711.
Stopped and Picked up 12 Refugees from small boat, boat
not worth keeping so cast it adrift and proceeded.
0729.
Signalled by aircraft (Hudson) piloted by Pilot Officer
Elworthy of Detling and asked to follow him. He
repeatedly circled around us and eventually said carry on
as you are going and you'll meet and open boat full of
people.
0740.
Met small boat, took refugees onboard, made boat fast
astern and proceeded on patrol.
0955.
Attacked by enemy dive bombers first one dived and
machine gunned us, the second one dropped bombs, both
rame out of sun, could be heard distinctly but not seen
until almost on us. They dived to within a hundred feet,
continual fire was maintained until ammunition exhausted,
ship zig-zagged continuously. 15 bombs were dropped
altogether during the course of three attacks. Bombs
fell within 20 feet of ship both sides and one thought
to be incendiary fell in bulwarks forward, setting fire
of mast away bar one arm supported, port bulwarks and but D.G.
to two spare unprimed D/Cs and deck and also blew base
gear carried on again, believed considerable damage minor
dismantled. Engines were stopped by explosion done to
engine and ship badly strained, besides numerous
defects. Fire was put out by deck hose.