TNA ADM 199 788 A

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Report on DYNAMO OPERATION in Merrie England. Base.
ployment of ratings
5225
On commencement consisted of of 45 the operation the base personnel
were working on berthing duties for all ships and Margate
ratings. party employed These were divided ratings, up mostly between pensioners Ramsggte and working some H.O. and
week, harbour, during the day operation. and night and not leaving the entering pier for the the
During the Lowestoft fol lowing three days drafts were sent from Devonport,
Bortsmouth, and Chatham, amounting to about 950 men.
These were mostly without bedding or clean clothes and WEEE
accomodated on the floors of the ball room and buildings adjacen
t Merrie England. They were mostly Hostility Ratings with little
or no training. Any rating with training or any volunteers were
detailed for the various ships and motor boats going to Dunkirk.
the remainder being used for base duties, sandbags, carting of
ladders, anchors, rope, etc to the ships.
Merrie England.
The base was used as a clearing station for wounded from the
Army and Navy, the supplying of clothing for all survivors and
the feeding of them, this duty being carried out by the Womens
Volunteer Service to whom the highest praise is due.
Routine duties commenced generally about 0300 and continued to
Clothing 2400. was supplied by the people of Ramsgate, in answer to a
broadcast appeal, and the reply to the appeal was overwhelming.
&
AFGIR