TNA ADM 116 4649

eme
Copy
Min
H.M.T."GAVA"
the usl
DUNQUERQUE OPERATIONS.
Friday, 31st May, 1940.
ipp
11
Operating in swept Channel escorting Lifeboats and small mne craft. 2 raids by Heinkels.
win
Vessel in action, no casualties to craft or crews. During night enemy M.T. boats in
.
vicinity n t
Saturday, 1st June, 1940.
ava
A.DI.
al
Operating off Dunquerque.
Gav t
,
7.30.
In action covering unarmed a
Transports Casualties to same.
e
R.A.F. fighters up.
the to
9.00.
3 Trawlers of flotilla ordered ave into Harbour for troops.
t]
D
9.40.
While towing small craft, f
attacked by formation of Junker planes - two bombs dropped 50
yards ahead and one close on starboard quarter. Vessel severely shaken. All guns in action. One plane shot down on dive and one out of control and on fire.

h
-2-
uo
Small boats put alongside Transport. several casualties in
Sk small boats.
20
Entered Dunquerque and proceeded
Sun to train Ferry Loch.
OF
40
Air Raid. Vessel in action. Dive bombing attack on vessel 2 bombs dropping close to ship. One plane..
shattered by direct hit from 12
pounder; another set on fire by
In fire of Bren gun Quay and ship a
machine-gunned.
al
Ga
1.56
Massed raid. Innumerable aircraft mass attack on boarding steamer a
e
"Lady of Man" then on "Gava".
th
Several planes down out of control t)
over boarding steamer and one shot v down on low dive on "Gava" and he two dropped in harbour close to un her, out of control. Concentrated rc machine and Bren gun fire on same and Enemy Agents on quay and approach. All destroyed.
P.M.
ic
12.14.
Cease fire ordered. R.A.F. up.
Resumed embarkation.
12.30
Cleared harbour. Spent shell hit octurned damage 362 troops.
port bow, not exploding. Slight

TOP
Copy
Su
ROM: Lieutenant Jordan R.N.R., C.X.O., Fleetwood.
DA 29th October, 1940.
536
TO: Port Fishery Captain, Fleetwood.
no under recommendation was given for the crews of the Fleetwood
It is apparently felt among the Trawler Owners here, that report my command in the Evacuation of Dunkirk. As apparently trawlers my consider for forwarding a copy of my log to the Ministry you of Fisheries has been overlooked, it would be esteemed if would which the pricipal days of my operations with the flotilla, during themselves.
the following ships of same, conspicuously distinguished
These were Gava
Flag Ship.
Skipper Day. Clifton Co.
"Evelyn Rose"
ii
A.J.Lewis. Boston Co.
"Edwina"
"
P. Bedford.
that if also the two gunners of the "Gava", A.W. Sumner,
R.F. Gowing.
hether
The other ships of the flotilla were:
"Velia" Jacinta" and "Dhoon".
whom from I commend for the work they did, in taking the troops bore the Harbour to the good Transports. The Gava", large and transports "Edwina four and the weight of an aerial attack from on several the "Gava", no less than accurate shooting for in already one attack, bombed together and sinking with trans- saving the bombed and machine gunned flotilla themselves. carried
Rose" co-operated very well and of this the Fishing Community
12th the highest The gunners traditions on helped the "Gava them had considerably the benefit in of been carried out action before. to the for no several less the months which Dunkirk, from men who and my had orders neve:
(Sgd.) F. JORDAN,
Senior Examination Officer,
Lieutenant R.N.R.,
Fleetwood.
Three crew received the O.B.E. for Lifesaving at

21st December, 1940.
y dear Dobson,
Thank you for your letter F.G.B.
28 of the 11th December, about the
Pleetwood trawlers at Dunkirk. I am having some enquiries made at Dover and the Nore, but this is the first we have heard of it at the Admiralty so that it looks as if Lt.Jordan's report had miscarried.
The decorations given to some of
GAVA's" crew were for saving certain rench seamen. This action formed the subject of a separate report and th act that it was considered does not ean that a report on these trawlers'
eneral service in the Dunkirk operaions was also before us.
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) R. GLEADOWN
T.A. Dobson, Esq.,
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries,
55, Whitehall, S.W.1.

Friday,
21st December, 1940.
Operatings in sucorting Lifensets by Heinkeist
My V.
to craft enclose a copy of a letter from the Chief Examination Officer st Pleetwood about.
the part played by certain Fleetwood trawlers in
His does not seem to have reached the right quarter as the ships do not appear in the list of ships taking part, or in V.A. Dover's recommendations (either list).
The B.E.M.'s given to 3 of "Gava's" crew were for life saving when "Foudroquant" was sunk. This WELLS quite a separate by formation matter.
of
I should be much obliged if you could make some enquiries.
AS it on is possible that these trawlers sailed under orders from the Nore, I am sending a copy of this to the 0. in C's secretary.
Small alongside Transport. Several in smell Yours ever,
Entered Dunguerque and proceeded to train Verry
Raid. Vensel in action, Dive bombing attack
(Pigned) R. GLEADOWE:
vessel, Air 3 bombs dropping close to ship. One another plane shattered by direct hit from 18 pounder; machine 8
on fire by fine of Bren gun, quay and
Capt. L.V. Morgan, gunned C.B.E., M.V.O., D.S.C., R.N.,
Vice-Admiral's Office, Innumerable airoraft attack Several on
Dover. "Lady of Man" then on "Geva." steamer 8
plenes down on low dive on "GAYS" and Concentrate teamer out of control over boarding two droppe one shot down her, out of control. Agents harbour machine close and Bren to gun fire on some and Enemy quay and approsch. All destroyed.
Resumed emberkation

H.M.T. "GAVA."
DUNQUERQUE OPERATIONS.
Friday, 31st May, 1940.
Operatings in by swept Heinkels. Channel escorting Lifeboats and small aft.
2
ght Vessel enemy M.T. boats in vincity.
in action, no casualties to craft or crews. During
Saturday, 1st June, 1940.
Operating off Dunquerque.
,M.
In action covering unarmed Transports Casualties to same.
7.30
R.A.F.
fighters up.
3 Trawlers of flotilla ordered into Harbour for troops.
9.00
While towing small craft, attacked by formation of Junker
9.40
planes - two bombs dropped 50 yards ahead and one close on starboard quarter. Vessel severely shaken. All guns in action. One plane shot down on dive and one SI.91 out of control and on fire.
10.05
Small boats put alongside Transport. Several casualties in small boats.
11.20
Entered Dunquerque and proceeded to train Ferry Loch.
11.40
Air Raid. Vessel in action. Dive bombing attack on vessel, 2 bombs dropping close to ship. One plane shattered by direct hit from 12 pounder; another set on fire by fire of Bren gun. Quay and ship machinegunned.
11.56
Massed raid. Innumerable aircraft mass attack on boardsteamer "Lady of Man" then on "Gava." Several planes down on low dive on "Gava" and two dropped in ing down out of control over boarding steamer and one harbour shot close to her, out of control. Concentrated machine and Bren gun fire on same and Enemy Agents on quay and approach. All destroyed.
P.M.
12.14 Case fire ordered. R.A.F.up. Resumed embarkation.
12.30
Cleared Harbour. Spent shell hit port bow, not exploding. Slight damage 362 troops.
13.05.....

eutenant Jordan R.N.R.,C.X.O.,Fleetwood.
9th October, 1940.
ort Fishery Captain, Fleetwood.
is of Dunkirk. As apparently report under has apparentlyfent for the the crews the Trawler of the Owners Fleetwood here, Trawlers that no erlooked, it would the be Ministry of Fisheries for the principal adation, Evacuation esteemed if you would consider my forwardof of distinguished to the flotilla, during which the following themselves.
These vere "Gava"
Flag Ship Skipper Day. Clifton Co.
"Evelyn Rose"
11
A.J.Lewis, Boston Co.
#
"Edwina"
P.Bedford.
the two gunners of the "Gava" R.F.Gowing. A.W.Sumner.
The other ships of the flotilla were:
"Velia"
"Jacinta" and "Dhoon."
I commend for the good work they did, in taking the tropps from
Harbour to the Transports. The "Gava", and "Edwina" bore the ght of an aerial attack on several large transports and through accurate shooting from the "Gava", no less than four planes were counted for in one attack, together with saving a considerable numfrom the already bombed and sinking transports, while being evily bombed and machine gunned themselves. The "Evelyn Rose"
9operated very well and this flotilla carried out every order to highest traditions of the Fishing Community that can be desired.
gunners on the "Gava" had the benefit of my training for several nths which helped them considerably in accounting for no less than
1ght planes at Dunkirk, and my orders were carried out to the utmost tisfaction from men who had never been in action before.
(Signed) F.Jordan.
Lieutenant R.N.R.
Senior Examination Officer,
Fleetwood.
ree of "Gava" crew received the O.B.E. for Lifesaving at Dunkerque.

OFFICE OF
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
8th January 1941.
My dear Dick,
With reference to your letter of the 21st of December
1940, all these ships were mentioned in Vice Admiral Dover's list of ships taking part, though "Evelyn Rose", "Gava", and "Velia" are shown as "Miscellaneous H.M. Small Craft", and the rest as "Other
British Ships".
I attach a list of ships for your ready reference.
There is no entry in the special Dynamo register concerning the report rendered by the Senior Examination Officer Fleetwood, so we think it failed to arrive. I referred the paper to Naval Officer in Charge Ramsgate who has made enquiries but regrets that no information is available concerning the recommendations for the
Fleetwood Trawlers mentioned. I am sending a copy of this to
Worthington.
Yours ever,
L.V. Morqan
R.M.Y. Gleadowe Esq,
Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.

Copy.
B23/159/41
DUNKIRK OPERATIONS COPY.
MY 31st May 1940. Operating escoring lifeboats rom.
Leutenant Jordan R.N.R., C.X.O. Fleetwood. Heinkels.
Date 29th October 1940. Vessel casualties, in
To.
Port Fishery Captain. Fleetwood.
COPY
GENERAL TRAWLERS REPORT OF THE OF
under that no recommendation command in the was given for the crews of the Fleetwood here,
It is apparently felt among the Trawler Owners has been my overlooked, it Evacuation of Dunkirk. As apparently Trawlers a of log to would be esteemed if you would consider my forwarding report my operation the flotilla, during which the following ships of same, of copy my with the Ministry of Fisheries for the principal days conspicuously distinguished themselves.
On
These were "GAVA"
Flgg Ship.
by "EVELYN ROSE.
Skipper Day. Clifton Co.
consisted "EDWINA.
it A.J. Lewis. Boston Co.
= P. Bedford.
also the two gunners of the "GAVA" Sumner.
R.F.Gowing.
ROSE."
The other ships of the flotilla were -
sh
"VELIA" "JACINTA" and "DHOON."
n whom I commend for the good work they did, in taking the troops from the ome
Harbour to the Transports. The "Gava" and "Edwina" bore the weight of an aerial attack on several large transports and through the accurate shooting from the "Gava" no less than four planes were accounted for in one attack, together with saving a considerable number from the already bombed and
We sinking transports, while being heavily bombed and machine gunned themselves.
The "Evelyn Rose' co-operated very well, and this flotilla carried out every order to the highest traditions of the Fishing Community that can be desired. The gunners on the "Gava" had the benefit of my training for several months which helped them considerably in accounting for no less than eight planes at Dunkirk, and my orders were carried out to the utmost satisfaction casualities from men who had never been in action before.
Flotilla to aircraft; all JORDAN, received stores (SGD) F.J. Lieutenant R.N.R.
trations off beaches Fleetwood.
P.M. Received orders. Senior Examination Officer, roughout the night enemy
Thretion. 'Gava" crew received the 0. B.E. for Lifesaving at Dunkirk.
"Gava"
"No survivors
Lat June: Inside VIIC
Harbour and continued transporting troops and covering transports off Dunkirk. Fleetwood
Copy of letter sent to Port Fishery Captain
29th October 1940.
Destroyer
14.59
Herewith enclosed engine on
Proceeded. Signal
I have the honour to be
Sir,
18,57
off
Rumsgate,
Sent

Copy.
B23/159/41
7
DUNKIRK OPERATIONS.
AY 31st May 1940. small Operating craft. in swept channel escoring lifeboats and
LOSURE No.2 TO 2 raids by Heinkels.
During night enemy M.T. boats in vicinity.
Vessel in action, no casualties, to craft or crews.
URDAY let
COPY
GENERAL REPORT OF THE SERVICES OF THE FLEETWOOD
TRAWLERS IN THE WITHDRAWAL FROM DUNKIRK. 27th May -
2nd June 1940.
May 1940.
ge
On orders received from the Port Fishery Captain, etwood, I proceeded from Fleetwood to Dover in Command of six armed but wlers manned by their civilian crews signed on F 124 Articles; The tilla consisted of -
at
"GAVA"
-
Leader
"EDWINA"
"EVELYN" ROSE. "
"VELIA"
sh
"JACINTA"
s;
"DHOON."
g
8 - 40 28th May Arrived Portland for extra stores, sailed 11.00 Hrs. for ome
Dover.
29th a.m. Flotilla in action against enemy air attack on Troop ships. No orders.
30th May. Flotilla ordered to cover beaches and tow small craft, also to cover up beaches and operate generally in swept channels; all ships in action almost
We continuously against aircraft attack on transports.
P.M. "GAVA" and "EVELYN ROSE" ordered into Harbour and assist transporting en troops from Harbour Channel Ports and Channel steamers outside of Harbour.
During these to the was shelled at short intervals and several vessels were operations damaged and two jetty sunk; these operations were continued throughout the night. and Lieut G.M. Robinson R.N.R. were conspicuous Lieut-Cdr in organising Cewbison troops R.N. for embarking troops etc. under shell fire; very
31st. few casualities a.m. sustained during the Ramsgate night. with troops; attacked on passage en by aircraft; Flotilla returning to Casualities sustained on "Edwina".
re
Ramsgate all Trawlers in action; then to anchor and await general orders.
During P.M. received stores and ammunition, escorting small craft and action
111
operations Received orders. Flotilla from Dunkirk Harbour in Evelyn throughout off the beaches with also transporting planes and by enemy MTBs, Gava, which was sunk Rose, in this Edwina in action night supporting enemy French Destroyer already damaged "Sirocco" by shell "Sirocco" fire, sinking by her. the action. "Gava" rammed from the one MTB". enemy Several MTB were saved from the
1st June. Trawlers.rvivors Inside and continued transporting troops and covering unarmed transports Harbour off Dunkirk.
Copy of letter sent to Port Fishery Captain Fleetwood
29th October 1940.
4
on
Herewith enclosed
I have the honour
Sir,

Copy.
B23/159/41
DUNKIRK OPERATIONS.
7
FRIDAY ENCLOSURE 31st No.2 May 1940. TO small Operating craft. in 2 raids swept by channel Heinkels. escoring lifeboats and
During Vessel night in action, enemy M.T. no boats casualties, in vicinity. to craft 1941. or crews.
SATURDAY A.M. lst. 12th JUNE February 1940. 1941, Cubison, D.S.C.,
Operating off Dunkirk.
(1)
7.30
same. In action R.A.F. covering unarmed Transports casualties to fighters up.
9.00
19.12
3 trawlers taking of flotilla ordered into harbour for troops.
S
9.40
21.00
While Junker towing small craft, attacked by
All on starboard quarter. Vessel severely and close planes; two bombs dropped 50 yards formation ahead of one ge one guns in action. One plane shot down on dive, shaken. and but out of control and on fire.
10.00
Small boats put alongside transport; several casualties at in small boats.
ted
11.20
Entered Dunkirk and proceeded to train Ferry Loch.
res
11.40
Air Raid. Vessel in action. Dive bombing attack on sh vessel; 2 bombs dropping close to ship. One plane s;
shattered by direct hit from 12 pounder, another set g
on fire by fire of Bren gun. Quay and ship machine
:ome gunned.
until
11.56.
Massed raid. Innumerable aircraft mass attack on boarding steamer "Lady of Man" and then oh "Gava".
We
Several planes down out of control over boarding hr steamer and one shot down on low dive on "Gava" and en two dropped in harbour close to her, out of control.
Concentrated machine and Bren gun fire on same and e
enemy agents on quay approach. All destroyed.
P.M.
12.14.
en
Cease fire ordered. R.A.F. up. Resumed embarkation.
12.30
are
Cleared harbour. Spent shell hit port bow, not exploding.
orty
Slight damage 362 troops.
111
13.05
Stopped and rescued three French sailors.
13.58
Concentrated raid on warshp;and transports. All armament in action. Several planes down.
14.18.
Contacted French Destroyer "Foudrayant" rescuing 137.
he
Planes return and cannoned vessel at very low trawler. angles.
down and one down out of control by wounded rst
One 3 of shot trawler crew entered water and assisted on e
board.
14.59
in water still firing. Destroyer and some trawlers
4
Plane suffering engine defect through bombing.
on
15.35.
Proceeded. Signal from French vessel for assistance.
16.12.
Ordered Hopper to take trawler in tow.
18.57
Off Ramsgate. Sent signal.

:- CAPTAIN M/S HARWICH.
E:-
7th June, 1940.
:-
FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE, HARWICH.
BJECT:-
REPORT No. OF OF OF OTIONS, II Officer, May Trawler 31st "GAVA",June, 1940, from
Fleetwood also Fishing Section,
"EDWINA", "VELIA", EVELYN ROSE", "DHOON", "JACINTA".
his by Lieutenant return I have to pleasure Harwich. F.J. Jordan, in forwarding R.N.R., of the the attached Trawler reports "GAVA", given since me on follows Monday, The:- above 27th May, ships and were the apparently work accomplished requisitioned by them at Fleetwood is as
D.
(i) Eight enemy airplanes destroyed.
(ii) Damaged Belgian trawler No. 26 towed into Dover.
(iii) 137 French Naval Officers and men rescued.
.
(iv) A total of 855 French troops brought to England.
Casualties sustained:
Two ratings wounded in the "EDWINA".
The "JACINTA" holed but successfully beached in Pegwell
Bay (England).
RESUME.
"GAVA"
-
Report of doings attached.
"VELIA"
-
Skipper J. Clarkson (F.124 Agreement.)
One plane hit and set on fire by a 12 pdr.
shell. No troops embarked, ship being detailed to assist damaged Belgian Trawler
No. 26 which she successfully towed into
Dover.
"EDWINA"
-
Skipper G. Bedsford (F.124 Agreement).
Ship heavily machine gunned by 'planes
31"
using 1" Cannon. Two of crew and twelve 120
of evacuated French troops wounded.
French Moorish Troops landed.
"DHOON"
-
(Fleetwood have Skipper's name).
Ship No casualties. 130 French Troops heavily machine unned Moorish and bombed -
landed.
"EVELYN ROSE" -
(Fleetwood have Skipper's name).
Ship heavily machine gunner one Tropeller landed and bombed.
on
Only lost damage on wreck. sustained 130 French -

REPORT OF OPERATIONS.
Trawler II "GAVA", Flag
No. Fleetwood also Fishing Ship, Section,
"EDWINA", "VELIA", "EVELYN ROSE", "DHOON", "JACINTA".
day, 27th May, 1940.
30 p.m.
Left Fleetwood.
iday, 31st May.
Having a.m. received arrived at Dover the previous evening, at 7.40
orders to proceed to Ramsgate.
Lge
.10 a.m.
Entered Ramsgate Harbour and embarked stores for troop but
3.30 p.m.
Left Harbour and anchored off Harbour.
Saturday, 1st June, 1940.
at
,
7.25. a.m.
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and pick up and transpor ly. army troops that were contacted. Proceeded immediate ores ish
9.00 a.m.
is;
Received signal from Naval launch - "Am broken down".
Took same alongside, "GAVA's" engineer effecting in repairs.
come antil
9.30 a.m.
Dropped launch astern in tow.
9.41 a.m.
Ten Heinkels opened attack on vessel. Bren gun,
We rifles and 12 pdr. in action. Two bombs dropped thre
25 yards ahead, and one bomb fell close on starboard en
, quarter. Two 'planes' engines set on fire, one falling in sea. Trawler machine gunned.
9.58. a.m.
Order cease fire.
11.00 a.m.
Attack by two 'planes, one bomb dropped. Vessel in en action.
11.08 a.m.
re
Cease fire ordered.
orty
11.25 a.m.
111
Moored alongside Train Ferry Lock, Dunkirk, and commenced embarking French Tank Corps Troops.
11.40 a.m.
Swarms planes attacked harbour, especially directed transport "LADY diving over transport, machine Two of enemy OF MAN" alongside Mole.> 12 pdr.
and on planes and rifles defending trawler. trawler direct hits made planes on falling over Mole, trawler. plane
Bren gun planes diving past another on coming "LADY OF down MAN", out of control close to
11.49 a.m.
4
11.57 a.n.
Order cease fire.
raid, five planes concentrating action. their on
Another attack on air "GAVA", all guns in
21.01 p.m.
direct Heinkel two 500 hit lb. shot with bombs down 12 dropping when pdr. power after close diving fourth to stern. on shot trawler, (H.E.) by

p.m.
Four bombs hit by machine dropped guns, close, set on two fire diving and crashed. enemy planes
5 p.m.
R.A.F. fighters up. Cease fire ordered.
10 p.m.
Resumed embarking troops.
24 p.m.
Left Dunkirk with approximately 350 troops on board.
urday, 1st June (continued)
05 p.m.
When wounded, off No. the 6. Buoy picked up three diving following members of the men "GAVA's" who were crew overboard to assist them:-
H. Gawne - Deck Hand.
J. Jones -
"
"
A. Munn - W/T operator.
Lge
Received sole survivors of French Sloop sunk in vicinity -
but survivors and wounded.
2.00 p.m.
Stopped to rescue further survivors, and having at rescued all seen proceeded alongside French trawler which was damaged and engines broken down and took off further survivors, in all 137, being crew of
French destroyer "FOUDROYANT", several being wounded re and burned.
Lsh is;
3.10 p.m.
Attacked by two planes, one bomb dropped and gun fire in opened, one plane set on fire and brought down by come
British destroyer.
intil
3.13 p.m.
Order cease fire.
.3.35 p.m.
We
All survivors on board, proceeded.
:hre
3.46 p.m.
en
Ordered hopper to take French trawler in tow.
6.35 p.m.
Anchored in Ramsgate Roads.
Wounded survivors and troops handed in at Ramsgate by launches on account of insufficient water to get alongisde.
ent
Official figures of rescued - The 365 French C.O., officers troops. and re approximately 127
ratings from French
111
destroyer "FOUDROYANT".
A Total of Ramsgate. 502 landed at
The vessel touched bottom several times during operations at Dunkirk.
4
(sgd.)
on

CAPTAIN M/S, HARWICH.
!.
:-
7th June, 1940.
FLAG OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, HARWICH.
ECT:-
RECOMMENDATIONS.
No II Fleetwood Fishing Section.
Trawlers "GAVA" and "EDWINA",
I have the honour to cite the following names as worthy of rked distinction:-
Lieutenant F.J. Jordan, R.N.R.A
Sub. Lieutenant Anderson, R.N.R.
ge
Trawler
Skipper F. Day, R.N.R.
"GAVA" c/o but
(For tenacity and cheerfulness throughout and
Port Fishery complete disregard of his personal safety.)
Captain, at
FLEETWOOD, where addresse
Deck Hand H. Gawne.
and particular can be obtaine
Deck Hand J. Jones.
re
Ish
W/T Operator A. Munn.
is;
in come
Skipper G. Bedsford - Trawler "EDWINA".
in till
We thre en
F.J. Jordan.
,
Lieutenant R.N.R.
ent
II
re
Forwarded.
111
G.W. Heaton.
CAPTAIN. M/S.
* This name was inserted by me. G.W.H.
4
on
31-6446