Details

Details

Details

Details

ABEL DEWULF (N.58)
Belgion trawler
3rd June
-
Together with the tr. Andre Lucienne
(N.53) disembarked at Dover 35
May
troops. (1) Dover,
stori in company were the skoots
Alica and KARD Falgu, both londed
with food. Total 17 Senior
Officer.
usy
0500en
Arrived La Panner The 3 skoots were
beached shortly after high seter.
Lt. Cdr. went ashore to arrange for
07300a
unlonding. He located 0.11.0. and
reported to General who
was of puramount importance to
evacuate troops.
1400ca
Six bombers attack the 3 skoots and 15
beach. Lt. Car. Crick wounded,
Licot. Griffiths subsequently died
of his wounds. One rating tus mm
Liest. O.E.S. Beal R.N. commenting
the KS80 Falga assumed the daty or
senior officer of the 3 skoots, and
took command of the Abal Tasman.
Lt. Cdr. Crick took passage to
England in the or. Calcutta.
1530
Emberked troops.
1700
Kasp Falgs and Alice refloated on the
rising tide and got under way.
1730ca
The Alice broke down while trying to
tow the Abel Tasmon's atern off.
1765
High water. The Abel Tasman refloated
and proceeded.
time
0700
Arrived Dover. Discrborked
and 20 French start officero.
2200
Sailed to Newhaven to disembark
ammunition.
Took no further part in Operation
Dynamo.
Total 220(1)
- R.O.II, vp.3, 6.
the Abel Yoamon, 8h 29th on Alice and MAY. Knap THIS Palga 10
900
(1) D.R.
the Alles were abundoned 4 troops. at Dunkirk and the
brought
5

Details

ABEL TASMAN
Skoot
Lt. Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, R.N.
Lieut. Griffiths R.N.V.R., 1st
Lieut.
27th May
1900
Sailed from Dover, loaded with ammuni-
tion; in company were the skoots
Alice and Kaap Falga, both loaded
with food. Lt. Cdr. Crick, Senior
Officer.
28th May
0500ca
Arrived La Panne. The 3 skoots were
beached shortly after high water.
Lt. Cdr. went ashore to arrange for
0730ca
unloading. He located G.H.C. and
reported to General Adam who said it
was of paramount importance to
evacuate troops.
1400ca
Six bombers attack the 3 skoots and the
beach. Lt. Cdr. Crick wounded.
Lieut. Griffiths subsequently died
of his wounds. One rating was killed.
Lieut. C.E.S. Beal R.N. commanding
the Kaap Falga assumed the duty of
senior officer of the 3 skoots, and
took command of the Abel Tasman.
Lt. Cdr. Crick took passage to
England in the cr. Calcutta.
1530
Embarked troops.
1700
Kaap Falga and Alice refloated on the
rising tide and got under way.
1730ca
The Alice broke down while trying to
tow the Abel Tasman's stern off.
1745
High water. The Abel Tasman refloated
and proceeded.
29th May
0700
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 200 troops
and 20 French staff officers.
2200
Sailed to Newhaven to disembark
ammunition.
Took no further part in Operation
Dynamo.
Total 220(1)
Authority - R.O.II, pp.3, 6.
(1) According to D.R. the Abel Tasman, Alice and Kaap Falga
together disembarked 900 troops on 29th May. This is
incorrect; the Alice was abandoned at Dunkirk and the
Kaap Falga only brought back 4 troops.
6

Details

CAIRNGORM
Gruiser M/B (Owner H.W. S. Wright)
May
Returned No other from details Dunkirk available. on lst June (see E.M.E.D)
Copt,
0125
Torpedo track crossing from port
0135
starboard missed ship 100 yarde n
M.T.B. heard and vaguely seen
Authority - T.0.9144/40.
green 60%
0248
No subsequent torpedo tracks seen.
Anchored off La Panne- Motor outser
and 2 wholere sent Into beach, to
forry to the P.M/S. Bandown
and Orania Pielie, The Gre. Graft
Greybound und Amolatve also
evacuating from this beach.
0615
Impulsive ordered to Dunishek 0401
0625
vacuation of beach completed.
grefton and Dreyhound proceeded.
Sandown and Gracie Pields
their 700 troops to Colcutta.
0715
Proceeded to Cheerness.
1215
Shoerness, Disembarked
1710
Smiled for La Panns.
2157
Arrived La Fanne. Sent boats in
shat beach as before. Only 1
the Reiger] to assist embarking
wounded.
29th May
0300
All sounded taken by the skoot and
ships bosts to Calcutta. The
with some wounded, sent back to
Regland.
0345
Boats sent in again. Mr. 7.3.
Gunner, the officer in charge of
contacted Lord Cort B miles im
DUE placed Galcusta at his
At this stage however, Lord Cort
not wish to be evocunted.
0430
One of Colonita's whalere lost,
0710
Extarkation continued.
0735
W/S Hatten alongside to transfer
proops to Calcutta.
0810
W/3 Balewander alongside for smon
1210
A purpose. partyof togs and drifters towing
oun boats, and proceeding homewan
full of troops, ordered to transit
them to Calcutta.
1227
TOR JAMES towing a launch. alongeid
to transfer troops.
1226
dfr. alongeide to
transfer troops.
1830
are. alongaide to trans
1837
are, sroops. Keith towing launch
to Troops.
1247
office Lerd vincent alongeide to
1250
cry, 1959 collinewood alongside to
transfer troops.
transfer troops.
(1) D.B.
(2)
150

Details

CALCUTTA
Cruiser (lst A/A Squadron)
Capt. D.M. Lees, R.N.
27th May
2310
Sailed from the Downs for La Panne.
28th May
0125
Torpedo track crossing from port to
0135
starboard missed ship 100 yards astern
M.T.B. heard and vaguely seen bearing
green 60°.
No subsequent torpedo tracks seen.
0248
Anchored off La Panne. Motor cutter
and 2 whalers sent into beach, to
ferry troops to the P.M/S. Sandown
and Gracie Fields. The drs. Grafton,
Greyhound and Impulsive also
evacuating from this beach.
0615
Impulsive ordered to Dunkirk east pier.
0625
Evacuation of beach completed.
Grafton and Greyhound proceeded.
Sandown and Gracie Fields transferred
their 700 troops to Calcutta.
0715
Proceeded to Sheerness.
1215
Sheerness. Disembarked 700/troops.(1)
1710
Sailed for La Panne.
2157
Arrived La Panne. Sent boats in to
same beach as before. Only 1 skoot
[the Reiger] to assist embarking 70
wounded.
29th May
0300
All wounded taken by the skoot and
ships boats to Calcutta. The skoot,
with some wounded, sent back to
England.
0345
Boats sent in again. Mr. F.J. March,
Gunner, the officer in charge of then,
contacted Lord Gort 8 miles inland
and placed Calcutta at his disposal.
At this stage however, Lord Gort did
not wish to be evacuated. (2)
0430
One of Calcutta's whalers lost.
0710
Embarkation continued.
0735
M/S Sutton alongside to transfer her
troops to Calcutta.
0810
M/S Salamander alongside for same
1210
A purpose. partyof tugs and drifters towing
own boats, and proceeding homewards
full of troops, ordered to transfer
them to Calcutta.
1227
Tug Java, towing a launch, alongside
to transfer troops.
1228
dfr. Golden Sunbeam alongside to
transfer troops.
1230
dfr. Lord Rodney alongside to transfer
dfr. troops. Lord Keith towing launch alongside
1237
to transfer troops.
1247
dfr. Lord St. Vincent alongside to
transfer troops.
1250
dfr. Lord Collingwood alongside to
transfer troops.
(1) D.R. gives 581.
(2) D.R. states that shortly efter midnight may, the Calcutta was
informed that the 3ʳᵈ Corps efthe B.E.F. and the C:-ai-C.
(1)
were all at La Panue.
151

Details

9
CALCUTTA (continued)
(continued) 29th May
1335
Captain (D) lst D/F, who was Senior
Officer at La Panne at this time,
informed that tugs and drifters
1350
were being sent in to load up again.
1357
Calcutta's Weighed. boats returned to ship.
1900
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 1200
troops. (1)
31st May
1940
Slipped from buoy at Sheerness.
2130.
Anchored off East Margate with corvettes
Mallard and Shearwater in company.
1st June
0315
Weighed and proceeded with Mallard and
Shearwater.
0500
Patrolled on X route between W and Y
buoys.
0938
Ordered to return to Sheerness.
1015
Fired on a Heinkel which had bombed
and damaged the G/B Mosquito. Shot
it down.
1018
Fired on 2 more Heinkels.
1024
Detached Shearwater to stand by
Mosquito.
1312
Anchored off Nore L.V.
2140
Anchored offEast Margate buoy. Mallard
and Shearwater in company.
2nd June
0245
Proceeded with Mallard and Shearwater.
0430
Patrolling in vicinity of W buoy.
The French destroyers Epervier and
Leopard at U and V buoys respectively.
0710
Last homeward bound ship passed W buoy.
1035
Attacked by 3 Ju.88 diving out of the
sun. 4 bombs very close on port
beam; 4 bombs very close on port
bow; 4 bombs missed well ahead.
The French destroyers left the patrol.
1050
Attacked by 1 Heinkel dive bomber. 4
bombs missed well out on starboard
1140
Machine beam. gunned by a Heinkel from 4,000
1155
Attacked feet. by 1 Ju.88. It would not
come through Calcutta's barrage and
dropped 4 bombs well astern.
1350
Ordered back to Sheerness.
1459
Mallard detached to stand by H/C
Worthing, which had been bombed and
1644
Anchored damaged. off Nore L.V. to make good
slight damage from near misses.
3rd June
0550
Sheerness for further repairs.
1856
Total
Authority - R.O.III, p.9.
(1) D.R.
152

Details

CALCUTTA (continued). Charbour patrol
cract)
The following awards were made:
Downs by ronte X for Le Panne,
Mention in Despatches.
Arrived Dunkirk,
Mr. F.J. March, Gunner, R.N. rived La Phnne. Sent Lannch in to
sig. H. Guy.
bench. It broke down.
1530
Robarked the C.O. and 0.709 of the
yacht Amulres which had grounded.
-
Renued Stephenson). by the yacht Posntz- (care,
1700
Disembarked 0.0. and orow of Amaires
which had now refloated.
17306a
Umbarked Captain and 202 of a
disabled H/B [the Triton).
1800ca
Embarked a padre and 34 troops from 128
disabled A,I,0,5, and took 18 is tools
Air attacks.
1900
Proceeded twice broke away
from tow.
1st June
0945
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 35
troops(1) (and 2 N.O's and 5 ratings
Total 35
Anthority - R.O.II, p.176.
(1) D.R. R. dates this 31.0% Mays and places the under
"drifters". 153 153

Details

GRACIE FIELDS P.M/S 10th M.S.F.
TV.Lt. N. Larkin, R.N.R.
Ty.Lt. A.C.Weeks, R.N.V.R.
27th May
2100
Slipped, and proceeded in company
with the M/S's Sandown, Medway
Queen and Brighton Belle.
28th May
0300ca
Off La Panne. Embarked troops, assisted
0625
by boats of the cΓ. Calcutta.
Gracie Fields and Sandown transferred
their troops to the Calcutta.
0700ca
Gracie Fields sailed from La Panne.
1530.
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 281
troops. (1)
29th May
0530
Sailed for La Panne, in company with
Sandown.
1430
Off La Panne. Embarked troops.
1800ca
Proceeded, with 700/800 troops on
board. (2).
1830ca
Dive bomb attack off Middel Kerke buoy.
Hit amidships; engines damaged and
steering gear jammed. 3rd Engineer
killed, S/Lt. A.J. Glover R.N.V.R.,
missing. Exact casualties not
known. 80 troops transferred to the M/S
Pangbourne, which took the Gracie
Fields in tow and proceeded.
2200
The M/S Kellett, at request of Pangbourne
acted as escort.
30th May
0130
Gracie Fields sinking; her sponsons
under water. Crew transferred to
the Pangbourne. Gracie Fields
abandoned near T buoy.
Total 281
Authority. - R.O.I, pp.279, 304, 329, 364.
R.O.III, p.9.
M.017681/40.
(1) Margate report.
(2) Lt. Weeks' report.
402

Details

GRAFTON
1st Destroyer Flotilla
1400. Sailed from wover nicompana will
dr. greyhound (V.V.)
Cdr. Lieut. C.E.C.
28th May
1100ca
Arrived Dover from Dunkirk.
R.N. R.N.
1210ca
Disembarked 860 troops.
beame
1445
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
Braye. Anchored close inshore.
Embarked and the troops, using ship's whalers
2100ca
580 troops had been embarked. Boats
cr. Calcutta's power boats.
now ordered to ferry to skoots
2310ca
lying closer in shore.
The sk. Doggersbank transferred about
280 troops to Grafton. Four of
Grafton's ratings sent to augment
Doggerabank's crew.
29th May
0015
Left for Dover. Considerable traffic;
all ships showing navigation lights.
0230ca
The wreck was seen of the dr. Wakeful,
which had been tcrpedoed in the
vicinity 01 Kwinte Bank buoy.
Lowered both whalers to rescue
survivors. Signalled the M/S Lydd
asking for information; Lydd was
darkened.
0240ca
Observed a small darkened vessel 3
cables on the port quarter.
Signalled her to pick up survivors.
Almost at once a torpedo on the
port side was reported - followed
immediately by a violent explosion
and then a second explosion.
The Grafton's bridge was wrecked;
4 killed including the Captain - due
apparently to a bomb hit. The
torpedo hit had blown off Grafton's
stern, abaft the after magazine
bulkhead, and had apparently broken
Ship's boats and rafts were prepared. off
her back.
0350ca
An approaching M.T.B. was driven H.M.
drifter by Comfort which was subsequently
gunfire. [It was in fact
rammed and sunk by the M/S Lydd]. and
0400
The P/V Malines came alongside
embarked Grafton's troops, except
0430
Five the destroyers seriously wounded. were seen approaching the
Dover. One of them, closed
Ivanhoe from was She detached embarked and the listing seriously
Grafton. Grafton was now
wounded. and the after end Ivanhoe was awash. fired
heavily ship" ordered about
"Abandon shells into the Grafton at to
Dunkirk. 500 3 yards and [Malines then Proced 800 men at
Dover].
Total 860
Authority - R.O.I., p.36.
Lid

Details

GREYHOUND 1st Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. W.R.Warshall-A'Deane,
1400
27th May
Sailed Grafton from to R.N.
Fairy with between dr.
Bank
During troops from the night, La Panne. ordered to embark
28th May
0100
Both destroyers arrived off La Panne
and sent boats inshore.
0615
The beaches being cleared, Grafton,
Greyhound, the Cr. Calcutta and 3
paddle steamers sailed. About 100
troops embarked. En route to
Dover, Greyhound was detached to
escort P/V Dorrien Rose, carrying
survivors of P/V Queen of the Channel.
1230
Dover. Disembarked 134 troops.
1300ea
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Berthed alongside at Dunkirk. Embarked
about 681 troops. Proceeded.
29th May
0030
Dover. Disembarked 720 troops.
0430
Sailed in company with Capt. (D) 1st
Flotilla (Codrington) for La Panne.
0750ca
Arrived La Panne. Embarked troops by
Air attack. Two near misses killed 20,
whaler and M/B.
1600
wounded 70 and caused considerable
damage. Greyhound turned over her boats her to
M/B Locust. Greyhound weighed
the continued to ferry for and
M/S Sutton and Salamander; the C/B
1930
Taken in tow(1) in vicinity west
proceeded. Polish destroyer of
Off Hinder buoy. tow slipped. Greyhound tugs.
2330
assisted Dover, into harbour by
30th May
Dover. Disembarked 506 troops
0245
(including casualties).
Total 1,360
Authority - R.O.I. p.42.
The following awards were made:
Mention in
Sto. R.N.
L/sea. O. E.R. Teichert.
L/Sea.
A.W. Saunders.
S.H. Settersfield.
Riley Dune a WILL
40

Details

IMPULSIVE
20th Destroyer Flotilla Lt. Cdr. W.S. Thomas, R.N.
27th May
0840
Arrived Dover from Immi ngham.
1140
Sailed with the M/S's Skipjack and
Halcyon and the Trinity House Vessel
Patricia to establish and buoy the
searched channel from the North
Goodwin L.V. to Dunkirk, afterwards
known as Route X.
1919
This operation was completed.
2200
Impulsive anchored in the Downs.
2228
Sailed for the beaches east of
Dunkirk, using route Y.
28th May
0345
Arrived off La Panne. Both power
boats being broken down, sent two
whalers into the beach to embark
troops; then ferried troops to large
M/B's lying further off shore.
0520
Impulsive ordered by the cr. Calcutta
to Dunkirk east pier.
0620
Secured alongside east pier and
embarked about 750 troops.
-
Proceeded, using route Y.
1110
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 675 troops.
1235
Sailed for Dunkirk using route Y.
-
Off Kwinte Bank buoy, bombed by 6
Heinkels; 6 ratings wounded, B gun
put out of action, D.G. coil punctured
-
Set course for Dunkirk in company with
drs. Greyhound and Verity which had
arrived from eastward.
Anchored off Dunkirk, and waited for
a vacant berth, there being 4
destroyers Worcester, Anthony,
Grenade and Jaguar alongside.
1730
Grenade sailed and Impulsive took her
place. Embarked about 1,000 troops.
1900ca
Sailed with Jaguar in company, by route
Y.
29th May
0100
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 779 troops.
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, in company the
30th May
drs. Javelin, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
Icarus, Havant and Harvester.
0900
Arrived Sheerness.
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk using route x, under
orders of Ivanhoe in company the
Icarus and Harvester.
2100ca
Secured alongside Dunkirk east pier
and embarked 1,300 troops.
-
Proceeded by route X.
2400
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,112
troops. (1)
0400
Sailed for Dunkirk beach by X. route.
31st May
0700
Arrived off Malo-les-Bains. Impulsive's
only boat was a whaler. The only
alongside [it was the Swallow].
power boat in the vicinity came
whaler, the Swallow, with Lt. Col.
Towing cutter and Impulsive's
Hutchins in charge, "did magnificent and
between 0800 and 1315 had transferred to
work under difficult conditions,
about 450 troops from the beach
the ship".
(1)
date
as
31st
May.

Details

JAVA(1)
Tug (W. Watkins Ltd.)
W. Jones, Master.
Cdr. J.S.M. Glendinning,
R.N.R. (2) (Retd.)
28th May
1500
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk.
The following ships in company:
Drifters: Lord Rodney, Lord Keith
Lord Collingwood, and Lord St.
Vincent page
M/L's: Walker I, Walker II, New
Britannic, Nayland and Angler II. (3)
29th May
0100
Anchored off Braye-Dunes in 3 fathoms.
Walker I and II went in to the beach.
Finding no troops they proceeded into
Dunkirk harbour.
0430ca
Lowered Java's small boats and sent them
and the 4 drifters in to ferry troops
from shore to ships.
1000
All drifters and boats taken to Dunkirk
pier, where they were filled with
troops.
Clouston?
1200ca
Leaving Walker I and II for the use of
N.O.I.C. Pier, Dunkirk, [
]
proceeded to La Panne where all
troops were transferred to the cr.
Calcutta.
p.m.
Shifted to Dunkirk beach and continued
ferrying.
1700
No ships lying off. Filled all ships
possible and proceeded to Ramsgate.
-
When 5 miles out, rescued 2 British
airmen from a plane in the sea.
1745ca
One mile further, rescued troops from
the sunken P.M/S. Waverley. Continued
on course for Ramsgate.
30th May
0930ca
Ramsgate. Disembarked 80 British and
40 Allied troops. (4)
1st June( 6)
-
Java took off 150 Allied troops from
the tr. Jacinta, which was "stranded
on the wreck of the Merl", near N.
Goodwins L.V., and landed them at
1830
Ramsgate. (5)
Total 120
Authority - R.O.II, 574,
R.O.III, pp. 268, 484, 486, 487.
W.W.
(1) This report is a combination of the reports of Cdr.
Glendinning and Capt. Jones. The first 3 dates the (29th-31st
May) in the latter's report are 1 day ahead of
correct date and have been amended accordingly.
(3) Capt. Jones says there were only 4 motor D.R. boats.
(2) Cdr. Glendinning was on board 28th-30th May.
(5) (4) Not Ramsgate mentioned in D.R. Ramsgate report states that Allied Java
report. Not mentioned in
(6) The The 150 in Ramsgate report that at 1250 troops on appears June,
and "Q.H." Allied troops have been "credited"to 1st
together landed 30 B.E.F. and 150 Jacinta. troops.
to the be Java an error. Incidentally it 18 not mentioned D.R.
recording landed 95 B. E.F. and 201 Allied in
83

Details

LEON
Belgian drifter
Cupitaine as Credite
30th
may
See under Pierre & Marie
2015
Cherbourg.
Eneryter. in the Downe, with the dr.
May
0900
1335
The Epervier sailed.
The Leonard routed the following ships
to bunkirk under the ordern of Lieut.
Drogout 8 stomm truelers (mong them
the Chasse Maree and the Amile
Marie) and 6 small motor traviers
(the D,692, Die 1213, P.O.220. 0.300,
11.63 and the H.BO), and
1930
7 small Belgian trawlers (the 142,
11,43, 3.4. 0.210, 4.2 and 11.49)
under the orders of pilot Malet.
101 June
0930
The D.692 returned to the Downs having
been unable to unload her munitions.
She was ordered to trensfer the
munitions to another vessel (the
Surville) and return to Dunkirk.
1630
The sporvier returned to the Downs.
2000
After loading with food, the following
steam trawlers were ordered to
Dunkirk: the Duperre, Pierre et
Encia, D.0.910, 2.41 and H.64
the June
0430
The Leopard and Epervier having sailed
at 0310 in accordance with orders,
took station off V and U buoys
respectively, and carried out petrols
for the protection of vessels re-
turning from Dunkirk; the 02%
Calontia performed the name service off
W buoy.
1035
112 attack on the Calcutta (q.v.)
A bomb fell about 1000 metres astern
of the Leopard.
1100
The Leopard rejoined the Epervier
and both ships proceeded to the Downs.
1210
Anchored in the Downa.
1830
Received the following signal from A.
Dover: "To Vanquisher, Epervier,
Leonard: Search for submarine which
torge doed the nisckburn Boyers(
as Y havy at 1618".
1910
Proseeded accordingly. This order,
however, was later cancelled, and the
Leopard and Epervier were ordered to
enrry out patrol duties 0.0 before in
the vicinity or V and U buoys.
2055
The 2 Fronoh asstroyers anchored in the
Downs.
3a
4sta
0500
0430
The Leopard patrolled in vioinity or
Weighed and processed.
0715
Picked up 18 French troops and an
V buoy.
English cadet from 8 damaged motor
0810
Returned launoh. to the Downs by order of the
Noervier-
to small crutser - 2,126 tons displacement.
WOD sunk by a mine.
162

Details

LEOPARD
French destroyer( 1)
Capitaine de fregate
C. Loisel
30th May
1600
2315
Sailed from Cherbourg.
Anchored Epervier. in the Downs, with the dr.
31st May
0900
The Epervier sailed.
1335
The Leopard routed the following ships
to Dunkirk under the orders of Lieut.
Drogou: 8 steam trawlers (among them
the Chasse Maree and the Angele
Marie) and 6 small motor trawlers
(the D.692, D1. 1213, D.G.910, 0.308,
H.63 and the H.80), and
1930
7 small Belgian trawlers ( the H.42,
H.43, 2.4, 0.210, M.41, 2.2 and N.49)
under the orders of pilot Malet.
1st June
0930
The D.692 returned to the Downs having
been unable to unload her munitions.
She was ordered to transfer the
munitions to another vessel (the
Surville) and return to Dunkirk.
1630
The Epervier returned to the Downs.
2000
After loading with food, the following
steam trawlers were ordered to
Dunkirk: the Duperre, Pierre et
Maria, D.G.910, 2.41 and H.64.
2nd June
0430
The Leopard and Epervier having sailed
at 0310 in accordance with orders,
took station off V and U buoys
respectively, and carried out patrols
for the protection of vessels re-
turning from Dunkirk; the cr.
Calcutta performed the same service off
W buoy.
1035
Air attack on the Calcutta (q.v.)
A bomb fell about 1000 metres astern
of the Leopard.
1100
The Leopard rejoined the Epervier
and both ships proceeded to the Downs.
1210
Anchored in the Downs.
1830
Received the following signal from V. A.
Dover: "To Vanquisher, Epervier,
Leopard: Search for submarine which
torpedoed the Blackburn Rovers( 2)
at T buoy at 1618".
1910
Proceeded accordingly. This order,
however, was later cancelled, and the
Leopard and Epervier were ordered to
carry out patrol duties as before in
the vicinity of V and U buoys.
2055
The 2 French destroyers anchored in the
Downs.
3rd June
0300
Weighed and proceeded.
0420
The Leopard patrolled in vicinity of
V buoy.
0715
Picked up 18 French troops and an
English cadet from a damaged motor
0810
Returned launch. to the Downs by order of the
Epervier.
(1) (2) Practically a small cruiser - 2,126 tons displacement.
Blackburn Rovers was sunk by. a mine.
163

Details

LORD RODNEY
LORD KEITH
R. Durrant, Master
LORD ST. VINCENT
Drifter
R. Pye, Master.
LORD COLLINGWOOD
ANGLER II(
NAYLAND( 1)
NEW BRITANNIC
M/L's
WALKER I(1)
W. Matthews, Cox.
WALKER II (1)
A. Cadman, Cox.
P. King, Cox.
28th May
1430
A convoy consisting of the above
vessels left Ramsgate for Dunkirk,
in company with the tug Java
(Cdr. J. Glendinning, R.N.R.)
29th May
0100
The convoy arrived off Bray.
Walker I and Walker II went into the
beach, and then proceeded up to
Dunkirk harbour.
0530ca
Small boats from the tug and the
drifter ferried troops from the shore
to ships.
1000
All ships were ordered by a destroyer
to go to Dunkirk pier, where troops
were embarked.
Leaving Walker I and Walker II for
the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, Dunkirk,
the remaining ships sailed for
Ramsgate. On leaving the Zuydcoote
Pass, however, the cr. Calcutta
1230
ordered all troops to be transferred
to her and the drifters and M/L's to
1250
return to the beaches.
This they did, and carried on towing
boats and ferrying troops.
1900
No ships remaining to be filled, the
drifters and M/L's sailed for
Ramsgate with troops; the tug Java
in company.
30th May
0520
Troops landed at Ramsgate as follows(2)
to
Lord Collingwood & Keith 645.
0740
Lord St. Vincent 150.
lst June
0930
New Britannic disembarked at Ramsgate
83 troops. (2)
1650
Walker I disembarked at Ramsgate 29
troops. (2)
2nd June
0703
The Nayland disembarked 28 troops at
Ramsgate. (2)
Note: She is also recorded to have
disembarked troops at 0740 and
1120(1) - BO must have been
ferrying troops from off-lying
ships to Ramsgate harbour.
4th June
0635
The Walker II disembarked 76 troops at
Ramsgate. (2)
(1) Not mentioned in D.R's list of ships.
(2) Ramsgate report.
194

Details

MALLARD
Corvette (1st A/S
Striking Force)
Cdr. The Hon. V.M.
Wyndham-Quin, R.N.
28th May
Ordered by the dr. Vega to patrol in
vicinity of channel Q.Z. S. 60, in
company with the corvettesWidgeon,
Shearwater and Sheldrake.
31st May
Anchored off Margate in company with the
cΓ. Calcutta and Shearwater.
1st June
0500
Patrolled X route between W and Y buoys,
in company with Calcutta and Shearwater
2140
Anchored off Margate.
2nd June
0430
Patrolled in vicinity of W buoy in
company with Calcutta and Sheawater.
1459
Mallard was detached, to stand by the
bombed H/C Worthing.
N11
227

Details

la
MOSQUITO - Continued.
1st June
0500ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 620
troops. (1)
0830
[1024]
Sailed for Dunkirk.
15 miles from Dunkirk attacked by 1
dive-bomber. One near miss caused
damage, (2) but was able to continue
on course.
1230ca
Arrived off Dunkirk. Embarked about 30
French and Belgian troops from a M/B
[the Rapid] with life-boat in tow.
Telling the M/B to follow, the
Mosquito proceeded to the assistance
of a transport [the Scotia] reported
to be sinking at the west end of the
channel. Almost immediately, the
1330ca
Mosquito was attacked from different
directions by at least 6 of a flight
of 20 Ju.87's. The 4th Salvo
"literally enveloped" the ship; there
was a direct hit and a near miss.
Boiler and engine rooms were badly
holed, the sick bay wrecked, and the
steering gear jammed with the rudders
hard over; the ship took a heavy
list to port. The pom-pom's crew
were all killed or knocked out except
L/Sea. Thirlwall; he "although
shockingly badly wounded in at least
4 places", kept the one undamaged
barrel firing until ammunition ran
out. Able seaman Hirschfield proceeded
aft, where the 0.5" gun's crew were
all wounded, and single-handed
brought the gun into action.
After giving the order to abandon ship
Lieut. Gardiner went below to burn
the books. The executive officer,
Lieut. A.H. Manwaring, R.N., having
been mortally wounded, S/Lt. Flint
took charge of the abandoning of the
ship. Survivors were picked up by a
motor boat [the Rapid] and 2 drifters
(one of them the Lord Cavan) (3).
Mosquito then had a list to port of
about 20 degrees and water was pouring
in through 3 holes in the boiler room
and a large hole in the condenser.
Lieut. Gardiner was taken [in the
Lord Cavan] to Dunkirk where he
embarked in the dr. Worcester. During
an air attack on the way to England
he was wounded.
Total 1183.
Authority - M.017681/40.
(2) Calcutta says, "At 1024 detached Shearwater to stand by
(1) D.R. states 610.
(3) Lieut. Hosquito." Gardiner says, the "Earl of Cavan".
303

Details

GROG the
NAUTILUS
[feant
Danlaying trawler
(Dover M/S Command).
Lieut. W.E. Gelling, R.N.R.
Skipr. R. Maclean, R.N.R.
28th May
1700
[temus
Left Dover for La Panne, the tr.
Comfort in company.
29th May
0030ca
Near Kwinte Bank buoy, picked up 6
survivors from the dr. Wakeful.
(Comfort picked up 16, including the
-
Captain, Cdr. R.L. Fisher, R.N.)
Instructed Comfort to return to Dover.
0540
The Nautilus proceeded and
arrived at La Panne. Transferred
Wakeful's 6 survivors to the cr.
Calcutta.
Nautilus then proceeded closer
inshore and ferried troops to the
H.19 [1.e. the dr. Harvester]
1200
Harvester left La Panne, after which
Nautilus ferried troops to the dr.
Greyhound.
1630ca
Air attack on the Greyhound and the
P.M/S. Sandown - the Nautilus was
however straddled by near misses,
which put her engines and steering
gear out of action, and she began to
make water rapidly.
Nautilus managed to get alongside
Greyhound and transfer 150 B.E.F.troops
It was then decided to abandon ship,
and as she was a wooden ship, she was
set on fire.
1930
The Greyhound which had been damaged
proceeded to Dover in tow of a Polish
destroyer [the Blyskawica], and
arrived at 0430/30.
Two of Nautilus's crew were left
behind as crew of a large ship's
lifeboat which was working in
conjunction with a flat bottomed
motor punt.
Nautilus ferried about 750 troops
from the beach to destroyers.
Nil
Authority - M.017681/40.
324

Details

P/S
PORTSDOWN(1)
S/Lt. S/Lt. R.H. Church,
M.V.H. Caplat, R.N.R. R.N.V.R.
1st Lieut.
1230
Left patrol Sheerness for Dunkirk. R.A.F.
1st June
entire aircraft encountered along the
Abeam Dunkirk breakwater.
route to F.G. buoy.
2150
2205
Anchored off beach. Under shore
bombardment. Embarked troops, using
the ship's 2 dinghies. One of them
sank later. on its 4th trip; the other
0300
In 1 1/2 hours, a large motor boat had
2nd June
ferried 500 troops to the Portsdown.
0400ca
Early dawn. Proceeded.
0450
1 mile west of Dunkirk breakwater,
transferred about 1,000 troops
from a French vessel which was
aground.
Transferred. 25 troops from a motor
boat, which declined a tow.
-
Picked up Cdr. J.C. Clouston R.N., and
his party (about 12 in all) from a
motor driven "Naval pontoon boat".
Cdr. Clouston ordered that she was to
be abandoned.
Obtained a course from the cr. Calcutta,
-
0930ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 168
B.E.F., and 450 French t roops. (2)
Total 618
[As Portsdown was not degaussed, she
was not again used in Dynamo].
Authority - R.O.II, p.107.
R.O.III, p.66.
The following awards were made:
8/Lt. R.H. Church, R.N.R.
Mention in Despatches
Cl. H. White.
W. Ramel.
Ord. Sea.
P.A. Kent.
A.T. Burton.
(1) First later, The as ship a
(2) crew.
Wils
report. even
403

Details

Details

L.N.E.Ry.Co.
PRAGUE (H.M.T.) 1830
Capt. Baxter, Master.
Left Manxman the Downs via route Y. P/V
28th May
2250ca
Grounded and H/C Paris in
came off on Smal Bank. Prague company. and Paris
remained aground for same hours.
immediately, but Manxman
Anchored near Nieuport Bank buoy.
0355
All 3 ships proceeded to Dunkirk,
29th May
after which they acted independently.
-
Entered Dunkirk. Prague embarked troops.
0735
Left Dunkirk and proceeded by Y route.
1330
Folkestone. Disembarked 2,000 troops.
1700
To Dunkirk by X route, in company with
30th May
numerous craft, large and small,
naval and merchant.
2030
Berthed inside Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
Ship grounded as tide went out.
Refloated, assisted by the tugs
Lady Brassey and Foremost 87.
2245
Proceeded.
Folkestone. Disembarked 1039 troops.
31st May
0648
1st June
0355
To Dunkirk by X route.
0700
In company with other craft, attacks from
the air.
0715
Entered Dunkirk. Embarked about 3,000
French troops.
0903
Proceeded down the Western Roads.
1009
Dive bomb attack between Buoy "W" (past
1025
the Ruytingen) and Buoy "V". Near
misses astern by 3 bombs. Severe
Starboard engine out of
red to Scimitar, (1) a sloop( 3)
action. damage. Majority of troops transfer- and
the P.M/S Queen of Thanet, (2) while
under in way. tow by the tug Lady Brassey. Deal.
1331
1730
Taken Ship beached off Sandown Castle,
Total 3039.
Authority - R.O.III, p. 177.
TM. 6213/40.
(1) Capt. Baxter this was the Shikari; but that destroyer
(2) Capt. Except was Baxter in that Dover it says says at the it not was time. the an Calcutta)
the "sloop" has was not yet
405

Details

PRAGUE (H.M.T.) 1830
L.N.E.Ry.Co.
28th May
Left Manxman the Downs and via route Y.
Capt. Baxter, Master.
2250ca
Grounded on Smal H/C Paris P/V
-
Anchored came remained off near aground immediately, Nieuport Bank. for same Bank but hours. Manxman buoy. Paris
0355
29th May
All after 3 ships proceeded to Dunkirk,
-
Entered which they acted independently.
0735
Left Dunkirk. Prague embarked troops.
1330
Folkestone. Dunkirk and proceeded by Y
Disembarked 2,000 troops. route.
1700
30th May
To Dunkirk by X route, in company with
numerous craft, large and small,
naval and merchant.
2030
Berthed inside Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
Ship grounded as tide went out.
Refloated, assisted by the tugs
Lady Brassey and Foremost 87.
2245
Proceeded.
31st May
0648
Folkestone. Disembarked 1039 troops.
1st June
0355
To Dunkirk by X route.
0700
In company with other craft, attacks from
the air.
0715
Entered Dunkirk. Embarked about 3,000
French troops.
0903
Proceeded down the Western Roads.
1009
Dive bomb attack between Buoy "W" (past
1025
the Ruytingen) and Buoy "V". Near
misses astern by 3 bombs. Severe
damage. Starboard engine out of
action. Majority of troops transfer-
red to Scimitar, (1) a sloop( 3) and
the P. M/S Queen of Thanet, (2) while
under way.
1331
Taken in tow by the tug Lady Brassey.
1730
Ship beached off Sandown Castle, Deal.
Total 3039.
Authority - R.O.III. p. 177.
TM. 6213/40.
(1) Capt. Baxter Shikari; but that destroyer
(2) Capt. Except was Baxter in Dover says says at this the it was time. was an the Calcutta)
the "sloop" that it has was not not yet the
405

Details

REIGER(1)
Skoot
Lieut. A. Tyson, R.N.
S/Lt. R. Perks, R.N.V.R.,
1st Lieut.
26th May
Commissioned at Tilbury.
2200
Anchored off Southend pier.
27th May
0600
Proceeded to Sheerness.
The steering compass proved to be
useless; the standard compass had
an error which varied from 10° to 25°,
and could not be relied upon.
2000
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2300
Anchored off Nore L.V.
28th May
0330
Proceeded.
1100
Off N. Goodwin L.V., four empty skoots
returning informed Reiger that
Dunkirk was in German hands and that
they had been sent to the Downs for
orders.
The Reiger followed these skoots to
the Downs and anchored.
1400
Sailed for Dunkirk, the Sk. Vrede in
company.
-
Off the N. Goodwin L.V., met a skoot
returning full, who said that skoots
were being asked for on the beaches
east of Dunkirk. This was the first
definite information that the ship was
required to evacuate troops.
Vrede and Reiger then proceeded
independently for Dunkirk.
2300
Arrived off Zuydcoote buoy and closed
the cr. Calcutta.
Contacted Calcutta's boats on the
beach and embarked about 70 cot
cases.
29th May
0300
Transferred the cot cases on the upper
deck to the Calcutta and sailed for
Sheerness with the remainder.
-
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 12 cot
cases. (2)
30th May
0400
Sailed for Dunkirk. Delayed en route
by fog.
2000
Secured alongside Dunkirk quay.
Embarked about 250 B.E.F.
2100
Left Dunkirk.
31st May
1300
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 250
B.E.F.
1st June
1100
Sailed from Sheerness to Dunkirk.
Between V and W buoys, attacked by 3
bombers. No damage.
2130
Arrived Dunkirk. Entered the harbour.
Embarked about 330 French from the
jetty in Nouveau Avant Port.
2215
Sailed from Dunkirk.
-
In the roads, took in tow a disabled
W.D/M.L.
-
Off 12 buoy, embarked nine passangers
from a disabled M.T.B. and took
her in tow.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
(2) Estimated.
11

Details

Details

SALAMANDER (N.86)
4th M.S.F.
Lieut. Cdr. L.J.S. Ede,
R.N.
26th May
2000
Left the Humber, under orders of
M/S Sutton in company with the M/S's the
Sutton and Fitzroy.
27th May
1510
Anchored in the Downs.
28th May
1540
Proceeded under orders of Sutton,
in company with Sutton and Fitzroy
roads. via R,S, and T buoys, to Dunkirk
-
Rendezvous-ed with the M/S's Halcyon
and Skipjack by S buoy, and proceeded
in company.
2130
Anchored off La Panne.
Using motor boat and whalers,
embarked 150 troops during the night.
29th May
0900
Transferred the 150 troops to the cr.
£
Calcutta.
Proceeded back to La Panne and
embarked troops by ship's boats and
small pulling boats.
1600ca(1) Air attack by Ju.87's. The dr.
Greyhound, one cable distant, was
hit she received 2 near misses] as
were several small ships.
1730
Proceeded via Dunkirk roads. Air
attack. Dunkirk and neighbouring
1=
beaches heavily bombed.
Proceeded via T, s and R buoys in
company with Sutton.
2320
Anchored off Dover in fog.
30th May
0740
Alongside Admiralty Pier.
Disembarked 289 troops. (2)
1610
Proceeded to Dunkirk roads, via U, V
and W buoys.
2100
Anchored off Bray.
Embarked 397 men during the night.
Closed the dr. Shikari and embarked
Brig.-Gen. Holden and a staff officer.
Transferred the motor boat to the
dr. Icarus which had no power boat.
Proceeded to Dover via W, V and U
-
buoys.
31st May
0810
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 393
troops. (3)
1800
Left Dover in company with Halcyon and
Skipjack to rendezvous with the
remainder of the M/S's at W buoy in
^ppx.Q.i] an error
accordance with V.A. Dover's
2200
At the
and
Fitzroy "followed astern of the other two
(4) /
groups"/ through Dunkirk roads, past
(1) the air attack took place the attack in the
Salamander forenoon; states the Greyhound that gives the time of as
(2) 1600. 29th May; May, it also which records is
D.R. a disembarkation dates this disembarkation of 324 troops on 30th
(3) evidently incorrect.
(4) There D.R. were 3 Groups of 82 Salamander was in Group 3. (See
Groups"

Details

SANDOWN (J.20)
P.M/S (10th M.S.F.)
Actg. Cdr. K.M. Greig,
2100
R.N., S.O. 10th M.S.F.
27th May
Slipped, Gracie ships in company, the P.M/S's
2
Princess Fields, Medway
Belle. Elizabeth( 1) Queen, and Brighton
p.
28th May
0200
Passed Dunkirk - heavy bombing and
0315
Anchored off La Panne. Sent in
machine gunning in progress.
available boats with an ex-Belgian all
canal boat. [the YSERI
Assisted by the cr. Calcutta's boats,
attacks. embarked 600 B.E.F. Frequent air
0615
Proceeded alongside the cr. Calcutta
and transferred troops.
er
[About an hour later, the Sandown apparently
sailed from La Panne].
£
1230
While in company with the Sandown,
the Brighton Belle struck a wreck
off the Gull Light Buoy during an
air attack and sank. All the crew
and troops were rescued and trans-
ferred to the Sandown, the Medway
Queen and the ex-Belgian M/B Yser.
Paymaster S/Lt. W.J. Butler, R.N.V.R.
of the Sandown was killed and 2
:
ratings wounded.
All
1430
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 201
troops. (2)
1930
Returned to Dover.
29th May(3)
0530
Slipped and proceeded with the Gracie
Fields to La Panne.
1430
Anchored off La Panne. Sent in all
boats and embarked 800 troops during
1)
heavy bombing. Had to get under
way twice.
Gracie Fields reported sinking,
after an attack off Middel Kerke
Buoy.
2103
Dispatched the Princess Elizabeth to
stand by her [in the meantime,
however, the M/S Pangbourne had em-
barked the Gracie Fields' troops
and taken her in tow].
2150(4)
Proceeded with 800 British troops to
Ramsgate.
30th May
0500
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 860
troops. (5)
(1) According to the Captain of the Princess Elizabeth, that
vessel in the Basin undergoing boiler cleaning during
Medway Queen does not mention that the Princess Elizabeth
26th-28th was May and did not undock until p.m. 28th. The
(3) D.R. records report. 600 troops disembarked on 29th May. This
(2) Margate
was in company on 27th May.
(4) Sandown to be Sandown's report is in two-day periods;
appears incorrect.
(5) D.R., which times are on this confusing occasion includes Sandown among the
her says 1050. and sometimes inaccurate.
fleet minesweepers.
89

Details

Corvette (2nd
SHEARWATER
A/S Striking Force)
Lt. Cdr. P.F. Powlett,
R.N.
2026
28th May
Ordered by dr. Vega to patrol, in
.)
company with the corvette Sheldrake,
the channel Q.Z.S. 60 and to work
in conjunction with the corvettes
ep--
Mallard and Widgeon. (see also signal
)
2130
31st May
Anchored off Margate in company with the
cr. Calcutta and the Mallard.
1st June
0500
Patrolled X route between W and Y buoys
in company with Calcutta and Mallard.
1024
Shearwater detached to stand by the
G/B Mosquito.
2140
Anchored off Margate, Mallard and
Calcutta in company.
ler
2nd June
0430
Patrolled in vicinity of W buoy,
Mallard and Calcutta in company.
Nil
il
1)
126

Details

SUTTON (N.78)
4th M.S.F.
Actg. Cdr. G.M. Temple, R.N.
S.O. 4th M.S.F.
26th May
1900
Sailed from Grimsby, the M/S's
Salamander and Fitzroy in company.
1600
27th May
Anchored in Downs. The M/S's Skipjack
and Halcyon near by. Destroyers
full of troops continually passing
at high speed.
3
28th May
1545
Proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F.
in company, with the M/S's Salamander
and Skipjack, later joined by
Halcyon.
1730
Steering jammed; proceeded under
hand steering.
1750
Fifth M.S.F. coming up astern.
Sutton's steering repaired.
1825
Off Kwinte Bank buoy, a ship was seen
to be sinking. The Sutton rejoined
the 4th M.S.F. Hurricanes passed
overhead.
2030
More Hurricanes passed. Dunkirk
fires seen 10 miles away. Detached
the Fitzroy to investigate a boat.
2050
Turned towards the beaches and
proceeded eastward. Large numbers
of troops seen along Malo beach, with
more scattered and smaller groups
towards La Panne.
2125
Anchored off beach about 4 miles east
of Dunkirk [Bray]. M/B sent in to
contact troops.
2130
Commenced embarkation.
29th May
0200
103 troops embarked.
0300
Proceeded further eastward. Embarked
troops of the Leicester Regt.
0730
Went alongside the cr. Calcutta, some
miles off shore, and transferred
troops to her. The salamander
did the same.
0830
Returned to the beaches. Lack of
boats; rate of embarkation about 30
per hour, using ship's boats. 227
troops embarked.
Large masses of French troops
persistently attempted to intercept
boats and demand passage. Assisted
by British troops to head of
French swimmers by rifle fire from
50 yards further along the beach.
Dunkirk burning with much smoke.
No R.A.F. sighted all day.
1600
High level air attack on Sutton,
Salamander, the dr. Greyhound and a
A. salvo of bombs straddled Sutton.
paddle M/S the Sandown].
No hits. A dive bomb attack on
Sutton and Greyhound; the Greyhound
One line of 5 bombs close to G.H.Q.
set on fire by a near miss.
sea front; the last 2 of these
Small bombs were used, with several
on fell on either side of the Sutton.
incendiaries, one of which set on
fire a drifter, 2 cable from Sutton
[the tr. Nautilus (q.v.)].
Greyhound damaged by bombs.
199

Details

WORTHING
Hospital Carrier
(S. Ry. Co).
Capt. C.G.G.Munton, Master
1200
26th May
Left Mona's the Dover H/C Queen. Isle for Dunkirk of Guernsey in company and the with
1630
The berthed Worthing and the Isle of P/V
-
Proceeded. embarked alongside wounded. Dunkirk pier, Guernsey and
27th May
-
-
Disembarked 300 wounded. (1)
Salled for Dunkirk.
1700ca
In from Dunkirk roads, received a
the P/V Canterbury to return. message
31st May
Disembarked 300 wounded. (2)
2nd June
1255
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
1432
Air attack. Nine bombs dropped and
ship machine-gunned. Damaged by
near misses. (3) Visibility good.
The only other ships in sight were
2 sailing barges.
1459
The corvette Mallard was detached by the
cr. Calcutta to stand by the Worthing.
The Worthing returned to harbour.
Total 600
Authority - R.O.III, p.234.
T.M. 6213/40.
8 D.R. disembarkation 30th May.
fired
D.R. According dates this 89, had been Downs with
Wilson Lad
at [by shore to D.R. batteries] para. is
slight
damage.
This
340

Details

Page 72
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. CALCUTTA and Captain Dennis Marescaux Lees, R.N.
beach evacuating troops.
On 28th and 29th May this ship was off La Panne
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Mr. Frederick James March, Gunner, R.N.
Showed initiative and resource in charge of
CALCUTTA'S boats and untiring example and energy in
N.
working up to his waist in heavy surf for hours on
end.
Recommended for mention.
RATING
Signalman Harry Guy, C/JX. 150713.
Displayed untiring energy and devotion to duty
in holding the whaler's bows to a heavy surf for
many hours on end and whilst being continuously
drenched with water up to the shoulders.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 12
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
MISCELLANEOUS.
CALCUTTA (A.As Vessel).
Commanding Officer.
Captain Dennis Marescaux Lees, R.N.
LORMONT.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Walter Stuart Smithies, R.N.
Officers.
Sub.Lieutenant Alexander Frederick Sidney Davidson, R.N.R.
Ratings.
Marine A. Hobberjam.
Marine, H. Ambrose.
H.M.S. EXCELLENT's A.As Motor Boat
Commanding Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant Alastair William Maxwell Matthew, R.N.
Thames L.D.F. GOLDEN EAGLE
Officer.
Lieutenant James Colin Newman, M.B.E., R.N.V.R.
Rating.
Chief Petty Officer James S. Seaman, C/J.3192.
Thames L.D.F. ROYAL EAGLE.
Officers.
Lieutenant Arnold Herbert Dunkerley, R.N.R.
Lieutenant (E) Rodney L. Helyer, R.N.R.
A.A. Kite Party.
Commanding Officer.
Commander John Scott Dove, R.N.
Officers.
Sub. Lieutenant John Lawrence Field, R.N.V.R.
Sub. Lieutenant Richard Graham Addis, R.N.V.R.
Motor,

Details

0
Petty Officer Horace Leonard William
Leading Seaman John Charles W.
VAble Leading Seaman Stoker Edward Kearvell, Gair, P/KX.99946, WORCESTER
Stoker Ralph Bert H.M.S. WORCESTER
Ordinary Seaman Marston, Frederick 175182,
Lieutenant-Commander R.N., Arthur Ivone
J
(Retd.), H.M.S.
Lieutenant-Commander Reginald Arthur R.N.,
Sub-Lieutenant J. David Alexander Shaw, H.M.S. FITZROY
H.M.S. FITZROY
Leading Seaman Cole, C/B.21535, H.M.S. FITZROY
Leading Seaman L. Aspen, C/D.107, H.M.S. FITZROY
Leading Leading Stoker Seaman J. E. Collison, C/KX.78651, H.M.S. FITZROY
Able Seaman L. Derby, JX.193835, H.M.S. GLENGOWER
Seaman A. Farrow, H.M.S. GLENAVON
Travers, JX.133139, H.M.S. GLENGOWER
Petty Engine Officer Room Steward
Leading THE
Commander
Lieutenant William McKee, Harry R.N.R., H.M.S. KELLETT KELLET
Engine Room Artificer H.M.S.
Lieutenant-Commander Rodolph Cecil Drummond Haig, R.N.,
Engineer Sub-Lieutenant James Irvin, R.N.R., H.M.S. H.M.S. LYDD MEDWAY
Commander St. John Cronyn, R.N., H.M.S.
QUEEN
VSub-Lieutenant 'Sub-Lieutenant John Grosby, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. NIGER
Leading Richard Hepworth Church, ORIOLE H.M.S. PORTSI
Vxv
Signalman Percy Alfred Kent, P/JX.137932, R.N.R.,
Vxv Enginer Ordinary Stoker Petty Room Artificer Officer William Henry White, Ramel, P/MX.51366, H.M.S. H.M.S. PORTSDOW PORTSDOW PORTS
Seaman Arthur Thomas Burton, P/11878, P/JX.182142, H.M.S.
the H.M.S.
PORTSDOWN
H.M.S. SALAMANDER
H.M.S. Guy Maunsell, SALAMANDER R.N.,
VV Acting PM/39426,
VActing Chief Engine Room (Retd.), Artificer H.M.S. Allerton SPEEDWELL Bywater,
/XVChief Petty Commander Officer S.P. Goldsmith, Herival R.N.V.R., H.M.S. SUTTON QUEEN OF THANET
Signalman J.A.G. Pensioner No. THANET
(Late
xvMr. Signalman Frederick Charles QUEEN OF THANET BIDEF
Sieutenant-Communder James H.M.S. H.M.S. CALCUTTA
CANADA H.M.S. CALCUTTA Harriso
Mayhew H.M.S. KINGFISHER Vaughan
THE Ableutenant Signalman the
Able Seaman E.G. H.M.S. KINGFISHER KINGFISHER
H.M.S. H.M.S. KINGFISHER
Able Seaman H.M.S. KINGFISHER
KINGFISHER
Signalman LOCUST
Chief Telegraphist James Ridell H.M.S. MOSQUITO C/JX.132
Petty Officer George Arthur Sawyer, H.M.S.
MOSQUITO
C/J.46680.SQUIT

Details

Details

SECRET
Dynam. 130.
B14/0/1119
9
12
Subject : Report on Operations in connection with the
evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area.
From
:. The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutta".
Date
:. 6th June 1940.
No. 061/28
To
: . The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
The Flag Officer, 20th Cruiser Squadron
The following report on the minor part played
by H.M.S. "Calcutta" in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from
the Dunkirk area is submitted.
2.
In view of the vast number of reports which you
will receive, it has been made as brief as possible in the
form of a chronological time table of events with covering
remarks at the end.
Monday 27th May
23L0
Sailed from Trinity Bay, The Downs for La Panne.
Tuesday 28th May
0115
Loud explosion about 5 cables on starboard beam
probably from torpedo fired by ehemy submarine
or M.T.B.
0125
Torpedo track crossing from port to starboard
missed ship about 100 yards astern.
0135
M.T.B. heard and vaguely sighted bearing Green 60°.
Ship manoeuvred under large helm. No subsequent
torpedo tracks or explosions seen or heard.
0248
Anchored in position 005° La Panne, air light, 310
Motor Cutter and both whalers sent in to beach
to commence evacuation into paddle steamers
mine sweepers "Sandown" and "Gracie Fields" who
were much closer inshore. "Grafton", 'Greyhound"
and "Impulsive" also evacuating from. this beach.
0500
Opened fire on one Heinkel.
0523
Opened fire on one J U 88.
0615
Impulsive ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and go
alongside East pier.
0621
Opened fire on 3 Heikels.
0625
Evacuation of beach completed. "Grafton" and
"Greyhound" proceeded. Paddle Minesweepers
"Sandown" and "Gracie Fields" ordered alongside
to disembark their 700 troops into "Calcutta".
0641
Opened fire on 1 Heinkel.
0715
Weighed and proceeded to Sheerness.
1215
Arrived Sheerness, disembarked 700 troops and
completed with oil fuel and provisions.
1710
Slipped from buoy and proceeded to La Panne.
2157
Anchored in position 01410 La Panne Air Light 2"
Boats sent in to the same beach as had been used
previously. Heavy surf running and conditions
for embarking troops extremely difficult. Only
one Schoot to assist in embarkation of about 70
wounded.
Wednesday 29th May

Details

16
CONFIDENTIAL
Dynomo
Blu/e/
12
13
15"19
Subject :. Recommendations for an award or decoration
in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F.
from the Dunkirk area.
From
The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutte".
Date
6th June 1940.
No. 062/28
To
The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copied to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
Q
The Flag Officer, 20th Cruiser
Squadron.)
ble
d
It 1s desired to recommend the following for
consideration for a decoration or award in connection
with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area:-
Mr. Frederick James March, Gunner, Roayl Navy.
For his initiative and resource in charge of
tro
"Calcutta's" boats and for his untiring example and energy
tty
in working up to his waist in heavy surf for hours on end.
S
Signalman Harry Guy O.N. C/JX 150713
n's
For his untiring energy and devotion to duty
in holding the whaler's bows to a heavy surf for hours
on end and whilst being continuously drenched with water
rts
up to the shoulders.
e
VICE ADMIRAL
D.M.fees. D.M.
t-
10 JUN 1940
*
DOVER
CAPTAIN

Details

COMPIDENTIAL,
Dynams 97 BWO/S
*
129
CONFIDENTIAL
H.F.S. "SALANAIDER",
To: V.A. Dover.
7th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report, in accordance with your
No.B14/0/1101/40 of 4th June, 1940, the following report of proceedings
of H.E.S. "SALAMATER" from 26/5 to 1/6/-
At 2000/26/5 I laft the Humber under the orders of SUTTON in
company with SUTTON and FITEROT.
Arrived and anchored in Doma at 1510/27/10.
At 1540/28/5 weighed and proceeded under of orders of SUTTON
in company with SUTTON and FITEROT via R.S. & it Theys to Duskirk Roads,
Rendezvous-ed with HALCTON and SEIPLACE by S. Bugy and proceeded in
company, anchoring off la Panne at 2130.
Uning notarboat and shalers embarited 150 DER during the night,
In the morning I was ordered by CALCUTTA to close her and
tranafer to here military personnel as she could get no closer to the shore,
At 0705/20/5 I weighed and proceeded alongaide GALCUTTA and
at 0900 I transferred troops.
Proceeded back to La Fame and began loading troops using own
boats and mall share pulling boats. A bombing attack by Junkare 87
was carried out in the foremoon and GREYHOUND, as will as several mall
ships, was hit about one cable from 16.
At 0730 1730 1 weighed and proceeded via Dustribe Toada and another
high banking attack - carried out. Observed Danielity and neighbouring
beaches to be subjected to heavy bunbing attacks.
Proceeded via 44 " Duys in company with SETTON, arriving
and anchoring off Dover in thick weather at 2320.
Reported magnetic nines laid by aircraft during night vide my
Signal to Value Dover 2345/29/5.
At 0600/30/5 weighed and proceeded alongable Admiralty Pier
and store at ship 0.740 at discribarked Eastern Arm. 289 At 1610/30 allyped and progeeded to Dustribe
1
receaded to insumition ship and
Roads via U, V. à The Dugya and anahored are Dray by 2100/30/5,
Staff Officer and them transferred motorboat to TOASTS who no powerboat.
SHIRARI for two Staff Officers. labarked Holden had and another
Imbarked 397 men during the night and vas ordered to close
Proceeded to Dover via 1, V. & 11. Buoys and went alongside
Admiralty Pier at 0810/31/5.
Disembarked personnal, proceeded and secured to Saatern Area to
ammition ship, etc.
proceeded in accordance with 17 attached narrative of
Commis, dated June, 1940.
VI
1 have the honour to bo,
8-JUN 1940
Bir,
Your obsident servant,
DOVER
L.7.S.Ede Liene. Car
RM

Details

(1).
168
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
173
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salemander and Fitaroy in
Company+ sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh S.W.Wind, slight
Oh passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galates and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May Light breeze, calm sea, naximm visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jemmed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering+
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up eatern, steering repaired,
proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy aboam. Ship sinking in visinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles,
weather clearing, Fiteroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups
towards la Panne+ Desultory gânfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anohored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent schore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from send dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly ReA.S.C. and R.B's who had
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Tery
oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean
shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops
and the condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly
as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10stroops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in
batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good
for embarimtion, shelving sand and oalm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300, Moved to another position further East
and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now
commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down,
a considerable surf was running, managed to Embarked get a into
a Dutch scoot, of Leicestershire and was towad back Regiment. to ship. COMMANDING OFFICER
miles 0730, off shore, and disembarked all troops,
detachment proceeded alongaide Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander
19 JUN 1940
following.
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

Details

(1)
177
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940. EVACUATION
182
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S. SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWESSPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th, May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired,
proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles,
weather clearing, Fitzroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups,
towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.B's who had
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, amunition
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very
critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disdiplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 milsa. 0.0. reported no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The alean
shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops
and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly
as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10 troops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in
batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good
for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May. 0300. Moved to another position further East
and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now
commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down,
considerable surf was running, managed to get Embarked a small into
a a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship.
detachment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, miles off shore, and disembarked all troops,
proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some
following.

Details

(I).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE I940, EVACUATION
190
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
I545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering.
I750, 6th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired,
proceeded at I5 knots,
I825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires IO miles,
weather clearing, Fitzroy detatched to investigate boat.
2050, turnedtowards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups
towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very
critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. Reported no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean
shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops
and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly
as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
103 troops embarked between 2130 and 0200, in
batches of 25, mostly with rifles and eqipment. Beach good
for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. 0300. Moved to anothe position further East
commenced May. bringing off troops but motor boat broke down,
and after dragging anchor into shallow water where by now
a considerable surf was running, managed to get a line into
a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship. Embarked small
detatchment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some
miles off shore, and disembarked all troops,
following.

Details

191
195
FACTORS ASSISTING THE EVACUATION.
1.
Discipline and coolness of troops under fire on beach
and in unfamiliar conditions in boats throughout evacuation.
2.
Life saving nets rigged along ship's sides.
3.
Assistance of Army Bren Guns and gunners against low-flying
air attack.
4.
Calm weather and poor visibility.
5.
Presence of HA Light Cruiser "Calcutta".
6.
Excellent physical condition of majority of troops.
7.
Normal state in which all piers at Dunkirk were allowed to
remain, which was invaluable in assisting embarkation of troops
into ships.
COMMANDING OFFICER
*
6JUN 1940
*
Eminille. M. Tenth.
H.M.S. 4 SUTTON
Ad. Comes. Royal Navy.

Details

Duplicate
Dynam ///
414/0/12
-1922
DarD
207
Miniralty, S.V.1.
with
information
8th June, 1940.
Rear Admiral, Dover Report of Proceedings, 29th May - 3rd June
Sir, Dentas the
I have the honour to submit the following report on the operations
206
PACTORS INSTRUCTION N SECURITY
205
Low embarkation rate off basehes at the Issue this 30 per hour
owned by lack of centrol ashore for first days: und
of suitable boats FACTORS ASSISTING THE EVACUATION.
No whip to beach communication to augediate Issuing, resulting in
casual 1. asseed by ships lying off banches for hours in deplight.
Discipline and coolness of troops under fire on beach
No That and in unfamiliar conditions in boats throughout evacuation.
Apparently no R.A.Z. protection statement agringt lovel Secting and
2. parLife saving nets rigged along ship' sides. exempt for last
two days and This Lowered
mozale considerably.
3.
Assistance of Army Bren Guns and gunners against low-
7
Only flying air attack. and
to energy should (trs.
the
4. loan Calm weather and poor visibility. to
hoodtate to 07083 to
largue bosts.
MA 5. amount countating of 12 and Lowin - insidequate to
Presence of HA Light Cruiser "Calcutta".
produce become the, 02 to or Styleg streek.
No 6. billiamive shown by Army staff in local boats
Excellent physical condition of majority of troops.
on bacoh,
look 7. of remain, which was invaluable in assisting embarkation of Proops
Normal state in which all piers at Dunkirk were allowed to
packs, into ships. worn) emaing Late
on Insections plar, and to enharking boats
are beaches.
Insurrement bonie and boars
shallow
No apparent Likes by stay la flying marking panting
are
beaches
by
COMMANDING
Grenville M. Temple.
CORNAR
19JUN 1940
Ach. Cands. Moyal Navy.
H.M.S. "SUTTON"
the
Commandey office.
HMSSULTION
a

Details

SECRET
Dynami 130.
220
Sea
1179
a
214
Subject ** Report on Operations in connection with the
evacuation of the D.B.F. from the Dunitivis aroa.
From
** The Commanding Officer, "Caloutta".
Date
** 6th June 1940.
No. 001/20
To
** The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Hore.
The Plag Officer, 20th Cruiser Squadred
The following report on the minor part played
by H.M.S. "Calcutta" in the evacuation of the D.B.F. from
the Dunkirk area 1a submitted.
2.
In view of the vast number of reports which you
will receive, It has been made as brief as possible in the
form of a chronological time table of events with covering
remarks at the ond.
Monday 27th Hay
2320
Sailed from Trinity Day, The Downs for La Panno.
Tuesday 20th Hay
0110
Loud explosion about 8 cables on starboard boxes
probably from torpedo fired by cheery submarine
or N.T.D.
0225
Torpodo track crossing from part to starboard
missed ship about 100 yards astern.
0235
N.T.B. heard and vaguely sighted bearing Croon 609
ship manoeuvred under Large holm. No subsequent
torpedo tracits or explosions soon or hoard.
0248
Anchored in position 005° La Panno, air light, 310
Notor Cubtor and both wholore sent in to beach
to commonce ovacuation into puddle stoamers
mine sweepers "Sandown" and "Cracio Fields" who
ware much closer inshore.
and "Inpulsive" also evacuating from this boach.
0500
Opened fire on one Hointol.
0525
Opened fire on one J U 00.
0615
Impulsive ordered to proceed to Duniciris and go
alongaide East pior.
0621
0625
Evacuation of beach completed. "Crafton" and
Opened fire on S Hottols.
"sandown" and "Cracio Flolds" ordered alongaido
"Creyhound" proceeded. Paddle llinesweopers
to discmbark their 700 troops into "Colcutta".
0041
0715
Weighed and proceeded to Sheerness.
Opened fire on 1 Heintal.
1015
Arrived Shoorness, disemberited 700 troops and
slipped from buoy and proceeded to La Punno.
completed with oil fuel and provisions.
1710
Anchored in position 02430 La Penno had Air boon Mght used 2".0,
8157
Boats sent in to the BOIDO beach as conditions
proviously. Heavy surf running and
one Schoot to assist in embariation of about 70
for embarking troops extremely difficult. only
wounded.
Wednesday 20th May....

Details

SECRET
230
245
city
port on operations in connection with the evacuation of
the B.B.F. from the Duniciple aroa. (Continued).
Wednesday 20th May.
500
All wounded that could be moved evacuated into
Schoot or ships boats all of which returned to
"Calcutta".
Schoot, with a certain number of wounded, sent back
to England as she was nearly unmanagoable with her
stooring goar in a precarious state.
345
Doats sent in again to collect HOTO troops as they
arrived and 18 possible to connect with Lord Corb
in view of your message 0127/20th May.
Officer in charge of "Calcutta's" bonts, If P.J. Harch
Cunner, made personal contact with Lord Corb about
0 miles inland, and placed "Caloutta" at his
disposal for his or his staff's evacuation. Lord
Cart courteously refused to be evacuated at this
stage.
430
One of "Calcutta's a shalers lost.
580
Opened fire on one Dornier.
7710
"Calcutta's" boats returned with more troops and sent
in again to La Panno with relief crows.
735
"Sutton" alongside to disembark her troops into
"Caloutta" and return close inshore opposite La
0010
Panno. "Salemander alongside and as for "Subton" above.
1810
Party of tuge and drifters towing own boats aighted,
proceeding homewards full of troops. All ordered
alongside "Calcutta"to disembarkttheir troops and
return to La Panno for mr.
1227
"Java" towing launch alongside.
1328
"Colden Sunbean" towing launch alongaide.
1230
"Lord Rodney" alongside.
1237
"Lord Keith" towing Launch alongaide.
1247
"Lord St Vincent" alongsido.
1250
"Lord Collingwood" alongaide.
1335
Panne at this time, informed that bugs and drifters
Captain (D) 1st D/Y, who WAD senior officer at La
were being sent in to load up again.
1350
"Calcutta's" boats returned to ship.
1357
1000
Weighed. Arrived Shoorness. Diserbarked 1000 troops and
completed with oil fuel and amition.
Priday 31st Hay.
1040
Anchored off East Margato buoy with "Mallard" and
Slipped from buoy at Shoorness.
3130
"shoorwater" in company.
Saturday 1st June.
0315
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" between and W "sheerwater". and X
0500
Commonded patrolling on X route
buoyse to return to Sheerness.
0038
ordered fire on one Heinkel who shot had down. attached and
1015
1018
damaged Opened fire on two more Heinkels diving from
Opened "Mosquito". Heinkel
Detached "she reator" to stand by "Mosquito".
broken clouds.
1024
1312 ********

Details

SECRET
231
246
3.
Report on operations in correction with the evacuation of
the B.B.F. from the Dunletive aron. (Continued)
1312
2015
Weighed. Anchored off Horo Light Vessel.
2140
Anchored off East Margato Duoy, "Mallard" and
"shaerwater" in company.
Sunday 2nd June 1040.
0245
0430
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "shecruntor".
Commenced patrolling in vicinity of.II buoy.
French destroyers "Egervier" and "Leopard" at U and
V bucys respectively.
0710
Last homeward bound ship passed If buoy.
1035
Attacked by 3 J U 88 diving from out of the sun .
4 bombs very close on part bean.
4 bombles vary close on port bow.
4 bombs missed well ahoad.
French destroyers loft patrol.
1050
Attacked by 1 Hednkel dive bombing. 4 bombs missed
woll out on starboard board
1140
Attacked by 1 Heinkel with machine gun from 4,000 ft.
1155
Attacked by 1 J U 88 who would not doos through
"Caloutta's" barrage and dropped 4 bombe woll astern.
1350
Orders received to return to Sheerness.
1450
"Mallard" detached to stand by Hospital ship
"Northing" who had been bombed and damaged.
1044
Anohored off Horo Might vessel to malto good confensor
trouble and alight damage from near misses.
Monday 3rd June
0510
0550
Weighod. Secured to buoy at shoorness. Discovered further
condenser trouble and serious cloud In all reserve
food tanks.
All defects made good by 1400 on Tuesday 4th June.
3. During the period at LA Parmo, "Culcutta" had to lie
too far from the beach to be of any use for direct embarisation
of troops so the principle adopted was to order any smll
into "Caloutta" and roturn close inshore for another load,
ships alongaide when they ware full, disembark their troops
de In the two salvoes each of 4 bombs which foll
very close to Calcutta" on Sunday 2nd June it appeared and
that one bonb in each salvo had a dolay action three buret buret
somo way under the unter whereas the other on
impact.
and of the military forces ovnounted has exemplary
5. The conduct and behaviour of my been ship's company
throughout.
VICE ADMIRAL
(sgnd.) D. M. LEES.
1940
#
CAPTAIN
DOVER

Details

SECRET
Dynam A14/01 3 3
From Lieutenant Commander T.G.P. Crick, Royal Navy.
in H.M.S. Calcutta" for passage.
Date .. 29th May 1940.
To
..
The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Submitted:-
As the Senior Officer of H.M.Ships"Abel Tasman",
"Alice" and "Kaapfalga" (Dutch barges), I have the honour
to make the following report on operations at La Panne on
28th May.
2.
"Abel Tasman" was loaded with ammunition,
"Alice" and "Kaapfalga" with provisions. The destination
of La Panne was received at Dover at 1900 on 27th May
and ships sailed forthwith.
3.
On arrival at about 0500 ships were beached
shortly after high water. A number of H.M. Ships were
in the process of evacuating troops.
I proceeded ashore to make arrangements with
the Military for unloading. It was extremely hard to get
any information at all or to understand the situation.
After 2½ hours search I was able to locate G.H.Q. and
reported to General Adam, who was in command of the Adam
force. He stated that it was of paramount importance to
evacuate as many troops on the beaches between La Panne
and Dunkirk. I accordingly made those arrangements. There
was great air activity all day and at about 1400 approximately
6 bombers commenced a wave of attacks with bombs and machine-gun
on the three ships and the personnel in general on the beach.
The Military were about to commence embarking. I had left
orders that in the event of attack the crew were to take
cover on the beach, or elsewhere than on board, where there
was still a quantity of ammunition. Immediately after, the
second attack I went on board "Abel Tasman" to see that
my orders had been carried out. The crew of 9 were extremely
young and 6 of them had not been to sea before. I found
one rating on board and got him ashore. There was only time
to take cover under the ship closewto the keel. I was
wounded in the foot by a machine-gun bullet during one of
the attacks.
When the attacks were over my wound was dressed
on the beach. I was in considerable pain and did not feel
that I could adequately perform the duty of getting my ship
back to Dover. I therefore turned over to the next Senior
C.O.. Later on I learned that my 1st Lieutenant had been
very badly wounded. I therefore determined to return to
Dover. I was feeling much better after receiving proper
medical attention. Ships were due to sail at 1700, and I
felt that I could carry out the navigation with one of the
1st Lieutenants in charge of the ship and that by stationing
the ship with the sole Officer astern in the line that the
three ships would return.to Dover with the troops.
Accordingly I was carried down to the beach
at 1630 by the military, only to find that two of the ships
had sailed. I could get no answer from the remaining ship
by hailing. Apparently it had been decided to sail as were soon
as possible after the bombing was over and as there

Details

SECRET
4
2.
......and as there were
only 4 Officers for the three ships only two of the ships
sailed. I consider that this was a proper decision having
regard to the circumstances. The inexperience of the crew
and the strangeness of the ships and also the locality made
a passage an extremely arduous affair.
The close proximity of the German army made it
imperative to return to England as soon as possible.
Accordingly I was put on board H.M.S. "Calcutta" early to-day
en route for Chatham Hospital.
4.
During the time ashore at La Panne I was
beseiged with requests for a passage to England or France
from French and Belgian Officers. These Officers all
stated that their desire was to reform and fight again.
I informed them all sympathetically that I
could not give them a passage without the approval of
General Adam. As this was not forthcoming in the majority
of cases, about 20 of them got & Diesel engined boat from
the beach and requested that they might come across to
England in company with me. I readily acceded to this
request and was prepared to tow them if necessary.
5.
I understand that the Admiralty were informed
by the Military that my 1st Lieutenant and myself had
become casualties.
6.
I regret that I am unable to inform you
of the present whereabouts of the three ships.
from 7. Dover I considered it proper that this report should
As routeing and instructions were received
be submitted to you. If this is not correct it is requested
that this report may be forwarded to the proper authority.
VIOE ADMI
ADMIR
7.5.8.a.
A
Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.
DOV

Details

28th May. (continued).
- 123
- 117
Several schoots were anchored in the Downs when we arrived and
I was ordered to anchor as convenient, as my anchor had to be weighed
by hand and it was a lengthy process, I decided to proceed alongside
"Vrede", After consultation with the Commanding Officer "Vrede", we
decided to weigh and to proceed to Dankirk in the hope of gleaning
further information on the way, "Vrede" reducing speed to keep me
company.
Off the North Goodwin Lt. Vess. we encountered a schoot re-
turing full, who said that they were asking for us on the beaches East
of Dunkirk. This was the first definate information that we were
required to evacuate troops that we had received. "Vrede", and
"Reiger" then proceeded independently towards Dunkirk.
2300 Arrived off Zuyderoote buoy, sighted one Cruiser at
anchor( afterwards identified as the "Calcutta") I closed the
"Calcutta", and asked where I could embark troops. "Calcutta"
ordered me to steer 140° to where her boats were operating. Con-
tacted "Calcutta's" boats on the beach, and they brought off about
70 cot cases.
I cannot speak toohighly of the work done by "Calcutta's"
boats during this operation. There was a fresh breeze and choppy
sea running with a considerable tide, but they continued throughout
the night without let up. During this operation "Reiger's" star-
board anchor chain parted and ship grounded without damage.
0300 Proceeded alongside "Calcutta". Transferred all cot
cases from upper deck to "Calcutta" and proceeded with remainder.
29th May.
Arrived at Sheerness.
30th May.
0400 Sailed for Dunkirk, anchored off East Cant buoy owing
to for, 0930 weighed and proceeded.
During the passage from North Goodwin to Dunkirk roads we
were subjected to periodical machine gun fire from aircraft, none of
which hit the ship, no plane coming below 4000 ft.
2000 Entered Dunkirk harbour, proceeded alongside quay
emabrked 250 (approx) B.E.F.
While in Dunkirk the harbour was being subjected to fire from
an enemy battery of about 6 in. calibore
2100 Sailed from Dunkirk.
( 31st May 1100 Arrived
Sheerness).

Details

PLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst
employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
arreed
to
good
Yes
a
the
544
From:- Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
as
28th May.
1430
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in the tug JAVA with the
following ships in company:-
Drifters. Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood
and Lord St. Vincent.
Motor Launches. Walker I, Walker II, New Brittanic,
Nayland and Angler II.
29th May.
D
illed
0100
Arrived off Bray dunes and anchored in 3 fthms water
and sent Walker I and Walker II in to the beach to
ng
try to find men; all troops seemed to be hiding in
on
the sands. Walker I and Walker II then proceeded
then
hour
As up dawn came I lowered all small boats from the Java
to Dunkirk Harbour.
in all
its to
and the beach filling motor boats and transferring shore. from
all drifters and worked with them right into
1000
Ordered motor a destroyer to take all ships to Dunkirk to fill
boats to bigger ships lying off
pier, On possible and return, leaving Dunkirk. I
by arrival there I received orders Walker
i. Mann,
ived
up as much II as for the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, by H.M.S.
On Calcutta leaving to transfer all troops worked on board all afternoon
and Walker Tuydercoot Pass I was ordered herand on
return to the beaches. army We collapsible boats off shore. off the
beaches the beaches, and filling towing larger more ships ships lying lying off to to fill
1900
At
up, this so time filled there all were craft no possible and returned
Ramsgate.
30th May.
0930
Arrived THE
During but were 30th.
arrival the chance in harbour of a at 1100 on May

Details

124/3
CONFIDENTIAL.
122
Page 3,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
27/5
Monday, 27th May (continuod).
2 Military Officers from G.H.Q., which suggested that the
situation of the B.E.F. was procarious and it was possible that
the enomy might succeed in cutting off this force from Dunkirk.
This report appeared to confirm the results of air rcconnaiss-
ance, which indicated that German armoured units wore operating
to the south of Dunkirk. Sinco it appeared that ovacuation
might well be strictly limited, both in regard to numbers and
time available for the operation, it was a cided to concentrate
every effort in sending 'ovcr as many craft as possible to the
beaches without delay. Had the situation appeared to be less
critical, an organised flow of large and small craft working in
reliefs would have been arranged.
9.
On receipt of these signals from S.N.O., Dunkirk, all
available forces were diverted to the beaches, the Personnel
Ships to the beach, code letters A.B.C. and D., the destroyers
on patrol being diverted to La Panne. Destroyers that were
working off Dunkirk were ordered to divert the Personnel Ships
going into Dunkirk to lay off the beaches and the smaller craft
such as drifters and motor boats were ordered to be used for
ferrying troops from the beach to the larger ships. Two
27MAY
important strings of boats being towed by a tug were lost in
the night through the tows being run down and cut in half, the
boats being scattered.
10.
As a result of the above action there were assembling
off the beaches 2 transports, 9 destroyers, 4 minesweepers,
CALCUTTA, 17 drifters and a few skoots, and all the ships were
ordered to use their own boats for ferrying as none of the
inshore flotilla had arrived. From signals received it
appeared that the situation was desperate, that little could be
lifted direct from the Port of Dunkirk, and that the maximum
effort must be made from the beaches. Commander-in-Chief, Nore,
at this stage provided additional reinforcements of minesweepers
and paddlers. During the night, Vice Admiral, Dover, was
informed of continuous bombing and machine gunning of troops in
the beach areas, and directed Senior Officers present on the
beach to use their discretion in ordering withdrawal of the
Naval forces, observing that a strong fighter protection should
be expected after dawn; this having been arranged after a
special visit by the Liaison Officer to Hawkinge to procure the
maximum effort.
11. Limiting factors were thought most likely to be
restrictions due to enemy action at Dunkirk and on the beaches,
and the difficulties of concentrating the ships and troops at
a common point or points. The general evacuation plan had been
conveyed to the G.O.C. by the S.N.O. on his way to Dunkirk, and
the Vice Admiral, Dover, hoped to receive in return some out-
line of the Military's operational plan upon which the rate of
evacuation in the various areas under the scheme must depend.
Subject to the development of beach evacuation and the
continuation of fine weather, it appeared to the Vice Admiral
that adequate shipping for his plans was either in, or on, its
way to the Dover area, except for a chronic shortage of beach-
ing boats.
nes
f the
Tuesday, 28th May
ch. their
ted
to/

Details

124
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 5.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
126
125
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
to S.N.O., Dunkirk by signal - timed 1555/28 - and provided
for the use of 3 Hospital Carriers, 7 personnel steamers and
2 destroyers at the East Pier, Dunkirk, while some 20
destroyers, 19 paddle and fleet sweepers, 17 drifters, 20 to
40 skoots, 5 coasters, 12 motor boats, 2 tugs, 28 pulling
cutters and life-boats were to be distributed between La
Panne and point 1½ miles East of Dunkirk, on the beaches; the
destroyers running continuous round trips.
It was estimated that the personnel vessels and hospital :o
carriers would be clear of the danger area by 0630. As
regards the beaching and other small craft which had not yet
reached the Dover Straits, arrangements were made with other
authorities to route all small craft, which had not already
been despatched, direct to the beaches East of Dunkirk,
provided they had charts, food, fuel, etc.
At this time some difficulty was experienced in having at
hand the large number of charts required for these additional
vessels.
17,
Owing to the suspension of daylight work by personne
vessels it was necessary to increase the number handled in
Dunkirk during the dark hours as the attempt to use the
surplus personnel vessels off the beaches by night seemed un-
likely to bear fruit. Accordingly, Dunkirk, was
asked whether personnel vessels could be berthed inside
Dunkirk harbour, the only information in Vice Admiral's
k.
possession having indicated that the East Pier of the harbour
entrance was the only suitable berth for such ships to which
British troops could have access. To increase the off-shore
forces, Commander-in-Chief, Nore, was asked to sail CALCUTTA
to be opposite La Panne at 2200 to embark troops using own
boats.
Orders were issued that all ships proceeding to Dunkirk
from Dover were to use the southern route Z provided that the
passage from No. 6 Calais Buoy to Dunkirk could be made in
darkness.
S
18.
At 1830 GRAFTON reported that several thousand
troops remained on beaches at Bray and that more were
arriving. At that time there were off Bray, one tow of
pulling boats, number uncertain, 2 power boats, at least
2 skoots, CALCUTTA, GALLANT, WAKEFUL, VERITY and GRAFTON,
using what survived of their own whalers and motor boats.
This force was reinforced by 2 minesweepers at 2115. Later
reports of concentrations of troops on the beaches were
received, particularly at La Panne and Bray. Craft approach-
ing the coast were directed accordingly. Naval Officer-in-
Charge, Ramsgate, was requested to maintain a continuous
evacuation service by skoots between Margate and Ramsgate and
the beach, and take over responsibility for servicing those
vessels. Meantime CALCUTTA, who was off La Panne, reported
that conditions for embarkation there were very bad owing to
heavy surf, but that they might improve with the rising tide.
Shortly after midnight CALCUTTA was informed that the
third corps of the B.E.F. and the Commander-in-Chief were all
now at La Panne. She was directed to make every endeavour to
concentrate all destroyers and light craft at that end of the
beach/

Details

127
129
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
29/-
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
midship end on the bottom. All the troops on board went
down with the ship; certain of the crew floated clear. After
about 1/2 hour motor drifters NAUTILLUS and COMFORT arrived and
started to pick up survivors, later joined by GOSSAMER.
Captain of the WAKEFUL was in the COMFORT. GRAFTON and LYDD
were close and Captain of WAKEFUL warned GRAFTON she was in
danger of being torpedoed, At that moment, 0250, GRAFTON was
torpedoed, COMFORT was lifted in the air, and Captain of
WAKEFUL washed overboard. COMFORT was going full speed and
as she came round in a circle LYDD and GRAFTON opened fire on
her, evidently thinking she was an enemy ship. It is
believed that COMFORT crew, except cne, and WAKEFUL survivors,
except 4, were killed. LYDD then bore down on COMFORT,
rammed and sank her.
Previously GRAFTON, who was proceeding to Dover with
troops, had observed a ship tropedoed, and Icwered her boats
to pick up survivors, subsequently ascertained by signal to
LYDD to be WAKEFUL. A small darkened vessel, thoughtto be
a drifter, was signalled and told to pick up survivors.
Within a few seconds of this, GRAFTON was torpedoed, The
bridge was also hit, either by a shell or grenade, and the
Captain killed instantly. LYDD then tried to come alongside
but after hitting starboard side sheered off, and appeared
to ram a vessel on port quarter. This was COMFORT. GRAFTON
opened fire under the impression LYDD had rammed the M.T.B.
Target was then shifted to another vessel further away on
port quarter, and vessel was observed to blow up with a bright
flash. This may well have been the enemy M.T.B.
29, During the forenoon JAGUAR, GALLANT and GRENADE
were dispatched via the new Middle Route X to test the
opposition by shore batteries prior to introducing this route
as an alternative to the long Northern route. GRENADE arrived
Dunkirk, reported no fire from shore batteries, but that she
had experienced heavy bombing. These three destroyers were
attacked by dive bombers when approaching Dunkirk at about
noon, and GALLANT was damaged. At least six attacks were
carried out, one enemy aircraft was brought down by gunfire
and others by fighters. An hour later MALCOLM reported
Dunkirk heavily bombed with a large number of aircraft and
during the afternoon this bombing extended up the coast to
ships off Bray. During the afternoon the Middle Route x was
brought into use for destroyers, but small ships were still
routed round the Northern route to Zuydecoote Pass. LOCUST
and MOSQUITO joined Dover Command and were despatched to work
on the beaches during the afternoon. Shortly after noon
enemy shore batteries near Nieuport began to bring Zuydecoote
Pass under spasmodic gunfire and the state was being reached
whereby the new Middle Route would become the only practicable
daylight approach to Dunkirk and the beaches. At noon,
CALCUTTA, who was able to get across to La Panne beach to
receive troops by small boats, embarked 1200 troops from the
minesweepers and then sailed for Sheerness the minesweepers
remaining to load up again. At 1606 the New Route X having
been fully swept, all ships were ordered by the Vice Admiral
to use Route X, exercising navigational caution, and those
from Dover were instructed to proceed by Route 2, the South
route

Details

150
1
148
CONFIDENTIAL.
9
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
2/6
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store
carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet
sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
ly
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful.'
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June,
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, waser
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunki
1
that/
inary/

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
161
159
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 40
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Inshore Flotillas and Naval Shore Parties (continued).
June 1st, noon. Dunkirk East Beach.
"Conditions other than state of the sea, which was
good, were shocking. The German planes were flying low and
using machine guns. Operation delayed as great difficulty
was experienced persuading some of the French to embark.
So far as I could understand their units were incomplete,
and they were unwilling that part of a unit should embark
without the rest. At one point on the beach there were
at least 2,000 men, none of whom would embark."
Monday, 3rd June. Dunkirk East Pier. 0045.
"There were no troops on the jetty so I went to the
inner end. There I found a French Colonel with about 3,000
men waiting to be told where to go. I had to stand at the
end telling them that their Colonel was in my ship before
they would follow."
ARTLETT
LA DORADO
RINGIA
STELLA
OLVES
OLVINA
ffice of
Flag Officer Commanding,
MIN
SILVER DAWN
Dover.
DRI
June, 1940.

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

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
APPENDIX. VI.
179
to
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
177
5
Enemy aircraft destroyed by ships' fire.
Ship.
Locality.
Time.
Polish T.B.D. BLYSKAWICA
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
0315/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
1130/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND
1140/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.P.M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
1500/27
North Goodwin.
HcM.Sc MONTROSE
Dawn/28
Near Kwinte Buoy.
M.T.B. 16
1500/28
Bray.
1530/28
H.M.S. SABRE and other ships
Dunkirk Harbour.
1630/29
H.M.S. BIDEFORD
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. EXPRESS
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
Bray.
1900/29
S.S. LEVENWOOD (Store ship}
Bray.
S.S. LEVENWOOD ( - do
1210/31
Bray.
1220/31
H.M. Skoot AMAZONE
Dunkirk Roads.
1440/31
H.M.S. HEBE
La Panne.
1700/31
af
H.M.S. SCIMITAR and other
ships
Bray.
1700/31
S.S. LADY OF MAN (Trassport) Dunkirk Roads.
1700/31
nd
H.M.Y. ARONIA
La Panne.
1830/31
H.M.S. WHITSHED
Dunkirk Roads.
1930/31
H.M.S. SALTASH
Bray.
2000/31
S.S. NEPHRITE (Store ship)
On Route X.
2030/31
H.M.Y. GRIVE
Dunkirk Roads.
2030/31
H.M.Y. ARONIA
Dunkirk Harbour.
0500/1
H.M.S. IVANHOE
La Panne.
0530/1
is
H.M.S. LYDD
Bray.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER
Dunkirk Harbour.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER and
other ships
Dunkirk Roads.
0610/1
H.M.Ships CODRINGTON,
3
HARVESTER and others
Off Gravelines.
0750/1
S
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
La Panne.
0900/1
H.M.S. MALLARD
On Route X.
1015/1
H.M.S. CALCUTTA
Between W and Y Buoys.
1020/1
H.M.P. M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
West of Dunkirk.
1600/1
H.M.Y. ALOUETTE
Off Gravelines.
1700/1
H.M.Y. CRISTOBEL II and
other ships
La Panne.
1730/1.
H.M.S. WORCESTER
Dunkirk Roads.
2000/1
TOTAL: 35 enemy aircraft definitely destroyed by ships'
gun fire between 0300/27 and 2000/1.
ery
In addition over the same period 21 others were heavily
damaged by ships' fire (and seen in distress but
NOT seen to crash definitely) of H.M. Ships HARVESTI
IVANHOE, VIVACIOUS, WINCHELSEA, WOLFHOUND, SABRE,
LOCUST, FITZROY, LYDD, MALLARD, MOSQUITO, WOLSEY,
EXPRESS, JAGUAR, GLEN AVON, ORIOLE, H.N.Y. ARONIA,
as
Storeship NEPHRITE and French M.T.B.24.
)p]
Note: On 30th May flying conditions were bad and few
enemy aircraft operated. After the 1st June
operations proceeded only between dusk and day.
i

Details

Dynams 46.
N°.4.
253
H.M.S. "LYNX".
251
31st May, 1940.
The Commander M/S,
Dover.
ze NAUTILUS
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report:-
71
At 1700 on Tuesday 28th May H.M.T. "Nautilus" and "Comfort"
left Dover under my directions en route for La Panne.
At 0030 the 29th May in vicinity of Kwinte Bank Buoy we
heard cries for help and "Nautilus" picked up six survivors from
Destroyer "Wakeful" which had been torpedoed. "Comfort" picked up
sixteen, including her Captain.
I instructed "Comfort" to return to Dover and land survivors.
Was unable to transfer any of the survivors to "Comfort" owing to
weather conditions.
"Nautilus" proceeded to La Panne arriving there at 0540.
Closed "Calcutta" and transferred "Wakeful's" survivors to
her.
29/5
"Nautilus" then proceeded closer in shore and started
ferrying soldiers to the H.19 and when she left at noon we ferried
them to H.05 ("Greyhound").
Panne
At 1630 with 150 B.E.F. on board German bombers came along
and in the endeavour to hit "Sandown" and "Greyhound" straddled the
"Nautilus". Although not actually hit the engines and steering
gear of "Nautilus" were put completely out of action and the vessel
began making water rapidly.
"Nautilus" managed to get alongside Destroyer "Greyhound"
and embark troops. In the middle of this the "Greyhound" was
damaged by a bomb and her Captain decided to weigh anchor and proceed
towards Dover.
Decided on consulting Skipper of "Nautilus" and Captain
of "Greyhound" to abandon "Nautilus".
The Skipper poured petrol on C.B's and set them on fire.
He then set his bunk on fire pouring more petrol on same endeavouring
to set "Nautilus" completely on fire, as being a very stoutly built
wooden ship she would not sink.
About ten soldiers were wounded by bombs falling around
"Nautilus" but none fatally. None of the crew were injured.
Two of "Nautilus" crew were left behind as crew of a
large ship's lifeboat which was working in conjunction with a flat
bottomed motor punt.
The "Nautilus" transferred between 700 and 800 B.E.F. to
the two destroyers.
The crew of the "Nautilus" were grand, in particular the us
Skipper, 2nd engineer, and the cook.
(Continued over).

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 3.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Monday, 27th May (continucd).
2 Military Officers from G.H.Q., which suggested that the
situation of the B.E.F. was procarious and it was possible that
the enomy might succced in cutting off this force from Dunkirk.
This report appeared to confirm the results of air rcconnaiss-
ance, which indicated that German armoured units were operating
to the south of Dunkirk. Sinco it appeared that ovacuation
might well be strictly limited, both in regard to numbers and
time available for the operation, it was a cided to concentrate
every effort in sending 'over as many craft as possible to the
beaches without delay. Had the situation appeared to be less
critical, an organised flow of large and small craft working in
reliefs would have been arranged.
9.
On receipt of these signals from S.N.O., Dunkirk, all
available forces were diverted to the beaches, the Personnel
Ships to the beach, code letters A.B.C. and D., the destroyers
on patrol being diverted to La Panne. Destroyers that were
working off Dunkirk were ordered to divert the Personnel Ships
going into Dunkirk to lay off the beaches and the smaller craft
such as drifters and motor boats were ordered to be used for
ferrying troops from the beach to the larger ships. Two
important strings of boats being towed by a tug were lost in
the night through the tows being run down and cut in half, the
boats being scattered.
10. As a result of the above action there were assembling
off the beaches 2 transports, 9 destroyers, 4 minesweepers,
CALCUTTA, 17 drifters and a few skoots, and all the ships were
ordered to use their own boats for ferrying as none of the
inshore flotilla had arrived. From signals received it
appeared that the situation was desperate, that little could be
lifted direct from the Port of Dunkirk, and that the maximum
effort must be made from the beaches. Commander-in-Chief, Nore,
at this stage provided additional reinforcements of minesweepers
and paddlers. During the night, Vice Admiral, Dover, was
informed of continuous bombing and machine gunning of troops in
the beach areas, and directed Senior Officers present on the
beach to use their discretion in ordering withdrawal of the
Naval forces, observing that a strong fighter protection should
be expected after dawn; this having been arranged after a
special visit by the Liaison Officer to Hawkinge to procure the
naximum effort.
11.
Limiting factors were thought most likely to be
restrictions due to enemy action at Dunkirk and on the beaches,
and the difficulties of concentrating the ships and troops at
a common point or points. The general evacuation plan had been
conveyed to the G.O.C. by the S.N.O. on his way to Dunkirk, and
the Vice Admiral, Dover, hoped to receive in return some out-
ine of the Military's operational plan upon which the rate of
vacuation in the various areas under the scheme must depend.
Subject to the development of beach evacuation and the
ontinuation of fine weather, it appeared to the Vice Admiral
hat adequate shipping for his plans was either in, or on, its
ay to the Dover area, except for a chronic shortage of beach-
ng boats.
Tuesday, 28th May

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 5.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
to S.N.O., Dunkirk by signal - timed 1555/28 - and provided
for the use of 3 Hospital Carriers, 7 personnel steamers and
2 destroyers at the East Pier, Dunkirk, while some 20
destroyers, 19 paddle and fleet sweepers, 17 drifters, 20 to
40 skoots, 5 coasters, 12 motor boats, 2 tugs, 28 pulling
cutters and life-boats were to be distributed between La
Panne and point 1½ miles East of Dunkirk, on the beaches; the
destroyers running continuous round trips.
It was estimated that the personnel vessels and hospital
carriers would be clear of the danger area by 0630. As
regards the beaching and other small craft which had not yet
reached the Dover Straits, arrangements were made with other
authorities to route all small craft, which had not already
been despatched, direct to the beaches East of Dunkirk,
provided they had charts, food, fuel, etc.
At this time some difficulty was experienced in having at
hand the large number of charts required for these additional
vessels.
17, Owing to the suspension of daylight work by personnel
vessels it was necessary to increase the number handled in
Dunkirk during the dark hours as the attempt to use the
surplus personnel vessels off the beaches by night seemed un-
likely to bear fruit. Accordingly, S.N.O., Dunkirk, was
asked whether personnel vessels could be berthed inside
Dunkirk harbour, the only information in Vice Admiral's
possession having indicated that the East Pier of the harbour
entrance was the only suitable berth for such ships to which
British troops could have access. To increase the off-shore
forces, Commander-in-Chief, Nore, was asked to sail CALCUTTA
to be opposite La Panne at 2200 to embark troops using own
boats.
Orders were issued that all ships proceeding to Dunkirk
from Dover were to use the southern route Z provided that the
passage from No. 6 Calais Buoy to Dunkirk could be made in
darkness.
18. At 1830 GRAFTON reported that several thousand
troops remained on beaches at Bray and that more were
arriving. At that time there were off Bray, one tow of
pulling boats, number uncertain, 2 power boats, at least
2 skoots, CALCUTTA, GALLANT, WAKEFUL, VERITY and GRAFTON,
using what survived of their own whalers and motor boats.
This force was reinforced by 2 minesweepers at 2115. Later
reports of concentrations of troops on the beaches were
received, particularly at La Panne and Bray. Craft approach-
ing the coast were directed accordingly. Naval Officer-in-
Charge, Ramsgate, was requested to maintain a continuous
evacuation service by skoots between Margate and Ramsgate and
the beach, and take over responsibility for servicing those
vessels. Meantime CALCUTTA, who was off La Panne, reported
that conditions for embarkation there were very bad owing to
heavy surf, but that they might improve with the rising tide.
Shortly after midnight CALCUTTA was informed that the
third corps of the B.E.F. and the Commander-in-Chief were all
now at La Panne. She was directed to make every endeavour to
concentrate all destroyers and light craft at that end of the
beach/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events,
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
midship end on the bottom. All the troops on board went
down with the ship; certain of the crew floated clear. After
about 1/2 hour motor drifters NAUTILLUS and COMFORT arrived and
started to pick up survivors, later joined by GOSSAMER.
Captain of the WAKEFUL was in the COMFORT. GRAFTON and LYDD
were close and Captain of WAKEFUL warned GRAFTON she was in
danger of being torpedoed. At that moment, 0250, GRAFTON was
torpedoed, COMFORT was lifted in the air, and Captain of
WAKEFUL washed overboard. COMFORT was going full speed and
as she came round in a circle LYDD and GRAFTON opened fire on
her, evidently thinking she was an enemy ship. It is
believed that COMFORT crew, except one, and WAKEFUL survivors,
except 4, were killed. LYDD then bore down on COMFORT,
rammed and sank her.
Previously GRAFTON, who was proceeding to Dover with
troops, had observed a ship tropedoed, and Iovered her boats
to pick up survivors, subsequently ascertained by signal to
LYDD to be WAKEFUL. A small darkened vessel, thought be
a drifter, was signalled and told to pick up survivors.
Within a few seconds of this, GRAFTON was torpedoed, The
bridge was also hit, either by a shell or grenade, and the
Captain killed instantly. LYDD then tried to come alongside
but after hitting starboard side sheered off, and appeared
to ram a vessel on port quarter. This was COMFORT. GRAFTON
opened fire under the impression LYDD had rammed the M.T.B.
Target was then shifted to another vessel further away on
port quarter, and vessel was observed to blow up with a bright
flash. This may well have been the enemy M.T.B.
29. During the forenoon JAGUAR, GALLANT and GRENADE
were dispatched via the new Middle Route X to test the
opposition by shore batteries prior to introducing this route
as an alternative to the long Northern route. GRENADE arrived
Dunkirk, reported no fire from shore batteries, but that she
had experienced heavy bombing. These three destroyers were
attacked by dive bombers when approaching Dunkirk at about
noon, and GALLANT was damaged. At least six attacks were
carried out, one enemy aircraft was brought down by gunfire
and others by fighters. An hour later MALCOLM reported
Dunkirk heavily bombed with a large number of aircraft and
during the afternoon this bombing extended up the coast to
ships off Bray. During the afternoon the Middle Route X was
brought into use for destroyers, but small ships were still
routed round the Northern route to Zuydecoote Pass. LOCUST
and MOSQUITO joined Dover Command and were despatched to work
on the beaches during the afternoon. Shortly after noon
enemy shore batteries near Nieuport began to bring Zuydecoote
Pass under spasmodic gunfire and the state was being reached
whereby the new Middle Route would become the only practicable
daylight approach to Dunkirk and the beaches. At noon,
CALCUTTA, who was able to get across to La Panne beach to
receive troops by small boats, embarked 1200 troops from the
minesweepers and then sailed for Sheerness, the minesweepers
remaining to load up again. At 1606 the New Route X having
been fully swept, all ships were ordered by the Vice Admiral
to use Route X, exercising navigational caution, and those
from Dover were instructed to proceed by Route Z, the South
route/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store
carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet
sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk
that/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store
carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet
sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A.Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk
that/

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

Details

Page 12,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
MISCELLANEOUS
CALCUTTA (A.A. Vessel).
Commanding Officer.
Captain Dennis Marescaux Lees, R.N.
LORMONT.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Walter Stuart Smithies, R.N.
Officers.
Sub.Lieutenant Alexander Frederick Sidney Davidson, R.N.R.
Ratings.
Marine A. Hobberjam.
Marine, H. Ambrose.
H.M.S. EXCELLENT's A.A. Motor Boat
Commanding Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant Alastair William Maxwell Matthew, R.N.
Thames L.D.F. GOLDEN EAGLE.
Officer.
Lieutenant James Colin Newman, M.B.E., R.N.V.R.
Rating.
Chief Petty Officer James S. Seaman, C/J.3192.
Thames L.D.F. ROYAL EAGLE.
Officers.
Lieutenant Arnold Herbert Dunkerley, R.N.R.
Lieutenant (E) Rodney L. Helyer, R.N.R.
A.A. Kite Party.
Commanding Officer.
Commander John Scott Dove, R.N.
Officers.
Sub.Lieutenant John Lawrence Field, R.N.V.R.
Sub.Lieutenant Richard Graham Addis, R.N.V.R.
Motor/

Details

17.
'Dell
Leonard Travers,
Able Seaman a D/JX.133219, H.MS. Glengowe
Able Seaman James Wallis, C/SSX.27313, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Edwin George Webster, C/JX.142167, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Able Seaman George John Woodger, C/J.45802, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Frederick William Jacobs, C/J.100758, R.F.R., B.23901,
H.M.S. Malcolm.
Able Seaman James Kidd, R.F.R., D/SSX.13321, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J.93546, R.F.R., B.21781, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Seaman George Tilbury, c/ss.7850, R.F.R., B.17336, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Peaman Richard Philip Smith, R.N.V.R., БЕЗДХХЗЛАЙ MD/X.1950,
H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman Harold Oscar Carter, C/SSX.17317, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Charles Raymond Craig, D/JX.141848, H.M.S. Bideford.
Signalman Harry Guy, C/JX.150713, H.M.S. Calcutta.
Signalman Eric Ernest Roden, C/J.103654, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Stanley Thompson, C/JX.133505, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Signalman Leslie David Ball, R.M.V.R.? LD5/X.3548, H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman James Stanley Duffy, R.N.N.R.A,C/TDX.1412,
Signalman Ronald Henry Walters, R.N.V.R., C/LDX.4178.
queen of Thanet.
Signalman John Albert Williamson, R.NV.R., LD/X.4036, H.M.S. Glenaven
Stoker First Class Jack Chadwick, D/KX.81834, HLM.S. Jaguar.
Stoker First Class Samuel Comben, P/K.62179, H.M.S. Vimy.
Stoker First Class Charles Irvine, C/KX.86537, H.M.S. Sabre.
Stoker First Class William Reginald Gordon Jones, C/KX.92890, H.M.S.
Wolsey.
Stoker First Class Percy William Spray, P/KX.87052, Newhaven Rosa Life Boa
Sick Berth Attendant Eric James Littlewood Gibson, D/MX.56025, Ivanhoe. H.M.S.
Sick Berth Attendant (R) Alfred Bassford, c/x.8080, R.N.A.S.B.R.
Sick Berth Attendant Albert William Keller, R.N.A.S.B.R., D/X.6785,
H.M.S. Havant.
Sick Berth Attendant James Timothy Tomlinson, R.N.A.S.B.R.? P/X.6941.
H.M.S. Vivacious.
Sick Berth Attendant Edward Welch, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/SBR/X.7341, H.M.S. Esk.
Sick Berth Attendant John Yeoman, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/X.7093, H.M.S. Express.
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry, D/JX.158456, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Ordinary Seaman Arthur Thomas Burton, P/JX.182142, H.M.S. Portsdown.
Ordinary Seaman Dominic Kenny, D/SSX.30221, H.M.S. Shikari.
Shaw
Ordinary Seaman William Lyons, D/SSX.30211, H.M.S. Shikari. are
Brigana aire

Details

Page 72
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. CALCUTTA on Captain Dennis Marescaux Leas. R.N.
Page 71
peration "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
BIDEFORD (Continued).
Displayed great personal courage in his decision
to remain on board.
Recommended for decoration,
Stoker Petty Officer Charles William Donnelly. D/K.5995.
n
N.
Acting Cook Albert Victor Hocking, 58549.
When the ship was bombed everyone aft was killed
or badly wounded except these two men. Stoker Petty
Officer Donnelly's duty was "in charge of the after
fire and repair party". Hocking formed one of the
First Aid Party. The fire main aft was blown away
and fire broke out in the cabin flat immediately
above the after magazine. These two men, working
entirely on their own initiative, ran hoses aft from
the first connection and succeeded in getting the
fire under control and hoses down the after magazine
hatch to flood the magazine (the magazine flooding
arrangements were destroyed) and partly flooded it
before assistance came. Their prompt and efficient
action probably saved the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Signalman Charles Raymond Craig, D/JX. 141848.
Landed with an officer to organise embarkation
on the beach, then joined one of the embarkation
posts, took charge of the signalling apparatus and
tring
tered
got into communication with several ships. When
vors
the station was destroyed by bombing, Craig improvised
a signal lamp out of the headlight of a lorry and
vas
used this until the battery ran down. He remained
hom
ashore all night and was eventually sent back by the
M
embarkation officer. On arrival at Dover he
volunteered to go over to Dunkirk pier, where
signalmen were required, and spent another night there.
Recommended for mention.
ed
44
uplo

Details

Page 72
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. CALCUTTA - Captain Dennis Marescaux Leas, R.N.
beach troops.
On evacuating 28th and 29th May this ship was off La Panne
Recommendations.
OFFICER
Mr. Frederick James March, Gunner, R.N.
2
CALCUTTA'S boats and untiring example and in
Showed initiative and resource in charge of
n
k
working end. up to his waist in heavy surf for hours energy on
N.
M
M
Recommended for mention.
RATING
Signalman Harry Guy, C/JX. 150713.
Displayed untiring energy and devotion to duty
in holding the whaler's bows to a heavy surf for
many hours on end and whilst being continuously
drenched with water up to the shoulders.
M
Recommended for mention.
tring
tere
vors
vas
hom
ed
44
uplo

Details

Page 12.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
MISCELLANEOUS,
CALCUTTA (A.As Vessel).
Commanding Officer.
Captain Dennis Marescaux Lees, R.N.
LORMONT.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Walter Stuart Smithies, R.N.
Officers.
Sub.Lieutenant Alexander Frederick Sidney Davidson, R.N.R.
Ratings.
Marine A. Hobberjam.
Marine, H. Ambrose.
H.M.S. EXCELLENT's A.As Motor Boat
Commanding Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant Alastair William Maxwell Matthew, R.N.
Thames L.D.F. GOLDEN EAGLE.
Officer.
Lieutenant James Colin Newman, M.B.E., R.N.V.R.
Rating.
Chief Petty Officer James S. Seaman, C/J.3192.
Thames L.D.F. ROYAL EAGLE.
Officers.
Lieutenant Arnold Herbert Dunkerley, R.N.R.
Lieutenant (E) Rodney L. Helyer, R.N.R.
A.A. Kite Party.
Commanding Officer.
Commander John Scott Dove, R.N.
Officers.
Sub. Lieutenant John Lawrence Field, R.N.V.R.
Sub.Lieutenant Richard Graham Addis, R.N.V.R.
Motor/

Details

PAOP 71,
Page 72
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. CALCUTTA BM Captain Dennis Marescaux Lees, R.N.
On 28th and 29th May this ship was off La Panne
beach evacuating troops.
Recommendations.
OFFICER
Mr. Frederick James March, Gunner, R.N.
Showed initiative and resource in charge of
CALCUTTA'S boats and untiring example and energy in
working up to his waist in heavy surf for hours on
m
end.
Recommended for mention.
RATING.
Signalman Harry Guy. C/JX. 150713.
Displayed untiring energy and devotion to duty
M
in holding the whaler's bows to a heavy surf for
many hours on end and whilst being continuously
drenched with water up to the shoulders.
Recommended for mention.
some 280 Allied troops under bombardment from the
air and sporadic artillery fire.
Stoker Beer was also a Lewis gunner of the ship
and damaged one enemy aircraft. These ratings
displayed the greatest keenness, cheerfulness and
devotion to duty.
Recommend Stoker Beer to be decoratesssratesrati
and the remainder mentioned.

Details

Summary of Reports concerning the Evacuation of Trooss.
from the Dunkirk Area - May 27th - June 4th, 1940.
4
6.
ODD SHIPS.
rage
BIDEFORD
CALCUTTA.
9
H.M.S. DOLPHIN'S POWER BOAT.
13
16
DORIEN ROSE.
35
DWARF
40
LORMONT
16
MASSEY SHAW
NS4
-
MONA'S ISLE.
NEW PRINCE OF WALES.
63
66
PORTSDOWN.
-
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR.
70
SIROCCO.
73
WHIPPINGHAM.
75
a
EX LIGHTER X.209.
PORTSMOUTH BARGES TAKING PART. 88

Details

SECRET
Dynam 130.
I
12
Subject ** Report on Operations in connection with the
evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area.
From
** The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutta".
Date
** 6th June 1940.
No. 061/28
To
** The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
The Plag Officer, 20th Cruiser Squadren
The following report on the minor part played
by H.M.S. "Caloutta" in the evacuation of the 3.2.7. from
the Dunkirk area is submitted.
2.
In view of the vast number of reports which you
will receive, It has been made as orief as possible in the
form of & chronological time table of events with covering
remarks at the and.
Monday 27th May
2310
Sailed from Trinity Bay, The Downs for La Panne.
Tuesday 28th May
0115
Loud explosion about 5 cables on starboard bean
probably from torpedo fired by etherty submarine
or N.T.B.
0125
Torpedo track crossing from part to starboard
missed ship about 100 yards astern.
0135
N.T.B. heard and vaguely sighted bearing Green 60°.
Ship manosuvred under large haim, No subsequent
torpedo tracks or explosions seen or heard.
0248
Anchored in position 005 La Panne, air light, 310
Motor Cutter and both whalers sent in to beach
to commence evacuation into paddle about
mine sweepers "Sandown" and *Gracio Fields" who
were much closer inshore. "Grafton" "Greyhound"
and "Impulsive" also avacuating from this beach.
0500
Opened fire on one Heinkel.
0523
Opened fire on one J U 39,
0615
Impulsive ordered to proceed to Dunistrk and go
alongside East pier.
0621
Opened fire on 3 Heikals,
0625
Evacuation of beach completed. "Grafton" and
"Grayhound" proceeded. Padale Minesweepers
"Sandown" and "Gracia Halds* ordered alongside
to disembark their 700 troops into "Calcutis".
0641
Opened fire on 1 Heinkel.
0715
Weighed and proceeded to Shearness,
1315
Arrived Shearness, disembarked 700 troops and
completed with all fual and provisions.
1710
Slipped from buoy and proceeded to La Panne.
2157
Ancijored in position 0145° La Panne Air Light 2ª
Boats sent in to the same beach as had been used
previously. Heavy surf running and conditions
for embarking troops extremely difficult. Only
one Schoot to assist in embarkation of about 70
wounded,
Wednesday 29th May

Details

SECRET
Dynam. 130.
B14/0/1179
9
-
12
Subject .. Report on Operations in connection with the
evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area.
From
.. The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutta".
Date
** 6th June 1940.
No. 061/28
To
.. The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
The Flag Officer, 20th Cruiser Squadron
The following report on the minor part played
by H.M.S. "Calcutta" in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from
the Dunkirk area is submitted.
2.
In view of the vast number of reports which you
will receive, it has been made as brief as possible in the
form of a chronological time table of events with covering
remarks at the end.
Monday 27th May
23L0
Sailed from Trinity Bay, The Downs for La Panne.
Tuesday 28th May
0115
Loud explosion about 5 cables on starboard beam
probably from torpedo fired by ehemy submarine
or M.T.B.
0125
Torpedo track crossing from port to starboard
missed ship about 100 yards astern.
0135
M.T.B. heard and vaguely sighted bearing Green 60°.
Ship manoeuvred under large helm. No subsequent
torpedo tracks or explosions seen or heard.
0248
Anchored in position 005° La Panne, air light, 310
Motor Cutter and both whalers sent in to beach
to commence evacuation into paddle aboumer's
mine sweepers "Sandown" and "Gracie Fields" who
were much closer inshore. "Grafton, "Greyhound"
and "Impulsive" also evacuating from. this beach.
0500
Opened fire on one Heinkel.
0523
Opened fire on one J U 88.
0615
Impulsive ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and go
alongside East pier.
0621
Opened fire on 3 Heikels.
0625
Evacuation of beach completed. "Grafton" and
"Greyhound" proceeded. Paddle Minesweepers
"Sandown" and "Gracie Fields" ordered alongside
to disembark their 700 troops into "Calcutta".
0641
Opened fire on 1 Heinkel.
0715
Weighed and proceeded to Sheerness.
1215
Arrived Sheerness, disembarked 700 troops and
completed with oil fuel and provisions.
1710
2157
Anchored in position 01410 La Panne Air Light 2'.6
Slipped from buoy and proceeded to La Panne.
Boats sent in to the same beach as had been used
previously. Heavy surf running and conditions
for embarking troops extremely difficult. Only
one Schoot to assist in embarkation of about 70
wounded.
Wednesday 29th May

Details

10
SECRET
13
2.
Report on operations in connection with the evacuation of
the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area. (Continued).
Wednesday 29th May.
0300
All wounded that could be moved evacuated into
Schoot or ships boats all of which returned to
"Calcutta".
Schoot, with a certain number of wounded, sent back
to England as she was nearly unmanageable with her
steering gear in a precarious state.
0345
Boats sent in again to collect more troops as they
arrived and if possible to connect with Lord Gort
in view of your message 0127/29th May.
Officer in charge of "Calcutta's" boats, Mr F.J. March
Gunner, made personal contact with Lord Gort about
8 miles inland, and placed "Calcutta" at his
disposal for his or his staff's evacuation. Lord
Gort courteously refused to be evacuated at this
0430
One stage, of "Calcutta's If whalers lost.
0520
Opened fire on one Dornier.
0710
"Calcutta's" boats returned with more troops and sent
in again to La Panne with relief crews.
0735
"Sutton" alongside to disembark her troops into
"Calcutta" and return close inshore opposite La
0810
Panne. "Salamander alongside and as for "Sutton" above,
1210
Party of tugs and drifters towing own boats sighted,
proceeding homewards full of troops. All ordered
alongside "Calcutta" to disembarktheir troops and
return to La Panne for more.
1227
"Java" towing launch alongside.
1228
"Golden Sunbeam" towing launch alongside.
1230
"Lord Rodney" alongside.
1237
"Lord Keith" towing launch alongaide.
1247
"Lord St Vincent" alongside.
1250
"Lord Collingwood" alongside.
1335
Captain (D) 1st D/F, who was senior officer at La
Panne at this time, informed that tugs and drifters
were being sent in to load up again.
1350
"Calcutta's" boats returned to ship.
1357
1900
Weighed. Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 1000 troops and
completed with oil fuel and ammunition.
Friday 31st May.
1940
Slipped from buoy at Sheerness.
2130
Anchored off East Margate buoy with "Mallard" and
"Sheerwater" in company.
Saturday 1st June.
0315
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "Shearwater"
0500
Commenced patrolling on X route between and Y
buoys.
0938
Ordered to return to Sheerness.
1015
Opened fire on one Heinkel who had attacked and
damaged "Mosquito". Heinkel shot down.
1018
Opened fire on two more Heinkels diving from
broken clouds.
1024
Detached "Shearwater" to stand by "Mosquito".
1312

Details

SECRET
14
3.
Report on operations in connection with the evacuation of
the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area. (Continued)
1312
Anchored off Nore Light Vessel.
2015
Weighed.
2140
Anchored off East Margate Buoy, "Mallard" and
"Sheerwater" in company.
Sunday 2nd June 1940.
0245
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "Sheerwater".
0430
Commenced patrolling in vicinity of.W buoy.
French destroyers "Epervier" and "Leopard" at U and
V buoys respectively.
0710
Last homeward bound ship passed W buoy.
1035
Attacked by 3 J U 88 diving from out of the sun .
4 bombs very close on port beam.
4 bombles very close on port bow.
4 bombs missed well ahead.
French destroyers left patrol.
1050
Attacked by 1 Heinkel dive bombing. 4 bombs missed
well out on starboard beam.
1140
Attacked by 1 Heinkel with machine gun from 4,000 ft.
1155
Attacked by 1 J U 88 who would not come through
"Calcutta's" barrage and dropped 4 bombs well astern.
1350
Orders received to return to Sheerness.
1459
"Mallard" detached to stand by Hospital Ship
"Worthing" who had been bombed and damaged.
1644
Anchored off Nore Light vessel to make good condenser
trouble and slight damage from near misses.
Monday 3rd June
0510
0550
Weighed. Secured to buoy at Sheerness. Discovered further
condenser trouble and serious cloud in all reserve
feed tanks.
All defects made good by 1400 on Tuesday 4th June.
3. During the period at La Panne, "Calcutta" had to lie
too far from the beach to be of any use for direct embarkation
of troops so the principle adopted was to order any small
ships alongside when they were full, disembark their troops
into "Calcutta" and return close inshore for another load.
4.
In the two salvoes each of 4 bombs which fell
very close to "Calcutta" on Sunday 2nd June it appeared
that one bomb in each salvo had at delay action and burst
some way under the water whereas the other three burst on
impact.
5. The conduct and behaviour of my ship's company
and of the military forces evacuated has been exemplary
throughout.
VIOE ADMIRA
D.M.dees D.rr.
10JUN 1940
*
POVER
CAPTAIN

Details

Dynamo
16
CONFIDENTIAL
Dynams 110t.
12
13
Blu/e/
15"
Subject Recommendations for an award or decoration
in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F.
from the Dunkirk area.
From
The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutta",
Date
6th June 1940.
No. 062/28
To
The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
DO
The Flag Officer, 20th Cruiser
Squadron.)
ble
d
It is desired to recommend the following for
consideration for a decoration or award in connection
with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area:-
Mr. Frederick James March, Gunner, Roayl Navy.
For his initiative and resource in charge of
trol
"Calcutta's" boats and for his untiring example and energy
tty,
in working up to his waist in heavy surf for hours on end.
S
Signalman Harry Guy O.N. C/JX 150713
n's
For his untiring energy and devotion to duty
in holding the whaler's bows to a heavy surf for hours
on end and whilst being continuously drenched with water
rts
up to the shoulders.
e
VICE ADMIRAL
D.M. Lees D.M.
:-
10JUN 1940
*
DOVER
CAP P P A I N
Cash to the value of 1,000 Francs was extracted from the Deed
DX at the D.S.T.O's Office, which was subsequently handed to the
scretary to the P.S.T.O. at Dover, whose receipt is attached.
T.S.S. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
During the early hours of
the May, I was angaged in embarking troops from the beach at the
astern side of the Harbour entrance in this vessel's five lifeboats.
200 men were brought alongside in this manner and others were
aken to other craft In the vicinity.
During these
perations one boat was lost.

Details

69
63
2.
At 0400 there once another lull and early drawn. The harbour seemed
deserted, as indeed it was, save for the aredinge. Only a for seemed visible
on the bench and we couldn't reach them. Howevers would not float. I
decided to loove. The decision was a difficult one; but 11 proved to be
provident.
One mile Test of Dunkarque a Inrge Frunch vousel was hard
aground with approximately 1000 troops on board. the Captain shouted for
help; his draft ms 10 feet and nine 8 foot. to went alongside and in
half an hour had all their troops transferred. I then shoved him off the
bank. Never have I seen a mn's face look so pleased or express such
gratitule. He exclained in broken English words to the effect of what a
"aitter" be would have been for a Hord dive benber!
The next craft sighted was the motor boat that had proviously attempted
to take our mits. He had about 25 British troops about and asked us to
take them. This 170 did, and offered his a tow, which he refused.
Shortly after hauling to the Part a Dornier "Flying Penoil" aircled
Coast of as France. trug Bron gunnars came up at the double to the bridge when
round hended if to dive - started to divo, and then turned and flow off townrds the
us at a hoight of 7,000 25. to flow along with the ship, turned and
asked, 68 which ho had shot off the day previous truly a specialist had been at his
one Scotchmen proudly displayed & piece of a tail balonging to a
Junkors jobt The John about the ship ma whether the "hang" Halls Gun
responsible for miding the Dornier change his mind?
The the ocean. to stopped and took about Commonder Mouston,
next craft encountered uns & motor driven portoon boat R.N. sheering
all over 1st Licut. Community Balley together with their party of highly ratings,
mignation I informed him that - were not depaused or wiped" vom out.
about 12 in the purport of this resert as not sink into 17 either. fudiled
and his all to ordered his craft to be aboutoned as It constatt was
brain until "Last stress - never have I seen to um look 30 tall.
Community (my 1st Idoutenant), for a well earned rest. Smiar an upholding great
your days "harmed in" in fl cabin, and his lat (doutant a
This was the continuous duty under heavy ga fire had taken its in III. Caplat's the
tradition.
To processed us and gave = a 3. for one of the buys as if but on arrival
oranged to be valconed shartly to H.B.S. "Calcutta", compans seened who
signalled to be reading. to : attributed the full to a part pallle,
found this to be in good order.
Resignts, where 10 discharged our minable $1 cargo. again. End 10 been
"dagaussed" Finally, or "wiped" the "Portadown" would have done
In conclusion, I finil I have anitied in the to early mention stages Londing and relieved Seamen 0. P.O. F.
Grimmde, who aid valuable also boat celtinary wark Saman As % Burton, who, future on his tank first
Daway trip to on sea, the And proved londs himself to be a proming young un for any
he my be allocated.
tribute to the ship, and the - the who 3,3,F. built her - she did not
let the Finally Havy down, a our Allies the French, or
(Sgl) RICHARD H. CHIRCH
Sub. Moutenent, R.N.R.
Coptain, H.M.S. "FORENDOWN".
Damage sustained:
over starboard paddle cruched, and starboard able 11ght screen broken.
Platibre One Two 15 fluke that of boats anchor lost broken during off emburication. dragging in Dunkerque Bonds.

Details

Dynams 247
49
- 59
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE
June 5th,1940
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report in
accordance with your memorandum No.B14/0/1101/40 of 4th
June 1940.
H.M.S.Impulsive arrived at Dover
from Immingham at 0840 on May 27th 1940, and sailed at 1140
with H.M.Ships Skipjack and Halcyon and Trinity House Vessel
Patricia to establish and buoy the searched channel from the
North Goodwin Light Vessel to Dunkirk, afterwards known as
Route I. This operation was completed by 1919 and Impulsive
anchored in the Downs at 2200.
2.
At 2228 on May 27th orders were
received by signal to proceed with all despatch to the beaches
east of Dunkirk and enbark troops. Inpulsive weighed and
proceeding by route Y arrived off La Panne at 0345 on May 28th
and anchored as close inshore as possible. Both power boats
being broken down the two whalers were sent inshore to enbark
troops. These boats were employed ferrying troops from the
beach to large motor boats which were lying further off the
shore.
3.
At 0520 Impulsive was ordered by
Calcutta, anchored off La Panne, to proceed to Dunkirk and go
alongside the Eastern Pier to embark troops. Ship secured
alongside the outer end of the pier at 0620 and after
embarking approximately 750 troops sailed for Dover. Route Y
was used and after an uneventful passage ship arrived at Dover
at 1110. Troops were disembarked and, when several ratings
who had missed the ship at Imminghen, had rejoined ship,
sailed for Dunkirk at 1235 using route Y.
4.
It was during this passage, off
Kwinte Bank buoy, that the ship was attacked and heavily
bombed by six Heinkels. By proceeding at full speed and
making frequent and violent alterations of course, the bombs,
which could be seen falling, were successfully avoided and no
hits were scored. Aircraft were bombing from approximately
1000 feet. On completion of the bombing three aircraft
remained behind and attacked with machine guns. A northerly
course was steered during these attacks in order to avoid the
narrow channels, and it was during these attacks that the ship
was damaged and the casualties occurred --- 6 ratings being
wounded, 2 seriously. B gun was put out of action by an
armour pieroing bullet which penetrated the gun shield, wounded
the trainer and lodged in the air pipe to the run out cylinder,
causing the gun to remain in the recoil position. The D/G
goil was punctured by bullots and caught fire: this was quickly
extinguished. On the first attack developing 1 cleared the
bridge of lookouts and signalmen remaining up there by myself.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
--177
174
II
Both ships arrived off this beach at 0100 and
sent boats inshore, the ships being manceurered closer
in as the tide rose.
By 0615 the beaches had been cleared and
"Grafton", "Grayhound", "Calcutta" and three paddle
steamers sailed. (Number of soldiers approximately 100)
Whilst returning to Dover "Greyhound" was
detached to escort S.S. Dorrien Rose who had on board
survivors of "Queen of the Channel ;ultimately berthing
at Admiralty Pier at 1230 28th.May. After discharging
troops Greghound proceeded to Dunkirk and went alongside
the pier as soon as a billet was vacant.It was found
difficult to count the troops as they came aboard and
the numbers appeared to be regulated from forther down
the pier where detachments were assembled and detailed.
"Greyhound" embarked 681 and sailed, arriving alongside
Admiralty pier at 0030.
At 0.430 29th.May "GreyBound" sailed in company
with Captain D.lst. Flotilla for La Panne . - in
paranthesis, this was the first time I had been at S9A
with my Captain D.since 15th.January.
Embarkation by whaler and motor boat was carried
out steadily until 1600 when an attack was made by
bombers the fourth salvo of which scored two near misses,
the splinters killing 20 men and wounding 70 and causing
the following damage.In the engine Γo: cas air ejector
and one forced lubrication pump wars put out of action.
In No.3 Doller room main feed pipe was pierced resulting
in complete loss of feed water, and an exhaust pipe from
a feed heater punctured which caused the boiler room to
fill with steam.
"Greyhound", then at short stay, weighed and
proceeded, her boats which returned undamaged were ordered
to go to one of the two minesweepers "Sutton" and
"SalamandSr" stillat anchor, as with the number of
casualties on the upper deck it was not considered possible
to hoist them.
The motor boat, Loading Seaman Saunders, continued
to run trips ashore until 2200 when the crew went on board
H.M.S. "Locust" in which they returned to Dover.
The whaler, Leading Seaman Setterfield, embarked
crew troops taken on board "Golden Eagle" in which they
continually until 2230 when she was holed and the
returned to England.
water feed, until 1930 when with she was H.M. taken in tow
Greyhound proceeded under her own steam, with
vicinity of West Hinder Buoy,
by salt "Blyskawwica" than on patrol S.Vega in
Tow was slipped off Dover at 2330 and
"Greyhound" was taken into harbour 0245 30th.May by tugs, and borthed
432 alongside soldiers apart from
Admiralty Pier casualties. at landed
It is my opinion ****

Details

Details

MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
meantime at 2025, the Vice-Admiral, Dover, received another signal sent only
a few minutes later :
" Port continuously bombed all day and on fire. Embarkation possible only
from beaches east of harbour A.B.C.D.¹ Send all ships and passenger ships
there to anchor. Am ordering Wolfhound to load there and sail. T.O.O.2005."
To the Vice-Admiral, Dover, the situation must have appeared critical
when, later that evening, he received a report from two military officers from
G.H.Q., that the plight of the B.E.F. was precarious and that the enemy might,
indeed, succeed in cutting it off from Dunkirk.²
All ships diverted to the beaches
Such was the grim picture presenting itself to the Vice-Admiral, Dover, that
night - the B.E.F. in grave and very real danger of being cut off altogether from
Dunkirk, and possibly only a bare 24 hours available for its evacuation. Admiral
Ramsay reacted to these dire tidings with characteristic drive and energy,
and a period of intense activity ensued. Every effort was concentrated on
sending as many craft as possible to the beaches without delay². Order
followed order in rapid succession. Personnel ships were diverted to the
beach, code letters A, B, C and D (i.e. Malo beach). Four paddle minesweepers³
were sailed from the Downs to La Panne beach. Destroyers were rushed to the
beaches and urged to embark as many British troops as possible, as this was
the last chance of saving them "; the Gallant, and Vivacious, then on patrol,
the Windsor, Vimy, Anthony, Impulsive, Sabre and the cruiser Calcutta, were
all ordered to proceed with the utmost despatch to the beach at Malo-les-Bains
and the beach at Zuydcoote, just east of it; the Grafton and Greyhound, on
patrol between Fairy Bank and Kwint Bank buoys, and the Wakeful, just
arrived at Dover from Plymouth, were hurried to the beach at La Panne.
The wording of some of the signals4 conveying these orders reflects the
desperation felt that night, a desperation which, in spite of the course of sub-
sequent events, was at the time only too well-founded. " Had the situation
appeared less critical," observes Admiral Ramsay, an organised flow of large
and small craft, working in reliefs, would have been arranged."⁵
Yet a further batch of vessels arrived off the beaches that evening; the
17 available flare-burning drifters of the Dover Auxiliary Patrol⁶ had sailed
for Dunkirk during the afternoon, and on arriving were diverted to the beaches
by the Wolfhound, in accordance with a signal from the Vice-Admiral, Dover⁷,
and anchored close inshore. The boats from the Wolfhound and Wolsey, and
I These letters refer to an arrangement, whereby at the commencement of Dynamo'
the Dunkirk beaches were described by a letter code referring to Map G.S.G.S. 4040,
Sheet 29, 1/50,000. The lengths of beach lying in each 1000 metre map square were
lettered, west to east, commencing with "A" at square 2686 in sequence to "0" at
square 3990. (Appx. N. 10). Under this arrangement, A.B.C.D. actually refers to the
beach at Malo-les-Bains.
This arrangement appears to have fallen into disuse on and after 29th May, when the
stretch of beach, one mile east of Dunkirk to one mile east of La Panne, was divided into
3 equal parts, referred to as La Panne, Bray and Malo, from east to west, with a mile gap
between each part. (Appendix O. 11).
2 D.R. page 3, para. 8.
3
The Sandown, Medway Queen, Brighton Belle and Gracie Fields.
4 See Appendices D. 3, D. 4, D. 5, D. 7, and D. 8.
5 D.R., p.3, para. 38.
6 They were the Netsukis, Lord Howard, Lord Howe, Golden Sunbeam, Midas, Golden
Gift, Girl Pamela, Paxton, Boy Roy, Eileen Emma, Girl Gladys, Forecast, Ut Prosim, York-
shire Lass, Young Mun, Shipmates and Torbay II.
7 Appendix D.6.
23

Details

MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
beach evacuation impossible ; at no time did this happen, but it was not
until the fifth day of the operation (May 30th) that small power boats and beach
craft began to become available in adequate numbers.¹
The reason for this is to be sought mainly in the need for secrecy enjoined
by the British and French Governments, even after the operation had been
ordered. The necessity for avoiding any action that might have given rise to
talk rendered the collection of small craft slow. It was not until 31st May
that the British public learnt from the press that evacuation had begun.
Disembarkation ports designated
In these early days the limiting factors seemed likely to be the scale of enemy
attacks at Dunkirk and on the beaches, and the difficulty of concentrating the
ships and the troops at a common point or points².
Meanwhile, in order to ensure air protection, Blenheims maintained a patrol
by single aircraft over the Dunkirk area during the night.³
At 2330, the Vice-Admiral, Dover, promulgated the names of ports for the
disembarkation of troops in England as follows :-
The Calcutta at Sheerness;
destroyers at Dover ;
drifters, minesweepers,
skoots and coasters
}{
At Margate or Ramsgate as directed
by N.O.I.C. Ramsgate;
personnel vessels at Folkestone.
Throughout the whole course of the operation the despatch of troops from
the points of disembarkation in England was directed by the War Office Move-
ments Control Organisation, and proceeded with great smoothness⁴.
Summary of troops evacuated
The ships which had sailed for Dunkirk on the 26th May brought back
6,183 troops and 646 stretcher cases next day.
During the 27th May only two personnel vessels actually made the round
trip, viz. : the Royal Daffodil, which brought back 840 troops from Dunkirk,
and the St. Helier, which was ordered back before she could embark any troops.
The destroyers Wolsey and Wolfhound, which embarked 206 and 130 troops
respectively from Malo beach on the evening of 27th May, did not sail for
England until shortly after midnight.
Thus, the total number landed in England from the commencement of
Operation "Dynamo" to midnight 27th/28th May was :
26th May - Nil;
27th May - 7,669, all of whom were lifted direct from Dunkirk harbour.
I D.R. covering letter, No. A.14/0/876/40, page 2, paras. 3 and 5.
2 D.R. page 3, para. 11.
3 R.A.F. Narrative, p. 320.
4 D.R. covering letter No. A.14/0/876/40, page 2, para. 6.
25

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP V
While a situation that could only mean surrender was now visualised in
England as possibly a stark necessity, General Weygand sent an urgent tele-
gram to Lord Gort appealing to him personally to ensure that the British
Army took a vigorous part in any counter-attack thought necessary; the
situation, said General Weygand, made it essential to hit hard.
Lord Gort, who saw the situation more clearly, observes, when he [General
Weygand] sent this message, he could have had no accurate information of
the real position or of the powers of counter-attack remaining to either the
British or French."
Germans take Ostend
That evening, at 2030, the Admiralty informed the Vice-Admiral, Dover,
that Ostend was reliably reported to be captured. Dunkirk was the only port
left in Allied hands.
Situation at Dunkirk becomes easier
Nor were the prospects at Dunkirk very hopeful. When the Wolfhound and
the Wolsey left Malo beach for Dover just after midnight on the 27th May the
whole of the port appeared to be ablaze¹.
At 0125 the cruiser Calcutta, en route for La Panne, was missed by a torpedo
100 yards astern fired from an E-boat. No further attack took place, and the
Calcutta arrived off La Panne beach an hour later to find that the destroyers
Grafton, Greyhound and Impulsive, and the paddle-minesweepers Sandown and
Gracie Fields, were already there.
Ever since 0030 destroyers making their first trip to the evacuation area
had been arriving off the beaches, and only two - the Gallant and the Wakeful -
went to Dunkirk. The Vivacious and the skoot Hebe II reached Malo beach
at about 0030, and the Sabre at 0120. The Hebe II, unable to find any troops,
entered Dunkirk harbour and embarked 150 from the east pier; the Sabre
embarked troops from two drifters. At 0320 the Vimy arrived off the beach
at Zuydcoote, 3 miles east of Dunkirk, and sent her boats to assist in filling up
the minesweeper Brighton Belle, which was embarking troops with the assist-
ance of the ex-Belgian canal boat Yser and a small pulling boat. The skoot
Lena had been off Zuydcoote since the previous evening and in the early hours
of the 28th May transferred the 120 troops she had embarked to a destroyer ;
the minesweeper Medway Queen, off La Panne since 2300/27, sailed with 600
troops on board.
By 0400 the situation in Dunkirk harbour appears to have eased, and at
0436 S.N.O. Dunkirk was asking for all vessels to go alongside the east pier.
At 0445 the Vimy, leaving her boats with the Brighton Belle, went into Dunkirk
harbour and embarked 613 troops. At 0955 the destroyer Mackay reached
Dunkirk from the Irish Sea, and picked up 600 troops in an hour from the sea-
ward end of Dunkirk east pier, giving up her berth to the destroyer Montrose.
The Sabre, which had in the meantime returned to Dover with a load of 158
troops from Malo beach, berthed outside the Montrose. An hour later, the
destroyers Worcester and Anthony arrived, and berthed ahead of the Montrose.
The pier was crammed with troops and several aircraft, attempting to bomb
it, were driven off by the destroyers' gunfire. Vast columns of smoke were
drifting westwards from the burning oil tanks ashore, and houses on the sea
front were bursting into flames from time to time².
I Report by the Wolfhound.
2 Report by the Montrose.
27

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
and Hilda), two power boats and Kellett a tow and pulling Leda, but boats ; the(Doggersbank
with the Calcutta¹, the Gallant, Wakeful, of Verity, two skoots
was joined by the minesweepers the number there were insufficient
boats and motor launches to cope with of troops on the beach.
Calcutta had already lost one of her two whalers2.
70 wounded (cot cases) ; heavy embarkation difficult and the
Off La Panne, at 2157, the Calcutta, surf assisted made by the skoot Reiger, embarked
By the 28th May beach evacuation had become a vitally essential part
complete lack of small beaching craft, other than ships' boats - aftermath
Operation Dynamo". It was, however, severely restricted by the almost of
the wish, already noticed, to prevent early information of the operation be- of
coming known to the enemy; and an urgent and persistent cry for boats arose
from the ships off the beaches.³
Beach craft are sailed for Dunkirk
Steps had already been taken, however, to begin the provision of small boats.
At 0800 on the 28th May, 8 motor boats were sailed from the Thames for the
South Downs. At noon the tug Sun V with 8 cutters and 2 whalers in tow,
and the tug St. Clears with 11 cutters in tow, left Sheerness for Ramsgate, and
both tugs sailed for Dunkirk late in the evening. Of these two tows, however,
only 7 cutters reached the beaches, the remainder being lost en route.4
At 1500 the tug Java left Ramsgate for Dunkirk, in company with four
drifters⁵ and 5 motor launches⁶. They arrived off Bray at 0100 on 29th May,
and were the first arrivals of small motor craft off the beaches. With them,
at 1500 on the 28th May, 5 drifters of the 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla left Rams-
gate for Dunkirk⁷, and at 1845, 18 motor boats with 17 whalers left Sheerness
for Dover.⁸
Supply of small craft is accelerated
These supplied only a portion of what was required. There was still a lack
of small craft, and at 2002 V.A. Dover asked that every available shallow draft
power boat should be sent to the beaches⁹. The Admiralty's vigorous reaction
to this request became fully evident on the following day, the 29th May, when
the Portsmouth and Nore Commands, the Thames estuary and the Port of
London Authority were combed for motor boats, lighters and barges¹⁰. To
accelerate the journey arrangements were made to route them direct to the
beaches, provided they had charts, food, fuel etc.¹¹, though some difficulty was
experienced in providing the large number of charts required. Indeed, on the
road map" to navigate on.
31st May the Master of the coaster Hythe states that he was given an army
I 2 The Calcutta reported she was off La Panne.
Appendix H.2.
3 Appendices H.1 and H.2.
Five gunfire from Clears' cutters were lost en morning route to Dunkirk a collision with the destroyer the result of enemy
4 The of the Sun St. V's tow was lost early next in Montrose.
up 5 by The the Sp. Gravelines Serv./V. Crested and Nieuport; Eagle. one of the 5 was, next however, day, as subsequently picked
6 The Lord Walker Rodney, I, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood
7 8 9 The Appendix Lord Cavan, G.6. Walker Fidget, II, Jacketa, New Britannic, Silver Dawn Nayland, and and Fisher and Lord Angler Boy St. Vincent. (Appendix II. G.5).
Appendix G.7.
II 10 Appendices G.13 to G.18.
Appendix G.9.
32

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and machine gun platforms, a bulkhead wrecking was dished, them
was severely shaken, and 13 killed,
wounded; of the passengers, and orders killed and 2 men
the ship's company, 3 officers 2 officers men and were 10 men were and 18
wounded. Then a fire broke out, further dive bomb were given to flood
and burn the signal books. A anchored. attack took
bombs fell wide. The Bideford
and the tug St. Clears The in tow; she was,
The M/S Kellett came endeavoured alongside the to take Bideford, the Bideford and took off about 300 troops,
in tow, but again the tow parted.
ever, fast aground, and the tow parted. dr. Havant then tried to take how-' her
Bideford towed to Dover
embarked in the Bideford. from La Panne dawn, gunboat Locust, carrying 620
During the night of 29th-30th Near May, 350 the French and 50 British troops
and at daylight she less than 21/2 knots course was set for
British and French troops floated - in tow. At beach, passed a tow to the Bideford,
Dover; en route, during the first 3 miles, the tow parted 3 times. Throughout
the 30th May the Locust struggled on with her burden. During the night
French soldier jumped overboard, fully equipped. The tow was stopped, a
buoy was dropped and a boat lowered; but, in spite of good visibility and a
calm sea, the unknown soldier was not recovered although a search was made a
at 1130 on the 31st May and disembarked 436 troops.
for 30 minutes. In spite of the tow again parting, the Bideford reached Dover
The momentous issues at stake in Operation "Dynamo" were not to be
attained without grievous losses, but the Bideford's heroic voyage to safety
marked a momentary respite from the rapidly mounting toll of lives and ships.
Twelve hundred troops wade out to a skoot
At about 2300 on the 29th May the skoot Patria arrived off Bray from Rams-
The Captain of the Patria, who decided to ground his ship, records that "The
gate and, in the glow of the still burning Crested Eagle, saw troops on the beach.
troops, holding hands, waded out and clambered on board by nets, ladders
and ropes' ends. The sight of two solid phalanxes of men, delineated by
phosphorescence in the water and steadily advancing to the ship, will be
memorable them Over 1,000 men were embarked in just over two hours." Among
Crested Eagle and the Fenella.
were naval ratings - casualties with severe burns from the Grenade, the
Dover unaware of losses
filtered heavy Lord Lord to Little Earlier Dover, Gort bombardment Gort through information in and and the and at the day to 3rd 0127 Dover, 3rd of other and Corps the Corps the that important except disastrous Vice-Admiral, destroyers at La that information losses Panne it there was Dover, of known the were had, afternoon informed being that however, hit Dunkirk the and soon come Calcutta early after was through evening 1600. under that
effort the beach was and to be embark made to the concentrate force. of the B.E.F. destroyers were and at La light Panne, craft and at that that end every of
I D.R.
46

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Calcutta contacts Lord Gort
On receipt of this signal at 0345 the Calcutta, which had already been embark-
ing troops from La Panne beach, sent her boats in again, in charge of Mr. F.J.
March, Gunner. Mr. March made personal contact with Lord Gort about
8 miles inland, and placed the Calcutta at his disposal for his or his staff's evacua-
tion. Lord Gort, however, courteously refused to be evacuated at this
stage¹.
La Panne beach cleared of troops
Meanwhile the Calcutta was proceeding with the embarkation, having en-
listed the assistance of the minesweepers Sutton and Salamander, the tug Java,
five drifters2, and three motor launches³. By 1357 the Calcutta had embarked
1200 troops, with whom she proceeded to Sheerness.
In addition to the ships assisting the Calcutta, 7 minesweepers4, 4 skoots5,
and 5 destroyers⁶ also embarked troops from La Panne beach. Of the
destroyers, the Greyhound was bombed and severely damaged (see p.42).
The minesweepers embarked, in all, 3415 troops, the skoots 1137 and the des-
troyers 2100. The tramp Yewdale and the motor vessels Beal and Bullfinch
between them brought off 1,854. The assault landing craft A.L.C.15 ferried
about 750 troops from the beaches to off-lying ships, and finally transported
25 to Dover ; the A.L.C.5 also ferried troops throughout the day.
The paddle-minesweeper Oriole had beached herself at La Panne at about
0600, thus permitting about 2,500 troops to pass over her decks to be embarked
by other ships before she refloated at about 1800. In this connection, Sub-
Lieut. Croswell, who had been landed at La Panne at about 0600 with a small
beach party in the Harvester's motor skiff, says : " On the beach we found
14 boats which we launched. A line ferry was established from a paddle-
steamer [the Oriole] which was aground close inshore, and this steamer served
as a pier alongside which other boats were able to come.
Throughout
the
day embarkation continued."
Later in his report, Sub-Lieut. Croswell says " About 1400
bombing
commenced - there were no casualties though 8 heavy bombs fell within 100
yards of the place of embarkation. A supply ship [the danlayer Nautilus]
to the right of the beach was fired and destroyed by a near miss, and a destroyer
[the Greyhound] was hit by an incendiary bomb [in fact she was severely
damaged by a near miss] but continued in action. I joined up with the Army
Staff controlling evacuation - there were no other naval officers at La Panne.⁷
About 2300
I requested that piers should be built but was told nothing
could be done that night.
Lord Gort arrived on the beach on Thursday
morning [30th May] and asked what could be done to assist. I again sug-
gested erection of piers, and under Colonel Porter's direction this was begun,
the pier at La Panne being ready and in use by 1400".
I Calcutta's report.
2 The Golden Sunbeam, Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord St. Vincent, and Lord Collingwood.
3 The Angler II, Nayland and New Britannic.
4 The Emperor of India, Gracie Fields, Halcyon, Hebe, Oriole, Princess Elizabeth and
Waverley.
5 The Reiger, Doggersbank, Jutland and Oranje.
6 The Shikari, Harvester, Anthony, Sabre and Greyhound.
7 Sub. Lt. Croswell was not given orders by his commanding officer to remain ashore.
He says as at La Panne there was no liaison between Army and Navy, I realised I could
do a much more useful job by remaining there," and he stayed there until 1st June. Com-
menting on this, Lt. Cdr. M. Thornton, R.N., Captain of the Harvester says: " This young
officer wisely accepted responsibility of missing his ship and then took charge of the beaches
and embarkation.
(C.W.23187/40.)
47

Details

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

Details

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

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Admiral, When Rear-Admiral Dover, all the Wake-Walker ships which left full had about of not been 0930 sunk to make had contact with
many with the signs and collisions. Some were a theme
the evidence of bumps first few hours at rest in harbour the
1800," he wrote, the of harbour their strenuous was times
all had were for many enjoying days."¹ the that many of them and had
Air Patrols
Consequent on the bombing of at the dawn. day before, As the
had asked for fighter aircraft protection appeared on the and
low over the ships. More and often not they were fighters constantly came
dispersed many than scene,
were not taking chances the nearly always opened
them. In order to stop firing Rear-Admiral
Flag-" Cease fire", and blew the syren to draw spite of which,
however, the after machine gun of his own ship the Keith continued to
nothing.² regardless of the cease fire" gong; once firing started they could hear fire
Route X to Dunkirk was patrolled during the early hours of daylight by the
A.A. cruiser Calcutta, which sailed from Margate at 0315 with the corvettes
Mallow and Shearwater and carried out a patrol between W and V buoys. The
Calcutta was recalled to Sheerness at 0938 in readiness to perform the same
service next night, and at 1015 she shot down a Heinkel which had bombed
and damaged the Mosquito by a near miss 15 miles from Dover.
Fighter Command provided 8 patrols during the 1st June of an average
strength of 3 to 4 squadrons. The main periods when no fighter protection
was afforded were approximately 0730-0850, 1020-1120, 1120-1145, 1545-
1615 and 1715-1845. Coastal Command continued to fly patrols of 3 aircraft
over the North Goodwins-Gravelines-Ostend line throughout the day.
Enemy air attacks begin St. Fagan sunk 0355.
Sporadic enemy air attacks began at early light. Ships alongside the mole
reported being attacked at 0415 and 0500. This was before the first main
R.A.F. air patrol appeared on the scene, for the R.A.F. had been asked to pro-
vide maximum protection from 0500 onwards.
Before the first patrol appeared enemy aircraft claimed what was to prove
the first of a long series of victims that day. The tug St. Fagan had towed over
from Dover during the night three Thames barges. At about 0355, in the
Dunkirk Channel, abreast the town the ship was hit by a bomb and practically
disintegrated. Only two officers, including her Captain, Lieut.-Commander
G. H. Warren, M.B.E., R.N., and 6 ratings, were saved out of a total comple-
ment of 25. They were picked up by the tug Tanga which had come over from
Ramsgate with 6 boats in tow and had hung off outside Dunkirk most of
the night waiting for troops to be brought out to her, and was then on her way
home with 160 men on board and a motor-boat in tow.
Almost simultaneously with the withdrawal of our aircraft at 0730 a heavy
dive bombing attack developed by a compact formation of some 30 or 40 Ju. 75s,
causing the loss of the destroyers Keith and Basilisk, the minesweeper Skipjack,
and the tug St. Abbs.
2 I Report, M.017978/41 p.29.
3 M.017978/41, p.23.
R.A.F. narrative.
88

Details

DUSK TO DUSK, IST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. X
Dunkirk and entered harbour at 1530 on 1st June. Whilst there, she was
twice hit by shore batteries, though damage was slight and there was only one
and troops and finally proceeded at 2230.
light casualty. The ship lay alongside for 7 hours, embarking stretcher cases
Amongst the various classes of ships none had suffered proportionately
heavier losses than the personnel vessels to which Vice-Admiral Dover referred
in his message to the Admiralty. Their crews had been doing magnificent
work in the face of nerve-racking experiences. Up to date 8 of these ships had
been sunk and 4 disabled. It was arranged that during this night's evacuation
personnel ships in addition to destroyers were to berth at the East Pier in Dun-
kirk where they were to be given priority.
The danger of sending these valuable ships in to Dunkirk in daylight was too
great, and after the 1st of June they were sent in only under cover of darkness,
with a naval Ljeutenant-Commander or Commander on board each ship as
adviser to the Master and with crews stiffened by 10 seamen for handling the
wires and going alongside under fire. It was hoped by these means not only to
get the ships to sail to time but also to ensure that they would enter Dunkirk
harbour and not linger outside awaiting a quiet interval, or return empty.
To their credit it must be recorded that not all the personnel ships needed the
moral support of naval ratings.
Air Operations, morning of 2nd June
The batteries which had brought Route X under fire were between Le
Clipont, near Pointe de Gravelines (see Plan 3), and Les Huttes, about a mile
north east of Gravelines ; they were attacked by the R.A.F. in 24 Blenheim
sorties between first light and 0745 on the 2nd, the object of spreading the attack
in this manner being to neutralise the batteries during the period of daylight
evacuation. The Blenheims encountered much anti-aircraft fire, and though
no aircraft were lost some were damaged and afterwards crash-landed on their
airfields.
The Air Ministry were asked to provide strong continuous patrols over
Dunkirk and the beaches from 0430 to 0830 on the 2nd June, with night fighter
patrols during the hours of darkness. It was arranged that the fighter patrols
should go out over the routes in use by our ships, and on the return journey fly
low on the routes to give maximum protection to ships against low flying bomb
and machine gun attacks. The concentration of fighter patrols in the dawn
and dusk periods resulted in a great decrease in the total number of flying
hours on the 2nd June (See Appendix C.)
The early morning was hazy, and the first two main R.A.F. patrols, both at
four squadron strength, encountered no enemy aircraft and no ships reported
being attacked during this period. The third patrol, the strongest yet flown,
consisting of five full squadrons, which was over the Dunkirk area from 0745-
0845, encountered very considerable enemy forces, and claimed to have shot
down 18 enemy bombers and 10 fighters, themselves losing 7 Spitfires. Again,
no reports of attacks came from the ships; and as far as can be ascertained no
attacks occurred until the Calcutta, patrolling near W buoy with the Mallard
and Shearwater, was attacked at 1035 by 3 Ju. 88 which dived out of the sun
and bombed her, causing slight damage from near misses. A Coastal patrol
witnessed the incident and drove off the enemy. The French light cruiser
Epérvier and destroyer Léopard were also on the patrol line, but they apparently
left the patrol when bombing began at 1035 and up to 1442 when the Calcutta
returned to Sheerness by orders of Vice-Admiral Dover, nothing more was seen
99

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. X
clearly marked as hospital ships. Neither of the two ever reached Dunkirk.
were despatched from Dover, the Worthing at 1255 and the Paris at 1648, both
we should scrupulously observe the Two hospital carriers part
en clair asking for hospital ships to be Geneva sent across Convention. and stating that for our
At 1433 the A/S trawler Grimsby Town, on patrol on Route X, reported that
had bombed a hospital ship. This was Worthing. Visibility was good.
12 aircraft bearing 90° South Foreland 27 the miles (between V and W buoys)
Nine bombs were dropped and the the Calcutta ship was sent machine the gunned, she was slightly
damaged by near misses and corvette Mallard to stand by
her. The Worthing returned to harbour.
near W buoy, when two aircraft attacked her, near misses putting out of action
The Paris, after running into thick fog, was in clear visibility at about 1900,
her engines and extinguishing all lights. About an hour later the ship was
attacked again by 3 aircraft, and received further damage. She was abandoned
by all but the Captain and some of the officers, who were shortly afterwards
taken off by a fast motor boat which also rescued men from some of the Paris's
lifeboats that had been wrecked by bombing. Three tugs, the Sun XV, Sun IV
and Lady Brassey attempted to tow the ship; but at 0400 on 3rd June, after
a further air attack, the Paris sank 1 mile east of W. buoy.
Evacuation figures, 2nd June
A total of 26,256 men were landed in England on 2nd June, 19,561 from
Dunkirk harbour and 6,695 from the beaches. Of these totals, French ships
working only from the harbour carried 1634, and Belgian trawlers carried 313.
The accumulated total of men evacuated to this date was 285,305.
104

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XIII
the The factors variations recorded in the in the daily following figures paragraphs. are believed to have been influenced by
average waiting time normal. This probably norm, due the number of the
28TH MAY. Beaches. corresponded Although the to rate the estimated of lift was average (1: 1), and
ing boats. Destroyers, 356 were new to the
lifted per trip was below which made 8 was of the 13 trips, to shortage of beach- men
and their lift per trip was only Calcutta's as lift against reduced a destroyer aveage of 504 work
wounded (cot cases) which she
the whole operation. The embarked. was by the large number over of
HARBOUR. Although the average lift was the above normal, the long waiting
The figures of waiting time are not, however, entirely satisfactory only 10
time reduced the men: minutes ratio to estimated norm for the operation.
ships provided data, three of which waited for periods greatly in excess of the
average.
HARBOUR. The increase in average lift without corresponding rise in waiting
time is accounted for by the great increase in the number of personnel ships
employed and the average lifts made by them on this day. The average lift
per personnel ship, which on the 28th May was only 552, rose to 1,520 today.
30TH MAY. Beaches. The increase of 25 per cent in the figure for average lift
without corresponding rise in waiting time, resulting in the highest men
minutes ratio achieved at the beaches during the operation, is believed to have
been due to :-
(a) better organisation consequent upon the arrival of R.A. Dover as
S.N.O. on the French coast and of Captain Howson as N.O.I.C. Beaches,
together with the employment of two Commodores to take charge off
shore at La Panne and Bray; (b) better discipline amongst the troops
on the beaches ; (c) employment as beaching craft of the A.L.Cs. which
began to arrive on the 29th, and the arrival of 12 motor boats for re-
trieving abandoned pulling boats; (d) absence of enemy air attacks.
Harbour. Although the rate of lift deviated little from the average, both lift
and waiting time declined. This was probably the effect of the disastrous air
attacks of the previous day on shipping, which resulted in only one destroyer
at a time being allowed to enter Dunkırk during the forenoon and early after-
noon and perhaps engendered a feeling of insecurity and a wish to get the ships
away as quickly as possible.
31ST MAY. Beaches. A considerable reduction in average waiting time and
a normal. boats slight rise This above was normal due probably in average to the lift fact gave that a rate greater of lift numbers slightly of better beaching than
were available. Although during the forenoon conditions on the beaches
were very bad they improved greatly during the afternoon and evening. On
the beaches, after 1600, the piers of pontoons were largely responsible for the
rapid evacuation of troops.
Harbour. minutes Lift was average, but waiting time high and reduced the men
be rate of lift. No valid reason was discovered, and it should
noted that all the figures agree closely for this with can the be estimated norm.
" 0943 I This The belief moment is based on the final sentence in Situation Report by S.N.O. Dunkirk at 0950 timed
the If single this weather destroyer persists allowed bombing I want to enter starts a ship would all every must remain half shove hour," alongside off "; which and for would only on the half seem signal an to hour. imply that
126

Details

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX D
SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF DESTROYERS
BETWEEN 27th MAY AND 1st JUNE
Note (i)
The 213 signals in Appendices D to Z have been collated from the
some 370 which 2,500 accompanies Dynamo Admiralty signals in Record Admiralty Office Record Case 5458. Office Enclosure copies Box No. of
Note
(ii)
Command, 10 British destroyers-were employed of the Dover Command,
15 destroyers from from the the Portsmouth Nore Command, Command, 10 from and 6 the Western Approaches
total of 41 in Operation Dynamo.
Monday, 27th May
1. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY (R) C.-in-C. Nore
but not at the expense of Nore Command.
Request Dover Forces may be strengthened forthwith by six additional destroyers
1036/27
2. ADMIRALTY to C.-in-C. WESTERN APPROACHES, C.-in-C. PORTSMOUTH (R) Vice-
Dover. Admiral Dover, C.-in-C. Nore, C.-in-C. Home Fleet, F.O.I.C. Humber, R.A
Request four destroyers from Western Approaches and two from Portsmouth be
sailed for Dover as soon as possible.
1317/27
3. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Grafton (R) S.O. 10th M.S.F., Greyhound, Calcutta.
Close beach in vicinity of La Panne at 0100 and send in boats for British troops.
You should withdraw at your discretion and anyhow not later than 0330. Paddle
minesweepers and small craft will be in vicinity. Acknowledge.
2054/27
[V.A. Dover informed (between 2015 and 2055/27) that embarkation was only
possible from the beaches, and that evacuation on the night of 28th-29th May
was problematical (see Apps. M.3 and M.4) ].
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Grafton, Greyhound, Blyskawica (R) S.O. 10th M.S.F.
Close the beach at La Panne at 0100 tomorrow Tuesday and embark all possible
British troops using your boats. This is our last chance of saving them.
2127/27
4a.
2242/27 : I The Polish destroyer Blyskawica was not in company but she replied at
We have two pulling boats only. Can accommodate 3 in each
Monday, 27th May
5. VICE-ADMIRAL, Impulsive. DOVER to Gallant, Vivacious, Windsor, Vimy, Calcutta, Anthony.
all them. possible British troops using boats. last chance of saving
Close beaches one to three miles east of Dunkirk with utmost despatch and embark
Maid of Orleans, Lormont, your 17 drifters own and other This craft is our will be operating. 2142/27
6. VICE-ADMIRAL, 17 drifters DOVER to Wolfhound, Wolsey.
Direct arriving Dunkirk tonight
to beaches as necessary.
2158/27
7. VICE-ADMIRAL, Close DOVER to Vimy.
and embark the beaches one to three miles Tuesday
saving them. all possible British troops using east of your Dunkirk boats. at This 0100 is tomorrow our last chance of
2238/27
162

Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX H
Friday, 31st May-contd.
31. C.-IN-C. NORE to N.C.S.O. SOUTHEND, SHEERNESS F.O.I.C. LONDON, F.O.I.C. D.M.O. HARWICH, CoM-
MODORE IN CHARGE, (R) Admiralty, Sheerness, V.A.
Dover, N.O.I.C. Ramsgate
No more small craft are to be sailed for Ramsgate until further orders. They are
to be kept at immediate notice at the places where they now are.
1825/31
32. VICE-ADMIRAL, London. DOVER to ADMIRALTY (R) N.O.I.C. Ramsgate, C.-in-C. Nore, F.O.I.C.
For Admiral Preston.
In view of alteration of plan request 30 motor boats and a number of pulling boats
up to 40 may be sent to Ramsgate forthwith. Please advise expected time 2031/31 of arrival.
33. F.O.I.C. LONDON to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) C.-IN-C. Nore, N.O.I.C. Ramsgate,
Admiralty, N.C.S.O. Thames.
V.A. Dover 2031/31. 30 motor boats sailed; expect to arrive Ramsgate 1100.
And 40 lifeboats with 3 tugs should arrive noon 1st June. Crews for lifeboats will
be required to join at Ramsgate.
2330/31
Saturday, 1st June
34. ADMIRALTY to F.O.I.C. HARWICH (R) Cdre. i/c Sheerness, V.A. Dover, N.O.I.C.
All motor Ramsgate boats from Burnham if still detained at Harwich and any others avail-
able are to be sent at once direct to Ramsgate for operation Dynamo.
0947/1
APPENDIX H
SIGNALS RE LACK OF SMALL CRAFT
Tuesday, 28th May
1. Wakeful to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Plenty of troops few boats. Conditions good alongside Dunkirk east pier pro-
tected by smoke.
0507/28
2. Calcutta to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) S.N.O. Dunkirk
Conditions for embarkation at La Panne are very bad owing to heavy surf
but may improve with rising tide. Have already lost one and possibly both my
whalers.
2225/28
Wednesday, 29th May
3. Leda to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Message from Brigadier-General i/c of embarkation.
Present rate of embarkation from shore to ship quite inadequate. Beach bombed
throughout the day.
0210/29
4. D.16 [Malcolm] to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Destroyers motor boats are inadequate to deal with number on beaches.
More boats urgently needed.
Weather is now difficult for boat work.
0428/29
5. Calcutta to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Evacuation at La Panne being seriously delayed by lack of boats.
0805/29
6. M.S. 10 to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Motor landing craft urgently required
Bray strong tide.
1455/29
169

Details

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

Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX K
8. Calcutta to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Your 1274. French ships apparently left patrol when bombing started at 1035
as I have not seen them since.
1442/2
9. Saon to CAPTAIN A.P.
Blackburn Rovers struck by torpedo. Going to her assistance.
1618/2
10. Saon to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Westella torpedoed.
My posisition 51° 20' N., 02° 7' C.
1639/2
Monday, 3rd June
11. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to C.-IN-C. NORE (R) Admiralty, Calcutta
As withdrawal from Dunkirk tonight 3rd/4th is planned for 0230 instead of 0300,
do not propose to employ Calcutta as A/A escort.
1419/3
APPENDIX K
SIGNALS RE ROUTES TO DUNKIRK
27th May
1. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to SHIPS OPERATING UNDER ORDERS OF VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Routes to Dunkerque are as follows:
Route Z, via No. 6 Calais bell buoy and south of Dunkirk AW buoy.
Route Y, via Downs, West Hinder, North Channel and West Deep, Q.Z.S.80 and
60.
Route X, via Downs from North Goodwin 115 degrees, 24.5 miles to light buoy,
F.G., and thence 164 degrees to No. 6 W buoy. New light buoys' are 115 degrees
7.8, 15.0, and 22.3 miles from N. Goodwin.
Route X may be used in emergency when state of tide permits, or when ordered.
Route Z should only be used at night.
Route Y is in general use.
1107/28
1 i.e. "U", "V" and "W" buoys.
2. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to SHIPS OPERATING UNDER ORDER OF VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
My 1107. Add to Route Z
passing south of chartered position of Dyck Light Vessel ".
2006/28
29th May
3. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to SHIPS AND AUTHORITIES, NORE AND DOVER COMMANDS
Route Y is to be amended to run from Middelkerke Bank buoy 320 degrees 91
miles to position north of Dyck whistle buoy. Transports are to be instructed
accordingly as opportunity offers.
0631/29
1st June
4. Vice-Admiral, DOVER to ADMIRALTY
Owing to magnetic mines ships evacuating troops may be using Route Y as well
as Route X. Request Fighter and Coastal Command be informed.
0313/1
173

Details

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

Details

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

Details

SECRET
4
2.
......and as there were
only 4 Officers for the three ships only two of the ships
sailed. I consåder that this was a proper decision having
regard to the circumstances. The inexperience of the crew
and the strangeness of the ships and also the locality made
a passage an extremely arduous affair.
The close proximity of the German army made it
imperative to return to England as soon as possible.
Accordingly I was put on board H.M.S. "Calcutta" early to-day
en route for Chatham Hospital.
4.
During the time ashore at La Panne I was
beseiged with requests for a passage to England or France
from French and Belgian Officers. These Officers all
stated that their desire was to reform and fight again.
I informed them all sympathetically that I
could not give them a passage without the approval of
General Adam. As this was not forthcoming in the majority
of cases, about 20 of them got & Diesel engined boat from
the beach and requested that they might come across to
England in company with me. I readily acceded to this
request and was prepared to tow them if necessary.
5.
I understand that the Admiralty were informed
by the Military that my 1st Lieutenant and myself had
become casualties.
6.
I regret that I am unable to inform you
of the present whereabouts of the three ships.
7.
As routeing and instructions were received
from Dover I considered it proper that this report should
be submitted to you. If this is not correct it is requested
that this report may be forwarded to the proper authority.
VIOEADMIS
7.5.8.a.
T
DOV
Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.

Details

28th May. (continued).
- 123
- 117
Several schoots were anchored in the Downs when we arrived and
I was ordered to anchor as convenient, as my anchor had to be weighed
by hand and it was a lengthy process, I decided to proceed alongside
"Vrede", After consultation with the Commanding Officer "Vrede", we
decided to weigh and to proceed to Dankirk in the hope of gleaning
further information on the way, "Vrede" reducing speed to keep me
company.
Off the North Goodwin Lt. Vess. we encountered a schoot re-
turing full, who said that they were asking for us on the beaches East
of Dunkirk. This was the first definate information that we were
required to evacuate troops that we had received. "Vrede", and
"Reiger" then proceeded independently towards Dunkirk.
2300 Arrived off Zuyderoote buoy, sighted one Cruiser at
anchor( afterwards identified as the "Calcutta") I closed the
"Calcutta", and asked where I could embark troops. "Calcutta"
ordered me to steer 140° to where her boats were operating. Con-
tacted "Calcutta's" boats on the beach, and they brought off about
70 cot cases.
I cannot speak toohighly of the work done by "Calcutta's"
boats during this operation. There was a fresh breeze and choppy
sea running with a considerable tide, but they continued throughout
the night without let up. During this operation "Reiger's" star-
board anchor chain parted and ship grounded without damage.
0300 Proceeded alongside "Calcutta". Transferred all cot
cases from upper deck to "Calcutta" and proceeded with remainder.
29th May.
Arrived at Sheerness.
30th May.
0400 Sailed for Dunkirk, anchored off East Cant buoy owing
to for, 0930 weighed and proceeded.
During the passage from North Goodwin to Dunkirk roads we
were subjected to periodical machine gun fire from aircraft, none of
which hit the ship, no plane coming below 4000 ft.
2000 Entered Dunkirk harbour, proceeded alongside quay
emabrked 250 (approx) B.E.F.
While in Dunkirk the harbour was being subjected to fire from
an enemy battery of about 6 in. calibore
2100 Sailed from Dunkirk.
( 31st May 1100 Arrived
Sheerness).

Details

PLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst
employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
to
good
Yes a
B.
544
From:- Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
dd
28th May.
1430 Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in the tug JAVA with the
following ships in company:-
Drifters. Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood
and Lord St. Vincent.
Motor Launches. Walker I, Walker II, New Brittanic,
29th May.
Nayland and Angler II.
0100
2
Arrived off Bray dunes and anchored in 3 fthms water
illed
and sent Walker I and Walker II in to the beach to
ng
try to find men; all troops seemed to be hiding in
on
the sands. Walker I and Walker II then proceeded
then
up to Dunkirk Harbour.
hout
As dawn came I lowered all small boats from the Java
in all
and all drifters and worked with them right into
its to
the beach filling motor boats and transferring from
motor boats to bigger ships lying off shore.
1000
Ordered by a destroyer to take all ships to Dunkirk
pier, On arrival there I received orders to fill
up as much as possible and return, leaving Walker I
i. Mann,
and Walker II for the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, Dunkirk.
ived
On leaving Tuydercoot Pass I was ordered by H.M.S.
Calcutta to transfer all troops on board herand
return to the beaches. We worked all afternoon on
the beaches, towing army collapsible boats off the
At this time there were no more ships lying off to fill
beaches and filling larger ships lying off shore.
1900
up, so filled all craft possible and returned to
30th 0930 May.
Ramsgate.
Arrived Ramsgate.
During the daylight operations the boats attacks, crews
were subjected worked on with a good heart, until
all to continuous dive-bombing without
but all men of a meal from p.m. May 30th. 28th
arrival the chance in harbour at 1100 on May