A British officer arrived by destroyer to find more than 10,000 troops, nurses, diplomats, and another Polish contingent approaching La Pallice. He asked Dunbar Naismith for reinforcements and requisitioned anything afloat rather than waiting for a complete plan. Rank, ship movements, and command style make Captain E. Barry Stevens in HMS Havelock the likeliest officer, but the surviving record does not confirm the identification. The uncertain name should remain separate from the well-attested record of decisive local action.
Chapter · 1:12:28-1:17:36
Improvised command at La Pallice
An unidentified senior officer found unexpected crowds at La Pallice, requisitioned local shipping, and may have been Captain E. Barry Stevens of HMS Havelock.