Details

A.L.C's and M.L.C's
The following were transported to the Dunkirk area by the
S.S. City of Christchurch:
On 1st June:
A.L.C.10(1)
M.L.C's 12,(1) 21,(1) and 22.(1)
On 3rd June:
The City of Christchurch also claims to
have transported 6 M.L.C's to Dunkirk on this
May
date. There is, however, no confirmation of
this, but she did transport the M.L.C.17(1).
The following A.L.C's were transported to the Dunkirk area
by the S.S. Clan Macalister.
broke
Taken
On 29th May:
A.L.C's (1) (1) 5,8,(1) 15, 16, 17, and
18.(1)
1130
Dover.
1300
(1) Not mentioned in D.R's list of ships and vessels.
22

Details

A.L.C.3
Landing Craft
29th May
1200ca
Off Dunkirk, was hoisted out from the
S.S. Clan Macalister.
-
Ferried troops from Dunkirk beach "until
the vening".
2000ca
No vessels being left in the vicinity,
proceeded with about 20 troops on
board.
Shortly after passing Dunkirk, joined
company with A.L.C.'s 8 and 15.
30th May
0400ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 20 troops.
Evening
Left Dover, A.L.C's 8 and 15 in company.
31st May
0400ca
Arrived Dunkirk.
Ferried troops all day and during the
evening.
2230ca
Both engines broke down.
-
Taken in tow by a small merchant vessel.
1st June
0500ca
Arrived Ramsgate in tow.
Engines repaired. Proceeded.
1130
Arrived Dover.
3rd June
1300
Arrived Hayling Island in company with
A.L.C.17.
Total 20
Authority - R.O.III, p.510.

Details

(1)
A.L.C.4
Landing Craft
A.L.C.18
Odr. R.A. Cossidi, R.N.
the
A.L.O's the
29th May
1030ca
Off Dunkirk, while A.L.C.4 was being
May
hoisted out of the 0.5. Clan
1000ca
Macalister, the destroyer D.54
Vanquisher passed at speed.
The Clan Macalister rolled heavily
and both the after derrick guys
parted.
A.L.C.4 swung to and fro across the
ship until the lascar working the
winch let her come down across the
after end of A.I.C.18.
One of the engines was knocked
through the bottom of A.I.C.18 and
the underside of A.L.C.4 was exten-
sively damaged.
Both boats were thus rendered useless
and were left in their original
stowage positions on the after deck
of the Clan Macalister.
beach
of
3
50
A.L.C.5 ferrying
throughout the 29th May, being
interrupted
Authority R.O.TII, p.521.
value.
JOAN Ear
0600co
Air roids less intense, (A.L.C.17
joined A.L.C.5 off LA Panne, but
to return to Dover for repaire).
Ferrying continued,
Date
Shifted towards Dunkirk. Lärge
numbers of troops Cerried until
after dark.
2400ca
Grounded on a fulling tide.
31st key
0500ca
Reflonted. Heavy surf. heather
deteriorating.
While overlouded, A.L.C.S grounded
boan one Transferred some troops to
a ship's lifeboat, and reflocted.
Continued ferrying and towing bouts,
Screws fouled; port engine out of
action; starboard engine unable to
go astern, and only dead slow shead.
1800cm
Transferred crew and 35 troops to the
L/Y Culeta, which took A.L.O.S in
tow, Between Dunkirk and No.8 W
buoy, twice broke away from
the tow, but tow was re-entablished.
1st
June
0945
Arrived Sheernose, diseriged and lenking
badly.
Our. Cassidi optimated that between
2 nd 3 thousand troops
by A.L.0.5.
- R.O.III, pp.508, 5141
R.O.I., po177.
24

Details

A.L.C.5
Landing Craft
Cdr. R.A. Cassidi, R.N.
In command of the eight
A.L.C's in the Clan
Macalister.
29th May
1000ca
Off Dunkirk. The 3rd A.L.C. to be
hoisted out of the S.S. Clan
Macalister. Proceeded some way up
the coast and then carried on inshore.
"Immediately rushed on all sides by
a wild, undisciplined, mob of French
soldiers, so many of whom got on
board that the boat was grounded."
Some of the troops had to be forced
off the boat before she could be [ot
off the beach.
"The second attempt to embark French
troops showed that their undisciplined
behaviour was likely to imperil the
safety of the craft", so A.L.C.5
proceeded to La Panne beach. Thence
British troops were ferried from the
beach to off-lying ships at the rate
of about 3 trips an hour, 50 men per
trip. A.L.C.5 continued ferrying
throughout the 29th May, being
interrupted only by continuous air
raids.
30th May
0400ca
Air raids less intense. (A.L.C.17
joined A.L.C.5 off La Panne, but had
to return to Dover for repairs).
Ferrying continued.
p.m.
Shifted towards Dunkirk. Large
numbers of troops ferried until
after dark.
2400ca
Grounded on a falling tide.
31st May
0500ca
Refloated. Heavy surf. eather
deteriorating.
-
While overloaded, A.L.C.5 grounded
beam on. Transferred some troops to
a ship's lifeboat, and refloated.
Continued ferrying and towing boats.
-
Screws fouled; port engine out of
action; starboard engine unable to
go astern, and only dead slow ahead.
1800ca
Transferred crew and 35 troops to the
L/Y Caleta, which took A.L.C.5 in
tow. Between Dunkirk and No.8 W
buoy, A.L.C.5 twice broke away from
the tow, but tow was re-established.
1st June
0945
Arrived Sheerness, damaged and leaking
badly.
Cdr. Cassidi estimates that between
2 and 3 thousand troops were
ferried by A.L.C.5.
Authority - R.O.III, pp.508, 514.
R.O.I., p.177.
25

Details

/
(2)
A.L.C.8.
Landing Craft.
29th May
1230ca
Off Dunkirk, was the last A.L.C. to be
hoisted out from the S.S. Clan
Macalister.
Ferried troops from Dunkirk beach to
the Clan Macalister.
1900ca
Engine trouble. Embarked "some troops"
from A.L.C.15 which was overloaded,
and proceeded.
30th May
0400ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 10 troops(1)
Engines repaired. Proceeded.
31st May
0400ca
Arrived Dunkirk.
Ferried troops and towed boats.
1100
Engine trouble.
Assisted to demolish A.L.C.15.
p.m.
Took a load of troops to a drifter,
which towed A.L.C.8 into Dunkirk
harbour.
-
Still in tow, left Dunkirk for Dover.
Shortly after leaving, tow parted.
AS the A.L.C.8 was drifting out of
the channel, the drifter was unwilling
to take her in tow again. An unsuc-
cessful attempt was made to sink
A.L.C.8 with the drifter's 3 pdr gun.
A.L.C.8 was left drifting about 1½
miles west of Dunkirk.
Total 10
Authority R.O.III, p.512.
(1) Estimated.
(2)
26

Details

A.L.C.16
Landing Craft
S/Lt. R.O. Wilcoxon,
R.N.V.R.
29th May
0900ca
Off Dunkirk the first A.L.C. to be
hoisted out of the S.S. Clan Macalister
Proceeded to Dunkirk beach and ferried
troops. After about 7 successful
trips, "she was boarded by a mob of
French soldiers, who overwhelmed the
boat to such an extent that she
became partially swamped, the star-
board battery was flooded and both
engines failed".
"Eventually, sufficient French were
evicted to enable A.L.C.16 to be
floated off and the port engine
started."
1800ca
In going astern however, the port stern
tube was damaged and water poured in
to the boat.
Continually pumping and baling,
A.L.C.16 continued ferrying for a
further 1½ hours.
She then went alongside the sloop
Bideford and transferred her load of
troops. S/Lt. Wilcoxon went on board
Bideford to arrange for a tow back
to England.
2007
Dive bomb attack. Bideford's stern
blown off; S/Lt. Wilcoxon, in
Bideford, mortally wounded; (1)
A.L.C.16 was heavily damaged, and
sank in a few minutes.
2030
M/S Kellett came alongside Bideford,
and took off the crew of A.L.C.16
together with other survivors and
wounded.
Note: The capacity of the A.L.C's was
about 50 men, so that A.L.C.16
probably ferried about 600 troops
Authority - R.O.III, p.523.
(1) S/Lt. Wilcoxon was found by P/O Gill and Sto. Hardstaff
of A.L.C. 16 sitting on a bollard, just for'd of the
Bideford's Q.D. with one of his legs blown off above
the knee. They used a rifle pull-through as a tourniquet.
s/Lt. Wilcoxon sent them in search of a doctor, but they
were unable to rind one.
29

Details

A.L.C.17
Landing Craft
29th May
1100ca The 4th A.L.C. to be hoisted out of
the S.S. Clan Macalister. She
followed A.L.C.5 up the coast towards
Bray. "On approaching the beach she
was promptly boarded by a crowd of
French troops who so overloaded the
boat that she grounded." With a
falling tide she remained stranded
for 3 hours.
1430ca As the tide rose "the French..... again
attempted to rush the boat", but
"the Cox'n of A.L.C.17 procured the
assistance of some British troops,
who, with fixed bayonets, drove off
the French."
These British troops with a few
French were taken to a destroyer
where the British only were disembark-
ed. A.L.C.17 took the French to a
nearby vessel. Air attack. A.L.C.17
partially flooded, BO that engines
stopped. Boat baled out; engines
re-started.
Continued to ferry troops from La
Panne beach for the rest of the day,
and all night, until engines broke
down.
30th May
a.m.
Taken in tow by a drifter.
2200
Arrived in tow at Dover. Engines
repaired.
31st May
-
Towed over to Dunkirk by a tug. (1)
-
A few ferrying trips only carried out,
when engines again broke down.
-
Towed back to Dover by the tug that had
brought her out.
1st June
p.m.
Arrived in tow at Dover.
3rd June
1300
Arrived Hayling Island with crews of
A.L.C's 8 and 15 on board, and with
A.L.C.3 in company.
Authority - R.O.III, p.525.
(1) This "tug" cannot be identified.
30

Details

CLAN MACALISTER( (1) S/S (Clan Line
Steamers Ltd.
Capt. R.W. Mackie, Master
27th May
0830ca
1300-
Arrived Southampton.
1800
Embarked the A.L.C's 3, 4. 5, 8, 15, 16,
17, and 18, Cdr. R.A. Cassidi, R.N.
in command, with two S/L's R.N.V.R.
1830
and 45 naval ratings.
Left Southampton.
28th May
0830ca
Anchored in the Downs, awaiting orders.
29th May
0100
Proceeded.
0400
Naval ratings commenced preparing A.L.C's
for action.
0900ca
Anchored about 5 cables west of No.6
buoy (about 1½ miles off Dunkirk).
A.L.C's hoisted out in following order
16, 15, 5, 17, 3, 8.
A.L.C.4 was being hoisted out,
following A.L.C.5, when the dr.
Vanquisher passed at speed, causing
the Clan Macalister to roll heavily.
As a result A.L.C.4 (q.v.) crashed
down on A.L.C.18 and both craft were
disabled, and had to be left in their
stowage positions.
1300
Commenced embarking troops from A.L.C.16
-
Shifted billet to just south of No.6
buoy.
1545ca
Air raid. Direct hit aft; heavy
damage, ship on fire.
1630
dr. Malcolm came alongside and took off
the troops and some of the crew that
were injured.
The fire gained ground; some of the
ammunition exploded.
1800
Malcolm proceeded.
Air attack. Further damage. One of
the heavy shells exploded. M/S
Pangbourne embarked Clan Macalister's
crew, and Captain Mackie "temporarily
abandoned" his ship, which remained
on fire for many hours.
The Clan Macalister settled on the
sea bed on an even keel and thereafter
acted as a target for enemy planes
which thought she was still afloat.
Authority - TM. 6213/40.
R.O. III, p.504.
H.S.hote - CLAN MACALISTER was on requisition as a mechanical Pransport
(M.T.) - are Service list of ministry ? Jansport 1.9. 1946.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. Her tonnage was 6,900.
189

Details

HALCYON (N.42)
6th M.S.F.
Lt.Cdr. J.M. S. Cox, D.S.C.,
R.N.
Cdr. E. P. Hinton, M.V.O.
R.N.
26th May
2015
Arrived Dover in company with the M/S
Skipjack.
27th May
1244
Anchored in the Downs.
1530
Weighed and proceeded with the dr.
Impulsive, the Skipjack and the
Trinity House vessel Patricia to
sweep a new channel [afterwards
known as "route x"] and to lay U, V,
and W buoys.
2225
Anchored off Goodwin Knoll.
28th May
0600
Weighed and returned to
0750
Dover.
Cdr. Hinton took over command of
the ship from Lt. Cdr. Cox.
1447
Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk. In
the Downs, the M/S's Sutton, Skipjack
Fitzroy and Salamander joined
company.
2115
Arrived off La Panne. Sent s/Lt.
Worthington R.N.V.R. in charge of the
M/B and 2 whalers to embark troops.
29th May
Swell made boat work difficult.
0525
Weighed and proceeded with 192 troops
on board. Shortly after, a big and
unaccountable explosion occurred just
off the bow.
1240
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 192 troops.
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2000ca
In the vicinity of Dunkirk, enemy
aircraft were engaged, and a
deliberate attack on a hospital
ship [the Isle of Guernsey was
observed. "One wounded man from
this ship was picked up out of the
water". (1)
-
On arrival at Dunkirk, out-going
destroyers informed Halcyon to
keep clear until dark.
30th May
0035ca
The M/S Sharpshooter joined company
and both ships anchored just to the
eastward of the burning wreck of the
Crested Eagle, [?the S.S. Clan
Macalister].(2)
0330
Weighed and proceeded with 232 troops,
leaving the M/B for the destroyers
to use.
-
off Dunkirk, another unexplained
explosion occurred in the water.
0820
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 232
troops. (3)
1556
Sailed for Dunkirk, in company with
Skipjack and Salamander.
(1) This was probably the airman whom the Isle of Guernsey
had been attempting to pick up.
(2) The Sharpshooter at this time was off La Panne. The
Crested Eagle was ashore between Malo and Bray; the
Clan Macalister was about 1 mile west of La Panne.
(3) D.R. gives 213.
9

Details

ICARUS (D.03)
20th Destroyer Flotilla
Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud R.N.
28th May
2300
Arrived Dover from Plymouth, drs.
Intrepid and Ivanhoe in company.
29th May
0145
Sailed for Dunkirk with drs. Javelin,
Intrepid, Ivanhoe and Vanquisher(1)
in company.
0425
Ivanhoe detached (2) to assist dr.
Grafton off Kwinte bank buoy.
0545
Anchored off Dunkirk.
0600
Javelin and Icarus proceeded alongside
the eastern arm; Icarus inside,
embarked troops.
0800
Proceeded.
1130
Dover. Disembarked 950 troops.
1215
To Dunkirk by Y route.
1515
Anchored off Zuydcoote under orders of
dr. Codrington.
Later, grounded with the turn of the
tide. Subsequently Icarus's stern
was towed clear by the sk. Doggersbank
No damage. Embarked troops.
1600/
Air attack. Jaguar damaged. The
1630
freighter Clan Macalister hit aft.
dr. Express went to assist Jaguar.
dr. Malcolm assisted the Clan
Macalister. Icarus got under way but
continued embarking.
1730
Doggersbank commenced to transfer
about 470 troops to Icarus.
Air attack.
1830
Doggersbank's transfer comp leted.
Icarus proceeded by X route.
Near to Dunkirk, air attack by about
40 aircraft. A P.M/S. just ahead of
Icarus and approaching an opposite
course was sunk. (4) Icarus attacked
by about 10 dive bombers. Slight
damage from near misses; 1 killed 25
wounded.
At 5W buoy attacked by single
aircraft.
2050
Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (5)
30th May
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, under orders of
Javelin, in company with drs.
Intrepid, Ivanhoe and Impulsive.
1715
X route to Dunkirk under orders of
Ivanhoe, in company of des. Impulsive
and Harvester.
2100ca
off Bray Dune. Embarked troops by 2
whalers.
31st May
0400ca
The M.L.B. Lord Southborough now
assisted in the embarkation.
0700
Proceeded.
1000
Dover. Disembarked 781 troops.
(1) Icarus omits to mention, Vanquisher.
(3) Icarus says this was the Codrington, but the latter left
(2) Icarus does not mention this.
the area for Dover at 1430.
(4) This was probably the Waverley.
(5) Estimated. D.R. does not mention
50

Details

KEITH (D.06) 19th Destroyer Flotilla Capt. (D) E.L.Berthon,
30th May
1732
Left Dover by X route for Dunkirk.
D.S.C., R.N.
1959
2020
Secured alongside Eastern arm, Dunkirk.
Being in search of R.A. Dover, slipped
and proceeded eastward. (4)
MA
2050
Re-entered Dunkirk and embarked about
2119
1,400 troops.
Proceeded.
31st May
0045
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,200
troops
0305
Proceeded.
0552
Passed Dunkirk harbour. R.A. Dover was
in the dr. Express, and Keith was
ordered to follow.
0608
Stopped off Braye-Dunes.
0645
R.A. Dover and his staff transferred
by whaler from Express to Keith.
0655
Proceeded to La Panne.
0742
Anchored off La Panne.
0808
R.A. Dover embarked in the M/Y Bounty(2)
(q.v.) to inspect the beach.
0910
R.A. Dover returned to Keith.
0930
Commodore Stephenson, N.O.I.C.La Panne
came alongside in "No. Yacht"
to confer with R.A. Dover.
0934
Cdre. Stephenson slipped.
1113
Weighed and proceeded to Braye-Dunes.
1134
Proceeded to Dunkirk, marshalling
boats and tows of boats and ordering
them to the more eastern beaches.
1154
Off Dunkirk. Enemy artillery firing
on S.S. Clan Macalister, started a
small fire; she had been on fire
since 29th May.
1255
Returned to Braye, arriving 1331.
1424
Off La Panne.
1540
Off La Rosendal. R.A. Dover disembarked
into an M.T. B. (3) to consult with
beach staffs. He returned at 1630.
1703
Dive bomb attack. Two A/C shot down.
No damage.
1716
Near miss on the port quarter.
1815
Off La Panne.
1845
Between La Panne and Braye, the M/B
and whaler were sent inshore to
embark the Army G.H.Q. Staff.
1908
Embarked the first boat load of the
Army Staff. Lord Gort had gone to
the M/8 Hebe in a yacht L viz: the
Lahloo].
1937
Air attack.
1942
Embarked the second boat load of Army
Staff Officers.
2005
Air attack.
2016
Embarked the 3rd and last boat load of
Army B taff.
(2) Keith 200 troops. "M.T.B. " and that R.A. Dover went
(1) D.R. states
to converse says this with was Lord an Gort's C.S.O. At 1240/31, M.T. B. 102
(3) i.e. the BOUNTY.
says she embarked R.A. Dover to inspect the beaches.
(4) Cdr. Maund R.N (Retd.), whowas Abo!
of elubarkation peni pier there 108 that

Details

KEITH (continued).
May
1st (continued). June
Some of Keith's survivors reached the
wreck of the S.S. Clan Macalister
when they were taken off by a motor
lighter and transferred to the lighter
1110
Y.C.63, (which already had a full
load of soldiers). Survivors of
Keith thus reached England in the
1220
following ways:
1530
The Captain, 3 Officers and 13
ratings in Y.C.63;
1 Officer, 83 ratings and 10 officers
1830
of the Army H.Q. Staff in the
Vincia;
1950
2 Officers, and 20 ratings in the
Hilda;
7 ratings in the Salamander;
1 Officer swam to Dunkirk and took
passage in a M.A/S.B.
3 officers and 33 ratings were lost.
[the
St.
2100
2200
Left the Total 1,200
the
Gracie Fields [about 3 hours
the Gracis Fields had to be
Authority - M.017681/40.
T bucy].
30th
May
R.O.III. p.374.
Margate.
1020
Disembarked 550 (1)
1130
for Sheerness to
The following awards were made:
1600
Sailed for Bray beach.
D.S.C.
Lieut. C.P. Adams, R.N.
Arrived off Bray. The expected boats
had not arrived. A military officer
came aboard with 40 troops.
D.S.M.
0130
Lt. Odr. Craig embarked. Shelling of
Ch. Yeo.Sigs. F. Laister.
the
beach
commenced
and
continued.
Actg. P.O.
E.F. Standley. The troops could not be induced to
L/sea.
E.I.J.A.G. Joplin. off in the ship's
A.B.
E.B. Wilkinson. gun fire and shelling of
A.B.
G.E. Davies, R.F.R. beach.
to find troops
so
Mention in Despatches.
Capt.
E.L. Berthon, D.S.C., R.Noned by 3
Lieut.
R.W. Highes, R.N.
Lieut.
G.J.A. Lumsden, R.N. found the
Midshipman L/Tel.
H.B. Poustie, R.NeRtsod.
E.J.M. Beeley.
A.B.
T.F. Asprey.
A.B.
I.A. Nethercott.
A.B.
J. Wallis.
troops. for
A.B.
G.J. Woodger.
the
for
350 and
of
Wargate
a disembarkation
Le
110

Details

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

Details

MALCOLM
16th Destroyer Flotilla
(D.19)
Capt. T.E. Halsey, R.N.
Captain (D).
28th May
1422
Slipped Portsmouth. from North Western Wall,
2010.
Spoke Dover. Ordered to proceed to
beaches east of Dunkirk by route Y
with the drs. Express, Esk, Shikari
and Scimitar in company.
29th May
0215
Anchored off No.8 E. Zuydcoote buoy.
Sent in one whaler in tow of Express's
M/B to investigate.
E
0245
Sent a second whaler in tow of another
M/B.
0630
Repaired an abandoned M/B. Sent the
1st Lieut. (Lieut. Cox, R.N.) in
shore to beach a skoot
[
]
for use as a pier.
0945
Shikari came alongside bringing the
1st Lieut. from the repaired M/B,
which had broken down completely
and had to be abandoned.
1500
From now onwards heavy bombing took
place on beaches, Dunkirk and ships.
1630
Proceeded alongside the S.S. Clan
Macalister which had been hit by a
bomb and was on fire aft. Embarked
her soldiers and wounded members
of the crew and instructed her to
proceed.
1800
Proceeded to Dover by route Y, with 600
troops on board.
1940
A Spitfire crashed near ship. No
trace of survivors.
2200
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 580 troops.
30th May
0518
Proceeded by route X.
0810
Arrived Dunkirk.
0833
Secured at east pier. Embarked about
1,000 troops.
0852
Proceeded to Dover by route X.
1205
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 772 troops.
1308
Slipped and proceeded.
1610
Alongside east pier Dunkirk. Embarked
about 1,000 troops.
1700
1850
Arrived Slipped. Dover. Disembarked 868 troops &
2 German prisoners.
2123
Proceeded.
31st May
0112
off Dunkirk.
0130
In heavy collision with Dunkirk pier.
0215
Secured alongside. Embarked 1,000
0600
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 681 troops.
troops and proceeded.
1135
Sailed from Dover.
1430
Secured, east pier Dunkirk. Embarked
about 1,000 troops.
to Dover by route X.
1747
1941
Proceeded Picked up crew (2) of crashed Defiant
Arrived fighter. Dover. Disembarked 1014 troops.
2125
2346
Proceeded.
let June
Visibility with a French trawler. D.G. circuit
about 50 yards; collided
-
severed.
222

Details

M.A/S.B.6
89th A/S Group, Portland
Lieut. W.G. Everitt,
R.N.
28th May
2117
Left Dover to find the S.S. Clan
2300ca
Macalister in the Downs.
Found the Clan Macalister, and embarked
2 stretcher cases.
29th May
0015
Collided with and sank the M/L "Mineko1"
[1.e. the Minikoi] with a whaler in
tow. Saved the crew of 3 (including
0255
the C.O., S/Lt. R.E. Blows, R.N.V.R(1))
Secured at Dover and landed the 2
stretcher cases.
0441
Sailed from Dover, to turn back to
Ramsgate all small craft from the
Thames estuary. Took in tow 6 cutters
and 1 whaler, found drifting.
0630
Recalled to Dover; handed the tow
over to a M/B to take to Ramsgate.
1921
Sailed from Dover to rendezvous off
Kwinte buoy at 2100 with 2 M.T.B's
from Harwich, and to carry out an
anti-M. T.B. patrol.
2200ca
M.A/S.B.6 arrived at rendezvous 1 hour
late.
2230
The 2 M.T.B's arrived, but were not
contacted.
30th May
0230ca
Contacted the two M.T.B.'s and carried
out patrol.
0710
Secured at Dover.
0901
Left Dover with a Lt. Cdr, to marshal
and instruct all small boats arriving
from south coast.
1335
Secured at Dover.
3lst May
1140
Sailed for Ramsgate to rendezvous with
a small boat convoy.
1453
Sailed from Ramsgate for Dunkirk
escorting 5 tugs and 5 drifters each
towing between 3 and 15 small open
boats.
The convoy straggled on the way over,
1930
Bo at the Ruytingen buoy, eased down
in order to enable the vessels to
close up. There were a large number
of ships of all classes in the
vicinity and a general bombing raid
commenced. British fighters then
arrived whereupon the attack became
disorganised, and the bombers
eventually disappeared inland.
The off Dunkirk.
2110ca
THE the
directed the convoy to
When beaches returning to the Keith, M.A/S.B.16 to be a
as required.
2315ca
medium-sized collided yacht. While M.A/S.B.6's the
with what appeared
being inspected by
light damage of was a shaded torch, she was fired
on by a German plane.
(1) S/Lt. Blows then went over in the Ambleve.
252

Details

(II)
PANGBOURNE - Continued.
1645/
(9th May
1715
some small ship, were picked up.
(contd.)
1730
BOODES
Several bombers appeared to be about
to attack Pangbourne, but they
passed overhead, and attacked, for
Date
a considerable period, a hospital
ship [the St. Julien] 1 mile on the
and
starboard beam, without registering
any direct hits.
Just before passing Nieuport Bank buoy,
picked up a large life-boat.
Transferred 30 Belgian troops from
her and took the L/B in tow.
1800ca
on closing the beach, was ordered
alongside the S.S. Clan Macalister,
to embark her crew. She was on fire
aft, and the ammunition round the
after gun was continually exploding.
The crew, including some 30 Lascars
and several naval ratings (crews of
M/B's) were all embarked.
Anchored about half a mile off the
beach, opposite the [Zuydcoote]
Sanatorium [about 4 miles east of
Dunkirk]. All available boats sent
inshore in charge of Lieut. W.K.
0800
Tadman, R.N.R., and Mr. S.S. Rabbitts,
Boatswain R.N.
1800/
Numerous air attacks. No direct hits,
1900
but near misses holed the ship on
both sides, above and below the
water line, and the D.G. coil was cut
in several places. 7 ratings and
6 Belgian soldiers were killed, 7
ratings and 2 officers, and 2 Belgian
soldiers were wounded; among the
casualties were the 12 pdr. gun's
crew. During a lull in the bombing
the cable was slipped, the capstan
being out of action, and the ship got
under way. Troops, then coming off
in boats, were picked up, and the
boats abandoned, as they were holed
and the boats' falls were shot away.
On clearing Nieuport Bank, the P.M/S
-
Gracie Fields asked for assistance.
Direct hits had put her out of contro
and she was steaming at about 6
knots with her helm jambed, with 15L
The Pangbourne went alongside Gracial
starboard wheel on.
Fields, took off about 80 British
The M/S Kellett, by request, led the
troops, and took her in tow.
2200
Pangbourne, whose compasses were
still dead.
30th May
0130
The Gracie Fields reported that she
sinking. Slipped her, took her off
her was ship's company, abandoned
By position this time Kellett was out sight
and (51° 20' N., 02° 05' of E.)
broadcast her approximate
10011 THE adv a
and visibility was poor.
E
377

Details

SALTASH (N.62)
M/S (5th M.S.F.)
Lt.Cdr. T.R. Fowke, R.N.
30th May
2227
Left Harwich for La Panne.
31st May
-
1000
Arrived off La Panne.
Delayed by fog in Knock Deep channel.
Embarked 100 troops. Steamed to west
of Dunkirk, and back to La Panne.
Sighted the S.S. Clan Macalister,
troops. burning. Embarked a further 300
2300ca
Sailed for Margate.
1st June
0510
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 400
troops.
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0900ca
Passed the dr. Havant on fire, behind
the Dyck shoal. Took her in tow.
Frequent air attacks; about 40 A/C
overhead.
1000ca
Havant sinking. She was abandoned, and
Qt
the Saltash sank her. (1)
1020ca
The P/V Scotia (2) and the P.M/S
Brighton Queen were sunk.
Put the Saltash alongside the
Brighton Queen and partially on her
deck. Bumped a little on the
Brighton Queen's bilge. Took off her
troops, mostly colonial French.
-
With 350/400 survivors on board returned
=
to Margate.
1315ca
En route, closed 3 trawlers [i.e. the
Cape Argona, Sphene and Arctic
Pioneer], and took on, board the C.O.
[)rwas infact the m/B 275 ]
/
and crew of M. T. B. 175. L The M.T.B.
was taken in tow.
1835
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 400
troops. (3)
2200ca
Sailed for Dunkirk, towing a M/B and
)ᵃ
2 skiffs.
2nd June
0245
Off Dunkirk breakwater.
0300
Returned to Margate empty.
0800
Arrived Margate.
Total 800
Authority - R.O.I., p.359.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Sto. 1st Cl. B. Gaughan.
(1) The Havant does not reportthis, but states that she rolled
over and sank at 1015.
(2) (3) The Scotia reports sinking at about 1130.
D.R. Margate report states 350.
85

Details

Details

SHIKARI (D.85)
16th(?) Destroyer Flotilla Lt.Cdr. H.N.A.Richardson,
1930
R.N.
28th May
Arrived the dr. off Dover. Instructed to join
2000
Sailed the under Capt. (D) 16's orders, 16).
Malcolm (Capt. (D)
in drs. Express, Esk and Scimitar
company, using Y route.
ep-
29th May
0100
Arrived off La Panne beach. Commenced
Heavy surf; whaler capsized, owing
embarkation using M/B and whaler.
0330ca
to troops rushing the boat.
Embarkation speeded up, greatly
Drifting boats were towed in by the
assisted by naval landing craft. (1)
M/B Shikari. with boat keepers from the
1215
Ship full. Proceeded to Dover by
ler
1630ca
route Y, Scimitar in company.
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 396
troops. (2)
1745
Left Dover for La Panne. Air attacks
in vicinity of Oost Dyck buoy.
Closed the M/S Gracie Fields which
had been hit; sufficient craft
already assisting, so Shikari pro-
ceeded.
30th May
0030ca
Ran aground on approaching the coast.
0330ca
Refloated on rising tide. Embarked
troops from La Panne.
il
0800
Ship full. Proceeded to Dover.
-
Passing Nieuport buoy, came under fire
from a battery behind Nieuport.
1300
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 417
troops. (2) Repairs executed.
1930
Sailed for La Panne, using X route for
the first time.
-
Approaching Dunkirk the gyro-compass
failed. Continued on to La Panne.
1)
2230
Darkness slowed down embarkation. When
uncertain of Shikari's position,
Shikari's boats ferried troops to
ships lying closer inshore.
31st May
0400
R.A. Dover ordered Shikari to Dunkirk.
Secured alongside east jetty and
filled ship during an air attack.
0520
Sailed for Dover.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 600
troops. (2)
0930
Sailed for La Panne.
-
Near No. 6 W buoy, in Dunkirk channel,
came under fire from shore battery
to the west of Dunkirk.
-
While embarking troops from La Panne,
the Shikari was under fire from
the Nieuport battery.
1300ca
Ship straddled; moved west towards
Bray. Beaches shelled.
1800
Air attack.
Shikari's boats asked to bring off
Lord Gort's luggage (see Ahola)
(1) The S.S. Clan Macalister arrived off Dunkirk and commenced
(2) D.hoisting out A.L.C's at about 0900 on 29th May.
132

Details

Page 6.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - RECOMMENDATIONS OF PERSONNEL.
H.M.S. "PANGBOURNE" - Acting Commander Francis Douglas-Watson, R.N.
The ship left Harwich, and arrived at Dunkirk on the
evening of 28th May; she returned t 0 Margate and disembarked
400 troops. On her second trip to Dunkirk she rescued the
crew of the "CLAN MACALISTER". She was subjected to air
attacks from 1645 to 1715 and from 1000 to 1900 (29th May);
the latter was particularly severe and caused some 24
casualties, including Belgian soldiers. On her way back
she towed the badly damaged "GRACIE FIELDS", rescuing the
latter's crew when she sank.
After undergoing temporary repairs to D.G. wiring and
for splinter damage, "PANGBOURNE" completed one more round
trip to Dunkirk and also brought in a number of soldiers
transferred to her by 8. trawler.
In all she completed 3 round trips, bringing back 920
men.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
OFFICERS:
Acting Commander Francis Douglas-Watson. R.N.
Commander Douglas-Watson displayed courage, resource
and professional skill of a high order in dangerous and most
DSO
difficult conditions. The steadiness of the ship's company
in the face of severe air attack and casualties was an
eloquent tribute to his leadership and example.
Recommended for Decoration.
RATINGS:
Leading Stoker Ronald Kenneth Robb, O.N. D/KX18359.
C.G.M
Remained on the forecastle during the first bombing
attack in charge of the capstan. When this was put out of
DSM
action and he was badly wounded in both arms, he stood by
in an exposed position ready to slip the cable. Afterwards
he continued to assist the repair parties although one arm
was out of action.
Recommended for Decoration.
Leading Seaman Alfred Reid, O.N. D/J13129.
As coxswain of the motor boat, Reid was of great
assistance to the officer in charge of the boats on the beach.
He carried out all orders in prompt and seamanlike manner
as well as acting on his own initiative when towing the
various boat loads back to the ship.
Recommended for Mention.

Details

Page 22.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S.
MALCOLM. - Captain Thomas Edgar Halsey, R.N. (Decorated for
this operation London Gazette 7th June, 1940)
MALCOLM made 8 trips during the period 28th May - 4th
June, one being to the beaches, the remainder to Dunkirk
pier, and brought home a total of about 6,400 troops.
MALCOLM was considerably shaken by near misses of bombs and
to have kept going to and from Dunkirk daily, except for one
night and a day when ordered by Vice Admiral Dover to take a
much needed rest, reflects the greatest credit on all
officers and men.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (1st Lieutenant).
Displayed great efficiency in organising the ship
for the embarkation and stowage of troops. Although
he had so recently joined the ship he obtained the
confidence and co-operation of the ship's company.
Boarded S.S. CLAN MACALISTER and displayed
gallantry in extinguishing the fire on board which, at
the time, it seemed must explode her ammunition storage.
He also rallied CLAN MACALISTER's crew.
Recommended for decoration,
Lieutenant David Barclay Nairne Mellis, R.N.
Showed great ability in navigating between Dunkirk
and Dover; on two occasions took the ship alongside
at Dunkirk when Captain (D) mistrusted his own
judgment and eyesight in the dark owing to fatigue,
Also boarded S.S. CLAN MACALISTER and assisted to
extinguish the fire.
Appeared oblivious of any personal danger and
positively seemed to enjoy estimating where bombs
would hit, wholeheartedly watching them fall.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Ronald John Robertson, R.A.N.
Admirable organisation and control of signal
department. Rendered great assistance to his
Commanding Officer, conducting himself with great
coolness on the bridge when under fire.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. Arthur George Scoggins, Warrant Engineer.
Ran his department with great ability in
conditions of great difficulty and some peril. The
ship had been much shaken by previous bombing as well
as that at Dunkirk, causing leaky steam joints,
failure of evaporating plant, etc. so that the average and
temperature of the Engine Room was between 140
manoeuvring, though this temperature enormously
150°. In spite of this, no mistakes were made when
increased the fatigue of the Engine Room personnel. of
After previously warning one of the shortage last
distilled possible moment (rescue feed-tank and 2 boilers run
water, kept the ship running till
down).
Recommended for decoration.

Details

154
Sheet 2. 159
At 0030 on Wednesday 29th. May I slipped and
proceeded down harbour. After rounding No.6E whistle
and bell buoy I found myself in among two or three
French destroyers, stopped in the channel, and as a
result missed No.13 bouy and went aground on sandbank
north of Zuydcoote Pass Engines were put to full astern
and the ship slid off into about ten fathoms. In order to
ascertain my exact position and wait until unlit bouys
could be seen I anchored and very shortly picked up the
Nieuport buoy While waiting the ship was roughly fixed
and found to be in position51 degrees 7 minutes 30 seconds
North, 2 degrees 28 minutes 48 seconds East, and clear of
the channel. I proceeded without further incident to
Margate. Just before dawn gunfire was observed shead and
shortly afterwards several destroyers passed ae proceeding
towards the French coast. Later passing the Kwiente buoy
one sunken destroyer and another badly down by the stern
were passed.
At I000 ship secured alongside Margate pier
and disembarked troops. Although no exact counting of
troops was possible, about 450 in all were landed, including
approximately 50 stretcher cases and 100 walking cases.
The arrangements for disembarkation of troops
at Margate were most efficient.
At 1107 Wednesday 29th. may slipped and proceeded
back to Dunkirk, being joined by Lydd at North Goodwin
light vessel. At 1315 Lydd reported & submarine to starboard,
although not observed by Pangbourne a warning was broadcast
at 1321 Between 1645 and 1715 just off Nieuport bank
several air attacks were directed against Pangbourne and
all ships in the vicinity. Immediately after this two
British soldiers were picked up in an exhausted condition,
apparently having been blown from the deck of some small
ship. At approximately 1730 several enemy bombers appeared
to be about to attack Pangbourne but passed overhead, and
were distinctly observed to attack & hospital ship about
a mile on the Starboard beam for & considerable period
without registering any direct hits. Just before passing
the Nieuport Bank buoy a large lifeboat containing some
thirty Belgian soldiers was picked up and the boat taken
in tow for use on the beach. On closing the beach 1 was
ordered to proceed Alanasise the Clan MacAlister lying at anchor
and embark the crew. This ship was on fire aft, and the
ammunition round the after gun was continually exploding.
The Master reported to ae that there was no chance of saving
the shipas all hoses were out and the steering gear out of
action. The crew, including some 30 Lascars, and several
Naval ratings, - crews of motor boats - were all embarked.
I then proceeded and anchored about half a mile off the
beach opposite the Sanatorium. All available boats were
lowered and sent inshore in charge of Lieut. Tadman
R.N.R. and Rabbitts, Boatswain R.N.. Between
1860 and 1900 the ship was subjected to numerous low
diving bombing attacks, although no direct hits were made
there were several near misses. The hull was holed on
both sidesabove and below the water line and the D.U. coil
cut in several places. It was during this period that all
casualties occurred, resultang in the death of of seven
the ratings and six Belgian soldiers, and wounding seven

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 13206).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
SS
1
55
An
Dynam
349
lasman 60
355
65
TER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
a
70
--339
May 28th, 1940. 1100
345
Search for Hurricane.
At approximately 1100 S.0.6 and 7
were instructed to search for Hurricane reported in sea, position
5 to 10 miles S.W. of Goodwins. Course was set S.3. from Dover
until Goodwins bore N.E. Boats then opened up to approximately
2000 yards and swept 10 miles S.W. Course was then altered
to S.E. and again to N.E. and sweep carried back to opposite Dover.
Much wreckage was examined but none that could have been aircraft.
May 28th, 1940. - 3117 to May 29th. 0255.
Instructions were received to find the S.S. Clan Macalister
anchored somewhere in the Downs and in conference with the Captain
of the ship and the Commander R.N. in charge of M.L.V.s to decide
the best course for Clan Macalister to land her boats and to instruct
her to procede accordingly. Subsequently to report to the Chief
of Staff what action was being taken. Serious difficulty was
experienced in finding Clan Macalister owing to large number of
ships in the Downs and absence of examination vessel. Contact
was made however at approximately 2500. Clan Macalister had no
charts of consequently S.0.6.s were handed over to her.
La Panne, and she sailed accordingly. It would appear there. that she
It was decided Dunkirk she and could probably get within fifteen miles of
Two very much closer taken off being members of the crew of the
got and unfortunately is still
M. L. V.s stretcher cases were down the hold of Clan Macalister. At
approximately who had fallen S.0.6 set course for Dover, whaler and shortly in
This afterwards collided with to the whaler appearing close collision under the occurred port bow.
midnight motor launch Minekoi with tow.
Course occurred owing altered to starboard and of three
with was immediately was previously not seen. The Stoker crew Macgill -
were R.E. rain squall work by
Sub/Lieut. the launch which A.B. Stewart and and slightly
choppy resoued after did good of the
jumping sea. overboard the one member launch's crew launch's
crew who swim. I believe the launch.
subsequently sailad could not made for Dunkirk at 0255 in where another the stretcher cases were
dispatched by ambulance.
May 29th, 1921 to May 30th. 0710.
received to
Anti-M.T.B. rendezvous Patrol. two at one 2100 hour off late the at Quint the buoy.
S.0.6 proceded with there at full the two M.T.B.S was arrived, connect and passed with
2230 who could not not made until
Contact will th due was caution to avoid
approximately 0230 for an enemy craft. Much of the night was spent

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised 356
October, 1935.)
ite
OSS
10
ECRE
55
1
An
Deptrains
60
355
65
STTER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
a
70
351
ay 28th. 1940. 1100 1400.
Search for Hurricane.
At approximately 1100 S.0.6 and 7
were instructed to search for Hurricans reported in sea, position
5 to 10 miles S.W. of Goodwins. Course was set S.E. from Dover
until Goodwins bore N.E.
Boats then opened up to approximately
2000 yards and swept 10 miles S.N.
Course was then altered
to S.E. and again to N.E. and sweep carried back to opposite Dover.
Much wreckage was examined but nome that could have been aircraft.
May 28th. 1940. 2117 to May 29th. 0255.
Instructions were received to find the S.S. Clan Macalister
anchored somewhere in the Downs and in conference with the Captain
of the ship and the Commander R.N. in charge of M.L.V.S to decide
the best course for Clan Macalister to land her boats and to instruct
her to procede accordingly. Subsequently to report to the Chief
of Staff what action was being taken.
Serious difficulty was
experienced in finding Clan Macalister owing to large number of
ships in the Downs and absence of examination vessel. Contact
was made however at approximately 2300. Clan Macalister had no
charts of Dunkirk and consequently S.O.6.8 were handed over to her.
It was decided she could probably get within fifteen miles of
La Panne, and she sailed accordingly. It would appear that she
Two very much closer taken off being members of the crew At of the
got and unfortunately is still there.
M.L.V stretcher cases fallen were down the hold of Clan Macalister.
approximately .9 who had S.0.6. get course for Dover. whaler and shortly in
This collided to the whaler appearing close under the occurred part bow.
afterwards midnight with motor launch with tow.
with was immediately which was previously not seen. The crew Madgill three
Course occurred owing altered to starboard and collision of
-
were R.E.Blows, difficulty owing to rain squall work slightly by
Sub/Lieut the launch R.N.V.R., A.B.Stewart and Stoker and
choppy jumping sea. overboard AMEX and supporting I believe the one the member launch's of the crew XXX
resoued after Able-Seaman Shuttleworth did good launch's
crew who not swim.
Return subsequently to Dover sailed was made at 0255 where the stretcher cases were
could for Dunkirk in mother launhh.
dispatched by ambulance.
May 29th. 1921 to May 30th. 0710.
Instructions were received to
Anti-M.T.B. Patrol. M.T.B.S from Harwich at 2100 off the late Quint at the bouy.
rendesvous with there two at full speed but was one arrived, hour and passed
S.0.6. proceded 2230 the two M.T.B.S connect with
approximately superior speed. Contact to avoid
ReV. At approximately half-a-mile from S.0.6. who could was not not made until
being approximately mistaken 0230 for an enemy craft. Much of the spent
them owing to their and this was done with due caution night was

Details

OR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
or Barge Sherfield
#
185
Lighter Y.O. 63.
Lighter X.95.
Sub Dr. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
or Launch Nanette II.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, 31st May, 1940, we
ceived. command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops
om the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
were under way heading out to sea.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
though we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and
cidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps
B just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted -"Ostend". This
a a most salutary effect on us and putting the wheel to starboard we headed for
e battle. The succession of sunken ships with the oil saturated water covered.
th junk and garbage of all sorts began to have a dampening effect on everybody.
wever, we fortified ourselves with large helpings of Mr. Machonicie's Irish Stew.
Continuing on passed Nieuport we found ourselves between two destroyers and
shore battery in action;during this one of the destroyers was hit and the super-
tructure burst into flames. On closing in it was obvious that there was no one
board and we drew away a magazine explosion. Shells then began to drop round us
rom the remaining destroyer and to further our consternation at this moment at
orpedo passed under the "Sherfield", disappearing up the beach; whether fired by
submarine or the other destroyer is not known.
Next thing on the programs was the finding of a whole lot of chaps who had
een in the oil-covered water for a considerable time and we experienced difficulty
n getting them aboard as there were several wounded amongst them. These - were
ostly off destroyers sunk during the day. During this interlule soldiers were
een gathering on the foreshore, and owing to ebbing tide it was impossible to
each the lighters and the motor boat. commenced to collect the soldiers and take
chem to the lighters at twenty at a time. One young Army officer to whom great
redit is due came along with a motor boat full of wounded, and after putting them
aboard helped with the embarkation.
In the meantime one lighter continued to fish people out of the water and the
ther went alongside the wrecked "Clan MacAlister" and took off 15 wounded
survivors of the "Keith" and other ships.
All was going well when a number of enemy planes started to machine gun the
beach and bombard the vicinity. It would be as well to mention that there were
no other British ships or planes in sight, and being completely unarmed except for
one Boer War rifle, we couldn't do much against them. As the last load was being
gathered it appeared that the enemy were using Trench Mortars and machine guns from
begind the Dunes.
During a lull the second lighter and motor boat made for the open sea; while
the motor barge was receiving her last load of wounded enemy planes started paying
further attention to her. She stopped all movement and drifted about for the next
three quarters of an hour, hoping to be taken for a derelect, which thank God she
wast At length the planes eased off and she made a dash (at 6 knots) for the open
the familiar whine of a power bomber was heard, followed by a pattern of bombe
sea, large quantities of tea being consumed. Peace reigned, but not for long;
exploding round the barge and a nice little machine gun attack followed.
The remainder of the trip was quite uneventful, entering Dover at 7 a.m. on
Sunday morning.
volunteers and the youngest being 17. A fine example was set by the fortitude
Too much praise cannot be given to the Civilian members of the crews, all being of
the Troops waiting on the shore and in the water. All Naval members of the orews
acted as expected.
missed On during the first night, had managed to get to Dunkirk and had had her full
returning to Sheerness we found the third member of our convoy, whan - had
share of excitement.

Details

216
204
OPERATION DYNAMO.
22
ENCLOSURE NO. 17.
SHIP: BLUE BIRD - Motor Boat.
OFFICER REPORTING: G.B. EYRE, SUB-LINUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
On Saturday 1st June I received orders to
proceed with Motor Boat BLUE BIRD to the M/S SANDOWN
to be towed to Dunkirk. M/S SANDOWN was relieved by
M/S EMPEROR OF INDIA and accordingly I changed to her.
2.
On reaching Dunkirk it was found impossible
to start engines of BLUE BIRD so she was not used and
came back to Dover in tow.
3. The Lifeboat MARY SCOTT was working in
conjunction with BLUE BIRD, but remained behind in
Dunkirk to pick up EMPEROR OF INDIA's 1st Lieutenant
who was on the pier, organising the troops to be
embarked.
Note: This officer was previously in command of
A.L.C. No. 15, and had been employed
ferrying troops off from Dunkirk beach for
one day. When 8.9. CLAN MACALISTER
(A.L.C. parent ship) was bombed and set
on fire he returned to Dover in company
with A.L.Cs. 3 and 8 to refuel and
proceeded to the beaches on completion.
A.L.C. No. 15 was driven on to the beach by
the wash of a passing destroyer and as
there was no hope of getting off,
Sub-Lieutenant Eyre set fire to her and
returned to Dover in due course in
See ROIII, 12509
A.L.C. No. 3 and was then given Motor
Boat BLUE BIRD.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Duprome 339 467
abject.
EVACUATION OF B.E.F. - NARRATIVE OF EVENTS.
468
rom...THE CAPTAIN A/S, H.M.S. "OSPREY", H.M. DOCKYARD
PORTLAND, DORSET.
ate. 17th June, 1940.
No. 0601/44/3.1170.
439 440
The Vice Admiral,
Dover,
(Copies to:- The Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.
The Flag Officer-in-Charge, Portland.)
SADMIRAL
ADMIRAL
With reference to C.P.G.O. 1700, reports from Motor
18JUN475
Boats 6 and 7 and M.L.100 are submitted herewith.
Reports from "KINGFISHER" and Motor A/S Boat 10 were
already survived
18
Forwarded direct to you.
Lieutenant Comman
Dynama
for Captain A/S.
the
Downs
2300
Found "Clan Macalister". Embarked two stretcher cases
(approx)
on deck.
29th. 0015
Collided with and sank small motor launch "Mino MINEKOI Key" with
whaler in tow. Saved crew of three.
0255
Secured Dover.
0441
Sailed from Dover to turn back to Ramsgate all small craft
from Thames Estuary.
Rixx Took in tow six cutters
and one whaler found drifting.
0630
Recalled to Dover.
Handed tow over to motor boat to
(approx)
take to Ramsgate. Fueled.
1921
Left Dover for anix anti M.T.B. patrol.
30th. 0710
Secured Dover.
0901
Left Dover with Lt-Comdr. (?) to marshal and instruct
all small boats arriving from south coast.
1335
Secured Dover. Fueled. Carried out engine repairs.
31st. 1140
Sailed for Ramsgate to rendezvous with small boat convoy.
1220
Arrived Ramsgate. Off-loaded depth charges.
1453
Sailed from Ramsgate escorting five tugs and five drifters
all towing open boats.
1930
Off Reutigen Bank. General bombing attack on shipping.
2100
Arrived off Dunkirk. Took on board Lt-Comdr Wynne- Edwards
Instructed open boats where to operate.
(from Keith)
2315
In collision with large yacht. Hole in starboard bow
above water line.
Some ribs broken.
2400
Returned to Keith off La Panne. Took on board General
(approx)
Leese.
Imamo
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.

Details

H.M. M. A/S. B.6.
468
Period May 23rd. to June 4th. 1940.
Bin/o/
1214
Time
440
3rd
1329
Sailed from Portland for Harwich.
2152
Arrived Dover - fuelled.
4th.
0857
Sailed from Dover.
1316
Arrived Harwich.
Fuelled.
5th.
6th.
Fitted quadrupia Lewis gun in place of port double
7th.
1307
Sailed for Dover in company with 3.0.7.
1753
Arrived Dover. Reported to M.A.Dover.
8th. 1100
Sailed with S.0.7. to search for Hurricane reported
in the sea SeW. of Goodwins. Following air battle
off Dover earlier.
1400
Returned to Dover. Search unsuccessful.
(approx)
2117
Sailed from Dover to find S.S. Clan Maclister in the Downs
to give her instructions.
2300
Found "Clan Macalister". Embarked two stretcher cases
(approx)
on deck.
MINEKOI
29th. 0015
Collided with and sank small motor launch "Mino Key" with
whaler in tow. Saved crew of three.
0255
Secured Dover.
0441
Sailed from Dover to turn back to Ramsgate all small craft
from Thames Estuary.
**** Took in tow six cutters
and one whaler found drifting.
0630
Recalle to Dover.
Handed tow over to motor boat to
(approx)
take to Ramsgate. Fueled.
1921
Left Dover for anix anti M.T.B. patrol.
30th. 0710
Secured Dover.
0901
Left Dover with Lt-Comdr. (?) to marshal and instruct
all small boats arriving from south coast.
1335
Secured Dover. Fueled. Carried out engine repairs.
31st.
1140
Sailed for Ramsgate to rendezvous with small boat convoy.
1220
Arrived Ramsgate. Off-loaded depth charges.
1453
Sailed from Ramsgate escorting five tugs and five drifters
all towing open boats.
1930
Off Reutigen Bank. General bombing attack on shipping.
2100
Arrived off Dunkirk. Took on board Lt-Comdr.Mynne- Edwards
Instructed open boats where to operate. (from Keith)
2315
In collision with large yacht. Hole in starboard bow
above water line. Some ribs broken.
2400
Returned to Keith off La Panne. Took on board General
(approx)
Leese.
ynamo
On passage GO DUNKITK.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.

Details

May 28th. 1940. 1100 1400.
470
-
Search instuucted for Hurricane. to search for At approximately 1100 3.0.6 and 7
442
were miles S.W. of Hurricane reported in sea, position
5 to 10 bore N.E. Goodwins. Course was set S.B. from Dover
until 2000 yards and swept 10 miles Boats S.W. then Course opened was up to then approximately altered
Goodwins
to S.E. and again to N.E. and sweep carried back to opposite Dover.
Much wreckage was examined but none that could have been aircraft.
May 28th. 1940. 2117 to May 29th. 0255.
Instructions were received to find the S.S. Clan Macalister
anchored somewhere in the Downs and in conference with the Captain
of the ship and the Commander R.N. in charge of M.L.V.S to decide
the best course for Clan Macalister to land her boats and to instruct
her to procede accordingly. Subsequently to report to the Chief
of Staff what action was being taken. Serious difficulty was
experienced in finding Clan Macalister owing to large number of
ships in the Downs and absence of examination vessel. Contact
was made however at approximately 2300. Clan Macalister had no
charts of Dunkirk and consequently S.0.6.s were handed over to her.
It was decided she could probably get within fifteen miles of
La Panne, and she sailed accordingly. It would appear that she
got very much closer and unfortunately is still there.
Two stretcher cases were taken off being members of the crew of the
M.L.V.s who had fallen down the hold of Clan Macalister. At
approximately midnight S.0.6. set course for Dover. and shortly
afterwards collided with motor launch Minnekoi with whaler in tow.
This occurred owing to the whaler appearing close under the port bow.
Course was immediately altered to starboard and collision occurred
with the launch which was previously not seen. The crew of three
Sub/Lieut. R.E.Blows, R.N.V.R., A.B Stewart and Stoker Madgill
were rescued after difficulty owing to rain squall and slightly
choppy sea. **** Able-Seaman Shuttleworth did good work by
jumping overboard and supporting the one member of the launch's
crew who could not swim.
I believe the launch's crew XXX
subsequently sailed for Dunkirk in another launhh.
Return to Dover was made at 0255 where the stretcher cases were
dispatched by ambulance.
May 29th. 1921 to May 30th. 0710.
rendezvous with two M.T.B.s from Harwich at 2100 off the Quint bouy.
Anti-M.T.B. Patrol.
Instructions were received to
S.0.6. there at full speed but was one hour late at the
R.V. half-a-mile from S.0.6. who could not connect until
proceded At approximately 2230 the two M.T.B.s arrived, and passed with
approximately them their superior speed. Contact was not made avoid
approximately being mistaken 0230 for an enemy craft. Much of the night spent
owing to and this was done with due caution to was
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.

Details

225
223
Page 6
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
59 continued.
All who had reached the water swam for the shore and a
1/6
number reached the wreck of the "Clan MacAlister" which was
resting on her stern after being sunk in one the of the above
raids. They were later taken off by a lighter and transferred
to Sheerness Yard Craft No.63 then loaded with troops from the
beach.
60. Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his Staff by M.T.B.
1 Officer and 88 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. Staff.
2 Officers and 4 ratings by a scoot.
Captain, 3 Officers and 13 men, some of whom
were wounded, in Yard Craft 63.
1 Officer and an II.A.S.B. from Dunkirk, after
swimming ashore from "St. Abbs".
7 ratings by "Salanander".
D.Jon. Barthan D.jon.
CAPTAIN.
P.S. In continuation of paragraph 40:-
Lord Gort came onboard "Keith", had about 25
minutes conference with Rear Admiral Dover, and then
proceeded in a British M.T.B., accompanied by his Chief
Staff Officer, for Dover.
VICE AD MIRAL
#
DO
O
Tu
O
S

Details

SECRET
bomber Admiral 9. wished At sighted 0655 to the survey shipp the proceeded situation to La
31/5
3" H.A. was and pom-pom. at 0723 and "Keith" opened there.
and there 10. the at shore. 0742. At 0726 At The the this Admiral ship was communicated off La Panne with an
the beaches and in time intermittent she
of and about 150 yards long was also
lorries the dunes could be seen.
11.
At 0808 Rear Admiral Dover disembarke
M.T.B. and went ashore to converse with the Chi
Officer to Lord Gort. The Admiral returned on
about 0910.
12.
At 0930 No.4 yacht came alongside with
Admiral Stephenson, Ret'd, Naval Officer in
embarkation at La Panne, to speak to the Admiral
slipped again at 0934.
13.
At 1113 anchor was weighed and the ship
to Braye where the Admiral spoke to various ship
etc. At 1134 "Keith" proceeded to Dunkirk, mars
boats and tows of boats and ordering them to the
beaches.
shore 14. signal station. Enemy artillery were firing
"Keith" was off Dunkirk at 1154 and sports
merchant ship "Clan MacAlister", abandoned off Brand
eventually hit her in the poop and a small fire
This vessel had been on fire for several days.
15.
At 1255 "Keith" returned to Braye where
arrived at 1331.
continued eastwards, art op
with 16. pom-poms At 1400 at 1414 the on ship an enemy aircraft, and
La Panne at 1424.
17. "Keith" opened fire at 1433 astern on an of enemy the
with 1443 4.7" from barrage. a high level A bomber. bomb dropped Patrol was continu
the westward.
Whilst off Braye at 1513 enemy aircraft OV
18. engaged by H.A. guns and
M.T.B. were 19. when At the 1540 ship Rear was Admiral off La Dover Rosendal, to onbard
evacuation "Keith" staffs was on the attacked beaches, at 1703 returning the 3"
due bombing pom-poms. and 20. to two action aircraft other Two by enemy of our which the aircraft fighter were enemy engaged were aircraft. were circling seen shot by Napidly. quar
and sustained 21. the aircraft At by 1716 "Keith", was a bomb engaged which dropped was by H.A.armament the without Six ene
22.

Details

SECRET
PAGE 7.
22?
H.M.S. "KEITH" - FINAL REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS 30th MAY - 1st
229
JUNE, 1940, WITH HER EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION.
(Captain Berthon's No.31 of 1st July, 1940 to V.A. Dover.)
62. At about 0950 a single high flying twin-engine
bomber was seen returning from Dunkirk. Again"St. Abbs"
circled as fast as she could but this time a single bomb
hit her amidships and she sank very rapidly, (in about 30
seconds), with her many wounded survivors. The "Keith's"
medical officer Surgeon Lieutenant R.H.A.Turner Royal Navy,
Ret'd, who was attending to wounded below and the Gunner (T)
Mr.Gedric James Brown Rpyal Navy, were both lost.
63.
All who had reached the surface of the water swam
to the shore and a number reached the wreck of the "Clan
MacAlister", which was now resting on her step off Braye after
being sunk in one of the above raids. They were later taken off
by a motor lighter and transferred to Yard Craft 63 which with
a full load of soldiers proceeded for England and after further
trials by bombing on passage landed at Dover at 0800 Sunday,
2nd June. One officer swam to the shore and returned via
Dunkirk in a M.A.S.B.
64.
Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
Following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his staff by M.T.B.
Captain, 3 officers and 13 men by yard craft 63.
1 officer and 83 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. staff.
2 officers and 20 ratings by scoot "Hilda"
About 7 ratings by "Salamander"
1 officer by M.A.S.B. from Dunkirk after swimming
ashore.
There are 3 officers and 33 men lost.
65.
The discipline and cheerfulness of the ship's company
was most marked and I consider was due to the personality of my
predecessor the late Captain David Simpson R.N. who lost his life
while in command of "Keith" about ten days previously, and to all
the officers. No credit for this high morale can be attributed
to myself as my active command of "Keith" amounted to 48 hours
only.
66.
The cause of "Keith's" loss was the heavy enemy dive
bombing attacks carried out when the ship's movements were very
restricted owing to shoals, magnetic mines and wrecks and to the
lack of effective A.A. fire owing to H.A. ammunition having been
expended. The conduct of all officers and men was exempliary
but it is desired to bring certain officers and men to your
notice who from my personal observations were outstandingly
forward in the execution of their duty in action under very
trying conditions. Recommendations of these officers and
ratings are being made in a separate letter.
VICE ADMIRAL
JUL 1940
D
CAPTAIN.
for Dover uy zuyuevote rass and North channel. The night was

Details

Page 22.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Re ommendations of Personnel.
MALCOLM. - Captain Thomas Edgar Halsey. R.N. (Decorated for
this operation London Gazette 7th June, 1940
MALCOLM made 8 trips during the period 28th May - 4th
June, one being to the beaches, the remainder to Dunkirk
pier, and brought home a total of about 6,400 troops.
MALCOLM was considerably shaken by near misses of bombs and
to have kept going to and from Dunkirk daily, except for one
night and a day when ordered by Vice Admiral Dover to take a
much needed rest, reflects the greatest credit on all
officers and men.
Recommendations.
ERS:
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (1st Lieutenant),
Displayed great efficiency in organising the ship
for the embarkation and stowage of troops. Although
he had so recently joined the ship he obtained the
confidence and co-operation of the ship's company.
Boarded S.S. CLAN MACALISTER and displayed
gallantry in extinguishing the fire on board which, at
the time, it seemed must explode her ammunition storage.
He also rallied CLAN MACALISTER's crew.
Recommended for decoration,
Lieutenant David Barclay Nairne Mellis, R.N.
Showed great ability in navigating between Dunkirk
and Dover; on two occasions took the ship alongside
at Dunkirk when Captain (D) mistrusted his own
judgment and eyesight in the dark owing to fatigue.
Also boarded S.S. CLAN MACALISTER and assisted to
extinguish the fire.
Appeared oblivious of any personal danger and
positively seemed to enjoy estimating where bombs
would hit, wholeheartedly watching them fall.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Ronald John Robertson, R.A.N.
Admirable organisation and control of signal
department. Rendered great assistance to his
Commanding Officer, conducting himself with great
coolness on the bridge when under fire.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. Arthur George Scoggins, Warrant Engineer.
Ran his department with great ability in
conditions of great difficulty and some peril. The
ship had been much shaken by previous bombing as well
as that at Dunkirk, causing leaky steam joints,
failure of evaporating plant, etc. SO that the average
temperature of the Engine Room was between 140° and
150°. In spite of this, no mistakes were made when
manoeuvring, though this temperature enormously
increased the fatigue of the Engine Room personnel.
After previously warning one of the shortage of
distilled water, kept the ship running till last
possible moment (rescue feed-tank and 2 boilers run
down).
Recommended for decoration

Details

Page 22.
Operation "DYNAMO" - scommendations of Personnel.
M.S. MALCOLM. - Captain Thomas Edgar Halsey, R.N. (Decorated for
this operation London Gazette 7th June, 1940)
MALCOLM made 8 trips during the period 28th May - 4th
June, one being to the beaches, the remainder to Dunkirk
pier, and brought home a total of about 6,400 troops.
MALCOLM was considerably shaken by near misses of bombs and
to have kept going to and from Dunkirk daily, except for one
night and a day when ordered by Vice Admiral Dover to take a
much needed rest, reflects the greatest credit on all
officers and men.
Recommendations.
FFICERS:
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (1st Lieutenant).
Displayed great efficiency in organising the ship
for the embarkation and stowage of troops. Although
he had so recently joined the ship he obtained the
confidence and co-operation of the ship's company.
Boarded S.S. CLAN MACALISTER and displayed
gallantry in extinguishing the fire on board which, at
the time, it seemed must explode her ammunition storage.
He also rallied CLAN MACALISTER's crew.
Recommended for decoration,
Lieutenant David Barclay Nairne Mellis, R.N.
Showed great ability in navigating between Dunkirk
and Dover; on two occasions took the ship alongside
at Dunkirk when Captain (D) mistrusted his own
judgment and eyesight in the dark owing to fatigue.
Also boarded S.S. CLAN MACALISTER and assisted to
extinguish the fire.
Appeared oblivious of any personal danger and
positively seemed to enjoy estimating where bombs
would hit, wholeheartedly watching them fall.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Ronald John Robertson, R.A.N.
Admirable organisation and control of signal
department. Rendered great assistance to his
Commanding Officer, conducting himself with great
coolness on the bridge when under fire.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. Arthur George Scoggins, Warrant Engineer.
Ran his department with great ability in
conditions of great difficulty and some peril. The
ship had been much shaken by previous bombing as well
as that at Dunkirk, causing leaky steam joints,
failure of evaporating plant, etc. so that the average
temperature of the Engine Room was between 140 and
150. In spite of this, no mistakes were made when
manoeuvring, though this temperature enormously
increased the fatigue of the Engine Room personnel.
After previously warning one of the shortage of
distilled water, kept the ship running till last
possible moment (rescue feed-tank and 2 boilers run
down).
Recommended for decoration.

Details

50/-
SECRET.
480
Use of Landing Craft during the evacuation
of the B.E.F.
Report by the Inter-Services Training and
Development Centre.
Orders were received at about 3100 hrs
on 26th May to load all available landing craft
in the CLAN MACALISTER at Southampton for immed-
late despatch to Dover. Eight Action, being all
that were available, were duly loaded together
with their crews, 2500 gallons of petrol and 300
gallons of lubricating oil.
Commander R.A. Cassidi R.N. was in
charge of the party and with him were Sub. Lieut
Wilcoxon R.N.V.R. and Sub. Lieut Eyres R.N.V.R.
The crews comprised 45 ratings,
The CLAN MACALISTER sailed at about
1800 hrs 27th May. Subsequent action of A.L.C.
is described in appendix "A" attached.
Two jet propulsion type M.L.C. (12 and 17),
2.
arrived at Portsmouth from the clyde on 39th May.
They were put into commission forthwith, but were
found to be in very bad condition, and a consider-
able amount of work had to be carried out on the
engines and hulls before they could be used.
Two new pattern H.L.C., (21 and 22,) and
A.L.C. 10 were delivered by "hornycrofts on 30th May.
These were also put into commission forthwith.

Details

181
506
482
6.
As far as can be ascertained, up to the
present the following casualties were sustained
by crews of A.L.C. :-
Killed - one officer (Sub. Lieut R.
Wilcoxon, R.N.V.R.)
Wounded - Two ratings.
Injured - Two ratings,
Five craft were lost out of the nine employed;
two of these were never hoisted out of the Clan
Macalister owing to an accident to the derricks,
and it appears that A.L.C. 8 and 15 need not have
been lost, although the deliberate destruction of
A.L.C. 10 was perhaps justified on the grounds
that she was disabled and might fall into the hands
of the enemy.
of the 4 A.L.C. which returned, A.L.C. 5
7.
is in SHEERNESS Dockyard in a damaged condition.
It is suggested that she should be repaired there
without delay, and that she should return to orts-
mouth under her own power or in tow. An officer
and a crew can be sent to fetch her.
I would point out that these craft were
8. subjected to very abnormal use; they were invariably
overloaded; a great strain was thrown on the engines the
clutches owing to the fact that the sea off
and at DUNKIRK was full of every form of floating etc.,
obstacle beaches including clothing, equipment, etc.,
which continually fouled the propellors,

Details

484
Appendix "A",
Part I
Report by Commander R.A. Cassidi R.H.
A.L.C., 3,4,5,8,15,16,17, and 18 were embarked,
together with their crews and 1 P.O. 2 seamen and 2 stokers IS
spare hands, on board S.S. Clan Macalister at Southampton on
17/5
Monday 27th May. The ship sailed that afternoon.
in
2.
on Tuesday morning she anchored in the Downs 28/5
and was instructed by the examination vessel to await orders
from Dover, At about 3200 hrs that evening 1 1dg stoker and
1 ord. seaman fell into the bottom of No. 4 hold which had been
left uncovered. Both were seriously injured.
CZ
3.
At 2230 a boat arrived with an officer bringing
orders, the injured men were put aboard this boat.
S.C. Clan liacalister was ordered to proceed forthwith to vicinity
of Old Dunkirk, disembark Lending Craft and then return to the
Downs.
Captain Mackie of S.S. Clan Macalister was extremely relectant
to proceed as he had not been supplied with the necessary charts,
I therefore borrowed a chart from the boarding officer. Hovever
Captain .ackie then stated that he also required the assistance
of a Pilot before proceeding.
In view of his refusal to proceed forthwith, 1 then asked that
my landing craft should be hoisted out immediately expressing
my intention of steaming them across to the Belgian Coast under
their own power, as it was imperative that the should arrive
at the point of embarkation as soon as possible,
At this Captain Mackie decided to sail his own vessel, stating
at the same time that he could not follow the route given in
his orders, as he did not know the positions of the various
lettered bueys mentioned. He proposed therefore to disembark

Details

509
485
landing craft at position some 10 miles off shore.
To this arrangement I agreed,
L
4.
At daybreak, when making for this position, we were
ordered by one of the minesweepers to keep to the route laid
down so that eventually Clan Macalister Tas anchored some
1/2 miles off shore, close to Old Dunkirk, and in the vicinity
of a. heavily listed French merchant ship which was slowly
sinking. The first of the A.L.C., six of which were stowed
forward, the remaining two aft, was histed out shortly afterwards.
Those stowed forward were holsted out first, commencium with
No. 16. No. 15, was put into the water next, followed by my
own craft No. 5.
The weather was fine, with a light breeze from N.N.:.
5.
My instructions were that concentrations of British
troops were to be expected at ta Panne, Braye, and someshere
between Braye and Old Dunkirk. Accordingly I gave instructions
that the craft should be grouped as follows :-
Nos. 5, 3, 17, (Commander Cassidi in No. 3), to work off 1.2 Panne,
Kos. 4, 8, 16, (Sub. Lieut Wilcoxon R.N.V.R. in 4), off Braye, and
Nos, 15, 18, (Sub Lieut Syre R.N.V.R. in No. 15), between Braye
and Old Dunkirk. Shortly before commeneing operations 1 modified
these instructions, and left it to the discretion of individual
cexswains to work where their services seemed likely to prove
most effective.
A.L.C. 16 left the ship 28 soon RP she 8 hoisted out and
proceeded straight inshore, No. .15 had slight difficulty in
starting her engines, 16 that 5 was the next to leave. 1 mysèlf
was onboard this craft.
Commander Note. Cassidi's report is continued in Part II under the
detached action of A.L.C.5, as he remained with that craft.

Details

510
486
120 selim 01
Appendix "A".
Part II.
A.L.C.3.
A.L.C. 3 was stowed in No. 8 hold in
Clan Macalister, and was hoisted out at approx-
imately noon. She worked the beach near Old
Dunkirk embarking British troops until the evening,
then as there were no vessels left in the vicinity,
set off for Dover with about twenty soldiers aboard,
Shortly after passing Dunkirk she fell in with
A.L.C. 8 and 15, and in company with them arrived
at Dover at dawn, on Thursday May 30th.
2.
On the evening of Thursday, May 30th, the
left Dover in company with A.L.C. 8 and 15, for
Dunkirk beaches arriving there at dawn, Friday,
May 31st.
She evacuated troops, (French and British),
until approximately 2230 hrs, when both engines
gave out due to sand in the cooling systems, A.L.C.S
was then taken in to# by 2 small merchant vessel
who towed her to Ramrgate, where she arrived about
0500 hrs on Saturday June 1st.
Two civilians volunteered to assist in
attending to the engines, and eventually succeeded in
repairing them satisfactorily. Ash.C. 3 then
preceeded to Dover, and arrived there about 1130 hrs
on Saturday 1st June. On reporting at Dover they
were told to hold themselves in readiness to return
to Dunkirk, but later were ordered to proceed in company
with A.L.C. 17 to their base in Hayling Island,
A.L.C. 3 reported at Hayling Island at 1300 hrs on

Details

512
488
APPENDIX "A" PART II
smit
stuoz ns
A.L.C.8.
A.L.C. 8 was the last A.L.O. to de hoisted out of
the Clan Macalister. She proceeded inshore bringing
British troops to the Clan Macalister and continued working
from the Old Dunkirk and of the beach until about 1900
39th. May. when trouble experienced with the stern gland
which became overheated. She therefore embarked some
soldiers from A.L.C. 15 which appeared to So overorawled,
and made for Cover,arriving there at Claims on Thursday, May
30th.
Repairs to engines were affected and the returned
to Dunkirk, reaching her destination at darm on Priday 31st.
A.L.C. 8 continued bringing off troops, chiefly in towed
boats. About 1100 Friday May 31st. the rubber mounting
blocks of the engines appeared to be carrying away, however
the coxswain carried on working until be vas finally
forced to stop the port engine
The starboard engine was also giving trouble, 30 after
assisting to demolish A.L.C. 15 he ran one more trip with
soldiers, putting them aboard & drifter which then towed
them into Dunkirk harbour.
This drifter, still towing them, left Dunkirk for
Dover during Friday afternoon, Shortly after leaving, the
wash of a vessel, passing at speed, parted the tow.
As A.L.C. 8 was drifting out of the abannel, the Skipper
of the drifter was unwilling to follow her to retake har in
so an attempt was made to sigk her by gunfire from 8 the
drifter's tow, 3 pdr. gun. This attempt failed, and A.L.C.
was left drifting some one to two miles to the Westward of
Dunkirk. Her grow returned to the base at Hayling Island onboard
A.L.C's 3 and 17.

Details

88D
513
489
APPENDIX "A" PART II
A.L.C. 15.
A.L.C. 15 was the second boat to be hoisted
out from Clan Macalister, and proceeded directly in shore
embarking British troops from the vicinity of Old Dunkirk.
Fifteen trips were carried out during the day, and at
2000 approximately, as no ships were in the vioinity to
accommodate troops, she set off for Dover, with troops
aboard. Shortly after passing Dunkirk she fall in with
A.L.C. 3 and 8. These three A.L.C. reached Dover at
dawn on Thursday May 30th.
On Thursday evening A.L.C. 15, 8 and 3 laft
3
arriving off Dunkirk at dawn on Friday May s1st.
Dover 15 had engine trouble, but carried on enbarking old
A.L.C. troops from the beach in the vicinity of she
British principally with the aid of Scate which on a
Dunkirk, Eventually she damaged her propellors
@
towed. motor lorry, and being out of control, dirifted a small
trog of
submerged beam on. The crew succeeded in launching off to a
ashore the beach and so making their my after and
of
boat from A.L.C. 8 came alongaide shortly considered put
drifter. 15's angineer ashore. As be apparently 15 be at
A.L.C&B not be possible to salve A.baC. to burden
that it would and shortly after ahe at ssan the to after part
her on fire and the petrol tanks to explode, at
fiercely, of the boat being blown high in the

Details

514
490
Appendix "A"
Part II.
Individual action of Azb.C.
Note: These narratives, (with the exception of
A.L.C. 5), are compiled from reports
received from crews of A.L.C.
A.L.C. 5
(continuation of Commander Cassidi's report.)
After being hoisted out of Clan
Macalister A.L.C. 5 proceeded some my to the
coast and carried on inshore,
The beach proved to be exceptionally
flat for & long distance off shore, and as the
craft was carrying one week's provisions and an
additional 200 gallons of petrol, she vas drawing
more water than usual. in view of this and the
number of men it was intended to enbark, (50), it
was necessary to drop the anchor on approaching the
shore, and to hold the boat so that she was floating
in about three feet of water. 10 - 8 therefore
necessary for the troops to made - 50 yds when
were up to their waists in water, which entailed which
their they being dragged bodily over the box ramp
had previously been lowered.
2. c/ made beaching awkward, and the use of an
A slight surf, thrown up by the inshore
wind, was essential, Owing to bad seamanship, A.L.C. at
anchor 5 lost her anchor and warp at the first attempt

Details

516
492
A.L.C. 17 joined A,L,C. 5 off La Panne
on this day, but as she was having constant trouble
with her steering gear she returned to Dover where
repairs were effected, She was the only A.I.C. sighted
by A.L.C. 5 since leaving the CLAN MACALISTER,
4.
I (Commander Cassidi), YRS informed
that large numbers of British troops were awaiting
embarkation near Old Dunkirk and that there was 1
shortage of boats there. Accordingly A.L.C. 5 moved
towards this town p.m. "hursday 30th ay.
5.
Being once more in the vicinity of
the CLAN MACALISTER I took the opportunity to board
her.
She had been abandoned after having
been bombed aft, and although externally she appeared
very little damaged, she was burning internally,
apparently as far forward as the engine room. the
ship was burning so Ciercely that the hot deck burn$
the soles of my rubber boots completely any as I
tried to approach AobaCo 4 and 18, which were still
lying in their original stowage on the after deck,
Both A.L.C. appeared to have escaped
damage from bombs, but No. 4 had a few holes burned
in her, and presumably the bottoms of both sere likely
to have suffered from the heat,
The weather conditions were not a
6. deal easier there being little surf to hamper sare
good the embarkation of to troops, and large numbers
taken off until after dark.

Details

519
495
21
had now started to shell the anchorage and beach.
In these circumstances I decided to bring the
craft back to England, - if she could survive the
voyage. I was able to get in touch with H.M.
Yacht Caleta and she succeeded in towing A.L.C.5
into Sheerness, where she arrived a.m. Saturday
1st June,
When passing Clan Macalister in Caleta, it was
seen that Aot.,Co 4 and 18 were still more or
less intact on the after deck, but considerably
charred and burned. It is impossible to estimate
accurately, the number of men A,T,C.S was able
to rescue, 'ut it must have been between the and
three thousand.
Taking everything into con-
10. sideration the engines ran remarkably well. of
reverse gears gave a certain amount to
The the part engine being unable but go
trouble, considerable part of the time,
astern a remembered that all the beaches were etc.,
it must be with everykind of rope, equipment, foul, and
littered propellors were constantly ardueus
the BO that reverse the gears had to work under most
conditions.
The main source of anxiety
was the fore necessitated continuous from water, in
trap door, This leaked pumping contin-
order uously, to and keep the floor beards free

Details

521
497
Appendix "A"
Part II,
S.S. Clan Macalister.
A.L.C. 18 and A.L.C.4.
Both the above A.L.C. were on the after
deck in S.S. Clan Macalister, and hoisting out commenced
on 29th May after A.L.C. 16,/5, 17, & 5 had been dis-
embarked, A.L.C. 4 was in the process of being hoisted
out shen a destroyed, (D54), passed Clan Macalister
at speed, less than a cable distant.
The Clan Macalister, being light, relled
heavily, and both the after derrick guys parted. Asbolic
4 on the end of this derrick, swang to and fro across
the ship until the lascar seaman working the sinch last
his head, and let her come down with a run across the
after end of A.L.C. 18 The force of the impact knocked
one of the engines right out through the bottom of
A.L.C. 18, and the underside of AsbaCo 4 THE also
extensively damaged, Both boats, being rendered useless
by this accident, were left in their original stevage
positions on the after deck of S.S. Clan Macalister.
Prom approximately 1300 hrs anwards,
British 2. treeps were embarked onboard Clan Cacalister
without interruption. At 1600 hrs approximately Clan
Macalister was hit by a bomb on the part quarter, this
killed or injured most of the 13 pdr gun's crews, she
were serving their gun close by.
At 1630 hrs Clan Maclister was hit by
second bomb in No. 5 hold. This killed or injured
a a number of soldiers in the 'tween decks and set
the ship on fire aft.
At 1700 hrs approximately Clan Macalister
two further bombs right aft. At about
1815 was struck hrs H.M.S. by Malcolm dame alongside and took onbeard

Details

522
498
all soldiers and wounded. Clan Lacalister was then
ordered to seigh and proceed, It was however discovered
that the telemotor steering gear W&E not working, and
owing to the fire, which was raging aft, it was 1m-
possible to rectify this, or even to approach It
as the after magazine was in the centre of the
conflagration and liable to explode at any moment,
The Clan Macalister was therefore adandoned, and
the remaining officers, naval ratings, and crew
embarked in H.M.S. anghourne, which apparently 193
also subjected to heavy and continuous air attacks,
Two ratings of the A.D.C. crews were wounded while
onboard H.M.S. S. Pangbourne,

Details

80A
523
499
APPENDIX "A" PART II
A.L.C. 16.
Sub. Lieut. Wilcoxon R.N.V.R. was originally
detailed to work in A.L.C. 4, but owing to an accident
to this craft when hoisting out, he embarked in A.L.C.
16 on her next coming alongside Clan Macalister with
troops.
is
A.L.C. 16 WILB the first boat to be hoisted out, and
proceeded straight inshore to the beach near Old Dunkirk
where she evacuated British troops. After setting scee
seven trips successfully, she was boarded by a nob of
French soldiers, who overwhelmed the boat to such an extent
that she became partially swamped, the starboard lattery
was flooded and both engines failed.
Eventually sufficient French were evicted to erable
A.L.C. 16 to be floated off, and the port engine started.
Unfortunately in going astern off the beach she rode over
the anchor, and did such damage to the part shafting that
the port stern tube was loosened in the Presework of the
hull, and water poured into the boat.
Continually pumping and baling, A.L.C. 10 continued
running for a further hour and a half avacuating troops,
However, the damage to the boat was such that Sub. Lieut.
Wilooxon thought it advisable to arrange for the boat to
be towed back to England for repairs.
With this in view they went alongaide and put troops
aboard H.M.S. Bideford, Sub Ident. Wilmoxon at the -
time going inboard to arrange for a tow.
While lying alongaids Bideford a heavy attack was made
by enemy dive bombers, and Bideford was struck aft. A
terrific explosion resulted within a few feet of A.L.C. 16

Details

9
- 2 -
From 1500 onwards heavy bombing took place on beaches,
Dunkirk and ships during which "Malcolm" was
straddled and machine gunned.
630
Proceeded alongside "Clan Macalister" (she had
brought a number of A.L.C's which were then in
use embarking soldiers from shore. I had
previously ordered her to remain off the beach
and fill up with troops) who had been hit by a
bomb and was on fire aft. Embarked the soldiers
and wounded members of the crew from "Clan
Macalister" and instructed her that she might
return as soon as she could get under way. By
this time I had approximately 600 soldiers and a
number of wounded on board.
800
Proceeded to Dover via route Y.
940
Spitfire aircraft crashed near ship in position
VXWY 1902. Aircraft broke into small fragments
with no trace of survivors.
200
Secured alonguide "Icarus" at Admiralty Pier,
disembarked soldiers and wounded.
128
Secured at Eastern Arm, embarked 140 tons of oil
fuel and ammunition.
618
Proceeded by route X.
310
Arrived Dunkirk
333
Secured at E. Fier. Embarked approximately 1000
soldiers.
352
Slipped and proceeded to Dover via route X.
05
Berthed alongaide transport at Admiralty Pier.
Disembarked soldiers. "Shikari" alongaide me
also disembarking.
08
Slipped and proceeded.
10
Alongaide Eastern Pier Dunkirk. Embarked
approximately 1000 soldiers.
00
Slipped
50
Secured alongside "whitehall" at Admiralty Pier
and disembarked soldiers including two German
prisoners who were put in the forecastle cable
locker.
23
Proceeded.
50
Delayed trying to pick up light on No.6 W. Buoy,
Snow Bank. Finally, hearing No.7 W. whistle buoy
ship's estimated position being just North of
and assisted by use of andice, cleared Snouw Bank.
12
Spoke "Ivanhoe" off Dunkirk.
20
Spoke S.N.O. Dunkirk, entered.

Details

PM 130
- 6 -
behaviour of officers and ship's company of "Malcolm"
had hoped for. The ship's company had had a very
stowing ammunition, etc., and hurrying the ship
tsmouth. "Malcolm" slipped with a good deal of the
11 on the Upper Deck which was stowed below during the
er.
First Lieutenant and Engineer Officer, who replaced
Ities, only joined shortly before sailing, and the
short of a Gunner (T) and about 15 ratings, previous
had not been replaced.
bmit the following names of Officers and Ratings
ticular fortitude and ability and on whom I relied
D.B.N. Mellis, R.N.,
I.M.D. Cox, R.N.,
R.J. Robertson, R.A.N.,
rineer A.G. Scoggins,
Officer R.E.Lines, O.N.C/J.14870, P.N.11254,
er W.A.R.Hooper, O.N. D/JX.142642,
or A.G.Cooper O.N. C/J.105794
er E.W.Simpson, O.N. C/J.95860
Leading Seaman R.F.R., Ch/B.24792
eading Seaman, O.N. C/JX.130453,
Able Seaman, L.T.O. O.N. C/J.78426
Able Seaman, R.F.R. C.N.Ch/B.23901 (late C/J.100758)
Yeoman of Signals, JX.129457
* 2nd Class R.W.Atkinson, C/M/X.4700
Class LAG. Dyer, C/M.39382
Class W.S. Grinmett, O.N. C/KX.90969
Petty Officer Steward, O.N. L.6194, P.N. 4995.
enant Mellis navigated the ship between Dunkirk and
assages in difficult weather conditions. At my
ok the ship alongside on two occasions at Dunkirk
ed my own judgment and eyesight in the dark. He
Ian Macalister" when "Malcolm" went alongside
ad been bombed and set on fire, and greatly assisted
the fire on board and rallied "Clan Macalister's"
ared to be quite oblivious of any personal danger
seemed to enjoy making estimates of where bombs would
are falling.
enant Cox, only joined as First Lieutenant recently,
lity and enterprise:
keeping a broken down shore motor boat going, with one
Ine only running and beaching a schuyt to form a pier
assist embarkation from whalers.
eding "Clan Macalister", putting out her fire which it
ned at that time must explode her ammunition storage
rallying her crew.
nising the ship for the embarkation and stowage of
iers. He obtained the confidence and co-operation of
ship's company although 80 newly joined.

Details

14
i
17
- 2 -
From 1500 onwards heavy bombing took place on beaches,
Dunkirk and ships during which "Malcolm" was
straddled and machine gunned.
630
Proceeded alongside "Clan Macalister" (she had
brought a number of A.L.C's which were then in
use embarking soldiers from shore. I had
previously ordered her to remain off the beach
and fill up with troops) who had been hit by a
bomb and was on fire aft. Embarked the soldiers
and wounded members of the crew from "Clan
Macalister" and instructed her that she might
return as soon as she could get under way. By
this time I had approximately 600 soldiers and a
number of wounded on board.
800
Proceeded to Dover via route Y.
940
Spitfire aircraft crashed near ship in position
VXWX 1902. Aircraft broke into small fragments
with no trace of survivors.
200
Secured alongside "Icarus" at Admiralty Pier,
disembarked soldiers and wounded.
128
Secured at Eastern Arm, embarked 140 tons of oil
fuel and ammunition.
518
Proceeded by route X.
320
Arrived Dunkirk
333
Secured at E. Pier. Embarked approximately 1000
soldiers.
352
Slipped and proceeded to Dover via route X.
05
Berthed alongaide transport at Admiralty Pier.
Disembarked soldiers. "Shikari" alongside me
also disembarking.
08
Slipped and proceeded.
10
Alongaide Eastern Pier Dunkirk. Embarked
approximately 1000 soldiers.
00
Slipped
50
Secured alongside "Whitehall" at Admiralty Pier
and disembarked soldiers including two German
prisoners who were put in the forecastle cable
locker.
23
Proceeded.
50
Delayed trying to pick up light on No.6 W. Buoy,
ship's estimated position being just North of
Snow Bank. Finally, hearing No.7 W. whistle buoy
and assisted by use of asdics, cleared Snouw Bank.
12
Spoke "Ivanhoe" off Dunkirk.
20
Spoke S.N.O. Dunkirk, entered.

Details

21/8 21
- 6 -
behaviour of officers and ship's company of "Malcolm"
had hoped for. The ship's company had had a very
stowing summition, etc., and hurrying the ship
temouth. "Malcolm" slipped with a good deal of the
11 on the Upper Deek which was stowed below during the
ar.
First Lieutenant and Engineer Officer, who replaced
Ities, only joined shortly before sailing, and the
short of a Gunner (7) and about 15 ratings, previous
had not been replaced.
bmit the following names of Officers and Ratings
ticular fortitude and ability and on whom I relied
D.B.N. Mellis, R.B.,
I.H.D. Cox, R.N.,
R.J. Robertson, R.A.N.,
gineer A.O. Seoggins,
Officer Refilines, O.N.C/J.14870, P.N.11254,
ser W.A.R.Hooper, O.N. D/JX.142642,
or A.G.Cooper O.N. C/J.105794
or E.W.Simpson, O.N. C/J.95860
Leading Seaman R.F.R., Ch/B.24792
Leading seaman, O.N. C/JX.130453,
Able Searan, L.T.O. O.N. C/J.78426
Able Seamen, R.F.R. 0.M.Ch/3.23901 (late C/J.100758)
Yearsen of signals, .129457
2nd Class R.W.Atkinson, C/M/X.4700
Class LA.G. Dyer, C/M.39382
Class W.S. Grimmett, 0.3. C/TX.90969
Petty Officer Stoward, O.N. L.6194, P.N. 4995.
tenant Hellis navigated the ship between Dunkirk and
assages in difficult weather conditions. At my
ok the ship alongside on two occasions at Dunkirk
ed my own judgment and eyesight in the dark. He
lan Macalister" when "Malcolm" went alongside
ad been bombed and set on fire, and greatly assisted
the fire on board and rellied "Clan Necalister's"
ared to be quite oblivious of any personal danger
seemed to enjoy making estimates of where bombs would
are felling.
enant Cox, only joined as First Lieutenant recently,
11ity and enterprise:
keeping a broken down shore motor boat going, with one
the only running and beaching a schuyt to form a pier
assist embarkation from whalers.
rding "Clan Macalister", putting out her fire which it
ned at that time must explode her ammunition storage
rellying her crew.
anising the ship for the embarkation and stowage of
liers. lie obtained the confidence and co-operation of
ship's company although DO newly joined.

Details

25
- 2 -
From 1500 onwards heavy bombing took place on beaches,
Dunkirk and ships during which "Malcolm" was
straddled and machine gunned.
1630
Proceeded alongside "Clan Macalister" (she had
brought a number of A.L.C's which were then in
use embarking enldiers from shore. I had
previously ordered her to remain off the beach
and fill up with troops) who had been hit by a
bomb and was on fire aft. Embarked the soldiers
and sounded members of the arew from "Clan
Macalister" and instructed her that she might
return as soon as she could get under way. By
this time I had approximately 600 soldiers and a
number of wounded on board.
1800
Proceeded to Dover via route Y.
1940
VISA 1902. Aircraft broke into small fragments
Spitfire aircraft crashed near ship in position
with no trace of survivors.
2200
Secured alongside "Icarus" at Admiralty Pier,
disembarked soldiers and wounded.
30th 0128
Secured at Eastern Arm, embarked 140 tons of oil
fuel and ammunition.
0518
Proceeded by route X.
0820
Arrived Dunkirk
0833
Secured at E. Pier. Embarked approximately 1000
soldiers.
0852
Slipped and proceeded to Dover via route X.
1205
Disembarked soldiers. "shikari" alongside me
Berthed alongaide transport at Admiralty Pier.
also disemberking.
1308
Slipped and proceeded.
1610
Alongaide Eastern Pier Dunkirk. Embarked
approximately 1000 soldiers.
1700
Slipped
1850
secured alongside "whitehall" at Admiralty German Pier
prisoners and who were put in the forecastle cable
disembarked soldiers including two
looker.
2123
Proceeded.
bout 2350
Delayed trying to pick up light on No.6 W. Buoy, of
ship's Bank. Finally, hearing No.7 W. whistle Bank. buoy
estimated position being just North
and Snow assisted by use of andies, cleared Snous
0112
Spoke "Ivanhoe" off Dunkirk.
0120
Spoke S.N.O. Dunkirk, entered.

Details

29
- 6 -
behaviour of officers and ship's company of "Malcolm"
5 all hours stowing ammunition, etc., and hurrying deal
that The I had hoped for. The ship's company had the had ship a very
minition rward at still on the Upper Deck which was stowed below the
rd 24 Portsmouth. "Malcolm" slipped with a good during of the
asage to Dover.
Lieutenant and Engineer Officer,wh replaced the
1p evious was still short of a Gunner (T) and about 15 ratings, previous
casualties, The First only joined shortly before sailing, and
sualties who had not been replaced.
0 showed I particular fortitude and ability and on whom I relied
submit the following names of Officers and Ratings
plicitly:-
Lieutenant D.B.N. Mellis, R.N.,
Lieutenant I.M.D. Cox, R.N.,
Lieutenant R.J. Robertson, R.A.N.,
Warrant Chief Petty officer R.E.Lines, O.N.C/J.14870, P.N.11254,
Engineer A.G. Seoggins,
Patty Officer W.A.R.Hooper, O.N. D/JX.142642,
Petty Officer A.G.Cooper O.N. C/J.105794
Officer E.W.Simpson, O.N. C/J.95860
J. Petty Sowerby, Leading Seaman R.F.R., Ch/B.24792
W.A.Hart, Leading Seaman, O.N. C/JX.130453,
W.A.Clarke F.W.Jacobs, Able Able Beaman, Seaman, L.T.O. R.F.R. O.N. C.N.Ch/B.23901 C/J.78426 (late C/J.100758)
Chief A.C.Halls, E.R.A. 2nd Class R.W.Atkinson, C/M/X.4700
Yeoman of Signals, JX.129457
E.R.N. Class W.S. Grimmett, O.N. C/KX.90969
2nd Class LA.G. Dyer, C/M.39382
G.R. Stoker Nokes, 1st Petty Officer Steward, C.N. L.6194, P.N. 4995.
Mellis navigated the ship between Dunkirk At my and
Lieutenant in difficult weather conditions. at Dunkirk
hen I mistrusted my Macalister" own when "Malcolm" went
irection he judgment and eyesight in alongside
over on many took passages the ship alongside on two occasions the dark. He
lso boarded when she "Clan had been bombed and set on fire, "Clan and Macalister's" greatly assisted
n er, out the fire on board and rallied personal danger
rew. nd positively He appeared seemed to to enjoy making estimates of where would
putting be quite oblivious of any bombs
it when they were falling.
Lieutenant Cox, only joined as Firmt Lieutenant recently,
howed great ability and enterprise:
1. broken down shore motor boat going, form with a pier one
In engine keeping only a running and beaching a schuyt to
to assist embarkation from whalers.
2. "Clan Macalister", putting out ammunition her fire storage which it
Boarding seemed at that time must explode her
and rallying her crew.
3. Organising the He obtaire ship for the the embarication confidence and and co-operation stowage of of
soldiers. the ship's company although BO newly joined.

Details

265
Page 6
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/38 of 15th June '40)
59 continued.
All who had reached the water swam for the shore and a
number reached the wreek of the "Clan MacAlister" which was
resting on her stern after being sunk in one the of the above
raids. They were later taken off by a lighter and transferred
to Sheerness Yard Craft No.63 then loaded with troops from the
beach.
60. Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his Staff by N.T.B.
1 Officer and 88 ratings by tug "Vinoia": also
H.Q. Staff.
8 Officers and 4 ratings by a scoot.
Captain, 3 Officers and 13 men, some of whom
were wounded, in Yard Craft 63.
1 Officer and an H.A.S.B. from Dunkirk, after
swimning ashore from "St. Abbs".
7 ratings by "Salanander".
D.Jon. Marthan
CAPTAIN.
P.S. In continuation of paragraph 40:-
Gort came onboard "Keith", had and about then 25
proceeded minutes in a British H.T.B., accompanied Chief
conference Lord with th Rear Admiral Dover, by his
Staff Officer, for Dover.
19JUN ADMIRAL 1940
DOVH

Details

3/3.
308
OPERATION DYNANO.
2.
ENCLOSURE NO. 19
SHIP: BLUE BIRD - Motor Boat.
OFFICER REPORTING: G.B. EYRE, SUB-LIEUTSNANT, R.N.V.R.
On Saturday 1st June I received orders to
proceed with Motor Boat BLUE BIRD to the U/S SANDOIN
to be towed to Dunkirk. U/S SANDOIN was relieved by
M/S EMPEROR OF INDIA and accordingly I changed to her.
of
On reaching Dunkirk it was found impossible
to start engines of BLUE BIRD so she was not used and
came back to Dover in tow.
3. The Lifeboat MARY SCOTT was working in
conjunction with BLUE BIRD, but remained behind in
Dunkirk to pick up REPEROR 02 INDIA's lat Lieutenant
who was on the pier, organising the troops to be
embarked.
Note: This officer usa previously in comend of
A.L.C. No. 15, and had been employed
ferrying troopa off from Dunkirk beach for
one day. then a.s. CLAN MACALISTER
on fire he returned to Dover in company
(A.L.C. parent ship) was bombed and set
with A.L.Cs. 3 and 8 to refuel and
proceeded to the beaches on completion.
A.L.G. NO. 15 was driven on to the and beach by
the wash of a passing destroyer as
there was no hope of getting off,
set fire to her and
due course in
A.L.C. NO. was then given Motor
Boat BLUE BIRD.

Details

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Mistral damaged
At 1555 a bomb struck the west quay and damaged the Mistral, killing 3 and
seriously wounding 4, including her captain.
Jaguar severely damaged
Meanwhile, at 1550, the Jaguar was ordered out of Dunkirk harbour, to act
as escort to the Lochgarry then waiting outside. While taking station ahead
of the Lochgarry at about 1630 the second air attack over Dunkirk took place¹.
Dive-bombers attacked with salvoes of 4 bombs. About 14 salvoes were
aimed at the Jaguar and one at the Lochgarry. A near miss severely damaged
the Jaguar, holing her near the waterline and putting her engines and steering
gear out of action; a list to port developed. The destroyer drifted helplessly
until, at 1645, she was in danger of drifting on to a wreck 50 yards away. The
destroyer Express then sighted her and taking her in tow alongside transferred
some of her troops. The skoot Rika, en route for La Panne beach, although
she had been severely shaken by bombs off Middelkerke buoy, closed the
Jaguar and took off 295 troops. The Jaguar eventually reached Dover at
2350 (in spite of further high level bombing attacks at 2014 and 2026), making
the last part of the passage under her own power. She was unable to take any
further part in ' Dynamo."
Clan Macalister sunk
In the attack which damaged the Jaguar, the Lochgarry was also damaged
by a near miss; she was, however, able to proceed, and did so unescorted.
Near 6 W buoy, she passed the S.S. Clan Macalister which, after having hoisted
out 6 motor landing craft earlier in the day and subsequently embarked troops,
had just been bombed and was on fire and sinking. The destroyer Malcolm
had already taken off, the wounded members of the Clan Macalister's crew and
some of her troops, and the minesweeper Pangbourne had embarked the re-
mainder. The Clan Macalister settled on the sea bed on an even keel with
her upper works above water, and remained on fire for days. For days also,
she acted as a target for enemy airmen, who thought she was still afloat.
Gracie Fields abandoned
Continuing on her way near Kwint Bank buoy, the Lochgarry saw the paddle-
minesweeper Gracie Fields (which was carrying about 750 troops from La
Panne beach) hit amidships by a bomb. The Gracie Fields, unable to stop
her engines, and with her upper deck enveloped in clouds of steam, continued
underway at 6 knots with her helm jammed with 15° starboard wheel on.
Nevertheless, the skoot Twente, which was on her way to La Panne beach,
secured alongside the circling Gracie Fields and transferred as many injured
and others as she could. The skoot Jutland, returning from La Panne beach
with 275 French troops, also secured alongside the Gracie Fields' disengaged
side and took off some more of her troops.
Later, at about 1830, the minesweeper Pangbourne (which had just been
holed on both sides above and below the waterline and had had 13 killed and
11 wounded by near misses off Bray beach) went alongside the Gracie Fields,
transferred about 80 British troops, and took her in tow. The M/S Kellett,
carrying 550 troops from Bray beach, led the Pangbourne, whose compasses
had been put out of action by bomb blast. At 0130 next morning the Gracie
I At 1630 hours, a renewed spell of Luftwaffe activity began,
fighters was on the line.
when none of our
(R.A.F. Narrative, p.327).
41

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
were the 8 assault which landing had been craft loaded (A.L.C.'s), into, and under brought the command of
Cassidi, R.N., were A.L.C.'s 3, 4, 5, 8, 15, 16, 17 over by,Whe S.S. R. A.
Macalister. They off No. 6 W buoy, at about and 18. Clan
was being hoisted causing out, the Clan Macalister to roll
passed at speed, and both craft were rendered unfit
down on A.L.C.18 did valuable work ferrying
ing from six the A.L.C.'s beaches. however, some troops
French troops rush A.L.C.5.
Cdr. Cassidi, who was in A.L.C.5 proceeded some way up the coast and
soldiers, SO many of them got on the boat was grounded. French
carried on inshore; his craft was board immediately that rushed on all sides by then
The second attempt to embark troops failed, SO A.L.C.5 proceeded
of the troops had to be forced off the French boat before she could be got off the beach. Some
at the rate of about 3 trips an hour, air 50 men per trip, throughout the day,
to La Panne beach¹. Thence, British troops were ferried to off-lying ships
except for interruptions by frequent attacks. The A.L.C.5 made 15 trips.
A.L.C.16 is sunk
The A.L.C.16 (S/Lt. R.O. Wilcoxon, R.N.V.R.) made 7 trips, after which
"she was boarded by French soldiers, who overwhelmed the boat to such an
extent that she became partially swamped, the starboard battery was flooded
and both engines failed. Eventually sufficient French were evicted to enable
A.L.C.16 to be floated off and the port engine started"². In going astern,
however, the port stern tube was damaged and water poured into the boat;
nevertheless, continually pumping and bailing, A.L.C.16 continued ferrying
for a further 11 hours. She then went alongside the sloop Bideford to transfer
a load of troops. S/Lt. Wilcoxon went on board the Bideford to arrange for
a tow back to England. Then came the dive-bomb attack in which the
Bideford's stern was blown off. S/Lt. Wilcoxon was mortally wounded.
A.L.C.16 was heavily damaged, and sank in a few minutes; she had ferried
about 600 troops.
French troops rush A.L.C.17
A.L.C.17 followed A.L.C.5 up the coast towards Bray beach. "On
approaching the beach she was promptly boarded by a crowd of French troops
who SO overloaded the boat that she grounded"³. With a falling tide she re-
mained stranded for 3 hours. As the tide rose, the French. again attempted
to rush the boat [but] the cox'n of A.L.C.17 procured the assistance of some
British troops, who, drove off the French "3. Ferrying was continued all day
and throughout the night from La Panne, until the A.L.C.17's engines broke
down; she was towed by a drifter to England next day for repairs.
A.L.C.'s 3, and 8 also ferried troops, and transported 20 and 10 troops res-
pectively to Dover, where they arrived at 0400 next day.
M/B Minikoi sunk
was the Minikoi. Unfortunately, at 0015/29, while still in the Downs, she
One of the earliest of the privately owned M/B's to start for the beaches
was rammed and sunk by the M.A./S.B.6, which picked up her crew of three.
3 Report by A.L.C.16.
I 2 Report by A.L.C.5.
Report by A.L.C.17.
52

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Ships lost or damaged on 29th May
H.M. SHIPS SUNK
The destroyers Wakeful, Grafton and Grenade.
The armed boarding vessel King Orrry
The Special Service Vessel Crested Eagle.
The Paddle Minesweepers Waverley and Gracie Fields.¹
The Personnel Vessels Normania,1 Lorina, Fenella and Mona's Queen.
The trawlers Polly Johnson and Calvi.
The danlayers Comfort and Nautilus.
The drifter Girl Pamela².
H.M. SHIPS DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION.
The destroyers Saladin, Greyhound, Intrepid, Montrose, Mackay, Gallant
and Jaguar.
The sloop Bideford.
The minesweeper Pangbourne (required dockyard repairs).
The personnel vessel Canterbury.
The hospital carrier Isle of Guernsey.
OTHER VESSELS
SUNK A.L.C.16, the S.S. Clan Macalister (6,900 tons), the M/B's Minikoi,
Viewfinder, Bobeli, Hanora, Sceneshifter and Queen of England.
DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION The tug Sun V.
Destroyers of the "H," "I" and "J" Classes withdrawn
As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force,
particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern
types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral,
Dover, on 29th May, which led to a decision to withdraw the 7 destroyers of
the "H", "I" and "J" Classes from "Dynamo"3; they were the only
modern destroyers remaining with Vice-Admiral, Dover. All destroyers of
the "G" class⁴ were already out of action.
There remained available for "Dynamo" 15 destroyers : :-
Esk
Malcolm
Verity
Express
Whitehall
Vanquisher
Anthony
Winchelsea
Sabre
Keith
Worcester
Scimitar
Codrington
Windsor
Shikari
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to
maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000
troops in 24 hours⁵. It is noteworthy that in spite of their unsuitability for
the work of troop carrying, the 39 destroyers so employed in Dynamo"
brought off more troops-96,000-than any other type of ship (see Table 1).
The 45 personnel vessels brought off 87,000; the 36 minesweepers 46,000;
the 39 skoots 22,000 ; and among the smaller vessels, the 51 drifters brought
off 12,000.
I Actually sank on 30th May, as a result of damage received on 29th May.
2 In collision with the Lydd off Dunkirk harbour on the night of 28th/29th May.
3 The Icarus, Impulsive, Intrepid, Ivanhoe, Harvester, Havant and Javelin.
4 The Gallant, Grafton, Grenade and Greyhound.
5 D.R. p.11, para. 37.
55

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Ships lost or damaged on 29th May
H.M. SHIPS SUNK
The destroyers Wakeful, Grafton and Grenade.
The armed boarding vessel King Orrry
The Special Service Vessel Crested Eagle.
The Paddle Minesweepers Waverley and Gracie Fields.¹
The Personnel Vessels Normania,1 Lorina, Fenella and Mona's Queen.
The trawlers Polly Johnson and Calvi.
The danlayers Comfort and Nautilus.
The drifter Girl Pamela².
H.M. SHIPS DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION.
The destroyers Saladin, Greyhound, Intrepid, Montrose, Mackay, Gallant
and Jaguar.
The sloop Bideford.
The minesweeper Pangbourne (required dockyard repairs).
The personnel vessel Canterbury.
The hospital carrier Isle of Guernsey.
OTHER VESSELS
SUNK A.L.C.16, the S.S. Clan Macalister (6,900 tons), the M/B's Minikoi,
Viewfinder, Bobeli, Hanora, Sceneshifter and Queen of England.
DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION The tug Sun V.
Destroyers of the "H," "I" and "J" Classes withdrawn
As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force,
particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern
types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral,
Dover, on 29th May, which led to a decision to withdraw the 7 destroyers of
the "H", "I" and "J" Classes from "Dynamo"3; they were the only
modern destroyers remaining with Vice-Admiral, Dover. All destroyers of
the "G" class4 were already out of action.
There remained available for "Dynamo" 15 destroyers :-
Esk
Malcolm
Verity
Express
Whitehall
Vanquisher
Anthony
Winchelsea
Sabre
Keith
Worcester
Scimitar
Codrington
Windsor
Shikari
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to
maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000
troops in 24 hours⁵. It is noteworthy that in spite of their unsuitability for
the work of troop carrying, the 39 destroyers so employed in ' Dynamo "
brought off more troops-96,000-than any other type of ship (see Table 1).
The 45 personnel vessels brought off 87,000; the 36 minesweepers 46,000 ;
the 39 skoots 22,000 ; and among the smaller vessels, the 51 drifters brought
off 12,000.
I Actually sank on 30th May, as a result of damage received on 29th May.
2 In collision with the Lydd off Dunkirk harbour on the night of 28th/29th May.
3 The Icarus, Impulsive, Intrepid, Ivanhoe, Harvester, Havant and Javelin.
4 The Gallant, Grafton, Grenade and Greyhound.
5 D.R. p.11, para. 37.
55

Details

Details

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

Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX G
7. It is a matter of great importance that these ships should be got ready as.
soon as possible.
Brabant1
Bart
8. Twente
Tilly
Antje
Hondsrug
Brandaris
Reiger
Delta
Lena
Princess Juliana
Borneo¹
Caribia
Oranje
Liberty
Vrede
Gorecht
Bernina
Fiducia'
Rika
Limburg'
Patria
Junior
Bornrif
Amstelroom
Deneb
Martha
Express
Mercurius¹
Aegiv
Jutland
1704/22
F.3. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, C.-IN-C. NORE, C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, (R)
F.O.I.C. London, F.O.I.C. Southampton, F.O.I.C. Portland
Admiralty 1703/22 and 1704/22 to certain addressees only. The operation for
which these ships are being prepared will be known as Dynamo.
1944/22
APPENDIX G
SIGNALS RE LACK OF SMALL CRAFT
Sunday, 26th May
1. ADMIRALTY to A/S CHATHAM, A/S PORTSMOUTH, (R) C.-IN-C. Nore, C.-in-C. Portsmouth,
V.A. Dover
Investigate and report how many cutters and whalers can be made available for
immediate service under V.A. Dover.
2028/26
2. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Combrax Portsmouth,
Commandant 1st D.C. Fort Cumberland
8 A.L.C's. with crews complete are available and will be embarked in S.S. Clan
Macalister at Southampton a.m. 27th May.
2337/26
Monday, 27th May
3. (ADMIRALTY) D.S.V.P. to COMMODORE, SHEERNESS (R) C.-in-C. Nore V.A. Dover
About 40 motor launches have been ordered to Sheerness of which 30 should
arrive at daylight tomorrow Tuesday. The rest during the day. These will be
manned on arrival at Sheerness
Request you will inform V.A. Dover when
boats are ready for service.
2035/27
Tuesday, 28th May
Note: [At 0436. S.N.O. Dunkirk asked for all vessels to be sent alongside east
pier.]
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to S.N.O. DUNKIRK (R) Fighter Command
Further destroyers and small craft are being sent now to Dunkirk.
0630/28
SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF SMALL CRAFT
5. N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
1st Mine Recovery Flotilla vessels Lord Cavan, Fidget, Jacketa, Silver Dawn
and Fisher Buoy. Tug Java. Drifters Lord Collingwood, Lord Rodney, Lord Keith,
Lord St. Vincent. Motor boats New Britannic, Walker I, Walker II, Angler, Nayland,
sailed Ramsgate for Dunkirk.
1550/28
I Was not available.
165

Details

INDEX
cut off, 8; to be held, by 13; E-boat), falls, 17.
27 (attacked 32, 46, 47, 54, 88 (shoots down Heinkel), 99'
104, 126.
71n.
Caleta, Calvi, 13n, 39, 43 (sunk), 44.
Canterbury, 16, 22n, 24, 29, 39, 42-3 (damaged), 48n, 54, 114n.
Cameron, Lieut., 79.
Canvey Queen, lost, 53.
Cap d' Antifer, 102.
Carama, 60.
Caribia, 29n.
Cassidi, Cdr. R. A., 51.
Caryandra, 71n, 74.
Casualties: Embarkation, 17, 32, 36, 64, 87 (final), 115.
Cecil and Lilian Philpot, 107n.
Cayton Wyke, 34n, 107n.
Cervia, 71n.
Chamois, 72n.
Chantecler, 54.
Chasse-Marée, 62n, 73n, 102.
Chico, 13n, 60n.
Christabel II, 71n.
Civilians, crews feel strain, 29, 48; supplemented by R.N., 48, 99.
Clan Macalister, sunk 41.
Claude, 59.
Clouston, Cdr., J. C., 44, 105, 110 (drowned).
Coastal Command, XIIIn, 38, 64, 83, 88-9, 93, 99-100, 115.
Coats, Lt. Cdr. E. C., 112.
Cockburn, Lt. Cdr., 49.
Cockle Bawley boats, 73.
Codrington, 28, 54n, 55, 61, 64n, 75, 77, 97, 101, 107n, 108-9 (sent back empty), 112n.
Coggins, Mr. C., 73.
Comfort, 36, 37 (sunk).
Commandant Delage, 35n.
Communications. Difficulties and delays, 57, 60, 122 ; on beaches, 67; established
between Dunkirk and Dover, 67-8; closed down, 76-7.
Commodore, abandoned, 74.
Conidaw, 13, 60n.
Constant Nymph, 60n.
Corap, General 1.
Cordelia, 60n.
Côte d'Argent, 54n, 94, 102, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n, 118.
Coulthard, J. W., 110.
Coxyde. See Beaches.
Crested Cock, 71n.
Crested Eagle, 32n, 39, 43, 44 (beached), 46, 58 (burnt out),
Croswell, S/Lt., E. C., 36, 47 (lands at La Panne), 76n, 77.
Cyclone, 39, 42, 68-9 (damaged).
Dangerfield, Capt., 111, 119-20.
Daylight evacuation abandoned, 97-8; French Admiralty wish resumption, 105.
Decoster, F., 116.
Defender, 73n.
Dench, Mr. A. J., 73.
Denis Papin, sunk, 93.
Denny, Capt. M. M., 94.
Destroyers bombard Calais, 13; brought from W. A. and Portsmouth Commands, 20,
61, and from patrol and escort, 28, 34 not to stop to aid ships, 38; brought off most
troops 55; H, 1, J classes withdrawn, 55, and ordered back, 61; G class all out of action,
55; not sent to Dunkirk harbour, 61 ; exhaustion of crews, 64, 113; heavy losses, 94
sent back empty, 108.
Devonia, beached to form pier, 83.
Diana Mary, 117.
Diligente, 73.
Dill, General Sir John, 10, 12 (becomes C.I.G.S.).
Dinard, 64.
197

Details

to, may there we copies had my for reply the file? to He last then
ROA
Minute Sheet No.
Register No.
Reku.
23
I
6/3/41
plan.
how
is
4 unther letter of enquiry to I. G. adminally In. alcock Egg.
23A.
24.
24th
Refers MOA any s - awaits & "A RA M3A
Letter to Q (M)1 d requesting information
Letter 6 Sea Ifs. Division 25. requesty inform a 3 vends 26A 25A.
Z
26.
19,
Letter t Naval Branch 21 (admially)
tgo
9.
27A
15.8.41
You
Righ
Glencairp
28
2p.
y
16A. Hw. 24.3.41
29
29
18.
NA HW 24.
30.
30th
their of ab @ 1.
31. 31A /26/1/11
26 is
of leAce from Q(11)1.d. Reply 32. & 24A. 32A. 41.
33A
hips ships of files, I letter lett from files ex & B.M. ese 4/4/41 as tracts ALLCOCK,R. Nonistry of BE7. 19 A. of Shipting 18A. 24. mw, 3.41
Copy Letter to Iniss In. Churchard, 33. The Ininiatry of shyping 8.2m.w. im 6.9.41 W. a
3/p.
34A
30/9/H.
in
G.
/
from
Letter Reply 33A to to 23A. from from Miss alloogy 35. Churchand, In. allock forwarding Macalister. a 35A 35B. 38/9/4 AmD
H
/
20 A+B.
Reply copy to a 'Notarial Protest ie the Clan
21 A
It AMD, Dumperkal re (List) 1 Pages. Carrus 22A. 21 21 b
B
of is Cammander 36. Holbrook me SS Clan MacAlister 37th And 36A you
Letter Letter to (Naval "Housant faguar
[P.T. Over
(8243) Wt 10554/5806 400M 6/40 BPL 51/6860 J4750

Details

36"
The War Office,
Casualty Branch,
Blue Coat School,
Church Road,
Wavertree,
original colem filed
Liverpool, 15.
in M/99
7
October, 1941.
(Casualties)
Dear Commander,
We are endeavouring to obtain evidence regarding
the loss of the S.S. 'Clan MacAlister' in order that we may
presumption be a of death of the personnel who are still missing.
in position to deal with the question of the
It is understood that this vessel was bombed and
sunk during the evacuation from Dunkirk, and of I
subsequently shall be most grateful if you can supply further The details
partioulars i.e., the date, time and place of the occurrence, in how
the required are the ones normally supplied in such
circumstances in which the ship was sunk.
cases, the vessel took in sinking, what ships took part not
rescue long work and the possibility of survival of those
rescued.
I should greatly appreciate your early assistance
in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
a
(Sd.) H. A. DAWKINS
t
ities
said
Commander Holbrook,
Shipping Casualties Section,
Trade Division,
Admiralty.
London, S.W.1.
au live natch. The DOMDS went
through the weather deck abreast of No. 5 Hatch and set
the whole of the after end of the said vessel on fire.
NE
A number of the Appearers crew and some of the troops
at
on board were killed and injured. About 4.30 p.m. one
ts
of the crew were transferred to the said Destroyer.
already vessel's aboard the Appearer's vessel and the wounded members
of His Majesty's Destroyers came alongside and the troops
5
caused which were his vessel's operated from the Destroyer and the Appearer himself
The Destroyer put two lines of hose on board the Appearer's vessel
ry
put The latter hose could not however, be
out the fire. own hose line to be used in an attempt to
to fractured as a result of the bombing but
operated have been efficiently as the deck water service pipes were found
was kept under able control. About half an hour later the Destro
nevertheless so long as the Destroyer was alongside, the fire
not being to wait longer owing to enemy air action
the Appearer's vessel with the troops and wounded
the crew who had been transferred. The Appearer m t.
his vessel under way.
to make a further attempt with the remmants of his

Details

Copy Original filed
35A 30
in PD99
Ministry of War Transport,
Empire Hotel,
Lansdowne Crescent,
Blackpool, N.S.
WR/1940
18th September 1941.
Dear Mr. Dawkins,
You wrote to me on the 9th September
concerning the loss of the "Clan Macalister" during
the evacuation of Dunkirk and I am now enclosing
for your confidential information, a copy of a
Notarial Protest, which appears to contain all the
information we were able to obtain at the time
about this case.
If this is not sufficient for your purposes I
would suggest that you should communicate with Commander
Holbrook of the Shipping Casualties Section, Trade
Division, Admiralty, who will probably be able to supply
you with further details of the circumstances attending
the loss of the ship.
Yours sincerely,
ty's
(SGD)
MARGARET
H.
CHURCHARD.
Sea
the
one
oblock
in
3.30
Authorities
to
so
said
left
the
(the
the
H.A.
Dawkins
Esq.
by
of
Salu au пишег live natch. The DOMDS went
through the weather deck abreast of No. 5 Hatch and set
the whole of the after end of the said vessel on fire.
a
A number of the Appearers crew and some of the troops
ts
on board were killed and injured. About 4.30 p.m. one
of His Majesty's Destroyers came alongside and the troops
already aboard the Appearer's vessel and the wounded members
of the vessel's crew were transferred to the said Destroyer.
an
ry
The Destroyer put two lines of hose on board the Appearer's vessel
which were operated from the Destroyer and the Appearer himself
caused his vessel's own hose line to be used in an attempt to
put out the fire. The latter hose could not however, be
operated efficiently as the deck water service pipes were found
to have been fractured as a result of the bombing but
nevertheless so long as the Destroyer was alongside, the fire
was kept under control. About half an hour later the Destroy
not being able to wait longer owing to enemy air action
the Appearer's vessel with the troops and wounded m
the crew who had been transferred. The Appearer t.
to make a further attempt with the remmants of his
his vessel under way.

Details

8A
COPY
CLAN MACALISTER.
NOTARIAL PROTEST
T566
Stamp:
)
BY THIS PUBLIC NOTARIAL ACT BE IT KNOWN AND MADE
1/-
MANIFEST UNTO ALL Persons to whom these Presents
(3.6.40
)
shall come THAT on this day, the 31st day of May
House,
in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred
N.
and forty, before me JOSEPH PHILLIPS CRAWLEY, of
the City of London, Notary Public by Royal Authority
duly admitted and sworn, and in the presence of the
Witnesses hereinafter named, personally came and
appeared ROBERT WILLIAM MACKIE, Master Mariner and
Commander of the Steamship or Vessel called the
ntity
"Clan Macalister" of the Port of Glasgow, of the
was a
burthen of 6787 tons gross registered or thereabouts
last seen by him the Appearer burning furiously in
Dunkirk East Roads;
in
WHO said and declared as he doth by those
is as
tish
Presents solemnly say and declare for truth as follows:-
THAT on the Twenty seventh day of May One thousand nine
hundred and forty the Appearer left the Port of Southampton
in and with his said vessel which was laden with His ajesty's
landing craft and equipment and was engaged on transport
service in accordance with instructions received from the Sea
Transport Authorities. He proceeded in accordance with
the said instructions to the Downs there to await further
orders. There he remained with his said vessel until about
one oblock in the morning of the Twenty ninth day of May,
when in pursuance of instructions given by the Naval Authori
to proceed to Dunkirk or as near thereto as possible, the said
vessel left the Downs and arrived at 9.30 a.m. on the same
day (the Twenty ninth of May) at Dunkirk East Roads, where
all the said landing craft, and equipment that it was
possible to discharge were discharged. During the course
of the unloading two motor craft were damaged and
rendered unfit for service due to the rolling of the said
vessel caused by the wash of one of His Majesty's
Destroyers which was proceeding past the port side of
the said vessel at high speed. Later in the day some
of His Majesty's troops were brought aboard the said
vessel by motor craft and were being embarked until
about 3.45 p.m. when enemy planes flew over dropping
bombs, and scored three direct hits on the stern of the
said vessel at number five hatch. The bombs went
through the weather deck abreast of No. 5 Hatch and set
TE
the whole of the after end of the said vessel on fire.
a
A number of the Appearers crew and some of the troops
ts
on board were killed and injured. About 4.30 p.m. one
of His Majesty's Dest royers came alongside and the troops
already aboard the Appearer's vessel and the wounded members
5
of the vessel's crew were transferred to the said Destroyer.
ry
The Destroyer put two lines of hose on board the Appearer's vessel
which were operated from the Destroyer and the Appearer himself
caused his vessel's own hose line to be used in an attempt to
put out the fire. The latter hose could not however, be
operated efficiently as the deck water service pipes were found
to have been fractured as a result of the bombing but
nevertheless so long as the Destroyer was alongside, the fire
was kept under control. About half an hour later the Destro
not being able to wait longer owing to enemy air action
the Appearer's vessel with the troops and wounded m
the crew who had been transferred. The Appearer t
to make a further attempt with the remmants of his
his vessel under way.

Details

13A
The fire however began to spread rapidly and the Appearer by
reason of the fire had previously given orders for the ammunition
HT
carried by his vessel to be jettisoned in order to save the said
vessel from being blown up. The Appearer then made an attempt
ST.
to leave the Roads with a view to returning to an English Port
on a course given to the Appearer by the Officers of the last
ITE
mentioned Destroyer, but it was found that the telemotor steering
gear was broken and unusable, and that it was impossible to reach
the hand steering gear which was situated aft on the poop owing
to the fire and the fact that the remaining ammunition in the
tonnage opening was exploding. As at this juncture it became
impossible for the Appearer and his crew to navigate the said
vessel or even remain on board owing to the fact that the fire was
burning fiercely and was beyond control and that explosions were
continuously taking place and that the vessel was being subjected
to machine gun fire from enemy aircraft which were continuously
attacking vessels in the roadsteads, the Appearer called for the
assistance of one of His Majesty's Minesweepers which came alongside.
The Appearer then for the aforesaid reasons gave instructions for
the Officers and the crew to leave the said vessel, and they,
including him the Appearer, were transferred to the said
Minesweeper. When the Appearer and his crew last saw the vessel
she was burning fiercely and explosions were constantly occurring.
The Appearer with his Officers and crew were then brought to the
Port of Dover where they arrived at about 10 o'clock in the morning
of the Thirtieth day of May One thousand nine hundred and forty.
AND LASTLY that all losses and damages which may have happened
to the said vessel her appurtenances or cargo have arisen in manner
aforesaid and not through the neglect or default of the Appearer or
any of his crew, who all did their duty to the utmost of their power,
nor yet by any insufficiency in the said vessel which was tight
staunch and substantial sufficiently manned and furnished with
everything necessary for such a vessel and voyage and in every
respect seaworthy, her engines and machinery being in good working
order and condition, her cargo properly stowed and damaged and her
hatches well secured.
THEREFORE the Appearer declares to protest and I the said
Notary at his request do hereby solemnly protest for all losses
costs and damages, and for what else ought to be protested in the
premises.
THUS done and protested in London in the presence of John
William Patching and Rowland Rye, Witnesses.
Witnesses:
J.W. Patching.
R.W. MACKIE, Master.
Rowland Rye.
In testimonium Veritatis.
( S E A L)
J. Phillips Crawley.
Not Pub.
B
WE, ROBERT WILLIAM MACKIE, Master Mariner and Master of the
B
Steamship or Vessel called the "Clan Macalister", and JOHN OSBORNE
BC
Stamp
BO
BRI
6.40)
m
WOODALL, Chief Officer, and ROBERT HANNAH, Chief Engineer on board
/6a
the said Vessel, DO SOLEMNLY AND SINCERELY DECLARE THAT the contents
of the foregoing protest are strictly true and correct.
BRE
BRT
AND WE MAKE THIS SOLEMN DECLARATION conscientiously believing
BRIT
BRYW
the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Statutory
Declarations Act 1835.
BULL
BURGO
ARED this first day
BURTO
ne 1940 at No.30
ng Lane in the City
...
R.W. MACKIE.
BOU SA
J.O. WOODALL.
BARBAR
ndon England.
ROBERT HANNAH.
BHURAN
BOAT (1
Before me,
J. PHILLIPS CRAWLEY,
Not. P

Details

A
A
The War Office,
Casualty Branch,
Blue Coat School,
Church Road,
Wavertree,
Liverpool. 15.
NO/28.
(Casualties)
9
September, 1941.
Dear Miss Churchard,
I on endeavouring to collect evidence regarding
the bombing of the S.S. "Clan MacAlister" in order that
we be in a position to doal with the question of the
presumption may of death of the personnel who are still missing.
It is understood that this vessel was bombed and
sunk during the evacuation from Dunicirk, and I shall be most
in which the ship was sunk. The particulars required are
grateful if you can supply further details of the circumstances the
1.
ones normally supplied in such cases, 1.0+2 the date, time and
what ships, 18 any, took part in rescue work, whether all
place of the occurence, how long the vessel took in sinking,
lifeboats were accounted for and the possibility of survival
of those not resoued.
I should greatly approciate your early assistance
in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
( SqL) H.A DAWKINS
ring to
1.20581
8451.
Miss.M.Churchard,
Marine Division A.
Ministry of Shipping,
Empire Hotel,
Blackpool, Lancs.
BONNY
BOY BI.
BOY BOB
L. Admy. Service.
BOY BRUCE
C. Hayes
Did not go - for Dynamo.
Returned to owner.
BREAD WINNER
J.H.A. Bellhouse
Returned to owner.
BREAM
Golding Bros.
BRITANNIA IV
Sayers Bros.
Prepared - did not go.
BRITANNIC
H. & J. Budd
Returned to owners 5.6.40.
Reported lost.
BRYWYN
C. Priestley Mist
BULL PUP
Mr. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners 19/6.
Reported lost.
BURGONIA
G.W. Burgoine
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BURTON
Leigh Building Co.
E. Dreyfus
Returned to owners.
BOU SAADA
BARBARA
A.E. Johnson
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BHURANA
W.H. Grint
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BOAT (16 ft.)
W. Robertson
Auxy. Patrol Service.
Reported lost by owner.

Details

MINISTRY minnire Hotel OF Group, HOTEL
LIST B.
PITX
Lorge
her B
LIST OF VESSELS LOST DURING 'DYNAMO', 'CYCLE' and 'AERIAL'
OPERATIONS.
Approx. 20thMay/1st July, 1940.
Name of Vessel
and G.R.T.
Date.
Cause and Position
Remarks.
S.S. WORTHTOWN
27/5
Bombed by Aircraft,
Stores.
set on fire and abandoned
LOST
G.R.T.
868
on Dunkirk Beach.
D.W.
1206
OL
S.S. MAID OF KENT.
21/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour
SUNK.
Pass.
G.R.T.
wa
D.W.
S.S. BRIGHTON.
Hospital Carrier
24/5
Bombed in Dieppe Harbour
SUNK
il
PS
S.S. QUEEN OF THE
28/5
Bombed Position.
ti
CHANNEL.
510N25'N. 2° 40'E.
SUNK
Pass.
Troops and crew
G.R.T. 1162
all transferred
to "DORIEN ROSE".
D.W.
S.S.SPINEL
25/5
Blown up at Dunkirk.
ABANDONED.
)
Petrol.
CONSIDERED LOST
G.R.T. 650
D.W.
592
+
S.S.ABUKIR.
28/5
Torpedoed by surface craft
SUNK.
Tramp.
50 miles N.E.of N.
a
G.R.T. 694
Foreland.
D.W.
900
SUNK
S.S. LORINA
29/5
Bombed. Sunk in Dunkirk
8 of crew
harbour.
Pass.
were lost.
B)
G.R.T. 1578
D.W.
365
S.S.NORMANNIA.
30/5
Bombed whilst in tow
SUNK.
2.71°
Survivors in
Pass.
Dunkirk breakwater 4
H.M.S.ROSS &
G.R.T. 1567.
243
miles.
H.M.S.MOSQUITO.
D.W.
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
S.S.FENEILA.
1
P.C.
G.R.T. 2376
D.W.
520
30/5
Bombed atDunkirk.
SUNK.
S.S.CLAN
MACALISTER.
C.L.
G.R.T. 6787
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTIA
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk
SUNK
G.R.T. Pass 3454
D.W.
540
S.S. PARIS
2/6
Attacked by aircraft
Pass
G.R.T. 1790
approx. 51°11.5'N 2.07E.
SUNK
D.W.
650
-1-

Details

18A
8
" PARL, LONDON."
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
an
Telegrams :
BERKELEY SQUARE,
LONDON, W.1.
is
(O.J.)
March, 1941.
House
N.
Mr.
Dawkins, list shows the ships and small of craft the B.E.F. which
ough
Dear The attached lost during the evacuation letter of the
untity
was a
are known to have been stated in Moore's approximate
from France last we year. can give As only the names, I hope, dates however, and that the
in
16th February of the ships concerned. to you.
PS as
tish
positions list will be of some assistance
Yours sincerely,
H. The A.
30/5
Bombed at Dunkirk.
SUNK.
S. CLAN
MACALISTER.
C.L.
G.R.T. 6787
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTIA
1/6
Bombed at Dunkirk
11
Pass.
G.R.T. 3454
D.W. 540
"
2/6
Attacked by aircraft approx.
S.S.PARTS
51° 11.5'N 2.07E.
Pass.
G.R.T. 1790
D.W. 650
-1-

Details

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

Details

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

Details

y.02M
AYZER, IRVINE & Co, LTD.
TELEPHONE Hook 168 (3 LINES)
27
MANAGERS OF
HE CLAN LINE STEAMERS LTD.
TYLNEY HALL,
LONDON, GLASGOW & LIVERPOOL.
TELEGRAMS:
ROTHERWICK,
"CAYZER, Hook, HANTS"
OUR REFCE FB/NT.
"CAYZER, GLASGOW"
"CAYZER, LIVERPOOL"
YOUR "
BASINGSTOKE, HANTS.
20th June. 1940.
The Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House.
LONDON. W.1.
THIS in JUN RECEIVED 19/10/10 13 21 1940
Dear Sirs,
We are in receipt of your letter of
yesterday, enclosing letter addressed to Captain Mackie
of the "CLAN MACALISTER" in regard to the evacuation from
Dunkirk, for which we thank you. We shall have pleasure
in forwarding same to Captain Mackie.
Yours faithfully,
per pro CAYZER, ARVINE & CO., LTD.
General Manager.
WORTHERN
LORINA
John London, CO. E.V. Shipping Ltd.,
NORMANNI
Capt R.
/CANTERBU
YEWDALE
MAID OR
John Ltd.,
/BIARRITZ
YEWGLEN
308, C.1.
Glasgow,
/AUTOCARRI

Details

- 2 -
56
During the time we were anchored in this place we could, during the
day, hear the roar and fury of the guns and mines on the French coast, the
concussion of which was shaking the "LOCHGARRY" at her anchorage twenty-one
miles away, and at night the same pounding went on with the addition of
immense fires shooting up in the sky - "Calais" on fire? I took bearings by
compass to verify this; it came out to a degree and next morning we heard the
wat" asid OMJ 202 STOW ent
news. At night the dropping of magnetic mines round about was a common
occurrence, and the rat-tat-tat of the Spitfires chasing the enemy away, until
at last nobody was going to bother getting out of his bed to see them. But
if you did get up you were sure to find you were not the only one, although
they had faithfully promised to stick to their bunks. They would be in their
stocking soles, keeking out in some corner. It would be like a great display
adw dom
of fireworks, and one would wonder how many tons of lead were active in the
sky after the minelayer, or whether he would manage to get clear.
On May 28th at 4.30 a.m. orders were received to proceed to Dover for
one
fuel and water at 6 a.m., and at 7.5 p.m. same day we loaded provisions and
made various preparations for going to Dunkirk. At 8.56 p.m. we cast off from
one
Admiralty Pier bound for Dunkirk by a certain route. The night was dark and
hazy, and when we nearly bumped up against the North Goodwin Light vessel,
which was not lit, and after a bit of shouting to the light vessel, I dropped
anchor and we were at stand-easy till 3 a.m. Having no light of any kind we
had to keep a very good lookout. We felt a mighty wash rocking the ship fore
and aft, and right close beside us five destroyers passed at full speed, without
apparently taking the slightest notice. Shortly after another large ship
was bearing down on us, and passed quite close, and after heaving up anchor we
could still see her hull faintly in the gloom. We made up on her and afterwards
learned this was the "CLAN MACALISTER" which I guessed to be going the same way
as ourselves, as by now Dunkirk was the only place on the coast where she could
be going.
At 6.48 a.m. on the 29th May we were at the West Hinder Buoy. Behind us,
tearing along at top speed, was what well may have been termed the "Channel
Fleet". the swift steamers that had left Dover in the early morning, among
them being the "KING GEORGE V". Each as they passed the "LOCHGARRY" gave us
a hearty wave of hands and bonnets. All of them soon passed; on our port
bow was a British Destroyer, and one which we recognised as the one funnel
Polish Destroyer. They were going round in a circle which was gradually
getting smaller, both of them, I believe, taking cross bearing on a submarine.
When the circle got to the smallest possible round they each dropped several
depth charges about the same spot. We were watching for wreckage, but did not
successfully. see any. This would be the smallest depth at which a submarine could operate
A while later the Mate said he saw what appeared to be a spent torpedo
on the surface, but I did not see it. But if there was a submarine in that circle
he certainly is there yet! Now we were in the channel from which the enclosed
photo was taken (bottom picture), and the Mate and I argued as to whether it
was whin bushes or men that covered the sand dunes. On looking through the
binoculars we found that what appeared to be whin bushes were really armies of
the B.E.F. It was hardly credible, but true, the beach was strewn with wrecks
of ships at all angles, and motor lorries which were hardly visible, being
camouflaged, were dashing backwards and forwards.
We steamed along the channel which was some ten miles to Dunkirk Breakwater.
The Breakwater was fully occupied when we arrived there - two and three steamers
abreast. They were the steamers that had passed on the way in, and as many
destroyers, and who would be at the outer end of the Breakwater but the
S.S. "KILLARNEY" our sparring partner. This was a great surprise. How did
she get there? We left her in Dover, and they certainly did not pass us on the
way. But the secret was that the "KILLARNEY" was not degaussed and for that
reason they came by a different route from us! She was loaded with troops to
full capacity and had a very heavy list to starboard, away from the Breakwater,
and it was apparent that there was something wrong. Her belting had caught on
the Breakwater with the falling tide; eventually the belting gave way and she
was free to go, and backed out of the Harbour, closed up to us and waved, then
full away the way she had come good luck to them.
The/

Details

STATES
woll
and
- 4 -
38
LETER
SEW
A tug boat was told off to give us a lift off the Breakwater by the
due
of
ern, as there were three destroyers abreast astern of us. He made fast
r starboard quarter rope to his bow and pulled sternwise. He did his job
TO
one
DO well, pulled us well out, and when he thought we were going too far across
DEPARTMENT
sit.
e endeavoured to straighten us up in the channel by giving us a "nose off"
DEPARTMENT
under the counter and thus cutting our D.G. in two places. I did not want
his "nose off" the pitch of the propeller and the helm would have straightened
us up nicely - and if that was not sufficient then I could have given her a kick
ahead on the starboard helm, which would certainly have done the trick. But
and
the tug boat captain did not have the necessary patience. A Clyde tug boat
master would never have done that. What a mess! The D.G. wire having been
cut in two places quickly short circuited, and caught fire under the counter.
and
X
Some French soldiers on the opposite pier head noticed it first and raised the
HTUS
alarm. My toes began to tingle in my boots. Fire, with so many troops on
board, fanned by a fresh westerly wind on the stern! Would it be possible to
bassin
get her round in the channel and head the wind before it caught hold, or would
I require to beach her on the sands and give them a chance to swim ashore?
I ordered the current to be cut off, by 'phone to the engine-room, and I
think it was already cut off, as the engineers had noticed something amiss on
the switchboard. The mate and the second engineer were soon on the job with
a fire spray, and the flames extinguished. It is true that we had all the
fire apparatus fixed ready for action, and the sailors at their stations duri ng
the time the troops were on board, but it happened so quickly and at a time when
any person could not move about the decks on account of the crush.
The report that the fire was under control came with a great relief. All
this happened while we were backing out of the harbour to add to other difficulties,
and being under the counter of the vessel it was well nigh inaccessible to get at.
The mate and second engineer deserve every credit for having dealt with it so
effectively and efficiently. I believe the mate was hanging like a monkey on
a rope, directing the fire spray on the seat of trouble. However, that having
passed over, everything was normal for a few moments.
I would here mention that we were at a disadvantage through the second mate
leaving the ship at Dover the previous morning, so that the mate and myself had
to share his duties between us in addition to everything else.
Having manoeuvred the vessel into the channel we were for a few minutes
waiting for our escort, H.M. Destroyer F.34. "THE GREYHOUND", and on clearing
the Breakwater he closed up on us and asked which route we intended going by,
Route X. or Route Y. or --, and while we were thus talking it was cut short;
the destroyer jumped, as it were, and made a series of twists and zig-zags in
front of us. Well, I thought to myself, if you are going at that speed there's
damn little hope of me keeping up with you! The next moment there was a
terrific explosion close to the destroyer on her port side, but it was a miss.
Another moment and a column of water shot up ahead of us about 50 yards away.
No. 1 salvo for the "LOCHGARRY" also a miss! But the third salvo caught the
destroyer fair amidships and ripped her side open, causing many casualties, I
would say, but the Commander was still on the bridge and her guns were active
peppering away. It was apparent the vessel was out of action. I heard the
telegraph to the engine-room ringing but could see no response from the engines.
I passed by the destroyer close to. The Commander shouted, "Carry on"; we
then tore away full batter with a double ring on the telegraph, and zig-zagged
so far as the channel would allow us.
We were left alone for a while. I was told before leaving that "the
Germans were shelling from the shore, but they were not very accurate". We
were not shelled from the shore. We passed the vessel in whose company we
had done part of the voyage going over - the "CLAN MACALISTER". She was
evidently in a bad way her after-hold on fire and clouds of black smoke
rising from her. I would say that she had received a salvo somewhere about
her stern, and was either at anchor or not under way!
We had now overtaken and passed a small steamer very like the "LOCHSHIEL"
crammed with troops, her hold and decks quite full. On our starboard bow
was the "GRACIE FIELDS", a minesweeper, full of troops going out, and a hospital
ship going in on our port bow. They were both zig-zagging vigorously, as we
were ourselves, but the "GRACIE FIELDS" got one salvo which stopped her engines,
and she stopped, lifeless, and limped somewhere around the Kwint Buoy. The
hospital/

Details

YZER, IRVINE & Co, LTD.
TELEPHONE Hook 168 (3 LINES)
MANAGERS OF
THE CLAN LINE STEAMERS LTD.
LONDON. GLASGOW & LIVERPOOL.
TYLNEY HALL,
TELEGRAMS:
"CAYZER, Hook, HANTS"
FB/NT.
ROTHERWICK,
OUR REFOE
"CAYZER, GLASGOW"
"CAYZER, LIVERPOOL"
BASINGSTOKE, HANTS.
T.M.6213/40/S.T.A.6
8th August. 1940.
W.G. Hynard, Esq.,
Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House.
219
LONDON. W.1.
Dear Sir,
We are in receipt of your letter of
yesterday and now have pleasure in enclosing copy of
letter and report received by the writer from the Master
of "CLAN MACALISTER".
Yours faithfully,
per pro CAYZER
Encl.
All the Engineers aid excellent work at their
and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M. Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, planes. by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

anive
17 Derby Street,
COPY
Trinity,
Edinburgh. 6.
3rd June, 1940.
F. Bedford Esq.
220
Tylney Hall,
Rotherwick,
Basingstoke, HANTS.
Dear Sir,
S.S. "CLAN MACALISTER".
As instructed by Captain T.W. Young, Marine Super-
I beg to enclose my Report upon the circumstances you
intendent, leading up to the loss of the above vessel which I hope
will find in order.
Regretting very much the loss of such a fine
ship with so many lives and trusting that this Report will not
reflect unfavourably upon any of her crew.
I am, dear Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
in
(sgd) R.W. Mackie,
Master.
S
Encl.l.
ALL the Engineers aia excellent work at peede
and we understanu the 4th Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.Memahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

21 b
COPY
221
REPORT OF LOSS OF S.S. "CLAN MACALISTER" BY ENEMY
ACTION ON 29th MAY 1940 AT EAST DUNKIRK ROADS.
Dosa
I beg to report that this vessel arrived at Southampton
about 8.30 a.m. on the 27th May 1940. Loading of Army Landing
Craft (A.L.C.) commencedat 1 p.m., and finished at 6 p.m. after
there had been loaded:-
2 Boats on No. 2 Shelter Deck Hatches.
2
"
"
Upper Deck Hatches.
1
11
=
Port Side, Upper Deck.
1
"
"
Starboard Side, Upper Deck.
2
"
"
After Deck at No.4 Hatch
also a quantity of Petrol and Lubricating Oil for the said Craft
which was stowed abreast of the fore rigging on both sides.
During the course of the day rough accommodation was
rigged up by shore labour for the 45 Naval ratings with their small
arms, ammunition and stores in No.5 Shelter Deck and accommodation
was found in the officers' quarters for Captain Cassidie, R.N., and
2 Lieutenants, R.N.V.R., who were in charge of the A.L.C.
At 3 p.m. I was called to the Naval Control Office and
given a route to the Downs where I vas to close the Examination
Vessel for further orders. We left Southampton at 6.30 p.m., and
arrived at the Examination Vessel in the Downs about 8.30 a.m. on
28th May and asked for orders. The Examination Officer said he
would go inshore and signal for orders for us. About midnight
a/
All the Engineers aia excellent work at uneil
and we understanu the 4th Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F. Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand did heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

OR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
or Barge Sherfield
M
185
Lighter Y.O. 63.
Lighter X.95.
Sub Dr. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
or Launch Nanette II.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, -
ceived command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops
om the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
were under way heading out to sea.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
though we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and
cidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never know, which perhaps
B just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted - -"Ostend". This
a a most salutary effect on us and putting the wheel to starboard we headed for
e battle. The succession of sunken ships with the oil saturated water covered.
th junk and garbage of all sorts began to have a dampening effect on everybody.
wever, we fortified ourselves with large helpings of Mr. Machonicie's Irish Stew.
Continuing on passed Nieuport we found ourselves between two destroyers and
shore battery in action;during this one of the destroyers was hit and the super-
tructure burst into flames. On closing in it was obvious that there was no one
board and we drew away a magazine explosion. Shells then began to drop round us
rom the remaining destroyer and to further our consternation at this moment a
orpedo passed under the "Sherfield", disappearing up the beach; whether fired by
submarine or the other destroyer is not known.
Next thing on the programs was the finding of a whole lot of chaps who had
een in the oil-covered water for a considerable time and we experienced dirfi ulty
n getting them aboard as there were several wounded amongst them. These - were
ostly off destroyers sunk during the day. During this interlule soldiers were
een gathering on the foreshore, and owing to ebbing tide it was impossible to
each the lighters and the motor boat. commenced to collect the soldiers and take
them to the lighters at twenty at a time. One young Army officer to whom great
redit is due came along with a motor boat full of wounded, and after putting them
board helped with the embarkation.
In the meantime one lighter continued to fish people out of the water and the
ther went alongside the wrecked "Clan MacAlister" and took off 15 wounded
survivors of the "Keith" and other ships.
All was going well when a number of enemy planes started to machine gun the
beach and bombard the vicinity. It would be as well to mention that there were
no other British ships or planes in sight, and being completely unarmed except for
one Boer War rifle, we couldn't do much against them. As the last load was being
gathered it appeared that the enemy were using Trench Mortars and machine guns from
begind the Dunes.
During a lull the second lighter and motor boat made for the open sea; while
the motor barge was receiving her last load of wounded enemy planes started paying
further attention to her. She stopped all movement and drifted about for the next
three quarters of an hour, hoping to be taken for a derelect, which thank God she
wast At length the planes eased off and she made a dash (at 6 knots) for the open
sea, large quantities of tea being consumed. Peace reigned, but not for long;
the familiar whine of a power bomber was heard, followed by a pattern of bombo
exploding round the barge and a nice little machine gun attack followed.
The remainder of the trip was quite uneventful, entering Dover at 7 a.m. on
Sunday morning.
Too much praise cannot be given to the Civilian members of the crews, all being
volunteers and the youngest being 17. A fine example was set by the fortitude of
the Troops waiting on the shore and in the water. All Naval members of the orews
acted as expected.
On returning to Sheerness we found the third member of our convoy, whan - had
missed during the first night, had managed to get to Dunkirk and had had her full
share of excitement.

Details

204
OPERATION DYNAMO.
22
ENCLOSURE NO. 17.
SHIP: BLUE BIRD - Motor Boat.
OFFICER REPORTING: G.B. EYRE, SUB-LINUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
On Saturday 1st June I received orders to
proceed with Motor Boat BLUE BIRD to the M/S SANDOWN
to be towed to Dunkirk. M/S SANDOWN was relieved by
M/S EMPEROR OF INDIA and accordingly I changed to her.
2.
On reaching Dunkirk it was found impossible
to start engines of BLUE BIRD so she was not used and
came back to Dover in tow.
3.
The Lifeboat MARY SCOTT was working in
conjunction with BLUE BIRD, but remained behind in
Dunkirk to pick up EMPEROR OF INDIA's 1st Lieutenant
who was on the pier, organising the troops to be
embarked.
Note: This officer was previously in command of
A.L.C. No. 15, and had been employed
ferrying troops off from Dunkirk beach for
one day. When 8.8. CLAN MACALISTER
(A.L.C. parent ship) was bombed and set
on fire he returned to Dover in company
with A.L.Cs. 3 and 8 to refuel and
proceeded to the beaches on completion.
A.L.C. No. 15 was driven on to the beach by
the wash of a passing destroyer and as
there was no hope of getting off,
Sub-Lieutenant Eyre set fire to her and
returned to Dover in due course in
A.L.C. No. 3 and was then given Motor
Boat BLUE BIRD.
See

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Diprome 339
abject.
rom. THE CAPTAIN A/S, H.M.S. "OSPREY", H.M. DOCKYARD,
EVACUATION OF B.E.F. - NARRATIVE OF EVENTS. Bluwl 468
PORTLAND, DORSET.
17th June, 1940.
No. 0601/44/3.1170.
439 440
The Vice Admiral,
Dover,
(Copies to:- The Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.
The Flag Officer-in-Charge, Portland.)
DMIRAL
With reference to C.P.G.O. 1700, reports from Motor
Boats 6land 7 and M.L.100 are submitted herewith.
18JUN
Reports from "KINGFISHER" and Motor A/S Boat 10 were
already survid
Forwarded direct to you.
Lieutenant Comman or
Dynama
for Captain A/S.
the Downs
2300
(approx)
Found "Clan Macalister". Embarked two stretcher cases
on deck.
29th. 0015
Collided with and sank small motor launch "Mino MINEKOI Key" with
whaler in tow. Saved crew of three.
0255
Secured Dover.
0441
Sailed from Dover to turn back to Ramsgate all small craft
from Thames Estuary.
Rixx Took in tow six cutters
and one whaler found drifting.
0630
Recalle to Dover. Handed tow over to motor boat to
(approx) take to Ramsgate. Fueled.
1921
Left Dover for anix anti M.T.B. patrol.
30th. 0710
Secured Dover.
0901
Left Dover with Lt-Comdr. (?) to marshal and instruct
all small boats arriving from south coast.
1335
Secured Dover.
Fueled. Carried out engine repairs.
31st.
1140
Sailed for Ramsgate to rendezvous with small boat convoy.
1220
Arrived
Ramsgate.
Off-loaded depth charges.
1453
Sailed from Ramsgate escorting five tugs and five drifters
all towing open boats.
1930
Off Reutigen Bank. General bombing attack on shipping.
2100
Arrived off Dunkirk.
Took on board Lt-Comdr Wynne- Edwards
Instructed open boats where to operate.
(from Keith)
2315
In collision with large yacht. Hole in starboard bow
above water line.
Some ribs broken.
2400
Returned to Keith off La Panne. Took on board General
(approx)
Leese.
Manuo
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.

Details

H.M. M. A/S. B.6.
Dynams
468
Period May 23rd. to June 4th. 1940.
Bru/o/
1214
Time
440
3rd
1329
Sailed from Portland for Harwich.
2152
Arrived Dover - fuelled.
4th.
0857
Sailed from Dover.
1316
Arrived Harwich.
Fuelled.
5th.
6th.
Fitted quadrupia Lewis gun in place of port double
7th.
1307
Sailed for Dover in company with 3.0.7.
1753
Arrived Dover. Reported to M.A.Dover.
8th.
1100
Sailed with S.0.7. to search for Hurricane reported
in the sea SeW. of Goodwins. Following air battle
off Dover earlier.
1400
Returned to Dover. Search unsuccessful.
(approx)
2117
Sailed from Dover to find S.S. Clan Maclister in the Downs
to give her instructions.
2300
Found "Clan Macalister". Embarked two stretcher cases
(approx)
on deck.
MINEKOI
29th. 0015
Collided with and sank small motor launch "Mine Key" with
whaler in tow. Saved crew of three.
0255
Secured Dover.
0441
Sailed from Dover to turn back to Ramsgate all small craft
from Thames Estuary.
Rixx Took in tow six cutters
and one whaler found drifting.
0630
Recalled to Dover.
Handed tow over to motor boat to
(approx)
take to Ramsgate. Fueled.
1921
Left Dover for xxxx anti M.T.B. patrol.
30th. 0710
Secured Dover.
0901
Left Dover with Lt-Comdr. (?) to marshal and instruct
all small boats arriving from south coast.
1335
Secured Dover. Fueled. Carried out engine repairs.
31st. 1140
Sailed for Ramsgate to rendezvous with small boat convoy.
1220
Arrived Ramsgate. Off-loaded depth charges.
1453
Sailed from Ramsgate escorting five tugs and five drifters
all towing open boats.
1930
Off Reutigen Bank. General bombing attack on shipping.
2100
Arrived off Dunkirk. Took on board Lt-Comdr. llynne- Edwards
Instructed open boats where to operate. (from Keith)
2315
In collision with large yacht. Hole in starboard bow
above water line. Some ribs broken.
2400
Returned to Keith off La Panne. Took on board General
(approx)
Leese.
ynamo
On passage CO DUNKITK.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.

Details

May 28th. 1940. 1100 1400.
470
-
442
At approximately 1100 3.0.6 and 7
5 to for Hurricane Course reported was set in S.B. sea, from position Dover
until 2000 yards Goodwins and bore swept N.E. 10 miles Boats S.W. then Course opened was up to then approximately altered
to S.E. and again to N.E. and sweep carried back to opposite Dover.
Much wreckage was examined but none that could have been aircraft.
May 28th. 1940. 2117 to May 29th. 0255.
Instructions were received to find the S.S. Clan Macalister
anchored somewhere in the Downs and in conference with the Captain
of the ship and the Commander R.N. in charge of M.L.V.S to decide
the best course for Clan Macalister to land her boats and to instruct
her to procede accordingly. Subsequently to report to the Chief
of Staff what action was being taken. Serious difficulty was
experienced in finding Clan Macalister owing to large number of
ships in the Downs and absence of examination vessel. Contact
was made however at approximately 2300. Clan Macalister had no
charts of Dunkirk and consequently S.0.6.s were handed over to her.
It was decided she could probably get within fifteen miles of
La Panne, and she sailed accordingly. It would appear that she
got very much closer and unfortunately is still there.
Two stretcher cases were taken off being members of the crew of the
M.L.V.s who had fallen down the hold of Clan Macalister. At
approximately midnight S.0.6. set course for Dover. and shortly
afterwards collided with motor launch Minnekoi with whaler in tow.
This occurred owing to the whaler appearing close under the port bow.
Course was immediately altered to starboard and collision occurred
with the launch which was previously not seen. The crew of three
Sub/Lieut. R.E.Blows, R.N.V.R., Stewart and Stoker Madgill
were rescued after difficulty owing to rain squall and slightly
choppy sea. **** Able-Seaman Shuttleworth did good work by
jumping overboard and supporting the one member of the launch's
crew who could not swim.
I believe the launch's crew XXX
subsequently sailed for Dunkirk in another launhh.
Return to Dover was made at 0255 where the stretcher cases were
dispatched by ambulance.
May 29th. 1921 to May 30th. 0710.
rendezvous with two M.T.B.s from Harwich at 2100 off the Quint bouy.
Anti-M.T.B. Patrol.
Instructions were received to
S.0.6. proceded there at full speed but was one hour late at the
R.V. approximately half-a-mile from S.0.6. who could not connect with
At approximately 2230 the two M.T.B.s arrived, and passed
them owing to their superior speed. Contact was not made until
approximately being mistaken 0230 for an and enemy this was craft. done with Much due of the caution night to was avoid spent
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.