TNA Unclassified 1

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Dynamo ME
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. $404
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May proceed 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head to seaward Garry" I in tow out of harbour. After transport
steamer up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the
then was ordered to tow transport out, turning had
gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre. as I
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while towing the her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
steamer came astern with engines.
This operation would have taken the vessel
harbour cannot all clear stern first, but for some reason, which out of
the explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing I
towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by wiring the lengthened of
which towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to us go full
I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying both
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I re-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troops coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).