TNA ADM 116 4649

Page 11
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. HARVESTER - Lieutenant Commander Mark Thornton, R.N.
After only 21/2 days of "working-up" after commissioning,
HARVESTER was sent to Dover and completed 3 round trips to the coast. On the last of these she experienced the full weight of the intensive air attack early on the
1st June. Her A.A. gunnery was most effective, and she shared in the destruction of at least 3 enemy aircraft.
The ship was well handled throughout. Her inshore boat work was excellent.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Lieutenant Commander Mark Thornton, R.N.
Displayed exceptional initiative and sound judgment. Handled his ship with great coolness under fire.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. William George Alfred Robinson, Gunner (T).
In charge of HARVESTER'S boats working inshore.
Was especially noted by the senior officers of the beach parties for cool and gallant work. Set an admirable example.
Recommended for mention.
This rating showed great initiative and resource in getting wounded men from HAVANT to AEGIR. He took charge well and set a fine example.
Recommended for decoration.

Page 12
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. HAVANT - Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent,
D.S.C., R.N.
HAVANT made 3 trips including 2 to the beaches. On the first 2 trips she brought home 1,500 troops in all. On the
3rd trip, while alongside Dunkirk pier waiting for troops to embark during an intense aerial bombardment, she saw
IVANHOE struck amidships and on fire so steamed out to her assistance. Having taken off all the troops (about 500
including many wounded) HAVANT proceeded for Dover, but was soon subjected to intense dive bombing, high and low level bombing and bombardment from shore batteries. She was hit by 2 bombs in the engineroom, and then a large delay action bomb, which fell about 50 yards ahead of ship, exploded right underneath her,
Further bombing caused more underwater damage and
HAVANT finally rolled over and sank after the troops and crew had transferred to AEGIR.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent, D.S.C., R.N.
Evacuated troops from the beaches and from Dunkirk during heavy bombardment. When his ship had been heavily damaged by bombs, made every endeavour to save her when still subject to intense aerial attack, though without success.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Chief Stoker M. Gallon, P/K.59221.
The Engineer Officer and 2 E.R.A.s having been killci and all the other E.R.A.s having been wounded, this rating became in charge of the engineroom department.
He showed great initiative and resource by letting the steam out of the boilers at a critical time, thereby saving the ship from running on to a sandbank opposite
Dunkirk. He subsequently showed great calmness and presence of mind in doing all he could to save the ship and to keep the Captain informed of the state of affairs below. He was the last rating to leave the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Sick Berth Attendant A. Keller D/X.6785.
When faced with a large number of wounded under heavy fire, carried out his duties with the utmost calm, deliberation and efficiency.
Recommended for mention.
Petty Officer Steward J. Lysaght, D/L.13388.
This rating showed great initiative and resource in getting wounded men from HAVANT to AEGIR. He took charge well and set a fine example.
Recommended for decoration.