TNA ADM 116 4649

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Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. SABRE - Commander Brian Dean, R.N. (decorated D.S.O. for
this operation London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
During the period 27th May - 4th June, this old
Destroyer made 10 trips to the beaches, the record number
of trips for any class of vessel taking part in the
operation, and brought back a total of 5,000 troops.
On emerging from Dunkirk harbour, 29th May, SABRE
found some men struggling in the water. Having no boats -
they had left with the First Lieutenant working with other
vessels off the beach - the ship was manoeuvred alongside
each man in turn. Throughout that operation she was
repeatedly attacked by dive bombers, but sustained no
damage.
Later in the day she was severely shaken by near
misses.
30th May, she came under fire from shore batteries,
receiving several hits on the bridge and superstructure.
Her Gyro compass was put out of action, and Owing to the
D/G cable being damaged, her magnetic compass was rendered
practically useless. Although the D/G cable was repaired,
her compass was unreliable the rest of the operation.
By P.M. 30th, all hands were utterly exhausted, but a
night's rest and a day in harbour, while repairs were
effected, "gave them a new lease of life."
The Commanding Officer, in his narrative, points out
that SABRE'S engines are 22 years old, and were submerged
and full of salt water for 48 hours after a collision in
October 1939. To avoid bombs and shell fire, it was
necessary to make most exacting demands on the engines.
In every case the response was immediate, all that could
be desired, and far greater than could reasonably be
expected.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Lieutenant Norman John Parker, R.N.
Thoroughly reliable in all emergencies. Also did
well in charge of boats, embarking the maximum number
of troops in the minimum time. Was always one of the
first to sight aircraft and was quick to get the guns
on to them, and so to keep the aircraft at a respectful
distance.
Recommended for mention.
Midshipman Edward Folmer Archdale. R.N.
Was of great assistance in identifying aircraft,
and in keeping a record of the ship's movements often
when under fire, when he was invariably cool and
unruffled.
Recommended for mention.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones.
action and maintaining high efficiency of his engines.
For resource, leadership and devotion to duty in
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS/