TNA Unclassified 1

5
From
It: H.R.Wykehem-Martin.
5
1st Lieut: Alice, & later
6
0.0. Kaspfalga.
Date 13th June.
To V.A.Dover.
Recommendations, Dyhemo Operation.
Alice and Kaap Falga, D.B.2 &D.B.3, spent 8 daylight hours beached off La Panne.
During this time 4 bomb and machine gun sttacks were made on the ships and military
Alice was put out of action and the crew had to embark in Kaap Falga, which Lieut:
J. Culmer, R.N.V.R. had managed to refloat.
letter to Commanding Officer,
Devonport Barracks, on the behaviour of the crews of both Alice and KaspFalga, was with each draft when the ships off.
In
Alice's crew the following were mentioned:-
P.O. Moore.
A/E.R.A4.N. Somerville.
L/Sto:
E.Sands.
in
In Kaap Falga's crew the following names were mentioned:-
B
A/LS. Robinson. E.R.A.4. J.Olver.
ted done.
In view of the disappointingly small part both ships played in this operation no the further recomendation necessary.
I
have the honour to
Sir
23,
Servant, uned
Your obedient
Rager to pheham Lieut: Martin es
Royal Navy.
and
3.0.
and Lieutenant Slater.
three I saw I appointed myself to ABEL TASMAN and told Lieut.
Lieutenant Commander Crick and took command of the
Slater ships. to appoint his First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Wykeham-Martin then went as down Commanding the beach to Bray with the Adjutant R.A.S.C. to arrange about
Officer KAAP-FALGA. Lieutenant Slater unloading KAAP-FALGA and started ALICE at there. 1530 with tide rising fast. hailed At
1700 grass for him to tow my stern off. hands
KAAP-FALGA The embarkation and ALICE floated and got under way. I There
ALIOE and passed laid a out from ABEL TASMAN and I had no broke to were no anchors out in the time: vis. H.W. 1745. ALICE then the down lay and I them removed my grass. By this time I borne. was manoeuvring engines and the time ship I had was becoming a moment water to spare I saw ALICE's eight crew in her boats to seaward and of me have to. We hailed hailed them by Lieutenant to
The next rowing over to KAAP-FALGA who was about and tried cables signal but no notice was taken. I was then

SECRET
Dynamo.205.
6
Cofor
6
SUBJECT LETTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. ABEL TASMAN.
DATE.... 7th June 1940.
No.
TO THE COMMODORE, R.N. BARRACKS, PORTSMOUTH.
Submitted:
The following letter of proceedings of H.M. Ships
KAAP-FALGA and ABEL TASMAN, in accordance with your verbal instructions.
2. KAAP-FAIGA - Sunday 26th May 2030. Sailed from
Southampton for Dover for orders.
Monday 27th May 1600. Arrived Dover Roads at 1900 was ordered to proceed to Downs for a route to La Panne.
2050. Sailed for La Panne.
Tuesday 28th May 0800. Arrived at La Panne and anchored near ABEL TASMAN who was beached broadside on and unloading ammunition.
We started unloading our deck cargo and landed part of it in the ships boats.
At 1300 I went ashore with Lieutenant Slater, Commanding
H.M.S. ALICE to see the authorities ashore about what they wanted done.
We met Lieutenant Commander Crick, commanding H.M.S. ABEL
TASMAN, who told us he was evacuating troops and we should do the same when we had discharged some of our cargo.
At 1400, the three ships were attacked by 20 German bombers, who dropped High Explosive and incendiary bombs and machine gunned the ships and troops on the beach. The ships were not hit by bombs except one incendiary which fell in the hold of ABRL TASHAN
and luckily did not ignite. There were several Army casualties and the following Naval casualties from machine gunning:-
Killed Fred. K. Brown, A.B.
Wounded - Lieut. Commander T. Crick, R.N.
Lieutenant Griffiths, R.N.V.R.
(Died)
Lieutenant Griffiths has since died of his wounds. All were from ABEL TASMAN.
The two wounded officers were very efficiently dealt with and taken to the first aid post by Petty Officer v.c. Harding, the
Coxswain and E.R.A. Shorthose the E.R.A. of ABEL TASMAN.
At this time I was still ashore with the Colonel of R.A.S.C.
and Lieutenant Slater.
I saw Lieutenant Commander Crick and took command of the
Slater to appoint his First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Wykeham-Martin three ships. I appointed myself to ABEL TASMAN and told Lieut.
as Commanding Officer KAAP-FALGA. Lieutenant Slater then went down the beach to Bray with the Adjutant R.A.S.C. to arrange about unloading KAAP-FALGA and ALICE there.
The embarkation started at 1530 with tide rising fast. At
1700 KAAP-FALGA and ALICE floated and got under way. I hailed
ALICE and passed a grass for him to tow my stern off. There were no anchors laid out from ABEL TASMAN and I had no hands to and I removed my grass. By this time I was manoeuvring the lay them out in the time: vis. H.W. 1745. ALICE then broke down engines and the ship was becoming water borne.
The next time I had a moment to spare I saw ALICE's crew in her boats and rowing over to KAAP-FALGA who was about eight cables to seaward of me have to. We hailed them and tried to signal but no notice was taken. I was then hailed by Lieutenant

CONFIDENTIAL dispanizes A14/0/1352
Dynam 239. Alu/o/ 9
1352
8
TER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
9
stsmouth.
mmanding Officer, H.M.S. ABEL TASMAN
ommunication of 7th June 1940)
FICERS OF REQUISITIONED
DPERATION DYNAMO.
II.
over at 20.00 Sunday 26th. May
1 proceeded in Company with
Vice Admiral, Dover.
1 arrival at Dover orders there and discharge. When 4 miles it pilot of a Hurricane fighter
Forwarded. The behaviour of
:rival at the beach 0830 May 28th.
bading and the Kaap Falga
ALICE would appear to need some and grounded. It. Condr. Crick lanation.
for orders, and on his return y Duries and discharge there.
ild float again at H.W. In
British H.Q for definite
Whilst ashore we were and we had to take cover with
I could be driven to H.Q. at
Barracks, Portsmouth.
2,
Company with the Kaap Falga
June 1940.
COMMODORE.
the ships to be beached and
1 went down to the beach to enbark in and 1st. Licut. of the Abel a redistribution of Officers.
md Lieut. Beale the Senior
ADMIRAL
vival at the beach I found see moving off to the Westward
11 JUN 1940
ility distance, There appeared
*
the Abel Tasman was endeavouring
DOVER
to attract the attention of the for me. Before leaving the int of the R.A.S.C. who had tval on board the Abel Tasman he had refloated the Alice
) from the Alice informing him broken down. He also informed me
A which weighed and proceeded him of his intentions
). LaPanne Lieut Beale and myself in and first first Lieut. were tad arison. The adjutant of the
R.A.S.C. who was remaining ashore knew the orders that had been issued. The possibility of towing the Alice to Bray Downs was considered. Owing to the absence of personnel and boats and gear this project was considered unwarrentable to delay departure. I consulted Lieut. Beale and the Colonel R.A.S.C. unit who was Senior Officer La Panne and it was decided that I should take over the duties of 1st. Licut. (Lieut. Beale being single handed, and assist him in taking the Abel Basman back to Dover, as it was considered that I should serve no useful purpose otherwise. The situation was reported to C. in C. Dover on arrival and he approved of my appointment
I remained second in Command. The movements of Abel Tasman have been reported by the Commanding Officer.
Signed H.M.Slater Lieut.
KAAP FALGA and ABEL TASMAN.
Kaap Falga. ailed Sunday 26th. May 16.00 from Southampton for Dover for orders. Monday 27th. May 16.00 arrived Dover Roads At 19.00 was ordered to proceed to Downs for a route to La. Panne. 08.00 Tuesday 28th. Arrived at La
Panne and anchored near Abel Tasman who was beached broadside on and unloading ammunition. Ce started unloading our Deck Cargo and landed part of it in
Ships boats. At 13.00 I went ashore with Lieut. Slater, Commanding H.M.S. Alice to see the authorities ashore about what they wanted done. We met Lieut. Coodr and
Crick commending H.M.S. Abel Tasman who told us he was evacuating troops the we should do the same when we had discharged some of our Cargo. At 14.00 bombs three ships were the ships and troops on the beach and were not hit by not ignite. except attacked by 20 German bombers who dropped H.E. and Incendiary bombs machine one incendiary gunned which fell in the hold of Abel Tasman and luckily did

From! Resident Naval Officer, Poole.
Dynam 239. A14/0/ 9
1352
To:-' Flag Officer in Charge, Portland,
9
Copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portsmouth.
REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISITIONED
DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION DYNAMO.
"ALICE".
H. 11. S. Alice sailed from Southampton for Dover at 20.00 Sunday 26th. May loaded with stores approximately 300 tons and proceeded in Company with
H.M.S. Kaap Falga and H.M.S. Abel Tasman. On arrival at Dover orders there received to proceed immediately to La Panne and discharge. When 4 miles from La Panne we stopped to pick up a sergeant pilot of a Hurricane fighter who had been shot down by an A.A. Ship On arrival at the beach 0830 May 28th.
we joined the Abel Tasman close in shore unloading and the Kaap Falga anchored close to. I closed the Abel Tasman and grounded. Lt. Condr. Crick had disembarked and proceeded to Local H.Q. for orders, and on his return he informed me that we were to proceed to Bray Dunes and discharge there.
This was not possible until 17.00 when we would float again at H.W. In consequence I decided myself to go ashore to British H.Q for definite instructions and to arrange hands for unloading. Whilst ashore we were subjected to various forms of areial attack and we had to take cover with the result that some time had elapsed before I could be driven to H.Q. at
Bray. I was then given orders to roceed in Company with the laap Falga to Bray Dunes to arrive at 21.00 28th. May, the shins to be beached and unloaded. I was driven back to La Panne and went down to the beach to enbark on my ship. Later in the afternoon the Captain and 1st. Lieut. of the Abel
Tasman had been wounded which neccessitated a redistribution of Officers.
I was to remain in Command of H.M.S. Alice and Lieut. Beale the Senior
X
Officer took command of Abel Tasman. On arrival at the beach I found only two ships. The Kaap Falga, I could just see moving off to the Westward about two miles away which was then the visibility distance. There appeared to be no signs of life aboard the Alice and the Abel Tasman was endeavouring to refloat. After about 20 minutes I managed to attract the attention of the
Abel Tasman which sent a waterlogged boat in for me. Before leaving the beach I explained the situation to the Adjutant of the R.A.S.C. who had accompanied me during the afternoon. On arrival on board the Abel Tasman
Lieut. Beale informed me that in my absence he had refloated the Alice and anchored her. He then received a message from the Alice informing him that the engines of the Alice had completely broken down. He also informed me that the crew etc. had gone over to Kaap Falga which weighed and prodeeded without orders from Lieut. Beale or informing him of his intentions
The situation was then appreciated by the C.O. LaPanne Lieut Beale and myself and beale decided that XX first Lieut. Martin and first first Lieut. were capable of dealing with the situation which had arison. The adjutant of The the
R.A.S.C. who was remaining ashore knew the orders that had been issued.
possibility of towing the Alice to Bray Downs was considered. Owing to the absence of personnel and boats and gear this Beale project considered unwarrentable to delay departure. I consulted Lieut.
was and the Colonel R.A.S.C. unit who was Senior Officer La Panne and it was decided that I should take over the duties of 1st. Lieut. (Lieut. Beale being it was to C. in C. Dover on arrival and he approved of my appointment single considered that I should serve no useful purpose otherwise. The handed, and assist him in taking the Abel Basman back to Dover, situation as was I remained reported second in Command. The movements of Abel Tasman have been reported by the Commanding Officer.
Signed H.M. Slater Lieut.
KAAP FALGA and ailed ABEL Sunday TASMAN. 26th. May 16.00 from Southampton for Dover ordered for
Kaap Falga. 27th. May 16.00 arrived Dover Roads At 19.00 was Arrived at to orders. Monday route to La. Panne. 08.00 Tuesday 28th. and unloading La proceed to Downs for near a Abel Tasman who was beached broadside on of it in
Panne and anchored started unloading our Deck Cargo and landed part H.M.S.
ammunition. Ce ashore with Lieut. Slater, Commanding Lieut. Condr Alice
Ships boats. At 13.00 ashore I went about what they wanted done. We met troops and to Crick see commanding the authorities H.M.S. when Abel we Tasman had discharged who told us some he of was our evacuating Cargo. and Incendiary At 14.00 bombs the three we should were do attacked the same by 20 German bombers the who beach dropped and were H.E. not hit by bombs except machine one ships incendiary gunned which the ships fell and in troops the hold on of Abel Tasman and luckily did not ignite.

10
There were several Killed Army Fred casualities K. and the following Naval Casualties from mohine gunning. Brown A.B.
[ounded Lieut Comdr. Crick R.H. Lieut. Griffiths R.N.V.R. Lieut Griffiths
10
has since died of wounds. All were from Abel Tasman.
The two wounded officers were very efficiently dealt with and taken to the first aid post by W.C. Harding P.O. the Coxswain and E.R.A. Shorthose the E.R.A. of
Abel Tasman At this time I was still ashore with the Colonel of title R.A.S.C.
and lieut. Stater. I saw Lieut. Comdr. Crick and took command of the three ships. I appointed myself to Abel Tasman and told Lieut. Slater to appoint his
First Licut. Lieut. Wykeham-Martin as C.O. of Kaap Falga. Lieut. Slater then down to the beach to Bray with the adjutant R.A.S.C. to arrange about mloading Kaap Falga and Alice here.
The embarkation started at 15.30 with tide rising fast. At 17.00 Kaap Falga and Alice floated and got under way. I hailed Alice and passed a Grass for im to tow my stern off. There were no anchors laid out from Abel Tasman and I
ad no hands to lay them out at the time. viz. H.W. 17.45. Alice then broke down nd I removed my grass. By this time I was manouverin, the engines and the ship
78.S becoming water borne. The next time I had a moment to spare I saw Alice's crew in her boats rowing over to Kaap Falga who was about eight cables to Seaward
Wome hove to. We hailed them and tried to signal but no notice was taken. I was then hailed byb Lieut. Slater and took him on board.
'he ship was by now (17.45) but bumping and being driven inshore by the shore vind. I managed to get the stern clear by putting troops forward and then the bows moving them aft. We then went ahead and after grounding heavily twice X got took into y leep water. As the German Aircraft were still present we took advantgage a of a rain squall and sailed immediately. Kaap Falga had by now sailed on
0700 Wed, 29th. Arrived Dover and landed troops approximately 200 R.A.S.C Units
Vesterley course accross the Banks.
22.00 Wed. Sailed for Newhaven to disembark ammunition remaining about ammunition 200 tons lso about 20 French Staff Officers.
08.00 Thurs. 30th. Arrived Newhaven completed to full stowage of
03.00 12.00 Fri. 31st. Arrived Dover roads anchored and reported myself to Examination far as
Fri. 31st, Sailed to Dover for orders.
vessel, At midnight the roads were cleared and I proceeded westwards as
Dungeness returning to anchor.
Sat.lst. June June at Entered 05.00 submarine basin at 08.00 and secured alongside to discharge Sandhurst
Sun. from whom 2nd. we took in lubricating oil. 10.15. Proceeded to Newhaven
18.30 Arrive Newhaven.
ionday 3rd. June. Discharged at Newhaven
Pues. 4th. June Compketed discharging ed.5th. 0615 Sailed for Poole.
L8.00. wish Arrived to draw Poole. attention to the admirable work done by the
W. C. Harding PO DJX149987
R. Shortose E.R.A. DMX64780
Iyall O.D. DJX 184099
OFFICER-IN-CB
9
4
II.
To. 1476/07.
'he Vice Admiral, Dover.
Forwarded.
Portland.
Oth June, 1940.
12JUN 1940
R
*
DOVE
E

A14/0/
r.
Resident Naval Officer, Poole.
1352
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Portland.
11
copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portsmouth.
REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISITIONED
DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION DYNAMO.
ALICE".
H.M.S. Alice sailed from Southampton for Dover at 20.00 Sunday 26th ay loaded with stores approximately 300 tons and proceeded in company
1th H.M.S.Kaap Falga and H.M.S. Abel Tasman. On arrival at Dover rders there received to proceed immediately to La Panne and discharge.
hen 4 miles from La Panne we stopped to pick up a sergeant pilot of
Hurricane fighter who had been shot down by an A.A. Ship. On arrival t the beach 0830 May 28th we joined the Abel Tasman close in shore nloading and the Kaap Falga anchored close to. I closed the Abal Tasman nd grounded. Lt. Comdr. Crick had disembarked and proceeded to Local
R for orders, and on his return he informed me that we were to proceed o Bray Dunes and discharge there. This was not possible until 17.00
hen we would float again at H.W. In consequence I decided myself to o ashore to British H.Q. for definite instructions and to arrange ands for unloading. Whilst ashore we were subjected to various orms of aerial attack and we had to take cover with the result that ome time had alapsed before I could be driven to H.Q. at Bray.
was then given orders to proceed in Company wi th the Kaap Falga to ray Dunes to arrive at 2100 28th May, the ships to be beached and nloaded. I was driven back to La Panne and went down to the beach membark on my ship. Later in therafternoon the Captain and 1st ieut. of the Abel Tasman which necessitated a redistribution of Officers was to remain in Command of H.M.S. Alice and Lieut. Beale the Senior fficer took command of Abel Tasman. On arrival at the beach I found nly two ships. The Kaap Falga, I could just see moving off to the estward about two miles to the Westward about two miles away which as then the visibility distance. There appeared to be no signs of ife aboard the Alice and the Abel Tasman was endeavouring to refloat.
fter about 20 minutes I managed to attact the attention of the Abel
'asman which sent a waterlogged boat in for me. Before leaving the each I explained the situation to the Adjutant of the R.A.S.C. who had accompanied me during the afternoon. On arrival on board the Abel Tasman ieut. Beale informed me that in my absence he had refloated the Alice nd anchored her. He then received a message from the Alice informing im that the engines of the Alice had completely broken down. He also nformed that the crew etc. had gone over to Kaap Falga which weighed and proceeded without orders from Lieut. Beale or informing him of his intentions. The situation was then appreciated by the C.O. La Panne
Lieut. Beale and myself and Beale decided that first Lieut. Martin and
'irst Lieut. were capable of dealing with the situation which had arisen.
The adjutant of the R.A.S.C. who was remaining ashore knew the orders
.hat had been issued. The possibility of towing the Alice to Bray Downs as. considered. Owing to the absence of personnel and boats and gear his project was considered unwarrantable to delay departure. I
consulted Lieut. Beale and the Colonel R.A.S.C. unit who was Senior fficer La Panne and it was decided that I should take over the duties f 1st Lieut. (Lieut. Beale being single handed, and assist him in taking ever the Abel Tasman back to Dover, as it was considered that I
lould serve no useful purpose otherwise. The situation was reported to
:., in C. Dover on arrival and he approved of my appointment I remained econd in command. The movements of Abel Tasman have been reported y the Commanding Officer.
Signed H.M. Slater Lieut.
AAP FALGA and ABEL TASMAN.
Kaap Falga sailed Sunday 26th May 1600 from Southampton for Dover for orders. Monday 27th May 1600 arrived Dover Roads at 1900 was ordered o proseed to Downs for a route to La Panne. 0800 Tuesday 28th
Arrived at La Panne and anchored near Abal Tasman who was beached proadside on and unloading ammunition. We started unloading our Deok
/cargo

cargo and landed part of it in Ships boats.
ashore with Lieut. Slater, Commanding H.M.S.A1
the authorities ashore about what they wanted
Lieut. us he was Comdr. evacuating Crick commanding troops and H.M.S.Abel we should Tasma do th were we had attacked discharge by 20 some German of our bombers Cargo. the who At dropped 1400 the
Indendiary bombs machine gunned ships and t beach and were not hit by bombs except one incer fell in the hold of Abel Tasman and luckily did
There were several Army casualties and the follo
Killed
Casualties from machine gunning. Killed Fred K.
Wounded Lieut. Comdr. Crick R.N. Lieut. Griffith
Lieut. Griffiths has since died of wounds. All
Abel Tasman.
The two wounded officers were very eff dealt with and taken to the first aid post by W.
P.O. the Coxswain and E.R.A. Shorthose the E.R.A.
Tasman. At this time I was still ashore with the of the R.A.S.C. and Liejt. Slater. I saw Lieut.
and took command of the three ships. I appointed
Abel Tasman and told Lieut. Slater to appoint his
Wykeham-Martin as C.O. of Kaap Falga. Lieut. Slate down to the beach to Bray with the adjutant R.A.S.
arrange about unloading Kaap Falga and Alice here
The embarkation started at 1530 with ti fast. At 1700 Kaap Falga and Alice floated and got way. I hailed Alice and passed a Grass for him to stern off. There were no anchors laid out from Abc and I had no hands to lay them out at the time. via
1745. Alice then broke down and I removed my grass time I was manouvering the engines and the ship was water borne. Myxxmxxxxxxx The next time I had a spare I saw Alice's crew in her boats rowing over
Falga who was about eight cables to Seaward then h
Lieut. Slater and took him on board.
The ship was by now afloat (1745) but bur being driven inshore by the shore wind. I managed the stern clear by putting troops forward and then by moving them aft. We then went ahead and after 8
heavily twice got into deep water. As the German A
were still present we took advantage of a rain squar sailed immediately. Kaap Falga had by now sailed 00
course across the Banks.
0700 Wed. 29th, Arrived Dover and landed approximately 200 R.A.S.C. Units also about 20 Fren
Arfived ammunition remaining about 200 tons, 0800. Thursday
Officers. 2200. Wednesday. Sailed for Newhaven to myself Friday, Slst. Arrived Dover roads stowage anchored an
1200. Hewhaven completed to full of ammuni to anchot. and I proceeded westwards midnight as far as Dungenes the cleared to Examination vessel. At road
Sandhurst submarine basin at 0800 and 0500. Sunday alongsid
Entered Saturday 1st. June at
2nd
3rd June. to discharge. 1830. oil.
to Newhaven from whom we took lubricating secured 1015.
arrived Poole, Wednesday 5th. 0615 sailed Tuesday for 4th Poole.
discharged. Discharged at Newhaven. Arrived Newhaven. June.
by the following I wish ratings to draw:- attention to the admirable
W.C.Harding. P.O. DJX. 149987.
J.J.Lyall. O.D. DJX.184099.
E.R.A. DMX. 64780, date stamp.
9th. June, 1840.
6)

cargo and landed part of it in Ships boats.
ashore with Lieut. Slater, about Commanding what the authorities ashore they
Lieut. us he was Comdr. evacuating Crick commanding troops of and we had discharge some our Cargo.
were attacked bombs by machine 20 German bombers who dropped th beach Indendiary and were not hit by gunned bombs the ships and troo H.E
except one killed
Casualties fell There in were the several from hold machine of Army Abel casualties Tasman and luckily incendi did wounded
Wounded Lieut. gunning.
Abel Tasman. Griffiths has since died of
Lieut. Comdr. Crick R.N.
P.O. dealt the with and taken to the first aid post by effici
The two wounded officers were very of the At this time I was still ashore with 01
Tasman. Coxswain and E.R.A. Shorthose the E.R.A. W.C.H
and took R.A.S.C. and Liejt. Slater. I saw Lieut. the C
Abel command of the three ships. I appointed Con
Wykeham-Martin down to as C.O. of Kaap Falga. Lieut. his
Tasman and told Lieut. Slater to appoint F1 my arrange about unloading Kaap Falga and Alice here.
the beach to Bray with the adjutant R.A.S.C. Slater way. fast. I At 1700 Kaap Falga and Alice floated and tide
The embarkation started at 1530 with and I off. There were no anchors laid out him to stern hailed Alice and passed a Grass for got
1745. had no hands to lay them out at the from Abel time I Alice then broke down and I removed time. viz.
spare borne. I Myxxmxxxxxxx The next time ship was water was manouvering the engines and the my grass,
Falga who saw Alice's crew in her boats I had a mon
Lieut. was about eight cables to Seaward rowing then over hail to
Slater and took him on board.
being driven The ship was by now (1745)
OIV
:-
the admirable
W.C.Harding P.O. DJX. 149987.
Shortose. E.R.A. 64780,
O.D. DJX.184099. DMX.
9th. date stamp.
June, 1840.
6)

-
14
PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. ALICE. (CONTD).
Page 2.
Before leaving of the the beach, I explained the situation
Adjutant during the afternoon. R.A.S.C. unit who had been accompanying to the me had refloated the ALICE and schored her. He then received informed me that in my absence Licutenant Wykeham-Martin
On arrival onboard the ABEL TASMAN, Lieutenant Beal a message from the ALICE informing him that the engines of the ALICE had completely broken down and also informed me that the crew etc. had gone over to the KAAP-FALGA which weighed and proceeded without orders from Lieutenant Beal, or informing him of his intentions.
The situation was then appreciated by the Commanding
Officer La Panne, Lieutenant Beal and myself, and Lieutenant
Beal decided that Lieutenant Wykeham-Martin and his First
Lieutenant were capable of dealing with the situation that had arisen. The Adjutant of the R.A.S.C. who was remaining ashore knew the orders that had been issued. The possibility of towing the ALICE to Bray Dunes by the ABEL TASMAN was considered. Owing to the absence of personnel, boats and gear, this project was considered warrantable to delay departure. I consulted Lieutenant Beal and the Colonel
Commanding the R.A.S.C. unit, who was Senior Officer, La Panne, and it was decided that I should take over the duties of
First Lieutenant (Lieutenant Beal being single handed) and assist in bringing the ABEL TASMAN back to Dover as it vas considered that I could serve no iseful purpose otherwise.
The situation was reported to Commander-in-Chief,
Dover, on arrival and he, approving of the appointment, I
remained as second in command.
The movements of ABEL TASMAN have been reported by the Commanding Officer.
VICE ADMIRAL
LIEUTENANT R.N.
JUN 1940
*
R
DOV
E