Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

ARGYLLSHIRE
Trawler (Harwich)
S/Lt. J.S. Weddle, R.N.R.
S.O. 11th A/S Striking
Force
29th May
On patrol east of S buoy, the trs.
Lord Melchett and Stella Rigel in
company.
30th May
Patrolled S. Falls buoy to West Hinder.
(See Appx. J. signal J.16)
31st May
Patrol continued.
1st June
0245ca
The Argyllshire was about 2 miles east
of S. buoy in company with the same
two trawlers.
Many trawlers and other small craft
were in the vicinity.
Argyllshire commenced an attack on
what appeared to be a S/M.
0250
The Stella Rigel crossed Argyllshire's
bows and the latter reduced speed,
the target then being about 1800
yards on the starboard beam.
Shortly afterwards, there was an
explosion aft in the Argyllshire,
caused, it is believed by a torpedo
which struck her on the starboard
quarter.
She sank immediately.
5 survivors were picked up by the
Malabar (See Appx. J, signal J.31);
they were the Captain, an officer, a
signalman, a W/T Ope rator and an
able seaman.
The Malabar transferred the five
survivors to a "drifter" (signal J.31d)
i.e. the Stella Rigel.
Authority - R.O.II, pp.329, 330.
R.O. Case 6256.
68

Details

Details

LORD MELCHETT
Harwich
trawler
Skipper R.C. Raylor, R.N.R.
Group Offr. Lt. W.H. Ward,
R.N.V.R.
29th May
1525
Left Parkeston Quay with trs.
Argyllshire and Stella Rigel.
Patrolled from N. Goodwin to West
Hinder buoy. Patrolled from S. Falls
0615
buoy to W. Hinder.
Sighted wreck 2 miles west of T buoy.
Picked up some of the P.M/S Gracie
Fields' bags. papers and 3 soldiers kit
31st May
Patrolled between S. Falls and West
Hinder.
1st June
Patrolled S buoy to W. Hinder.
0245
The Argyllshire was torpedoed 1/2 mile
east of S buoy, and sunk. The
Stella Rigel picked up 5 survivors. (1)
Joined by the tr. Cape Argona.
Resumed patrol.
2nd June
Patrol to W. Hinder.
1055
Air attack.
1130
Air attack. The Cape Argona damaged.
1530
The trs. Blackburn Rovers and
Westella were torpedoed (2) and sunk.
Resumed patrol.
3rd June
Patrolled to N. Goodwin.
0320
Ordered to base, with the Stella Rigel.
1210
Berthed.
Nil
No
Authority - R.O.II, p.329.
Lord
(2)
4th June
(1) (2) D.R. states "survivors taken off by "Malabar".
D.R. p.29 states "sunk by mines.
Rot
Ramagate
193

Details

Details

STELLA RIGEL
Harwich
trawler
Unit Skipper L.P. Keable, R.N.R. ?
Offr: S/Lt. J.W.
29th May
1515
Wykenham, R. N. V. R.
Proceeded picking to patrol area east of S buoy,
Lord up the trs. Argyllshire and
Melchett outside the harbour.
30th May
0750
Area of S. Falls buoy for patrol.
Argyllshire in company.
31st May
2100
Ordered to by Argyllshire to patrol S buoy
West Hinder during the night.
1st June
0230
Argyllshire sunk by torpedo. (1)
Lowered a boat and picked up 5
survivors, which were transferred to
the dfr. Gervais Rentoul outside
Ramsgate. Picked up Lord Melchett
and patrolled S. Falls buoy area.
2nd June
0430
Picked up a M/B with 23 soldiers.
Embarked the troops and took the M/B
in tow.
0745
Transferred the 23 soldiers and the M/B
to the M/S Pangbourne.
1100
Air attack.
3rd June
1135
Arrived Parkeston.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.330.
(1) The having seen a S/M crash dive, and torpedo. while
manoeuvring Captain reported to attack he was struck amidships by a
176

Details

STELLA RIGEL
Harwich
trawler
Unit Offr: S/Lt. J.W.
Skipper L.P. Keable, R.N.R. ?
Wykenham, R. N. V. R.
29th May
1515
Proceeded to patrol area east of S buoy,
Lord Melchett outside the harbour.
picking up the trs. Argyllshire and
30th May
0750
Area of S. Falls buoy for patrol.
Argyllshire in company.
31st May
2100
Ordered by Argyllshire to patrol S buoy
to West Hinder during the night.
1st June
0230
Argyllshire sunk by torpedo. (1)
Lowered a boat and picked up 5
survivors, which were transferred to
the dfr. Gervais Rentoul outside
Ramsgate. Picked up Lord Melchett
and patrolled S. Falls buoy area.
2nd June
0430
Picked up a M/B with 23 soldiers.
Embarked the troops and took the M/B
in tow.
0745
Transferred the 23 soldiers and the M/B
to the M/S Pangbourne.
1100
Air attack.
3rd June
1135
Arrived Parkeston.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.330.
(1) The having seen a S/M crash dive, and while
manoeuvring Captain reported to attack he was struck amidships by a torpedo.
176

Details

Details

146
CONFIDENTIAL.
144
Page 25
Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events.
1/5
Saturday, 1st June (continued).
proportion 50 per cent. British and 50 per cent. French. The
plan was set in motion without incident until 2200, when it
was reported that a number of towing craft and small boats
were returning empty from the coast. All ships were warned
to look out for these, and to force them back to their duty on
the coast.
Subsequent investigation gives reason to believe that
this defection was due to false information being passed
between ships on the coast and believed to originate from a
non-identified skoot.
77. Commander Maund proceeded to the mouth of the harbour
in a motor boat commanded by a Dutch Naval Officer with a
Dutch naval crew and led all ships into harbour to their berths.
The Rear Admiral, Dover, was also afloat in a M.T.B. supervis-
ing traffic control.
By 2300 the night was very dark, sometimes as many as
6 or 7 vessels were entering the port of Dunkirk at once whilst
yet others were leaving. All were without lights and displayed
the highest degree of seamanship in these difficult and fateful
circumstances.
78. At 2315 the S.N.O., Dunkirk, signalled: "Withdrawal
now proceeding according to plan. Shall have certain reserves
here tomorrow to assist French. Intend to complete evacuation.
tomorrow by midnight."
Remarks.
78A. The outstanding feature of the day was the series of
events leading to the abandonment of daylight evacuation.
Increasing enemy air attack, which the R.A.F. were unable to
smother with the means at their disposal, caused serious loss
of ships, and continual interruption of embarkation on the
beaches and in Dunkirk. Further, the sole remaining cross
channel route was now under fairly heavy and accurate shore
artillery fire.
In these circumstances it was apparent that continua-
tion of the operation by day must cause losses of ships and
personnel out of all proportion to the number of troops
evacuated, and if persisted in, the momentum of evacuation
would automatically and rapidly decrease.
79. Casualties to H.M. Ships on 1st June.
Trawler ARGYLLSHIRE sunk by torpedo from M.T.B. near
S. Buoy. Survivors taken off by MALABAR.
Trawler STELLA DORADO sunk by torpedo from M.T.B.
Survivors picked up by KINGSTON GALENA.
Minesweeper SALAMANDER attacked by enemy aircraft and
hit at about 0850. Ship disabled but was able to return to
Dover under her own steam.
Personnel/

Details

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

Details

Details

in
NED СУДИИ
3'8"
J.Con
INVIDOR LOI
ASSERITY
=
REVAEB LOZ
DETOMENON RSITS
TV" OURS B'WA'E'
FX
Leah* yourse
BOMLING 2°
NAMELE
V'II"
B'M'
cyMoTa
HYHATON YWD INVOICE
D'H'D'
IVent* E'E'
ORRGIN EVOTE
B'N'E'
5'5" Booth* 5'W'5"
LOA PV*
БЕНЬКОКИ 4,
GEVOTE MIRITS
E 20062
Jsmb*
AIIDLINE
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP.
RANK
SHIP
LOWESTOFT AND YARMOUTH
LARKE
A.C. Weeks
Temp. Lieutenant,
SAND
GRACIE FIELDS
R.N.R. R.N.R.
LOVERS
L. Lake
Chief Skipper,
MINO
POLLY JOHNSON
R.N.R.
B.D. Spindler
Temp. Skipper,
EUROI
CALVIE
R.N.R.
A. Gove,
Chief Skipper,
EUROI
WESTELLA
R.N.R.
Ideal,
E.W.Y.B.
LIVERPOOL
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
Temp. Sub-Lieut.,
CAROI
ARGYLLSHIRE
R.N.V.R.
E. Richardson
Temp. Lieutenant,
PATRO
SKIPJACK
R.N.R.
Combon
M.S.R.
BARROW
S.F. Harmer-Elliott,
Temp. Lieut,,
CLIO
WAVERLEY
R.N.V.R.
R.B.V.D.
R.W. English,
Commander, R.N.
Gurne
BLACKBURN BOVERS
Texas

Details

DEADMIT
'S' propopre*
Jombs
.
not
ADA Lemb*
y's' Counter
seep* B*W*B*
VERBINES
anowe
1'2" Jostrumon
Louis*
DEADNIT
V*S* Cox
prone*
SINTH OL OREN
KELLA
0"2"
product 8*W*
CITIZE
ВОЛЕВЗ
FEE
ГУНИК
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP
RANK
SHIP
TYBE
W.J.C. Fuller,
Temp, LieutenNnt MEDWA
BRIGHTON BELLE
R.N.V.R,
J.S. Weddle
Sub-Lieut, R.N.R. CALLI
ARGYLLSHIRE
D.J. Hutton
Sub-Lieut. R.N.V.R. GOSS
THOMAS BARTLETT
MISCELLANEOUS
E.L. Berthon
Captain, R.N.
VIC
KEITH
J.K.B. Miles,
Temp. Sub-Lieut.
R,N.
GRIVE
R.N.V.R.
6
F.B. Proudfoot,
Lt. Cmdr., R.N.,
PEMB
SKIPJACK
(Retd.)
E.S. Flint,
Pby. Sub-Lieut.,
DOLP
MOSQUITO
R,N.R.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
NL
38
T
Vice Admiral A. Bedford.
The Flag Officers-in-Charge,
Liverpool and Glasgow.
Copies to:- Commander-in-Chief,
Western Approaches.
31st August,
40.
The Secretary, N.L.Branch
Admiralty.
No. 8.AB/40.
are
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L.6245/40 dated
July 1940, a copy of which is attached, I propose the following
programme for the enquiries which I am directed to hold:-
ted
Name & Rank of
Ship
Date
Surviving Officer
Late
Present
& Place
Time
Sub.Lieut.
Tues.
J.S. Weddle, R.N.R.
ARGYLLSHIRE
ANENOME
10th Sept.
1000
Liverpool
Tempy.Sub.Lt.
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
#
MALLOW
e
#
R.N.V.R.
Comdr. J. Elliott,
KING ORRY
SPARTRIAK
Thurs.
1000
D.S.O.,R.N.R.
for
12th Sept.
CAMITO
Glasgow
2.
If any of these Officers is in possession of a copy of
his report on the loss of his Ship it would be helpful if he would
produce it for my information.
3.
If Sub. Lieut. Weddle, who is the Senior Surviving Officer
of ARGYLLSHIRE, is available, it will not be necessary to interview
Sub. Lieut. Villiers-Stuart.
GADM L
J UADM
PASS T
ORDN LE
PASS TO
ADDRESS
VICE ADM ADMIRAL
ROOM FOR
PSE READ PSE READ
R 1002/23
78.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
11131
83
From.
Vice Admiral A.E. Bedford.
1940
Date
17th September, 1940.
No.22/21. AB/40.
To
The Secretary of the Admiralty, London, S.W.1.
REPORT OF ENQUIRY INTO LOSS OF H.M. TRAWLER
"ARGYLLSHIRE" IN OPERATION "DYNAMO".
Sir,
With reference to A.L. M.L. 6245/40 dated 1st August,
1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the following
report resulting from an enquiry into the loss of H.M.A/S
Trawler "Argyllshire" on 1st June, 1940.
2. Sub. Lieut. J.S. Weddle, R.N.R., who was in command
of "Argyllshire" was examined on 17th September, 1940.
3. At about 0245 on 1st June "Argyllshire" was about
2 miles E. of "S" Buoy in company with trawlers "Lord Melchett"
and "Stella Rigel. Many trawlers and other small craft were
in the vicinity.
"Argyllshire" commenced an attack on what appeared to
be a submarine. At 0250 "Stella Rigel" crossed "Argyllshire's"
bows and the latter reduced speed, the target then being about
1800 yards on her starboard beam. Shortly afterwards there
was an explosion aft in "Argyllshire" due, it is believed, to
a torpedo which struck her on the starboard quarter. The bows
40
stood up at about 45°, all fittings on bridge broke loose and
ship went down stern first. Two to three minutes later she was
seen with bows to the break of forecastle protruding vertically
out of the water. She then sank and disappeared in about 20
fathoms.
4. Asdic gear was intact when ship sank; 5 depth charges
set to 200 feet went down with her.
5. Confidential Books and SPs, except two or three in
Wireless Cabinet, and one Secret Mine Chart which was on bridge,
were in steel chest in Commanding Officer's Cabin and went down
with the ship.
6. The imperceptible time during which this ship remained
afloat after the explosion precludes the possibility of learning
anything as to the behaviour of material generally, but it is
2/10)
thought that if this class of vessel were fitted with & water-
tight bulkhead between the Boiler and Engine Rooms there is
likelihood of their remaining afloat considerably longer in the
4/11
event of the fore or after compartments being flooded.
7. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander C.B. Land, R.N.
and Lieutenant (E) R.Haynes, R.N.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
a Biaford Vice Admiral

Details

H.M.A.B.V.S. Paddle Minesweepers and A.A. Vessels, M/S Trawlers, etc.
Name of Ship and Date and No.
Item
of report
Existing Arrangements or
Recommendations
Fittings - Damage etc.
Paddle A.A. Ship CRESTED EAGLE
(1) Steering Gear
No.19/18 AB/40 of 4th September,
(1) Wire Hawser connection between
(1) Although Ship was very
wheel on bridge and tiller.
1940
badly shaken by explosions,
wire connections did not
fracture as so often happens
with rod and chain connection
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS
(i) Main Stop Valve
No. 25/24 AB/40 of 21st September,
(i) Situated in funnel casing on
(i) Valve should be in a
upper deck above boiler. Owing
1940
position more easily
to excessive heat valve would not
accessible.
be closed. In trying to do so so
Chief Engineer was badly burnt.
(11) Steering Gear
(11) Rod and chain connection
(ii) Wire hawsers considered
between bridge and tiller fractured
preferable - vide (1) above
by shock of bomb explosions.
for CRESTED EAGLE.
Harbour Defence Vessel AMULREE
(1) Watertight
(1) Deck openings not fitted with
(1) W.T. hatches would make
No.3/3 AB/46 of 10th August, 1940
compartment
W.T. covers.
ship less liable to sink in
the event of collision or
other damage
M.S. Trawler ARGYLLSHIRE
(1) Watertight
(1) Engines and Boilers in same
(1) Considered desirable to
No.22/21 AB/40 of 17th September,
compartment
compartment.
divide these by a W.T.
1940
Bulkhead.
(i) Auxiliary Steam
(1) No isolating valves.
(1) Isolating valves
A.B.V. KING ORRY
No.24/23 AB/40 of 20th September,
System
Escaping steam in after Steering
considered necessary, also
1940
compartment prevented access to
providing for shutting off
enable hand wheel to be connected.
steam to after steering
compartment.
(11) Scuttles near
(ii) Renders ship more liable to
(ii) Considered that
water line.
flooding when side is holed.
scuttles at or near water
line should be permanently
plated in.
M.S. Trawler POLLY JOHNSON
(1) Hull
(1) Splinter holes near water
(i) Considered necessary
line.
that these craft should
No.29/28 AB/40 of 4th October,
1940
carry a number of varying
size wooden plugs for
stopping shot or splinter
holes.
Small craft generally
C.B's and S.P's
Books kept in steel chests in
To ensure destruction when
cabin between decks.
as frequently occurs, access
to cabin is not possible,
it is preferable that books
be kept in lockers on bridge
and a weighted bag available
in which they can be quickly
placed for burning or
throwing overboard.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 25
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Saturday, 1st June (continued).
proportion 50 per cent. British and 50 per cent. French. The
plan was set in motion without incident until 2200, when it
was reported that a number of towing craft and small boats
were returning empty from the coast. All ships were warned
to look out for these, and to force them back to their duty on
the coast.
Subsequent investigation gives reason to believe that
this defection was due to false information being passed
between ships on the coast and believed to originate from a
non-identified skoot.
77. Commander Maund proceeded to the mouth of the harbour
in a motor boat commanded by a Dutch Naval Officer with a
Dutch naval crew and led all ships into harbour to their berths.
The Rear Admiral, Dover, was also afloat in a M.T.B. supervis-
ing traffic control.
By 2300 the night was very dark, sometimes as many as
6 or 7 vessels were entering the port of Dunkirk at once whilst
yet others were leaving. All were without lights and displayed
the highest degree of seamanship in these difficult and fateful
circumstanoes.
78. At 2315 the S.N.O., Dunkirk, signalled: "Withdrawal
now proceeding according to plan. Shall have certain reserves
here tomorrow to assist French. Intend to complete evacuation
tomorrow by midnight."
Remarks.
78A. The outstanding feature of the day was the series of
events leading to the abandonment of daylight evacuation.
Increasing enemy air attack, which the R.A.F. were unable to K
smother with the means at their disposal, caused serious loss
of ships, and continual interruption of embarkation on the
beaches and in Dunkirk. Further, the sole remaining cross
channel route was now under fairly heavy and accurate shore
artillery fire.
In these circumstances it was apparent that continua-
tion of the operation by day must cause losses of ships and
personnel out of all proportion to the number of troops
evacuated, and if persisted in, the momentum of evacuation
would automatically and rapidly decrease.
79. Casualties to H.M. Ships on 1st June.
Trawler ARGYLLSHIRE sunk by torpedo from M.T.B. near
S. Buoy. Survivors taken off by MALABAR.
Trawler STELLA DORADO sunk by torpedo from M.T.B.
Survivors picked up by KINGSTON GALENA.
Minesweeper SALAMANDER attacked by enemy aircraft and
hit at about 0850. Ship disabled but was able to return to
Dover under her own steam.
Personnel/

Details

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

Details

Details

Details

CHAPTER IX
SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
GERMANS RENEW THEIR HEAVY AIR EFFORT
E-Boat activity : sinking of the Stella Dorado and Argyllshire
During the night of 31st May-1st June there was a recrudescence of enemy
E-boat activity. After the torpedoing of the destroyers Grafton and Wakeful
off Nieuport in the early hours of the 29th May M.T.B. patrols had been estab-
lished during the dark hours to prevent enemy E-boats from using the inshore
channels.
It was, however, in the less confined waters along Route Y that the enemy
obtained their successes, despite intensive air and surface patrols. Route Y
was patrolled that night by 2 corvettes and 6 trawlers, while Coastal Command
provided 6 aircraft with bombs and parachute flares; and owing to magnetic
mines ships evacuating troops were given permission in the early hours of 1st
June to use that route as well as Route X.
At 0230 on the 1st June the A/S trawler Stella Dorado, which 24 hours earlier
had picked up 55 survivors from the Siroco, torpedoed by an E-boat near
T buoy, was herself torpedoed in the same position and sunk whilst on patrol.
About a quarter of an hour later the A/S trawler Argyllshire, on patrol in
company with the Lord Melchett and Stella Rigel about 2 miles east of S buoy,
commenced an attack on what appeared to be a submarine. Within 5 minutes
she was struck by a torpedo fired by an E-Boat and sank immediately. Five
survivors, including her Captain, Sub-Lieutenant J. S. Weddle, R.N.R., S.O.
11th A/S Striking Force, were picked up by the trawler Malabar.
At the time there were many trawlers and other small craft in the neighbour-
hood, and one of the two E-Boats responsible for these sinkings was reported
to have been disguised as a sailing boat.
Final evacuation postponed
Already on the afternoon of the 31st May ships in Dunkirk road had come
under fire from guns on shore at Mardyck, and early on 1st June it became
evident that Major General Alexander's force could not be evacuated com-
pletely on the night of 1st/2nd June. At 0800, therefore, he agreed on a modi-
fied plan with Admiral Abrial and General Fagalde which involved holding his
present line till midnight 1st/2nd June, so as to cover Dunkirk and to enable
the French to evacuate as many of their troops as possible. Subsequently
Major General Alexander was to withdraw to a bridgehead round Dunkirk with
all available A/A and anti-tank guns and such troops as had not yet embarked.
Embarkations over Bray beaches
It was not only in Dunkirk roads that the ships had been under fire on the
previous day; off Bray they had the same experience. Troops were moving
westward, and embarkation at La Panne was no longer possible. It was clear
to Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker that beach work at Bray would be costly, and
he so informed Vice-Admiral, Dover (0235/1), who concurred, whilst pointing
out the necessity of using the beaches up to the last possible moment.
85

Details

SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
SUNK BY E-BOAT TORPEDOES.
Trawlers Argyllshire, Stella Dorado.
SUNK BY MINES.
Trawler St. Achilleus, small craft Renown.
SUNK BY GUNFIRE.
Drifter Lord Cavan.
SUNK BY COLLISION OR OTHER MISADVENTURE.
Drifters Eileen Emma, Fair Breeze, Gervais Rentoul.
Yachts Amulree, Pellag II.
Barges Aidie, Barbara Jean, Duchess, Ethel Everard, Lark, Royalty.
Small craft, number unknown.
DAMAGED BY AIR ATTACK.
Destroyers Ivanhoe, Worcester.
Minesweepers Ross, Salamander, Westward-Ho.
Corvette Kingfisher.
Personnel vessel Prague.
DAMAGED BY MINE.
Hospital carrier St. David.
DAMAGED BY GUNFIRE.
One trawler, name uncertain.
DAMAGED BY COLLISION OR GROUNDING
Destroyer Vimy.
Personnel vessel Maid of Orleans.
The evacuation figures for the day
Little ships added their quotas to those of the big ships, though not without
casualties they suffered heavy losses from collision or other misadventure,
although in the circumstances it was not always possible to obtain details
(See App. B.I.)
On this day there were lifted from the beaches and from Dunkirk harbour :
by motor boats and the like 2334 persons, by hopper barges 1470, by tugs 736,
by yachts 1,831, by skoots 3,170, of which almost all were from the beaches,
by special service vessels 1,250, by drifters 2,968, and by trawlers 1,876 prac-
tically all of whom were lifted from Dunkirk harbour. French ships lifted
3,967, Belgian trawlers 402, and a Dutch yacht 114; all troops evacuated by
foreign ships were embarked in Dunkirk harbour, none coming from the beaches.
Though losses of ships had been highest this day the total of troops lifted was
the second highest of the operation, no less than 64,429 being landed in England.
Of these, 47,081 had been embarked in Dunkirk harbour and 17,348 from the
beaches.
95

Details

APPENDIX B
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Part V. List of Dutch Ships.
TRANSPORTED
Demok I (yacht)
M.74 (motor boat)
(Lt. Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, R.N.R. from Kestrel 1st June)
214
(L/Sea. R. W. Legg, Coxswain)
Part VI. List of Norwegian Ships.
S.S. Hird
(Capt. A. M. Fredhjem)
3,500
APPENDIX B
NAMED SHIPS AND VESSELS LOST AND DAMAGED DURING
OPERATION "DYNAMO "
(Dates in brackets)
Note: Large numbers of unnamed boats were also lost and damaged.
Part I. Ships and vessels lost
BY AIR ATTACK
DESTROYERS
GUNBOAT
Basilisk (1/6)
A.B./V.
Mosquito (1/6)
Grenade (29/5)
King Orry (30/5)
Havant (1/6)
Keith (1/6)
MINESWEEPERS
TRAWLERS
Brighton Queen (1/6)
DRIFTERS
Devonia (31/5)
Calvi (29/5)
Nautilus (29/5)
Boy Roy (27/5)
Gracie Fields (30/5)
Paxton (27/5)
Skipjack (1/6)
Polly Johnson (29/5)
Waverley (29/5)
PERSONNEL VESSELS
Clan Macalister (29/5)
HOSPITAL CARRIER
SEAPLANE TENDER
Crested Eagle (sp. S/V) (29/5)
Paris (3/6)
S.T. 243 (2/6)
Fenella (29/5)
Lorina (29/5)
Normania (29/5)
Queen of the Channel (28/5)
Scotia (1/6)
MOTOR LIGHTERS
X.149 (31/5)
LANDING CRAFT
TUGS
X.213 (31/5)
A.L.C. 16 (29/5)
St. Abbs (1/6)
St. Fagan (1/6)
BARGES
Lady Rosebery (1/6)
SMALL CRAFT
Doris (1/6)
Commodore (31/5)
Mirasol (1)
Southern Queen (P.L.17) (1)
DESTROYERS
BY TORPEDOES (E-BOATS)
Grafton (29/5)
TRAWLERS
Wakeful (29/5)
Argyllshire (1/6)
Stella Dorado (1/6)
I Date not known.
158

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX J
to return the to effect England. that a was at Dunkirk telling Margate boats to
During the evening skoot of the 1st going June a along report the was beaches recieved from S.N.T.O.
Antje The intended Antje was to hailed get confirmation and told with to from survivors return. her, when A warship the troop was carrier Scoficinity, sarrier Scoticinity, and
skoot Oranje with boats in tow was England and complied.
close to her; so Antje filled up told to return and to returned. is understood sunk that
another skoot was of these details. was hands. It has not occasion been
In view of these informed reports, message that Dunkirk 2335/1 was in sent German out. On an earlier
possible to get confirmation
2332/3
APPENDIX J
SIGNALS RE PATROLS IN THE NORTH SEA SOUTH AND ON THE
ROUTES TO DUNKIRK
Sunday, 26th May
1. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. NORE, (R) V.A. Dover, F.O.I.C. Harwich, F.O.I.C. Humber
All available forces are to be used for covering operation Dynamo tonight Sunday.
1937/26
2. Widgeon to C.-IN-C. NORE
Siroco was torpedoed by 2 M.T.B.'s
0200/31
Saturday, 1st June
3. Malabar to ANY-BRITISH MAN-OF-WAR
explosion 2 miles ? S buoy.
Argyllshire sunk by torpedo. Survivors report submarine submerged before
0310/1
4. Kingston Galena to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Capt. A.P.
to Dover.
Stella Dorado torpedoed. Picked up 5 survivors, 1 badly injured. Proceeding
0430/1
5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to SHIPS & AUTHORITIES NORE & DOVER COMMAND
Magnetic mines reported to have been laid vicinity of buoy F.G. on route X.
2310/1
Sunday, 2nd June
6. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Epervier (R) Léopard, Savorgnan de Brazza.
N. Goodwin L.V. 8 miles. Caused by shell fire. Vanquisher left Dover 1305 B.S.T.
Three aux. patrol vessels reported out of action at 1214 B.S.T. in position 090°
to investigate and report.
1315/2
7. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Calcutta, (R) C.-in-C. Nore, Admiralty, Savorgnan de Brazza
patrol to that carried out today Sunday is to be carried out tomorrow Monday,
Return to Sheerness and revert to 1 hours notice for steam. An exactly similar
provided patrol line. C.-in-C. Nore can provide a screen. Inform the French vessels on your
1247/2
were was not already sufficient ships in Dunkirk harbour and that was Oranje's complete, tow of 4 boats,
I A skoot informed Oranje that beach evacuation that there
required. About an hour later the Oranje did in fact return to England.
172

Details

MINISTRY Hotel OF Group, HOTEL
Name of Vessel
Date.
Cause and Position.
a
and G.R.T.
Remarks.
essel
Date
Cause and Position
R.T.
Admiralty
Commissioned
Vessels.
y
oned
BRIGHTON QUEEN
(ctd.).
E
G.R.T. 807
1/6/40
Abandoned and
TERARD
blown up.
WAVERLEY
:.
G.R.T. 537
30/5/40
158
Abandoned at
ou
Sunk during operations
Dunkirk.
CRESTED EAGLE
at Dunkirk.
int
G.R.T. 110
30/5/40
e.
was
119
STELLA DORADO
G.R.T. 416
LASSIE.
fter.
in
WESTELLA
127
OS
Beached and abandoned
G.R.T. 413
1/6
Presumed
tis
OYALTY
at Male-les-Cains
total loss.
85
during evacuation at
Abandoned.
POLLY JOHNSON
Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 290
Sunk during operations
Struck submerged wreck
Abandoned.
THOMAS BARTLETT
at Dunkirk.
1/6
REEZE
at Dunkirk while
)
G.R.T. 290
rescuing survivors
er
from Beach.
THURINGIA
92
G.R.T. 396
Abandoned.
7
Bombed at Dunkirk
CALVI
ARA JEAN
a
1/6
G.R.T. 363
ing barge.
ARGYLLSHIRE
T. 119
G.R.T. 540
200
Blown up.
At Dunkirk
1/6
Abandoned.
3)
BLACKBURN ROVERS
IS
G.R.T. 422
ling barge.
.T.
PAXTON
1.
150
Abandoned.
do.
G.R.T. 92
Approx.
EC
31/5
BOY ROY
itb barge.
R.T.T. 95
R.T.
W.
70
do.
do.
RIGHTON BELLE
Approx.
EC.
.R.T. 396
31/5
28/5/40
imb barge
.R.T.
VONIA
.W.
60
Reported lost
R.T. 622
do.
31/5/40
About
on beach.
V.CLAUDE
31/5
ACIE FIELDS
ater boat
R.T. 393
do.
30/5/40
do.
BARK
do.
IVE
Jumb barge.
R.T. 687
do.
1/6/40
do.
SHETLAND
do.
G ORRY
Dumb barge
do.
do.
do.
.T.1877
30/5/40
do.
do.
F.23
do.
PAGAN
Dumb barge
ug.
-=3--

Details

Details

Page 2.
IST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINESWEEPING CRAFT.
ALCHARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
REARD
ARLEY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
BOTANIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
BROCK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
CALVI
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
CLYTHNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CHICO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
COMFORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
CONIDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
DORIENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
FEASIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
FIDGET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
FISHER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
FYLDEA
MARE
STRIVE
GENIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
GULA
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
GULZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
INVERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
JACKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
JACKEVE
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
A/S TRAWLERS.
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
CAPE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
GRIMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
KINGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
#
CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
D.C. MOTOR-BOAT
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
M.A/S.B.6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
M.A/S.B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
DOVER FLARE-BURNING DRIFTERS
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
Sunk.
(Continued)

Details

Page 2.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINESWEEPING CRAFT.
ALCMARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
RECERD
ARLEY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
BOTANIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
BROCK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
#
CALVI
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
CLYTHNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CHICO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
/
COMFORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
CONIDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
DORIENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
FEASIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
FIDGET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
FISHER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
FYLDEA
MARE
STRIVE
GENIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
GULA
#
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
GULZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
INVERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
JACKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
JACKEVE
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
A/S TRAWLERS.
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
CAPE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
GRIMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
KINGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
D.C. MOTOR-BOAT
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
M. A/S. B.6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
M.A/S. B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
DOVER FLARD-BURNING DRIFTERS
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
Sunk.