Morgan-Giles had been sent to help clear the ships from the harbour as quickly as possible, because they were loaded with explosive and ammunition, and (although unknown at the time) mustard gas. Whilst on board , helping to get move the ship out of the harbour to minimise losses, a bomb struck a nearby ammunition ship, and he was hurled the length of the deck, but was uninjured amongst the wreckage and fire. He was nevertheless able to climb onto an American Liberty ship, SS Lyman Abbott that was blocking the harbour exit.
The situation involved Morgan-Giles's efforts to clear ships from a harbor loaded with explosives and ammunition, including mustard gas. An explosion on a nearby munitions vessel caused him to be thrown across the deck, but he was unharmed. He then boarded an American Liberty ship, SS Lyman Abbott, which blocked the harbor exit.