TNA ADM 116 4649

The Honours and Awards Committee have carefully considered the claims to recognition of Officers and Men for good services in Operation DYNAMO, and submit the following Appointment and Awards as appropriate:-
Distinguished Service Order
Acting Commander Francis Douglas-Watson, R.N.,
17.177
H.M.S. PANGBOURNE.
Distinguished Service Cross
Lieutenant Commander William George Boaks, R.N.
H.M.S. BASILISK.
Lieutenant Eric Lister Jones, R.N., H.M.S. VERITY
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Leading Stoker Ronald Kenneth Robb, D/KX. 18359,
H.M.S. PANGBOURNE.
Distinguished Service Medal
Able Seaman Richard Mumford, J.97179, H.M.S. BASILISK
Able Seaman Herbert A. Alderson, J.108085, H.M.S. BASI
Able Seaman Frederick Joseph Chivers, P/J.78575, H.M.S
VERITY
Mention in Despatches
Commander Maxwell Richmond, O.B.E., R.N., H.M.S. BASIL
Able Seaman Horace Rawstron, R.N. 106622, H.M.S. BA
Ordinary Seaman Thomas W.H. Hancock, R.N.V.R., BD/X.17
VXV
H.M.S. BASILI
Lieutenant Commander Arthur Ronald Mawson Black, R.N.,
H.M.S. VERITY
Leading Signalman Martin Robert Dury, P/J64054,
H.M.S. VERITY
Leading Seaman Alfred Reid, D/J. 13129, H.M.S. PANGBOURN
Temporary Lieutenant Sydney Frederick Harmer-Elliott,
Vxv Chief Petty Officer William G. Thompson, C/J.4150,
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. WAVERLE
H.M.S. WAVERLEY.
Posthumous Mention in Despatches
Gunner (T) Ernest George Francis, R.N. (Retd. ), H.M.S.
VX Officer William George Hoare, P/J.80058, R.N., H.M.S. H.M.S.
Petty Warrant Engineer Harold James Tucker, BASILISK. WAKE
PANGBOURNE.
R.Gleadowe for HEAD OF COMMISSION AND WARRANT BRANCH.
(R. GLEADOWE)
4th October, 1940.
H.M. The king has been Tripor to affore.
leased to approve mayber these awards.
CL:
Navul Societ amara Thealrare of25/10/40. 7/10 all Gazeltids pp 6227/8 otsup 14/10 tolder Gas forcurs: 29/10/40

SECRET.
OFFICE OF
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
21st September, 1940.
No. A14/0/1397/40.
Sir,
With reference to Dover Despatch of 5th July, 1940,
No. A14/0/1015/40, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the accompanying additional lists of personnel recommended for
Decoration or Mention in Despatches for their services in
Operation "DYNAMO".
2.
The ships concerned are:-
H.M.S. "BASILISK".
H.M.S. "VERITY".
H.M.S. "WAKEFUL".
H.M.S. "GRACIE FIELDS".
H.M.S. "PANGBOURNE".
H.M.S. "WAVERLEY".
In the case of H.M.S. "WAKEFUL" the recommendation is for one posthumous Mention, and is in addition to those previously forwarded; in all other cases no recommendations had been sent in previously as the requisite information was not available when the original lists were sent in. I am very anxious that the names mentioned should receive the awards recommended in order that the services of all the ships that took part in the operations should be properly and fairly recognised.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) B. H. RAMSAY.
VICE ADMIRAL.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
Whitehall,
LONDON, S.W.1.

Page 3.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - RECOMMENDATIONS OF PERSONNEL.
H.M. S. "VERITY" - Lieutenant Commander Arthur Ronald Mawson Black.
While escorting two transports from Dover to Dunkirk on 27th May, H.M.S. "VERITY" and her convoy came under heavy shell fire from several shore batteries near Calais. One transport was hit and both then turned for home. "VERITY"
engaged the batteries and made smoke covering their retirement which was successfully carried out, though not without transports receiving further damage.
"VERITY" was also hit, incurring several casualties including her
Commanding Officer seriously wounded.
On 28th and 29th May the ship completed two round trips to Dunkirk, conveying 500 men.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Commander Arthur Ronald Mawson Black, R.N.
Acted with great promptitude, coolness and determination in covering the withdrawal of the two transports.
Although severely wounded he remained at his post on the bridge of his ship until he lost consciousness.
M
Recommended for Mention.
Lieutenant Eric Lister Jones, R.N.
This officer, who was first Lieutenant of the ship showed cool leadership and a fine example whilst under shell fire for half an hour on 27th May.
DSC
He later took over command when Lieutenant Commander
Black was wounded and completed the successful withdrawal of two transports.
He subsequently commanded the ship during two trips to
Dunkirk in evacuating troops.
DSC
orm.)
Recommended for Decoration.
RATINGS:
Able Seaman Frederick Joseph Chivers, O.N. P/J78575.
This man set an extremely good example under enemy fire and as Lewis Gunner he was instrumental in shooting down an enemy aircraft.
DSM
Recommended for Decoration.
Leading Signalman Martin Robert Dury. O.N. P/J64054.
Displayed fine leadership, cheerfulness and coolness under enemy fire.
Recommended for Mention.

Che
CONFIDENTIAL.
FROM
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
DATE
5th SEPTEMBER, 1940.
No. B23/1346/40
TO
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
ADMIRAL 6' SEP 1940
With reference to the London Gazette dated
27th August, 1940, it is requested that the following mistakes in "Mentions in Despatches" may be corrected:-
some. Sup 57"
(a) Chief E.R.A., F.J. Hill, 35048
Name of ship should be "VERITY".
Sup 10hn going 26/9/40
(b) Chief P.O. Telegraphists E.J.W. Amos,
Done. See
Lazy
C/J.24627 and G.F.O. Bloyce, C.240081.
Name of ship should be "LYNX"; it is p5711 Sup:
regretted that these men were shown
Lohn Gas 26/9/00
only as having been on the staff of the
Flag Officer Commanding Dover and that their ship was not named.
2.
The men mentioned in (b) were shown in the Gazette as belonging to H.M. Transport "MONA'S QUEEN" and there has been a somewhat unfortunate repercussion in that it was apparently assumed by the late Master of the ship that the Radio Officer was the recipient of the mention.
I attach a letter received from the Radio Officer and of my reply.
3.
I experienced great difficulty in obtaining any reports or recommendations from Personnel Vessels generally and, with particular reference to the "MONA'S QUEEN", I attach correspondence with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co., Ltd., in which I asked that the Master might furnish me with information, but which request was refused by the Directors of the Company.
4.
If Their Lordships should wish to make further inquiries I should be glad to consider any recommendations with reference to the excellent services which were undoubtedly performed by that ship, and to submit names for consideration.
B.A.Saury
VICE ADMIRAL.