Details

in
ALBATROSS
M/B (Owner
?
H.W. Copeland).
THE
20th May
1200
Left
Did not return from Operation Dyanmo.
the
5th
2130
Arrived off Bray bench- Sent boats
inshore to embark troops. Tide low,
and 0 smill but troublesome surf.
Authority - TO.9144
Troops in good spirite though short
of rations.
TO.9436
Landed dry provisions in the skiff.
2330
A bomb dropped about 1 mile to seasord
of the Albery.
29th May
0230
Proceeded to Margate.
1340
Arrived Margate, Disemburked 162
troops.
Sailed for the beaches,
1930
Arrived off Malo. Considerable bombing
in progress.
Proceeded towards 8 grounded and
burning paddle-steamer [the Created
Eagle which was full of troops and
survivore and in a bad way. All
boats and Carley floats were sent away
and many survivors picked up. Bonba
dropped continually around the
Albury and the P/S during this
operation.
Signalled for fighter assistance,
which arrived later in the evening.
57 cot cases were brought off, mostly
suffering from severe burns. The C.O.
and other survivors from the dr.
Gronade were also embarked.
Having embarked all known survivors, the
Albury proceeded to Bray and embarked
troops from several boats. A
Captain Churchill, from the H.O. Staff
came off and said that he had to get
over to England to see his uncle, the
Prime Minister, by 0600.
Proceeded to Margate,
30th May
0550
Arrived Margate. Disembarked AS
and survivors and Captain Churchill,
Bailed to Shoerness for coal and
comunition.
That usy
USDO
Left Sheerness for the beaches.
OTTO
Arrived off Malo benon. Considerable
surf. Embarkation greatly nosleted
by a large power boat.
1230
Bailed for Margate.
1700
Arrived Margate, Disembarked 130 troops
18000s
Sailed from Margate under the orders
of the 8,0,, 5th M.S.F.
2200
The 51h M.S.F. rendezvoused at W buoy.
2345
Anothered off T.S. Funne, Spasmodic
bombardment by shore gune.
2310 riotilla VISA ordered to carry on
ambarkation, using shiph' boats.
AUGUSTER
now en there were practically
construons bombing attreke, mostly
W DAVA nombers.
to the M/D Speedwell
903 aground and towed her off.
18

Details

ALBURY (N.41)
5th M.S.F.
Cdr. C.H.Corbet-Singleton
R.N.
28th May
1200
Left Harwich in company with the 5th
M.S.F.
2130
Arrived off Bray beach. Sent boats
inshore to embark troops. Tide low,
and a small but troublesome surf.
Troops in good spirits though short
of rations.
Landed dry provisions in the skiff.
2330
A bomb dropped about 1 mile to seaward
of the Albury.
29th May
0230
Proceeded to Margate.
1340
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 161
troops.
-
Sailed for the beaches.
1930
Arrived off Malo. Considerable bombing
in progress.
Proceeded towards a grounded and
burning paddle-steamer [the Crested
Eagle] which was full of troops and
survivors and in a bad way. All
boats and Carley floats were sent away
and many survivors picked up. Bombs
dropped continually around the
Albury and the P/S during this
operation.
Signalled for fighter assistance,
which arrived later in the evening.
57 cot cases were brought off, mostly
suffering from severe burns. The C.O.
and other survivors from the dr.
Grenade were also embarked.
Having embarked all known survivors, the
Albury proceeded to Bray and embarked
troops from several boats. A
Captain Churchill, from the H.Q. Staff
came off and said that he had to get
over to England to see his uncle, the
Prime Minister, by 0600.
-0020
Proceeded to Margate.
30th May
0530
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 445 troops
and survivors and Captain Churchill.
Sailed to Sheerness for coal and
ammunition.
31st May
0300
Left Sheerness for the beaches.
0930
Arrived off Malo beach. Considerable
surf. Embarkation greatly assisted
by a large power boat.
1230
Sailed for Margate.
1700
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 130 troops.
1800ca
Sailed from Margate under the orders
of the S.O., 5th M.S.F.
2200
The 5th M.S.F. rendezvoused at W buoy.
2345
Anchored off La Panne. Spasmodic
bombardment by shore guns.
lst June
0230ca
The flotilla was ordered to carry on
embarkation, using ships' boats.
0400ca
From now on there were practically
continuous bombing attacks, mostly
by dive bombers.
0500ca
Passed a wire to the M/S Speedwell
which was aground and towed her off.
19

Details

LIBURY (continued)
1st June
-
Ordered by R.A. Dover (afloat) to
proceed alongside Dunkirk pier and
embark troops. Air attack while
doing so.
0800ca
The dr. Ivanhoe was hit by a bomb
outside the harbour.
Two ships went to her assistance
[dr. Havant and M/S Speedwell]
0805ca
The Albury proceeded at full speed
for Sheerness.
While leaving Dunkirk channel and
coming up to Breedt Bank, intensive
air attacks took place. The M/S
0900ca
Gossamer ( just ahead) received 5 near
misses. The Havant (which had just
passed) received a direct hit; she
described a large circle to starboard
and when last seen was steaming south
[The Havant was hit 3 times and was
not under control]. There were also
near misses on the Albury.
-
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 200
troops. (1) Coaled ship.
2nd June
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
3rd June
0015
Arrived Dunkirk harbour. Went along-
side the east pier.
Embarked French troops, some of which
had to be collected from the town.
0215
Sailed with 200 on board.
-
Off U buoy, sank a floating mine.
0730ca
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 200
troops. Coaled ship.
1630
Sailed for Dunkirk in company with the
M/S's Leda and Gossamer.
2030ca
Off W buoy, the Albury was detached to
act independently.
4th June
0020
Arrived Dunkirk harbour and was ordered
alongside the West pier. Filled up
with French troops.
0130
Sailed.
0300ca
Encountered fog between U buoy and the
N. Goodwin L.V. Overtook the Leda
which had been in collision [with
the Belgian trawler Marechal Foch,
which sank]. The Albury stood
by the Leda until relieved by
the M/S Kellett.
0600ca
Near Elbow buoy, [North Foreland] the
French auxiliary vessel Emile
Deschamps, crowded with troops and
refugees was passed. When about 5
cables astern of the Albury, the
French vessel blew up on a mine and
sank within half a minute.
Albury turned back to pick up
survivors. The London Fire Brigade
Fire-float Massey Shaw also assisted
and transferred 40 survivors to the
Albury.
(1) D.R. states these were disembarked on 2nd June.

Details

ALBURY (continued)
4th June 0840 Arrived Margate. Disembarked 400
City
of
Christchurch
troops and 1 French woman.(1)
On let June:
A.L.0.10(1)
Total 1536
L.L.0'a 12,(1)
on 3rd June:
The
City
Authority - R.O.I. p.219.
R.0.III,p.493-5, 499. 10,
The
following
A.L.C's
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lt. Cdr. C.H. Corbet-Singleton, R.N.
D.S.M.
Actg. L/Sto.
F. Putt.
Canteen Man'g'r A. Harris.
(1) Margate report. D.R. gives 470, a number which probably
includes some refugees. 01 and vessels.
21

Details

R.N.
0300
h May
Arrived Dover from Sheerness.
0815
Left Dover in company with 5 other
boats, (see Viewfinder). Later
joined by M/B Reda.
1730ca
Arrived La Panne. Towed boats from
beach to ships. Received some damage
while alongside a destroyer which
suddenly went full ahead.
2400ca
Lngines giving trouble; foul screw
and rudder.
-
Made fast to the M/S Albury, which
th May
a.m.
later proceeded to Margote. [The
Boheli was apparently left behind]
[s/Lt. Bonham transferred to the Sk. Horst on
31st]
d June
-
Bobeli, stranded on the beach at
Dunkirk, was sighted by the M/B
Advance. She did not return to
England.
Nil
uthority - R.O.II, p..392, 393.
R.O.III, p.320.
TO.9436.
111

Details

CRESTED EAGLE
Sp. Serv. Vessel
Tempy. Lt. Cdr. B.R. Booth,
R.N.R.
29th May
1030
Left the Downs for Dunkirk, via route
1430
Y, the Sp. S/V Royal Eagle in company.
Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk
jetty, outer berth but one, which was
occupied by the P/V Fenella.
The dr. Grenade and several trawlers
[see Fyldea were on the opposite side
1500ca
Air attack. Some trawlers damaged.
[The Calvi was sunk]
1530
Continuous air attacks. Grenade hit.
onward:
Trawlers damaged. Survivors from
Grenade boarded the Crested Eagle.
1700
A bomb struck the promenade deck of
the Fenella. The Crested Eagle
commenced embarking Fenella's troops.
1800
The Crested Eagle swung clear of the
jetty, and steered an easterly
course. The Crested Eagle was hit by
4 bombs, but continued on her course.
Ship on fire. Ship's head turned
to the beach, [west of Bray], where
she brought up sometime later.
About 600 men were on board.
In less than 1/2 hour this wooden ship
was blazing fore and aft.
About 200 men could be seen in the
water. They were heavily machine
gunned. The M/S Albury picked up some
survivors.
Nil.
Authority - R.O.II, 297.
The following awards were made;
D.S.M.
A.B. G. Frend.
Mention in Despatches
Lt. Cdr.
B.R. Booth, R.N.R.
Eng. Lieut.
E. Jones, T. 124.
Ch. Stwd.
J.F. Gooch, T.124.
A.B.
F.J. Slack, R.F.R.
A.B.
G. Tilbury, R.F.R.
o.s.
F.A.V. Pattrick.
216

Details

EMILE DESCHAMPS
French fleet
auxiliary
4th June
-
This vessel was en route for England
from Dunkirk, crowded with troops
and refugees.
0558ca
The M/S Albury, about 5 cables ahead
of the Emile Deschamps, signalled her
the course to the N. Goodwin L.V.
which she had missed.
0600
21 miles east of the N. Foreland (near
the Elbow Buoy), the Emile Deschamps
struck a mine and sank in about a
minute. The fire-float Massey Shaw,
which was about 1 cableaway, picked
up 40 French sailors and transferred
them to the Albury.
Nelson's M/B picked up survivors, the
most seriously injured of which
she transferred to the Albury.
The P/V King George V which had just
passed the Emile Deschamps before
she was sunk, lowered 4 boats and
picked up 67 survivors; she put 10
aboard "H.M.S. Leader" [this was (1)
either the M/S Kellett or the Albury
0615
The M/S Kellett, to whom the Albury had
signalled, picked up some very
badly injured survivors.
A fog came down as the rescue
operations were completed.
The survivors which included 7 French
women and a boy, were landed at
Margate.
Authority - R.O.I., pp.221, 281.
R.O.III, p.51.
RM,6213/40.
TO.9144/41.
Emile Deschamps
AD 20
accx. M/S
Enseigne de vaineau
Tellier
(Kifled 4 th your)
Note by Cdr. Cras of French
Historical Dept.
(1) There damaged was M/S no vessel Leda was present some distance named "Leader". away, being The escorted
by the corvette Kingfisher.
280

Details

GOSSAMER
5th M.S. F.
S.O., 5th M.S.F.
Cdr. R.C.V. Ross, R.II.
28th May
1230
Sailed with all from Harwich for
company the (except the Saltash), viz:
ships of the Braye-Dunes,
Pangbourne and Leda.
Kellett, Albury, Ross, Lydd,
2115
The Kellett and the Leda stopped off
Braye-Dunes; the remaining ships
went on to Dunkirk. Thereafter, the
dently. ships of the flotilla acted indepen-
-
Gossamer secured alongside the east,
2215
pier and embarked troops.
Sailed with 420 on board.
-
Just outside the Zuidcoote Pass, the
P/V Manxman was seen aground. The
P/V Prague was stopped, without
charts; a chart was sent over to
her.
-
In the vicinity of Kwinte Bank buoy,
the survivors of the dr. Wakeful were
seen in the water. Her Captain
(cdr. R.L. Fisher) said she had been
torpedoed. Gossamer lowered 3
whalers and a skiff, which picked up
a few survivors in the darkness.
The skiff was left alongside a
drifter; the whalers eventually
found their way back to the Gossamer.
-
Proceeded.
29th May
0655
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 420 British
troops. (1)
0850
Sailed from Dover, and spent the day
minesweeping.
30th May
0040
Arrived off Dunkirk, which was lit by
the red flames of burning oil tanks.
-
Embarked troops from Braye-Dunes in
the ship's boats and canvas punts.
0515
Proceeded, having left all boats on
1015
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 487
the beach, as ordered.
Sailed from Dover with a party of
British troops. (2)
1330
Arrived signalmen Bray. for La Embarked panne. Dover
1830
Arrived (Adl. off R.A.
1930
Anchored, Dover and embarked troops.
to the dr.
31st May
0118
Arrived Dover. Disembarked Billie(3) 502 troops.
0600
1800
Requisitioned the M/B Panne. Handy
for La
(1) D. R. 561.
(2) (3) D.R. dates gives 451 this Billie
Cdr. Ross calls this the
did not return from Dunkirk.
397

Details

KELLETT (continued)
3rd June
-
0730
Sailed for Sheerness.
Arrived troops. Sheerness. Disembarked 364
1530
Sailed for Dunkirk.
4th June
0100
Arrived off Dunkirk harbour. Attempted
to go alongside the west pier, but
the Kellett's bows grounded.
Obtained a life-boat [the M.L/B
Greater London] which towed the
Kellett's stern away from the wall,
so that she was able to back away.
Embarked troops from M/B's. Ordered
to leave by R.A. Dover.
0220
Sailed for Margate.
0530
Encountered the M/S Leda with her
bows damaged(1) and escorted by the
M/S Albury. Sent the Albury on to
Margate, while Kellett proceeded with
Leda.
0615
The Albury reported that a ship had
been mined. Kellett went to her
assistance. (2) She was the French
auxiliary Emile Deschamps. Picked
up survivors who were nearly all
very badly injured.
Also in the vicinity were the P/V
King George V and a "Belgian scoot"
[the French M/S/Ste. Elisabeth full
of soldiers. As soon as the survivors
were picked up, a rog came down.
0830
The Kellett led the "scoot" into
Margate.
The Kellett disembarked 30, plus 3
French women. (3)
Total 1456
Authority - R.O.I, p.279.
R.O.III, p.275.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Ord/Sea. J.F. Shiret.
Mention in Despatches
Cdr.
R.C. Haskett-Smith, (4) R.N.
E.R.A.4th Cl. G.H. Redmoud.
L/Tel.
E. Hatch.
(1) She had collided with and sunk the Belgian trawler
(2) The Marechal corvette Foch. Kingfisher escorted the Leda to Margate.
(3) (4) Margate Referred report. the London Gazette of 16th August 1940,
Supplement to in No. 34925, as "Hasket-Smith".
117

Details

KINGFISHER - continued
4th June
0010
Making a little water, the Kingfisher
proceeded at 7 knots.
0505
In company with the "Lida" [1.e. the
M/S Leda] which had been in collision
[with the Belgian trawler Marechal
Foch], and requested Kingfisher to
stand by.
0540
Sighted French destroyer at anchor
near N. Goodwin L.V.; she also had
been in collision.
0615
Observed heavy explosion in position
51° 23' N., 1° 31' E., [near Elbow
Buoy, North Foreland] and "unknown
ship" [the French auxiliary Emile
Deschamps] sink. The M/S's Albury
and Kellett and other ships nearby
picked up survivors.
0714
The Leda and the Kingfisher arrived
off Margate.
0745
Thick fog. The P/V King George V hit
the Kingfisher on the starboard bow
when entering Margate road. Only
minor damage.
Total 640
Authority - R.O.II, p. 265.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Sto. 1st Cl. F.F. Beer.
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. Cdr. G.A.M.V. Harrison, R.N.
L/Sea.
P.J. Ball.
A.B.
S. Collie.
A.B.
A.B. Harkin.
A.B.
T.O. Pigg.
A.B.
R.H. Shipp.
A.B.
E.G. Webster.
Sig.
S. Thompson.
120

Details

LEDA - Continued
2nd June
2350
Ordered by the berthing officer to
(contd.)
ship and proceed.
3rd June
0010
Left harbour with no troops on board.
Proceeded to Margate and thence to
0928
Sheerness.
1600
Proceeded towards Dunkirk in company
and
/
with the M/S Gossamer [the Albury]
2310
In accordance with the berthing
arrangements, secured alongside
Dunkirk West Pier and commenced
embarking French troops.
4th June
0022
Sailed with 484 French troops. Lt.-Cdr.
Unwin here pays "tribute to the
excellent arrangements at West Pier
for the embarkation, and also the
high standard of discipline of the
French troops, they were magnificent".
0300
Fog encountered, in which the Belgian
trawler Marechal Foch was rammed
by the Leda and sunk. Leda sustained
damage to the bows, but the forward
bulkhead held. It is not known how
many survivors were taken off.
The M/S Albury stood by the Leda until
relieved by the M/S Kellett, which
escorted the Leda to Margate. (1)
1020
Arrived Margate in fog. Disembarked
500 French troops. (2)
1100
Received the signal that Operation
Dynamo had been completed. (3)
Total 2848(4)
Authority - R.O.I., p.284.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lt. Cdr. H. Unwin, R.N.
D.S.M.
C.E.R.A. P.O. G.B. Head
J. Collins.
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. W. McKee, R.N.R.
(1) At 0615, the Kellett went to the assistance of the mined
French auxiliary Emile Deschamps.
(2) (3) Margate Officially, report. Operation Leda Dynamo gives 484. was terminated by Admiralty
(4) The total according 1423/4. to the Leda was 3,034.
Message (D.R.)
159

Details

LYDD - Continued.
1800ca
(contd.) 29th May
(contd.)
and the troops in her began Jumping
1930
overboard. Lydd's boats picked up a
large number; the M/S Albury arrived
2100
and also gave assistance.
2200
Lydd proceeded with 300 troops on board.
Off Middel Kirke buoy, the D.G. cable
which had been pierced by a bomb
splinter, caught fire and had to be
switched off.
2205
An S 0 S was received from the dfr.
Torbay II, which had a foul propeller.
30th May
0515
Lydd arrived Margate.
0855
Disembarked 300 troops. Proceeded to
Sheerness.
31st May
0230
Sailed by X route, the M/S's Sutton
and Ross in company.
0915
Anchored off Braye-Dunes. Embarked
troops.
1130
Sutton and ROSB transferred their
troops to Lydd, and "all proceeded
to Margate".
1730
Margate. Lydd disembarked 450 troops.
1915
Proceeded to W buoy.
2145
Ordered to assist tg. St. Abbs, one of
whose tow of 3 barges had broken
adrift. Lydd picked up this barge
[the S/B Duchess and towed it to
lst June
0330
Dunkirk. At about this time an
unidentified vessel [
]
blew up near the Whistle buoy off
Braye-Dunes. Embarked troops. Air
attack. One plane shot down by
Bren gun fire by the troops in Lydd.
0625
Proceeded by X route to Dover.
1120
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 252 troops.
1920
Proceeded by X route to Dunkirk.
2350
Anchored off Malo beach. Sent the M/B
inshore and brought off the Brigadier
of the brigade then embarking.
2nd June
0245
Proceeded with about 200 troops on
0600ca
Margate. board. Disembarked 200 troops.
Defect in D.G. coil prevented the Lydd
taking any further part in Dynamo.
Total 1,502.
Authority - R.O.I, p.289.
The following award was made:
Mention in Despatches.
Lieut. Cdr. R.C.D. Haig, R.N.
209

Details

MASSEY SHAW
Thames fire float
Sub. Officer A.J. May
31st May
1400
Left command. Ramagate, S/Lt. R.P. Lucey in
1900
Arrived Dunkirk. Anchored 3 miles
east of the harbour. Dinghy swamped
by surf.
2000
Air raid.
2300
Embarked 30 troops by means of a vag-
ed pulling boat.
2330
Embarked a further 30 troops.
1st June
0100
Weighed, and towed a disabled M/B to
her parent ship.
0700ca
Arrived Remsgate. Disembarked 60
British troops. (1)
[s/Lt. Lucey then transferred to the
Nelson's M/B] Lieut. G.F. Walker,
R.N.V.R. assumed command.
1820
Left Ramsgate with a landing party of
20 Naval ratings.
2345ca
Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried about 500
troops in 10 trips.
2nd June
0340
Proceeded with 46 troops on board.
0750
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 46
troops. (2)
1840
Left Ramsgate.
3rd June
0115
Arrived Dunkirk. Entered the harbour.
Not possible to embark any troops,
0315
Bo proceeded to Ramsgate.
-
Arrived Ramsgate. (3)
4th June
0530
Left Ramsgate for London.
0600
2 ¹/2 miles east of the N. Foreland, the
French auxiliary Emile Deschamps,
200 yards away, struck a mine and
sank in about 2 minutes.
The Massey Shaw rescued 40 French
sailors, which were transferred to
the M/S Albury.
Total 106
Authority - - R.O. III, p.47, 282.
T0.9144/41.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M. Sub-Officer A.J. May, London Fire Brigade.
Mention in Despatches. Fire Service, London Fire Fire Brigade. Brigade.
Fireman Fireman H.A.W. E.G. Wright, Ray, Auxy. Auxy. Fire Service, London
(1) (2) Ramsgate Not mentioned report in states D.R. or "27 Ramsgate Br. and report. 1 Allied". D.R. states but
(3) Lt. 27 Walker troops. says that the Massey Shaw made 4 trips -
this appears to be incorrect.
258

Details

Details

MINESWEEPER GROUPS
On the forenoon of 30th May, representatives of the
C. in C. of the B.E.F. attended a conference with the V.A.
Dover.
The Military officers gave daylight, 1st June, as the
latest date up to which the British rear guard of 4,000 men
could hold the eastern perimeter.
Inter alia, the conference reached agreement on the following:-
(1) that by 0130 on lst June, the British forces ashore
should be reduced to the rear guard of 4,000,
(2) that special boats and tugs should be accumulated
and reserved for service in the early hours of
1st June
(3) that the rear guard of 4,000, plus R.N. beach parties
should be lifted between 0130 and 0300 on 1st June.
Accordingly, on 31st May, V.A. Dover ordered [0400/31]
that the M/S's be organised in 3 groups as follows:-
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Spare Group
Gossamer
Halcyon
Niger
Kellett
Leda
Skipjack
Salamander
Saltash
ROBB
Speedwell
Fitzroy
Lydd
Albury
Dundalk
Sutton
Further, the M/S's were to rendezvous, empty, with
S.0's of groups, at W buoy at 2200/31; the Groups were then
to proceed so as to arrive off the beach east of Dunkirk at
2400/31 in the following positions:-
Group 1 - Braye Dunes Hotel
Group 2 - La Panne Light
Group 3 - Niger and Salamander off Rosendael just east of
Malo], Fitzroy and Sutton off "Battery",
02° 27" E. [2 miles west of Zuydecoote Church].
Spare Group - Kellett between Groups 1 and 3.
Saltash Lydd (if not required to complete groups) to lie
betweer. Groups 1 and 2.
off Bray.
Troops were to be brought off in 3 flights by waiting motor
boats, the operation to commence at 0130.
of 31st May, however, the to military hold the plan
on the afternoon it was no longer possible Instead, the
was changed, because position with 4,000 troops. withdrawn
original covering the La Panne area was to be flight
westward, easternmost and Division lifted in from the beaches by the special
of boats.
This change of plan the the special the between
Bray tows and the mile M/S's east into of La hour.
nommencement and 1 of the operation by 1
276

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MINESWEEPER GROUPS
on the forenoon of 30th May, representatives of the
C. in C. of the B.E.F. attended a conference with the V.A.
Dover.
The Military officers gave daylight, 1st June, as the
could hold the eastern perimeter.
latest date up to which the British rear guard of 4,000 men
Inter alia, the conference reached agreement on the following:-
(1) that by 0130 on lst June, the British forces ashore
should be reduced to the rear guard of 4,000,
(2) that special boats and tugs should be accumulated
and reserved for service in the early hours of
1st June
(3) that the rear guard of 4,000, plus R.N. beach parties
should be lifted between 0130 and 0300 on 1st June.
Accordingly, on 31st May, V.A. Dover ordered [0400/31]
that the M/S's be organised in 3 groups as follows:-
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Spare Group
Gossamer
Halcyon
Niger
Kellett
Leda
Skipjack
Salamander
Saltash
ROSS
Speedwell
Fitzroy
Lydd
Albury
Dundalk
Sutton
Further, the M/S's were to rendezvous, empty, with
S.0's of groups, at W buoy at 2200/31; the Groups were then
to proceed 80 as to arrive off the beach east of Dunkirk at
2400/31 in the following positions:-
Group 1 - Braye Dunes Hotel
Group 2 - La Panne Light
Group 3 - Niger and Salamander off Rosendael [just east of
Malo], Fitzroy and Sutton off "Battery",
02° 27' E. [2 miles west of Zuydecoote Church].
Spare Group - Kellett between Groups 1 and 3.
Saltash betweer. Groups 1 and 2.
Lydd (if not required to complete groups) to lie
off Bray.
Troops were to be brought off in 3 flights by waiting motor
boats, the operation to commence at 0130.
on the afternoon of 31st May, however, the military plan
wrighanged, because it no longer possible to hold the
was with 4,000 troops. Instead, the
La Panne area was to be withdrawn
westward, and lifted from the beaches by the special flight
of boats.
tows and the M/S's into plan the stretch opposite the beach between
This change of involved concentrating the special
Bray east of La Panne, and also advancing the
commencement of the operation by 1 hour.
276

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2
NELSON'S M/B (continued)
2nd June
2400
Anchored off Dunkirk beach.
Embarked 2 men by Carley float.
Proceeded into Dunk1rk harbour and
embarked 25 French troops.
3rd June
0200
Proceeded.
0215
Centre engine breakdown. Continued
on port engine.
0800
Ramsgate. Disembarked 27 troops.
2130
Left Ramsgate.
2300
Thick fog.
2330
Lights failed. Turned back.
2400
L/Sea. Eggington lost overboard with
candle-lantern.
4th June
0400
Stopped waiting for fog to clear.
0500
Sighted N. Foreland. Went to assistance
of a mined French trawler [ viz. the
Emile Deschamps] Picked up some
survivors and transferred them to a
"sloop in attendance" [the M/S Albury]
0700
Ramsgate. Disembarked 6 survivors,
4 of them stretcher cases.
Total 55
Authority - R.O.III, pp.46, 322.
332

Details

3
PANGBOURNE - Continued.
0646
30th May
Sighted the S. Goodwin L.V. and was
(contd.
Mosquito. (1)
led into Dover by the G/B
1000
At Dover, disembarked 450 troops, and
the wounded and dead.
2000
1st June
Damage repaired but compasses still
out of action. Sailed to rendezvous
with the M/S Halcyon at N. Goodwin.
Did not find her. (2)
-
Now too late to go to the beaches, BO
proceeded eastward to assist ships
returning in difficulties.
2nd June
0532
Passed T buoy.
Off S buoy, transferred 23 British
troops from the tr. Stella Rigel.
1030
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 23 troops.
2000
Proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
the M/S's Halcyon and Speedwell.
3rd June
0030
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Ordered by
R.A. Dover to wait outside, as there
were no troops.
0200
A life-boat with 43 French troops and
4 officers came alongside and embarked
They stated that they were from a
French vessel, which had run aground
on a sandbank. (3)
Ordered by R.A. Dover to return to
England.
0215
Followed the M/S Albury until clear
of the channel and then made for
Folkestone.
-
Arrived Folkestone. Disembarked 47
troops.
Total 920
Authority - R.O.I, p.327.
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Actg. Cdr. F. Douglas-Watson, R.N.
C.G.M.
L/sto. R.K. Robb.
Mention in Despatches (Posthumous)
P.O. W.G. Hoare.
Mention in Despatches.
L/Sea. A. Reid.
(1) Not mentioned in Mosquito's report.
(3) Probably the French mail packer Rouen.
(2) She was delayed and had not left harbour.
378

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ROSS (continued)
31st May
1930
(contd.)
Proceeded in company with the M/S
Albury to rendezvous at W buoy
with Group 1.
1st June
0110
Anchored off La Panne and waited for
troops.
0350
Embarked troops by ship's boats.
The whaler was damaged and leaking,
so carried on with the M/B and the
skiff.
0515
With 92 troops on board, proceeded to
Bray where a further 168 troops were
embarked. Several aircraft had been
making m.g. attacks without causing
casualties.
0709
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
0741
When abeam of Dunkirk harbour, 5
aircraft dropped 16 bombs. Near
misses. The hull was holed by
splinters in several places above
the water line, the boiler brick work
collapsed and the steering gear
was put slightly out of line. The
dr. Ivanhoe, 1/2 mile on the port
bow received a direct hit amidships.
-
When approaching 5W buoy occasional
rounds from a shore battery were
falling between 5W and 6W buoys,
so Ross "turned inside". [i.e. just
to the north of] 5W buoy, leaving
it on the port hand.
0855
One aircraft made machine gun attack.
One fatal casualty.
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 260
troops. (1)
1096
Total 1066 2)
Authority - R.O.I., p.349.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lieut. K.A. Gadd, R.N.R.
D.S.M.
L/Sig. E.C. Atkins.
O.S.
T.N. Pasfield.
(1) D.R. Not mentioned in Margate report.
(2) D.R. gives 1096.
(3) Group I comprised the m/s.'s Gossamer, Leda, Ross and Albary.
39

Details

SPEEDWELL
(N.87)
6th
M.S.F.
Lt. Cdr. F.R.G. Maunsell, R.N.
1800ca
(Retd.)
31st May
Left other Sheerness to rendezvous
2400. to arrive off La Panne 2200, at
orders M/S's at W buoy at with with
1st June
0030
Speedwell anchored slightly west of
La Panne, 2 other vessels of her
group being to the eastward.
Troops were to have been brought off
by appeared. waiting M/B's, but no boats
0145
Signals were received from the shore
asking for boats to be sent in.
Speedwell's M/B and 2 whalers were
lowered, and ferried troops to the
ship. The M/B also towed in the
M/S Dundalk's whalers.
0400ca
The Speedwell weighed anchor and
closed the shore. Enemy aircraft
machine-gunned the troops on shore,
the ship, and the boats.
0500ca
Shortly after low water the Speedwell
grounded aft. While aground, many
troops were embarked. Eventually
the M/S Albury(1) towed her off.
During embarkation 1 rating from
Speedwell was drowned when a boat
capsized. Both Speedwell's whalers
were lost.
0645ca
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk as soon
as boats were cleared of troops.
0730
Proceeded to Dunkirk. Off the
entrance, the dr. Ivanhoe was hit
by a bomb as she was passing the
Speedwell. Speedwell went alongside
the Ivanhoe and transferred about
100 of the latter's troops.
0800ca
Repeated dive-bombing and high level
bombing attacks, supported by
fighters.
0830ca
Secured to Dunkirk east pier and
embarked troops.
0950
Proceeded to Dover with about 800
troops.
-
When some distance south-east of W
buoy, two consecutive salvos of bombs
were seen to hit a French destroyer
[prosably the Foudroyant] in company
[presumably the
with another vessel. "This vessel
sank within 2 or 3 minutes of being
hit".
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 972
troops. (2)
2nd June
2020
Left Dover in company with the M/S's
Niger and Halcyon.
3rd June
0130
The Speedwell secured alongside Dunkirk
east pier. Embarked French troops,
the harbour being regularly, but
not heavily shelled, from the
direction of La Panne.
(1) Speedwell incorrectly states that it was the M/S Kellett
(2) D.R.
that towed her off.
166

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Page 44
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. ALBURY and Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet -
Singleton, R.N.
various off troops from the beaches and Dunkirk harbour. Assisted
This ship completed five trips to Dunkirk. Brought
and ships that had been damaged. Used her boats
Continuously under bombing attacks and machine gun fire.
carley floats whilst loading troops from the own beaches,
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet -Singleton, R.N.
Showed great skill and seamanship in all trips,
especially initiative in using his boats and carley
floats. Displayed great devotion to duty whilst
ship was repeatedly bombed and machine gunned.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS
Acting Leading Stoker F. Putt, D/KX.84370.
In addition to carrying out his normal engine
room duties over a period of six days, was untiring
in his efforts in the ship's cutter gig. Showed
great gallantry in saving lives of soldiers by
jumping into the sea and cutting their equipment off.
Recommended for decoration.
Canteen Manager A. Harris.
Had only been at sea for one month. Did
magnificent work throughout the six days, continually
supplying comforts and food for the troops embarked
and in addition was invaluable in the First Aid
Station in assisting the wounded.
Recommended for decoration.
H.M.S. DUNDALK - Lieutenant Commander Frederick Arthur Ivone
Kirkpatrick, R.N. (Ret.).
This ship was employed in embarking troops from the
beaches and Dunkirk.
Recommendation.
RATING.
Able Seaman W. T. Elmslie, D/RHRY 19014.
Was employed in boats embarking troops from the in
beaches. By his initiative and judgment whilst
charge of whaler was able to save many lives.
Recommended for advancement.

Details

(1977) (Wt. 26777/4432 50M 10/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
4
Register No.
DSC e
Minute Sheet No.
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (First Lieutenant),
H.M.S. MALCOLM.
Commissioned Engineer, Reginald Thomas Jones AR.N., H.M.S.
Midshipman Malcolm John Ball, R.N.R., H.M.S. SABRE. SCIMITAR.
Lieutenant Commander Hugh Nicholas Aubyn Richardson, R.N.,
H.M.S. SHIKARI.
Lieutenant Adrian Paul Wilbraham Northey, R.N., H.M.S. VIMY.
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker, R.N., H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Lieutenant Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins, R.N.,
H.M.S. WINCHELSEA.
Mr. Frederick William Benoy, Gunner, R.N., H.M.S. WOLSEY.
Lieutenant Frederick Greville Woods, R.N., H.M.S. WORCESTER.
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet-Singleton, R.N.,
H.M.S. ALBURY.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. FITZROY.
Commander Michael Anthony Ormus Biddulph, R.N., H.M.S.
GLENGOWER.
Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R.,
H.M.S. HALCYON.
x
Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY QUEEN.
Sub-Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY
S
QUEEN.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. NIGER.
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. PRINCESS
ELIZABETH.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
PRINCESS ELIZABETH.
Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R., H.M.S. ROSS.
Mm
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds R.N., H.M.S.
SALAMANDER.
S
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R., H.M.S.
SPEEDWELL.
VX Sub-Lieutenant William Geoffrey Hewitt, R.N.V.R.,
H.M.S. SUTTON.
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N., H.M.S. BIDEFORD.
Commanded
Lieutenant,Ackroyd Norman Palliser Costobadie, R.N., H.M.S.
LOCUST.
X
Lieutenant Denis Harold Palmer Gardiner, R.N., H.M.S.
MOSQUITO.
X Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. MOSQUITO.
xSub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman, R.N.V.R., H.M.Y.
SERIOLA.
VX Skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., W.S.3319, H.M.Drifter THE BOYS.
XV Skipper Herbert Holden, R.N.R., W.S.3432, H.M.Drifter MIDAS.
Lieutenant Joseph Cox, R.N.R., Unit Officer of Drifters.
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.R., Unit Officer Drifters. of

Details

DSm
Stoker F. Tyler, P/K. 61614, H.M.S. SCIMITAR.
Leading Stoker Alfred Browne, D/KX. 81441,
vv
Ordinary Seaman George Park, D/JX.
Signalman William Hicks,
Chief Engine Room Artificer Francis
Leading Seaman James David Oliver Anderson, Paget, P/JX.
VLeading Petty Petty Officer Officer Seaman E.R. Frederick Meredith, Martindale, P/J.95625, H.M.S. VIVACIOUS VIMY
Stoker J.J. Williamson, P/KX.76409, H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
Leading
Petty Officer Seaman Cecil Walter Kenneth George Souster, Harold
/Engine Room Artificer 4th Class Joseph
57728,
Acting Leading Seaman Dennis Phillip Arthur Gilbert,
C/JX.151519, H.M.S. WOLSEY
Telegraphist Joseph Graham, P/SSX.17539, H.M.S. WOLSEY
/Electrical Leading Seaman Artificer John William Kenneth Simpson, C/MX.45564, H.M.S. WOLSEY
Flattery, P/JX.131896, H.M.S.
Chief Engine Room Artificer Sidney Arthur Wilkins, WORCESTER P/M.18465,
Leading Seaman Arthur Charles Godden, JX. 129206,
H.M.S. WORCESTER
Chief Petty Officer Frank Withington, J. 8739, H.M.S. WORCESTER
H.M.S. WORCESTER
Acting Leading Stoker F. Putt, 84370, H.M.S. ALBURY
Canteen Manager A. Harris, H.M.S. ALBURY
Able Seaman W.T. Elmslie, D/RHRY. 19014, H.M.S. DUNDALK
Signalman D. Minter, 155114, H.M.S. FITZROY
Signalman Frederick Froggatt, C/JX. 144084, H.M.S. FITZROY
Ordinary Seaman G.H. Hawkins, A.F.A., H.M.S. FITZROY
you
Stoker 1st Class W.A.W. Ward, C/KX. 97894, H.M.S. FITZROY
Able Seaman J. Fleming, D/JX.140199, H.M.S. GLENGOWER
Leading Seaman T. Neive, T.124, H.M.S. GLENGOWER
Assistant Cook (0) T.H. Ward, MX. 59579, H.M.S. GOSSAMER
Petty Officer Edward William Higgs, C/JX.133416, H.M.S.
Able Seaman Clarence Edward Jarmill, 95955,
GOSSAMER
Stoker Petty Officer John Henry Salmon, H.M.S. D/K. 66811, HALCYON H.M.S.
Chief Petty Officer Stanley Freeman Piggott, (O.B.E.), HALCYON
Chief Ordinary Seaman James Frederick P/J.15794, H.M.S. HEBE H.M.S. KELLET
Engine Room Artificer George Shirat, Bertram R.F.A., Head, P/M.34498,
Petty Petty Officer John Collins, H.M.S. LEDA
Petty Officer Henry McAllister, P/J.90457, H.M.S. LEDA
Officer Alfred Ernest Crossley, 23168, C/J.103237, H.M.S. H.M.S. MEDWAY QUER
Able Seaman Kenneth Roy Olly, R.N.R., C/X. 20348A,
MEDWAY QUEEN
Petty Leading Seaman Clive Frederick Maine Cooper, H.M.S. C/JX. MEDWAY 137062,
QUEE
Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX. H.M.S.
NIGER
Stoker Ernest Baker, T.124, H.M.S. H.M.S. PRINCESS PRINCESS 127274, PRINCESS ELIZABE ELIZABETH
Theo. Norman R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
Leading Engine Signalman Edward Charles Pasfield, Atkins, P/JX. H.M.S. 176952,
ROSS
Stoker Stoker Petty Room Artificer Officer T. C.H. Andrew, H.M.S. 152931, ROSSMAND SALAMA
Stoker 1st the H.M.S. H.M.S. SALAMANDER SALAMANDER H.M.S. SALTASH
Able Seaman H.J. D/JX. M.28768, 61034, H.M.S. H.M.S.

Details

469
WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY, 1940.
0600.
"ROSS".
383.
0900.
"LEDA".
301.
1010.
"PANGBOURNE".
400.
1110.
"KELLETT"
472.
1220.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1173. + 5 German Prisoners.
1340.
"ALBURY".
161.
1430.
"PATRIA".
200.
1445.
"CARIBIA".
300.
7-
1520.
"LEUS".
200.+ 2 Femalealiens.
1640.
"HORST".
350.
1800.
"ROYAL DAFFODIL".
1703.
1820.
"K.G.V."
853.
2100.
"LEDA".
500.
-
Total.
6996.
====

Details

470
49.4
Margate
THURSDAY, 30TH MAY, 1940.
0530.
"GOLDEN EAGLE".
500.
0620.
"ROYAL EAGLE".
808.
X
0700.
"ALBURY".
445.
0915.
"LYDD".
200.
1020.
"KELLETT".
550.
1130.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1200.
1320.
"ROSS".
300.
1350.
"PATRIA".
1200.
1430.
"PRINC.ELIZABETH".
460.
1565.
"AEGIS".
355.
1640.
"MEDWAY QUEEN".
450.
1750.
"ORANGE".
500.
1800.
"LEDA".
537.
T
"DELEA".
203.
1820.
"DOGGERS BANK".
308.
2100.
8016.
Total.

Details

4715
FRIDAY, 31ST MAY, 1940.
0005.
"HORST".
800.
0535.
"LEDA".
380.
X
0705.
502
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1100.
+
3 Refugees.
0835.
"HOPPER. V24".
400.
0915.
"K.G.V.".
500.
1015.
"WOLVES".
50.
1100.
"ADVENTURESS".
85.
1320.
"STELLA DURADO".
22.
1320.
"PRINC. ELIZABETH".
374.
1445..
"KING FISHER".
91.
1450.
"LIFEBOAT".
17.
1450.
"SCOTTISH OP".
525.
gendalk
1655.
"DUNDALL".
450.
"ALBURY".
130.
1700.
1730.
"LYDD".
450.
1815.
"AEGIR".
350.
1845.
"TWENTE".
350.
"ANTJE".
300.
1850.
"DOGGERS BANK".
400.
1855.
"BRIGHTON QUEEN".
160.
1900.
"PLINLIMMON".
900.
2100.
Total.
7834.

Details

476
500
Margate
Total.
"SANDOWN".
201.
"GRACIE FIELDS".
281.
"ROSS".
:
683.
383. 300.
"LEDA".
2218.
301. 500. 537. 380. 500.
"PANGBOURNE".
400.
"KELLETT".
1052.
472. 550. 30.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
6370.
1173. 1200. 1100. 47. 1500. 1350.
"ALBURY".
1136.
161. 445. 130. 400.
"PATRIA".
1400.
200. 1200.
"CARIBIA".
300.
"DEUS".
200.
"HORST".
1150.
350. 800.
"ROYAL DAFFODIL".
3203.
1703. 1500.
"K.G.V."
3578.
853. 500. 700. 1460. 65.
"GOLDEN EAGLE".
1750.
500. 1250.
"ROYAL EAGLE".
2058.
808. 1250.
"LYDD".
850.
200. 450. 200.
"PRINC. ELIZABETH".
1344.
460. 374. 510.
"AEGIS".
835.
355. 350. 130.
"MEDWAY QUEEN".
450.
"ORANJE".
600.
500. 100.
"DELLA".
203.
"DOGGERS BANK".
708.
308. 400.
"HOPPER V24".
980.
400. 580.
"WOLVES".
50.
"ADVENTURESS".
85.
"STELLA DURADO".
22.
"KING FISHER".
458.
91. 157. 210.
"LIFEBOAT".
17.
"SCOTTISH OP".
525.
33107.
TOTAL.

Details

135
140
was
noticed that ships at anchor had heavy boabs directed at them,
whereas Lydd who was under weigh was only treated to light
stuff. During the embarkation H.M.S. Crested Eagle, which had
bombed aft and caught fire, beached herself 01088 by and the
troops on board began to jump into the water. Lydd's bosts
immediately went to their assistance, picking up a large
number, including twenty five very badly burnt and injured non.
Albury arrived shortly after this and her assistance was
called for, which was at once rendered.
AS there was no doctor on board it was deemed essential to
get the wounded home as quickly as possible, and I laft the
scene at 2100, with three hundred troops enboard.
When off the Middelkirke Buoy at 2200 11 was reported to ne
that the D.G. cabled had caught fire and had had to be switched
off. IT was discovered that They had been pairced by bomb splint
-ters, the steering compase was now so sluggish that the ship
had to be steared by a star When visible. Temporary repairs to
D.G. cable were carried out next day.
At 2205 and so 3 was reserved from the Travler TOR BAY 2.
ON closing her it was discovered that all she had wrong was &
foul propeller. I explained about the necessity of getting ay
Wounded home quickly, told her that there were other ships
following, continued on ay way, and reported the matter on
arrival at Margate.
I arrived at Margate at 0515 30th May, but could not get
alongside to disembark until 0855, owing to the large number of
ships already there.
I then proceeded to Sheerness to coal and ammunition,

Details

156
161
Sheet 4. & final
embarkation.
At 0200 a lifeboat with 43 French troops and 4 Officers
came alongside and embarked. They stated that they were
from a French vessel which had run aground on & sandbank.
Whilst getting this party inboard I was ordered by R.A.D to *
return to England. As Albury was leaving harbour at this
time I followed her out clear of the channel and then
proceeded to Folkestone and disembarked troops, then
proceeded to Dover and coaled as I had only 15 tons of
coal remaining. Owing to being unable to leave Granville
Dock until 2130 Pangbourne did not take part in any further
operations.
1 have the honour to be Sir,
Your Obsdient Servant
VICE ADMIRAL
Commander R.N.
9- JUN 1940
*
*
DOVER

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Dynams 202.
BIGLO
- 337
H.M.S. Albury. H.M.S.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to formed the account of
proceedings of His Majesty's Ship Albury during the
days May 28 th to June 6th 1940.
25
I left Harwich at noon on lay 38th in company
with the Fifth Minesweeping Flotilla, arrived off
Zudecotte Beach at 3130 and, anchoring as close as
possible, sent Doats inshore to embark troops. The
rate of embarkation was then slow as the tide vis low
and a small surf was troublesome 00 the beach. The
troops were in good spirits though short of rations;
I landed a quantity of dry provisions in the skiff.
mile 3. to seamed of the ship, but no interference was
About 2330 a bomb was seen to drop about one
caused to the work in hand.
4. ceeded without incident to Margate, where the troops
At 0830 on May 20th I got under my and pro-
were disembarked.
5. at 1930 on May 29th; a considerable amount of bombing
I then returned to Zudecotte, arriving there
was in progress. On arrival the roads were fairly
empty, as we had passed,on the my,a number of loaded
ships returning.
had 6. grounded and,beirg being full of troops and survivors,
I made towards a burning Paddl -stommer, which
appeared to be in 8 bad my. All boats and Carley
up. Bombs were being dropped continually around the
floats were sent any and many survivors were picked
two Machino-gun attacks were carried out. I have
ship and the Paddle-steamor during this operation, and
but the utmost praise for all concerned, the
majority nothing of whom are very young and had certainly
never fire was kent as by the Twelve Pounder. I sent
been in action before. Continual Anti-aircraft a
signal for Fighter assistance, which arrived later in
the evening.

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333
339
15.
the Breedt bank, the nost intense bombing attacks were
While leaving the charnel and couing up to
experienced, Repeated Lear misses were registered on
His Majesty's Ship Gossamer, ahead of ne, His Majest's
Destroyer Havant, who had just overtaken me, was hit in
the vicinity of number Three gun; continuing at high
speed, she described a large circle to starbcard, and
when last seen was steaming in a Southerly direction.
Near misses were 30 registered on His Majesty's Ship
Albury; Fighter assistance The requested.
16.
These bombers came in relays and pursued the
ship well out to sea, The Twelve pounder ms kept in
action the whole time, 'Id it the very noticeab 0 that
11 fire has witheld until aircraft approaching from
astern were close, they were forced to sheer off and
go round again. Effective use ms unde of Lends and
Bren guns, the atter obtained from and samed by the
troops,
17.
I proceeded to Sheerness, anded the trooys,
replenished supplies of coal and ammunition, and
sail ed for Dunkirk at 1600,on June 2nd,
18.
On arrival in Dunkirk harbour at 0015 on June
3rd, I went alongside the Bastern 113, French troops
were embarked, though there did not supear to be many
waiting, and It ms necessary to send along the jetty
towards the tom to 001 set then. During the time that
His Najesty's Ship Albury ms niongaide,intermittent
shelling was taking place, apparently directed at the
harbour and ships alongside. I sailed eventually about
0215 with Two hundred troops on board,
off 19. "U" buoy, which I reported to you. It ms afightly
While returning I encountered a floating mine
contral in shape, and from its appearance night have
been a Dutch nine. I sank it and proceeded to Sheerness
to land the troops and to coal.
in 30. with His Majesty's Ships Gossaner and Leda,
I sail ed again for Dunkirk at 1630 OD June 3rd
order to arrive at the herbour at 0020 on June 4th. I
and company was detached off ⑈ buoy to not independently, in
was ordered a ongside the lest pier, filled w with
French soldiers, and left the harbour at 0130.
21, Goodwin Light-vessel, and I overtook His Majesty's
Fog ms encountered between "U" buoy and the
unti relieved by His Majesty's Ship Hellett
North Ship Leda, who had been in 001 laton; I stood by her
22, In Naval Tessel Saile Deschamps, crowded five
the vicinity of the 31bow buoy, the with French
troops of her, and signalling her course to
Auxiliary and refugees, ms passed, I ms about the
the North blew up and sank within half a
cab: es ahead Goodwin Light-vessel, which she minute. had missed, I
turned when she to pick up survivors, and reported to you that
she had been sunk by a mine,

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3.
370
22.
Skipper beaches A. Gardner, at 2200 R.N.R. - Went in Tug "Tanga" arrived
bombed machine-gunned throughout the night, while
at the and on Friday, May 31st. They were
lying off an life inprovised boat jetty. He helped to ferry troops
life boat.
down and he returned on Saturday in "Leda", leaving the
in a power which "Tanga" had towed. This broke
23.
Sub Lieut. E.T. Garside, R.N.V.R. - Went to Le Panne in
"Elizabeth Green" and ferried for larger craft. He
sighted "Viewfinder" on the beach. He got back to
Ramsgate on Thursday May 30th, transferred to the R.F.A.
launch "Andora II" and returned to beaches where he ferried
for a bit and then brought back 23 French. Arrived
Ramsgate on Friday. On Monday night he was towed over in
the "Elizabeth Green" by a tug, which he could not after-
wards find and so he brought his load home.
24. Sub Lieut. R. Shrimpton, R.N.V.R. - In an Admiralty, open
36 ft. launch he was towed over by a drifter and pent
Saturday night at the beaches. On a later night he went
into Dunkirk.
25. Sub Lieut. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R. - Went over to Le Panne
in the "Frightened Lady" which was beached after fouling
the screw. He reported to an Admiral with side whiskers
who was escorting Gort. He was told to help some soldiers
getting abandoned pinnaces away. He also assisted to
build a jetty with trailers etc. Left the beaches in the
"Horst".
26. Sub Lieut. A.V. Weaver, R.N.V.R. - Went over in "Quijijana"
and brought back a party of 18 troops mostly Coldstream
Guards. He went over again in "Sun X".
27.
Sub Lieut. W.G.H. Bonham, R.N. went over in "BOBELI"
in the first batch and ferried until about midnight on
Wednesday night. His boat was broken up by a destroyer
which went full ahead while he was alongside. He went
on ferrying for a bit but had to abandon the "Bobeli" and
returned to Margate in the "Albury". He then went over
in the "Horst" which had to be abandoned owing to engine
trouble and a near miss.
28.
Sub Lieut. J.W. Culham, R.N. - in "Smolt" which broke
down on way over and was towed back by "Midas" ?. Went
over in "Glitter II" to the beaches about 6m East of
Dunkirk arrived at 1600 on Wed. 29th. Stayed ferrying
until 0200 on Thursday when she lost her rudder on some
wreckage and was towed back to Dover by a drifter. The
"Black Arrow" was seen aground at Dunkirk.
29. Sub Lieut. R.A.W. Pool, R.N. - Took lighter X.817 to
Dunkirk and then back to Ramsgate. He went over again
on last night to Dunkirk in the M.T.B. "Marlborough".
Mares
30.
Sub Lieut. E.G.B. Enxnish, R.N.V.R. - in "Skylark" but
she sank on the way over. He also saw "Mary Rose" sink
in mid ocean and the "Ellen Mary" run down by a life
boat and abandoned.
31,
Sub Lieut. E.A.E. Cornish, R.N.V.R. - was in the
"Lansdowne" which slipped her tow outside Dunkirk.

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APPENDIX I.
160
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
162
-
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
A.A. CRUISER:
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VIMY
(40)
SLOOPS:
BIDEFORD
GUNBOATS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
UNESWEEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
EL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGO
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO
A/S VESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SANGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
re
SPECIAL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
ESSELS:
"LL" TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
it
A/S TRAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
ore
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WESTELLA
an
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
ue
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
all
INE RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
SILVER DAWN
RIFTERS:
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

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APPENDIX I.
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
RUISER:
CALCUTTA
YERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VILY
BIDEFORD
TS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
EEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
EL
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WESTWARD HO
ESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SARGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
AL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
LS:
ROYAL EAGLE
TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
RAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WISTELLA
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
ERS:
SILVER DAWN
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

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DMS
OPERATION "DYNAMO".
bas
H.M.S. # GOSS AMER ",
5th June, 1940.
L
1
D
The Commander in Chief,
H.M.Ships and Vessels at the Nore.
ir,
I have the honour to submit the following despatch on the operations J
£ H.M.Ship # GOSSAMER # under my command during the evacuation of
unkirk, for the information of Their Lordships.
1
We made six trips in all, and transported, as accurately as can be
scertained, 3214 British and French troops to this country. A list E
18 recomendations for awards is appended. At the same time the entire
hips company did as much to deserve a medal as tose few I was able to
ingle out.
When this operation is compared with the glordous feat at Zecbrugge
in 1918, I am inclined to believe that it imposed greater strain on the
ficers and men. This was particularly 80 due to the constant
repetition in the belief that each one was the last. Again there were
the long hours off the beaches in momentary expectation of the arrival
x enemy aircraft(en expectation which was seldom disappointed ). Then
the six hour passage home with constant reports of the presence of enemy
L.T.B.'s on the route, and in the knowledge that we had six or sevenhu
undred souls on board and no boats whatever.
"GOSSAMER" sailed from Harwich at 1230 on 28th May, 1940, in
company with H.M.Ships "KELLETT", "ALBURY", "ROSS", "LYDD", "PAINGBOURNE",
sand "LEDA". H.M.S. "SALTASH" was left in the Tyne boiler cleaning.
flotilla arrived at EUIDCOTE addititis Pass at 2030 and stapped off
BRAY at 2115. There cared to be a large wood close to the shore
but on neurer approach this was seen to be a mass of troops on the and.
Two ships were left there and the remainder proceeded to the East Pier
at Dunkirk which at that time was intact.
As it was low water it took half on hour to embark troops down 1m-
provised ladders, but "GOSSAMER" sailed at 2215 with 430 on board.
from now on it was impossible to exercise control over the fiotilla as
a unit, and this narrative is concerned with "GOSSAMER" alone.
Just outside the 2UIDCOTE PASS we come upon the "MANNIAN" aground,
and S.S. "PRAGUE" stopped, without charts. "MANXMAN" was given direct-
dons, and a boat was sent to "PRAGUE" with a chart of Dunkirk. As
will be seen this delay seved our lives.
Proceeding towards KWINT DOUY we soon came into a patch of water
filled with mom crying BHelp", and heads could be seen all round in the
Ben.
I stopped and lowered boats ( three whalers and a skiff ).
I
WED then halled by Commonder R.L. Fisher of H.M.S. "WAKEFUL" who said he
had been torpedoed and that the Submerine vas still near by.
In
actual fact I believe he was attacked by on M.T.B. Dut my boats and
almost all my officers were now lost in the night, and it took some
time to recover them with such few men as they had been able to pick up.
The skiff was loft alongside a drifter. No doubt we were wrong to
stop, but at the time I thought otherwise. We then steered so as to
evoid KWINT BUOY, and proceeded without further incident to Dover,
arriving there at 0655 an Wednesday 29th May.

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whith
Admiralty,
on.
whitehall.
August, 1940.
Order for good services in the withdrawal of the Allied
for the following Appointments to the Distinguished Service
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders
Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk:-
To be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order:
Captain Jack Grant Bickford, D.S.C., Royal Navy, H.M.S. Express.
Captain Eric Wheler Bush, D.S.C., Royal Navy.
hanspos
Commander captain Edward Cawdron Cordeaux, M.B., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.,
Commander Michael Oliver Dundas Ellwood, Royal Navy, (Retired).
Royal Navy (Retired) H.M.S. Royal Eags.
Shapling
Commander Reginald Wastell English, Royal Navy, (Retired).
Commander Eric Perceval Hinton, M.V.O., Royal Naty.
e
Commander Edward Reginald Lewis, Royal Navy, (Retired).
Commander Hector du Plessis Richardson, Royal Navy.
Commander John Charles Keith Dowding, R.D., R.N.R., H.M.S. Mona's
(RD)
Isle.
Commander Jeffery Elliott R.N.R., H.M.S. King Orry.
Acting Commander Grenville Mathias Temple, Royal Navy, H.M.S.
Sutton.
Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Salamander.
Lieutenant-Commander Humphrey Gilbert Boys-Smith, R.N.R.,
H.M.Skoot Twente.
Lieutenant Robert Bill, Royal Navy.
Lieutenant Archibald Gray, Royal Navy, H.M.Skoot Hilda.
Surgeon Lieutenant John Jordan, M.B., B.Ch., Royal Bideford. Navy, H.M.S.
His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve
the following Awards for like good services:-
The Distinghished Service Cross.
Acting
Commander Michael Anthony Ormus Biddulph, Royal Glengower. Navy, H.M.S.
0/1
Lieutenant -Commander Colin Henry Corbet-Singleton, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Albury.
Lieutenant-Commander Ackroyd Norman Palliser Costobadie, Royal
Navy, H.M.S. Locust.
Lieutenant-Commander Richard John Hullis Couch, Royal Esk. Navy, H.M.S.
Lieutenant-Commander Stratford Hercules Dennis, Royal Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Winchelsea.
Lieutenant-Commander John Hugh Lewes, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Bideford.
Lieutenant-Commander Hugh Nicholas Aubyn Richardson, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Shikari.
well

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ICW19295
d'enner
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (First Lieutenant),
H.M.S. MALCOLN.
Commi sei oned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones, R.B., H.M.S.
Midshipman Balcolm John Ball, R.M.R., H.M.S. SABRE. SCIMITAR.
Lieutenant Commander Hugh Nicholas Aubyn Richardson, R.B.,
H.M.S. SHIKART.
Lioutenant Adrian Paul Wilbraham Northey, R.N., H.M.S. VIMY.
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker, R.N., H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Lieutenant Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins, R.M.,
H.M.S. WIRCHALSEA.
Mr. Frederick William Benoy, Gunner, R.N., H.M.S. WOLSEY.
Lieutenant Frederick Greville Woods, R.N., H.H.S. WORCESTER.
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet-Singleton, R.N.,
H.M.S. ALBURY.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. FITEROY.
Commander Michael Anthony Crame Biddulph, R.N., H.M.S.
GLENGOWER.
Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, B.N.V.R.,
H.M.S. HALCYON.
tooda Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY QUENN.
Sub-Li sutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY
QUEEN.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. NIGER.
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. PRINCESS
ELIZABETH.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
PRINCESS ELIZABETH.
Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R., H.M.S. ROSS.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, R.N., H.M.S.
SALAMANDER.
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R., H.M.S.
SPEEDWELL.
Sub-Lieutenant William Geoffrey Hewitt, R.N. Valing
H.H.S. SUTTON
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.H., H.M.S. BIDEFORD.
Lieutenant Ackroyd Norman Palliser Costobadie, R.N., M.M.S.
LOCUST.
Lieutenant JAYOR Denis Harold Palmer Gardiner,
bittle
MOSQUITO.
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, N.N.R.,
H.M.S. MOSQUITO.
Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman, R.M.V.R., SERIOLA. H.M.Y.
skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., W.S.3319, H.M.Drifter THE BOYS
Holden, R.N.R., W.S.3452, H.M.Drifter MIDAS.
Lieutenant Joseph Cox, R.N.R., Unit Officer to Drifters.
78.
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.N., Unit officer of

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Page 44
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
ALBURY a Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet
Singleton, R.N.
off troops ships that had been and Dunkirk harbour. Brought
This ship from completed the beaches five trips to Dunkirk.
various floats whilst damaged. Used her Assisted
Continuously bombing attacks and machine gun fire.
and carley under loading troops from the own beaches, boats
14
Recommendations.
ICER
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet -Singleton, R.N.
ic
Showed great skill and seamanship in all trips,
FO
D.S.C
especially initiative in using his boats and carley
floats. Displayed great devotion to duty whilst
ship was repeatedly bombed and machine gunned.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS
Acting Leading Stoker F. Putt, D/KX.84370. 84370.
In addition to carrying out his normal engine
room duties over a period of six days, was untiring
in his efforts in the ship's cutter gig. Showed
great gallantry in saving lives of soldiers by
jumping into the sea and cutting their equipment off.
Recommended for decoration.
Canteen Manager A. Harris.
Had only been at sea for one month. Did
magnificent work throughout the six days, continually
supplying comforts and food for the troops embarked
and in addition was invaluable in the First Aid
Station in assisting the wounded.
D.S.M.
Recommended for decoration.
is
H.M.S.
DUNDALK
- Lieutenant Commander Frederick Arthur Ivone
Kirkpatrick, R.N. (Ret.).
This ship was employed in embarking troops from the
beaches and Dunkirk.
Recommendation.
RATING.
Able Seaman W. T. Elmslie, D/RHRY 19014
employed in boats embarking troops whilst from the in
OF
beaches. Was By his initiative and judgment lives.
charge of whaler was able to save many
Recommended for advancement.

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Page 45
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 44
S.R.
Operation "DYNAMO" and Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. ALBURY - Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet -
Singleton, R.N.
S,
ly
This ship completed five trips to Dunkirk. Brought
off troops from the beaches and Dunkirk harbour. Assisted
various ships that had been damaged. Used her own boats
and carley floats whilst loading troops from the beaches.
Continuously under bombing attacks and machine gun fire.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
ig
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet -Singleton, R.N.
Showed great skill and seamanship in all trips,
especially initiative in using his boats and carley
floats. Displayed great devotion to duty whilst
ship was repeatedly bombed and machine gunned.
Dsc
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS
Acting Leading Stoker F. Putt, D/KX.84370.
In addition to carrying out his normal engine
room duties over a period of six days, was untiring
in his efforts in the ship's cutter gig. Showed
great gallantry in saving lives of soldiers by
Draw
jumping into the sea and cutting their equipment off.
Recommended for decoration.
Canteen Manager A. Harris.
Had only been at sea for one month. Did
magnificent work throughout the six days, continually
supplying comforts and food for the troops embarked
and in addition was invaluable in the First Aid
Station in assisting the wounded.
Down
Recommended for decoration.
H.M.S. DUNDALK - Lieutenant Commander Frederick Arthur Ivone
Kirkpatrick, R.N. (Ret.).
This ship was employed in embarking troops from the
beaches and Dunkirk.
Recommendation.
seaman G. H. Hawkins, A.F.A.
Acted as Coxswain and driver of H.M.S. FITZROY'S
motor boat on four nights. His courage and

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survivors from the I merch
Dynam. Grand 113. Hotel Biulol
HTUOMPIRON
5
Dover. 4
I have the honour to he
9th June 1940
Sir
In
your obedient Servani
J have the honour to bring to your
notice the excellent work of the hondon
R.P. Lucey five Brigade fine that - Massey Shaw.
Sub. Lie all the crew were members of the handon
Roy fine Brigade or auxiliary fin Service
N.O. I.C. Ramsgate
and were all volunteers.
For V.A. Dover
VICE AU
15 JUN 1940
In particular would like to
*
DOVER
R
mention the following names :-
1nb Officer A.J. MAY Albury Cubrey / thur
Aux. Firman E.G. WRIGHT Eric garden
Clube Friman H. RAY. Henry
These there men were outstanding in
initative and capatility doing H trips an

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320
296
COPY.
Lynwood Court,
Totteridge Lane,
London, N.20.
23
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on the
night of Tuesday 28th May, in accordance with orders
received from Sheerness, I took the motor-cruiser Bobeli
from Sheerness to Dover, arriving at 0300 Wednesday.
At 0815 I sailed for La Paune Beach in
company with five other boats, later joined by Sub-
Lieutenant Snow in another boat off Ramsgate.
We arrived at La Paune beach at about 1730,
after being machine-gunned once by enemy aircraft in
the channel to Dunkirk.
I then started towing boats from the beach
to the ships, and sent in my whaler with A.B. Holborn;
I towed it alongside a Destroyer which went full ahead
while I was still alongside, smashing the canopy of my
boat with her rat-guard, springing some of the strakes,
and breaking A.B. Holborn's hand. The boat however and was
sent still A.B. Holborn on board, and borrowed two men from it
in running order so I went alongside as sloop
to help me.
I it was & waste of time sending in & whaler
then continued towing but came to the con-
without a of soldiers in 8 boat. I but
clusion that crew of at least FOUR seamen, unfortunately due to the complete
never did their got work under difficult conditions and
incapability the names of the two men I borrowed, excellently they
without complaint.
time later I lost my whaler and "Crested crew which
Eagle" to pick breaking up down, making water, and had in something taking
were towed survivors; the boat at
Some of by another boat so went to this the time was
continually and rudder. I succeeded fast and
below Thursday to morning help I was kept by the S.N.T.O.
her alongside with the wounded. On arrival Commander 30/5
tangled in the H.M.S. screw Albury where I made her at Margate went on
Stanistreet, R.N. to assist him.
at Margate till Priday Lieutenant, afternoon when 31/5
I appointed I remained to H.M. Schoot in Horst Command. as 1st We sailed at
with 1230 was Lieut. and arrived Sargent, off R.N.V.R. the beach at about 1800 where we took
on troops.
time came to leave it was on found the bottom; that the
When the by another abandoned cable broke down.
cable the capstan was fouled engine and ship's diesels also
taking so; off I while the want men I away was we had in away a on dinghy the board Horst to and find was found further a ship a yacht capable damaged willing of
by to a do near-miss shell.
Sargent decided to abandon up. the The Horst
whose auxiliaries Lieutenant were left running to seize
soldiers

Details

469
WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY, 1940.
0600.
"ROSS".
383.
0900.
"LEDA".
301.
1010.
"PANGBOURNE".
400.
"KELLETT"
472.
1110.
1220.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1173. * 5 German Prisoners.
1340.
"ALBURY".
161.
1430.
"PATRIA".
200.
"CARIBIA".
300.
1445.
N
200.+ + 2 Female aliens.
1520.
"LEUS".
350.
1640.
"HORST".
1800.
"ROYAL DAFFODIL".
1703.
853.
1820.
"K.G.V."
500.
2100.
"LEDA".
1
6996.
Total.

Details

470
49,
Margate
THURSDAY, 30TH MAY, 1940.
0530.
"GOLDEN EAGLE".
500.
0620.
"ROYAL EAGLE".
808.
0700.
"ALBURY".
445.
0915.
"LYDD".
200.
1020.
"KELLETT".
550.
1130.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1200.
"ROSS".
300.
1320.
"PATRIA".
1200.
1350.
"PRINC.KLIZABETH".
460.
1430.
355.
1565.
"AEGIS".
1640.
"MEDWAY QUEEN".
450.
500.
1750.
"ORANGE".
537.
1800.
"LEDA".
203.
1820.
"DELEA".
"DOGGERS BANK".
308.
2100.
8016.
Total.

Details

471
FRIDAY, 31ST MAY, 1940.
0005.
"HORST".
800.
0535.
"LEDA".
380.
502
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1100.
+
3 Refugees.
0705.
0835.
"HOPPER.V24".
400.
0915.
"K.G.V.".
500.
1015.
"WOLVES".
50.
"ADVENTURESS".
85.
1100.
"STELLA DURADO".
22.
1320.
"PRINC. ELIZABETH".
374.
1320.
"KING FISHER".
91.
1445..
17.
1450.
"LIFEBOAT".
"SCOTTISH OP".
525.
1450.
1655.
"DUNDALL".
450.
1700.
"ALBURY".
130.
450.
"LYDD".
1730.
350.
"AEGIR".
1815.
350.
"TWENTE".
1845.
300.
"ANTJE".
1850.
"DOGGERS BANK".
400.
1855.
"BRIGHTON QUEEN".
160.
1900.
"PLINLIMMON".
900.
2100.
1
7834.
Total.

Details

Margate
Total.
ANDOWN".
201.
;RACIE FIELDS".
281.
)SS".
683.
383. 300.
LEDA".
2218.
301. 500. 537. 380. 500.
PANGBOURNE".
400.
KELLETT".
1052.
472. 550. 30.
ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
6370.
1173. 1200. 1100. 47. 1500. 135
ALBURY".
1136.
161. 445. 130. 400.
PATRIA".
1400.
200. 1200.
CARIBIA".
300.
DEUS".
200.
HORST".
1150.
350. 800.
ROYAL DAFFODIL".
3203.
1703. 1500.
K.G.V."
3578.
853. 500. 700. 1460. 65.
'GOLDEN EAGLE".
1750.
500. 1250.
'ROYAL EAGLE".
2058.
808. 1250.
850.
200. 450. 200.
"LYDD".
PRINC. ELIZABETH".
1344.
460. 374. 510.
835.
355. 350. 130.
"AEGIS".
"MEDWAY QUEEN".
450.
"ORANJE".
600.
500. 100.
"DELLA".
203.
"DOGGERS BANK".
708.
308. 400.
980.
400. 580.
"HOPPER V24".
"WOLVES".
50.
"ADVENTURESS".
85.
"STELLA DURADO".
22.
"KING FISHER".
458.
91. 157. 210.
"LIFEBOAT".
17.
"SCOTTISH OP".
525.
33107.
TOTAL.

Details

111
COPY.
Lynwood Court,
Tetteridge Lans,
London, N.20.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the henour to report that on the
night of Tuesday 28th May, in accordance with orders
received from Shourness, X Cook. the mater-orniser Bobeli
from. Shoerness to Dover, serving at 0300 Wednesday.
AS 0815 1 subled for La Pains Beach in
company with five other boats, later Joined by Sub-
Lieutenant Store in mother beat off Rimagute,
9a envived at La Passe beach at about 1730
after being nechine-gumed other S issued signature in
the channel to Dmkirk.
I than storted seving boate Steak the beach
to the ships, and augt 4a W. unalar vin A.B. Holborn;
I towad 10 alangside 8 Destroper which cust full sheed
while X WAS still alonguide, musize the GARGET of RJ
boat with her ref-gurd, springing 8000 of the strakes,
and breaking A.B. Holborn's hand. The boat however was
still in ruining order so 3 vent alongaids 8 sloop and
asnt A.B. Holborn on board, and borrowed two - from it
3a help -
3 them continued CASE 20-the 0821-
classion that 10 - 8 name of ISSS essiding to a whaler
without 8 orer of as least FOUR-Sponen, 4aa to She complete
inespability of coldiers to 8 Deat. I-minfortunately
DOVED got the naiss 18 the 980 - 3 burrened, but they
41d their work under difficult world
without complaint.
Same time later X less R shaler and orea which
ware towed off by emother bost 00 west So the "Created
Engle" to pick ND: survivors). the boat at this-time TAB
continually breaking down, making water, :and had seathing
tengled in the 80209 and rulier. I successed in taking
her alongside H.M.S. Albury shore'I made her fast and went
below to help with the munded. On arrival at Margate on
Thursday morning X 989 kept by-the S.N.T.O. Commander
Stanistreet, R.N. to esstat his.
I remained at Margate 0133 Friday afternoon when
I use appointed to H.N. School Heret as 1st Lieutemant,
with Lieut. Sergent, R.B.V.R. in Command. We sailed at
1230 and applyed are the beach at about 1800 where We took
on troops.
When the time - to leave it vas found that the
cable TAB fouled W mother abandoned cable on the bottom;
the capatan englas and ship's digetin #lgönbroke down.
2 wast used in a diagly to find 8 ship capable of
taking off the B93 - had 00 board and found 8 years willing
to 4a 801 while I was any the Horet was further damaged
by a near-mise shell.
Lieutenant Bargest decided to abandon the Heret
whose auxiliaries were left running 90 selse ND. The
soldiers

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
off Dunkirk at 1315. They had picked up that morning from arrived
The destroyers Codrington, Jaguar and Javelin, 33 survivors diverted from patrol,
S.S. Abukir, which had been torpedoed by United an E-boat while returning the
about 200 evacuees from Ostend to Grenade the which Kingdom; these survivors with
Javelin Dunkirk. were transferred using The their Codrington to own the boats, destroyer went embarked into Dunkirk troops harbour, from subsequently Bray while beach. the went Jaguar At on 1730 and to
the Grenade left Dunkirk with 1,000 troops on board.
skoot Lena. The Vimy also made a second
359 troops from Zuydcoote, assisted by ships' a the second.t.Bip,embarked
Between 1230 and 1815 the Vivacious, a her
Dunkirk harbour.
More ships were on the way. From 1230 onwards 19 minesweepers were
sailed from Harwich, from Dover and the Downs, for Dunkirk and the beaches.
By 2130 five of them had arrived off Bray beach I, and four off La Panne²;
three reached Dunkirk by 2140³.
Four other minesweepers arrived off the beaches late on the night of
28th/29th May4, and two more reached the beaches at 0600/29⁵.
Early on the 28th May the eight ships of the 7th and 8th minesweeping
flotillas had been ordered from Rosyth to Harwich, to work under the orders
of the Vice-Admiral, Dover⁶; they could not, however, reach the beaches
until about 72 hours later.
During the forenoon and afternoon of the 28th May the call went out for
more and more destroyers, and seven reached the evacuation area next day⁷.
In the signals from the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral, Dover, summoning
them there sounds the same note of extreme urgency, traceable to S.N.O.
Dunkirk's message⁸ declaring that evacuation on the night of 28th/29th May
was problematical. "If the older class destroyers and other vessels cannot
compete with the situation signalled the Admiralty, destroyers of all classes
are to be used for bringing men off'.9 Every available destroyer" in the
Western Approaches and Portsmouth Commands was to be sailed to Dover.
Destroyers on patrol or on escort duty were to be diverted to Dunkirk or the
beaches.¹¹
Vulnerability of personnel vessels
The vulnerability of the personnel vessels, with their large troop-carrying
capacity, was a cause of anxiety. On the 27th May the Biarritz and Archangel,
the Mona's Queen, King Orry, Sequacity, Yewdale, and the Isle of Thanet12,
I The Albury, Gossamer, Leda, Kellett and Sutton.
2 The Salamander, Halcyon, Skipjack and Waverley.
3 The Ross, Pangbourne and Lydd.
4 The Hebe, Sharpshooter, Duchess of Fife snd Emperor of India.
5 The Oriole and Marmion.
6
A.M.0163/28.
7 The Verity, Harvester, Esk, Malcolm, Express, Shikari and Scimitar.
8 Appendix M.4.
9 A.M.0754/28.
10 A.M.1229/28.
11 Appendices D.4, D.5 and D.7.
collided with the Examination Service Vessel leaving Ocean Reward, which sank
12 At 0254, on 28th May, shortly after Dover for Newhaven, the Isle of Thanet
Assisted by the tug Lady Brassey, a search was made for survivors, but none was found.
28

Details

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
straddled by bombs for and 35 minutes), the seeing burning that Grenade traffic all along the east
proceeded out of harbour, out of a into drifter in the Calvi,
had ceased, cast off, skirting grounding slightly on sunk and the sunken pier
The troops now of began the Piermaster climbing Cdr. J. one C. Clouston, ship
restored the instructions order.
having arrangements of his in the clear of the fairway,', R.N.,
At 1815 made the Grenade was abandoned with the Piermaster and her Captain, to tow her Cdr. R. C. Boyle,
embarked with some ship's company Crested Eagle.
Polly Johnson sunk
to the five remaining her Oropesa and the John Cattling was instructed on
The burning wreck of the Grenade trawlers. did, The in fact, commence to drift down
attempt vivors to pull clear, out of the remaining harbour 4 trawlers, with troops and to
on board, proceeded towards the beaches. A sur-
later, of the near Nieuport caused Bank buoy, miss the in Polly Johnson, leaking badly as a result little
engine, was abandoned; Arley embarked her crew and troops and sank
damage by a the near the first air attack, and with damaged
her by gunfire.
Grenade blown up
She burned fiercely for some hours and then blew up.
The Grenade was guided into a pocket to the westward of the main channel.
Crested Eagle blazing, is beached
swung clear of the east pier and proceeded on an easterly course. Shortly
Meanwhile, when the Verity left the harbour at 1755, the Crested Eagle
afterwards, she however, she was hit by 4 bombs and caught fire; out of control,
about she might transfer her troops; but the Crested Eagle could not stop. At
that continued under way. The Verity instructed the Crested Eagle to stop so
in Eagle ran aground west of Bray beach. The 200 survivors, who could be seen
1830, blazing fiercely fore and aft (she was a wooden ship) the Crested
to the the water, were heavily machine-gunned from the air, and the ships that came
rescue were bombed. Some of the survivors, several with severe burns,
Captain and other survivors of the Grenade, by the minesweeper Albury.
were picked up by the minesweepers Hebe and Lydd; others, including the
Among those picked up by the Sabre was the Second Engineer of the Crested
Eagle and a stoker from the Grenade.
Normania sunk
gunboat Ross took Mosquito, but then began to sink. The Mosquito and the minesweeper by
by a bomb off 11 W buoy. She was towed clear of Dunkirk channel was the
In the course of this third air attack the personnel vessel Normania hit
sank off off the crew and the few troops that on board. The Normania
11 W buoy at about 0245 the following were day.
Saladin and attacks The 2000. fourth off severely Ships Bray air attack, returning beach damaged, which to was England Lorina widespread, sunk were bombed. took place There between were about continuous 1830
was so company there were attacked; the destroyers attacked Sabre, 10 times,
Saladin in and its vicinity; the Verity and
severely damaged in the engine room by Saladin, a near miss that she had to
44

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
M/B Sceneshifter swamped and lost
The M/B Silver Moon, from Ramsgate, arrived off the beaches at 0800 and
ferried troops to ships at anchor. Without charts or compass she returned to
Ramsgate that night. The M/B Sceneshifter, on arrival, was rushed by French
troops, swamped, and became a total loss.
M/B Viewfinder dragged aground and lost
The six motor yachts, Advance, Bobeli, Elizabeth Green, Hanora, Reda and
Viewfinder sailed from Dover for La Panne beach and were machine-gunned
from the air off Gravelines. They arrived off La Panne beach at about
1500/29, and at once began towing whalers full of troops to off-lying ships.
At 1830, the Viewfinder was dragged aground by Belgian soldiers and became
a total loss.
M/B's Hanora and Bobeli abandoned
At 1900, the Hanora fouled her propeller and was abandoned; her crew
transferred to the Elizabeth Green and thence to the minesweeper Lydd. At
1900 also, the dr. Sabre requisitioned the Advance and embarked in her a W/T
transmitter and 2 operators for transportation to G.H.Q. at La Panne. The
Reda, having ferried troops, sailed for Ramsgate at 2200 with 21 troops on
board. The Bobeli having received some damage while alongside a destroyer
which suddenly went full ahead on account of an air attack, subsequently
fouled her screw and rudder; she made fast. to the minesweeper Albury, but
was abandoned when the Albury departed and became stranded on the beach.
The Elizabeth Green and Advance sailed in company that night for Ramsgate.
M/B Glitter II brings drinking water
The Glitter II arrived off Bray beach at 1600 on the 29th May, loaded with
tins of fresh water. She then ferried troops. Next day she lost her rudder and
was towed to Dover by a drifter.
M/B Queen of England sunk
A number of other small motor craft left Southend, Sheerness or Dover for
the beaches on the 29th May, but did not arrive until 30th May. Among them
was the Shamrock, and in company with her were the Princess Maud, Canvey
Queen and Queen of England. On the way over on the night of the 29th/30th
May the Queen of England was rammed amidships by the skoot Tilly and sank
immediately ; her crew were picked up by the Shamrock and transferred to
the Tilly1. The remaining three motor boats were all abandoned and lost next
day after ferrying troops to various destroyers, among them the Anthony;
the Canvey Queen and Shamrock fouled their propellers, and the Princess Maud
went aground.
The Mirasol², alongside Dunkirk mole, was damaged by a near miss. She
was taken in tow by a trawler, but later sank.
Other M/B's that sailed for the beaches on 29th May
The Triton and Silver Queen, with 6 motor launches in company, sailed for
La Panne at 2200. Three of the motor launches broke down on the way over
I Shamrock's report, unconfirmed. The name of the vessel is in doubt; the matter is
not referred to in Tilly's report.
2 Commonly, but erroneously referred to in reports as the " Marasole."
53

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and returned to harbour; the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
Dutch eel-boats Johanna and Chantecler M.B. Golden Lily also The
and Ramsgate " compass at which 2200/29. was reached situated The the over beaches, the was engine. however, only capable revolved at 0900 of slowly 4 knots, round and and left her
she had no charts, lost way 30th Later darkness, and returned to
and brought back 30 troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
round"¹. She The Johanna did not on the 30th
Ramsgate on the morning of the May. on that day she was towed
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve
The 29th May closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
were in fact transported.²
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
21 times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers⁶
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
40,724. This figure probably puts does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
3 2 D.R., D.R. p.11, which para. incidentally 38. the total of troops and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Javelin, Malcolm, Express, Verity, Wolsey and Marmion
Royal 5 The Daffodil, Anthony, Royal Codrington, Sovereign, Esk, Scotia, and Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Worcester. Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess Sabre, of Scimitar, Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

Details

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Ramsgate at 2200/29. situated over the engine. capable of 4 knots, also and left
Dutch eel-boats Johanna The Chantecler was only M.B. Golden Lily The
and returned to harbour; and the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
and brought back lost troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
and round"¹. She 30 The Johanna did not on the 30th and
compass which was reached the beaches, however, revolved at 0900 slowly round her
Ramsgate on the morning on that day she was towed
she had no charts, of way the 30th May. Later darkness, and returned to
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers and with failure to
The 29th May closed with a formidable available list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences achieve
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
were in fact transported.²
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11/2 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
2½ times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers⁵
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers6
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
3 D.R., which incidentally puts the total of and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
2 D.R. p.11, para. 38.
40,724. This figure probably does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
4 The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George troops V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Royal Daffodil, Royal Sovereign, Scotia, and
Javelin, Malcolm, Sabre, Scimitar, Verity, Wolsey and Worcester. Marmion
5 The Anthony, Codrington, Esk, Express, Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess of Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
east of Dunkirk. deserted. The too, empty, small seen that the beach to the
enemy tanks or As the light grew, at 0330, it was position against
The Rear-Admiral, lorries in along the Keith, the beach, with the was Basilisk for supporting fire
and going instructions Panne back was westward, to to England move though westward as intended. sea to were was Dunkirk However, moving whilst ships westward those were boats which a still had loading off Bray vanished were by under La
to the men anchored the
had been hit by shell fire. she grounded aft and continued at daylight, and at about
her motor boat and two She closed the shore ship as the Panne, using
The minesweeper Speedwell whalers was to ferry troops a little to the west of La
shortly after low water, fire by aircraft of the thus to embark 0500,
and the ship, until minesweeper took off 100 her off. She sailed at boats,
under machine-gun the enemy Albury towed troops on shore, the troops
for Dunkirk. On the way she troops from the Ivanhoe 0730
made repeatedly damaged up her by but a number bomb unsuccessfully as of the troops Speedwell bombed. to 972 was and steaming The left minesweeper for past Dover her. at 0950 Salamander At Dunkirk after which being was she
anchored a mile east of Bray Dunes, similarly engaged in embarking troops was
with her boats, and she sailed for Dunkirk astern of the Keith and Skipjack
soon after 0600. At Dunkirk she came in for two air attacks in one of which,
at about 0820, she was damaged by a near miss, but she reached Dover on one
boiler at 1530 and disembarked 479 troops. It was her last trip. A mile east
of Bray, too, the minesweeper Sutton embarked 453 troops from the beaches
before sailing at 0600 for Dover. She was bombed and machine-gunned, but
the only man hit was one wounded soldier. The minesweeper Dundalk was
anchored nearer to La Panne, also embarking troops. Having no motor boat,
the Speedwell and Salamander both lent a hand to tow her whalers. From
0500 onwards she was subjected to air attacks at regular intervals, and about
0800 she decided to proceed to Margate," where she arrived at 1215 with
280 troops. Still further east, the minesweeper Halcyon was anchored off La
Panne embarking troops swimming off to the ship, paddling in rubber boats,
and in her whalers, during which she had one officer (Lieut. N. Thurston, R.N.)
mortally wounded and suffered some casualties amongst the crew from machine
gunning by enemy aircraft.
Off Bray, the destroyer Sabre was embarking 451 troops and the minesweeper
Niger 310, pressing into service carley floats and lifebelts with which men swam
from the beach. Daylight showed a minesweeper and a paddle minesweeper
ashore, and the Rear-Admiral hailed a tug which was on its way homeward
with soldiers on board, and told him to go in and try to tow off the minesweepers.
However, the tugs had been sent over from England with pulling boats in tow
and told to load up, and they regarded themselves as transports only, whereas
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who knew nothing of these instructions, naturally
regarded them as tugs. It was not until a gun was trained on the tug and an
R.N.V.R. Sub.-Lieutenant put on board to take charge, that the master's
anxiety to get away was overcome.
A welcome addition to the evacuation craft consisted of the first of a dozen
Belgian fishing boats which now appeared on the scene from seaward down
the Zyuidcoote Pass.¹
Early liftings from Dunkirk
At 0241 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker had given orders for all small craft to
I Probably the 10 Belgian trawlers from Brixham, referred to in Section 176.
86

Details

DUSK TO DUSK, 1ST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. X
number and 8 destroyers were to enter Dunkirk harbour and go alongside the
East Pier, where British troops were. Only by using this pier would it be
possible to evacuate large numbers, and there was considerable apprehension
lest the Germans should shell it heavily and damage it or render it impossible
for ships to lie alongside. The pier had already been damaged by the armed
boarding vessel King Orry when she secured alongside at 1730 on 29th May
with her steering gear out of order and all instruments shattered by air attack,
but the gap had been bridged. Drifters and other small craft were to be sent
into the inner harbour at Dunkirk, to lift troops from the Quay Félix Faure,
in the Tidal Harbour, the North Quay, in the shipyard, and the quay in the
new outer harbour.
The French troops assembled on the west side of the harbour, and it was
intended that French vessels, including torpedo boats, should serve the West
Quay in the new outer harbour, whilst private small boats used the Quay Félix
Faure.
Assembly of shipping
Early in the afternoon of the 1st June Vice-Admiral Dover recalled all des-
troyers to harbour and minesweepers of the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th M/S Flotillas
were warned for duty only ships having degaussing equipment were to sail.
Five vessels, the Sharpshooter, Albury, Kellett, Ross, and Leda were unable to
comply; the compasses of another the Pangbourne, were unreliable, though
her D.G. gear was functioning ; and in the event, she sailed, led by a Dutch
skoot, though she was too late to go to the beaches, and accordingly proceeded
along Route Y as far as T buoy, looking for any ships in need of assistance.
The destroyers designated Force K, were to proceed in pairs at hourly intervals
to berth at the East Pier in Dunkirk harbour, returning to Dover when loaded.
If there was no vacant berth at the pier when a pair of destroyers arrived,
they were to assist at the beach instead. Four pairs were detailed, viz. the
Windsor and Icarus, Codrington and Sabre, Shikari and Esk, Winchelsea and
Whitshed. The Esk, however, which had been running almost continuously
since 27th May, was unable to sail and was given 24 hours stand off.
Preparations to assemble the requisite small craft for working off the beach
commenced early in the forenoon of 1st June, when a number of Senior Officers
were despatched from Dover in fast motor boats to round up all stray motor
boats in the Downs and along the routes, and direct them back in the evening
to the beach 11 miles east of Dunkirk. A flight of 30 motor boats and 34 life-
boats with 3 tugs, the last three large tugs left in London, was sent during the
early hours of 1st June from London to Ramsgate where they were prepared
for beach work, naval crews being placed in the lifeboats that lacked crews and
extra towage provided. Motor boats were also sent from Harwich and Sheer-
ness. A number of flotillas under Commodore A. H. Taylor and Captain the
Hon. G. Frazer were re-organised for the night's effort.
Abandonment of daylight evacuations (Appendix R)
It was decided to abandon daylight evacuation after 1st June, because the
scale of enemy air attack experienced on that day, and the fact that the Germans
could by now command the newly swept central route at its point of junction
with Dunkirk Roads by gunfire from the shore, rendered it too costly.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay, when drawing up the plan for the night, intended
sailings to cease at 0300 or 0330; and Captain Tennant at Dunkirk, who did
not yet know of the plan arranged for the night, independently gave orders,
97

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THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
Teteghem, the event this was postponed 2000 and when it took place some
on a front of two miles. The until French intended to counter-attack at
There was no movement in the port. Later Admiral
was in the hands of the enemy, but they had not
advanced beyond. Further attacks were expected by the French this day,
when the situation regarding munitions might become critical.
Sailing of the night flight from England
The movement from England towards Dunkirk commenced at 1700. The
armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers,
5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters,
6 skoots, 2 armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc.,
formed either in organised tows or proceeding individually. For various
reasons, however, not all of these ships evacuated troops.¹
The composition of the French contingent was not known at Dover. Actually,
3 French torpedo boats, two minesweeping trawlers, two patrol vessels, and
17 trawlers and motor fishing vessels landed troops in England on the 3rd June.
One Belgian patrol boat and 16 or 17 trawlers brought troops.
B.E.F. evacuated, 2330/2
The first destroyers to reach Dunkirk were the Sabre and Shikari, which
sailed together from Dover at 1845. As the latter ship rounded No. 6 W buoy
enemy shore batteries opened fire, but caused no damage. Berthing was
carried out by an officer with a loud speaker at the pier head. Both destroyers
sailed again at 2200, the Sabre with 500 and the Shikari with 700 troops. The
Venomous, which arrived at 2150, had difficulty in going alongside the East Pier.
This was not a solid jetty, but was built of concrete piles through which the
west-going tide set. This, coupled with a fresh easterly wind, made it very
I The following ships (other than those on patrol which picked up survivors and landed
them) landed troops in England on 3rd June, (numbers in brackets) :-
BRITISH Destroyers - Codrington (44), Esk (500), Sabre (500), Shikari (700), Vanquisher (37),
Venomous (1500), Whitshed (82), Winchelsea (152), Windsor (1022) ;
Gunboat Locust (800)
Minesweepers - Albury (200), Duchess of Fife (300), Dundalk (399), Gossamer (490),
Halcyon (416), Kellett (364), Marmion (198), Medway Queen (481), Niger (430),
Oriole (750), Pangbourne (47), Speedwell (300), Westward-Ho (48) ;
Special Service Ship Golden Eagle (1);
Drifters - Forecast (108), Golden Sunbeam (163), Lord Howard (100), Midas (43),
Netsukis (119), Starlight Rays (319), Ut Prosim (49), Yorkshire Lass (103)
Trawler Cayton Wyke (300) ;
Skoot Doggersbank (50) ;
Yacht Sargasso (252) ;
Personnel ships - Côte d'Argent (955), King George V (1460), Newhaven (396),
Lady of Mann (18), Rouen (1286), Royal Sovereign (1500), St. Helier (2000),
Tynwald (1200) H.M.S. Nelson's M.B. (27)
Tugs - St. Olaves (200), Sun X (211), Sun XI (188), War Dept. M.Ls. (69)
Sailing barge Glenway (213)
R.N.L.I. Lifeboats Cecil & Lilian Philpot (51), Michael Stephens (52) :
3 motor boats and launches (300).
FRENCH Torpedo boats - Bouclier (340), La Flore (410) ;
Destroyer Léopard (19) ;
S/M Chaser 6 (50, apparently disembarked at Havre) ;
M/S trawlers - Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes (79), Ste. Denise Louise (78) ;
Patrol vessels - Lucien Gougy (78), Reine des Flots (500) ;
17 trawlers and M.F.V's. (1663).
BELGIAN Patrol boat A.5 (229) ;
17 trawlers (1583).
107

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
also stopped off the harbour by entered orders at the 0050 harbour and had only 44 troops when
she devoid of troops and was by Whitshed found Wake-Walker to return to
was sailed at 0250. The Express ordered Rear-Admiral at 0200, found the pier
sailed at 0245 with 82 men collected small craft. Finally, the Malcolm
and Dover lay outside with orders to hail from stop other ships from entering. She
with the Codrington. The and no berth on arrival at 0030
was ordered back at 0248, empty. Thus five destroyer trips were wasted.
Only the minesweepers which berthed at the inner end of the East Pier after
the British rearguard had embarked, managed to collect normal quotas from
the trickle of French troops.
Dunkirk was the headquarters of a French Naval Command and there was
always a considerable number of French marines in evidence. But after the
British naval ratings left at 2300 there was difficulty in getting ships berthed,
as the French did not replace them.
The Albury embarked 200 French troops, the Duchess of Fife 300, the Dundalk
399, the Gossamer 490, the Halcyon 416, the Kellett 350 French and 14 British,
the Marmion 198, the Medway Queen 481, and the Speedwell 300. The Niger
slipped at 0120 with 430 French troops. While turning an unknown French
craft crossed her bows and was rammed, though apparently no damage was
done to her. A few minutes later the Frenchman returned and rammed the
Niger.
Personnel ships did well. The Royal Sovereign sailed at 2205 with 1500
troops, the King George V at 2225 with 1460, the St. Helier at 2330 with 2,000.
The Côte Argent took 955 men, the Newhaven 396 French, the Tynwald 1,200,
the Rouen 1,286; but the Lady of Mann was ordered back for lack of troops
and took only 18 French embarked from a small boat.
Amongst the French ships the torpedo-boat Bouclier embarked 340 men and
the La Flore 410. The patrol vessel Reine des Flots embarked 500 troops
during a violent bombardment" and also reported air attacks (from German
strays returning no doubt), en route to England, for which she sailed from
Dunkirk at 2300 on the 2nd. Seventeen French trawlers and motor fishing
vessels brought off 1,662 troops and a Belgian patrol boat 229.
Summary of troops evacuated, night 2nd-3rd June
To Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who had worked out a programme by
which 37,000 men could have been lifted, in addition to those that would get
off in small craft, this had been a most disappointing night's work, owing to
the long pause when the flow of men to the East Pier ceased for some hours
after the British rearguard completed its embarkation, and the difficulty of
getting ships berthed owing to the failure of the French to replace the British
naval parties after these left Dunkirk. Between midnight on 2nd-3rd and
0300 on the 3rd a lifting capacity of about 10,000 men was left empty.
There were disembarked in England on 3rd June 26,700 troops. Of these,
British ships lifted 21,671, French ships 3,216 and Belgian ships 1,812. The
great majority of these, namely 24,830, were embarked in Dunkirk harbour,
principally by ships berthed alongside, though a few were ferried to ships
waiting outside the port. Most of the remainder were taken out of small craft
by ships which were likely to reach England with greater expedition and
certainty many of these found in small craft had no doubt come off from
the beaches.
109

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XI
The Admiralty had already continued (2312/2) for the undertaken evacuation that ships would be
night the evacuation 3rd to 4th on June, this and night. they To this the French agreed. complete on the
vided and air protection now urged the French of Admiralty trops pro-
Plan for the night
embarkation, the hours of 2230/3 and with such ships for
For this last and night the maximum it was decided effort to was cut to down be made, by one hour the time
mained available, between to be made by personnel 0230/4. From the as re-
Pier, liftings were to be sent to the entire vessels, destroyers, and East
minesweepers; be ships received, were and it was estimated that length of the pier as paddle
as they could Drifters and fast
thus be provided and for docks 14,000 of men. the inner harbour. small craft were to go would
up to the quays be French ships, for which right
latter pier the remaining would also lift ships (minesweepers the other than paddle, the
beach, the Quai Félix Faure, British Avant Port (West Pier) ; from
numbers could be estimated, were and the to New responsible for evacuation from Malo no
boats. Locust was to remain loads ferried out to her by small
vettes and skoots) outside and troops, receive to number of 5,000. The gunboat cor-
It was intended to employ on the work a force of 9 personnel vessels, 9
destroyers (all that were available), 4 paddle minesweepers, 7 fleet minesweepers,
9 drifters, the Locust, 2 corvettes, 4 French torpedo boats, and a number of
organised motor boats flotillas including lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover,
together with a large number of French and Belgian fishing vessels. Eleven
small French ships and 3 small tugs left Cherbourg for Dover on the night
2nd-3rd June ; Le Havre was scheduled to send 8 trawlers, 2 minesweepers,
1 tug, and 20 small dinghies ; and Fécamp sent 14 trawlers.
During the afternoon of the 3rd the French authorities transmitted the figure
of French troops still remaining in Dunkirk. This was about 30,000, a pro-
portion of whom belonged to other than combatant units. The total capacity
of the lifting force, if used to the full, was 30,000, but this was about 5,000 more
than the facilities within the port would permit of being embarked in 4 hours,
even if the French troops moved with the greatest rapidity at all points of
embarkation. On previous occasions there had been some instances of difficulty
in persuading French troops to embark otherwise than as complete units.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay consequently impressed on the French liaison officers
the necessity of speed, and he added a number of French officers and ratings
to the augmented pier parties which were despatched to Dunkirk at 2200, in
I The following ships landed troops in England on 4th June (numbers landed in brackets)
British - destroyers Express (611), Malcolm (736), Sabre (592), Shikari (383), Vanquisher
Minesweepers Albury (400), Halcyon (501), Kellett (30), Leda (500), Medway Queen (266),
ferred to trawler off Dunkirk on account of collision damage) Gunboat Locust (196)
(414), Venomous (1200), Whitshed (444); Corvettes Guillemot (460), Kingfisher (200, trans-
Princess Elizabeth (329), Queen of Thanet (150), Speedwell (396) Trawler Saturn (418)
Drifters Forecast (123), "L.H.W.D." (90) Skoots Bornrif (96), Hondsrug (308), Pascholl
(255), Ruja (300) ; Yacht Gulzar (140) ; Personnel vessels Autocarrier (712), Canterbury
Princess (659), Côte d'Argent (1349), King George V (817), Lady of Mann (1244), Newhaven (729),
(1350), Tynwald (3000) ; Tugs Racia (123), Sun XV (37) War Dept. M.Ls.
Maud (1270), Royal Sovereign (took the place of Manxman which refused to sail)
Pigeon (23), Swallow (23) ; Sailing Barge Beatrice Maud (31), Tanga not reach England until 5th
and June) launches (260) ; R.N.L.I. lifeboats Edward Z. Dresden (50), Greater (did London (48) ; Motor boats
Nayland Bonny Heather (210), Diana Mary (28), Elizabeth Green (10), Meuse (50),
Coliath trawlers (355), 3 patrol vessels (836), 13 trawlers and M.F.Vs. (1416), 1104. Belgian Tug
3 M/S (55), Walker II (76). French 5 Torpedo boats 2 S/M chasers (127),
(183), 5 trawlers (554).
114

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
Casualties from collison and grounding
had It embarked was under 200 conditions French such troops of as the at these harbour the West that per which
was rammed when just clear 20 feet from the stern, 2319,
line, Edmond cutting René; her her degaussing port bow, circuits. and the The troops collision was caused opened the up two to the wawler water
which was undamaged. eventually joining a water, trawler,
swing alongside one another, The Kingfisher, making trans-shipped little to the ships to
towards England at 7 knots, casualty. company with the minesweeper proceeded
Leda, another collision
West Pier about an hour into the prevailing fog, and off 0300, the on the way back the
The Leda, having embarked after the 484 Kingfisher. French troops, At had pushed off from
she ran down the Belgian The Leda's bows
Margate, the ship ran trawler Maréchal Foch. Goodwin Light Buoy to
damaged, and for a while the minesweeper the Albury, which had sailed from were
West Pier at about the same time as Leda, with 400 troops, stood by her; the
but the Leda's forward bulkhead held, so the ship continued on her way to
Margate, escorted for a while by the Kellett until the latter had to break off
assist a ship in greater trouble and left her with the Kingfisher as companion to
in misfortune. The fog was thick at Margate, and in the roads the Kingfisher
was rammed once more, the personnel vessel King George V hitting her on the
starboard bow, though only minor damage was caused.
Meanwhile, the Maréchal Foch had sunk. In economy of operation this
Belgian trawler seems to have been unequalled, for despite the fact that her
entire complement consisted only of the Master, Captain P. Lusyne, and one
man, (F. Decoster), she had embarked no less than 300 troops. To accomplish
this, the ship had lain alongside the quay at Dunkirk since the 2nd of June, for
she had grounded on the falling tide and did not get away until the night of
the 3rd-4th. It is satisfactory to know that the Captain and his crew were
picked up and landed at Dover ; but half of the 300 troops she was carrying
were drowned. The French M.T.B. V.T.B 25 which was bringing Admiral
Abrial from Dunkirk picked up some but was hampered by a propeller disabled
by wreckage, and some were rescued by the destroyer Malcolm, which left
Dunkirk at 0245 and reported picking up, in fog near the North Goodwin,
survivors of an unknown schuyt' which had been sunk in collision with a
minesweeper.
Another ship that grounded in Dunkirk and was lost in consequence, was the
Skoot Lena. This vessel had sailed from England at 1530 on the 3rd June, in
company with four other skoots, the Pascholl (S.O.), Hondsrug, Bornrif, and
Reiger. The latter ran aground on the Quern Sand soon after leaving Rams-
gate, and was left behind. Going alongside the middle pier of Avant Port"
at Dunkirk (probably the West Quay or Guiding Jetty, or possibly the Inner but
Western high none British water, was drifter Pier) available orders were the having Lena and unsuccessful. attempts grounded been given made At at that about 1045 to no tow on 2300. further the her 4th off A embarkation tug June, by was the two asked Bornrif was hours crew for, to and after take em- a
place after daylight, it was decided to abandon ship. Part of remainder, the in-
barked in a British drifter, part in a French drifter, and the
cluding the officers, were ferried to the Locust outside the harbour.
forthcoming to tow off owing the difficulty for minutes
It was presumably to of tug was
considerable convoy of tugs Lena, arrived off within the entrance a to the
116

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THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
The Locust also, after embarking troops ferried out to her from 2300, came
alongside the East Pier at 0225, and when she sailed ten minutes later had on
board 196 troops.
Mining of the Emile Deschamps
The personnel vessel King George V which left the East Pier about 0300 with
817 troops, ran into thick fog off the English coast. About 0615, near the
Elbow Buoy 21/2 miles east of the North Foreland, she passed a "small French
naval vessel." Suddenly there was a heavy explosion astern of her, and
within a minute the vessel had sunk.
The small French ship was the Fleet Auxiliary Emile Deschamps which had
sailed from Dunkirk for England at about 2100 on 3rd June, crowded with
troops and refugees. About 0558 the minesweeper Albury, 5 cables ahead of
her, gave her a course for the North Goodwin Light Vessel, which the French
ship had missed. A quarter of an hour later the Emile Deschamps struck the
magnetic mine which sank her.
Several vessels were near and hastened to rescue the survivors. The fire-
float Massey Shaw, on passage from Ramsgate to London, was only 200 yards
away at the time and picked up 40, reported to be all sailors, which she trans-
ferred to the Albury. The King George V lowered four boats and picked up
67. The minesweeper Kellett, called up by signal from the Albury, rescued
some very badly injured people as did also H.M.S. Nelson's motor boat, whose
log contains the apparently, but no doubt unintentionally, casual entry
' 2400. L/Sea. Eggington lost overboard with candle-lantern." Fog came
down again as the rescue operations were completed. Among the survivors
landed at Margate were 7 French women and a boy.
Blocking Operation repeated night 3rd-4th June
Owing to the failure of the blocking operation of the previous night to close
the port, the Admiralty, during the forenoon of the 3rd June, ordered it to be
repeated on this night with Admiral Abrial's concurrence. Captain E. Danger-
field, R.N. was again in charge. The ships employed were as follows :-
destroyer :
Shikari;
coastal craft: M. A./S. B. 10,
M.T.B. 107
blockships
Gourko, 1975 tons, built 1911,
Moyle, 1761 tons, built 1907,
Pacifico, 687 tons, built 1905.
The force sailed from the Downs at 2030 on the 3rd by Route Z, M.T.B. 107
being in tow of the Shikari, and anchored at 0130 on the 4th between No. 14 W
and 16 W buoys, near the entrance to Dunkirk harbour.
At 0230 Captain Dangerfield, who had transferred to M. A/S. B. 10 ordered
the ships to weigh and the Shikari proceeded to lead them to the entrance.
The Gourko's anchor was barely aweigh when a violent explosion occurred aft,
caused, it is reported, by a magnetic mine, although the ship was degaussed
and had been wiped in Chatham Dockyard as recently as the 31st May. The
Gourko began to sink rapidly and was ordered to be abandoned. She sank
stern first in 3 minutes. M. A/S. B. 10 took off 9 survivors and transferred
them to the Shikari. M.T.B. 107 rescued 7 others, some of them from the
water. One of the crew was missing, and 8 were wounded.
Meanwhile, the other two blockships carried on with the operation. The
119

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Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX Q
APPENDIX Q
SIGNALS RE EVACUATION ON 31st MAY AND
NIGHT OF 31st MAY 1st JUNE
Friday, 31st May
1. VICE-ADMIRAL to Gossamer, Leda, Speedwell, Halcyon, Skipjack, Salamander, Niger,
Ross, Albury, Kellett, Fitzvoy, Sutton, Saltash, Lydd, Dundalk, (R) C.-in-C.
Nore, F.O.I.C. Harwich.
Ships addressed are grouped as follows for special embarkation today Friday.
Group one. Gossamer, Leda, Ross, Albury.
Group two. Halcyon, Skipjack, Speedwell, Dundalk.
Group three. Niger, Salamander, Fitzroy, Sutton.
Spare. Kellett, Saltash, Lydd.
Each ship is to adjust programme forthwith as necessary to rendezvous empty
with Senior Officers of groups at W buoy
at 2200/31. Object final evacuation
of covering force of five thousand troops.
Execution. Groups are to proceed so as to arrive off beach eastward of Dunkirk
in following positions vide chart 1872 as close as possible to the shore at 2400/31.
Group One. Bray Dunes Hotel, 5 cables apart.
Group Two. La Panne light 41 cables apart.
Group Three. Niger, Salamander, Rosendael.
Fitzvoy, Sutton, battery longitude 02° 27' E.
Kellet, Saltash, spare ship between Groups One and Three and
Groups One and Two respectively. Lydd is to make rendezvous, and if not re-
quired to complete Groups, to lie off Braye.
Troops will be brought off in three fights by waiting motor boats commencing at
0130 or earlier. Maximum speed of embarkation essential. Seven ocean tugs will
lie to seaward of minesweepers to take overflow but maximum loading of ships is
necessary to ensure complete evacuation. Group One is to return to Sheerness,
Groups Two and Three to Dover. Spare ship to Harwich. Acknowledge.
0400/31
Note: The above signal was amended later-see Appendix Q.18.
2. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Every available ship will be required at Dunkirk during next 2 hours to evacuate
rest of Army.
0445/31
3. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Conditions on beach bad. On-shore wind. Whalers capsized.
0651/31
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRAL [LANDRIAU], Savorgnan de Brazza
Request you will send in all your available destroyers and ships to Dunkirk and
to beaches at once.
0819/31
5. ADMIRAL [LANDRIAU] to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
C.-in-C. Dover from French Admiral, Pas de Calais:
This night and tomorrow I continue maximum effort. I request support of aviation
on Dunkirk tomorrow as today.
T.O.R. 2104/31
179

Details

INDEX
References are to pages.
A.5, (Belgian), 107n. 29.
Abrial, Abel Admiral, 12, 51, 61, 68, 85, 96, 105-7, 113, 115, 116, 120.
Tasman, 20,
Abukir, Adam, Lt. sunk, Gen. 28. Sir R., 18 (organises Dunkirk bridgehead), 26, 35.
Advance, 53.
Adventuress, 60n.
Aegir, 91.
Aidie, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Ahola, 71n.
Air, (see Royal Air Force) : cover for evacuation ships, 5; co-operation with B.E.F., 7;
co-operation with Navy, 123 ; German ordered to concentrate attacks on shipping, 83.
Aircraft, Naval operating under Coastal Command, XIII.
Albury, 28n, 44, 53-4, 86, 97, 107n, 109, 114n, 116, 119.
A.L.C.3, 52.
A.L.C.5, 47, 52 (rushed by French troops).
A.L.C.4, 51, damaged.
A.L.C.8, 52, 75n.
A.L.C.15, 47, 51, 75n.
A.L.C.16, 45 (sunk), 52.
A.L.C.17, 45, 52 (breaks down).
A.L.C.18, 52 (damaged).
Alcmaria, 71n.
Aldis, Capt. T., 108.
Alexander, Maj.-Gen. Hon. H.R.L.G., 66 (assumes command), 68, 84, 85, 96 (to decide
when evacuation must end), 98, 103, 105, 108 (embarks),
Alice, 20, 29, 30 (abandoned).
Alphacca, 101.
Amazone, 29n.
Ambleve, 60.
A.M.C.3, 71n, 75n.
Amiral du Nord, see Abrial, Adm.
Amulree, 71n, 74 (sunk).
Anderson, Lieut. C. C., 67.
Andora, 71n.
Angèle Marie, 62n, 73n.
Angler II, 32n, 47n.
Ankh, 71n, 74 damaged.
Anna Marguerite, 73n.
Anna Marie, 73.
Anthony, 20n, 23, 24n, 27, 30, 42, 47n, 53, 54n, 55, 64 (damaged), 80.
Archangel, 19, 28.
Argyllshive, sunk, 85.
Arley, 13n, 39, 44.
Aronia, 71n.
Arras, 62, 69.
Arras, lost, 6.
Aura, lost, 100.
Autocarrier, 114n, 118.
Balloons, 75, 84.
Balquhain, 72n.
Barbara Jean, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Barker, Lt.-Gen. M. G. H., 2.
Base Party, British Naval, embarks, 102.
Basilisk, 61, 86, 90-91 (sunk).
Bat, 63.
Bathelemy General, 120.
Beach parties, 21, 49, 65, 70, 77, 79-83.
Beaches embarkation begins, 17, 22 allotted to troops, 18; organised, 23, 31n, 75n
all ships diverted to, 23, 24 ; first supplies reach, 26; weather affects embarkation,
difficulties, 57, 81 ; crowded with troops, 58; difficulties of control, 58 ; marked by
36, 48, 69-70; development of evacuation from, 54, 60; changing situation causes
lights, 58-9; no ships off, 59-60; strewn with motor transport, 69; 30,000 troops
195

Details

LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
BRIGHTON QUEEN
LEDA
SALTASH
DEVONIA
LYDD
SANDOWN
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SHARPSHOOTER
DUNDALK
MEDWAY QUEEN
SKIPJACK
EMPEROR OF INDIA
NIGER
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
ORIOLE
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
PANGBOURNE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PLINLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GOSSAMER
PORTSDOWN
WESTWARD HO
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
HALCYON
QUEEN OF THANET
Sunk.
(Continued)

Details

ST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
f
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
BRIGHTON BELLE
ROSS
KELLETT
BRIGHTON QUEEN
SALAMANDER
LEDA
DEVONIA
SALTASH
LYDD
DUCHESS OF FIFE
SANDOWN
MARMION
DUNDALK
SHARPSHOOTER
MEDWAY QUENEN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
SKIPJACK
NIGER
FITZROY
SNAEFELL
ORIOLE
GLENAVON
SPEEDWELL
PANGBOURNE
GLENGOWER
SUTTON
PLINLIMMON
GOSSAMER
WAVERLEY
PORTSDOWN
GRACIE FIELDS
WESTWARD Ho
HALCYON
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
QUENN OF THANET
Sunk.
Conti

Details

3.
370
22.
Skipper A. Gardner, R.N.R. - Went in Tug "Tanga" arrived
at the beaches at 2200 on Friday, May 31st. They were
bombed and machine-gunned throughout the night, while
lying off an inprovised jetty. He helped to ferry troops
in a power life boat which "Tanga" had towed. This broke
down and he returned on Saturday in "Leda", leaving the
life boat.
23. Sub Lieut. E.T. Garside, R.N.V.R. - Went to Le Panne in
"Elizabeth Green" and ferried for larger craft. He
sighted "Viewfinder" on the beach. He got back to
Ramsgate on Thursday May 30th, transferred to the R.F.A.
launch "Andora II" and returned to beaches where he ferried
for a bit and then brought back 23 French. Arrived
Ramsgate on Friday. On Monday night he was towed over in
the "Elizabeth Green" by a tug, which he could not after-
wards find and so he brought his load home.
24. Sub Lieut. R. Shrimpton, R.N.V.R.- In an Admiralty, open
36 ft. launch he was towed over by a drifter and pent
Saturday night at the beaches. On a later night he went
into Dunkirk.
25. Sub Lieut. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R. Went over to Le Panne
in the "Frightened Lady" which was beached after fouling
the screw. He reported to an Admiral with side whiskers
who was escorting Gort. He was told to help some soldiers
getting abandoned pinnaces away. He also assisted to
build a jetty with trailers etc. Left the beaches in the
"Horst".
26. Sub Lieut. A.V. Weaver, R.N.V.R. Went over in "Quijijana"
and brought back a party of 18 troops mostly Coldstream
Guards. He went over again in "Sun X".
27. Sub Lieut. W.G.H. Bonham, R.N. - went over in "BOBELI"
in the first batch and ferried until about midni on
Wednesday night. His boat was broken up by a destroyer
which went full ahead while he was alongside. He went
on ferrying for a bit but had to abandon the "Bobeli" and
returned to Margate in the "Albury". He then went over
in the "Horst" which had to be abandoned owing to engine
trouble and a near miss.
28. Sub Lieut. J.W. Culham, R.N. - in "Smolt" which broke
down on way over and was towed back by "Midas" ?. Went
over in "Glitter II" to the beaches about 6m East of
Dunkirk arrived at 1600 on Wed. 29th. Stayed ferrying
until 0200 on Thursday when she lost her rudder on some
wreckage and was towed back to Dover by a drifter. The
"Black Arrow" was seen aground at Dunkirk.
29. Sub Lieut. R.A.W. Pool, R.N. - Took lighter X.817 to
Dunkirk and then back to Ramsgate. He went over again
on last night to Dunkirk in the M.T.B. "Marlborough".
Mares
30.
Sub Lieut. E.G.B. R.N.V.R. - in "Skylark" but
she sank on the way over. He also saw "Mary Rose" sink
in mid ocean and the "Ellen Mary" run down by a life
boat and abandoned.
31,
Sub Lieut. E.A.E. Cornish, R.N.V.R. - was in the
"Lansdowne" which slipped her tow outside Dunkirk.