TNA ADM 116 4649

Gring my name to Their Lordships notice cannot help feeling that in this case there I
may possibly have been some slight mistake.
I am Sir, you obedient Servant,
Alan Ripps
Liurenant Roza
The Sectary of
Admiralt white

a
The Office mind a deach
Bwt de frence In Service e BNW
Durkink. NFa
Aphin
Pm (HA)
9/1/48

/1900
CONFIDENTIAL.
Part Ind Sclo/2 CW 2 558/41.
cw-
1941
BRANO
OFFICE OF
No.B23/D/321/41
MILITARY
TARY
MILI
5
APR KIRAL 1941
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
2nd April, 1941.
Sir,
7th following March, special pleased to lay before Their 2558/41 of the
With 1941, reference be to Admiralty Letter C.W.
Harold Pitcairn recommendation for an award to Lordships Commander
Henderson, R.N.
2.
Commander Henderson was recommended
Lge
"Mention" "DYNAMO"; on page 135 of the Recommendations for by me for a
Gazette this was approved and published in the Operation London bu of 16th August, 1940.
3.
I suggested only a "Mention" for his at
Operation had been "DYNAMO" because, outstanding as they services in in his preceded by even more valuable and were, they of the capacity as British Naval Liaison Officer courageous services staff particularly Coasts during the operations on the French June, 1940,
Amiral du Nord between August, 1939 and on the re sh which were followed by the evacuation from and Dunkirk. Belgian is;
which were rendered on shore, appeared to be the services, periodic
The correct time for representing such
A
half-yearly Dispatch, and I duly included his next om nt
Section enclosure to Dover Letter No. A14/0/1535/40 of name 25th October, in the 1940,
"B", Item 1.
result of that representation.
He was not, however, awarded MO. a decoration as a
We hr en
4.
I did not it latter recommendation "DYNAMO" I services that
On reviewing the feel
In and so that that clearly event this with may I trust his be partly that this consideration the cause explanation of as
7.
that services in Lordships to give favourable as I feel accorded to him.
an injustice has the been forthcoming done in list the lack of awards, of recognition en ra
5.
recommendation made six months ago.
convenience of reference I append a copy of the
11
"Commander Harold Pitcairn Henderson, R.N.
British Naval Liaison Officer, Dunkirk.
Mentioned in Despatches - London Gazette of 16th August, 1940.
August, 1939 as until the evacuation of the Allied Armies he at Dunkirk British Naval Liaison Officer from 24th
This officer served on the staff of Amiral du Nord in June, 1940. Throughout his period of service tact, carried out his duties with the greatest zeal,
Secretary Whitehall, of the Admiralty,
/ability and resource......
on
London' S.W.1.

119411 198min
1022
ter No.B23/D/321/41 of 2nd April, 1941. Page 2.
ility and resource. His good judgment and common nse were invaluable in keeping me in touch with the tuation and obtaining the close co-operation of rench Naval Forces.
During the enemy's advance into Belgium and France his officer showed officer-like qualities of the ighest degree, working almost day and night without stop for three critical weeks prior to the artillery evacuation, during a which time he was continually under fire and subject to repeated enemy air attack. During the his services were of inestimable value, the pier his actual evacuation of the British Expeditionary and
Force coolness and cheerful leadership on all with whom and sent he came back in to Dover by Amiral Abrial on 1st June. "
and beaches contact. He was finally courage, were a constant inspiration to wounded
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
S.
Savey
VICE ADMIRAL.

C.W.26612/41,
M.N.2.9.41, Item 74.
The Honours and Awards Committee have carefully considered the claims to recognition of M. Georges Ragaert,
(Belgian) for his services in M.V. Z.50 LYDIE ZUZANNE
during Operation DYNAMO, and submit that the following Award is appropriate:-
British Empire Medal (Civil)
J.P.Droop for SECRETARY, HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
6th September, 1941.
Propre 6 aprom
10Pm of
APPROVED BY FIRST LORD.
amPila
NAVAL SECRETARY TO
THE FIRST LORD.
11.9.41
the
In view of the fact that M. Georges Ragaert was at for operation, to time these Master services, he is of qualified his and own the for ship paper the and is Distinguished taking part in Service a Naval view Cross
Medal, that award being approved instead resubmitted of the British with Empire a which is not quite (appropriate.
APPROVED BY HCH
R. Gleadowe
H.M. THE KING
SECRETARY, HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE.
19
8th October, 1941.
APPROVED BY FIRST LORD. Propose to ppm am Paten.
ittem
NAVAL SECRETARY TO
THE FIRST LORD.
Letter to FO Rugard

Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
, a copy of the refly to the letter of 23"- may pan the Beliam thenestry is attached
Hth Blued G
f
P.N.L.O. 16 JUN 1942
Notes.
Letter from sin Robert knox on the Sume subject, and copy of reply arattached Aope for
23.6.42
d bill N.L. please remark on X of me
Dolsts R/S of 22nd June?
7
There does hot affear to be any reason for re-opencis the question of compen sation
1
to Everact unless the Belgian authorties return to it in peply to the letter of
16th June a
24 JUN 1942
Compensation for loss of about sustamed during t the Dunkrih aperations has been awarded to smitish v when Nationals, but it is not considered that there are hed any grounds for smoking an award to Everant, ing to
1/7/42,

C.W. 26612/41,
47 Item 74
hoted: concurning with Head d of N.L.
Hth Alimia
/a P.N.L.O. -2 JUL 1942
hoted, Honcul with Itd.
E DEPARTMENT x
JorD.AST.
3.7.47

C.W.
26612
North Finchley, 4.4.41
1941
The admiralty
CW (NTA)
Whitehall SW.1
Dear Sir,
OENTP
9- AUG 10:-
REGIST
May I. Georges Ragaert, kindly drawn your attention to the following matters.
Having learned recently that the men who took part in the evacuation of the B.E.F at Dunkerque last year have been rewarded by the admiralty.
N.
I am a Belgian Subject of Feebruge and deemed it my duty to make it known to you that I also took part in these operations of which feats no acknowledge sh was received.
have reported these facts to my own government ome on two occations Whithout the Slightest refulls, and are nt inclined to doubt wether this report ever reached you
Ne therefore dear Sir, allow me to make the following are en
Halzment
In Mai 18th 1940, Tleft Zeebrunge in command of with France as destination. Farrived the next day the fishing motor boat Z.50 named L YDIE ZUZANNA, re
Authorities to proceed with my bettel to Ramsgate.
On Mai 29th received orders by the French havel at Dieppe and Stayed there for Seoural days.
On arriving there I was ordered by the Eughth affist authorities to proceed to Dunkerque and to in the evacuation
On Nai 30 th arrived at Ranigate with 100
English foldiers on board, Loon after and landing during these the men I Lailed back to Dunkingue

landed them Lovely at Painsgate on Mai 31ˢᵗ immesmight I took another 100 English Loldiers on board, I
diately If Lailed back to Dunkenque and managed to take another 110 English foldiers on board which
I lauded Lovely eat Romsgate on June 14.
the evening. In spite of the fierce bardments which
On your 2nd y returned back to Dinkergue during we had to fustain during the whole night, y was able to take once more 98 bughish Loldiers mboard and handed them at Paintgate.
On June 3rd If returned once again to Dunkerque but owing to the remorklett and heavy to bombardments take which we experienced I was only able a
10 furthermore English Loldiers on board, which bere lavely landud cat Ranulgate
On June 4th I was ordered not to sail back to Tukergue the harbour was object to intende bombardments the by the "luftroaffe" and the every leas near point of taking fottetion of Dunkerque on this fort I was ordered by the Freuch Seine to
On June 6th y failed to be House, authorities arriving at to ferry troops and refugeed across the river Service till
Cronoille. of have done this forrying June 10ᵗʰ
During aireal the bombard following ment night eec which we fultained my thip received a heavy or direct hit and was Lunk with the loss of all my On June property I was fortunate to get the on Bhaunel board another ship which took me across to further theated as a Beligian refuges. in
England. On your 13th I handed at Phoreham and was
Later on I joined my father London who

was staying there at a refugee. Out of hispons
Savings he had to fit me out with a new Liut of clothes.
In hovember 1940, auxious to do my share in this struggle for freedom, I bohnteered for the
Royal havy, and are proud to be Serving at the present time as a leading Leamon In
H.M.S. Theldon.
If trust Dear Sir, you will give these matters your kind attention, ould taking into contideration the Services rendered, I still eaper my father's adress Jules Ragairt, 42 Wood Linde a favorable reply which you may fend to
Park Road, Furchley N.12
I am Sir, your obedient Servant
Bongart Georges.

North Finchley, 7.7.41
The Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
y I, Georges Ragaert, kindly drawn your attention to the following matters.
earned recently that the men who took part in the evacuation of the B.E.F.
erque last have been rewarded by the Admiralty. I am a Belgian of Zeebruge, year and deemed it my duty to make it known to you that I also took
1 these operations of which feats no acknowledge was received.
I have these facts to my own Government on two occasions without the test results, reported and are inclined to doubt wether this report ever reached you.
il fore Dear Sir, allow me to make the following statement.
On Mai 18th Zeebruge in command of the fishing motorboat at 2.50
ppe d and ZUZANNA, with France several as days. On Mai 29th I received orders arriving the
LYDIE 1940, I left destination. I arrived the next day by
10
ere I was ordered Authorities by the to English Authorities to proceed to Dunkerque noh Naval stayed there for proceed with my vessel to Ramsgate On and to sist in the evacuation.
p.
li with 100 English Soldiers on night board, I soon took th nother fter On landing Mai 30th these arrived men I at sailed Ramsgate back to I Dunkerque landed them and savely during at the Ramsgate another 110 on Mai ii
Soldiers on board, Dunkerque and managed to take 1st.
c sailed back which to I landed savely at Ramsgate on In June spite of a
2nd I returned on board, back to Dunkerque during during the the evening. whole night, Ramsgate. I was able the fierce to take bombardments once more 98 which English we had Soldiers to sustain on board but and landed owing to them the at remorseless and
On June 3rd I returned once again to Dunkerque only able to take a 10 furthermore
16
which board, we landed at Ramsgate.
On June 4th on I was ordered by not the to "luftwaffe" sail back to and Dunkerque the enemy the was harbour near the was point object of to taking intense possession bombardments of Dunkerque.
I
was ordered by the On June 6th I sailed to to ferry Le Havre, troops service on and arriving refugees till June at across this in 10th. which port the During my river ship Seine the received to
Brouville. following French night I Authorities done this ferrying heavy the loss aireal of all bombardment my property. ship which took me hit 12th I was England. fortunate to get on board another threated as & Belgian across On the Channel to refugee. On June Later 13th on his I I landed joined poor savings at my Shoreham father he had in and London to was fit in further who me this out was struggle with staying a new forfreedom, there suit as of a clothes. I
refugee. Out 1940, Royal anxious Navy, Sheldon. and to do are my proud share to be serving at the present and time in H.M.S.
as taking the father's adress: Jules Ragaert, 42 Woodside Park Road, a 1 truet Dear Sirion you the will Services give these rendered, matters I will your expect kind attention, a favorable reply which Finchley you N.12.
I am, Sir,
Y
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) Ragaert Georges

15ᵗʰ August
CW(H & A)26612/41
Naval Officer in Charge,
Ramsgate.
Copy to:- Vice Admiral, Dover.
I am to forward a copy of a letter received from M. Georges Ragaert, a Belgian, with regard to his services in the evacud ation from Dunkirk. In order that the case ing
:e may be considered for possible Award, I am for
11
to request that you will forward your remarks, and any further evidence on the subject of
AMS
M. Ragaert's claims.
BY COMMAND OF THEIR LORDSHIPS, ver

From
NAVAL OFFICER IN CHARGE, RAMSGATE.
Date
....
19th August, 1941. No. 1854/212/41.
To
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
M.B. Z.50 - "LYDIE ZUZANNE"
DYNAMO OPERATIONS.
With reference to Admiralty
Letter CW(H & A)26612/41 of the 15th
August, 1941, relative to claim of can 74
M. Georges Ragaert for services in
E
"LYDIE ZUZANNE" during operation "Dynamo", it is confirmed that this vessel landed troops at Ramsgate from Dunkirk.
2.
The following movements are on record:-
1155. 1st June,
"In with Troops".
1205.
11
11
"Out".
2004.
11
11
"Sailed".
2014.
11
11?
"In with Troops".
In view of the large number of vessels 3. entering and leaving Ramsgate during the operation in question it is possible that the above is not a complete record of the services of the vessel concerned.
2 0 AUG 1941
FOR CAPTAIN R.N. (on leave)
COMMANDER, R.N.
NAVAL OFFICER IN CHARGE.
RAMSGATE.

CONF LDENT
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - M.B. 2.50 ("LYDIE ZUZANNE") - M. CHORGES RAGAERT.
(Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate's No.1854/212/41 of 19th Aug.1941)
II
No.B14/0/834/41.
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
MIRALTY
AUG 1941
(copy to Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate)
BRANCH TARY
Forwarded. It has been ascertained that the Z.50 made at least 2 round
2. trips with troops; and it seems probable that M.Georges Ragaert's account of his work in the evacuation is substantially true.
Dover,
VICE ADMIRAL
21st August, 1941.

Almiraliy,S.W.1.
Paid Cannot Envir
01426612/41.
16th Septembor,1941.
gleadare
1 suggested to you this
Georges Reggert should be winted an Honorary M.3.5.
than the lever his present
If. Georges Ragaert (Belgian) for his services in M.V.Iydie
Suzanno. to return the with
017.26612/41.
16th September, 1941.
My dear 100000
award of British Empire Medal (Civil
The First Lord recoments the for his services in M. V. Iydie Zusame
Division) & to M. Georges Regnert (Belgian)
in taking troops from Dunicirk,
To
Yours sincerely,
Sir Robert
The Treasury,
Whitehall,
B.W.1.

Minirelty,S.W.
Breat Four,
In
S
ESL
CT426612/41.
16th September,1941.
194
TX suggested to you that
Georges ENGRANT should be prointed 977 Henovary M.B.E.
avlier than Owneded the B.S.M
tover will prevent sintus (State
11. Georges Ragaert (Belgian) for his services in M.V.Iydie
Suzanne. response to your
Trreturn the enrrespondence
E noticien, The
THE membership Teves to centrage was be YOU district to
STATE lie SW - Mar 20th Distribute
More one 100
man 22b

over, before taking
V.Iydie Zusanne.
If we send the case to us
M. Ragaert, a Belgian, brought his is ing motor-boat Lydie Zuzanne to and depe when his country was over-run. any
From there he was sent to Ramsgate, after thence he sailed on May 29th to Dunkirk, there he took on board 100 British soldiers. These mon he landed at
Ramsgate, returning at once to Dunkirk for another 110 mon. Having landed them, he made a third passage to Dunkirk
Where he took 98 men on board and brought them to Remagate. The next day, June
3rd he went back again to Dunkirk, where the bombardment was BO heavy that only
10 men could be got on board. These too were landed surve at Ramagate.
For
30
On June 6th Iydie Zusame went back to Le Havre to ferry troops across the basiene, and here she WELS sunk by a bomb.
Your gaert found his way back to England Seaman he now serving as a Leading berrihe Royal Navy.

Treasury Chambers,
Breat Beorge Street,
S.U.L.
M.N.(B)
19th September, 1941.
Mydear gleadome
I suggested to you that
M. Georges Ragaert should be appointed an Honorary M.B.E., rather than awarded the B.E.M., whatever his present status may be.
In response to your request
I return the correspondence, however, before taking any action.
If you send the case to us again, perhaps we may have his full description and number, and the present address, to which any communication should be sent after approval of an award.
DSC
yours sincerely sin
M.Y. Gleadowe, Esq.,
Admiralty.

CW. 26612/41.
16th September, 1941.
My dear Knox,
The First Lord recommends the award of a British Empire Medal (Civil
Division) to M. Georges Ragaert (Belgian)
for his services in M.V. Iydie Zuzanne in taking troops from Dunkirk.
Yours sincerely,
R. Gleadowe
Sir K. C.V.O.,D.S.O.

ADMIRAITY, S.W.I.
CW. 26612/41.
25th October,1941.
Dear Mr. Van Campenhout,
On the First Lord's recomendation, and subject to the agreement of the Belgian Government, the King has approved the
Immediate Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Acting
Leading Seaman Georges François Ragaert.,LE/SB/JX.62 for his good services, of which we have only just learned, in the withdrawal from Dunkirk. As Master of M.V.2.50, LYDIE ZUZANNA, he carried several shiploads of English soldiers.
I hope that your Government will agree to the acceptance of this well-deserved Award.
Believe me,
Yours very truly,
(Sga.) in V.MARKAM
M. A. van Campenhout, Ministre des
Affaires Chef de Economiques et des Communications.

H&A
HOYAUME DE BELGIQUE
Ministeres des Affaires Economiques
37, EATON PLACE, et des Communications
LONDON, S.W.I.
Cabinet du Ministre
Tel.: Sloane 9211.
Réf. No.: AVC/NE 16103.
13th November 1941.
Dear Sir Henry,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 25th October, 1941, informing us that the King has approved the immediate award of the Distinguished Service
Cross to Acting Leading Seaman Georges François RAGAERT,
LT/SB/JX.62, for his good services in the withdrawal from Dunkirk.
I am directed by the Minister of Communications to inform you that the Belgian Government fully agrees to the acceptance of this award and is most gratified at the honour conferred on one our brave sailors.
sincerely,
A. van Campenhout,
Chef de Cabinet.
Sir Henry Markham, K.C.B., M.C.,
The Admiralty,
S.W.1.

H.& A.
18th November,1941.
Dear Light,
On the First Lord's recommendation the
King has approved the Immediate Award of the
Distinguished Service Cross to a Belgian,
Acting Leading Seaman Georges François Ragaert,
LT/SB/JX.62, for his good services in the withdrawal from Dunkirk, when, as Master of
M.V.2.50,LYDIE SUZANNA, he carried several shiploads of English soldiers.
It has been ascertained through Naval channels that the Belgian Government is you will inform them officially in the usual prepared to accept the Award. I presume that way. The Admiralty will arrange for the presentation of the decoration.
Yours sincerely,
Signed) R. GLEADOVN
E.W.Iight,Esq.,
Foreign Office.

18th November,1941.
CW.26612/41.
Sir,
I am to inform you that They been commanded by My Lords Commissioners have learnt of ___???___ the with Admiralty that the King the 2. Award has to you
___???___
good ZUZANNA, in the
The Cross will be presented to you in due course.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Signed) R. GLEADOWN
Georges Rageert,LT/SB/JX.62.
Leading Sman c/o G.P.O.

CW.26612/41.
18th November,1941.
Sir, commanded by My Lords Commissioners have of the I am Admiralty to inform you that They been learnt with pleased to approve the Award for your you pleasure that the King has to graciously Distinguished Service Cross 2.50,LIDIE
ZUZANNA, good in the withdrawal from of the services as Master of M. V. 2. Dunkirk.
The Cross will be presented to you in due course.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, signed) R. GLEADOWS
Georges

Treasury Thambers,
B.H.A.C. (B)
Whitehall, S.U.
B.H.A.M. (B)
7th April, 1942.
My dear gleadowe
The following Belgian seamen have been honoured for services in the evacuation from Dunkirk.
M.B.E. (Civil Division) (Admy. number C.W.26235/40 of 17th Sept. 1940).
Captain Maurice Coppin, Master, " Trawler S.S. "Julia". "Guido Gazelle", 0.225.
Captain Rene Lusyne,
If
"
"Maréchal Foch", 0.274.
Captain Pierre Lusyne,
B.E.M. (Civil Division)
Engineer Albert Rooman, Trawler " "Cor Jesu", 0.87. 0.227.
Seaman Prosper Luca,
If
S.S. "Julia".
Seaman Victor Goes,
"
"Guido Gazelle", 0.225.
Seaman Hector Annys,
11 Boats based on Dartmouth Dunkirk. and manned The with "Julia" volunteers, braved every These danger Belgian in transferring Gazelle" 403, troops the from "Cor Jesu" 274. The last named the
"Guido boąt embarked made 1007, one trip, the others two.
The "Marechal Foch" of the went soldiers alongside to jumping Dover the in on quay another board at grounded Dunkirk trawler Foch" and but her. and set on went a The
Master falling and tide his the one weight assistant day, embarked returned 300 men the in vessel the "Marechal was run of down the by troops. a Warship, which back out for again took England. the next Off these the Goodwin two brave Light Belgians and some 150 these on board 1,800 the and men pertinacity of sea."
volunteer Troops and are
D.S.C.
George François Rayaert, Master of a Belgian (Admy. fishing boat.
Letter 13 Nov. 1941).
"For services at Dunkirk.
The
R.M.Y. Gleadowe, Esq..
cw26612/41 Phare set

The Belgian Embassy have informed the Foreign Office that it does not seem, from the enquiries made that these men have shown themselves more deserving of this favour than their comrades, but
"it may be that they have distinguished themselves by some particular act of bravery".
The Belgian authorities state that they would, therefore, be very grateful if they could be acquainted with the facts concerning the recipients of British decorations, so that they
"may be in a position to judge whether their comrades do not equally deserve some reward."
Do you think you could add anything to the above statements of services which might help the Foreign Office to satisfy the Belgian
Embassy that a fair selection has been made. The Belgians, if they should not then be satisfied, have, of course, one remedy at hand, for they can award some of their own decorations.
I have sent a copy of this letter to Light.
yours sincerely
Rustinox

ROYAUME DE BELGIQUE
37, EATON PLACE, steres des Affaires Economiques
LONDON, S.W.I.
et des Communications
Tel.: Sloane 9211.
Cabinet du Ministre
Vo.: HR/SHJ 21435.
15th April 1942.
H.S.Moss-Blundell Esq.
N.A.F. 2 S.L.
Rex House.
Lower Regent St.
S.W.1.
Dear Mr. Moss-Blundell,
British Awards to Belgian Seamen -
Royal Navy, Section Belge.
I wish to confirm our telephone conversation of this morning when I told you that it is very necessary, from the point of of propaganda, that this Ministry should be kept informed view when awards are made by your Authorities to men of the
Royal Navy, Section Belge.
of our men are recruited, are very interested in this sort
Our population of fisherfolk, from which the bulk of
Department, to give them this kind of information, and also to news, and they like their paper "Marine", published by our provide interesting photographs of the men in question.
In view of this very understandable attitude, and in order to stimulate their interest in the doings of their comrades and through them in the war effort, I should be very of grateful if you could see that our Department is informed any such awards, giving details of place and date, as you will member of our Department to be present unless we are previously appreciate the fact that we ourselves cannot arrange for any informed.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,

Elizabeth of
A
Please who - Let me know ofall Belgian RNR
people who come
It is andustood that AO
eather
Steps will he tohn to back comply with the uquast in the attached letter
The Belgian Authobics per that honours and aways narted to Region horth anound shorts he publishs in Hut Gross
7th Blwell for PN60
16 APR 1942

ROYAUME DE BELGIQUE
res des Affaires
37, EATON PLACE, miques et des
FORCE
LONDON, S.W.1
mmunications
Tel.: Sloane 9211
inet du Ministre
No. SHJ 22729.
23rd May 1942.
H.S.Moss-Blundell Esq.
N.A. (F) 2 S.L.
Rex House.
Lower Regent Street.
S.W.1.
Dear Mr. Moss-Blundell,
As a result of the decoration bestowed on G. Ragaert, we have received two letters, of which
Indivith.
you copy-translations
After reading these letters you will no doubt agree that it is rather difficult for us to do anything about the questions raised therein, and I was wondering if it would be possible for your authorities to examine these cases and see if the complaints are in any way justified.
I should be most grateful if you could help me.
Yours sincerely,
RUEFF.
Enclos.

COPY TRANSLATION.
D. GESELLE.
Belgian Telegraphist,
G.1. Mess.
R.N. Barracks.
Devonport.
19th May 1942.
Dear Madam,
TRANSLATION.
Th. Everaert.
address and I sun sending
Dutch Naval Base.
ps
Milford Haven.
a to you.
a
Belge
I
10th May 1942.
not know,
1
the took c, bu!
To the Editor of the "MARINE"
it at
Newlyn, I am writing you on the subject of Mr. Georges the
Ragaert.
board the same ship, young and as I am his best friend, I
As this man has always sailed with should me on pres very much like to know how he has obtained the D.S.C.
lish ths;
L.
regarding the for a long compensation while I am now now in I have for the loss Royal been of Nethorlands a effects, I was working with in come
Ragaert. Netherlands the Z.50, Belgian owner: The Government flag, latter Prosper I should has but, Everaert, often be seeing grateful advised where that to me the you to 2.50 apply if was you to under could the
We
:hre give me helpful advice.
en any for more obtain further details Ragaert about which and myself, or If you wish to let you have them, relevant as papers
I about the boat, I can nearly on account are, of managed his as you to doubtless bring away enbolled know, in as will engineer.
ent having I been thank you pupil in advance this that of saying you that re give I am me very good pleased advice; with I the take journal
113
Your obedient Servant,
(signed) T. Everaert.
LYDIESUZANNE
4
on

D. GESELLE.
COPY TRANSLATION.
Belgian Telegraphist.
G.1. Mess.
R.N. Barracks.
Devonport.
19th May 1942.
Dear Madam, address and I am sending you this letter, which will perhaps
It is quite by chance that I have learned your be a surprise to you.
I am a telegraphist in the Royal Navy, Section Belge
I do not know, Madam, if you are conversant with the events which took place during the dark days of Dunkirk, but
I would like to have some details on the suject of the decoration bestowed on G. Ragaert.
I myself have nothing against this young man, but at
Newlyn, Penzance and Brixham, there are nunerous Belgians who remember the fishing-boat 81.
It is a scandal that the Belgian Press and its journalists should only learn the truth through the foreign pres
I was, with two other Belgians, on board the English aircraft carriers "Furious" and "Illustrious" for seven months;
I I was in America for four months on board the latter vessel.
the to papers, but I have and now, when I come have had splendid opportunities of having my story appear in
England Independant were soldiers at Dunkirk, 600 soldiers at Havre. We
With This I see is the just what 81, such always I civilians would "Madeleine a story refused like in and Camille", you them, the 50 to "Belgique know, we Madam: saved 350 -
hours the last to leave Le were waiting for thr were for a rear-guard of Havre French, soldiers, where we of which only 50 men able to be rescued.
London; Germans for At For half the an entrance hour. to the port to we run were round bombed the by offices the
3
G. Ragaert myself, has I his have no one
Ostende; I was father. Royale de Ibis at
Navy I at have I the been age a pupil of at 191. sea of the since Oeuvre I was 14 years old, my and affairs, entent you and be that have no relatives here would I look do that not after want my letter to import will in advance,
I remain,
P.N.L.O.
(signed) Désiré Geselle.
27

COPY TRANSLATION.
D. GESELLE.
Belgian Telegraphist,
G.1. Mess.
Barracks.
Devonport.
19th May 1942.
Dear Madam,
It is quite by chance that I have learned your
P.N.L.O. address and I am sending you this letter, which will perhaps be a to you.
2
surprise telegraphist in the Royal Navy, Section with Belge which I do not took know, place during the dark days of of Dunkirk, the but
I am a Madam, if you are conversant
Letter the would events like to have some details on the subject decoration bestowed Ragaert.
on G. nothing against this young Belgians man, but who at
Newlyn, Penzance I myself and have Brixham, H. 81. there are numerous and its remember I aircraft I journalists was in had the America carriers It I splendid should was, fishing-boat is a with "Furious" for only scandal opportunities four two learn months that other and the the "Illustrious" Belgians, truth on of Belgian board having through the on my Press board for latter story the seven foreign the when appear vessel. months; English I pres in come the to have England papers, I but see I just have such always a story refused in 350 We
This is what H.81, I Havre.
were soldiers the able for last at a to With At Dunkirk, rear-guard be to the the rescued. leave entrance 600 Le of Havre French to the, soldiers, port where we we were of round which bombed the only by offices for the 50 men thre 2
hours were Germans for half an hour. no one to run at
London; G. For I Ragaert was myself, been a pupil has at I his sea have of father. since the Oeuvre I was Royale 14 years de after old, l'Ibis my and affaire entent the Ostende; and Navy at I have I the have age no of relatives 191/2. here you. would I do look that not want my letter to importy will be you a
With thanks in
I
(signed) Désiré Geselle.
4
on
P.N.L.O.

of A
Referred as anayed bolly.
will you please uply to
7
Beljian Department cate what reply should sent
Htth Bluinell f P.N.L.O. 27 MAY 1942

P.N.L.O. (Mr. Moss Blundell)
2 Letters arising from Award of D.S.C. to Ragaert.
Letter A.
Everaert (engineer in Ragaert's ship) only wants to know to whom he should apply for compensation for loss of effects etc: H.& A.
cannot advise.
Letter B.
It is not proposed at this date to consider
Geselle for an Award.
be asked for from F.O.C. Dover and that the It
It is suggested that confirmation of his
Belgian seems from X of his letter that his complaint is story Government be informed accordingly.
against the Press rather than us.
A.OH
FOR HEAD OF HONOURS AND AWARDS
1st June, 1942.

Ref: XVII/B/292
Rex House,
Lower Regent Street,
London, S.W.1.
16th June, 1942.
Dear Mr. Rueff,
The questions reed 23rd in the May enclosures that have there to your letter but it does not be appear done with been is anything examined, which can usefully regard to them. cannot well be reopened The matter of decorations evidence award of were it what is made impos- any- to sible to get any be given body the A.81 did. it not to who was for only Skipper a member and of the crew.
pensation was THE for any THE THE
THE THE apparently doss not ask com-
British there to whom sunk he to with be any success.
Yours very sincerely,
Ath new
H.R. Rueff, Esq.'
37, Eaton Place,
S.W.1.

t 49838/8116 1000 Pads 3/42 HJR&L Gp 745/6
SEA TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
REFERENCE SHEET.
Director of Sea Transport
To P.N.L.O.,
Berkeley Square House,
Admiralty,
Berkeley Square, W.1.
Rex House,
22nd June,
194 2.
S.W.1.
95/40/STN6A. Information required, or notified.
Belgian M.F.V. "LYDIE SUZANNE".
No compensation has been paid for the loss of of S.T. this vessel, as no claim has been received by D.
It for information, that the view taken may by be this stated, requisitioned Department, where or chartered an Allied by vessel the
British be has vessel not took been Government, part a reason in is the that for Dunkirk the the fact Operations payment that of It such cannot is a compensation considered joint accepted Allied that, as by effort, the British each Government Government. should really its as these operations were be a responsible for meeting the claims made by own Nationals.
As for compensation for that loss of regards claims however, it is understood Dunkirk N.L.
have effects, those arising out of the Nationals, evacuation, and it that this claim similar dealt both with from British and other should be
XI
referred is suggested that Branch for action on did not lines, occur it intended is although, at Dunkirk. to to cover in that other this If the expenses, case, the applicant claim the loss e.g. in the should, question wages, Belgian except etc., is as Government regards considered loss for compensation. of effects, look to because by D. ofs!
Prosper Everaert -
As far as is known, the Owner is not in this country.
For Director of seal Transport.

The 7095/40
D. of S.T.
To
(Mr.W.A. Wand)
From
P.N.L.O.,
Ref: V/C/279.
Belgian F/V. "LYDIA SUZANNE" 2.50.
With reference to the attached letter it is understood that the "LYDIA SUZANNE" took part in the evacuation Dunkirk and subsequently in the ferrying in of troops across from the mouth of the Seine and whilst this service sunk by enemy action.
was please say whether compensation paid for her loss and Can the you loss of the crew's effects was and if so, to whom paid?
Her it owner was is Prosper Everaert but it is not known whether he is in this country.
for P.N.Ird June, 1942.
,ta ope

Cw 26235/40
(w 26612/41.
23rd June,
42.
H. & A.
of Personnel - List "A".
Dear Sir Robert,
Awards for Belgian Seaman.
BHAM(B) of 7th April was not answered before. "JULTA".
I am sorry that your letter BHAC(B)/
You asked for further information about our awards at to Belgian Trawlermen for their services to take the de you F.O.C. already have, but I attach a copy of to with Dunkirk a 1
Bunkirk. I cannot add much to the stories
Lan the Dover's original recommendations for trips He had 2 two to. three M.B.E.S and four B.E.M.S refer at Dover.) the first it
Ragaert's services which we sent in
I also attach a copy of the account you of 2100 on he did forward September, 1941 when his name was you at first put required.
had uip satisfy the Belgian Embassy.
for the B.E.M. I hope this will for decoration.
Yours sincerely,
Belgiss Prowler "OUTING 0.2 DATE: LE'
:-
and
(50) Aoppe and Bector Dover. to Dunkirk Annys made the round ned
Dover, Their untiring efforts 1ly twice to Dunkirk, and finally
Sir Robert Knox, K.C.V.O., D.S.O., of the operation.
The Treasury.
for decoration.
Depending Relation book at Denkirk, als but onboard the the side caused was his and ip and
No they the returned soldiare the with trawler jumping his one
These but who

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List "A".
RECOMMENDATIONS.
OFFICERS:
Captain Maurice Coppin, Master of the Belgian S.S. "JULIA".
This officer volunteered immediately to take the Belgi:
trawler "GEORGES EDOUARD" 0.86 to Dunkirk. With a volunteer crew he made two successful trips to Dunkirk and an embarked 1007 troops and landed them at Dover. He had to
:wo wait in Dunkirk Harbour from 0800 to 2100 on the first dt trip. This officer's beading was exemplary and he did everything possible to help in the enterprise, and had dp previously volunteered his services if required.
Recommended for decoration.
Captain Rene Lusyne, Commanding Belgian Trawler "GUIDO 0.225. GAZELLE
This officer made two trips to Dunkirk and embarked
403 troops and landed them at Dover.
Captain Rene Lusyne and Hector Annys made the round ned trip unaided, to Dover, twice to Dunkirk, and finally returned to Dartmouth. Their untiring efforts undoubtedly had a bearing on the success of the operation.
Recommended for decoration.
Captain Pierre Lusyne, Commanding Belgian Trawler "MARECHAL
FOCH" 0.274.
Decoster, alongside the to ground. weight This officer the to of Dover He quay the returned soldiers took at in Dunkirk, the his with trawler trawler, jumping his but 0.225, one onboard the the assistant, men tide "MARECHAL and caused then was returned embarked falling Ferdinand FOCH" his ship to and
Dunkirk H.M.S. 300 off probably troops the "LEDA". Goodwin the in following the Light He "MARECHAL and were day. Buoy, his picked second FOCH" their These up hand, but ship and two unfortunately was landed together run unceasingly at down Dover. with by when
150 troops was working to is get volunteers When at Dartmouth, for the operation Lusyne and to get the ships away.
Recommended for mention.
Albert Rooman, Engineer, Belgian Trawler "COR JESU" 0.227.
This officer volunteered Dunkirk and to succesded take the in Belgian embarking voluntary trawler 274
"COR JESU" 0.227 to at Dover. His ready the operation service troops and was landing of considerable them value in bringing to a successful conclusion.
Recommended for mention.

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendatione of Personnel - List "A".
RATINGS
Victor Goes, Seaman, Belgian S.S. "JULIA".
Prosper Luca, Seaman, Belgian Trawler 0.87.
These men volunteered immediately to take the Belgian trawler "GEORGES EDOUARD" 0.86 to Dunkirk. They made two trips to Dunkirk and embarked 1007 troops, and had to wait in Dunkirk Harbour from 0800 to 2100 on the first trip.
They did everything possible to help in getting their ship away and had previously volunteered their services if required.
Recommended for decoration.
Hector Annys, Seaman, Belgian Trawler "GUIDO GAZELLE" 0.225.
did the Together round to Dover, twice to Dunkirk, and returned only with his Captain, Rene Lusyne, this seaman finally to Dartmouth. trip He and his Skipper were the His crew onboard and brought back 403 troops to Dover.
courage and determination were of a high order.
Recommended for mention.
CIVILIAN PERSONNEL.
Mr. P. Gooding, in charge of Motor Mr. C. Boat W. Mott "LADY of CABLE". Torquay)
Dunkirk Mr. and F. Gooding did 7 carrying (owned trips and by between two about Naval 560 the CABLE" ratings men, beach after herself. proceeded at Dunkirk which and The 40 to and men were seamanship two transports, carried displayed to Ramsgate by direct Gooding by "LADY bearing was of on a high the success order of his voluntary service had a
the operation.
Recommended for mention.

CASE 7711
Volume VII
1
WAR HISTORY.
X
52 Holland
52 France
X
52 Belgium r
52 Germany
6
6-1 x
Index (1)
W.H.S.
EVACUATION OF REFUGEES AND ALLIED TROOPS FROM
FRANCE, HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
Arrangements for dealing with ----- in event of German Invasion.
Reception ports for
-----,
Report by V.A. Dover on Operation "DYNAMO"
Rear Admiral Wake-Walker.
Report on evacuation from Dunkirk 29.5.40 - - 4.6.40
1940 - 1941
1
$
NOT TO BE DESTROYED
PERMANENT RECORD
our that
This file is quoted as an original reference in the Official all
The WAR History. At SEA
voz. 1