Details

ARLEY
Oropesa Trawler
Skr. Lt. G.W. Robinson,
R.D., R.N.R.
27th May
Ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
Shelled off Calais. Returned to
Dover.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5 other
Oropesa trawlers of the Dover n/s
Command under the command of the tr.
Fyldea (q.v.)
1430
Arrived off the entrance of Dunkirk
harbour.
Entered in company with tr. Fyldea
and towed the P/V Lochgarry away from
In
the quayside. The Arley moored
alongside the east pier, astern of
the tr. Fyldea; the trs. John
Cattling and Calvi then berthed out-
side the Arley - Calvi being the
outside ship (see Fyldea).
1530ca
Air attack. Bombs dropped either side
of the east pier.
1630ca
Several air attacks followed at short
intervals. During one of these tr.
Polly Johnson, was damaged.
1830ca
The dr. Grenade was hit and also the
Calvi. Both ships soon commenced
settling down. The John Cattling was
now fouled by the Calvi settling
alongside her. Arley therefore towed
her astern, clear of the Calvi.
Arley then went alongside the pier
again and embarked troops.
1815ca
Arley proceeded out of harbour.
-
Closed the tr. Polly Johnson which was
leaking badly. Between Nieuport and
Middelkerke buoys, transferred
Polly Johnson's crew and troops to
Arley; fired 2 rounds of common
shell at Polly Johnson's waterline and
proceeded for Dover.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 90 troops.
30th May
-
Dover. Disembarked 45 troops. (1)
Total 135
Authority - R.C.II, p.523.
(1) D.R. Commander M/S does not mention this trip.
69

Details

CALVI
Oropesa trawler
?
Unit Officer.
Skipper B.D. Spindler, R.N.R.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5
Oropesa trawlers of Dover M/S
command, Lieut. R. Bill, R.N. in
tr. Fyldea, Senior Officer.
1330
Off Dunk1rk harbour.
1420
Entered harbour and berthed outside the
tr. John Cattling which was alongside
the tr. Arley. The Arley was
secured alongside Dunkirk east pier.
1530-
See under Fyldea.
1800
1800
The Calvi was hit by a heavy bomb and
sank immediately.
The Unit Officer and the Skipper were
both seriously wounded.
See also John Cattling.
to
Nil
Capt. Haneock informed the navel
Authority - M. 017681/40.
felt too VOTA
R.O.II, p.517.
to the
May the had
at Boulogne and
Calais].
Lt. Cdr. R.W. R.N.R.
Chief was
sick, and and
to
Left the oren. for
guard on board.
Accived
shelled on 1950
2
and ship
to
and
155

Details

Details

FYLDEA
Oropesa trawler (Dover
M/S Command)
Lieut. R. Bill, R.N.
Asst. to Cdr. M/S Dover.
Lieut. J.K.N. Warde,
R.N.V.R., Unit Officer.
Skipper G. Whamond.
27th May
-
Mine-sinking duties, under orders of
the M/S Skipjack.
29th May
0430
Sailed from Ramsgate, in company the 5
Oropesa trs. Arley, Brock, Calvi,
John Cattling and Polly Johnson.
1330
Off Dunkirk harbour, Fyldea and Arley
were ordered inside to pull the P/V
Lochgarry away from the Western (1.e.
inner) side of the East pier.
1420
The other 4 trawlers entered the harbour
and all six of them (triple-banked)
occupied the Lochgarry's berth.
Ahead of the six trawlers was the dr.
Grenade, and outside the Grenade was
the dr. Jaguar. Astern of the
use
then
trawlers was the P/V Canterbury, and
astern of the Canterbury a French
destroyer.
On the eastern (or outer) side of the
east pier was the P/V Fenella, and
at about 1430, the Sp. S/V Crested
Eagle berthed astern of her.
Two French destroyers were on the
opposite side of the harbour.
1530
First air attack, by 6 or 7 bombers;
20/30 bombs dropped, mostly wide.
Polly Johnson damaged by a near miss.
One bomber shot down by fighters.
The six trawlers commenced embarking
troops.
1550ca
The Jaguar, full of trcops, left
harbour to escort the Lochgarry.
1630
Second air attack; 20/30 bombs dropped.
The Jaguar, off the harbour entrance
severely damaged by a near miss.
Raiders driven off by fighters.
The P/V Canterbury left harbour, and
a destroyer [the Verity] took her
Third berth. air attack, by waves of bombers;
1800
about 100 bombs dropped. The
Grenade and the Calvi hit; the
latter sank immediately, the former
shortly after. The east pier was hit
abreast of the Fenella, which was
so damaged that, after transferring
her troops to the Crested Eagle, she
had to be abandoned. [The Crested
Eagle swung clear and proceeded;
but she was hit almost at once,
caught fire and (she was a wooden
Verity slipped and turned ship in
ship) had to be beached. The
the channel. At this stage there
was the troops who began climbing of
an inclination to panic among out
one [cdr. J.C. Clouston,
ship into another. The R.N.] Piermast-
instructed er Lieut. Bill to draw his
revolver, and order was restored.
349

Details

FYLDEA (continued)
29 th May
1805
(contd.)
The Verity cleared the entrance and
1815ca
proceeded to Bray.
The wreck of the Grenade was now
drifting down on to the five trawlers;
the John Cattling was ordered to
attempt to pull her clear. [This
trawler remained in the harbour until
dark to assist the Piermaster].
The Polly Johnson and the Brock
picked up troops and survivors and
proceeded out of harbour; the Arley
was clear, and Lieut. Bill just
managed to jump aboard the Fyldea
as she was leaving the pier. These
4 trawlers then proceeded to the
beaches, where, however, there were
found to be adequate ships for the
troops available.
-
Near Nieuport Bank buoy, the Arley,
which had been standing by the
Polly Johnson, which was leaking
badly and whose engines were damaged
embarked her crew and troops and sank
her by gunfire.
1900ca
With Brock in company, the Fyldea
proceeded to the Jaguar, off Nieuport
Bank buoy; a destroyer the Express
was alongside her taking off her
troops. The Fyldea was ordered to
escort the Jaguar, which had no boats.
The Brock was ordered to proceed
independently.
1930ca
Fourth air attack; four dive bombers
attacked the Jaguar. A fifth bomber
attacked the Fyldea and dropped 6
bombs. The Fyldea took evasive
action; no damage. Jaguar was now
able to increase speed and was soon
out of sight.
-
Between T and S buoys, Fyldea overtook
Brock, who could only steam at half
speed. Fyldea embarked Brock's
survivors and troops, 3 of whom were
seriously wounded.
30th May
0300
Fyldea arrived at Dover. Disembarked
41 troops. (1) Lieut. Bill disem-
barked. The report of the Fyldea's
second trip is compiled from the
reports of the tr. Brock and the M/B'E
Britannia and Skylark'6].
31st May
1030
The M/B Britannia made fast to the
The Fyldea left Dover towing the M/B's
Fyldea at a buoy.
1355(2)
Britannia and Skylark 6, in company
the tr. Brock, towing 4 M/B's, all
bound for Dunkirk by Y route.
A8 Middel Kerke Bank buoy could not
be located, decided to return to R
buoy and proceed by X route.
logged and was abandoned].
[one of Brock's M/B's became water-
(1) D.R. This appears to be an underestimate.
(2) The Brock says it was 350 1410.

Details

Details

GRENADE
28th May
(H.86) 0500 Destroyer A (Nore Command) Cdr. R.C. Boyle, R.N.
and patrol, established Kwinte between Bank light the N. Goodwin L.V.
Javelin, by buoy, was
0700ca
Survivors and of the S.S. Aboukir(
of a F.A.A. Gladiator 1)
detached transferred to the Grenade, were which
Presumably, the Grenade landed these
from the destroyer flotilla. was
survivors and then proceeded to
1730
The Grenade sailed from Dunkirk with
Dunkirk, where she embarked troops.
over 900 troops on board.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,000
troops. (2)
29th May(3)
0830
Proceeded to Dunkirk by route I, the
drs. Gallant and Jaguar in company.
1155
Dive bomber attack off Snouw bank.
The Gallant was damaged and retired.
1250
The Grenade berthed alongside the
west side of the east pier; the
Jaguar berthed outside her. Grenade
did not embark troops, because S.N.O.
Dunkirk stated that he wanted a
destroyer to remain alongside.
1400
The P/V Lochgarry, which was berthed
ahead of the Grenade, cast off
(assisted by the trs. Fyldea and
Arley) and left the harbour.
1420ca
The Fyldea, and the 5 trawlers Arley,
Polly Johnson (the last 4 having just
Brock, Calvi, John Cattling and
entered the harbour), then occupied
the berth vacated by the Lochgarry.
The Fyldea and Arley secured along- 4
side the pier; the remaining
trawlers secured alongside them,
Air three abreast. commenced. Grenade pier could
1530ca
attacks fire because the the
not on her side.
was on
Jaguar was ordered to provide She
The Jaguar for the Lochgarry. Lochgarry
A/A cover off and closed the harbour
which cast was then off the
Two a the two near also in trawlers S/V were
There damaged;
Crested casualties [See Fyldea] Eagle the and eastern which in was the side Sp. berthed of the
Air alongaide east attack. pier. The Jaguar, off the
1630ca
(1) The Abukir was 220 survivors including were
killed crew, troops fire.
the
(2) (3)
D.R. D.R. records in the a 29th May. This is of evidently an from error.
Lad
Grenade on

Details

JOHN CATTLING
Oropesa trawler
(Dover M/S Command)
Ty. Lt. G. St.C. Rideal,
R.N.V.R.
Ty. Skipr. G.W. Aldan,
R.N.R.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in company
with 5 other Oropesa trawlers of the
Dover M/S Command under the command
of Lieut. R. Bill, R.N. in the tr.
Fyldea (q.v.)
1330
Arrived off Dunkirk harbour.
1420
Entered the harbour and secured along-
side the tr. Arley which was berthed
at the east pier. The tr. Calvi
secured outside the John Cattling.
1530-
See Fyldea for proceedings for this
1800
period.
1800
The Calvi was bombed and sank
immediately.
Lieut. Robinson of the Arley says:
"Owing to the serious position of
John Cattling being fouled by Calvi
sinking alongside her, I kept John
Cattling moored to the Arley, whilst
I towed her astern clear of the Calvi"
The dr. Grenade had also been bombed
and was sinking.
Lieut. Bill says:
1815ca
"As the wreck of the Grenade was
drifting down on the trawlers, I
instructed John Cattling to attempt
to pull her clear and to follow the
other ships out".
-
Thereafter, however, the John Cattling
remained in the harbour to assist
the Piermaster [car. J.C. Clouston,
R.N.] After dark she proceeded to
Dover.
30th May
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 77 troops.
Total 77
Authority R.O.II, pp.519, 523.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Ty. Lieut. G. St. C. Rideal, R.N.V.R.
Ty. Skipr. G.W. Aldan, R.N.R.
D.S.M.
Sea. W. Mills.
2nd Hand. C.B. Adams.
Mention in Despatches
P.O. Tel. S.M.W. Pepper.
Engineman W.W. Jefferies.
96

Details

LOCHGARRY P/V (David MacBrayne Ltd). Capt. E. Mackinnon,
Master.
28th May
2056
Left Dover.
2345
North Goodwin L.V. Anchored because
of haze.
29th May
0250ca
0300
Was passed by the Clan Macalister.
Proceeded.
0648
West Hinder Buoy. Among other ships
that overtook Lochgarry was the P/V
King George V.
0845
Nieuport Buoy.
1125
Dunk1rk harbour. Berthed and embarked
"about 2,500 troops". Air attack.
1400
Cast off. One of the two trawlers (3)
which were assisting to manoeuvre the
ship, cut Lochgarry's D.G., causing
a fire. It was extinguished.
-
Outside the harbour, waited for her
escorting destroyer, Jaguar. (1)
1545ca
Jaguar seriously damaged by near miss.
Lochgarry slightly damaged, proceeded
without escort. Passed the Clan
Macalister, stopped and on fire.
-
Near Kwinte buoy saw the Gracie Fields
hit by a bomb.
1803
West Hinder buoy.
0110
Dover. Disembarked 1,001 troops. (2).
31st May
Under repair.
Total 1001.
Authority - TM. 6213/40.
R.O.II. p. 517.
R.O. III. 140.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. E. Mackinnon, Master.
A
(1) Capt. Mackinnon this was the destroyer "F. 34, the
says but F.34 was the Jaguar's pendant, and it
Greyhound" was the Jaguar - which was to have acted as escort. (see
(2) D.R. Jaguar) It 1s probable that this was an Fyldea. under estimate.
(3) The Arley. The other trawler was the
178

Details

MISTRAL
French Torpedo
boat (6th
Capitaine de corvette
Division, 2nd
Lavene.
Flotilla)
Lieutenant de vaisseau
Guillanton.
29th May
1010
The 6th Division (the Cyclone, Siroco,
1330
and Mistral) sailed from Dover.
Fired on by shore batteries from
1530
Ostend, about 10,000 yards distant.
The Mistral secured alongside the west
pier, Dunkirk.
1535
The Siroco, assisted by 2 tugs,
secured alongside the Mistral's
port side.
The Cyclone went alongside the east
pier, but shifted, by order, to the
Quai Felix Faure.
1540
Attack by 12 bombers.
1555
One bomb struck the edge of the quay
and exploded. The Mistral had 3
killed, 4 seriously wounded,
including the Captain, and 3 slightly
wounded. The second officer,
Lieutenant de vaisseau Guillanton,
took command.
1700
Attack by 15 dive bombers on a group
of British ships secured alongside
the north end of the east pier. The
group included 2 destroyers [1.e.
Grenade and the Jaguar], 3 trawlers
[actually there were six, viz: the
Fyldea, Arley, Brock, Calvi, John
Cattling and Polly Johnson and a
personnel vessel the Fenella].
All the British ships were hit except
a destroyer [the Jaguar] which got
under way at the beginning of the
attack [she was severely damaged by
a near miss off the harbour entrance].
During the course of this attack
there were no allied aircraft present.
An enemy plane was shot down on to
the beach to the west of the channel.
1705
French soldiers commenced to embark.
The Captain of the Siroco decided to
embark to full capacity. The Mistral
was to take what she could.
1715
Air attack, directed against the
troops embarking.
1730
The Siroco sailed.
The number of troops for embarkation
fell away rapidly. At this time
the Mistral was the only target
afloat in the harbour [the tr.
John Cattling was still there] a
British destroyer [the Grenade
was on fire and sinking by the bows;
two trawlers were abandoned and
sinking [only one, the Calvi and
the personnel ship Fenella hit,
had taken a list.
No French troops were in view and the
bombardment continued.
While getting under way, the Mistral
-
attempted to hoist in her motor boat;
The
she nearly capsized however, Bo the
4 troops in her were embarked and she
was abandoned.
285

Details

Oropesa trawler
POLLY JOHNSON
Skipr. Lieut. L. Lake, R.D.
R.N.R.
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5
29th May
Oropesa trawlers of the Dover M/S
command, under Lieut. Bill, R.N. in
the tr. Fyldea (q.v.)
2150
1330ca
Off Dunkirk harbour.
1420ca
Entered the harbour and berthed along-
side the tr. Brock which lay along-
side the Fyldea; the Fyldea was
secured alongside the east pier.
1600
Air attack. Damaged by a near miss.
Six casualties.
1815ca
Polly Johnson got clear of the harbour
vone
with survivors of the dr. Grenade
2nd
and troops on board.
1830ca
Ship making water fast. Water over the
stokehold floors. Signalled tr.
Arley to keep close to Polly Johnson.
Ordered to transfer troopa and crew
to the Arley. The Arley fired 2
rounds at the Polly Johnson. When
last seen Polly Johnson was afloat,
midway between Middel Kerke Bank and
Nieuport Bank buoys.
Nil
Arrived
Total 618
Authority - R.O.IV, R.O.II, p.517. p.166. Portsdown she
you or)
- 20.11, 8.207=
P.O.TII. P.66.
following made:
Kention 1n Despatches
R.H. Ghurch, R.N.K.
CL. E. white.
sta. F.O.
is Rumel,
4/818
P.A. Kent.
Ord, See.
A.T. Burton.
3
(1) First in D.I.
Duan M or Wilson Insurance Lid
minesveeper. shown degaussed, This
WES

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38
INDEX.
39
Page
Page
Blighty
15
Page
13
Avon Water
Page
Bluebell
Cape Baracouta
Page
Page
18
Cape Comorin
17A
Concordia
Arctic Pioneer
Bluebird
29
32
Ayrshire
20
Cape Finisterre
25
Conidaw
A.
Arctic Ranger
29
Boom Carriers
Cape Melville
36A
10
Azara
29
17
Conqueror
Arctic Trapper
25
Borde
9
13
28
Cape Nyemetski
15
19
Azur
Conquistador
28
Boscawen
15
36B
Argosy
9
Botanic
Cape Palliser
29
Consbro
25
37
Argyleshire
8
11
35
Bountiful
Cape Passaro
8
Consolation
8
26
29
24
Cape Portland
25
Arisio
Constant Friend
12
15
Bounty
8
25
22
Arkwright
Bouvet I
Cape Spartel
Constant Hope
12
Arlette II
2
35
8
Bouvet II
Cape Trafalgar
Consul
9
16
11
B.
35
19
Contender
27
Arley
Cape Warwick
15
17A
Bouvet III
35
25
Arnold Bennett
B.3
Capricornus
Controller
23
11
12A
Bouvet IV
35
35
Carbineer II
Convallaria
27
Lawford
29
Aronia
4
Bacchante
9
Bownet
29
7
Cardiff Castle
Conway Castle
29
9
Arsenal
Badger
25
Boy Alex
24
15
Carency
Copious
28
17A
Balmoral
13
Boy Allen
5
12A
Coral
32
5
A/S Groups-
Carina
Bankwood
16
Boy Andrew
19
Coral Bank
21
Carisbrook
18
27
1
25
Boy John
21
Bandolero
18
Corbrae
26
Caroline
17
36A
2
5
7
Banshee
32
Boyne
20
Corcyra
5
Caroline Moller
13
3
13
14
Cordela
Barbara Robb
5
Boy Pat
13
13
4-7
see P.L.
Caryanda
8
Cordelia II
35
Boy Philip
18
Barbarian
29
15
Carraig
18
18
4
Corena
8
Boy Roy
13
Barbican
18
10
Carry On
12
Corfield
10
12A
8
9 and 10
Barcombe
29
Boy Scout
12
Castle Bay
17
Coringa
36A
12
11
13
29
Boyne Water
2
Caswell
Barcroft
14
Cornelian
5,20
3
12
25
29
Boy's Own
17
Caterina
12
Coronet
9
21
Barfair
16
13
20
Brabant
26
Catherine
23
Cortina
16
28
Barfield
16
14
18
Bracendale
26
Caulonia
3
Coruscation
21
15-16
32
Barlow
2
29
Bracon Heath
12A
Cayrian
35
Cotsmuir
15
36
17
3
Barmouth
18
Braemar
19, 28
Cayton Wyke
10
Count
37
10
18
28
Barndale
29
Braemar (Trawler)
19
Cedar
24
Countess Betty
18
Barnehurst
Bramble
29
Cedric
15
19
20
36B
Courtier
25
3
Barnesness
Branch
28
Ceresio
2
29
26
20
Coventry City
25
3
16
21
Barnestone
Brecon Castle
2A
Ceto
2
29
Craig
22
10
Barnwell
Brecon Moor
16
Ceylonite
36
29
Craig Alvah
26
14
22
33
Barra
Breda
20
Chalcedony
17A
Craig Island
22
36A
23
26
18
Brenda
36A
Charde
8
Craig Roy
28
27
24
30
Barrage
9
Barranca
Brigand
29
Charles Doran
15
Cramond Island
22
16
25-26
33
29
Brighton Queen
21
Cherwell
8
Cranefly
22
17
27
8
Basset
25
Brimness
21
Chestnut
24
Crannock
28
19
28
see P.L.
Basuto
37
Brine
29
Chico
11
Creagh Mhor
17
15
29
19
Bay
22
Brinmaric
9
Chiltern
6
Crestflower
15
37
30
26
Beaumaris Castle
27
British
16
Chimaera
3
Cuirass
37
30
31
19
Beaver
16
British Guiana
7
Chorley
37
Curtana
15
14
32-34
33
Bedfordshire
3
British Honduras
7
Christiana T. Purdy
29
Cutty Sark
5
16
35
Beech
16
Britomart
29
Chrysea
36B
Cypress
24
7
24
36
Belle o' Moray
30
Broadland
23
Chrystobel II
12
Cysne II
6
33
2
37
Belle Vue
3
Brock
11
Citron
12
5
25
38
Belvoir Castle
23
Brontes
28
City of Rochester
12A
21
14
39
18
B.T.B.
35A
Clan McKay
21
33
Ben
Clarinet
37
5
40
Benarchie
17
Buckingham
12
9
71
Bunting
29
Claverhouse
20,21
5
Ben Bhrachie
14
D.
28
6
81
Ben Earn
14
Burke
11
Clavis
23
8
12
Burlington
29
Clevella
16
Dahinda II
2
82
19
Ben and Lucy
8
Burnbanks
12A
Clifton
23
Daisy Bank
26
5
83
Ben Dearg
24
Clio
6
Dale Castle
19
10
2
Burnhaven
18
84
Bengali
32
Clorinde
12
Dalmatia
15
19
Bush
5
32
85
Ben Glas
14
Clotilde
15
Damito
3
13
19
22
Bushwood
3
86
28
Dane
22
Benmore
Buttermere
25
Cloud
20
3
87
29
Ben Rossal
Cloughton Wyke
6
Dane Hill
23
36A
Bystander
11
3
21
Daneman
25
88
14
17
Ben Roy
Cloverdale
89
5
13
Daniel Clowden
29
Ben Tarbert
14
Clythness
9
6
Danube III
12
36
15
Cobbers
Ben Torc
19
Danube V
12
29
A/S Striking Forces—
2
C.
Coila
Ben Urie
28
Danube VI
12
4
10-12
13
Cacorina
5
Coldsnap
Berberis
12
Darnaway
26
16
14-17
25
36B
12
Colette
Berenga
Cadella
37
Darnett Ness
3
3
18
25
26
35
Collena
Berkshire
Cadorna
20
Darogah
15
25
19
25
12A
12
Colne
Caleta
12
Darthema
15
8
20
25
Bernard Shaw
14
37
Comely Bank
3
Bervie Braes
Caliban
2
Darwin
35
21
31
32
23
Comet
16
David Ogilvie
23
8
25
Beryl
Calliope
35
Comitatus
Davey
28
Asama
30
Beryl II
Calverton
4
3
4
3
Commander Horton
3
Dayspring
27
Ascona
12A
Beth
Calvinia
13
9
Commiles
Ash
14
27
17A
Dee
20
Betsy Slater
Cambrian
27
3
Commander Evans
15
Defiance
2
Astros
2
30
24
Bilsdean
Cambridgeshire
24
8
Commodator
9
De la Pole
36A
25
Athenian
37
Campeador V
Computator
35
Birch
Atmah
20
4
15
Delphinus
8
15
Bishopsgate
Compina
25
Concertator
27
Auld Reekie
36A
2
Black Arrow
Cape Argona
Aurilia
30
22
10
12A
Ave Maria
Blackburn Rovers
22
25
Avola
Blackfly
28
22
Blackthorn
35
20
Blackwater

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Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List "B'
TRAWLERS, DRIFTERS AND TENDERS.
H.M.T. ARLEY.
Commanding Officer.
Skipper Lieutenant George William Robinson, R.D., R.N.R.
H.M.T. JOHN CATTLING.
Ratings.
Chief Engineman William W. Jefferies, H.O.
A.P.O. Arthur Baul, Pens. D/K.737, Pens.No.2.6717.
Wireman Ernest Richard A. Emery, MX.63925.
H.M.T. STRATHELLIOTT.
Commanding Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant Walter Edward Mercer, R.N.V.R.
Officer.
Skipper Charles Percy Smith Chaplin, R.N.R., W.S.3263.
Rating.
Ordinary Seaman Ernest Lloyd Hoare, H.O.
H.M.D. MONARDA.
Commanding Officers.
Skipper Robert Herbert Soanes, R.N.R., W.S.2984.
Lieutenant Pearce Trewhella Lovelock, R.N.V.R.
Ratings.
William Joseph Kingston, H.52.
S.P.O. Herbert Ralph Help, D/K.5111.
Seaman John Henry Williams, LT/JX.173534.
H.M.D. RENASCENT
Commanding Officer.
Skipper Richard Hannaford, W.S.294.
Ratings.
2nd Hand James Cowie, X.5780.
Ordinary Seaman Ernest Mackay, LT/JX.170562.
RAMSGATE DRIFTERS.
Commander John Stephen McCabe Glendenning, R.N.R. (Retd.)
Robert Durrant, Master of LORD RODNEY.
Victor Smith, Mate of JAVA.
DWARF/

Details

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
M.T.B. 107 447
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 68 405
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 67,
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
D.C.M.B., 484
CHICO
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 x476
M.A.S.M. No. 7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8V487 8 491
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
193
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
VEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
X
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
x
TARANSAY

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-2-
497.8
sailed for
On Calais the night Roads:- of 25th/26th May, the following vessels
468
Botanic.
Fyldea.
7
Maretta.
Arley.
Polly Johnson.
Brock.
Calvi.
Grey Mist.
Conidaw.
Chico.
Playmates.
Willing Boys.
of Calais.
The object of the expedition was the possible evacuation
"Grey Mist" in charge of forces employed.
Commander M/S (Commander W.V.H. Harris R.N.) sailed in
The orders to form the expedition were received at 1900,
and vessels sailed at 2130, the first five trawlers to leave,
towing motor boats.
Vessels were ordered to rendezvous at No. 3 Buoy Calais
Roads, and await instructions from Commander M/S. Destroyer
force was in support.
On receipt of signal which had been wrongly decoded, two
motor boats were ordered into Calais Harbour. These boats had
left for the harbour when a further signal was received that
Calais was to be held at all costs, and the signal was ordered to
be sent by hand to the Brigadier Commanding Forces. "Conidaw"
was ordered to proceed immediately and deliver the message.
A further signal was then received recalling all forces
to the Downs. On receipt of this signal "Botanic" and "Maretta"
were ordered to remain until boats and "Conidaw" returned, and
Destroyer escort was asked to be provided. All other vessels
returned to the Downs.
Reports from Lieutenant Commander P.F. Cammiade R.N.V.R.,
Sub. Lieutenant M.R. Mills R.N.V.R., and Skipper R. 9nelgrove,are
attached (la, lb, lc, ld).
There was constant enemy air activity during the night,
and a considerable amount of firing ashore.
26th May. Danlaying Yachts"Gulzar" and "Grey Mist"
to Calais P.M. with Commodore W.P. Gandell, P.S.T.O. France. Report
of Lieutenant C.V. Brammall R.N.R. attached (No. 2).
"Arley" ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
She 27th May. shelled off Calais, and returned with engineer
seriously was heavily wounded. Operation was then cancelled.
"Fyldea" sailed, buoy laying, under the orders of "Skipjack"
employed on mine sinking duties.
"Thomas Bartlett", recalled on report of returned to
"Inverforth", & "Our shelling Bairns" of were "Arley". sailed
for Dunkirk, but ordered were to sweep the Admiral war channel, Dover. and
They harbour were p.m. then on orders from Vice
(Continued over).

Details

-4-
- 499 68
470
command are
The submitted:- following casualties to H.M. Vessels under my
7
26th May.
"Botanic" and "Maretta" heavily bombed
on return from Calais. Both ships
damaged. (Maretta 3 weeks refitting).
28th May.
"Thomas Bartlett" mined on own field.
10 survivors.
29th May.
"Comfort" believed rammed.
"Nautilus" damaged by bombs, and
destroyed by fire. All saved (See
report of Lieutenant Gelling No.4).
"Calvi" bombed and sunk - Dunkirk
Harbour.
"Polly Johnson" badly damaged, and
sunk by "Arley" (See report No.5c).
1st June.
"Brock" damaged by several near misses.
VICE A14/0/1407 ADMIRA
6- JUN 1940
*
*
T
DOVER

Details

-3-
idpper Lieut.
Robinson.
Arley.
503
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1 dalais.4
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
}kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brock.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
skipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
$kipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
Skipper
S.Bindler.
B.D. spridler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
Supper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunitiplt.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais LD.
Skipper.
Playmates.
1 off Calata.
Stather.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
Thompson.
w
of individual Officers.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Willing Boys.
1 Flushing, Calais,
Skipper.
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

Details

340/58.
505
Name.
is
Ship.
Anthony Brooke
Rank or Rating.
476
CLYTHNESS
.Heckstall Smith.
300 lin to
Walter Fredk.Salenius.
Skipper. Sub. Lt. R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
George S. Day.
what's Yook 150
Smauel B. Sussans
Mate. Chief Engineman. LT/RX 102500.
John A. Cargill.
Seaman.
LT/JX 175090.
For devotion to duty under very trying
circumstances (See report No. 6.
POLLY JOHNSON
Bonter, b
Skipper Lieut. Leonard Lake extricated his ship in a
Sunk.
sinking condition from Dunkirk in a heavy bombard-
ment. Was eventually forced to abandon ship, and
transferred his crew and himself to "Arley".
(See report Nos. 5b and c). 38 49
FYLDEA.
29/5 2/31/5
Liewt. John .K.M. Warde R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
has misses.
Thomas Owens,D.S.M.
Chief Engineer. X2573U.
?
Recommended for coolness and devotion to
duty during heavy bombing at Dunkirk.
(See report No. la).
31
BROCK.
Kenneth Henry G.Roberts.Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.
brooks
Behaved with great coolness and devotion
was became he saw no mile
to duty in assisting his Group Officer
suspected hishiplo
his ship from a perilous position).
(Lieutenant Robert Bill R.N.) to extricate
King water'
(See report No. 7).
NAUTILUS
Richard McLean.
Skipper (No.WS 3159).
J
p
For displaying great gallantry in going
strolp tisant
the side to save a seaman whilst
destroyer over and "Nautilus" were being
bombed.
m h hw sunk. each Duly
2nd Engineman.
George Addison.
Cook.
Andrew Strachan.
Worked conditions (See report No.4
hard in small boats all day during by
Lieutenant trying W.E. Gelling R.N.R).
GULZAR
Edward S. Woodhead.
Coxswain.
Seaman.
A
thips(30/5-2/6)
Charles H. Baldry.
Cook.
George Cliefe.
Greaser.
Arthur L. Shallis.
Peter Blake.
Signalman.
to duty been in very nade trying to
the
26th May
to 4th June,

Details

Report Operations of - LIEUTENANT R. BILL
G.D.
517
Wednesday with M/S Trawlers at R.N. on
48
Trawlers 29th May, 1940, and the Dunkerque loss of
N°
"CALVI" & "POLLY JOHNSON
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
arley
Brach
oux
calve
Sir,
Fylder (So)
John Getting
Wednesday 29th May, 1940.
connection operations by M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque report on
I with have the honour to submit the following Pic/der Johnson in
routes, and impressed on them that they must act independently
explained what we were going to do, issued and explained their
Before sailing I collected all Unit Officers. and
in the case of an emergency. I then instructed them to and
0400. independently and meet me in the vicinity of the Gull Buoy by
Ladders were embarked off Ramsgate by 0430 and we
rriving at 1330.
no No.: ABBEY 7711.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPIK?
ignalled to S.N.O. through
nter harbour. The reply
reply to this communication
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE, our after 1600". I then
quote the following reference
BERKELEY SQUARE,
he beach", as there were
nsports alongside the vall.
LONDON, W.I. harbour and pull off"Loch
rth".
Prammal
25th June, 1940.
0 follow no in. and TO pulled
Dear Branwal,
eeded to take her berth. The
harbour and berthed alongaide
If you are sending in any report
mmander
yat about
on our midnight trip to Calais, I
should like to remind you of one of
your A.B.'s, Gibson by name, who was
he Piermaster and asked for
plucky enough to go ashore into the
wait and to fill up my ships
Gare Maritime with Captain Robinson, R.A.
renade" had completed. Ladders
3 were prepared to receive
Yours W.P.Gandell sincerely
be no troops had appeared at
was nearly full and "Tynella"
also nearly full and was
animed other traffic along the
E ships at this time.
about 1530, by about six or
re and a fairly effective
be were dropped, but they were
Commanding Officer,
tms. hulzar,
"Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly
e men received shrapnel wounds
% his On
London
the raiders were driven off.
think one by "Jaguar". "Jaguar"
hips attended to their wounded.
18 "Canterbury" and not the
from "Grenade" for the more

Details

Report Operations of - LIEUTENANT R. BILL R.N.
G.D.
517
Wednesday with M/S Trawlers at on
29th May, 1940, and the Dunkerque loss of
N:
Trawlers "CALVI" & "POLLY JOHNSON
7
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
arley
Brack
oux
calvi
Sir,
Fyldax (So)
Telm Getting
connection with operations by M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
I have the honour to submit the following report in
Paller Johnson
Wednesday 29th May, 1940.
Before sailing I collected all Unit Officers and
explained what we were going to do, issued and explained their
routes, and impressed on them that they must act independently
in the case of an emergency. I then instructed them to onil
0400. independently and meet me in the vicinity of the Gull Buoy by
Ladders were embarked off Ramsgate by 0430 and we
proceeded in company to Dunkerque, arriving at 1330.
On arrival I hove to and signalled to S.N.O. through
"Grenade" requesting permission to enter harbour. The reply
came back "Wait - you may enter harbour after 1600". I then
signalled - "Can I be more use off the beach", as there were
already three destroyers and the transports alongside the wall.
I then received the signal - "Enter harbour and pull off"Loch
Garry," trawlers may then take her berth".
I then signalled "Arley" to follow ne in. and we pulled
"Lock Garry" from the wall, and proceeded to take her berth. The
remaining four trawlers then entered harbour and berthed alongside
us as directed by the Piermaster (Commander
yat about
1420.
I landed and reported to the Piermaster and asked for
instructions. I was instructed to wait and to fill up my ships
after the transport "Fynella" and "Grenade" had completed. Ladders
were rigged up the wall and the ships were prepared to receive
troops.
Fenella
Up to this time practically no troops had appeared at
the far end of the pier, and "Jaguar" was nearly full and "Fynella"
about half full. "Canterbury" was also nearly full and was
embarking wounded which completely jammed other traffic along the
pier. Sketch "A" shews positions of ships at this time.
The first raid occurred at about 1530, by about six or
seven bombers. All ships opened fire and a fairly effective
barrage was put up. About 20/30 bombs were dropped, but they were
mostly wide.
There were near misses on "Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly
Johnson" and "Jaguar" and a number of men received shrapnel wounds
in all these ships.
One down by fighters and I think one by "Jaguar", "Jaguan"
Fighters then appeared and the raiders were driven off.
left was shot and the remainder of ships attended to their wounded. the
I harbour, to place all wounded in the "Canterbury" and got the
assistance arranged of the Surgeon Lieutenant from "Grenade" for more
serious cases.

Details

519
-3-
-
490
As instructed the wreck "John of the "Grenade" was drifting down on the I
follow and ships out. "Polly Johnson" and "Brock" and to
the other Cattling" to attempt to pull her clear trawlers,
7
up troops survivors, got clear, and proceeded out of harbour picked
at full speed. "Arley" was clear and "Fyldea" under way.
and several the more troops and survivors jumped on board. I was
The Skipper of "Fyldea" kept his ship close to the wall
further up but pier trying to find the Piermaster again for further
instructions, I failed to find him and just managed to jump
on board as she was leaving. This was at about 1815.
Lieutenant Peake the First Lieutenant of the "Granade"
then told me that the Piermaster had also instructed him to get the
ships clear of it and to go round to the beaches. I therefore took
the four remaining ships towards the beaches and signalled to the
ships there asking if there were any troops available for me. After
three unsuccessful attempts to obtain further troops to fill up to
capacity - all ships replying that they were themselves having
difficulty in completing I received signals from "Polly Johnson"
and "Brock" stating that they were damaged. I ordered "Arley" to
stand by "Polly Johnson" and to remove her crew and sink her if
necessary.
With "Brock" in company I then proceeded towards the "Jaguar"
who was anchored in the vicinity of the Nieuport Bank Buoy with her
troops on board and another destroyer alongside her, and asked if I
should take some from her. I was told to escort her as she had to Express
boats and I therefore told "Brock", whose damage was slight, to
proceed independently. I proceeded with "Brock for about two miles
to exchange the necessary signals and satisfy myself that she was
capable of making the journey and then returned to "Jaguar".
By this time she had weighed, and I followed astern of
her and signalled my maximum speed.
At about 1930, five German Dive Bombers passed on our port
side at about 2500 feet, in the direction of the "Jaguar" and started
to make an attack. We opened fire with the 12 pounder and one plane
detached itself from the formation and made an attack on us. As
the plane straightened up to attack I gave the order"hard-a-stareoard"
Six bombs were dropped which fell about 40/50 yards on our port beam.
We then straightened up and proceeded on our course.
The other planes attacked the "Jaguar" who replied with
her multiple pom-poms and zig-zagged, and no hits were registered,
although all attacks appeared to be very close to her.
After this attack she increased speed and she was soon
out of sight.
Having been left by "Jaguar" - who was taking a different
route I set a course for the Dyck Buoy and followed "y" route.
Between "T" and "S" buoys I overtook "Brock" and she
signalled that she could only steam at half speed and that she had
three serious cases on board. I signalled her to heave to and
went "Fyldea". alongside her and transferred her survivors and troops to
I then proceeded at full speed and arrived back at Dover
at 0300.
During the bombing raids and the periods between, the
situation was so tense that it would have been almost impossible to
realize any passage of time, so that the times in this report may
be in error to a considerable extent.

Details

-4-,
520
-
491
heavy type. the could be quite easily seen as they fell
The They bombs dropped during the raids appeared to be of a
7
waves of the or three, releasing two bombs at a time, which in
looked about about two size of a 15" shell. The bombers attacked and
prolonged period and disorganised the embarking and tended to
cause panic. Most of these bombs fell within 70 yards of the
trawlers. The ships were also attacked with "cannon". This was
not noticed at the time due to the intensity of the bombing, but
inch iron shells were picked up afterwards.
The behaviour of all Officers and men was at all times
exemplary, and at no time did I notice any man shew any disinclination
to do his utmost or shew any sign of panic even when others were
paniding. I would like to mention Skipper Lieutenant Lake, whose
ship was badly damaged. He retained complete control of his men
and assured me that he would take his ship back to port if it was
possible. This afterwards proved to be impossible, and her crew
were taken off by "Arley", who fired two rounds into her and left
her to sink.clear of the channel. "Arley" was not able to fire
again as she was attacked by bombs.
Lieutenant Warde and Sub. Lieutenant Roberts R.N.V.R.
were also of the greatest assistance. They supervised the placing
of the ladders of the foremost group and throughout the whole period
remained cheerful, and encouraged their men.
I subsequently discovered that the "John Cattling" was
detained in Dunkerque by the Piermaster and remained there until
dark, where, inspite of further bombing, she carried out the most
useful work.
I authorised provisions and rum to be issued in moderation
to survivors and troops, and morphia to the seriously wounded, at
the discretion of Commanding Officers.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Lieutenant R.N.

Details

Dynamo NE
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. 494
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head steamer to seaward Garry" in tow out of harbour. After
proceed up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the transport
then gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre.
I was ordered to tow transport out, as turning I had
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while the steamer came astern with engines.
towing her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
harbour all clear stern first, but for some reason, which I
This operation would have taken the vessel out of
cannot explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing
the towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by the lengthened
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G. wiring of
towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
which I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying us both
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to go full
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I e-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troopa coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).

Details

continued.
-2-
495+
H.M.T. cleared "Fyldea" harbour leading. of H.M.T. "Polly Johnson", "Brock" and with
I then astern passed ahead inside of H.M.S. "Grenade"
who faster informed owing to trouble megaphone that she was unable to proceed
When me clear by of harbour I closed on H.M.T. "Polly Johnson"
reduced she to slow charts had been shattered. We were by as then
to reported all her up position about m/d of a mile ahead of keep her
her. I took in the engineroom. and would I close any
faster. "Polly Johnson" I received was in difficulties and could not proceed any
speed, and I informed H.M.T. "Fyldea" that
Johnson", I did, keeping about me of a mile ahead of her.
which orders from "Fyldea" to stand by "Polly
Although I was only proceeding at slow speed, the "Polly Johnson"
still dropped astern.
I then received a message from H.M.T. "Fyldea" that if
"Polly Johnson" could not proceed I was to take her crew and
scuttle her clear of the channel and act independently. I
ordered this message to be sent to "Polly Johnson" as relayed from
"Fyldea". By this time we had reached a position half way between
Nieuport Buoy, and Middlekerke Buoy, and I stopped engines until
"Polly Johnson" came within hail. During this period several
more raids were carried out by German Aircraft on the Destroyers
and other craft close to us.
When "Polly Johnson" closed on me, the Skipper informed
me he was already to abandon ship; his confidential books etc.
were packed ready to pass to me. I then closed on her and lashed
alongside until the two stretcher cases and all the other members
of her crew and passengers were safely on board. I then cast off
and moved away from her.
The Skipper of "Polly Johnson" - Skipper Lieutenant
Lake R.N.R. (ret) informed me that the water in engineroom had
gained up to the platforms, and in the stokehold the water was
about to put her fires out.
After leaving "Polly Johnson" I requested one of our
Destroyers to sink her as she had been abandoned, but as I received
no satisfactory reply, I returned to her and fired two shots of
common shell into her at waterline.
As I had by now about 90 men on board, including several
wounded, I decided to make all speed for Dover. The tide was
setting to East North East, and assuming the "Polly Johnson" would
drive away from the channel, I left her, the Skipper agreeing that
she would sink in about two hours.
Soon after leaving "Polly Johnson" I received an 8.0.8.
from a Paddle Steamer who had been badly bombed whilst I had been
taking off from "Polly Johnson". I decided I could not take all
her men, so I steamed and intercepted one of the scouts, and two
French trawlers, and directed them to go to the paddler, which
they did. There was also one drifter standing by her and one of
our destroyers heading for her, so I decided nothing further could
be done, and returned to harbour forthwith.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Skipper Lieutenant R.D.,R.N.R.
ske Lieut G Kobinson RD RNR
HMT. "arley"

Details

133
22
.
131
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and
sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft
in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to
other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and
abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft,
either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY
(Personnel Vessel)
M/S
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as
follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times
by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship
returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer
deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further
operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned
eventually under own steam.
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put
her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were
transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses
necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May

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

Details

Dyram. #9
G.D.
No. 5d.
To: Commander Dover. M/S
31st May, 1940.
245
Sir,
Polly 247 JOHNSON
I beg to report the following:-
On the 29th May I proceeded in company to Dunkirk.
arriving about 1500.
About 1600 the fleet laying alongside the pier were
heavily bombed by air attack, The "Polly Johnson" laying
outside berth, in my opinion, got the full weight. Bombs were
exploding within 10 yards; she shook and trembled.
I had six casualties.
65
With great difficulty, also with half of my crew
wiped out, I managed to get my ship clear of Dunkirk harbour
with survivors from a. Destroyer, and also soldiers.
About half an hour after leaving Dunkirk, my chief
reported that the ship was making water fast. Water was over
the stoke hole floors. I signalled to H.M. Trawler "Arley"
(next ahead) "ship making water rapidly, keep close to me". About
five minutes afterwards I received a signal "have orders to
take survivors and crew and sink "Polly Johnson". About ten
minutes after this was carried out. The "Arley" fired two
rounds then left "Polly Johnson". She was still afloat when I
last saw her. Position Middlekerke Bank Buoy (midway) Nieuport
Bank Buoy.
In my opinion that was the best way out, the "Polly
Johnson" being badly bombed and would not have been fit for
further service. Her port side was simply riddled along the
water line and I am sure she would not have reached the nearest
port.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
g. Lake
Skipper Lieutenant R.D., R.N.R.
a
S,
cannt.
In
ADMIR
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATRO
VICE JUN 1940 1-
DOV
(Continued over).

Details

Any further communication
CONFIDENTIAL.
NL
d be addressed to:-
Secretary of the Admiralty,
11798
London, S.W.I.
110
quoting " 29/28 A.B/40
1940
Admiralty, S.W.1.
1 the outside of the
velope as well as in
4th October, 1940
e text.
Report of Enquiry into the loss
of H.M. M/S Trawler POLLY JOHNSON
MILITARY
BRAN
in operation "Dynamo".
6F OCT 1940
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships
the following report arising from an enquiry into the loss of
H.M. M/S Trawler POLLY JOHNSON on 29th May, 1940.
2.
Skipper Lieutenant L. Lake, R.N.R. who was in
command of POLLY JOHNSON was examined on 1st October, 1940.
3.
At about 1500 on 29th May when POLLY JOHNSON was
secured to CALVI which was alongside the pier at Dunkirk and
astern of GRENADE, she was subjected to a heavy bombing attack.
Splinters from near misses perforated the ship's port side with
small holes just above the water line and put the 12 pdr. gun
out of action.
4.
The ship was subjected to further bombing attacks
during the next two hours but at 1700, with about 50 troops and
some survivors from GRENADE on board, she proceeded out of
harbour, being able to make only very slow speed.
5.
Engine and Boiler rooms were making water steadily
and ship's pumps were unable to cope with the rate of flooding.
6.
At about 1830 midway between Middlekerk and Nieuport
Buoys when it was obvious that POLLY JOHNSON would not remain
afloat much longer, Trawler ARLEY came alongside and took all
hands on board.
7.
ARLEY then endeavoured to destroy POLLY JOHNSON by
gunfire but failed and left her in a sinking condition in about
7/8 fathoms. It is considered, however, that she was unlikely
to remain afloat for long.
8.
Although it was not possible to elicit full
particulars of the damage sustained by this ship it seems, from
the evidence, in view of the fact that water was fast entering
the Engine and Boiler room that this compartment was flooding
below the waterline as result of heavy underwater explosions.
The flooding was accentuated when draught increased to admit
water through holes already made above the waterline.
9.
Secret Charts were burnt in the stokehold before ship
was abandoned and all S.P's and C.B's were transferred to ARLEY
and landed at Dover.
10, is the desirability of these craft carrying a number of varying
The only point brought out in the loss of this vessel
size wooden plugs for stopping shot holes.
11./
Secretary of the Admiralty.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12,
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and
sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft
in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to
other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and
abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft,
either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY (Personnel Vessel)
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as
follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times
by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship
returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer
deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further
operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned
eventually under own steam,
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put
her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were
transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses
necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May
!

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

Page 8.
peration "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
TRAWLERS, DRIFTERS AND TENDERS.
H.M.T. ARLEY.
Commanding Officer.
Skipper Lieutenant George William Robinson, R.D., R.N.R.
H.M.T. JOHN CATTLING.
Ratings.
Chief Engineman William W. Jefferies, H.O.
A.P.O. Arthur Baul, Pens. D/K.737, Pens.No.2.6717.
Wireman Ernest Richard A. Emery, MX.63925.
H.M.T. STRATHELLIOTT.
Commanding Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant Walter Edward Mercer, R.N.V.R.
Officer.
Skipper Charles Percy Smith Chaplin, R.N.R., W.S.3263.
Rating.
Ordinary Seaman Ernest Lloyd Hoare, H.O.
H.M.D. MONARDA
Commanding Officers.
Skipper Robert Herbert Soanes, R.N.R., W.S.2984.
Lieutenant Pearce Trewhella Lovelock, R.N.V.R.
Ratings.
William Joseph Kingston, H.52.
S.P.O. Herbert Ralph Help, D/K.5111.
Seaman John Henry Williams, LT/JX.173534.
H.M.D. RENASCENT.
Commanding Officer.
Skipper Richard Hannaford, W.S.294.
Ratings.
2nd Hand James Cowie, X.5780.
Ordinary Seaman Ernest Mackay, LT/JX.170562.
RAMSGATE DRIFTERS.
Commander John Stephen McCabe Glendenning, R.N.R. (Retd.)
Robert Durrant, Master of LORD RODNEY.
Victor Smith, Mate of JAVA.
DWARF/

Details

Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List "B"
TRAWLERS, DRIFTERS AND TENDERS.
H.M.T. ARLEY.
Commanding Officer.
Skipper Lieutenant George William Robinson, R.D., R.N.R.
H.M.T. JOHN CATTLING.
Ratings.
Chief Engineman William W. Jefferies, H.O.
A.P.O. Arthur Baul, Pens. D/K.737, Pens.No.2.6717.
Wireman Ernest Richard A. Emery, MX.63925.
H.M.T. STRATHELLIOTT.
Commanding Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant Walter Edward Mercer, R.N.V.R.
Officer.
Skipper Charles Percy Smith Chaplin, R.N.R., W.S.3263.
Rating.
Ordinary Seaman Ernest Lloyd Hoare, H.O.
H.M.D. MONARDA.
Commanding Officers.
Skipper Robert Herbert Soanes, R.N.R., W.S.2984.
Lieutenant Pearce Trewhella Lovelock, R.N.V.R.
Ratings.
William Joseph Kingston, H.52.
S.P.O. Herbert Ralph Help, D/K.5111.
Seaman John Henry Williams, LT/JX.173534.
H.M.D. RENASCENT.
Commanding Officer.
Skipper Richard Hannaford, W.S.294.
Ratings.
2nd Hand James Cowie, X.5780.
Ordinary Seaman Ernest Mackay, LT/JX.170562.
RAMSGATE DRIFTERS.
Commander John Stephen McCabe Glendenning, R.N.R. (Retd.)
Robert Durrant, Master of LORD RODNEY.
Victor Smith, Mate of JAVA.
DWARF/

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
the whole day, might at any time become impossible to close; were this to
happen, my last hope of reaching the coast would be gone".'
In order to secure the British northern flank Lord Gort decided to issue
orders for the occupation, as quickly as troops could be made available, of the
line of the Ypres - Comines canal and the positions covering Ypres. In the
absence of General Blanchard, who was visiting the Belgian G.Q.G. at Bruges,
Lord Gort communicated this decision that evening to the Headquarters of
the French First Group of Armies.¹
The necessity of evacuation was becoming a matter of paramount immediacy.
British destroyers bombard suburb of Calais
Meanwhile, on the 25th May, the trawler Lord Howe sailed to Calais with a
cargo of ammunition². She entered the port and discharged part of her cargo
in the face of heavy enemy fire from the dunes to the southward. In view of
the risk involved, Commodore W. P. Gandell, R.N. (P.S.T.O., French Ports),
who was on the quay, then ordered the Lord Howe to sail.
Outside Calais the destroyer Greyhound closed the Lord Howe, which was
carrying a request for bombardment support of the town. At the same time,
the Greyhound received a signal from the Vice-Admiral, Dover, ordering the
bombardment of the Calais suburb of St. Pierre. The Greyhound opened fire,
and at 2000, an H.A. battery east of Sangatte registered a hit on her, killing
2 and wounding 3. About this time the destroyer Grafton arrived and also
opened fire. The 2 destroyers returned to Dover as darkness set in.³
Evacuation of Calais countermanded
At 2130 a force of seven trawlers⁴, three yachts⁵ and two drifters⁶, sailed for
Calais road, ready to evacuate troops from Calais, the moment an order was
received to do so. Five of the trawlers towed motor boats. Commander
W. V. H. Harris, R.N. (Commander M/S, Dover), in the Grey Mist, was in
command. The destroyers Windsor and Verity left Dover at 2300, to cover
the withdrawal of this force.
On arrival off Calais, two of the motor boats were ordered into Calais harbour.
At about 0300/26, a signal was received that Calais was to be held at all costs;
furthermore, it was ordered that this signal was to be sent by hand to the
Brigadier commanding on shore. The Conidaw went in to deliver the signal.
All ships were then ordered back to the Downs, but the Botanic and Maretta
remained behind until the two motor boats and the Conidaw returned.⁷
The Botanic and Maretta were damaged by gunfire when returning on the
26th May, and were unable to take part in Operation "Dynamo".
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 43.
2 Lieut. L. C. Whittle, R.N.R., in the Lord Howe, says it was the 24th May.
3 Vice-Admiral, Dover's 1907/25/5.
4 The Botanic, Fyldea, Maretta, Arley, Polly Johnson, Brock and Calvi.
6 The Grey Mist, Conidaw and Chico.
5 The Playmates and Willing Boys.
7 Report by Commander M/S, Dover (R.O. II, p. 497).
13

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Gallant put out of action
The destroyers Jaguar, Gallant and Grenade, en route for Dunkirk by the new
middle Route x with instructions to test it for opposition by shore batteries,
were attacked at 1155 off. Snouw Bank by about 17 dive bombers. The attack
was concentrated on the Gallant which was damaged by a near miss and had to
retire; she was unable to take any further part in Operation "Dynamo".
"One dive-bomber, was seen to be hit by pom-pom, and while losing height
observes the Jaguar, was despatched by a fighter". This attack appears to
have taken place just when one of our main [fighter] patrols had turned for
home."¹
On arrival at Dunkirk, the Grenade reported that there had been no inter-
ference from shore batteries. Shipping was thus able to make use of the route
directly it had been swept. The minesweepers completed this work late on
the same afternoon, and the route was taken into use within a few hours of both
the other routes, Y and Z, being rendered unsafe for use by day owing to
the German shore gunfire.
Bombing of Dunkirk and beaches commences
At 1358 the S.N.O., Dunkirk reported to V.A. Dover that the bombing of
the beaches and of Dunkirk pier had commenced without fighter opposition.
This attack occurred while Hurricanes were sweeping inland to Cassel.¹
At 1250 the Grenade berthed alongside the east pier in Dunkirk outer har-
bour (the Nouvel Avant-Port), the Jaguar securing alongside her. The
Grenade was ordered by S.N.O., Dunkirk, to remain at his disposal and not to
embark troops. Between 1400 and 1525, the Jaguar embarked about 1,000;
level bombers were being held off by fighters and A/A fire during this period,
and two patterns of heavy bombs which were dropped close to the pier did no
damage to ships.²
Fourteen ships lying at Dunkirk
In the meantime, at 1330, six Oropesa trawlers of the Dover M/S Command,
viz. : the Fyldea (Lieut. R. Bill, R.N., S.O.), the Arley, Brock, Calvi, John
Cattling and Polly Johnson, arrived off Dunkirk harbour and the Fyldea and
Arley were ordered inside to pull the personnel vessel Lochgarry, which had
embarked over 1,000 troops, away from the east pier³. By 1420 when they had
done this, the six trawlers, triple-banked, occupied the Lochgarry's berth.
Ahead of the six trawlers were the Grenade and Jaguar; astern of the trawlers
was the personnel vessel Canterbury, and astern of her, at the Quai Félix Faure
in Dunkirk inner harbour (the Avant-Port), was the French destroyer Cyclone.
On the opposite side of the outer harbour, at the west Quay, lay the French
destroyers Mistral and Siroco. Outside the harbour, on the seaward side of
the east pier opposite the Grenade, was the P/V Fenella, and at 1430 the Special
Service Vessel Crested Eagle berthed astern of her (see Diagram p.40). Off Malo,
Bray and La Panne beaches were numbers of destroyers, minesweepers, skoots,
personnel vessels, trawlers, tugs and small craft.
I R.A.F. Narrative, p.326.
2 Jaguar's report.
3 See Fyldea's report.
39

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
West Pier
Grenade
Fenella
Jaguar
000
Crested Eagle
DOC
Canterbury
ASEA
Guiding
Inner
Jetty.
West
GH
Pier
Key
A: Polly Johnson
B: Brock
C: Fyldea
D Calvi
E:John Cattling
F : Arley
G: Mistral
H: Siroco
Ships Berthed
at Dunkirk,
Cyclone
1530,29ᵗʰMay,1940
The Tenb
TSD/HS(545)
This was the first occasion on which a massed target of ships had been pre-
sented in Dunkirk harbour, and the scene was thus set for one of the most
that disastrous air onslaughts of the operation ; indeed, it was only by good fortune
this early date. The air onslaught, which took place between 1530 and 2000,
the vital Dunkirk harbour channel was not blocked by sinking ships at
appears follows : to - have comprised 4 separate air attacks; the manner of it was as
Air onslaught begins
bombers¹. The first air attack over Dunkirk commenced at and made by 12
wide, but The 20 or 30 bombs which were 1530, harbour was fell mostly
One bomber the Polly Johnson was severely damaged dropped by on a the near miss (see p.44).
was shot down by fighters².
2 I See Mistral's report.
Fyldea's report.
40

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

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

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.

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
X3+30
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 107. 447
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 68 405
M.T.B. 67, 443
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
CHICO
D.C.M.B., 484
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 476
M.A.S.M. No.7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8.V487
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
493
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
WEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
TARANSAY

Details

-8-
497.8
sailed for
On Calais the night Roads:- of 25th/26th May, the following vessels
468
Botanic.
Fyldea.
Maretta.
Arley.
Polly Johnson.
Brock.
Calvi.
Grey Mist.
Conidaw.
Y
Chico.
Playmates.
Willing Boys.
of Calais.
The object of the expedition was the possible evacuation
Commander M/S (Commander W.V.H. Harris R.N.) sailed in
"Grey Mist" in charge of forces employed.
The orders to form the expedition were received at 1900,
and vessels sailed at 2130, the first five trawlers to leave,
towing motor boats.
Vessels were ordered to rendezvous at No. 3 Buoy Calais
Roads, and await instructions from Commander M/S. Destroyer
force was in support.
On receipt of signal which had been wrongly decoded, two
motor boats were ordered into Calais Harbour. These boats had
left for the harbour when a further signal was received that
Calais was to be held at all costs, and the signal was ordered to
be sent by hand to the Brigadier Commanding Forces. "Conidaw"
was ordered to proceed immediately and deliver the message.
A further signal was then received recalling all forces
to the Downs. On receipt of this signal "Botanic" and "Maretta"
were ordered to remain until boats and "Conidaw" returned, and
Destroyer escort was asked to be provided. All other vessels
returned to the Downs.
Reports from Lieutenant Commander P.F. Cammiade R.N.V.R.,
Sub. Lieutenant M.R. Mills R.N.V.R., and Skipper R. Smelgrove,are
attached (la, lb, lc, ld).
There was constant enemy air activity during the night,
and a considerable amount of firing ashore.
P.M. 26th May. Danlaying Yachts"Gulzar" and "Grey Mist"
to Calais with Commodore W.P. Gandell, P.S.T.O. France. Report
of Lieutenant C.V. Brammall R.N.R. attached (No. 2).
27th May.
"Arley" ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
She was heavily shelled off Calais, and returned with engineer
seriously wounded. Operation was then cancelled.
"Fyldea" sailed, buoy laying, under the orders of "Skipjack"
employed on mine sinking duties.
for "Thomas but were recalled on report of shelling and returned of to
Bartlett", "Inverforth",& "Our Bairns" were "Arley". sailed
They Dunkirk, then ordered to sweep the war channel, Dover.
harbour were p.m. on orders from Vice Admiral
(Continued over).

Details

-4-
499
- 470
command are
The submitted:- following casualties to H.M. Vessels under my
26th May.
"Botanic" and "Maretta" heavily bombed
on return from Calais. Both ships
damaged. (Maretta 3 weeks refitting).
28th May.
"Thomas Bartlett" mined on own field.
10 survivors.
29th May.
"Comfort" believed rammed.
"Nautilus" damaged by bombs, and
destroyed by fire. All saved (See
report of Lieutenant Gelling No.4).
"Calvi" bombed and sunk - Dunkirk
Harbour.
"Polly Johnson" badly damaged, and
sunk by "Arley" (See report No.5c).
1st June.
"Brock" damaged by several near misses.
VICE A14/0/1407 ADMIRAL
6-JUN 1940
*
T
R DO E

Details

-3-
adpper Lieut.
Robinson.
503
Arley.
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
;kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brook.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
$kipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
Ekipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
skipper
S.Bindler,
B.D. spindler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
pipper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunicipit.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais ID.
Skipper.
Stather.
Playmates.
1 off Calais.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
w
of individual Officers.
Thompson.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Skipper.
Willing Boys.
1 Plushing, Calais,
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

Details

340/58.
505
Name.
50
ship.
Anthony Brooke
Rank or Rating.
476
CLYTHNESS
Heckstall Smith.
300 lins to
Walter Fredk.Salenius.
Skipper. Sub. Lt. R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
George S. Day.
shalls Yook 150
Smauel B. Sussans
Mate. Chief Engineman. LT/RX 102500.
John A. Cargill.
Seaman.
LT/JX 175090.
For devotion to duty under very trying
circumstances (See report No. 6.
POLLY JOHNSON.
Bonter, b
Skipper Lieut. Leonard Lake extricated his ship in a
Sunk.
sinking condition from Dunkirk in a heavy bombard-
ment. Was eventually forced to abandon ship, and
transferred his crew and himself to "Arley".
(See report Nos. 5b and c). 38 mg
FYLDEA.
29/5 2/31/5
Liewt. John .K.M. Warde R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
has misses.
Thomas Owens,D.S.M.
Chief Engineer. X257EU.
Recommended for coolness and devotion to
duty during heavy bombing at Dunkirk.
(See report No. la).
38 of
BROCK.
Kenneth Henry G.Roberts.Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.
no brooks
Behaved with great coolness and devotion
became he saw no mole
to duty in assisting his Group Officer
suspected his shipto
(Lieutenant Robert Bill R.N.) to extricate
Keng water.
his ship from a perilous position).
(See report No. 7).
NAUTILUS J
Richard McLean.
Skipper (No.WS 3159).
b
For displaying great gallantry in going
strop "Grey tisunt
over the side to save a seaman whilst
destroyer and "Nautilus" were being
bombed.
mb sunk. each Deslige
George Addison.
2nd Engineman.
Andrew Strachan.
Cook.
Worked hard in small boats all day during
Lieutenant V.E. Gelling R.N.R).
trying conditions (See report No.4 by
GULZAR
Edward S. Woodhead.
Coxswain.
Charles H. Baldry.
Seaman.
trips (30/5
Cook.
George Cliefe.
Greaser.
Peter Blake.
Arthur L. Shallis.
Signalman.
to duty in very made trying to
THE to 4th June,
THE been 26th May

Details

G.D.
Report of - LIEUTENANT R. BILL R.N.
517
Wednesday 29th May, 1940, and the loss of
Operations with M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
487
N:
5 A
Trawlers "CALVI" & "POLLY JOHNSON
7
To: Commander M/S,
arley
Dover.
Brach
oux
calvi
Sir,
Fylder - (So)
Tehn Getting
connection with operations by M/S Trawlers at Dunkerque on
I have the honour to submit the following report in
Paller Johnson
Wednesday 29th May, 1940.
Before sailing I collected all Unit Officers and
explained what we were going to do, issued and explained their
routes, and impressed on them that they must act independently
in the case of an emergency. I then instructed them to onil
0400. independently and meet me in the vicinity of the Gull Buoy by
Ladders were embarked off Ramsgate by 0430 and we
proceeded in company to Dunkerque, arriving at 1330.
On arrival I hove to and signalled to S.N.O. through
"Grenade" requesting permission to enter harbour. The reply
came back "Wait - you may enter harbour after 1600". I then
signalled - "Can I be more use off the beach", as there were
already three destroyers and the transports alongside the vall.
I then received the signal - "Enter harbour and pull off"Loch
Garry," trawlers may then take her berth".
"Lock Garry" from the wall, and proceeded to take her berth. The
I then signalled "Arley" to follow ne in. and we pulled
remaining four trawlers then entered harbour and berthed alongside
1420. us as directed by the Piermaster (Commander
)at about
I landed and reported to the Piermaster and asked for
instructions. I was instructed to wait and to fill up my ships
after the transport "Fynella" and "Grenade" had completed. Ladders
were troops. rigged up the wall and the ships were prepared to receive
Fenella
Up to this time practically no troops had appeared at
the far end of the pier, and "Jaguar" was nearly full and "Fynella"
about half full. "Canterbury" was also nearly full and was
embarking wounded which completely jammed other traffic along the
pier. Sketch "A" shews positions of ships at this time.
The first raid occurred at about 1530, by about six or
seven bombers. All ships opened fire and a fairly effective
barrage was put up. About 20/30 bombs were dropped, but they were
mostly wide.
There were near misses on "Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly
Johnson" and "Jaguar" and a number of men received shrapnel wounds
in all these ships.
Fighters then appeared and the raiders were driven off.
One was shot down by fighters and I think one by "Jaguar". "Jaguar"
left harbour, and the remainder of ships attended to their wounded.
I arranged to place all wounded in the "Canterbury" and not the
assistance of the Surgeon Lieutenant from "Grenade" for the more
serious cases.

Details

-3-
519
*
490
As
the
wreck
of
the
"Grenade"
instructed follow the "John other Cattling" ships to was attempt drifting to pull down her on clear the trawlers,
I
7
up troops and survivors, out. "Polly Johnson" and "Brock" and to
at full speed. got clear, and proceeded out of harbour picked
"Arley" was clear and "Fyldea" under way.
further and several up the pier troops and survivors jumped on board. the I
The more Skipper of "Fyldea" kept his ship close to wall
instructions, but I trying to find the Piermaster again for was further
on board as she failed to find him and just managed to jump
was leaving. This was at about 1815.
then told clear me of the Piermaster had also instructed him to "Granade"
Lieutenant that Peake - the First Lieutenant of the
ships the four it and to go round to the beaches. I therefore get took the
ships three there asking if there were any troops available for me. to the After
remaining ships towards the beaches and signalled
capacity ships replying that they were themselves up
unsuccessful - all attempts to obtain further troops to fill to
and difficulty in completing I received signals from "Polly having Johnson"
necessary. by "Polly Johnson" and to remove her crew and sink her if
stand "Brock" stating that they were damaged. I ordered "Arley" to
who was anchored in the vicinity of the Nieuport Bank Buoy with her
With "Brock" in company I then proceeded towards the "Jaguar"
should take some from her. I was told to escort her as she had to I Express
troops on board and another destroyer alongside her, and asked if
boats and I therefore told "Brock", whose damage was slight, to
proceed to independently. I proceeded with "Brock for about two miles
exchange the necessary signals and satisfy myself that she was
capable of making the journey and then returned to "Jaguar".
her and signalled my maximum speed.
By this time she had weighed, and I followed astern of
side to at about 2500 feet, in the direction of the "Jaguar" and started port
At about 1930, five German Dive Bombers passed on our
detached itself from the formation and made an attack on us.
make an attack. We opened fire with the 12 pounder and one plane
We Six bombs were dropped which fell about 40/50 yards on our port beam.
the plane straightened up to attack I gave the order"hard-a-starboard" As
then straightened up and proceeded on our course.
her multiple pom-poms and zig-zagged, and no hits were registered,
The other planes attacked the "Jaguar" who replied with
although all attacks appeared to be very close to her.
out of sight.
After this attack she increased speed and she was soon
route I set a course for the Dyck Buoy and followed "y" route.
Having been left by "Jaguar" - who was taking a different
Between "m" and "S" buoys I overtook "Brock" and she
signalled that she could only steam at half speed and that she had
three serious cases on board. I signalled her to heave to and
went aea ongside her and transferred her survivors and troops to
at 0300.
I then proceeded at full speed and arrived back at Dover
situation was so tense that it would have been almost impossible to
During the bombing raids and the periods between, the
realize any passage of time, so that the times in this report may
be in error to a considerable extent.

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491
heavy type. They could be quite easily seen as they fell and
The bombs dropped during the raids appeared to be of a
7
waves of about two or three, releasing two bombs at a time, which
looked about the size of a 15" shell. The bombers attacked in
prolonged the period and disorganised the embarking and tended to
cause panic. Most of these bombs fell within 70 yards of the
trawlers. The ships were also attacked with "cannon". This was
not noticed at the time due to the intensity of the bombing, but
1/2 inch iron shells were picked up afterwards.
The behaviour of all Officers and men was at all times
exemplary, and at no time did I notice any man shew any disinclination
to do his utmost or shew any sign of panic even when others were
paniding. I would like to mention Skipper Lieutenant Lake, whose
ship was badly damaged. He retained complete control of his men
and assured me that he would take his ship back to port if it was
possible. This afterwards proved to be impossible, and her crew
were taken off by "Arley", who fired two rounds into her and left
her to sink.clear of the channel. "Arley" was not able to fire
again as she was attacked by bombs.
Lieutenant Warde and Sub. Lieutenant Roberts R.N.V.R.
were also of the greatest assistance. They supervised the placing
of the ladders of the foremost group and throughout the whole period
remained cheerful, and encouraged their men.
I subsequently discovered that the "John Cattling" vas
detained in Dunkerque by the Piermaster and remained there until
dark, where, inspite of further bombing, she carried out the most
useful work.
I authorised provisions and rum to be issued in moderation
to survivors and troops, and morphia to the seriously wounded, at
the discretion of Commanding Officers.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Lieutenant R.N.

Details

Dynamo ME
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. $404
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May proceed 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head to seaward Garry" I in tow out of harbour. After transport
steamer up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the
then was ordered to tow transport out, turning had
gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre. as I
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while towing the her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
steamer came astern with engines.
This operation would have taken the vessel
harbour cannot all clear stern first, but for some reason, which out of
the explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing I
towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by wiring the lengthened of
which towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to us go full
I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying both
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I re-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troops coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).

Details

continued.
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405+
H.M.T. cleared "Fyldea" harbour leading. of H.M.T. "Polly Johnson", "Brock" and with
I then astern passed ahead inside of H.M.S. "Grenade"
who faster informed owing to trouble megaphone that she was unable to proceed
When me clear by of harbour I closed on H.M.T. "Polly Johnson"
she to slow charts had been shattered. We were by as then
to reported all her up position about mld of a mile ahead of keep her
her. I took in the engineroom. and would I close any
reduced speed, and I informed H.M.T. "Fyldea" that
faster. orders from "Fyldea" to stand by "Polly
"Polly Johnson" I received was in difficulties and could not proceed any
Johnson", which I did, keeping about me of a mile ahead of her.
Although I was only proceeding at slow speed, the "Polly Johnson"
still dropped astern.
I then received a message from H.M.T. "Fyldea" that if
"Polly Johnson" could not proceed I was to take her crew and
scuttle her clear of the channel and act independently. I
ordered this message to be sent to "Polly Johnson" as relayed from
"Fyldea". By this time we had reached a position half way between
Nieuport Buoy, and Middlekerke Buoy, and I stopped engines until
"Polly Johnson" came within hail. During this period several
more raids were carried out by German Aircraft on the Destroyers
and other craft close to us.
When "Polly Johnson" closed on me, the Skipper informed
me he was already to abandon ship; his confidential books etc.
were packed ready to pass to me. I then closed on her and lashed
alongside until the two stretcher cases and all the other members
of her crew and passengers were safely on board. I then cast off
and moved away from her.
The Skipper of "Polly Johnson" - Skipper Lieutenant
Lake R.N.R. (ret) informed me that the water in engineroom had
gained up to the platforms, and in the stokehold the water was
about to put her fires out.
After leaving "Polly Johnson" I requested one of our
Destroyers to sink her as she had been abandoned, but as I received
no satisfactory reply, I returned to her and fired two shota of
common shell into her at waterline.
As I had by now about 90 men on board, including several
wounded, I decided to make all speed for Dover. The tide was
setting to East North East, and assuming the "Polly Johnson" would
drive away from the channel, I left her, the Skipper agreeing that
she would sink in about two hours.
Soon after leaving "Polly Johnson" I received an S.O.S.
from a Paddle Steamer who had been badly bombed whilst I had been
taking off from "Polly Johnson". I decided I could not take all
her men, so I steamed and intercepted one of the scouts, and two
French trawlers, and directed them to go to the paddler, which
they did. There was also one drifter standing by her and one of
our destroyers heading for her, so I decided nothing further could
be done, and returned to harbour forthwith.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Skipper Lieutenant R.D.,R.N.R.
ske Lieut G Robinson RD RNR
HMT. "arley"