TNA Unclassified 1

127
-2-
This method was found successful and two trips were carried out in same manner. For the third endeavour,
"VANQUISHER" and"FITZROY" having left for England, and no other larger craft being in the vicinity, my intentions were to close again, fill to capacity and proceed towards La Panne, to transfer troops if requested, or return to England.
It is regretted that this effort failed in that
"SURSUM"CORDA" was beached too securely and no efforts ot my part were successful in re-floating.
Thiswwas due to an error in judgement on my part in allowing too many men on board at the time and my incorrect appreciation of the time of the tide turning, no tide tables being carried.
H.M.S. "HEBE" came to my assistance, but unfortunately though a tow was passed, her lack of power and manoeuvreability were strong handicaps, and she herself grounded two cables to
Eastward.
At 0800/30 it was realised there was no chance of the ship moving until the following High Water.
During the period of waiting until High Water that evening, I assisted where possible on the Beach in the vicinity of the Ship, and during periods where there were no small craft operating, took aboard soldiers for shelter and distributed what food remained aboard "SURSUM-CORDA".
All members of my crew worked magnificently under somewhat strained conditions, and with no consideration for themselves.
Further endeavours to re-float were made between 1800
and 2030 using kedge anchor with soldiers onboard assisting.
At 1840 a shell from an enemy shore battery burst & few yards ahead of the ship and four soldiers were hit by splinters. I ordered these and one officer hit whilst on the beach to be placed below and with the assistance of a stretcher bearer my First
Lieutenant, Lieutenant Brooks rendered first aid and made them as comfortable as conditions allowed.
I then cleared the ship of soldiers and continued my efforts to re-float, but with no success, delay being caused by an influx of soldiers somewhat naturally seeking shelter after the shell fire, whom Lordered to stand by to board "HEBE" who
I could see appeared to shew hopeful signs of clearing the beach. The majority of them carried out these orders and
"HEBE" was re-floated at approximately 1945. On receiving report of my engines being temporarily out of action and on point of "seizing-up") decided further efforts were fruitless, and retaining only wounded and completely exhausted men onboard for shelter, until small craft or ambulances could be commandeered to take them off, decided to land and assist on beach where possible.
(continued