TNA ADM 199 788 A

Dynaino Duplicate
16
Dynams 22H
13
-
H.M.S. Dolphin,
16
Gosport.
June 6th.I940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of the proceedings of HM.S.Dolphin's Power Boat.
2.
The boat sailed from Gosport at 1915 on Wednesday 29th.
May with orders to proceed to Ramsgate with all despatch, remaining overnight at Newhaven, or if it should not be possible to reach there before dark, to make Littlehampton. Owing to delay in sailing and to adverse weather conditions it was only possible to make the latter port at 2200. The Dutch motor launch M73 had arrived about 15 minutes previously.
3.
80 gallons of petrol were embarked from H.M.S. Peregrine and the motor boat proceeded to Ramsgate in company with M 73.
On arrival off Dover at 1400, owing to shortage of petrol combined with the uncertainty of navigation by the boat's compass in the prevailing fog, it was decided to enter the harbour to refuel. Considerable delay was necessary at the contraband control ship before entering and also before fuelling at the petrol jetty, and it was not before 1900 that orders were received from the
Naval Base that the boat was not to proceed to Ramsgate but was to be held in readiness to proceed to sea at short notice.
4.
Orders were given at 0030 on 31st. May for.M.S.Dolphin's boat to proceed with a similar boat from H.M.S. Excellent to La
Panne and Bray Dunes, respectively, the two boats to remain in company until within a short distance of the French coast. Charts and the route were supplied to each boat and information was obtained that if there was a shortage of petrol on reaching the destination it could be obtained from H.M.S.Hebe.
5.
Shortly after passing the North Goodwin Light Vessel it
10
was found that more petrol was being consumed than had been estimated, mainly due to yawing caused by a considerable stern sea and swell, and "Excellent's" boat found it necessary to reduce speed to about 8 knots.
6.
Some 8 miles North West of Bray an enemy floating mine was seen

Dynamo Duplicate
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17 14
was seen and an attempt was made to sink it by rifle fire but this was impracticable owing to the unsteadiness of the boat. The approximate position of the mine was later reported.
7.
At 1115 the boat arrived off La Panne, and, being short of petrol, closed H. M.S. Hebe but was unable to obtain any from her. As there were no other ships carrying petrol off La Panne, it was thought desirable to return to Bray in order to have a reasonably safe margin of petrol before conveying troops. On arrival at Bray, "Excellent's" boat signalled that she had struck a submerged object and required assistance. As I had been told by a destroyer that the depth of water in that position was 3 feet and had also been told by the Senior Officer at Bray to be extremely careful not to get into shallow water, it was not considered advisable owing to the state of the sea to risk the loss of a second boat. Another shallower draughted boat did, in fact try to assist but ran aground.
8.
20 gallons of petrol were obtained at Bray and the boat proceeded back to La Panne. Before reaching there, however, all ships weighed and left under shell fire from shore batteries from the town which was shortly afterwards OCC-
upied by the enemy. In consequence the motor boat returned to Bray.
9.
Enquiries were made at destroyers and other vessels present as to whether "Dolphin's" boat could be of any assistance, but again, owing to the shallowness of the water and state of the sea it was not possible to go alongside the improvised pier from which all troops were being embarked
(no troops were at this time wading out to boats), nor was there a demand for a boat for towing purposes.
10. as to the usefulness of this boat under the circumstances,
After consultation with the senior officer present it was decided to obtain a tow back to Dover to refuel, and there it was hoped that another tow could be obtained back to Dunkirk, where, it was believed, the boat could be more usefully employed. A tow was obtained from H.M.S.Sargossa at 1415

Dynamo
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18 /5
at 1415 and a return was made to Dover, where,after fuelling the boat's return was reported to the Operations Room.
Instructions were given to stand by for further orders which were to be given at 0400 next morning. These instructions were cancelled and no movement was made on Saturday 1st.June.
11.
On 2nd. June "Dolphin's" boat was attached to the officer in charge of small boats for towing and despatch purposes in Dover harbour. She was so employed until noon on June 4th.
12.
The crew of the boat were keen to return to Dunkirk if a tow could be obtained, but after several enquiries it appeared that the boat was considered unsuitable for the workand the boat had, unfortunatly, to remain employed in
Dover harbour. On 4th. June Able Seaman Stephans was lent as coxswain of the Walmer lifeboat at his request, but shortly afterwards all operations were cancelled.
13. for Littlehampton, arriving there at 2115. The following morn-
The motor boat sailed from Dover at 1315 on June 4th.
ing 50 gallons of petrol were taken in and at 0915 the boat sailed for Portsmouth. A certain amount of engine trouble was experienced of a minor nature. The boat arrived at Fort
Blockhouse at 1245.
14. in charge of the engines and also to Lag. Saunders, both of
Considerable credit is due to Ldg. Sto. Morris who was them working tirelessly to keep the motors in the best of condition, especially as the outward journey to Dover was made at maximum revolutions and no engine trouble was experienced until the return journey. Credit is also due to Ldg. Sea.
Cobley, the coxswain of the boat.
I have the honour to be,
Sir, your obedient servant
Captain (st,
H.M.S. Dolphin,
Gosport.
Bowden
CAP RAIN IN (S)
* VICE ADMIRA sub Leviten and R.N.
A5th
8 JUN1940
12 JUN 1940
SUBMARINE
2198/199
FLOTH
*
DOVER
WOD
extracted from the Deed

Dynams
Firefloat massey Shave
Dynamo 302.
B14/0/1312 46
45
H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
13th. June 1940.
PORTSMOUTH.
TEL: 2334 & 2335.
Sir,
After returning from leave,
I
have been instructed to submit full report on the Dunkirk perations.
May 29ᵗʰ. I was appointed 1/c "Nelson's"
5 It. fast power boat.
2200/29.Left Portsmouth at very short otice with a crew of IL.S., IE.R.A.sth class
AB, 10D.
2201/29. Ignition drive of starboand engine fractured, rendering engine useless for remainder of operations.
repairs arried to centre engine. Repairs also
0500/30 Arrived Newhaven for fuel and out out on hull and self balers, as during had night. become half full of water
Very willing and useful help given duties until the ship
I have the honour, SII,
Your obedient servant,
To be
J.C.K. Dow dung Officer. Comdr R.N.R.
Commanding

Dynamo 312.
63
COPY.
Royal Naval Hospital,
57
Chatham.
To: Rear-Admiral Taylor, O.B.E..
13th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the narrative of events whilst in command of m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES"
Bray. until she was believed sunk at 1415 at the beaches near
A.M. Wednesday 29th May I was ordered to proceed to Sheerness to report to the Commodore at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE"
Arrived Sheerness about 1700 was ordered to proceed in m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" leading flotilla of seven light craft. Left camber at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE" proceeded to sea through boom. Two boats appeared to be in difficulties and did not leave the boom. I was met by escort yacht and formed astern of her.
Had to slow down to keep boats in company. First three boats astern kept good station, remaining one fell astern but owing to urgency of getting boats to destination flotilla did not decrease speed any further.
About 2200 yacht escort was challenged from shore.
She informed me an officer was required to go in to
Margate for orders, so proceeded myself in fast motor boat
"MARSAYRA". Established my identity and was told to push on to Ramsgate. While away one boat "QUEEN
BOADACEA" broke down, after some delay she was taken in tow by escort yacht. My port engine broke down, speed.
greatly reduced. One boat lost contact in darkness. I
went back to look for her off Longrose, search unsuccessful, rejoined escort. Fog came down at dawn and escort anchored with "NEW PRINCE OF WALES", "QUEEN BOADACEA"
and "MARSAYRA", off Ramsgate exact position uncertain.
After an hour fog cleared enough to show buoy ahead so proceeded with "MARSAYRA" in company escort yacht following with "QUEEN BOADACEA". Engines misfiring badly and stopped just outside Ramsgate, anchored and proceeded into harbour in "MARSAYRU". Reported to Naval Officer-in-
Charge Ramsgate received charts and orders to proceed to beaches between Bray and La Panne and to carry on ferrying troops from shore to ships until only enough fuel remained to return. Boats were towed in, repairs started on "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" immediately.
Engines ready for use at 1630 so proceeded to sea 30/5
at once by route 'X' for Dunkerque. Arrived off French coast 2230 (Thursday 30th). Port engine failed again shortly after turning parallel to coast. Dunkerque burning fiercely and heavy pall of smoke covered the channel to the borth. Endeavoured to find beach with boat hardly making eny way through the water. Attempts to locate troops were insuccessful and I was lost in smoke, saw green light buoy
ДРО established approximate position, immediately fterward voptboard engine failed, had to drop anchor.
E.R.A. reported ammount of fuel remaining and I
we could not return to Ramsgate even if we did no
I. пливет BO determined to carry on until fuel ran out. The
& atco LETUS efforts of E.R.A. hite and the stoker assisting commendable and before dawn both engines though firing badly the boat was making three

64
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58
correct lying to four off knots. place a beach and crowded Sighted many with soldiers small craft go and some destroyers was hailed to out and a few came in as I boats. could. Was soldiers waded went as near inshore thought this Some apparently go alongside small coastal rowing of soldiers aground. Went to her and steamer took hour we went while she opened fire. In got way on and I lay when off bombing raid started, destroyer About to go alongside to be transferred to destroyers. off a boatload drift in port then starboard engines broke down Returning her to beach alongside and disembarked soldiers. about half an while there enough in to be reached easily by pulling. go anchor.
close close to the shore before letting so let Was could assist in the engine room to volunteer.
engines in a bad condition so I asked any soldiers who filled up with military. E.R.A. reported boats;
Royal Artillerymen and Royal Engineers came forward Six to help
E.R.A. White. Sand was found in the carburettors and the distributors required resetting. One engine was ready in just over one and a half hours, so got under way and proceeded to a destroyer to discharge men aboard.
Next attempted to get alongside pier made of army lorries by dropping astern on anchor. Only one side of the pier was approachable, wind setting on shore difficult sea running, parted all my ropes in efforts to get alongside then found pier unusable where my boat could approach.
Received and discharged more soldiers, also received signal that refuelling drifters were on their way to assist light craft.
E.R.A. reported only enough fuel remaining for ten minutes running, then went alongside destroyer where I
received one drum of petrol to carry on for a while.
Received signal for all ships to be ready to leave at a moments notice.
Both engines failed again as I was proceeding inshore
Dropped anchor in shallow water. Large air battle in progress about thirty planes involved. Very shortly after 1700 (time rather uncertain) the enemy opened fire with a gun ashore. After first shell landed in the sea
I ordered my crew to get below between the engines.
Second shell landed in the water alongside my ship about three yards off and burst. Able Seaman Todd, and Able
Seaman Holloway were instantly killed, Chief Petty Officer
Dawson received cuts on the face and neck, E.R.A. White was hit in the leg, I was hit in the nose, hip and foot.
Blinded by blood I was unable to see the extent of and asked for a report on the ship's condition and the damage. Ordered charts and secret papers to be the burned casualties incurred. Was told she was sinking slowly and my were really dead and he reported there was no doubt, they two A.B's killed. Told coxswain to make sure they had been killed outright.
The Stoker burned my papers and charts while the coxswain hailed for assistance, E.R.A. White remained by me and kept me informed as to what was happening.
assisted The into her, the remainder of the crew then abandoned motor coxswain shortly lowered the dinghy and I was launch ship (Coxswain, and were taken aboard casting the dinghy
E.R.A., Stoker). Pulled over to adrift, a during this period I could not see and did not see

Dynamo 126.
83
8
6
22.
June 1st 1940
ROYARD ENDER
* 3 JUN1940
X. 208,
Sir,
GOS GOSPORT EG
*
At Ramsgate.
9 regret to report that the shif under my command, the lighter X. 209, attached to the Royal clarence yard
Portsmouth, was involved in a shght collision early on the morning of June,st 1940. The circumstances were as follows:-
At affroximately 0200 on June 1940, X:208
was some five miles to seaward from the town of
Gravelines on that fortion of the French coast which was occupied by the fermans. The sky was totally overast by heavy nimbus cloud and the night was very dark.
9 was proceeding very cantroisly at 2 knots in order to he as silent as possible and to avoid showing my position to the Germans by my how wave. My course was South
20° West, and was as steady as youring would allow.
A bow-wave suddenly affeared on my starboard fow, and resolved itself into a small washif, nationality and class unknown due to the darkness, proceeding on a course almost exactly offosite to my own. For no apparent reason he suddenly altered course and now across my how. 9 stopped engines and then went astern, but before 9 could take the way off my shif the warship had swring himself beam on across my bows and I hit him beneath the bridge. After the collision the washit mad offand disappeared. X.208 sustained shght damag to the hows of the shif but was able to carry on her work, minus the ships boat, which was smashed by our screws as we went astem. ( Signed)
Williams, sub Lientenant, Royal navy.
R.g. Banks. act Masts.
H.W. Edmidon (Q.m.)
g a Windebank Lg slaker

241
263
From:- Sub/Lt. K. Adderley, R.N.V.R.
Date:-
5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
27th May-
Assisted in collection and commissioning of
29th May pulling boats and motor boats for beach work;
later assisted Act. C.B.O. (Lt. de Mauny, R.N.).
30th May.
0700
Detailed to act as Lieut. to Lieut. McMullan, R.N.R.
in Dutch schoot "Twente". (Lieut. McMullan has reported separately on commissioning and voyage to Dunkirk and back).
1st June.
1100
Arrived back Ramsgate; stood by awaiting orders.
3rd June.
1100
Found 45 ft. river motor launch "Madame Sans
Gene" arrived in harbour with crew from River
Emergency Patrol - already detailed to proceed
Dunkirk p.m. same day. Requested permission assist equipping and victualling and command in operation. Permission granted by Cdr.
Duffett, R.N.
1700
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk being towed in company lifeboat and 3 other boats on tug "Tanga".
with warning, "Madame (a) a rope Sans fouling being Gene" streamed our was port disabled propeller, from tug en without route and, through on -
being hauled in by tug, either bending or stripping blades or bending shaft.
starboard engine becoming waterlogged
(b) apparently by suction through exhaust owing to speed of tow could (8 kts). be used for a short while entirely. but
Port engine its transmission gave could out still subsequently arrival Dunkirk suggested boat towed by be of Officer in charge of tug evidently
On use in transport of troops if approved lifeboat. order to lifeboat, which Remained did and gave and was not seen again. Gene"
not understand of tug after evacuating "Madame charge of Sans tug.
in to tow tug on orders of officer in

246
From:- Lt. D. Van Gessel, R.N.V.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
1st June. Was told to go to assistance of "Ivanhoe" and
"Queen of Thanet". We contacted with tug
?
"Java" who had survivors on board from the
"Queen of Thanet". We set out and found
"Ivanhoe" seriously bombed. The captain asked us to get medical help, etc. etc., which we did.
We helped with more serious wounded, but they were in such a condition that removal seemed unwise. In consultation with Captain of
"Ivanhoe" we decided to take off the survivors
(mostly soldiers) and took them ashore.
On next journey we took into Margate an M.T.B.
with one survivor out of 8. The boat was badly damaged, but was docked alongside Pier.
On these journeys was accompanied by Lt. Dancy.
31st May. Was out in tug "Doria" trying to find lifeboats reported floating near the Goodwins, when off
Deal an M.T.B. bound for Convoy duties caught fire. After helping crew we took S.0.7 into
Dover submarine basin. Commander of S.0.7
is reporting matter.
N.B. Survivors of "Ivanhoe" were landed at
Margate. We only left "Ivanhoe" when nothing more could be done and she proceeded in tow to Chatham.
(v stancy (ree of Thavel assercause didnov nov
Over

249/1
From:- Lt. A.W. McMullan, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
30th May.
Left Ramsgate in schoot "Twente" with Sub.
Lt. Adderley, R.N.V.R. as 1st Lieut.
2230
Arrived 11/2 miles E. of Dunkirk roads.
Remained anchored off all night but due to
Jri shortage of boats was unable to embark any troops until 0500 on 31st May when a motor boat and two cutters were requisitioned with which 400 troops were embarked. These were disembarked at Margate.
Returned to Ramsgate and anchored off the harbour for further orders.
1st June.
Schoot "Twente" not required so joined power boat "Hague" with Cmdr. Troop R.N., Lieut. de
Mauny R.N. and Sub. Lt. Hollingswear R.N.R.
and proceeded to the inner harbour at Dunkirk where French soldiers were embarked and ferried across to a waiting transport in the roads
3rd June.
0200
Were struck whilst leaving the harbour (with 39
on board) on the port side successively by a by troops a French motor cutter and then again
French trawler.
"Westward Ho", being in the vicinity, "Hague" took off all the as no time was allowed the by damage. "Westward soldiers and crew and the the was
Ho" abandoned to ascertain the extent of
"Westward Ho" landed our troops and survivors of the "Hague" at Margate.

250
From:- Lt. Commdr. A.R.W. Sayle, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
30th May.
0930
Received instructions to take Drifter "Fair Breeze"
to beach east of Dunkirk.
1130
Proceeded on board "Fair Breeze" with Sub. Lt. Washbourn
R.N. (from Portsmouth) and Mr. Golding, Trinity House
Pilot, and proceeded for Dunkirk with two whalers in tow, courses as requisite.
1500
After whaler struck submerged object and appeared to be making water.
1600
Arrived off Dunkirk and proceeded to Bray Beach.
1630
Arrived off Bray Beach, commenced sounding, closed beach and hove to in two fathoms.
1645
After whaler found to be badly holed and filling with water, cut it adrift; sent remaining whaler ashore and requested motor boat from "Canvey Que en" to tow off any other boats he could find. (This boat rendered valuable assistance).
1700
First boat with troops arrived and embarkations commenced.
1800
Filled up with troops and proceeded to westward, hailed by Officer Commanding "Royal Eagle", lying toseaward of "Fair Breeze", and instructed to transfer troops from "Fair Breeze" to "Royal Eagle". Made fast
1815
Finished transferring troops from "Fair Breeze" Beach and to alongside "Royal Eagle".
Royal Eagle"; proceeded back to Bray hove to off Sanatorium.
1830
1900
Recommenced Intensive bombing embarking attack troops. on Sanatorium and troops on
2030
Filled Bray up Beach. with troops and proceeded for Ramsgate; courses as requisite.
31st May.
0045
Observed Parachute enemy Flare aircraft; off N. Goodwin. tide. no casualties.
0050
0200
0400
Buoy awaiting Pier and commenced out tallied disembarking. 293.
0500
Troops
0515
Finished

273
251
From:- Sub. Lt. James W. Pratt, R.N.V.R.
Date:- 4th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
M/B Singapore
2nd June.
2000 Left Ramsgate with convoy, making good only 5
knots on account of choppy sea.
3rd June.
0200
Off beaches east of Dunkirk.
0300
Swift current; went aground on sands. French naval officer from small motor launch attempted to help, but coult not re-float us. Decided to remain in cabin and wait for tide. Heavy shelling taking place all the time. Took two
French captains aboard.
0730
Threw out a small anchor aft.
0800
Re-floated on incoming tide. Rescued two English soldiers from water. Decided to head for home.
0830
Engine stopped. Taken in tow by motor boat commanded by Sub. Lt. X Williams.
/D.C.
1100
Saw heavy bombing "over our portbow". Still in tow; making good about 5 - 6 knots.
1200
Sighted floating mine. Attempted to explode it by Lewis gun fire from Sub. Lt. Williams' "Kit-
Cat" and our own rifles - scored 12 hits but mine would notexplode.
1300
Hailed by R.A.F. motor craft who gave us our course to Dover.
1900
Arrived Ramsgate with two British soldiers, two
French captains and one French Lieutenant.

274
252
From:- J. Travers-Moss, Motor Boat Kit-Cat,
Ramsgate.
Date:- 4th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Report that whilst on duty on the 3rd instant at Dunkirk we had decided to take a final look around when we sighted the Singapore, who in turn had been aground all night and, in attempting to get away, had burnt out her clutch, so we took her in tow at
0830. This having reduced our speed considerably, we did not deem it advisable to stay any longer.
As we reported verbally to you, in the south of the harbour there lay a Belgian boat with 8,000 gals of petrol aboard, but in view of our handicap V we were unable to destroy same.
? Lena isso information incorrect Liep why the Leua? She was Watch
Three were 6 Belgian boats -
Happer, "Sambre" etc

NAVAL OFFICER IN GIVE
<60
ad
278
256
From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. J.M. Chappell, R.N.
Date:- 7th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
29th May.
30th May.
2200 Left Portsmouth in H.M.S. Nelson's picket boat.
a.m. Sighted submarine and warned a French convoy.
Port engine bearings ran out.
1730 Arrived Ramsgate on one engine.
2330 Left for Dunkirk, machine-gunned from the air two miles out of Ramsgate.
31st May.
Dawn Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Funnel carried away by shell-fire. Making water slightly; loaded with troops and left.
1400 Arrived Ramsgate.
1st June.
0830 Left for Dunkirk. Making water rapidly. Beached the boat; found bottom damaged by enemy fire.
Took command M.Y. Santosy and left for Dunkirk.
On return journey filled up with petrol; found too late that one can contained water. Proceeded on port engine only; towed by trawler. Trawler ran on to wreck East of N. Goodwin L/V and turned over on top of "Santosy". Cabin smashed; civilian volunteer Barrington severely injured.
Arrived Ramsgate on one engine. Discharged
Barrington to Deal Hospital; sent crew ashore for rest.
3rd June.
1600 Engines repaired. Left for Dunkirk with civilian volunteer J.W.S. Gilbert as engineer. Towed by tug Sun IV. Tow parted off Dunkirk; proceeded under own power. Starboard engines failed again.
Sea rising. Hailed Sun IV and on her commander's orders abandoned Santosy and boarded Sun VI with my crew.
REPORT: New gas used by enemy. Shells and bombs bursting near gave off white cloud which hung suspended in air. From burns on bodies in water gathered it to be of acid nature.

289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
31.5.40.
1230. In accordance from Southend, with Commander instead Boles' instructions, decided direct closed up. us to our destination. although we had no charts, other traffic bound keep to France
Signalled Decided that to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to at Ramsgate. constantly
Dunkirk these instructions of closing the Examination Vessel to proceed would lead
1410. Convoy of was 6 closed still up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler ximately. us that Dunkirk open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 50° E. informed appro-
1820. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25
avoid bombardment.
enemy aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt to
1840. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in the neighbourhood subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near as fifteen yards to the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance with instructions they had received, skippers broke convoy formation and "starred".
1850. 3 or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the sea.
Identity of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably German.
1915. Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe bombardment from shore batteries and aircraft.
1930. Attempted to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned idea - too much ground swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and other equipment left, destroyed by the B.E.F. on beach, endangered the safety of ships.
2130. Ordered ships to proceed to outside of jetty, instructing them to fill up with soldiers and to ferry same to any larger ships unable to close harbour or beach.
Each ship was instructed to transport approximately 30 to 40 men (approximate total -
200) and they were transferred to H.V. Tilly and other ships cruising empty outside harbour entrance.
2240. Instructed ships to keep permanently closed up and to return to inside of harbour as swell made embarkation of troops from outside of jetty too difficult.
Contact between Bawley boats maintained by signal of one short flash every two minutes. Formation preserved.
2310. Mole and harbour severely shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all occasions
I was there, was superb, and though exhausted and under constant fire, their only thoughts were for the wounded among them, and of saving any equipment possible.
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; transferred same to the trawler Sarah Hayes and various other craft returning to England not fully laden. Instructed convoy to continue ferry work but if separated from me to return to Ramsgate laden with soldiers.
1.6.40.
0140. Re-entered harbour; jetty crammed with British soldiers but no ships whatever alongside. Started loading troops, sending back to shore two German prisoners attempting to get to England, leaving them in charge of a Lance Corporal.
0200 - 0250. Jetty shelled, bombed and machine-gunned by enemy - very few casualties.
0300. Proceeded to Ramsgate fully laden with soldiers of 1st Division including the
Colonel in Charge of the Worcesters and Officers of the Camerons, accompanied by
Bawley boat Resolute. Arrived at Ramsgate 0930 approximately on 1.6.40.
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RAMSGATE.
DEFENDER.
Stem damaged. Returned with approximately 60 men.
RELIANCE.
Damaged side. Returned with 80 men.
LETITIA.
Undamaged. Returned towing Renown until latter was blown up.
(Troops transferred to trawler who took Bawleys in tow).
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering gear out of order; towed back by Sarah Hayes.
RESOLUTE.
Engine trouble. Returned with approximately 40 men.
RENOWN.
Mined and sunk off Dunkirk - all hands lost. (understand the 30
or 40 soldiers aboard were fortunately transferred to a trawler before mining occurred).

314
290
I have since tropps been to informed drifter that Letitia and Renown, laden,
Renown pieces.
of tow was a blown to and were themselves towed returning to Ramsgate. fully
TOTAL number of of tropps Cockle transported by Bawley boats was 600.
Description a Bawley - 40' long, 12' beam, 2'6" over draft, Diesel engines
(All the following times are approimate)
Arriving at Ramsgate (1.6.40.) I decided that Bawley boats were not fit for further service, and so ordered them to porceed to Southend. Obtained permission to commandeer any craft available in Ramsgate harbour and to return to Dunkirk when ready.
1400. Commandeered tug Contess but crew deliberately put tug aground and made every possible obstruction to impede the sailing of same.
1700. Although tug Contess was afloat, engineer refused to put the ship: to sea, as he claimed his filters would be blocked by sand. Crew of Tug Fossa, with Skipper, volunteered to come instead, Commandeered tug Fossa and Motor boat Therune, which
I manned with one Petty Officer, and two Sea Scouts. (Unfortunately I lost track of their names and addresses after I was sunk)
0000. Arrived at Dunkirk and decided that harbour was too congested with larger craft to justify taking tug Fossa inside harbour. Proceeded with Motor-boats with intention of filling up same and transferring soldiers to tug Fossa, whose instructions were to lay off Dunkirk until contacted. Coming alongside the jetty, overheard
Naval Officer on Mole cry "Isn't there anyone here who can deal with these Frenchmen?"
2.6.40. 0035. Offered my services as Liaison Officer. Left Therune in charge of Petty
Officer with orders to continue loading tug Fossa until at least 300 men had been embarked, and then to return laden to Ramsgate if they could not find me.
Understand Fossa later went aground, but may have been re-floated.
0030 Mrs 0310. Due to fair knowledge of the French language Iwas able to render a embarkation of troops on the jetty. The speed of the embarkation was greatly and slowed the certain amount of assistance to Commander Cluston, Officer in Charge of the due to the lack of understanding between the French Officers and men, and up French believed that certain ships had been reserved for them,
English. The were on no account to be broken. As a result, serious could congestion not was found round one contacting the various officers in charge of the regiments, and in getting was, that their units gangway, while other ships at the end of the Pier I get however, the men aboard. able to By assist to a certain extent in clearing up the point,
0310. the French Understanding troops on that the move. the destroyer Winchelsea was the last ship to be leaving
Dunkirk I returned to Dover with her.
0800. Reported to H.M.S. Lynx and was ordered and submitted to contact chart Commander with
Goodenugh (on 2.6.40) at Castle. Reported to Commander Dunkirk, Goodenugh 31.5.40 and 1.6.40, with marked with rough details of state of of wrecks, affairs troops at on dunes, and from times Admiral of bombardments Ramsey to etc, approximate as positions nights. Obtained permission assisting in return noted to during Dunkirk these as Liaison two Officer with the object of again the embarkation of French troops. RAF Motor boats with RAF complement, Dunkirk plus
1500. signalmen As an and advance two French party Officers, in two 3 Naval Officers, returned to under
Commander 1855. Attacked Cluston's by 4 command. enemy aircraft, bambed as a and result finally of the sunk, bombing. foundering Enemy immediately. aircraft to
No seemed casualties, to be using however, delayed were action sustained bombs with an effect on side ship similar that of charge on a submarine.
My right a leg depth slightly in damaged water by by explosion. enemy aircraft (do not boat think to porceed any casualties to Dunkirk were by and enemy not to bombs pick and up machine survivors, gun as fire he if the remaining RAF boat attempted to us up.
1900. sustained) Machine Commander gunned Cluston shouted feared to remaining that we RAF would be detroyed in the pick water

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officer clinging to bows
French about 6 miles to try off to reach in the direction wreck of Gravelines. informed us that he saw an empty boat of
Cluston shortly same, and he and I decided Asked permission of Commander abandoned the to go off boat, and No.2., only which the shore the may water or occasionally, may was not slightly have but swim rough, at and 2230 returned it I was sighted impossible to a cling together. to to see the Commander remains the open
Reached slightly from exhaustion. aboard, as sides were too high, out for. and was destroyer suffering cutter same but was unable to climb been the original I set large empty
2300. other Decided side where to swim I found for German fender shore but fortunately before swam the to remains and attempted of my kit to used row as a a ladder, hanging I was down. able to With get the aboard. aid abondoning of the fender boat and might distance too approximately far, and one hour I abandoned the attempt, imagined as cutter the survivors was too over, be. After cutter with one oar in direction I Lashed helm hard large, it was already dark.
0000. Tide Dunkirk changed and and open boat instead of drifting towards the German remainder overboard, as I did not want to be identified should capture be
Dunkirk of kit Destroyed all personal belongings and identifications, and of threw between Channel. Calais, started to drift towards the Green flashing buoys shore, effected by the enemy.
3.6.40.
0130. Destroyers and other ships started passing by, about 25 yards away, but was unable to attract them, as they could not hear my shouts. Decided to shout in
French and English, and was finally picked up by a French fishing boat, Stella Mavis.
Crew "wined" me and put me in their bunks, dressed in French sailor's uniform, where
I passed out for a while, suffering from exhaustion.
0230. Skipper of Stella Mavis informed me that he was unable to make Dunkirk as he had no charts and had lost his convoy whilst picking me up. Imenquired his speed and he replied "6 knots". I estimated by the fires that the distance from Dunkirk was approximately 15 miles. Therefore it would have been 0530 before ship could have reached Dunkirk. Pointed out to Skipper that, in my opinion, it would leading a ship of this type and speed into unnecessary danger if he proceeded to Dynkirk in daylight. As Skipper had no charts I helped in navigating ship back to Dover, and at 0730 approximately, we were run down by Torpedo Boat S. 27, but not badly damaged.
Arriving Dover, Stella Mavis closed French Escort Vessel and as I was dressed in a
French Matelot uniform, and my story sounded far-fetched, the Commander held me on suspicion as a German spy. "Il pretend detre Anglais, mais moi je crois qu'il est allemand parcequil parle le français trop bien" was the remark passed by the French
Commander. Finally however, I persuaded them to let me be out ashore and arrested by British authorities.
1030. Successfully arrested by a Naval Lieutenant Commander and reported to Commander
Goodenugh and Admiral Ramsey.
1400. Sent to Chatham Hospital in ambulance for treatment to leg.
GENERAL REMARKS.
I feel mention should be made of the exemplary conduct of the civilian crews of the cockle boats.
bawley manned by volunteers who were rushed through in one day.
As far All as of I know, them were none of them had ever been under gun fire before, and certainly none of them under Naval discipline.
which These never ships, leave the it Estuary, and only one of their crew had been than had ever been should be remembered, were Thames Estuary Cockle further fishing afield boats,
Ramsgate. facts, and although they had neither charts nor equipment, orders carried perfect out formation with great was diligence, even under actual shell fire
In spite of these maintained throughout the day and night, and and all aircraft attack. were reports critising the conduct of the French dismissed, on the beach as any and
Mole, such opinion and feel was most the strongly result of the slight lack of understanding
I have overheard some that such illusions should be quickly between French and
British their On all occasions I came If anything, their discipline was too most as authorities. in contact with the French on the jetty good, and elsewhere, they did their conduct best was to embark excellent. as a complete regiment or other Army unit, being isappointed if they were forced to separate.

292
Officers but was before only to the fact that they were waiting for official orders
Perhaps the this men may due have refused to take orders from English Naval and Army from their Commander at the end embarking. of English officers trying to persuade them to proceed to ships this the jetty, shouted "Allez" at them, but the French naturally.considered. nothing more than an insult, which maymhave added to the general
As for the B.E.F. words cannot praise them too highly. They were under constant bombing and shelling, and unable to do anything active, many, too, having marched as much as 80 miles in 3 or 4 days, yet on no occasion was a single grumble or complaint overheard. They all just seemed to want to get back at it.
I understand that one R.A.F. mechanic was the only other survivor, besides myself.
He was picked up by a destroyer, clinging to remains of the motor boat. According to him, the rest had already died from exposure.
Although I realise that it is of no consolation to those bereaved, I feel that the extraordinary courage of all the poor fellows in the water should be recorded.
Even though they must have known that the end was near, they never grumbled, nor were they afraid; they even went so far as to ask permission of Conmander Cluston before removing their tin hats. When I left them clinging around the wreck, although already suffering from exposure, they were singing and discussing old times together.
Commander Cluston's example must have helped them all as it helped me. Although exhausted himself, he continued to chat, encourage and white-lie to the end.
Mata Soloner
(M. Solomon)
Sub. Lieut, R.N.V.R.

Дуламо 186.
328
301
Admiralty House,
Sheerness.
June 6th, 1940.
REPORT GIVEN VERBALLY TO LIEUT. COMDR. D.E. HOLLAND-MARTIN, R.N.
A.B. S. Palmer D/JX 148052.
He was put in charge of the "Naid Errant", a 7 ton motor yacht of about 30ft., which started from Sheerness.
She sailed for Dunkirk early on Friday, May 31st as one of a convoy of 7 motor boats which included the "White
Heather". Before reaching the beaches close to Dunkirk he helped to rescue the survivors of a French Destroyer. He picked up about 20, which he transferred to a French tug, and then proceeded to the beaches. On arrival the French soldiers swarmed over his boat preventing him going astern so that he drifted ashore. He left the "Naid Errant" and swam off with his crew to a Minesweeper, whose name he did not know. Shortly afterwards thellatter went aground, but, as the tide rose, both the Minesweeper and the "Naid Errant" floated off. Palmer asked permission to swim back to his boat, but this being refused, he shouted to some soldiers on the beach to bring her alongside. This they managed to do and Palmer jumped on board, cast off from the Minesweeper, and set course for home. He was the only naval rating, in a small boat without a chart, with one serjeant and 8 other soldiers, who he thinks were from the Middlesex regiment. The sergeant he said was all right - "he had some rum in his bottle!". Palmer admits to know nothing about the engines which had already given the stoker trouble on the way over. Off Dunkirk they broke down, and so he broke up the yacht's cabin door and made the soldiers start to paddle. Luckily one of the engines started up and at about 2200 he left the vicinity of Dunkirk seering W.N.W.
For a brief period one of the soldiers relieved him on the wheel. The soldier was willing but/new nothing of steering a course and, as Palmer found him making to the Eastward, he took over again himself and remained on the wheel througout the night. At about 0600 on Saturday, June 1st he picked up the coast somewhere off Dover and followed it up to
Ramsgate arriving there about 1100.
On Sunday, June 2nd, without orders, he sailed again with a crew of one other A.B., but as the "Naid Errant"
was too slow he was ordered back by the captain of the
"Usanco" after getting two or three miles out from Ramsgate.
A.B. Palmer stated that he passed for Leading
Seaman in May 1927, but presumably cannot have been recommended. He says that he has three Good Conduct badges and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He was drafted for operation Dynamo from R.N.B. Devonport, where he has recently been employed on the Plymouth City Patrol.
1025/2

Dynams
Dipramo 323.
329
302
Kingmead,
Riding Mill,
Northumberland.
Friday 7th June, 1940.
Sir, g
I have the honour to submit the following account of my movements from Tuesday 28th May until Wednesday 5th June.
On my arrival at Sheerness I found a convoy of sixteen motor boats being prepared to assist in the evacuation of Flanders.
I took charge of a small boat "LIEBESTRAUM" and we proceeded for Dover towing whalers, at about 1730 on Tuesday.
285
About six miles outside Sheerness we broke down and were picked up by the Trawler "ASAMA" who towed us to Deal and then back to
Ramsgate where we arrived on Wednesday morning.
23/5
At Ramsgate I reported on the state of my boat and was appointed to the Dutch eel boat "JOHANNA" which had a diesel engine and was capable of about 6 knots. The crew consisted of a Leading
Hand and four ratings and three Dutchmen, who owned the boat and could not speak English. We set out in convoy that night with a
Motor boat under the Command of a Lieutenant Commander and other eel boat commanded by Sub-Lieutenant T.K. Edge-Partington R.N.
Finding the second eel boat only capable of 4 knots the motor boat left her behind and soon after left me. I had no charts so after casting around for a bit I secured alongside a ship, the name of which I did not find out, near the North Goodwin and stayed there for the night. Sub. Lt. Edge-Partington in the 'Chanticler' with great determination took his boat across, navigating by an extremely faulty compass and managed to bring troops back to Dover.
The next morning, Thursday, I returned to Ramsgate and 30/5
succeeded in joining up with the Dutch Schoot "Jutland" who towed me that evening. We had an uneventful crossing and anchored across about two miles east of Dunkirk at 2330. The Cutter and
Whaler went ashore. The Whaler returned to report that the cutter
I volunteered to the Captain of the Schoot to go was and see aground. what I could do but before we had got back the Petty Officer had succeeded in floating the boat.
this time the beach was swarming wi th shore French because soldiers of
I could not get of the water. I summoned heros" my and "Courage mes French
By my boats within 100 yards of the limited store of the shallowness and with cries of "En Avant mes water. My efforts were enfants" I I had to go and fetch them for miles and I leap to my aid tried to tempt them into the myself. My first unavailing and took so me into the only deep of patch the hole I waded into the water neck. Struggling out in rush and ashore. I
went in up to my to my waist the French came it threateningly. on a This was
Seeing me only up revolver and brandish get to the boats only compelled them to draw down my a bit but when crew they and I had to lift them a on few were quietened strong enough to trips get and in so brought my off about 200 in all, each time board. I had to go We did into six the water time and to get go. them. I only At had 0230 ten the Frenchmen Captain on of the
Schoot reckoned it was it was a bit choppy and all had to go below.
They board all the suffered "JOHANNA" from as sea sickness I on the sent way back. back boat on the our "LIEBESTRAUM" return Sheerness to Ramsgate and in I arrived the was Motor at boat 2230 "THARKS" to on Friday. Sheerness in On in 31/5
my old 1500 I left boats all of which reached charge Saturday of at a convoy of 12 motor Ramsgate.
1/6

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303
probable that to as Motor boats would not and
On Sunday the small Ramsgate was buzzing with rumours it seemed 2/6
volunteered "Marlborough". go Lewis Gunner in the War department go out so I Speed boat civilian who had only had River "THARK" a man by the name of very highly This coxswain At this of juncture the I would like to recommend the man and back experience succeeded Ambler.
go over again saved. on night and it was sunk but I believe that the boat the to Dunkirk Mohday with no ficer in the boat. intaking He took the boa t crew was from the We treasury four Leading Stokers and two Sergeants of the
The "MARLBOROUGH" had a crew of four Subs, two solicitors
R.A.F. "HAIG" put to sea on Sunday night in company with our sister 2/6
a jetty and off about 40 "poilus". One of our solicitors ship the took and had a quiet voyage acress. We went alongside spoke French which assisted the operation œnsiderably. While we were alongside there was slight enemy air activity and much against the wishes of the rest of the crew who said I was merely attracting attention, I succeeded in firing several hundred rounds into the mishap. air, unfortunately with no success. We returned to Ramsgate without
Treasury and so we signed on an army officer who had been invalided
The next day, Monday, our solicitors had to return to the 3/6
and a retired colonel who had a reputation for being a crack shot with a Lewis.
We went out at 1930 and picked Admiral Taylor up half way across the channel from the Motor Boat "MERMAIDEN". When we got to
Dunkirk we went inside the harbour and quite a long way up the canal and secured. The Admiral went ashore accompanied by two of our crew armed to the teeth. The test of us occupied our time looting and trying to start up derelict cars. Sub. Lt. Poole found a very nice motor cycle and rode it round the docks.
We went off onceto bring boats to the point of embarkation and then secured again. Shortly afterwards machine gunning started quite near and a shell landed in a warehouse about
150 yards away. Fortunately our job was done so we were able to leave. On our way down the canal we came on a blockage of shipping, and going too near the shore went aground on some rubble knocked into the water by a shell. We had the badluck to lose both our screws and our rudder. Three French tugs refused to tow us off but fortunately a Motor A/S Vessel who took us out to the main harbour where we secured to the Motor Yacht "GULZA" who towed us back to Dover.
4/6
We returned to Ramsgate on Tuesday morning by lorry to find
Schoot "PATRIA" which broke down on the way and we were towed in by the operation had been cancelled. I returned to Sheerness inthe a Drifter.
The times in the above are only approximate.
I have the honour to be,
A
Sir,
17 JUN 1940
*
Your obedient servant at E
(SD.) A. CAREW HUNT.
Sub. Lieutenant, Royal Navy.
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Copy to: Commander-in-Chief, The Nore

333
306
RATINGS.
CHARLES HENRY CANNING
P.O.
PJX 128237
DONALD WOMACK
STOKER
PJX 80757
BERNARD CHARLES KINGHAM
A.B. PJX 152715
The above ratings were part of a Royal Naval Division who were stranded on the beach at Dunkirk when serving as an embarkation party. They found a small motor boat, which they repaired. They then took on board twenty-three soldiers and crossed the channel to Margate without chart or compass.
On the way over the boat broke down twice, but the three ratings managed to repair it, and arrived safely in Margate with their load.
HARRY GRIFFITH
DECKHAND H. M. TUG "JAVA"
This man, a merchant seaman, member of crew of H.M. Tug
"JAVA" landed on the beach in a small boat. He ferried backwards and forwards continuously to the Tug under heavy bombing attacks, for eight hours, rescuing many soldiers during the day.
LDG. SEAMAN DUTCH SCHOOT "PATRIA"
J. HAGGAR.
For conspicuous whereby the Schoot On subsequent get service and gallantry "PATRIA" in was working able to an inexperienced crew over 1000 troops. beach, he able occasions, to off Braye making beach direct with contact with (W/D the CMB) large bodies was of troops embark through in "PATRIA" In "HAIG" and Haggar "HAIG", went time, to contacted Malon Les with Bains troops, and went and ashore in safety. in a loads small each boat of in 60 day men Haggar and put also them worked on board a machine "TANKERTON gun
TOWERS" took to such three and effect other that trawlers. he was able to keep dive bombers at an ineffectual height.

369
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16.
At about 1200 Commander Ken and I motored into
29/5
Dunkirk to report progress as embarkation on our beach was then impossible. On our return our lorry was heavily machine gunned and hit. At this period a heavy bombing attack took place on the Fleet and beaches.
17.
On return to our headquarters (a lorry) we decided to make contact with General H.Q. but unfortunately our car broke down and we had to walk back 5 miles.
18.
During the night another naval embarkation party arrived on the beach to the eastward which reduced the limits of our beach.
30/5
19.
Early on Thursday morning 30th I proceeded to e
Brigade H.Q. and offered the suggestion that piers be built by running lorries out to sea. This was quickly done and was successful.
20.
I then drove Colonel Whitten and Colonel Mackenzie into Dunkirk to see Captain Tennant and then drove them back to Brigade H.Q.
21.
During the afternoon and dogwatches the French poured into our beaches but no boats arrived within 1½ miles of our H.Q.
22.
During the last dog the Germans directed mos t accurate artillery fire on our beach. This fire continued throughout the night and our lorry was hit. The beach was completely evacuated by allied soldiers.
23.
We had however taken up quarters in a water-boat that was ashore at low water. No boats had now been in for
16 hours on our beach.
24.
During the night the weather became bad once more -
and a heavy surf was running.
At/

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346
soon as the fighters left, they seemed to know the exact moment in which to approach.
(3)
Lack of satisfactory communication arrangements was most noticeable. There were no portable wireless sets ashore with the beach parties nor were any field telephones supplied by the naval parties. Wednesday, The only method of communicating messages to ships embarking from the beaches was by a written message sent off in a boat. end BO far The 0.8 that most may direction,
Marrative
29th New
I action et 2000 from Dover in ESK, who had on boand 12 small beene persies. These were distributed at the beaches into any craft svailable end
Consedore Hallott VEHICLES jut E drifter to take ensige off shore at Bray est dissolore Stephanon off In Purpose:
30th May
At 0200, 30th which VOIDE off La Parme and heard the general situation from Geptrin
Almahie idain Cantro OF few ships, drifters and other orer's ere the
Locarding slowly with the few bosts available.
alrowd bauches black with troops, a number l beats may t'est bests, principally whalers, and some mater-boat is is visue were, aducation were low and the soa was oalm, but oven S
there vas assign must
It beneze immediately obvieus to time that any Iurge enharketion from the beached OR more inshore boats and crews. The ozens were the expenting WE E could not spare nen from A/A Guns and Americant and I
signaTied to this effect.
During the Porenoon I went into Dunkisk in HERE to 000 the S.N.O.
Was I Tenant VISA may with the C. in D. are La Panns, but nono the less I W.).8
sole to gir lasto the piature. Pinking that the harbour ovaila be used X
Furned No that enharkention States "smkirk was the only practical plan if nombers involved SA substrjuent efforts were directed to the 42. Visa ON 10 expiry signals.
10
At the same Use the benefits Your Se be taxing No the Fulless expecity of
N the boats and the problem X Eart to deal to control the available so as to Balance Mass viro
Control ind not easy? it ESS selfor in see income the beach, mil touch with bankirk involved a close agreement

Controller
434 461
Small Vessels Pool.
8th June 1940.
Dunkirk, work of the I desire In following connection to bring the your with recent notice operations the excellent at capacity in S.V.P. this emergency. found itself forced to act in an operational
Hutchins, case was one particular officer taking boats over, outstanding their services to fill the emergency of and civilians who offered an
1. Among the many officers allowed to Department, and asked had a from a certain M.C., Grenadier Guards. This officer Lieut.Col.R.L. day off
Ramsgate, where he was given charge of a motor boat. Wharton, On the way proceed with my Deputy, Captain my permission E.F. to be to useless. Continuing under one engine, on arrival off Dunkirk over the boat hit submerged wreckage which rendered one engine he found a steamer ashore with her boats at the davits. He went to a destroyer, asked for the loan of four hands, and with these men he lowered the boats, which he used to evacuate soldiers from the beach to the destroyer. I understand some
700 men were thus evacuated. He returned to London in time to go on duty the following morning.
2. Captain E.F. Wharton, R.N. This officer under
Ner
S.N.O., Ramsgate acted as Pier Master for four days at Ramsgate.
Upon him the detailed organisation of "ferrying" with the smaller boats from Ramsgate devolved. Captain Phillimore,
S.N.O., Ramsgate made a special report by telephone on the very valuable services rendered by this officer, and has been asked to report it officially in due course.
3. Paymaster Lieutenant Commander H. Garrett, R.N.V.R.
my Secretary. He showed immense capacity for tireless work, and was practically on the telephone for hours, using his own initiative throughout three nights consecutively. He was responsible for obtaining yachtsmen from the clubs in the late evening, putting them in Admiralty cars and sending them down to
Ramsgate and Sheerness; arranging special forms, which he signed himself, for petrol from garages to bring down over 100
boats from the Upper Thames - again on his own initiative. In various other ways he displayed a grasp of the urgency of the situation, which is deserving of much praise. His readiness to accept responsibility was most praiseworthy. He has of also been some 2,500 offers of motor boats received in responsible for the large additional organisation here collecting with Statute No. 718 of May 10th 1940. His methodical of accordance of these boats by areas allowed the great majority. in service those indexing boats requisitioned by S.V.P. officers being within a few hours.
Lionel Preston
Admiral.
Director Small Vessels Pool.

Page 2.
cutter.
I
my For the Owing rest of to later the the day borrowed until my a whaler last trip and I 2 carried hands from only IMPULSIVE. British 3A36 troops.
were unguarded water than and five below feet, ground the swell hull, and we the fact that SWALLOW's propellors less inshore at some speed, check and it considered it unsafe to go shoot (50 fathoms were in towards turned of grassline the beach, bent and the on to it was nearing allow therefore, the the end cutter to of its run into to tow bows to seaward and the boat 30 fathoms was backed of 3" into rope), shore. the cutter's clambered megaphone how to the water and
Crowds over of the rushed into had by been embarked, I went cutter. and when I I instructed them inboard. of subsequently stopping while the hangers-on cutter out were of pulled reach the remainder; ahead so as to take thought enough cases occasion the when were the very weak and very helpless; was easier, for but in all on one
With men the British troops the loading were of the loaded, were blown in broadside on and to the the whaler, and which in the fully parted, both the cutter instance, case soldiers cutter, the combined efforts of the four Naval beach, ratings and it was only with great difficulty that we re-established it and hoisted a them, using SWALLOW's dinghy. The tow parted again and the line in to were unable to refloat her, so that I was obliged to send in the dinghy.
Each time after loading, I proceeded alongside IMPULSIVE, whicl had a jumping ladder rigged. In order to avoid waste of time in shortening in my eighty-fathom towline, I passed the end of it to
IMPULSIVE and requested her to haul the boats alongside, which was done by part of the ship's company doubling along her deck. After the first trip, I borrowed IMPULSIVE's whaler and two more hands, and made a number of trips from shore to ship towing both boats. There were at this time very few boats working between the shore and the ships, but there were some boats full of troops broached to on the beach and unable to get off. One motor boat belonging to a destroyer, one whaler and a small motor yacht were the only boats working on two or three miles of beach, and in view of the target presented to enemy aircraft by destroyers and other ships waiting to embark troops, I requested
IMPULSIVE to transmit a signal from me to Admiralty, repeated V.A. Dover, requesting more sutters and power boats to speed up the embarkation.
There was some shelling on the beaches, and a good deal of A/A fire from the ships as German aircraft appeared overhead at frequent intervals.
At about midday, IMPULSIVE hoisted two black shapes, and when
I next came alongside she reported that she had struck some wreckage and damaged her port propellor (this happened, I think, while she was taking avoiding action during an attack by aircraft).
As IMPULSIVE had to proceed for docking, I returned her whaler and the borrowed ratings who had manned my cutter, and proceeded to work with WINCHELSEA. Up to this time IMPULSIVE had taken some
400 soldiers, nearly all British. Before she left, I obtained from her
50 gallons of fuel for my boat.
I should like to mention here the ready co-operation of the
Captain, everything possible was done to assist me both by the handling the the First Lieutenant and many others of H.M.S. IMPULSIVE; of petrol, lending a whaler and hands to help in working my cutter short ship to provide a lee, by hauling the long tow line, and by providing and also by providing food for me and my boat's crew during the periods when we were alongside.
I later received much assistance and co-operation from H.M.S.
HINCHELSEA who lent me a signalman and ratings for my cutter and gave
De all her available petrol.

Page 3.
4374
In the early afternoon, the wind lightened and conditions became
Observing that there were boats at the davits of a wreck close
I borrowed some hands from WINCHELSEA to lower and man them, and a R.A.F. launch which was lying astern of a neighbouring vessel to over these boats ex- the wreck and embark troops.
Soon after this, on the suggestion of the Captain of WINCHELSEA, I
making boarded all remaining troops march to Dunkirk for embarkation.
KEITH to discuss with Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker the possibility of
By 1730 hours, there were few troops waiting to embark at this the this time WINCHELSEA signalled proposing that this beach and the remainder were making their way along the beach trip; I concurred. In the last trip only about 30
in the cutter, and I transferred them to the cabin and engine boat, handing over the cutter to the R.A.F. launch.
last half-hour, several dive-bombing attacks were made on which appeared to be straddled by the first salvo. A
transport further to the Eastward was hit about this time, and enemy air
SWALLOW was hit by a few small splinters, presumabli but was undamaged.
After the last trip inshore I proceeded direct to Ramsgate, and arrived there at about 2150 hours. The engines of the boat had and been a since 0315, and when outside Ramsgate first the port, minute running later, the starboard engine failed; the port engine was restarted.
The crew of the SWALLOW worked extremely well throughout and I
would of the Patrol Service at Lowestoft; this man was working and in was the like to bring to your notice the work of an Able Seaman, Peter
Johnson, single-handed for some of the earlïer trips to the beach I
cutter in his efforts and showed great initiative and resource;
put untiring him on board IMPULSIVE before she left and obtained his name as I
wished to draw attention to his very good work.
estimate the total number of troops embarked from 800. the beaches and transferred I to H.M. Ships by SWALLOW as between 600 and
Robin Hutchins
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Grenadier Guards.
(A.L.O., Admiralty).
To be attached to my upat, bleak himel Prescom
Dorp 13.6.

1
440
APPENDIX 5.
RAMSGATE & MARGATE: DYNAMO OPERATION.
R.N.V.R. by arrangement with Rear Admiral A. H. Taylor.
Narrative account prepared by Temp. Lieut. A. Dann, l
any viling activitien UE IIID OVII particular unit or section, and only with the passing of time will the expert be able to piece together the various reports of all who took part.
This is the story of the small motor-boats and the part they played, but even here a connected narrativeis difficult, if not impossible. Each boat with its own tiny crew was thrown more or less upon its own resources; and upon the fortunes of war and the initiative of each boat's captain depends the story each may subsequently tell.
From all around the compass they came. From up the river, along the coast, from the yachting harbours, the pleasure beaches, Naval ports and fishing towns - anything that would
'float, move under its own power, and collect a dozen men or so from the beaches where they waited.
The first assembly to gather at Sheerness was typical of the whole of this miniature armada. A dozen or so of motor yachts from 20' to 50' in length; nicely equipped and smartly maintained by proud individual owners; a cluster of cheap jobs" mainly the work of amateur craftsmen who had

441
To present a comprehensive view of the whole of the naval operations at Dunkirk between May 27th and June 5th is a task for the historian. No man who took an active part can hope to describe anything beyond the activities of his own particular unit or section, and only with the passing of time will the expert be able to piece together the various reports of all who took part.
This is the story of the small motor-boats and the part they played, but even here a connected narrativeis difficult, if not impossible. Each boat with its own tiny crew was thrown more or less upon its own resources; and upon the fortunes of war and the initiative of each boat's captain depends the story each may subsequently tell.
From all around the compass they came. From up the river, along the coast, from the yachting harbours, the pleasure beaches, Naval ports and fishing towns - anything that would float, move under its own power, and collect a dozen men or SO
from the beaches where they waited.
The first assembly to gather at Sheerness was typical of the whole of this miniature armada. A dozen or so of motor yachts from 20' to 50' in length; nicely equipped and smartly maintained by proud individual owners; a cluster of cheap
"conversion jobs" mainly the work of amateur craftsmen who had set to work in their spare time to convert a ship's lifeboat or any old half-discarded hull into a cabin cruiser of sorts for week-end trips on the quiet waters of the up-river reaches.

442
Half a dozen Thames river launches resembling nothing so much as the upper decks of elongated motor-buses with their rows of slatted seats, but given a tang of the waterside by rows of white-painted lifebuoys slung around the upper rails.
The very names of these latter craft are redolent of the quiet of Richmond, Teddington and Hampton Court; "Skylark",
"Elizabeth" and "Queen Boadicea". A strange flotilla indeed to be taking an active part in what has been described as "the greatest naval epic in history".
The crews and their officers too were as miscellaneous an assembly as the craft they manned. First arrived a trickle of R.N.V.R. Sub-Lieutenants direct from training school, taken from their class-rooms often in the midst of a lecture on the
"practical pilotage" they were soon to put to such good account.
Many of these were entering a naval dock-yard for the first time in their lives, yet they clambered over the little ships, bawled for their requirements in food, fuel and water and set to work to prepare for the task in hand, as if to the manner born.
Next came another thin trickle - this time junior Royal
Navy officers who but a short time before were midshipmen on war vessels of various types; little more than schoolboys, yet each possessed of that indescribable sangfroid and cheerful discipline which is the hall-mark of the British naval officer whatever his age or rank.
Lastly - and only a matter of minutes before the time of departure - came the crews; Royal Fleet Reserve men this first batch - tough, stout-hearted and disciplined. No time to pick or choose; stoker ratings first, to man the little engines -
one man to each boat; then the seamen - "Swarm over those boats men and wherever you find an officer aboard ask him if he needs a crew! Three men to the larger boats and two each to the smaller".
2

4438
Ten minutes more and the first convoy is ready for the sea - manned, victualled and fuelled - equipped in fact with all but arms. Only later, when the full peril of their task was realised and returning troops had filled the depots with sandfouled small arms, were weapons available for the crews'
protection. The first convoys sailed gaily into the inferno of Dunkirk beaches without so much as a pistol between them.
Still the boats arrived and still the officers and men flowed into the port; "T.124's" now for the most part. Sturdy fishermen, lightermen and merchant seamen. Now, too, came in increasing numbers the civilian volunteers who played so fine a part in the operation.
In the very first flotilla to leave was one black motor launch, the "Advance", manned entirely by three bearded civilian yachtsmen. This boat and its crew stayed with the writer in convoy through the whole of the first journey across, and after the first murderous machine gun attack from the air three cheerful bearded grinning faces appeared above the fore cabin roof and three pairs of hands were clasped and shaken overhead as a signal that allwas well; only the "Jolly Roger" was lacking to complete that picture.
These men wore no uniform, were born on no ship's books but took the graver risks which attend civilians engaged in military operations as undisturbed as they would take a choppy sea on a week-end cruise.
The journey across, perhaps, afforded the individual his best opportunity of assessing the magnitude of the operation in which he was playing his part. Beautiful yachting weather
(half the small craft could never have made the crossing otherwise), hardly a chop on the water; thewhole vista bathed in summer sunshine; and, across the expanse of sea, an endless stream of laden ships.
From horizon ahead to horizon astern, spanning the whole scene from coast to coast, unloading their human freight and hastily returning for more; an endless
- 3 -

444
succession of British shipping as motley in its larger form as were the motor-boats themselves. Tramps, cargo ships, barges, drifters, tugs, Dutch schoots, British warships, even river ferry-boats such as carry one's car across the Thames at
Woolwich and elsewhere.
Of individual acts only a few can be given; every crew, every man almost, experienced some incident or another. some adventure that could fill a whole small volume on its own. And yet what can a writer do when such men report such events in the tersest of language such as "heavily shelled whilst at work"?
A few reminiscenses may be given here in the hope that some idea of the work may be gathered by anyone who cares to piece them together. Here are some extracts from a letter written by Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N. which serve to illustrate that merry sangfroid which has been referred to earlier:-
"So I proceeded by compass (error 20°) to the Calais -
Gravelines sands and anchored a few hundred yards out.
I was pulled ashore in the boat, which waited for me while I walked inland in search of Allied soldiers.
After about a quarter of a mile I saw two men silhouetted against the glow of a distant blaze. I approached to within a few yards and hailed them.
I heard one of them say "Lieber Gott!" and they turned around and commenced to shoot at me. By this time I had come to the conclusion that I was in enemy territory, so
I hid behind a dune and shot back.
Fortunately it was a very dark night and the Germans could not see me properly, while I could see their outlines quite well. I shot the one on the right twice and he fell without a sound. The other one screamed when I fired two bullets at him, and he dropped whatever he was carrying and then fell and lay still. By this time I heard nearby shouts so, deeming discretion to be the better part of valour, I ran at top speed back to the boat and my ship was under way at her full six knots within less than five minutes."
-
"I proceeded back to Dunkirk as soon as I had landed the soldiers at Ramsgate and arrived just in time to catch the dusk bombing and shelling. There was a lot of shrapnel falling on the beach and I was greatly impressed by the Tommies and Poilus who waded out into the sea and helped the sailors with the boats. Nowhere did Isee any signs of cracking morale or anything but cheerfulness.
-
"I went back for the last time the same evening. Dunkirk was by now a flamir DIGHT unsulba in the "Swallow"
and proceeded todna S kct with a slower motor-bernoon INEM untern to manionother War
Department I -Denimm wartlerc vao imar reemonant nortly afterwards sunbSe=b6sih beat 6/PLB oDoor some of the

4457°
French with Staff, but I could up the Poilus and a few not find any so I filled shooting was extremely wild and in we German got away unscathed."
inner harbour was Tommies. already The furthest hands end but of their
He finishes up his letter with this characteristic remark -
in "That all." is all I did at Dunkirk (:). I went over five times
For brevity and preciseness in describing real achievement in the face of danger, the following from Lieut. C.W. Read,
R.N.R. is characteristic:-
"Made 7 complete return trips to Dunkirk Beaches; average number soldiers carried 60 = approx. 420 soldiers. Made
10 trips from Mole at Dunkirk to transports lying off, under shrapnel = 600 soldiers.
Rescued Chief Steward and 39 soldiers from water ex S/S
Scotia and bombed whilst doing SO.
On last return journey was caught in parachute flares, bombed and then machine-gunned, but escaped without damage owing to speed and quickness on helm of "Bonnie
Heather". Service finished at 5.0 p.m. on 4th June.
Estimated number of soldiers handled in launch:-
Dunkirk Beaches to Ramsgate
420/450
Dunkirk Mole to Transports lying off
600/650
Rescued from S/S Scotia
40.
With compasses of doubtful accuracy and no other navigating instrument but a lead pencil, the difficulties of navigation once a boat lost contact with the main convoy were immense.
Some of the small craft had not even a compass; yet all who left the other side in safety managed to reach the English coast to re-fuel and set off again to repeat the adventure.
One officer even tells how, after wandering all through the night with a compass he could not trust, he put into
Calais! Only after twenty minutes heavy shelling did he escape with his craft intact.
The narrowness of such escapes could be repeated again and again. The writer himself, whilst leading a column of six small white painted yachts was subjected to dive machinegunning from three successive flights of three enemy aircraft.
With no arms whatever with which to offer resistance, the column was almost a sitting target and the airplanes could approach till they almost touched the cabin roofs. Yet,
- 5 -

44671
unbelievable close though it may seem, of all these six boats in formation not one lost so much as a chip of paint.
Amongst the commoner difficulties encountered were submerged lorries in whichtroops had apparently driven right down to the water' S edge at low tide. Another source of much trouble close inshore was the large amount of floating grass rope which various craft had used and lost in their rescue work and numerous articles of military equipment, such as greatcoats. Quite a few small motor boats were put temporarily out of action by the ropes and garments fouling the boats'
screws and many times the crews (stripped or not as occasion permitted) were obliged to go over the side and free these obstructions before they could carry on.
As those boats which made the earlier crossings returned with their stories of the difficulties to be overcome, other crews profited by their experience, to add to - or in some cases to subtract from - the equipment carried. Arms were principally in demand and the depot was raided time and again by officers and crews in search of anything with which they could hit back. As one manexpressed it "Even a record of the
1812 overture would be better than nothing".
By this time too, volunteers of all sorts, military as well as civilians, were besieging those boats which were ordered out, and many were the last minute "pier head jumps"
on to already moving craft by those who were determined not to be left out.
One story relates how two army cadets disappeared from a machine-gun nest on the harbour wall complete with gun. They were next heard of bringing down an enemy plane off Dunkirk from the deck of a small motor boat!
The principal work accomplished by these small craft consisted of what may best be called "ferrying". Theshore off the beaches to the east of Dunkirk shallows very gradually;
at times there is no more than two or three feet of water for
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447
over inshore a hundred yards out to sea. A long rolling surf flows most of the time and even the shallow draught motorboats could not approach closely with any degree of safety.
Open boats of all kinds from naval cutters and whalers to seaside dinghies were towed over from England by the motorboats themselves and by other craft. Some of these pulling boats were manned by odd naval ratings, others by the soldiers themselves.
One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling the motor-boats' screws with painters and odd lines attached to these pulling boats. It is amazing how much sea-room a soldier can take up with a couple of fathoms of rope! Carley floats and inflated motor inner tubes also played their part in carrying men from the beach to the motor boats, which in turn took aboard those on these more precarious perches and towed the loaded pulling boats to larger craft lying off in waiting, picking up their own or any other empty boats and towing them back inshore for further loads.
As petrol ran short each motor boat would pick up such men as it could carry and set off back to England for more petrol, then out again for further service.
During Wednesday, May 29th, the Mole at Dunkirk was apparently rendered temporarily useless so that most, if not all of the troops had to be taken from the beaches. During this day, too, and for at least a part of the following day, air attack continued almost unabatedly from dawn to dusk;
dive-bombing for the larger ships and machine-gunning for the smaller.
Later in the week, although the R.A.F. were present in greater numbers to relieve the pressure from the air, shelling added to the difficulties and men were being hit in the pulling boats as they carried on their work.
By the week-end evacuation from Dunkirk harbour was in full swing again and the beaches were often almost deserted.
- 7

472 H9P
Margete
SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE, 1940.
0005.
"QUEEN OF THANET".
850.
0130.
"KINGFISHER".
157.
0400.
"ORANJE".
100.
0500.
"GOLDEN EAGLE".
1250.
0415.
"MOTOR BOAT".
23.
0510.
"SALTASH".
400.
0600.
"WESTWARD HO".
720.
x
900
0610.
"ROYAL EAGLE".
1250.
0630.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
47.
0830.
"LADY SOUTHBORO".
350.
0950.
"PRINCESS ELIZABETH".
510.
0950.
"GALLEONS REACH"
123.
*
1
Alien Postal worker French.
J
1045.
"QUEENS CHANNEL".
52.
1145.
"WHIPPINGHAM".
2500.
1215.
"DUNDALK".
280.
"FOREMOST".
200.
1345.
1420.
"ORIEL".
470. + 1. Pathe Gazette
Man.
"AEGIR".
130.
1650.
1450.
"VINCIA".
108.
1600.
"KINGFISHER".
210. + 2 Belgian Airman, supposed to have escaped from Germans.
"QUEEN OF THANET".
1500.
1650.
"K.G.V."
700.
1740.
x
243
1740.
"HALCYON".
58.
"SALTASH".
350.
1830.
"WESTWARD HO".
918. + 1 Alien under arrest
2030.
2100.
"ANTJE".
150.
"RAPID I".
25.
2100.
"HOPPER 24".
580.
2215.
TOTAL.
14011.

477 501
Total.
Carried Forward. 33107.
"DUNDALL".
730.
450. 280.
"TWENTE".
350.
"ANTJE".
450.
300. 150.
"BRIGHTON QUEEN".
160.
"LADY SOUTHBORO".
350.
"GALLEONS REACH".
123.
PLIMIMMON
"PHINLIMON".
900.
"QUEEN OF THANET". 2500.
850. 1500. 150.
5000
MOTOR BOAT.
23.
"SALTASH".
750.
"WESTWARD HO".
1686.
720.
918.
48.
3372
"VINCIA".
108.
"HALCYON".
58.
"QUEENS CHANNEL".
52.
"WHIPPINGHAM".
2500.
"FOREMOST".
200.
"ORIEL".
2020.
470.
750.
750.
50.
4040
"RAPID I".
25.
"OFFENIA".
50.
"TANGELLE MARIE".
25.
"GUILLEMOT".
460.
L2 TRAWLER.
85.
AD.389 TRAWLER.
60.
46722.
TOTAL.

51.8
494
The Royal Engineers had constructed a pier of motor vehicles, and from this I was able to get aboard H.M.S. Lydd, whence I was able to rejoin A.L.C.5.
Leading Seaman Harris had been in great pain for some time apparently having ruptured himself, but had pluckily carried on working. I
considered that he should receive medical attention, and accordingly placed him on a Destroyer.
8.
By this time the sea was running high, but by towing two cutters and two whalers simultaneously, we were able to make several trips from the improvised pier, carrying a large number of men.
Eventually a rope round the starboard propellor stopped the engine, and the craft was beached near low water in order to clear it.
Both screws were badly fouled and as the craft sank into the soft mud, little could be done to clear them. Severe air raids were almost continuous in our vicinity
AS soon as she could be got afloat
5 took three boat loads of troops

Drafts sent to H.M.S. Fervent during Dynamo Operation.
536
May 29 th.
0.
Draft of Pembroke Ratings sent from Dover
63.
00
Draft of Chatham ratings sent from Chatham
180
Dfaft from Portsmouth
125.
May 30th.
Draft sent from Devonport
61.
May 31st.
A.M Draft sent from Devonport
87.
P.M. Draft sent from Lowestoft
54
P.M Draft sent from Chatham
M.B.D.' 70.
Draft sent from Chathem
Mage 1st.
Motor Boat drivers
22.
Draft sent from Chatham
Tptal 662
There were also several parties of special men sent, such as
E.R.A's and Diesel engine drivers from different depots.
5th. All were returned to their depots on Dynamo operation draft who ratings with the exception of the Portsmouth and who were being were retained completed for clearing up the base and harbour returned to depot on June 7th.
is
Coke arrived

) 2 (
548
DYNAMO OPERATION - DISTRIBUTION OF LEWIS GUNS
JANE HANNAH
SUN VIII
NARCISSA
ROSE
ACE
BETTY
CLACTON LIFE-
WINSTON
RACIA
MATILDA
BOAT
MERMAID
ADMIRALS BARGE LURNILYNE
MISS MING
MADAME SANGENE
HALCYONE
ELIZABETH OREEN
LETITIA
M.B. 1711
PIGEON
M.B. 37270
HAIG.
M.B. 74
WORF
4. Other smaller craft were also fitted with guns when these became available duo to the vessels proviously fitted being no longer required or unable to continue the operation. In addition magazines were refilled and spare ammunition was supplied as it became necessary.
5. A number of Lewis guns were transferred from ship to ship by the various officers when they changed their commands, and of these we have no record.
6. Four Q.0's for overhauling, and twelve ratings were sent from Chatham and they assisted in the above work.
LEWIS GUNNERS. /
7. All the 23 Lewis gunners sent from London were embarked for the operation, together with those from
Ramagate, most of them making several crossings, and all showed groat keenness in performing their duties.
8. All have returned to Ramsgate with the exception of
Cyril Head
)
J.S. Parker
)
Tug "SUN IV" (sent to Dover)
R. Jewitt
)
Tug "SUN XV" (sent to London)
Loslie Reed )
C.DRichards.
Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
For D.E.M.S. Staff officer,
Ramsgate.