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BAT
M/V (Pickford's Ita.)
J.T. T. Butchers, Captain.
G.J. Underdown, Engineer
F. Butchers, Mate.
F. Botten, 4th Hand.
29th May
2130
Arrived Portsmouth from Cowes.
2345ca
Left Portsmouth.
30th May
2200ca
Arrived at a S.E. coast port [?Ramsgate].
-
Sailed for Dunkirk.
31st May
0500ca
Located the wreckage of a French
destroyer [Bourrasque], bottom
upwards. Transferred from the wreck
15 naked and oil covered survivors.
0700ca
Proceeded to Ramsgate.
1400
Ramsgate. Disembarked 14 and 2
wounded. (1)
-
Embarked stores and proceeded for
Dunkirk.
-
4 miles from Dunkirk, observed the
beach being bombed.
-
Continued on to east of Dunkirk.
Air attack.
-
Embarked troops. A small boat loaded
with troops seen to receive a direct
hit.
1st June
0015ca
Proceeded with about 100 troops on
board.
0930ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 100
troops.
Total 116
Authority - Pickfords Ltd.
(1) Ramsgate report. Not mentioned in D.R.
88

Details

MADELEINE CAMILLE (H.81) Belgian trawler
Reported by D. Geselle, Belgian telegraphist
"We saved 350 soldiers at Dunkirk".
From Ramsgate report:
4th June
0900
354 B.E.F. and 33 French sailors
were landed by the following 4
vessels: B.1853, H.81, L.H.W.D.,
E
and the Meuse.
(Estimated) Total 90
Authority - C.W. 26612/41.
La Madeleine Camille
with 3 french naval
latings on board in
a convoy commanded by
Ensergued various
DuvaR, landed
173 troops in
England
(hate by bat bras of french
Phystomal Dept)
216

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Pickford's Ltd.
Non
See
under
Motor Vessels.
Chamois
M.F.H.
Bat
Hound
Bee
about 500 troops,
troops.
Mison w
-

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+645
Ship's position now untenable and recelled
1720.
When boats returned with last load
1
proceed close inshore to avoid shell bursts.
1840
Arrived Dunkirk harbour and proceeded are
foremost.
1850.
Berthed alongsido East Pier and embarked the
870 treops
During embarkation continuer air attack and
shelling took place, ships guns were frequently in action
2058.
Cas's off and proceeded with abou : 1250 trops
on board.
0015. Saturday 1t Judee
Anchored in Margate Road
0603.
Alongside Margate Pier.
Disembarked trom
The Commanding Officer now returned or board.
0800.
Cast off from Margate Pier and anchere in
(94).
Went alongside H.M.S. GALLANT for C
1935.
Proceeded Sevards Dunkirk and at 2235 Lightel
unknown obstructions in In, vicinity of No 70 Dunitick Road
the weather was very 16.23 and thick smoke from Dunkirk
obscured everythings and 2t was decided to amitee hatman
"FG" and "W" buoys until dayligh
0315 2nd June proceeded bac
545.
1114 left for Sheerness who
The Senior Opficer of the I
and Book command 01 the ship, se
ashore on leave.
connection with the proc
we "
like to emphasise the
a
whole ip's company.
It is difficult to single
commendation bat undoubtedly th
James Seamar O. No C/J 3192 wa
and the individual work done by
cn the beach itself was outstan
XI.
The Sheerness. Extended Defences Office
Forwarded
4th June 1940
found in acorphecked and found in accordance with Regulations
ecked and found in ref action taken
able to action taked for
to actionserived and checked
able to or hecked ahable to select (C.W.
hecked and found in acaci accordang up for interview sent
received and scate received and checked

Details

we 89034/0256 100M 1/40 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 071.
112
Register No. N.L.11938/40
Minute Sheet No. 1
Submitted.
A copy of N.O.i/c. Leith's No.15, dated 2/7/40
was received in D.0.9002/40.
As a result of this report, W.P.S., Newcastle was
asked to obtain targets composed of bitumastic deck covering
fixed both upon mild steel plates and upon wood. These
were supplied by Messrs. Wailes Dove Bitumastic Ltd. Captain
EXCELLENT carried out firing trials on 15/8/40. The trial
results, although promising, were not sufficiently so to
warrant the adoption of this material for protective purposes.
(See EXCELLENT's No.X 1798/7 dated 19.8.40 in G.011567/40.)
It was then decided to try a coarser composition such as that
used in cattle boats, but before tests could be made a report
was received from D.S.D. (IA/AW & D) giving particulars of a
similar material which showed greater promise, containing a
coarse granite aggregate and using bitumen as a binder. This
material is being fitted to merchant ships, but before adopting
it in warships it was considered necessary to get EXCELLENT
to carry out firing tests which are in hand.
I.V.Goodall.
D. N. 08/10/40
18OCT1940
Noted
BAT
22/10/40.
Noted.
form
02.11.40
Ltd. 31-6446

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unifect be considered eligible
for a C.B. of it was just
that he she are
already firsen He C. E. !
However S will certain
do all Scan to recommend
lim in lte new year list
This a heat kets /bat the
300 decoration available
fiven fortune onsly of that /Lefa
Laubert 9 class Toris should services 8
unrecofuised except a lu ment
I hope my are dynam is
no causier you trauble, be
fear A may as it was rather e
But again it we an interest
deriad 44 sincerely
B.

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Page 4.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
NEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
RCHANGEL
MANXMAN
UTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
EN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
IARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
ANTERBURY
NGAROMA
LAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
OTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
OTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
INARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
ORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
#
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
ENELLA
ROEBUCK
ОЛМ QUEEN
ROUEN
SLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
SLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
ILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
ING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
ADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
EVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
OCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
AID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
re
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BATL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
/
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
C. 9 } (Tugs)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
(Continued)
Sunk

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
BOY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
MA J
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
MAJOE
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
MALDO
A.E. Harrison
Kamble.
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
MALVI
BEE
Murrell "
MOLLY
P. Robinson
MARE 1
MARCH
Sons,
MARGHI
Wright
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
MARINA
CAIRNGORE
MARSAY
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
MARINA
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
ARICEI
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
ARY
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
ARY HO
M.T. Henderson
with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
ARY IR)
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
ARY ROS
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
COMMODORE
RY SPE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
RY SPE/
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
ILDA
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
CORA-ANN
T.98. Returned to owner.
BELLE
Col. F.L. Newhouse
CARONIA
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
LOWER
W. Light (6A)
CORSTIR
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
Dr. Tiby
COURT BELLE II
Returned to owner.
c. Whatford & Son
DER
No report received from list of
CRECLE
missing vessels.
AIDEN
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
EY
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
ANT
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
LICENT I
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
OSA
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
IKOI
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
DRU II
Returned to owner.
AUR
NY
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
RASOL
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
108
A.C. Wills
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
MADGE
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
MING
R. Harvey
DESEL II
MODESTY
Dudley Stone
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
AH
NA
DEVILFISH
T.98. Returned to owner.
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
RCH
list of missing vessels.
ROSE
Motor Boe
Motor Boa
2 or Torpedo
tor Ferries
SME

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101
102
90
6
and bombing the beach, which was terrible to see, boat
drowned and kibled. Aircraft was active all the time, upset duri
VESSELS
TAKING
PART
IN
OPERATION
DYNAMO.
all ships with guns and shore batteries never ceased firing,
P.G.O's
1700 TILBURY & 1.723. CONTRACTING & DREDGING CO. LTD.
STEAM
planes were brought down on land and sea and we could see
HOPPER "JAMES 67"
REPORT OF MASTER.
dropping by parachute, one dropped near to us his parachute the
open. We never had much time to look round and see what
Re voyage from Portsmouth to Ramsgate and return from
we had our work cut out lugging half drowned men out of the was
Ramsgate to Portsmouth - 30th May to June 1st.
safety if luch was with us, which it was in the end. We
300 on board, I put one wounded man in my cabin and the next had
Left Portsmouth in convoy with four other steam hoppers
I went to the cabin there was two in my bunk, clothes and boot
Our long before reaching Beachy Head. My problem could find in to get the
speed averaged seven knots, so I lost sight of the was other
wet through, and six on the floor, they were in every bunk an
in the ship dead beat. It was nine o'clock so I decided we 1
vessels ship to her destination. The only chart I had old
get them as it was getting like hell, so we helped to load 800
the was one of Christchurch to the Owers. I back a very to 1922.
the other ships that did not have many on board and at ten 0'1
chart included all the English Channel and was of a very set to
ship of my own, which was cancelled and dating small
we left for Ramsgate towing two motor boats, and leaving one
It With a parallel rule and pair of dividers I work, that
for another ship to use. The journey through Dúnkirk Roads
and scale. plotted the courses of as far as the Downs, as I expected
dangerous owing to the darkness and sunken ships, as we appros
all the distance we could make by dark.
Gravelines the German searchlight was in action, and we expect
would get us in the ray at any minute, and shell us but luck
the same courses as the others until losing of
us, aircraft was over us at all times of the night, so we only
Royal Sovereign thence to Folkestone, expecting mile
sight of them, Light Vessel to the south, then to Dungeness to find pass-
I followed then I checked my course to pass half a mile
our lights when it was absolutely necessary. During the night
lost one motor boat, her towing bollards pulled out. We arri
Ramsgate at 5 a.m. June 1st and got orders to proceed to Marge
ing two miles there. off, Altered course to pass Dover one and off,
put off our troops, where we had to wait out turn, we eventuall
examination and again to the South Goodwin Lt.V. thence to the Down
alongside of the pier at 2 p.m. discharged troops, took in foot
anchored at 8.35 p.m.
water, and went off to anchor and await orders, all expecting
willing to go over again, but we got orders on Tuesday 4th July
vessel came alongside, and ordered scaled us to
sail for Portsmouth at 4 a.m. on June 5th. While we were lap
The examination there with the other hoppers. My small I made
Margate one of our planes crashed into the sea close to our
Ramsgate and anchor for this part of the journey Ramsgate so
chart was not any good I made my way towards far as at
pilot baled out by parachute and went drifting over the land.
left Margate leading four more hoppers but could not make the
in the specified time so we decided to go into Seaford Roads
Pegwell Bay, got Underweigh Friday morning
a reduced speed in a sounding the of three and a half 4.45 and
enquiries how to get there. inside channel, but only fathoms got as and
night, on our way in we picked up one of the Cowes and Portsmon whilst
Car ferry Steamers out of control, and took her in tow,
arrived anchored Ramsgate 10.10 p.m. about six anchoring off the entrance awaiting
the other ships went ahead, and by the time we anchored at
orders.
so, dark and we did not see them any more. We hove up anchor after
to our home They port. did not Everyone on board trip were on the greatly mission disappointed.re we
come until 5 p.m. which were to return
June 6th and arrived with our tow at Portsmouth at 4 p.m.
pathetic voyage.
as
well
as
myself
not
making
one
for.
(sa.) W.C. Attwaters.
I followed the same route back to Portsmouth.
The following are the times and distance off:
P.T.O.
the beach, which was terrible
kibled. Aircraft was active
OS with guns and shore batteriiore bat
vere brought down on land and on land and
by parachute, one dropie, one dropped near
We never had much timead much time to look
our work cut out luggiit out lugging half dr
if luch was with us, as with us, which it Vth.
oard, I put one was put one wounded man in
to the cabin there cabin there was two in my
ough, and six on tand six on the floor, they
ship dead beat. ead beat. It was nine 0'

Details

(1900)
only Dreams nt
1$705
11.
There was no shelling or bombing the y
of the harbour where we were, and no Incident to repor
either in the harbour on the return journey.
-for
12.
The officers of the ship had their orga
well taped beforehand, and nothing left to chance.
The C.O. Lieut. Wise only joined the day before, and
shewed great judgment. 120 10 151048
ONCI INC
Lieut. de Mornay, Refle came as a volus
pilot me to harbour, having made several recent trips,
His service was invaluable. I took over the handling
of the ship at the entrance of Dunkerque, both enteria
and leaving, not that I doubted Wise's capacity, but
the importance of accurate handling was such that's
to have it in my own hands.
suctitub as notestiming headther anthod no
down13. end 20 brissing I have made no recommendations in
this operation in view of the fact that the ships use
at no time under fire, whereas the majority of ships
taking part were cont continually boribed and shelled.
no STATES Ingroz DELOD about I DDW
2008 dolin tead Total outs VU Dawor month thes Dies
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THE DOVER. (Copy stores 211/27. VICE The to:- blad Commander ADMIRAL OMB - in-chief, DJ aldems to .R.H CLUB H.M BAW Ships I DEB DATE a 982 Veasels,1 at
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d'enist's Do
To anthoot arts thought 10 eddays at DR3 also to Kostitoo $00107
H.M.S. PORTSMOUTH. "VERNON" QUOLITED quart orn EGBR Toto 30
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bat Are toones on oble outs nain at SINE 03 DEOCOAPTATIN stratts
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Ento
15 JUN 1940
DOVER

Details

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
CHAP. VII
German battery. When the Bourrasque was about 5 miles north of Nieuport
buoy a shock was felt, followed by one more violent; smoke rose from the tor-
pedo firing platform and there was a big escape of steam. The ship stopped
and the electricity failed. It was difficult to say if the ship was seriously
damaged; there was a breach in the deck and water was entering some com-
partments, but it was not possible to get to the engine room toassess the damage
there. During this time, not unnaturally, a certain degree of panic, which
had to be controlled, reigned among this mixed crowd of passengers; some of
them threw themselves into the water, while others lowered the boats and threw
themselves into them in such numbers that they sank, even the rafts. Order
was, however, restored. The Branlebas was approaching. It soon became
evident, however, that the Bourrasque was doomed, and abandon ship" was
ordered¹.
At 1625 the French torpedo boat Branlebas, which had been 4 cables astern
of the Bourrasque, saw a heavy explosion take place in the Bourrasque which
disappeared from view in a column of smoke and water. When the column
subsided the Bourrasque appeared to have broken in two and was sinking
rapidly. She had apparently struck a French mine. The Branlebas, which
had already embarked 300 troops from Dunkirk picked up 100 survivors,
the drifter Ut Prosim 250, and the drifter Yorkshire Lass (assisted by an English
motor launch) 194. At 0530 next morning the motor vessel Bat, en route for
Dunkirk, took off 15 naked and oil-covered survivors from the capsized wreck
of the Bourrasque.
It is officially considered by the French Admiralty that the Bourrasque was
sunk by a mine, but her Captain was of the opinion that her sinking was the
result of one or more shell hits.
Troops embark at the double
Following the disastrous air attacks on massed shipping on the 29th May
S.N.O., Dunkirk, decided on the 30th May that only one destroyer at a time
should enter Dunkirk and secure alongside the east pier. This policy was
adhered to throughout the forenoon and early afternoon.
At about 1700 Captain Tennant turned over the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk,
to Commander G. O. Maund, R.N., and went by car to G.H.Q. at La Panne
"to confer with Lord Gort.
Cdr. Maund says: "Towards the close of the day [i.e. the 30th] a great
number of ships had arrived, and I accordingly decided to accept the risk of
further losses, and ordered the vessels waiting in the roads to proceed alongside
and embark troops. Strong air attacks were launched by the enemy, but
fortunately they were mostly concentrated against wrecks in the roads. Time
and again they sent waves of bombers and directed their attack, not against
our ships loading troops, but only against these wrecks in the roads. We got
a great deal of amusement and satisfaction from this, for loading was proceeding
apace with no casualties. At the same time, I decided that the rate of embarka-
tion must in some way be speeded up as the capacity of the ships now alongside
was more than adequate for the rate of the flow of troops. This laid our vessels
open to attack from the air. I therefore went down to the Eastern Arm and
rigged up a loud speaker2 and addressed the troops in the following terms
Remember your pals, boys. The quicker you get on board, the more of them
will be saved.' This", continues Cdr. Maund, worked like a miracle. The
I Report by Capitaine de Frégate R. Fouque (French Admiralty Record, Folio 4).
2 A portable loud speaker equipment had been brought to Dunkirk on 30th May.
63

Details

LIST OF BRITISH SHIPS
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
TRANSPORTED
LIFE BOATS (contd.)
49
Louise Stephens
-
Lucy Lavers
(S/Lt. T. W. Betts, R.N.V.R.)
—
Mary Scott
Michael Stephens
52
(S/Lt. M. J. R. Yeatman, R.N.V.R.)
17
Prudential (H. P. C. Knight, Coxswain)
Rosa Wood & Phyllis Lunn
-
The Viscountess Wakefield
-
Thomas Kirk Wright
-
(L/Sea. H. Huntington)
Total
323
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS.
Total 202, of which 78 were lost.
-
Advance
(C. P. Dick, Owner, Skipper)
85
Adventuress
-
Albatross1
-
Aljanor'
-
Aloha-Oe1
-
Ambleve' 2
(S/Lt. R.E. Blows, R.N.V.R.)
-
23
Andova
(L/Sea. H. Cook, Coxswain) (S/Lt. E. T. Garside, R.N.V.R.)
Anglev II
Not known
-
Anne
-
Aura'
(S/Lt. M. A. Chodzko, R.N.V.R.)
Balquhain
54
(S/Lt. B. D. O. MacIntyre, R.N.)
Bat
116
(J. T. Butchers, Capt.)
Bee
15
(W. C. Trowbridge, Capt.)
Belfast
61
Black Arrow¹
-
Blackpool
250
Bluebird
-
(S/Lt. G. B. Eyre, R.N.V.R.)
Bobeli
—
(S/Lt. W.G. H. Bonham, R.N.)
Bonnibell'
I
(Sto. 1st Cl. G. H. Rose)
Bonny Heather
420
(Lieut. C. W. Read, D.S.C., R.N.R.)
Britannia
-
(S/Lt. S.D. Ward, R.N.V.R.)
Brittanic
65
Bullpup
not known
Cairngorm
not known
Canvey Queen
-
Chamois
-
(A. E. Brown, Capt.) (L. Church, Engr.)
Chantecler
30
(S/Lt. T. K. Edge-Partington, R.N.)
Commodore
(S/Lt. Thompson, R.N.R.)
I Lost.
2 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
147

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

DUNKIRK NOTES
From Lt. J.A.Simson. In Command of Unit of M/S Trawlers
"Lord Grey"&"Clythness"
Based on Dover we had heard and seen a good deal of what was afoot
over the other side. Tragic stories, humorous stories, stories of
great courage.
As we were engaged on sweeping for magnetic mines with ships & gear
that were then a well-guarded secret, we did not actually antici-
pate being sent over unless magnetic minelaying took place off Dun-
kirk. As the Germans did not know then how to deal with the clear-
ance of their own magnetic mines we did not think they would lay
them except in the last resort.
However on Thursday the unit was given 1 hour's notice to sail for
Dunkirk and sailing & route orders were duly supplied. We sailed out
at 15.30 on a dull, cloudy day and the sea was as calm as a lake.
We had instructions to contact H.M.T. Fyldea if we met her homeward
bound, and ask for any information which might enable me to judge
whether our original orders should be modified. As our route was
changed twice in the course of the voyage - by wireless signal - it
is perhaps not surprising that we missed Fyldea.
Dunkirk was visible about 30 miles distant as it was burning furi-
ously. On the way across we had met numerous British & some French
Destroyers going 'full bat' for home, their decks a mass of khaki &
all their guns at maximum elevation - ominous! We seemed to be the
only people going our way and I suspected the worst - that we were
too late. My orders were to enter the harbour and make fast to the
most convenient stone quay, and report to Capt. Tennant.
As no one aboard the ship had been to Dunkirk before, we approached
s/o/
8/10
Line
21
6/4

Details

OF
ESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
JY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
A.E. Harrison
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
BEE
If
"
"
"
"
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
CAIRNGORE
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
M.T. Henderson.
with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
COMMODORE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
T.98. Returned to owner.
CORA-ANN
Col. F.L. Newhouse
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CARONIA
W. Light (6A)
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
CORSTIR
Dr. Tiby
Returned to owner.
COURT BELLE II
C. Whatford & Son
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
CRECLE
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
Returned to owner.
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
A.C. Wills
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
R. Harvey
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESEL II
Dudley Stone
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
T.98. Returned to owner.
DEVILFISH
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
list of missing vessels.

Details

SAN
13.
1190AT
enter
38
Ruuad
shoo
Houlton
Solly
6.5%
98.
08:
I
86
s
98.
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OF SHIPPING, croup,
Is
RKS
Being
THE
sing
woday
The
trace
Bat
not
owner
6.
VESSEL
8A
rk.
OWNER
80015
4
To
on
owne
REMARKS
lost
to
01
8
TO
WINDSORA
sa
and
0°
WHITE ORCHID
Messrs. Hill
Returned - unsuitable
5
did
ved
owners
WHITE LADY
Mr. Chapman
A.P.S.
No report received from
T566
WESTALL ? 4B
2.98. 98 did of Missions lost, OFF NO Mi report Dunkirk. 1881ng ted ted Vesse to, 6. too, to ea A.P.S. from
own
story
owners
fou
for
mody
London & Rochester
list of missing vessels.
WELCOME
Trading Co.
N.J. Pitman
Returned to owner.
8°
LIBE 11. is 6. so.
WIDE HORIZON
R.B. Chillcott
Returned to Owners.
80.
them,
WINIFRED
0
E. Stephens
Prepared but did not go.
WEYMOUTH BELLE
CARISTA
Cosens & Co.
Stood by - did not go.
Did not go.
YAME
Dates
ough
8
YOLA
c/o Wilsons
List
from
Captain Manley
Did not go
Returned to owners.
was was a
from
owner.
butch
Dutch
0'4
in
Dunkirk.
Dutch
*deumo
Dutch
DS tish
Dutch
Dutch
Duton
Dutch
Datah
Dutch
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I
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Dutch
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Dutch
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Dutch
TWENTE
Dutch
VREDE
Dutch
WEGA
Dutch
ZEOS
Dutch
Dutch

Details

Page 4.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES name
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
of Inen
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9
)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
(Tugs)
C. 11
)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

BEE
BAT
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
6.
appeared to be more needed.
While we were doing this, we were hailed by a Destroyer and
came alongside. We were instructed to take on board a portable
radio transmitting set, and two operators and to land them at a
certain place. (Signal Station at La Panne, not marked on our
chart, but readily visible on land).
Embarked signalman and equipment.
Cast off pontoons etc. so that they would, as far as possible,
drift onto beach near troops and so be of further use.
Picked up another whaler, and while doing so, passed close to a
transport using her remaining boat to evacuate troops from a crowded
paddle steamer recently bombed; aground and with her after part on
fire.
Went as close to beach as possible, transferred signalmen and
radio to whaler, and slipped them near "The Frenchman on the Horse".
Their plan was to get a volunteer party of soldiers to carry their
gear, and to leave the boat to be used by troops.
By this time (late afternoon), we had no electrical circuits and
no instruments (other than engine oil pressure, and water temperature)
still working, so we stood off and dipped the fuel tanks by hand. -
Found that there was only a small reserve over what we should need
to make the English coast again (about 40 galls.) Still making
water through strained chines - Neither hand nor power bilge -
pumps working (probably owing to leaks in suction lines)- Decided it
was advisable to return to England soon, without passengers.
29 May. 2045 hrs. Found one of the boats which had started with us
from Dover, still afloat and functioning. We had seen several others
beached or abandoned at various times, including the original Leader.
Reported to Lieutenant Garside, R.N.V.R. in command, as the
only available officer.
It appeared that he was in much the same state as ourselves,
except that he had a compass. Neither of us had charts which
showed minefields, etc., nor had we any other aids to navigation.
Agreed that be should endeavour to make Ramsgate, towing a
whaler which he still had; 'Advance' to follow, keeping as much
reserve fuel as possible in cans, in case we had to abandon during
the night.
One of Leader's crew found an empty tin so we came alongside
cue
cloths TO
The
in their pockets was explouing.
n
medical 120 men, whom they transferred to a French Trawier 102
ue
attention.
that day, so they returned to England, and were allowed
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
and were unable to remove any troops as, owing to Dunkirk
but a day's rest. Following this they again went to
to England. bombing, there were none on the beach, so they sholling returned

Details

BEE
BAT
LIETTER SENTH
CHAMOIS
ns
HOUND
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
8.
0530 hrs. Mist clearing. Recognised end of Undercliff Parade
at Ramsgate. 'Advance' cast off, Leader weighed anchor and we
proceeded into harbour; making fast, as instructed, alongside a
dredger. Went ashore.
0600 hrs. Found a Lt. -Commander R.N. and reported to him. He
told us to go and get some food and rest. Did so. We ('Advance')
making our own arrangements.
We were later informed that 'Advance' had had to be beached to
save her from sinking alongside.
14
DS
C. P. DICK.
I have given times where possible but they must be regarded as
very approximate, as no log was kept on the spot.
I have used the word "Leader" throughout to indicate the boat
carrying the S.N.O. of our party (at the time) as, with the
exception of Lt. Garside, I do not know the names of either the
Officers or boats concerned.
light prevented
returned to England,
ollowing this they agal
DS remove any troops as
3 were none on the bea
is
DUNKIRK.
n
Recognised end
many of these were
0530 hrs.
ockets was exploding. They managed to rescue
off, Leader wei
at Ramsgate.
hom they transferred to a French Trawler for
ng fast, as insi
Recognt proceeded int
tention.
Leat dredger. Went ashore.
fast,
as
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
hrs. Found
Found y, so they returned to England, and were allowed
go and
and ges rest. Following this they again went to Dunkirk
ander R.N. and re
ised end
were unable to remove any troops as, owing to shelling
and
rest.
Did
clearing bombing, there were none on the beach, so they returned
00 England.
HO
'Advance' had had
ible
thro ICK.
(at

Details

LETTER SENT
BEE
xt. 2161
BAT
1 0CT1940
DS
CHAMOIS
POST ROOM
HOUND
09144/S.T.N.6.B
4
EADROW
MFH
30th September 1940.
EY.
Gentlemen,
17
I have to acknowledge receipt of
23rd September 1940.
your letter dated 23rd September 1940,
Operations insofar as your "BEE", "BAT"
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
"CHAMOIS", "HOUND" and "M.F.H." took
part in these operations, and to thank
you for the most interesting
information which you have been good
enough to supply. It is anticipated
P 10 24 REGISTRY SEP RECEIVED
that this report will be of value in
compiling the final report which will
be drawn up on these operations.
I am, Gentlemen,
T.0.9144/STN.6B, undated,
Your obedient Servant,
than to send you a copy
ard on the part played
the 'Bee', 'Bat', 'Chamois'
(Sgd.) A.P. MEREDITH.
t your requirements perhaps
Director of Sea Transporthow.
Messrs. Pickfords Ltd.,
51, Meadrow,
Farncombe,
'aithfully,
Surrey.
ORDS Limited.,
Charles him
retary. -
who were being of Dunkirk where they encountered in getting two within on
two miles raids they succeeded 1010 twice
cloths of survivors, who were French and went to the rescue The
of the heavily bombed. They transports
in their pockets many of these were on fire and Belgian the troops.
medical men, attention. whom they transferred to a French managed Trawler to rescue for
120 was exploding. They ammunition
a that day's day, so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching and Dunkirk
but rest. Following this they were allowed
and were bombing, unable there to remove any troops again as, owing went to to Dunkirk
to England. were none on the beach, so they shelling returned

Details

BEE
BAT
PICKFORDS
CHAMOIS
HOUND
TELEPHONE
<
ODALMING 1272-7
TEMPORARY OFFICE: 51 MEADROW
MFH
FARNCOMBE, SURREY.
17
QUOTE THIS REFERENCE WHEN REPLYING
CB/MFW
DATE
23rd September 1940.
The Director Relid. of Sea Transport
Ministry of Shipping (H.O)
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square, W.1.
LICENSE 10 4 REGISTRY SEP PM 24 SEP RECEIVED
Sir,
In reply to your letter Ref. T.0.9144/STN.6B, undated,
I do not think that I can do better than to send you a copy
of the actual report made to our Board on the part played
by our men and five of our Boats - the 'Bee', 'Bat', 'Chamois'
'Hound' and 'MF.H'.
If this does not entirely meet your requirements perhaps
you will be good enough to let me know.
Yours faithfully,
for PICKFORDS Limited.,
Charles Animal
Secretary. -
who two were miles of Dunkirk raids where they succeeded they encountered in getting 1010 two within twice on
of the being heavily bombed. They went transports
in their many of these were on fire and the troops.
cloths of survivors, who were French and Belgian to the rescue The
120 pockets was exploding. They ammunition
medical men, attention. whom they transferred to a French managed Trawler to rescue for
that a day, so they returned to England, reaching and Dunkirk
Daylight prevented them
but day's rest. Following this they again went were to allowed
and were unable to remove any troops as, owing to Dunkirk
to England. bombing, there were none on the beach, so they shelling returned

Details

DUNKIRK EVACUATION
In connection with this work the Admiralty
asked for the use of five of our ships which are normally
employed in the conveyance of goods between Portsmouth,
or Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. The following
ships were taken : -
Ship.
Crew
M.V. 'BEE'
4
"
'Bat'
4
11
'Chamois'
2
77
'Hound'
3
"
'M.F.H'
4
With only two exceptions the members of the
crews insisted on going with their ships. All returned
safely, but an account of their experiences in summarised
form may be of interest.
M.V 'Bee'₁.
After lying 3 miles off the shore all
one night, was placed along shore and took 360 British
Troops aboard. These were later transferred to a tug.
Later 10 British and 5 French troops were taken from small
boats and brought back to England.
M.V "Bat"
On the first day and in a rough sea they
rescued 15 of the crew of a French Destroyer which had
capsized owing to bombs.
This occupied two hours, and
they then returned to Port. They then returned, being
bombed on the way.
They put in close to shore on the West
side, but found that all the remaining troops had been
taken off in a Destroyer, so they proceeded to the East
side, being machine gunned and shelled on the way. On
this occasion they got on board in small boats about 100
men. These they brought safely back to England, having
been without sleep for 92 hours, and the engines having
been running continuously all the time.
M.V. 'Chamois'
After being sent back into Port twice on
account of air raids they succeeded in getting within
two miles of Dunkirk where they encountered two transports
who were being heavily bombed. They went to the rescue
of the survivors, who were French and Belgian troops. The
cloths of many of these were on fire and the ammunition
in their pockets was exploding. They managed to rescue
120 men, whom they transferred to a French Trawler for
medical attention.
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
that day, so they returned to England, and were allowed
a day's rest. Following this they again went to Dunkirk
but were unable to remove any troops as, owing to shelling
and bombing, there were none on the beach, so they returned
to England.

Details

Details

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

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Details

Date
use
PUBLIC
alde
SECURITY SEAL 8
- 6 -
40
was told the Bren gunner was hoping to get a shot at him when we closed
OF
up, but unless he had done this on his own bat I am sure that his superiors
would not have told him to do so, as an enemy airman was much more useful
STA
to the authorities alive than dead. What would really have happened when
nei
we closed up to him is a matter of conjecture! The patrol boat signalled
"Alone in the plane" as we passed on.
I had an idea that the soldiers, when lying on their backs on deck,
you
would all fire a volley at an approaching bomber and get about a thousand
now
bullets into him at once - as there was heaps of ammunition on board but
and
the Commanding Officer objected to this, as their rifles were full of sand
and rust, and would explode on board, which was very feasible. The Spitfire
had just caught the bomber in the nick of time and saved us any further
trouble!
Before dusk we sighted the North Goodwin Light Vessel and felt at home,
although navigation through the Downs channel with so many sunken wrecks and
other dangers was by no means a matter to be treated with a lesser degree of
caution now in the darkness and haze, and with a compass that was at least a
point and a half of westerly variation, unreliable and continually swinging
on account of the degaussing wires having been cut. It was nothing better
than a rough guide, and not to be trusted. And so we passed on through
the Downs and passed the dangerous Goodwin Sands where, if a vessel once
touches and ebbs for a tide, she is doomed to stick for ever on account of the
shifting sands. From pillar to post we were getting the buoys in their order,
until finally to the last, and then Dover Harbour.
On leaving the last buoy there was not a single object to give us any
indication of Dover Harbour, or the entrances. Now, here was a problem!
I wished to goodness there was an air raid on and a flare of searchlights.
I would only have dropped the anchor outside the Harbour as a last resource,
with so many aboard and eager to get ashore. Outside the Breakwater at
Dover was the danger spot of the channel magnetic mines and bombers
occasionally. I did not have long to wait for my wish to be fulfilled. A
trail of tracer bullets, like rockets, and a hundred searchlights in the skye
in the penumbra of which I could easily distinguish the entrances to the
Harbour, and by good fortune we were just on the dot, and a turn of the ship's
head put her at a proper angle for the tide, and in we went, moving slowly
towards the Admiralty Pier, where we berthed at 1.10 a.m. on the 30th May, 1940.,
and commenced disembarking the troops.
Finishing disembarkation about 5.30 a.m. we then shifted to the Outer
Harbour at 10.32 a.m. and were brought in to Ferry Jetty at 5 p.m., 31st May
1940, where the degaussing wire and other repairs were carried out before the
vessel again sailed for the Clyde.
I herewith enclose a photo not of the "EOCHGARRY", but of a ship going
through a similar ordeal of baptism. The arrows show, with respect to position,
the points at which the "LOCHGARRY" got the two closest hits one over the
fo'csle head, and the other by inches clear of the teak wood rail on the
starboard quarter. The others were as wide off as those shown in the
photograph. The value of zig-zagging a vessel under such circumstances cannot
be too strongly stressed. I believe it saved us on all occasions when we
were attacked. The Lewis guns are certainly a help, but a ship would require
to have them in sufficient numbers. A vessel of the size of the "LOCHGARRY"
would bomber at least require as many more on her to have any chance with a dive-
to ward them off before actually coming down to the mast heads.
During the time in Dover at the Ferry Jetty where the repairing was
carried out, the usual routine work of the vessel was being carried on without
any special occurrences, and when finished and we finally took our departure
for the Clyde I was sent for to see the Principal Sea Transport Officer, who
complimented me on the piece of work we had carried through, and said, "It was
grand". I felt that we had at least done something for our country, and if we
were only once across the channel we had a real good load and got along with it
without a hitch.
In/