TNA ADM 199 790

&
I
187
made for the coast.
All five of us had so far crossed safely.
At 0500 arrived at beach near La Panne, and recognised it as Cupola, hundreds upon hundreds of troops waiting to be taken off. I proceeded, stopped just out off the surf and commenced towing boatloads of soldiers to Destroyers and Trawlers.
I continued without stopping for any reason until about
1200 30/5/40, when alongside a Destroyer, a voice hailed me, saying,
"Well done, motor boat, wait for me".
An Officer wearing a lambskin coat came on board. He was wet through, however, he said he wanted me to carry on as I was doing and that then he would have one or two other jobs for me.
So I carried on taking off troops to ships. In the late afternoon the Officer above mentioned, whose name I then leanred was Commodore Stephens or Stevens, asked me to run him down to a certain position on the beach, and he instructed me not to do anything until he returned as he was going ashore to look for Lord
Gort, and, if he got him, I was to take him straight to England.
Enemy shore batteries were now on and off dropping heavy shells quite close. Commodore Stephens waded ashore through the surf, up to the neck in water. In an hour's time he returned, waded out again, but did not mention Lord Gort's name, and I did not ask him why he had not come.
I made a good guess.
The Commodore then ordered me to close a destroyer, and I had the honour of receiving my Admiral on board with C.O.S. ( I can't remember his name). I closed the surf to land him by his whaler which I was towing. However, he ddd not land and I returned him aboard his ship. shells stillfalling around.
Commodore Stephens and I then carried on taking troops to ships.
Long before this I had spoken to "SILVER QUEEN" and made sure she had distributed her petrol supplies.
She disappeared about this time and I did most of the rescue work myself,
(with one or two boats from destroyers) from now on until the following afternoon. At 0100, rescued 7 soldiers from drowning.
Continued rescue work until 0200 (approx.) 31/5/40
when, being in very close inshore, I went aground; I knew the tide was rising so didn't worry, but put out my anchor astern and tried to heave her off.
Succeeded in floating her at 0400 and carried on as before.
Now I was feeling the strain somewhat, but worse lay ahead. At about 0800 strong North wind and very heavy swell, boat rolling and pitching at every turn and going alongside ships was very difficult.
Commodore Stephens now asked me to take him out to an
M.T.B. which had come in, and he asked me to continue the good work alone.
He said I had done good work, but could not allow me to rest, too much remained to be done.
I might say that the
Commodore said I was "A good fellow", and on other occasions said
I was "a bloody fool". It is not my place to pass remarks about
Senior Officers, but this Officer, without cap, soaked through, without food, was a great example to me.
He helped me to steer, to pass lines, to haul drowning soldiers aboard, and very often would say, "Come on the Army".
"Where have I seen you before, you are so good looking, I'm sure I know you".
Other times he cursed the lot as stupid.
I carried on after he left me and so I come to 1330 on
31/5/40. sight, and heavy shelling was taking place, suddenly the shelling
I was heading close inshore at this time, no boats in became terrific, and my Cox. called out "For God's sake get off,
Sir, look, all the destroyers have left".
It was as he said, but a small Merchant ship remained.
I closed her and saw she too was heaving up. so I proceeded after the destroyers towards
Dunkerque. the last Naval Boat. The troops had all disappeared from the
I was the last Naval Officer to leave La Panne, and beach. to the most Easterly position from Dunkerque in which our ships
I proceeded along the beach close inshore, until I came lay.
I got a very heavy boat load of troops in tow.

-3-
to 188
At this time a terrific aerial battle was on, shells from shore batteries were falling around and bombs dropping all over the place in close proximity. As I was towing this boat I saw a bomb hit the pleasure steamer "PRINCE OF WALES". I closed her and took aboard two badly wounded Officers and two ratings.
I offered to go aboard as she was sinking slowly, but was told only two dead remained on board.
Just before this, ordinary seaman Purbrick fell overboard from exhaustion and I picked him up somehow.
My Cox. was sleeping on his feet on and off and the two others lay down and stood up as strength permitted.
The C.O. of the "PRINCE OF WALES", although covered in blood, offered to try and steer the boat.
I then saw a man swimming naked in the water.
Stopped and got him.
Next a heavily loaded boat of soldiers turned right over close inshore, and left the men struggling in the water. I
got down to them and rescued the lot personally hauling them aboard with my crews feeble assistance.
While doing this, I got a rope round my Starboard screw and fouled the rudder. I now had a full load of soldiers on board (six wounded) a full boat load towing and soldiers clinging to the stern.
With what I thought was the last of my strength, I got my launch alongside a lifeboat and from there hauled her hand over hand, by means of a grass rope, up to the sloop "MOSQUITO". I then discovered the lifeboat's propeller was also fouled. Neither
I
nor my crew could clear the propeller, so I boarded "MOSQUITO" and asked the 1st Lieutenant to send someone to do so.
Meanwhile,
I
went below for a cup of tea.
I came on deck in fifteen minutes, but the rope could not be cleared I was told.
Air battle still in progress with bombs dropping all around.
I then with difficulty closed the yacht "GALETA" and asked her to take me in tow.
The C.O.'s ship was in a very bad position with regard to German shore batteries, nevertheless, he wanted another boat load of troops before leaving and asked me to try and close the beach and get one. I said I would, but asked him to watch out for me in case
I got ashore.
I proceeded towards the beach just then coincident with an explosion of some kind.
The launch seemed to rise from the water, fall back, rise again and fall back.
I could only move slowly now and I saw the yacht was drawing the fire from shore. One of the crew called out that the yacht was signalling me. I looked round and saw she was signalling me. With great difficulty I got alongside and made her fast for towing, then slumped on the yacht's deck, stupified with exhaustion, want of sleep and food, I suppose.
Unfortunately the tow rope parted a few minutes later.
The C.O. of yacht objected and rightly so to going back to the shealed area with his ships and troops on board.
So the "TRITON" was left afloat with a rope round her screw and a badly damaged stem and stern.
I regret exceedingly that I did not get her home again for various reasons.
It was about 1840 31st May, 1940, when my activities ceased.
I had been on my feet from 0700 29th May, to 1840 31st May, 1940, in a small craft, without sleep and the only food eaten from 2000 29th
May to that time was one tin of herrings, ont tin of bully beef and between five and two slices of bread each also four cups of tea without sugar.
We simply had not time to eat.
A few more remarks and I finish. I was the only
Commissioned Officer (excluding Commodore Skippers) who was constantly in the boats at La Panne.
I took off more troops than I can remember there - scores and scores of boat loads and I venture to say if my boat had not remained there to the last, hundreds would never have got away.

4-
MP 189
I was not instructed to proceed from La Panne to Dunkirk by anyone.
saw three planes crash in the sea close to me near Dunkirk, and seven I
I did so on my own initiative to save troops.
Airmen descend by parachute.
Sunday, I noticed slight bruises on my left leg from blows probably. On
Although not wounded, splinters fell around me.
My arms feel as if they had been pulled from their sockets and my back is sore. I lost my voice through hailing boats at La Panne -
it is now returning.
I am quôte rested and ready for action if required.
The crew sent with me knew nothing of making fast ropes or steering, but under fire, in spite of great exhaustion, were A.I.
and exhibited on and off, great interest in all that was happening.
I respectfully subihit they are worthy of some recognition.
I have the honour to be, Sirs,
Your obedient servant,
(Sgd) R.H. Irving lieutenant, R.N.R.
Crew of Motor Boat "TRITON".
S. KEITH
Sea. Cox.
J. STEVENS
Ord. Sea.
D. SIMPSON
E.R.A.
C. GLYN
Ord. Sea.
F.G. PURBRICK
Ord. Sea.
-II-
OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OPERATION
"DYNAMO"
SHEERNESS.
Forwarded.
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
4th June, 1940.
SHEERNESS

_203
LAUNCH "TRITON"
for 190
Lieutenant R.H. INVING, R.N.R.
3, KNITH. Sea. Cox.
J.STEPHENS. Ord.Sea.
D. SIMPSON. B.R.A. (utterly useless)
0. GLYNN. Ord.Sea.
F.G. PURBRICK. Ord.Sea. (fell overboard and had to put him on "MOSQUITO"
suffering from cold and shook).
I was at Sheerness as No.1 of Dutch Scoot "PRINCESS JULIANA"
Wednesday 20th May 1940, was instructed to proceed from Sheernoss to
Ramsgate in charge of 13 Launches, various kinds and speeds - handed over
12. Left Sheerness about noon Wednesday, 29th May.
Arrived Ramagate about 1930
Left Remagate about 2150
for Cuploa near La Penne with 9 launches.
Very vague instructions about La Panne and was not definitely informed whether British troops were actually there. Had bad visibility and did not know exact position but made Cuploa 0500, Thursday morning -
only 5 launches arrived in company, others broke down and returned to
Ransgate. Launch "SILVER QUEEN" was of great assistance.
From 0500, Thursday, 30th May to about 1700 Friday, 31st May
I towed or picked up hundreds of troops and transferred them to destroyers, scoots etc. Launches not equipped with proper towing topes and crew very unsemanlike. Had to steer and make fast myself. Commodore Stephens used my launch and participated in taking off troops, no one at Cuploa to give to instructions.
I worked all Thursday night and carried on until 1330 when ship was shelled heavily and all ships proceeded towards Dunquarque and I was last to leave Cuploa under heavy shell fire.
I proceeded towards Dunquerque along the beach and on arriving at extreme west end of Dunquerque beach a heavy air attack and fire from shore batteries was falling all round. I took the most westerly boat in tow and when looking round to find a near ship, saw the large launch "PRINCE
OF WALES" struck by a bomb, I proceeded with the boat I had in tow towards her and found 4 survivors very bedly wounded ready to take off. Two others were dead on board. On the way to the sloop "MOSQUITO" with survivors I
resoued soldiers from drowing whose boat had sunic close ashore. While doing this my starbcard propeller get fouled and I had a terrible job to get to the sloop "MOSQUITO" with troops and wounded from "PRINCE OF MALZES".
All this time bombing and shelling was going on. I landed all on the
"HOSQUITO" and then asked the "MOSQUITO" to tay and clear ay propeller, they tried but could not do so. I them consulted the First Lieutement and he suggested that I get a tow home. I spproached the yacht "CALSTA", the C.O. immediately asked me to get him troops but I told him I would attempt it with one engine although I could not handle her. I got near the west beach and immediately came under shore fire and no boats being ready to come off "GALETA" signelled me to return as he was being shelled and had to get out of it. I got back and made the launch fast for towingunder fire, but the tow rope broke and the Launch being in the hotly peppered area and close to the surf the C.O. of "CALETA" and myself thought it would endanger his vessel to remain there to try and pick up again so chose inshore.
Neither I or the arew had any sleep or proper food from Wednesday morning until the launch was abandoned at 1640 Friday. All of us were stupid with exhaustion.
I took off more troops at Cuploa than anyone else.
I have lost my voice meantime through constant hailing of boats and giving orders. The "TRITON" was damaged badly in the stern and bow through going alongaide ships so frequently in a very heavy swell. I have lost my uniform cap and raincoat, rasor and other items.
My information on sailing from Ramsgate was - "No troops east of
La Panne or west of Braye Duns", the first item was correct byrb the second quite wrong.

Dynoms 190.
204
191
REPORT ON WORK DONE ON DUNKIRK BEACH BY "CONSTANT NYMPH" 30/31 MAY, 1940.
CHARGE HAND. - B.A. Smith., Little Ship Club (Owner of motor boat).
CREW.
-
STOKERS ALLEN AND MIXIKUE from Sheerness.
We left Ramsgate about 3.30 Pollo on 30th May, 1940, in tow of
H.M.S. "Jutland" (A Dutch boat taken over by Navy) after lying outside the
Harbour from 9.30 a.m., during which time we had done a little ferrying work between ships.
We were towed with a whaler and cutter on same tow.
Arrived at our station some miles east of Dunkirk Harbour about
9.30 p.m. and towed whaler and cutter to beach as soon as "JUTLAND" had
30/5
anchored slight mist.
At first we could only find Frenchmen on the beach and took off several boat loads, then a British officer waded and swam to "CONSTANT NYMPH"
while running slowly up and down the beach line in about 3 feet 5 inches waiting for the boats to be filled and keeping a look out for British troops,
In spite of darkness and slight mist, the fires on shore and fine night made bodies of men show up against the sand.
On hearing from British officer that thousands of our men. were a little nearer Dunkirk, we worked further up and got mainly British for some time; not many wounded.
One nice fire which was a leading mark was blown out by another bomb later on in the night, but we were fairly well at home by then and it caused no delay.
Having filled "JUTLAND", the motor-boat with whaler and outter turned over to "LAUDANIA",a similar ship, and filled that. "JUTLAND" left
31/5
about 3 a.m.
I am informed by Captain of "LAUDANIA" that these ships hold about
450 men each, making a total of 900 men taken off.
About 8 a.m. "LAUDANIA" was full and the cutter was aground under a stranded lighter and her crew could not get her off, Captain of "LAUDANIA"
told me to get the crew if I could not get the outter, and this was done.
Certain odd boats were found on the beach by troops of both nations, any found trying to row to ships in our area were collected and towed to ship, mk and efforts made to use them again if serviceable. These efforts were usually hampered by Frenchmen not tying up to the ship when boarding and letting the boat drift.
Bombing in the district seemed fairly continuous, some explosions shook the boat a good bit, but nothing seemed very near.
Anti-aircraft fire seemed to come from the beach in many cases, tracer bullets from that line were often to be seen.
There was some heavy shelling, apparently directed by planes dropping Very lights over the ships, one crump was either very near or very big as the boat trembled as if she had grounded.
Being deaf and having a lot to de prevented my noticing the bombing much but my crew seemed to think it was increasing with daylights
About 8 a.m. on Friday, 31st May, 1940, having used all fuel and got rope in the propeller, I was ordered to turn over the motor boat and whaler to a Drifter believed to have fuel and mechanics, and go aboard
"LAUDANIA" which left at once with all orews and arrived Margate about 5 p.m.
Both Allen and Medkle, the two young Stoker ratings who were my crew, worked steadily and efficiently throughout the ten hours or so of working on the beach and were always on the look-out for swimmers or odd craft to be picked up.
These lads had hover been to sea and were only enlisted in January
1940, they informed me.
(sa) B.A. Smith.
6th June, 1940,

Dynam 232
205
192
LOG of H.M. Motor Boat LADY CABLE of Torquay during operations carried out June 2md and 3rd, 1940.
In command: Acting Sub-Lieutenant G.A. Cadell, R.N.
Cadet Rating G.R. Price
Stoke Worsall
Able Seaman or Ordinary Seaman Smith from Newfoundland,
Sunday, June 2nd, 1940.
Took over boat during forenoon from Mr. Gooding who operates boat for owner at Torquay. She had done one trip to the beaches near Dunkirk. Took on provisions, water, petrol, etc. Mr. Gooding showed Stoker Worsall the working of the engines Cylinder Atlantic - running on petrol.
At about 1500 went over to Prince of Wales Pier and was then taken in tow by SUN VI, together with two life-boats and one other craft. Started for Dunkirk at approximately
1530, having been handed previously copy of Sailing
Instructions to Drifters, together with rough sketch map of course to follow. After uneventful trip arrived off
Dunkirk harbour at about 2230 and received orders to proceed in harbour and go a long way up the Mole to embark soldiers - fill up and return to tug, then go in for further loads. At times had difficulty in persuading
French troops to embark in LADY CABLE, the reason apparently being reluctance to break their units or to act without definite orders from their officer who was probably still in the town of Dunkirk. However, we took four boat loads off - each load containing between 40 and 50 soldiers.
Three loads I took to tugs and one to H.M.S. WISHART when tug was not in usual position. Spoke to tug after fourth trip and was informed that it would soon be light and that she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible and if tug could not wait, would return to England under own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting for us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped again. Noticed we were close to W.D. craft (later found to be HAIG) who I imagined from her position was watching us and would/

206
123
would be able to assist us if necessary and realised that we were the last English boat leaving harbour. Could not get engine of LADY CABLE to start but after a short while
W.D. boat came nearly alongside her engines were running and making considerable noise. Their action then appeared light. to me suspicious - she appeared to be undamaged in the half
By now dawn was nearly breaking. When W.D. boat came close to us I ordered one of my crew - Cadet Rating Price -
to board her. He managed to jump aboard but the two boats drifted apart. Price shouted that there was nobody aboard.
Yet her engines were going - in neutral of course. Displaying great initiative and resourcefulness, Price was able to make
HAIG go slow ahead and was able to steer her close enough to LADY CABLE for me to jump aboard. Our first efforts to get a line between the two boats were unsuccessful.
The operation was made difficult by the LADY CABLE being full of French soldiers who did not of course appreciate what was happening and were therefore unable to be of much assistance however willing they might be. After some time the two boats were secured but in order to pass a line it had been necessary for Price to swim from the HAIG to the
LADY CABLE with it. Price did this on his own initiative and displayed great courage and efficiency.
By the time the two boats were secure it was almost broad daylight and we were still very close to Dunkirk
Harbour and appeared to have drifted inshore to the S.W. and were very close to the pall of smoke which shrouded the coast to the West of Dunkirk.
On inspecting condition of HAIG found that she had a fair amount of water forward and was damaged extensively on the port bow. However, I got French poilus to work the pump in relays and towing LADY CABLE and going very slow ahead were able to make progress and prevent the water forward from rising.
For some time we did not discover that each engine had a separate control lever and had been going ahead on one engine only. For several hours we made slow progress.
Worsall was trying to get LADY CABLE's engine to start again and Smith was steering her. I left most of the French in
LADY CABLE.
I saw a submarine half surface about half a mile ahead on one occasion and also a number of German aircraft passed close ahead of us. Luckily we were either not seen or not deemed of sufficient importance to attack. A French destroyer came and had a look at us but I did not signal to her as we were making fair progress. A flight of 3
Hurricanes flew low over us and later we saw Spitfires and Defiants, but luckily no German planes approached us.
The starboard engine of HAIG packed up I think about
0730. I had not time to keep a detailed log of events.
By this time Stoker Worsall had got engine of LADY CABLE
to go again and I secured her alongside HAIG as towing her astern with only our port engine going was too difficult.
For a considerable time we made very slow progress using engines of both boats. LADY CABLE's engine kept stopping, which made our progress very slow and steering difficult. At last/ French
4-funnelled light cruiser or large destroyer X 440 (I think)
with bow wave painted on her, saw us and came up to help. I
had/

INFIDENTIAL
Dynam 346. 3/4/0/1384
197
From... THE COMMANDING OFFICER, R.N. AIR STATION, FORD,
NR. ARUNDEL, SUSSEX.
Date... 17th. June, 1940.
No. 541.
To
... THE VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
(Copy to:- The Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.)
REPORT ON EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
The attached reports made by ratings serving in the Motor Boats "Andora" and 275 during operation
"Dynamo" are forwarded in accordance with C.P.G.O.
No.1700. Paragraph I.
2.
With reference to paragraph 2 of C.P.G.O. No.
1700, I have interrogated the crews of the motor boats concerned and consider that Able Seaman Strand acted with coolness and resource under fire in that he took charge of the boat when his officers and coxswain had been wounded and took action to enable identification of the boat to be effected.
Rathanton
VICE AUMIRAL
CAPTAIN (A)+
19 JUN 1940
DOVER
Lynamo

ENCLOSURE I. TO FORD'S NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
198
REPORT BY STOKER A. BENHAM, STOKER OF
MOTOR BOAT, NO.275
P.M. 29th.
Left Littlehampton and arrived Newhaven same evening, had a spot of bother before we were allowed to enter harbour and stay the night.
A.M. 30th.
Left Newhaven for Ramsgate arriving P.M. same day.
Port Stern Gland was leaking badly had to be repacked on arrival, Refuelled and ready to sail.
A.M. 31st.
Was ordered to leave Ramsgate independently for Dunkirk.
C.P.O. Leighton, Cox., A.B. Strand and Stoker Benham, crew. Left harbour and picked up convoy already leaving for Dunkirk. After about 2/2 to 3 hours out we had trouble again with Port Stern Gland and returned to harbour and repacked and tightened up both Stern Glands.
A.M. lst.
Was called again about 4.30 and ordered to sail and proceed to Dunkirk. Two Sub-Lientenants R.H.V.R.
volunteered to come with us as their boat was unfit for the trip, and an extra Able Seaman came aboard with them for the trip. On the way to Dunkirk was kept busy,
Able Seaman Strand watching for aircraft and myself tending engines, had no more trouble with Stern Glands,
There was quite a considerable amount of aircraft about and our destroyers were continually repelling their attacks. Struck something below water starboard side which made the boat jump but no damage seemed to be done as the engine was running smoothly and we were not making water, so we carried oh. On sighting Dunkirk we saw two large ships loaded with soldiers steamin down the coast and all small craft following, so we decided to follow as there was nothing we could do there. After about 10 minutes steaming we saw a crowd of German áircraft in the air flying at a great height. About six detached themselves, and dived down at the two big ships. They did not release their bombs until they were almost on the ships, registered hits which sunk both ships quite close to each other. We were travelling at full speed and picked up 10 of the survivors which made the boat full. As the bombers were still very active in the vicinity, we decided it was best to leave with all possible speed for home.
After about half to three-quarters of an hour we were mistaken for German Torpedo Boat by our own trawlers, who opened fire on us at close range. I saw C.P.O.
Leighton leave the boat after a shell had wrecked the wheel house and Able Seaman Strand dashed forward to grab the wheel, I got on to the side and saw one of the trawlers bearing down on us as though it was going to ram us, she was just about a boat's length away when I
jumped into the water, for it seemed impossible that she would miss us. But Strand must have swung boat around enough to clear. I was picked up by one of the boats after swimming around for a while. I dont know how long.
I did not see any one else of the boat's crew until we arrived at Margate, when Able Seaman Strand came aboard the trawler I was on and spoke to me about the affair.
The only....

212
199
Page 2
TO ENCLOSURE I. TO FORD'S LETTER NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
The only other person that I saw who was aboard the boat when we were fired on was a Frenchman and he was not interested as he had passed over the border.
Able Seaman Strand reported himself and me by phone on arrival at Margate.
2nd. Reported to the Officer i/c and was given warrants for transfer to Littlehampton. Left A.M. and arrived at
Littlehampton P.M. reported to Camp on arrival.
(SIGNED)
A. BENHAM, STOKER.
shook from bomb explosion. Warships in vicinity continually repelling air attacks. Just off shore at Dunkirk we saw all small boats suddenly turn about and leave, as if ordered so our Officer i/c decided on own responsibility to do likewise. No ship near to give a general order.
On turning saw 2 large ships steaming away from Dunkirk packed with soldiers. Suddenly a crowd of German bombers came out of the clouds, dropped their bombs and disappeared.
Direct hits were registered on both big ships which sank within 20 minutes. All small boats, including ours, naturally steamed all out to pick up survivors. We picked up 10 and as bombs fell, Officer i/c decided to make back to Ramsgate. Large destroyer on the scene of resume was being bombed but kept raiders off.
After steaming back for approx. 4 hour saw three trawlers,
2 on Stb. hand and 1 on Port. I saw one making morse signal and shouted to C.P.O. on wheel to stop engines and asked for torch to try and answer signal, but could not be heard or was disregarded. Shot fired across bows, but still steaming fast towards trawlers. Next thing, very heavy firing from I
think, all 3 trawlers, our boat being the target at about
1,600 yards. All hands except both R.N.V.R. Officers and myself went over the side. Firing eased a little so I
grabbed our ensign and waved it as I could plainly see they were our own chaps. Firing ceased, trawler sent boat after chaps in water, got our boat alongside. Both Officers, C.P.O.
Lighton and several survivors wounded, 1 dead (perhaps 2)
belonging to crew of sunk transport.
Later took our boat in tow (messed up a bit) and transferred us to a minesweeper which eventually took us into Ramagate.
I moored our boat at Pier and being ignorant of what reports, if any, had been sent decided to report by wire, which I did,
Sun. 2nd.
Stoker Benham and self reported again to N.O.i/c. Got orders to leave boat where it was, would be looked after, handed rail warrant for Littlehampton. On arrival P.M. reported to
Commander personally.
(SIGNED) L.F. STRAND.

212A
ENCLOSURE II. TO FORD'S NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.4
200
REPORT BY ABLE SEAMAN NO.275. L.F. STRAND - CREW OF MOTOR BOAT
P.M. 29th. Left Littlehampton. Got permission, after much trouble to enter and stay night in Newhaven.
A.M. 30th. Left Newhaven for Ramsgate and arrived P.M. - refuelled and awaited orders.
A.M. 31st. At 4.30 A.M. ordered to leave Ramsgate independently, for
Dunkirk. C.P.O. Leighton i/c, Stoker Benham and Able
Seaman Strand. Outside harbour picked up convoy of small boats. 3 hours out approx. developed leak in Port
Stern Gland. C.P.O. Lighton ordered me (Strand) to turn ship and return to Ramsgate. Arrived back in Ramsgate P.M.
and had Gland repacked.
A.M. 1st. 4.30 again ordered to Dunkirk. Before leaving & Sub-
Lieutenants (R.N.V.R. volunteered to join boat as their engine had given them trouble. Got charts etc., and got under way. No convoy. Near Dunkirk, boat struck obstacle or shook from bomb explosion. Warships in vicinity continually repelling air attacks. Just off shore at Dunkirk we saw all small boats suddenly turn about and leave, as if ordered so our Officer i/c decided on own responsibility to do likewise. No ship near to give a general order.
On turning saw 2 large ships steaming away from Dunkirk packed with soldiers. Suddenly a crowd of German bombers came out of the clouds, dropped their bombs and disappeared.
Direct hits were registered on both big ships which sank within 20 minutes. All small boats, including ours, naturally steamed all out to pick up survivors. We picked up 10 and as bombs fell, Officer 1/c decided to make back to Ramsgate. Large destroyer on the scene of resume was being bombed but kept raiders off.
After steaming back for approx. $ hour saw three trawlers,
2 on Stb. hand and 1 on Port. I saw one making morse signal and shouted to C.P.O. on wheel to stop engines and asked for torch to try and answer signal, but could not be heard or was disregarded. Shot fired across bowa, but still steaming fast towards trawlers. Next thing, very heavy firing from I
think, all 3 trawlers, our boat being the target at about
1,600 yards. All hands except both R.N.V.R. Officers and myself went over the side. Firing eased a little ao I
grabbed our ensign and waved it as I could plainly are they were our own chaps. Firing ceased, trawler sent boat after chaps in water, got our boat alongside. Both Officers, C.P.O.
Lighton and several survivors wounded, 1 dead (perhaps 2)
Later took our boat in tow (messed up a bit) and transferred belonging to crew of sunk transport.
us to a minesweeper which eventually took us into Ramagate.
I moored our boat at Pier and being ignorant of what reports, if had been sent decided to report by wire, which I did,
Sun. 2nd.
Stoker any, Benham and self reported again to N.O.i/c. Got orders to leave boat where it was, would be looked after, handed rail warrant for Littlehampton. On arrival P.M. reported to
Commander personally.
(SIGNED) L.F. STRAND.

201
ENCLOSURE III. TO FORD'S LETTER NO. 541 of 17th. June, 1940.
REPORT BY LEADING SEAMAN H. COOK, COXSWAIN OF MOTOR
BOAT "ANDORRA".
9th. May.
Ordered to proceed to Newhaven, left approx. 1930 in company with 275, arrived Newhaven 2130 approx. stopped by examination vessel after about 2 hours of exchange of signals allowed to enter harbour. Boat running well.
Oth.May.
Officer in charge of boats gave orders to leave Newhaven at 0600 for Ramsgate. Arrived Ramsgate about 1630.
Instructed to berth alongside West Wall. Filled boats with petrol, oil and water wireless and arms taken out of boats.
Officer and T.A.G. making trip returned to Littlehampton.
No further orders. Boat running well.
1st. May.
Boat ready for sea, needed Officer and charts. Noticed and
Officer looking at "Andorra". I asked him if he would take us to Dunkirk and he replied that he would be pleased to.
At noon took whaler in tow and received provisions and 3
rifles and 100 rounds, left for Dunkirk. Boat running well at 1800 revs. Arrived at destination at 1630. Ran whaler alongside telling Papworth and Kettle to proceed inshore and lead with soldiers. About one minute after this order a raid started all vessels were under way in view of this we decided it would not be sensible to ferry as boats would have been smashed alongside owing to big surf. The whaler returned with 12 French soldiers. Took them aboard Andorra and sent whaler inshore again, raid was still on, whaler returned with II more French soldiers. They were also taken aboard Andorra making total load of 29 men and whalers in tow empty, decided whaler was too much for boat to tow so decided to slip it to another boat in need of a whaler.
Raid had ceased. 1805 left Dunkirk for Ramsgate. Boat running well at 1800 revs. but load had robbed her of about
4 knots. About 12 miles out second raid started, 3 bombs dropped close astern badly shook boat, all aboard very cool.
Decided to increase speed owing to the fact that we had no light for compass and wished to make Ramsgate before dark as we had no challenge signals. At about 2130 near North
Goodwin Lighthouse, starboard port engine broke down;by this time it was pitch dark. C.E.R.A. Milford had been working on engine all this time and managed to get it running again.
We were unable to find entrance owing to a warning in
Ramsgate, no entrance lights were on. Arrived in Ramsgate harbour 0300 on the 1st. June, discharged 23 French soldiers.
1st. June.
Working on engines, filling up and cleaning boat in general.
Saw 275 leave harbour.
2nd.
June
Working on engines.
3rd. June.
Working on engines A.M. Trial. P.M. engines running well, but boat not doing the proper speed. C.E.R.A. Milford decided the damage was outside the boat.
4th.
June.
Boat lifted, discovered port screw badly damaged, this was put right; boat given another trial and found to be back running at well. Reported to S.N.O. i/c at 1530 told to report
1700. Officer detailed to take us back to Littlehampton. Sub-
5th. June. 0900 left Ramsgate arrived Littlehampton 1900, boat running
Lieutenant from Portsmouth.
well except for bad petrol.
(SIGNED) H. COOK. L/SEA.

COPY!/3
2024
OPERATION DYNAMO
NARRATIVES BY PERSONNEL OF SMALL CRAFT.
INDEX
NAME OF VESSEL
WRITTEN BY
1. TUG 87
Sub.Lieut. H.M. Davis, R.N.R.
2. M.B. BLUE BIRD
If
G.B. Eyre, R.N.V.R.
3. M.B. AURA
#
M.A. Chodzko, R.N.V.R.
4. M.B. BRITANNIA
If
S.D. Ward
5. M.B.'s CAVERSHAM and QUISISIANA
If
A.V. Weaver
6. M.B. LADY CABLE
Lieut. B.S. Fidler, R.N.R.
7. M.B. EMPRESS
Sub.Lieut. T.W. Betts, R.N.V.R.
8. M.B. SKYLARK
If
M.J.R. Yeatman, R.N.V.R.
9. M.B. SOUTHERN QUEEN
#
Demattos
0. M.B. PRINCESS LILLY
#
K.E.A. Bayley
1. M.B. SKYLARK VI
Ct. Rating G.R. Price
2. H.M.M.B. WHITE BEAR
Cd. Gunner E. Deacon, R.N.
3. H.M.S. DOLPHIN's Motor Boat
Sub.Lieut. E.F. Cornish-Bowden, R.N.
4. WALTON and FRINTON Life Boat
P.O. Tel. Cooley.
5. M.B. CORDELIA
Sub.Lieut. C.A. Thompson
6. M.B. PELLAG II
Lieut.
Martino, R.N.V.R.
STATEMENT BY
7. M.B. SKYLARK (Southend)
Pensioner P.O. R.A. Smith
8. BOURNEMOUTH Life Boat
L. Sea. H. Huntington
9. M.B. BONNY BELLE
Sto. I. G.H. Rose
O. EASTBOURNE Life Boat
(Sto. J. Strangeways P/KX.95036 and
(Sto. A.H. Shaw P/KX.94553
1. M.B. (Unknown)
A.B. M.J. Stallard P/JX.154107
2. M.B. SEA FALCON
L.Sea. A. Westbrook P/JX.131401
3. M.B. SKYLARK
Sto. G. Bramhall P/KX.88343
4. M.B. COMMODORE
Sto. Beech P/KX.90016
5. NEWHAVEN Life Boat
(A.B. W.J. Morris P/JX.126097
(Sto.I W. Spray P/KX.87052
(0.S. T.E. White CDX.133
6, M.B. YSER
Act. P.O. W.H. Achin JX.149919

216
204
OPERATION DYNAMO.
22
ENCLOSURE NO. 17.
SHIP: BLUE BIRD - Motor Boat.
OFFICER REPORTING: G.B. EYRE, SUB-LINUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
On Saturday 1st June I received orders to proceed with Motor Boat BLUE BIRD to the M/S SANDOWN
to be towed to Dunkirk. M/S SANDOWN was relieved by
M/S EMPEROR OF INDIA and accordingly I changed to her.
2.
On reaching Dunkirk it was found impossible to start engines of BLUE BIRD so she was not used and came back to Dover in tow.
3. The Lifeboat MARY SCOTT was working in conjunction with BLUE BIRD, but remained behind in
Dunkirk to pick up EMPEROR OF INDIA's 1st Lieutenant who was on the pier, organising the troops to be embarked.
Note: This officer was previously in command of
A.L.C. No. 15, and had been employed ferrying troops off from Dunkirk beach for one day. When 8.9. CLAN MACALISTER
(A.L.C. parent ship) was bombed and set on fire he returned to Dover in company with A.L.Cs. 3 and 8 to refuel and proceeded to the beaches on completion.
A.L.C. No. 15 was driven on to the beach by the wash of a passing destroyer and as there was no hope of getting off,
Sub-Lieutenant Eyre set fire to her and returned to Dover in due course in
See ROIII, 12509
A.L.C. No. 3 and was then given Motor
Boat BLUE BIRD.

218
206
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 4.
SHIP: Motor Boat "Britannia".
Officer/
Rating
Reporting: S/L S.D. WARD.
1030 31 May 1940.
Proceeded from Submarine Basin and made fast to
H.M.T. "Fyldea" at buoy.
1355 31 May. Left in tow.
1150 1 June 1940. Arrive off Dunkirk. (Delay on passage due to Samson posts, cleats, etc. carrying away.)
Cast off and proceed to Beach 1 mile East of harbour under heavy enemy bombing. Attempted to warp off 2 Launches aground by making fast line to sunken French destroyer "L'Adroit".
1300
Existing conditions of shoal water and falling tide made it impossible to load the launch directly from the beach three without going aground so "acquired" their dinghies and made launch fast to two sailing barges which were used throughout as a landing stage, the dinghies bringing men to the barges and the launch taking them out to "Fyldea" and other vessels.
(Approximately 200 men were carried in the dinghies.)
1815
Returned to "Fyldea" now aground. Ran out kite wires to anchored barge and laid out trawlers X edge.
1845
"Fyldea" floated and proceeded in tow towards Dover.
0255 2nd June. Secured alongside Admiralty Pier to disembark troops.
0415
Secured alongside Prince of Wales Pier.
Drew Savage
Hillier
Tester

219
207
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 5.
SHIP: MOTOR BOAT "CAVERSHAM".
MOTOR BOAT "QUISISTANA".
TUG "SUN X".
OFFICER REPORTING: SUB. LIEUT. A.V. WEAVER.
Left H.M.S. KING ALFRED 29th May for Sheerness, whence took Motor Boat "Caversham" to Ramsgate. (Faulty engine caught fire during night.)
2.
31st May. "Caversham" acted as tender to Schuyts, then set off for Dunkirk, but sprang serious leak, and, pumps not working, returned to Ramsgate following morning.
3.
1st June. Took Motor Boat "Quisisiana" to Dunicirk loaded her with 1 Army Officer and 17 other ranks from beach.
Fifteen miles from Dunkirk accepted tow from tug "Young Mun", and, being unable to restart engines off Brake buoy, was towed into Dover.
4.
3.30 p.m. was sent to tug "Sun X" (Ideut. Philpotts)
which towed three boats to Dunkirk. (At destination Lieut.
Philpotts left tug to act as beach master, and did not return to tug.) Boats loaded tug to capacity with French troops, and tug entered Dover at 8.30 a.m.
5.
Please note that Motor Boat's crew worked admirably in very trying circumstances. Their names are -
J. Clarke
L. Seaman
DJ.87012
W.C. Morgan
Sto. I
KX.88644
D. Soully
0/Seaman
JX.175384
J. Curran
0/Seaman
JX.176599
J. Hill
0/Seaman
No number
They are part of a special DRAKE party. Morgan is now in Deal
Hospital with swollen ankles, the others went to Dover Transit
Camp.

220
208
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 6
SHIP: MOTOR BOAT "LADY CABLE".
OFFICER REPORTING: LIEUTENANT B.S. FIDLER, R.N.V.R.
June 1st/2nd 1940.
Left Dover 1705 towed by drifter "Golden Sunbeam".
Arrived Dunkirk and cast off from "Golden Sunbeam"
0005 (about) arrived beach 0030 (about).
Took two full loads to transports, left Dunkirk
0305 with troops for Ramsgate arriving 0815, disembarked troops and returned to Dover at 1130.

223
OPERATION DYNAMO
*
ENCLOSURE NO.8
211
SHIP:- M.B. SKYLARK
MICHAEL STEVENS 4B.
OFFICER:- SUB.LIEUTENANT M.J.R. YEATMAN, R.N.V.R.
Friday, 31st May. Took charge of M/B. SKYLARK, overhauled engine, proceeded under tow of VRDEDA. Tow broke down - returned to port.
Overhauled engines of one or two other M/B's.
Saturday, 1st June.M/B. SKYLARK. Towed by RIGA to near Dunkirk.
Transferred survivors to RIGA from French Destroyer, who had picked them up from torpedoed ship.
RIGA returned to Dover, and I returned under own power by Kellet cut to Dover by about 10.0 p.m. Reported at CAMBER
and returned to Granville Steps.
Sunday, 2nd June. Transferred in charge of MICHAEL STEPHINS
Lowestoft Lifeboat - 2 Stokers and 1 A.B. from Transit Camp for crew.
Overhauled engines, fuelled and provisioned - proceeded under tow of
Tug SUN XI. Arrived Dunkirk, after dark about 2230 hours. Entered harbour and went toward Eastern Mole. Rammed by M.T.B. without much damage. Went alongside Eastern Mole. With difficulty got 12 French soldiers aboard. Proceeded out to find tug which had disappeared, landed troops on trawler. Returned to harbour, being rammed by another M.T.B. on the way. Found Sloop (identification letters S.G.
or s.c.). Owing to swish of tide she could not come alongside, so with the big engines of the lifeboat I pushed her alongside and went aboard to help make fast. Climbed on to Mole, which was being shelled, and by means of some forceful language and a rifle butt, Induced the
French troops who were lying on the Mole to start down on to the
Sloop. Once a few had started they all began to go down. Got 52
into the lifeboat and cast off to try and find tug. After searching for some time, and being hit again by a fishing boat, I decided at
0100 to return under my own power to Dover.
Reported a floating mine by morse to a destroyer about
6 miles E.S.E. of N. Goodwin Light Vessel.
Reached Dover and landed French troops at 0710.
Returned lifeboat and reported at Submarine Camber at 0730.
Shrapnel on Eastern Mole was mostly at first confined to outer end of Mole until the Sloop drew alongside. Then the range shortened, I got the definite impression that someone had been spotting for the guns, as the direction of fire shortened very rapidly and accurately. Suffered no casualties though among my contingent. In fact, I found considerably greater risk from the movements of allied craft then from Nazi shelling. There seemed to be no attempt to keep any rule of the road. Outside the Harbour had one attack from a Nazi plane. No hits, but she may just have been having a blind shot at four of us who were altogether.
(Sgd)
MARWOOD J. B. YEATMAN.
Sub.Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
H.M.S. KING ALFRED.

224
OPERATION DYNAMO
212
ENCLOSURE No.9.
SHIP: Motor Boat SOUTHERN QUEEN.
Officer Reporting: SUB.-LIEUT. DEMATTOS.
Went with Sun XI. Picked up about 200. All
French and women and children. 2 Loads from East Mole,
2 from small West Mole. Back 10 miles under own power, then tow by Sun X.
Suggest Officers speaking French to send Frenchmen into boats, as they refuse to go in small boats.
First trip towed by VREDE, broke down and we towed her clear of shipping and returned.
Second trip towed by RIKA, sent back under own power from 2 miles off Dunkirk.

225
OPERATION DYNAMO.
ENCLOSURE NO. 10213
SHIP: PRINCESS LILLY.
OFFICER REPORTING: SUB-LIEUTENANT K.R.A. BAYLEY, R.N.V.R.
On 30th May I left Sheerness in PRINCESS LILLY, a river pleasure boat. I started with 19 other small boats escorted by a trawler as guide, as most of the ships had no compass. During the early hours of 31st the trawler left us. We managed to continue on our way by following other vessels and H.M. Ships presumably bound for Dunkirk.
We gave assistance and several tows to motor boats during the passage. Arrived Dunkirk on Friday morning and proceeded to embark a small number of English troops and 4 naval ratings and many Frenchmen from the beach 1½ miles East of Dunkirk.
I took these to merchant vessels lying nearby.
2.
I was told more British troops were at La Panne -
so I proceeded there. The falling tide and lee shore made rescue difficult, so I picked up a derelict ship's boat to which I made fast some 90 fathoms of warp and rowed her to the beach paying out the warp. Took British troops aboard and overhauled on line back to ship. The strain eventually proved too great for the anchor cable which broke and the ship drifted ashore fouling her properllor with the warp. Had great difficulty in clearing properllor and only succeeded in getting her to work "Astern".
3.
Refloated boat and took troops on board and ferried them by going "backwards" to H.M.S. MOSQUITO. Engine was losing compression after about 40 hours running and propellor was fouled.
4.
Shore batteries got our range so abandoned ship when we got aboard MOSQUITO as she was moving off.
5. MOSQUITO brought us back, arriving Saturday morning, 1st June, 1940.
6. We had repeated bombings, machine gunning and shrapnel. My 2 civilian crew and one naval rating, age 192, who had only been 2 days in the Navy, behaved perfectly under very difficult conditions.

226
214
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 11
SHIP: "SKYLARK" 6.
RATING REPORTING: CADET RATING G.R. PRICE
Crew: Cadet Rating A.I. Foster and Stoker Roberts.
The "Skylark" was towed over by H.M.D. "FYLDEA" and eventually arrived at Dunkirk at about 0700 on Saturday June
1st. The boats were sent to the beaches. "Skylark" towed in the "Eastbourne Belle" whose motor had broken down. The
"Eastbourne Belle" ran onto a submerged car and the towing Line became entangled around the screw of the "Skylark". C.R.Foster went over the side and cut this rope free. We then proceeded to the beach and picked up about 70 British Tommies and one officer. These were taken aboard the "Fyldea".
2.
Second trip we picked up the crew of the Ferry "Nymph"
(motor boat) and about 60 British Tommies. These were taken aboard the "Fyldea".
3.
Third trip, picked up about 70 French troops. We returned to the "Fyldea" but found she was aground. After an unsuccessful attempt to tow the "Fyldea" off I decided to try and get the French I had away - we were being bombed.
4.
I left the harbour and met H.M.S. WORCESTER outside.
I put the troops aboard her and started to return to the "Fyldea"
for the others but the "Skylark's" motor stezedup. We therefore abandoned the "Skylark" which was slightly on fike and embarked on the WORCESTER. The WORCESTER was seriously bombed and Cadet
Rating Foster slightly injured by a machine gun bullet - he was the only casualty.

2186
OPERATION DYNAMO.
NCLOSURE NO. 13.
SHIP: H.M.S. DOLPHIN's MOTOR BOAT.
OFFICER REPORTING: SUB-LIEUTENANT B.F. CORNISH-BOWDEN, R.N.
In company with H.M.S. EXCELLENT's Power Boat, this boat sailed from Dover harbour at 0240 on Friday,
31st May.
2.
Soon after passing the North Goodwin Light Vessel,
EXCELLENT's boat signalled to the effect that she was very doubtful whether she could get to the French coast at maximum speed owing to lack of petrol and so speed was reduced to about 8 knots, the speed over the ground being considerably less owing to considerable yawing in a following sea.
3. The two boats were routed to leave the usual course for Dunkirk some 20 miles from that place and proceeded through shallower water to La Panne and Bray.
About 15 miles N.W. of Bray an enemy floating mine was seen and an attempt was made to sink it by rifle fire.
This, however, failed, and the position of the mine was later reported.
4.
Owing to an error in navigation, caused largely by an inaccurate boat's compass, DOLPHIN arrived at Bray at
1100 and after enquiring as to our whereabouts proceeded to La Panne and attempted unsuccessfully to obtain petrol from H.M.S. HEBE.
5.
Owing to the shortage of petrol I returned to
Bray and to try and fill my tank. However, this again proved impossible and so I decided to use what petrol I
had and ask for a tow home when the tank was dry.
6. EXCELLENT's boat had damaged herself on a submerged object and was close inshore. I was about to go to her aid when I was informed that the depth of the water was only 3
feet and I was ordered not to go in tooclose. I therefore was unable to be of any assistance in embarking troops from the improvised pier. I therefore asked ships present if I
could be of any assistance to them, but unfortunately they were already getting all that they needed.
7.
I then proceeded back to La Panne but when almost there the enemy started shelling the ships which immediately weighed and proceeded to Bray. On return to Bray, I
consulted the Senior Officer present as to my usefulness and it was decided that I should obtain a tow back to Dover to refuel when I hoped to obtain a tow back to Dunkirk with a full tank and where I believed I could be more usefully employed.
8.
I left Bray at 1415 in tow of the dan-laying yacht
SARGOSSA, arriving at Dover Harbour at about 1930, since when I have been employed towing and carrying despatches in
Dover harbour.
(Signed) E.F. Cornish-Bowden
Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.
[OVER

217
The following crew from H.M.S. DOLPHIN
were manning the motor boat:-
Leading Seaman A.R. Cobley,
P/JX 130128
Leading Stoker H.A. Saunders,
K 22903.
Leading Stoker A.J. Morris,
XX 84267
Able Seaman R.W. Rowlands,
P/JX 146949
Able Seaman P.B. Stephans,
SSX 90361

OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 14 2100
Ship: R.N.L.B. "WALTON AND FRINTON" E.M.E.D.
Written up by Petty Officer Tel.Cooley
Officer Reporting: Commanding Officer Lt.R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
Sat. June 1st. 0400 Manned Walton Life Boat RNLB - EMID.
0500 To sea.
0536 Made to signal Station "where are drifters that are going to tow lifeboats". From signal station "go alongside".
0550 Lay off drifters. Proceeding to make enquiries as regards intentions.
0600 Small boats informed what we are doing.
0614 Secure alongside P.O. steps; Captain ashore for enquiries.
0630 Left P.O. steps.
0645 Lay off drifters.
0715 Taken in tow by drifter "Thrifty". Ships in our tow Southend-on-Sea Lifeboat
"Abdybeauclark" lifeboat Walton E.N.E.D.
Lifeboat P.E.42 "Summer" Maid" Motor Boat
"White Bear".
0725 Left Dover.
0729 Tow slipped second from end.
0733 Tow O.K. Under way - sighted South Goodwin
Light Vessel at 0730.
0900 To passing sloop "are there many more to take off".
0901 Reply "Yes".
0910
Destroyers wash parted tow.
0928
Tow O.K. Under way.
1027
Passed E. Goodwins.
1256
Captain H-M passed.
1404 Destroyer H-15 passing broke tow on last boat in line.
1407 Tow O.K. Under way.
1502 Tow broken on last boat in line.
1516 Tow O.K. Under way.
1517 3 planes attacked around. Sloop bombed.
1522 Mine sighted floating. Mine fired at.
Result uncertain.
1537 Ybonne et Moabe of Gravelin French Flag with one English soldier with Brenn Gun onboard heading England. Turned on communicating with us and headed towards Dunkirk.
(Boat just mentioned was sunk about 1615 by bombs direct hit.)
1550 Searching around among very large wreckage.
1605 Turned back for few miles while drifter reports and await results of message by W/T
regarding ship in distress further up main
1615 Bombed channel. by (about 30) many planes - 1 trawler sunk (not in our company). Bomb dropped by our trawler and broke tow throwing men in water. Men picked up. Our planes arrived.
1624 Proceeding to investigate Trawler.
1635 Air attack still on.
1652 Bombs heard dropping Drifters heading home
1640 Departed planes.
without leaving orders. Tried to communicate with drifters to ask their intentions with
Aldis but could get no reply. Tried to collect small boats and motioned life-boat to stop (scored out in log "Comd. Gunner onboard") Lifeboat went on but stopped by
Aldis.
1710/

1710 Only one boat in company (Abdy Beau Clark
Aldeburgh lifeboat).
1718 Life-boat "Rosa Wood" Shoreham joined company. One drifter ahead.
1726 To drifter "what are your intentions".
1730 To drifter "Stop". "Rosa Wood" and "Phyllis
Lunn" informs us he intends returning Dover.
1736 Three British planes over.
1740 Closed drifter. Hang on in position until last, most other boats and one drifter out of sight. Speed boat informs us soldiers still ashore but refuses to come aboard.
1821 Planes attacking with bombs.
1837 To trawler "Have you had any reply". From trawler "No".
1838 Planes still bombing. 1 ship damaged not our fleet. Captain decided to try on his own to reach Dunkirk. The two life-boats in company turned back. Bombs still dropping.
Being machine-gunned 1849. last and stays hit.
1854 Captain carrying on to Dunkirk single-handed.
1859 24 fighters overhead.
1908 I have been deserted please stand by no.
To Motor Boat with Liteut.Commander on board.
Put us on our course.
1926 Covered white conspicuous parts of ship with oilskins. From Cairmoorn I.B. "Steer S.558
for Dunkirk". S.S. "Sun 4" Duniciric 2012.
2023 One friendly plane overhead.
2044 Proceeding to Dunkirk beach. Arrived Duniciple with "Sun 4". Message from M.B. "Inadvisable to go in". Captain boarded "Sun 4" 2100.
2108 Proceeding to Dunkirk. Arrived Dunicive harbour 2135. No one on piers. Picked up
"Sun 4" one rowing boat to go to beach.
Lieut. Mead billed. Boats in beach taking ratings from shore all night (run aground).
0423 2nd June Sunday left Dunkirk. (Scored out in log 'believed to be last boat in
Life-boat in tow of "Sun 4%
0450 "Sun 4" ran aground.
0456 Under way. Rope round starboard propellor of life-boat.
0923 Passed S. Goodwins.
1010 Arrived Ramagate - "Sun 4ª anchored, Lifeboat secured astern.
1030 (approx.) Soldiers landed.
1310 Left anchorage for Ramagate Harbour S.B. and secured alongside "Princess London"
at 1325.
1412 1424 Arrived and secured to "Sun 4" off Ramagate.
Left P.L. Steamboat.
2023 Left anchorage Ramsgate Harbour and secured
Collected all spare ammunition laying.
alongside H.M.S. DWARF 2035.
Monday 3rd June
0930
Reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate for permission Told sail to Dover. Permission granted. to
Commander by Cook, Piermaster prior to sailing. inform to Naval Officer-in-Charge to report
Dover. Sailed from Ramsgate 1026 an
Informed Condr. Cook and asked him to route
1112 Dover. Passed Occ. fog bell.
1157 1354 To examination steamer off Dover. "Walton
Passed South break.
1355 Told to proceed. Arrived Dover and secured
Life-boat. May I enter".
alongside.

CONFIDENTIAL
Binlohage
232
Subject. REPORT ON DEATH OF LIEUT. R.H.MEAD, R.N.V.R.
220
25
From The CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT. Portsmouth.
Date **** 20th June 1940.
No. 554/07026.
To
....
THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
(COPY TO:-
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, PORTSMOUTH).
Unit, on behaviour of Lieutenant R.H.Mead, R.N.V.R.,
Meikle, R.N. the the Commanding Officer of the D/C Motor Boat
The attached report by Lieutenant E.F. Hamiltonduring Operation Dynamo, is forwarded in accordance with
Confidential Portsmouth General SyPBrind Order, 1700.
L.B.
VICE ADMIRA
CAPTAIN.
an
24 JUN 1940
*
ope
DOVER
tian led -
ced ope it.
ant pa,
Lynami ide
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia # was working with Sport engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

FROM
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
233
DATE
15th June 1940.
25
TO
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT.
Lieutenant R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
I regret who to report the death of Lieutenant
Mead, R.N.V.R. 1940, at 2108, was killed in action at Dunkirk on R.H. Saturday,
1st June or was wounded and died later.
2.
H.M. D/C to the M.B. had been reported out of action
31st May 1940, and Duty Staff Officer, Staff of Flag p.m. Officer commanding Dover, the Commanding Officer and Lieutenant
Mead were ordered to find themselves boats if possible, and to assume command.
3.
Lieutenant Mead had assumed command of R.N.L.B.
WALTON AND FRINTON, and having been towed across to near Dun-
I.B.
kirk with other small boats, had pressed on to Dunkirk, unaccompanied except by one other boat, the remainder of the small boats having turned back. This can be clearly seen from the extracts of the log kept in the boat, a copy of which has already been forwarded to the Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover, through the Officer Commanding Rescue Boats.
an
4.
While in the harbour itself, a shrapnel shell burst on the water nearby, killing Lieutenant Mead. The remainder ope of the life-boat's crew, under a Lieutenant R.N.R. from the
Tug SUN IV continued ferrying soldiers to larger ships until tian
0423, when Tug SUN IV towed the boat back to Ramsgate.
5.
The two members of my crew who accompanied Lieutenant led
Mead, Petty Officer Telegraphist Cooley and Able Seaman MacManus, have informed me that the "determination and guts" of Lieutenant
Mead in persisting in his efforts to rally the smaller boats and to push on to Dunkirk, were outstanding. This was reported by me to the Staff Officer of the Rescue boats at Dover, who interviewed the crew, and has a copy of the log of the life-boat.
ced
6.
I understand that the boat underwent many air attacks ops from the time that the tow came within about 20 miles of the it.
coast.
7.
This report is submitted in order to confirm that the ant gallantry of Lieutenant R.H. Mead, (as previously reported by me, pa, ade
P.T.O.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia being 18 was working with Sport engine only - which, owing to were overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 beach. troops carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 1145) Entered batteries. Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

verbally, Commander-in-Charge together with of Rescue a well copy Boats of the at boat's Dover) log, to officially decisions of recognised, the life-boat's as crew. as the loyalty may to his be to the the
ETATE LLENTH
17 JUN1940
Vere 07026 ISLAND
LIEUTENANT. R.N.

239
225
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 15.
SHIP: "GORDELIA". MOTOR BOAT.
OFFICER REPORTING: SUB. LIEUT. C.A. THOMPSON, R.N.V.R.
ROUGH LOG (ALL TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE).
CREW: S.A. WADE
A.J. WHALE
in
Ratings
J. JARVIE
civilian
Wednesday 29.5.40.
1100 Took over from civilian who brought the above M.B.
round from Sheerness.
1400) Stand by. Fuelling and
1700)
provision.
1705 Proceeded to submarine base to collect three
Belgian vessels (Yser, Sambre and another).
1745 Returned to Prince of Wales Pier.
1800 Proceeded out of Dover in rear of above 3 Belgian boats which were being towed by the drifter
G.R.1740, one whaler in tow.
1815 Propellers of one Belgian boat fouled by tow roge
(this vessel returned to Dover).
1830 Proceeded in company with G.R.1740 and two Belgian boats.
2000 Destroyer takes one Belgian boat in tow.
2010 Tied up astern of remaining pontoon and proceeded towed by G.R.1740.
2330 Machine gun fire in proximity.
Thursday 30.5.40.
0530 Nearing the beach to the west of la Fanne.
0545 Commodore Fergusson came on board and commenced directing operations for the evacuation of troops from beach to waiting destroyers etc.
0800 Commodore Fergusson transferred to another craft.
0800- Occupied in ferrying boats containing troopa
1030 between the beach and waiting vessels. Attendant whaler manned by two stokers and civilian was occupied in going inshore to load up with troops, then taking them out to waiting vessels.
1045 Starboard propeler fouled by rope net alongaide destroyer while disembarking troops.
Further operations impossible.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia # was working with "port engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

242
OPERATION
22?
NO.17
SHIP:- SKYLARK, SOUTHEND.
STATEMENT BY &
Date of
Date of
Name arrival
Service leaving at Dover
Boats.
ø P.O.
R.A.Smith
Pensiorer
Two trips to East of Dunkirk.
On the last occasion were
A.B.
J.T.Wheatley subjected to fire from coastal batteries, bombing and machine
A.B. H.T.Morgan gun fire, during which the
French Destroyer T.41 was sunk.
E.R.A. N.Grother
23.V.
Picked up 50 survivors.
4.VI.40
Returned to Dover 31/5 with
A.B.
S.Fleming boat unseawcr thy and took over Folkestone Belle. The
A.B. F.Thackrey crew were splendid.

243
221
OPERATION
NO.16
SHIP:-
THOMAS KIRKWRIGHT LIFEBOAT. BOURNEMOUTH.
REPORTING:-
L.S. HUNTINGTON IN COMMAND
Date of
Date of
Name arrival
Service leaving at Dover
Boats
L.S.
H.Huntington.
26th.
A.B. E.H.Bletchford. 25.V.
First trip to Dunkirk bombed
Sto. R.Gibbs.
and machine gunned by aircraft and kept off shore by gunfiro from shore latteries.
27th.
Second time over, just the same, but got troops off the beach East of Dunkirk. Tried to save survivors from 2 or
3 trawlers blown up. One
French other English.
2nd.
Third trip towed over by &
tug which alipped them 15 miles from Dunkirk. Made their own way to Dunkirk forrying troops from harbour (on own initiative as there were no troops on the beach), between 2315 and 0430.
Found a Lieutenant Commander
Higham,R.N. on board a ship in
Dunkirk Harbour the ROUEN and brought him to Pyince of Vales
Pier. While taking him off were fired at by German soldiers at
25-40 yards, no casualties.
French sailors on board. Germans had automatic guns on stands and rifles. When trying to get out found one engine completely burnt out and boat making water.
Returned to Dover on one engine.

OPERATION
230
NO. 19
SHIP:- BONNY BELLE NOTOR BOAT.
STATEMENT BY 0
Name
Service
0
G.H. Rose, Sto. 1st C1.
Went away in Bonny Selle with 2 0.S. they didn't know much about steering the boat
Two ord. Sea.
so he had to drive and stoor it at the same time. 2nd June, then they arrived
Dunkirk a shell burst on the pier and sank a drifter alongside & jetty. Sto.
went astern to avoid shapnel and can on to submerged wreckage. & Sub.Lieutenant,
R.N.V.R. came on board at Dignitire and Sub.
dived over the side and took & rope to the pior. The Sub.Lieutenant got some soldiers to give him & pull off the wreak.
Enemy opened fires like daylight due to the blaze. Soldiers lot go of the rope and tookdover. The Sub-Lieutenant who vas on the plar with the soldiers told the boats crew to abandon ship and got out of 10 18
soon as possible. The two C.S. got on the side of the boat to get out and nearly turned the boat over. Sto. had to get out after and leave kit and steaming dt and everything. Sto. lose walked on the wreckage, which man't deep, only up to waist then he was taken off wrockage by a lifeboat thenos in a trawler thence to
Dover.

,
OPERATION
231
NO. 20
SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne).
STATEMENT BY $
Name
Service
Sunday 2nd
Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II.
Lifeboat "JANS HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). Cast
$
Sto. J. Strangeways off outside and told to go to a landing right
PKX 95036.
up the other and of the harbour. Found they
0
Sto. A.H. Shaw were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck
PKX 94553. E.R.PONSON@Y
the tug or drifter they were going alongside
One Sub.Lieut, R.N.V.R.
so they wont on up harbour. 31g enough hote
One A.B.
in the lifeboat bows to crawl through. Drenohed
One O.S.
with spray caused by shrapnel. Às proceeding also there.
up harbour sear a destroyer out & small rowing
All came back.
boat down with two Fyench sailors in 11. They took these to the first destroyer. Tent right up harbour: saw Fyench troops but they refused to be taken off. So they came back out of the harbour to tug anchored outside. Then they were told to collect troops from anywhere.
Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour.
Nearly every boat had gone by then. So they got up sail and tried to get out of harbour.
Several destroyers passed, they waved and destroyers waved back: one hour after dawn when they were just about giving up hopes &
M.T.B. came. Towed them out, engine started, then they were alipped and after about 4 miles the engine began to smoke and she caught fire.
No one in sight and two M.T.B's came along to resque. Took them aboard. Lifeboat in l'lames, returned a.m. 31at.

2??
OPERATION
SHIP:- MOTOR BOAT - TENDER TO SKOOT "HILDA".
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
&
A.B.
M.J.Stallard
Detailed for small motor boats and went on board
PJX 154107.
the HILDA, a Dutch Skoot: taken round to Dgal
31/5
1100ca
19 years of age.and took two ships lifeboats and six motor boats
A
Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R. inntow. Stallard was transferred into & small
Motor Boat and towed across to La Panne. Passing
An Q.S.
Dunkerque were mixed up with an de raid. Then
1600
The old man from Deal he arrived at La Panne there was heavy firing mentioned in a Sunday and shells were dropping in the sea all around, paper.
firing at the destroyers. They were told to go inshore, when it was found that the propeller was foul with rope. They were towed inshore by another motor boat and were able to clear the propeller. Picked up a pontoon full of soldiers and returned to HILDA with them. Pontoon was so badly damaged that it had to be left. Found a naval cutter. Took outter in tow. Tyansforred from motor boat to cutter to help soldiers into boat. Went into beach and a passing destroyer beached them. By then motor boat and cutter were full of soldiers. Breakers soon had motor boat and cutter swamped and outter full of water.
Stallard had to tell the soldiers and push and pull them out of the boat, as their equipment was caught up. Ordered them to push the boat off, doing his best with an oar, After they got the cutter off, all the soldiers got back in and
Stallard told them to get the cars. There were only 4 oars. The Officer and 0.3. abandoned the motor boat and came aboard the outter. The old man stayed in his motor boat. The cutter was
1815 ca rowed by Stallard and aix soldiers out to HILDA.
He stayed in the outter. This was after 6.0 Dalla and shelling was going on. One shell landed
2200
200 yards ahead of them inshore and wiped out a group of 6 soldiers waiting. By about 10.0 Dalla one part of the beach had been cleared by
Stallard's party. They then moved to a jetty made of Army lorries. Took a boatload of soldiers to
"MOSQUITO". They were told by an afficer in
MOSQUITO that on the next trip they would get a bottle of bear each. This was the first drink
Saturday morning they had since leaving Deal. Could hardly see the sky for aeroplanes. One Spitfire attacked
37 German aeroplanes, brough down one and came down himself into the sea. Started bombing
0800ce: 12/gune immediately. Hit Keith; Captain Pin than ordered boat to pick up survivors. After picking these up: SKIPJACK was hit. Went down in two seconds.
0849ca:
Went over to pick up SKIRJACK'S survivors. There were some soldiers but very few of crew. Returned to HILDA. Ordered to take up tow astern. HILDA
was full of survivors in bad state, one died.
HILDA tried to get away from the heavy bombing.
Tried to get clear. One salvo of bombs fall each side of motor boat. Finally /14000 escaped about

OPERATION
NO.21 (Conta)
SHIP:- MOTOR BOAT - TENDER TO SKOOT "HILDA".
Crew
Service
31
1400 after seeing two more ships go down.
Stallard had a very lucky escape. Had his fingers opened out and a bit of shrapnel went between.
Scotia
As they got past Dunkerque & sloop and troopship and a minesweeper steamed past and were later bombed and sunk.
Captain of HILDA out the two motor boats adrift -
Stallard in one - to pick up survivors. M.B. out of action: propeller fouled. Got under way in tow of the other M.B. this also broke down.
Were then picked up by HILDA and brought to
Ramsgate and proceeded to Dover after disembarking troops at Remsgate: arriving at Dover, anchored off Dover. A German minelaying plane came over gadgime 03 00 Ca and dropped mines, one landing 20 yards astern of them. It went off next norning when swept.
0800
Then he went to Deal, Ramsgate and returned to
Dover.

248
OPERATION
231
NO.22
SHIP:-
NAME NOT KNOWN. SEA FALCON (?).
About 40 ft. open M/B, grey.
(Similar to FAIRY NYMPH)
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
$
L.S. A.Westbrook 30th. Left Dover after dark with L.S. in charge.
PJX 131401. Towed in company with about 5 others by tug - two
O.S. Smith.
tows. Foremost boat of opposite four broke
Sto. Hardwick.
adrift, swung back, hit stern sheets and broke main feed pipe. Proceeded on reserve tank, repeatedly filling from main tank. Arrived. off beach near Gravelines and ran gauntlet of fire from beach as far as Dunkirk and on to Bray. Filled boat by grounding and pulling in soldiers - -
continued from dawn Friday to dusk Friday. Stores being swamped had nothing to eat. Only water was in few bottles filled at pier.
On last trip rising tide and wind swamped boat, carried it broadside on. Crew abandoned boat and swam ashore. Other boats could not get near enough to get a line across. About 60 carried each trip.
Continual bombing all day. Smith found a cance, floated it, paddled with piece of driftwood to
Walmer Lifeboat. Others walked along beach to pier and boarded destroyer. Beach littered with guns and equipment and fairly crowded with soldiers, mostly French. On pier shrapnel was bursting over, marching troops several casualties.
Saw ship hit by bomb in distance in La Pame direction. Saw 5 or 6 dive bombers brought down by destroyers. A number of boats working off beach all day.

250
OPERATION
23]
NO.24
SHIP:- M/B. COMMODORE
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
Sub. Lt. Thompson, R.N.R. Left Dover in COMMODORES - open N/B.
A.B.
31st at dawn. Towed in two tows of two.
Sto.
Beech
Went to beach near Dunkirk harbour cast off
PKX 90016.
tow, collected troops from beach and forried
Ord.Sea.
them to WORCESTER. Soldiers climbed about themselves. Took about 20 a trip. About one hour for the round trip. Here machine gunned -
boat was holed and made so much water 18 had to be beached and abandoned. Joined the
EASTBOURNE QUEEN by using & rowing boat found on the beach. Troops boarded EASTBOURNE QUICKN
by wading out up to their shoulders.
EASTBOURNE Quest took about 40 to the
WORCESTER which then (about 1600/1st) went alongside pier. WORCESTER was continually bombed, fragemts from near misses killed 3
and wounded several nearby. Left Dunicier in
WORCESTER about 1700/1800. Beach littered with equipment. Pier bombed, beach shelled, sheltered under dereliot boat.

251
237
OPERATION
NO.25
SHIP:- NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT.
STATEMENTS BY Ø
Crew
Service
Coxswain
0
A.B.
W.J.MOrris
Left Dover 0500/31/V started work on the beach.
P/JX 126097.
Tried twelve places, but draught too great. At
&
Sto.1 W.Spray one place two and a half hours on beach. Tried
PKX.87052.
various ways of getting off, shifting weight
&c. After getting off saw 3 British and 4 French
O.S. T.E.White soldiers washed out of a boat being towed: saved
CDX 133.
2 British and 3 French. A rough pier had been p
This was all the crew.
made with lorries and tins and they used this for troops. It was now very dark. They saw all little boats moving off in tow. They, however, took a load of troops off a barge aground and put them on board a trawler. Then saw more boats moving and decided it was time to move away. Tried to get a tow. Started on & Northerly course (compass) for 2½ hrs. Aprived at some light and decided to wait till dawn as German planes were dropping flares all round them.
Something like a fast M.B. passed them. At daylight they saw ships to Southward and went over to see where they were. They picked up a tow as starboard engine broke down. Came back.
Prepared boat for next trip. Left Dover 2/7:
towed over. Told to go into Dunkirk harbour.
Went alongside jetty. Shelled heavily all the time, about 2230. Took one boatload off.
Told by a Lt.Car. to go to a troopship run aground in the harbour. Made about 6 trips to troopship, one to harbour. Shrapnel and tracer bullets firing at German machines.
On the 6th trip they were told to take up tow astern with troops on board.
Saved about 600 to 800 troops, all told.
what he couldn't do before. This was Morris
Went 2nd time with intention of making up for first experience as Coxswain of any boat, but had been Acting Q.M. of a destroyer.

252
233
OPERATION
NO.26
SHIP:- M/BOAT YSER
STATEMENT BY 0
Date of
Date of
Name arrival
Service leaving at Dover
Boats.
Boat Yser
Ø Act. P.O. W.H.Achin,
C/JX 149919
Belgian Canal Boat. Joined
S.P.O.
A.V.Mullans boat at Gravesend.
A.B.
W.Goodier
A.B.
K.Baily
1st Trip. to Calais was
A.B.*
R.A.Stuart fired on and trawler ordered out to join trawler that towed them in. (All boats
* joined for only got 160 or so that time)
3rd trp.
2nd Trip to beach by "Nieuport"
bucy ferrying troops. On the
28 Tomay way back to Dover rescued troops from Brighton Belle
3rd Trip to beach North of
Dunkirk. Ferried troops off till all ships had left.
Occasional bombing and shelling off shore. Told to follow boat ahead by Officer in a motor boat for they were loaded with about 160 troops.
Boat ahead in error of navigation (boat like Silver
Queen with a Sub.Lieutenant in charge) led them to Calais where they were shelled from beach, but managed to make
Ramsgate. Used a pocket compass from one of the R.E.s Boat's compass all steel round was just "locked".
4th Trip crew was split up,
S.P.O. & 1 A.B., Goodier went to Blue Bell for Dunkirk and ferried troops. Rest of crew manned Hastings Lifeboat and went to Dunkirk. Occasional bombing and shelling.

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
M.T.B. 107 447
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 68 405
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 67,
M.T.B. 16,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
D.C.M.B., 484
CHICO
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 x476
M.A.S.M. No. 7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8V487 8 491
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
193
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
VEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
X
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
x
TARANSAY

260
650 Troops.
June.
ntd)
At 2000 received orders (F.O.C. Dover Most Secret Memorandum No. 246
A.14/0/40.) to proceed to vicinity of Bray to lend support and covering fire. Owing to low visibility and necessity for oiling before starting "Locust" was one hour late in position. Took ship close inshore but coast was very misty and no targets could be seen. Heavy small arm firing was heard in Bray, which was also being shelled from apparently the village of Furnes. After some waiting "Locust" was fired at by machine guns from a position approximately half way between the foreshore and Adinkerke. This was replied to by 0.5 machine gun fire from "Locust". Further fire was directed at the ship from the direction of La Panne, and this was answered with 4" H.E.
I then attempted to silence shore batteries which were shelling
Bray from Furnes, and 30 rounds of 4" H.E were fired. This apparently achieved some result as the firing died down, and several explosions causing fires were observed.
d
June. 0300. Ceased firing and proceeded.
0350. Tug "Fossa" signalled she was ashore and required assistance. In attempting to close, "Locust" took the ground but same off again, and I decided it was impracticable to close "Fossa".
A Motor Landing craft was therefore hailed and brought alongside and her troops, 51 in mumber were transferred to "Locust", and the
M.L.C was sent to rescue the crew of the Tug, and any troops she may had on board.
0450. Proceeded, and at 0545 overtook a small armed yacht in the charge of a Major R.A, who had 28 mén with him. Party was transferred to "Locust", and Major gave information that covering fire of "Locust" had been effective.
1005. Arrived Dover, and disembarked 79 Troops.
1820. Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk Harbour.
2223. Went alongside East Mole, Dunkirk and commenced embarkation of British Troops.
2302. Sailed with 650 British and 70 French Troops.
June. 0408. Arrived Dover.
1845. Slipped and proceeded.
2300. Anchored off Dunkirk Mole and commenced embarking troops from Motor boats.
June.
0015. Demolition party consisting of Lieutenant Holdsworth and
6 men left by Motor boat for wreck of "Mosquito". On arrival it was found that the wreck was submerged to the level of the battery deck, and despite repeated efforts of Lieut. Holdsworth who attempted to enter the Captain's Quarters, the forward charge had to be placed in the wheelhouse. The after charge was placed in the after magazine. The demolition party were working under great difficulties due to the movement of the wreck in the swell, and to the darkness, and great initiativewas displayed by P.T.O. Lieut.

CONFIDENTIAL.
Dyram 95.
263
From.
The Commanding Officer. Sheldrake.
248
Date
2nd June. 1940.
Reference.
RDA/0/37.
To
The Flag Officer in Charge. Harwich.
Subject
Meritorious Service Awards.
1.
Operations in which Sheldrake has been involved during the evacuation from Dunkirk has enabled certain officers and men to distinguish themselves in H.M. Ship under my command. The circumstances are outlined below so that the necessary action may be taken by you should you concur.
2.
Sheldrake was ordered by C-in-C. Nore. to proceed to the KWINTE BUOY
and destroy the Asdic Apparatus of one of our destroyers wrecked in the vicinity
3.
On arrival 'Wakeful' was found to be lying completely capsized with her stern resting on the bottom and only the forefoot visible, which appeared from oil marks on the waterline to be semi buoyant. A Boat under the command of my First Lieutènant, Lieutenant HUGH WILLIAM MACKENZIE ROSE, R.N.
was sent over and placed a berthing wire running from the bull ring round the keel, to the bull ring the other side. It was intended to hang depth charges on this 'necklace' and countèrmine them with other depth charges, using Bickfords fuze.
4.
For the second trip with two depth charges, it was necessary to tow the whaler to the wreck on the end of a grass and to pump out oil fuel from Sheldrake to counteract the effects of ground swell and strong tide, which made operations difficult, particularly on the weather side.
Good seamanship and stout hearts succeeded in placing one charge on either bow in the required spot without damage to the boat. Throughout the operation all were acutely aware that we were only 10 miles from Dunkirk with aircraft of both sides passing the ship at intervals, and that at bomb in the vicinity of a boat would have countermined the depth charges that they were placing.
5.
On the whalers return to the ship for the demolition charges,
C-in-C. Nore's signal "Cancel my 1044 area now mined" was received. It confirmed our own fears that we had been working in a mined area. It seemed a pity to leave the job half done and it was decided to sink the wreck by gunfire using D.A. fuze asnear the required area as possible, and if the ship sunk before the charges placed had been exploded, to fire them with a countermining pattern of depth charges. She sank inside ten mintes, and using the escaping bubbles from the punctured stem as an aiming mark, a pattern was dropped, of which the centre charge produced a plune that told us that the desired effect had been achieved. The only damage to Sheldrake was a few light fittings on the Stokers Messdeck caused by the capstan engine
'whipping' on the light deck above.
6. Acting Petty Officer Albert Edward Jackson, Official No. 0/JX/125587
In addition to Lieutenant Rose I wish particularly to mention my Chief Boatswains Mate, whose energy din the whaler was largely responsible that the depth charges were placed.
7. for those concerned was the resoue of the survivors of H.M.Trawler
The second incident which I submit should receive. recognition
ST. ACHTLLEUS, which had been mined. After a night spent dodging M.T.B.
torpedoes with H.M.S. Widgeon, aircraft closed and informed me stress that survivors the in the waters bearing 340 degrees I wish particularly to the were efficiency of this flight of three aircraft in leadin me to continued scene. to
After passing the signal most expeditiously, two aircraft the ship circle over the area while one of their number flew past indicating

corvettes.
2.
An In interesting view account of attack by E. Boats, on of the as considered 3. an Anti Further E that Boat they escort as the should best proposed for be East fitted Coast employment with of placed to turn in bows such on a to position the enemy that the the ahead. is for D.O.D. (H)
8.6.40.
Noted with interest.
2. With reference to para. 11 of the report, ships have been informed that E. Boats operate in conjunction with aircraft. (C.-in-C., Nore's signal 1754/31/5
and R.A.D. Home Fleet's 1815/31/5). It should be obvious that the tactics of the E. Boat are largely governed by those of her quarry.
3. With reference to para. 12, an alternative explanation of the flares sighted by SHELDRAKE on
2nd June is that they were flares towed by aircraft on a course giving little change of bearing.
4. The provision of a 20 inch searchlight in the
KITTIWAKE class was recommended by D.T.S.D. in M.F.
7511/39. D.T.S.D. is trying to obtain this paper and will raise this question separately.
The use of a S/L may, however, assist the attack of other E boats and it is difficult to site it so that it will bear ahead without dazzling bridge personnel.
While
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & STAFF DUTIES
DIVISION.
13.6.40. 13.
a paper all, outi bont Exprimu
Nolind with interest DAISW is to orring to dati.
2. Concern win Don (Hj: pma 3.5 some form of Saminique in is only Dur with
Mai shall may be name on our coin.
Chan anough.
13.6.40

2.
continued
7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained
Having re-embarked Bk. the GP.OCC. demolition and party at 0017 I
until 0230 with the or with a faint hope until that R
either left patrol, by appearing from on their return be journey able to engage. None were the half light to been established before met, and the dawn suffly of aircraft had not I was clear of the path
8. experience nith M.T.B. during few days, in the hope own
In submitting the above report the last I would like to add my methods of operating may be up.
from such scraps of unexplained built evidence a complete picture of that the
9.
During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patroll between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by BS. with mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 and rocket at 0147.
10.
During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB
At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I
away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight cannot be which point to attacks night and with of aircraft Widgeon the range, turned the glasses guns on turned 10" returned, at these to in before 2000ft. ram from the to small an investigate. the beam course doing innocent burning targets bridge. of her N.E. the navigation any small difficult, light, At I At followed. harm. 2340 0040 boat and I flares torpedoes At lights, орепей which as are At 0030 they only 0041 were I an course fire managed were visible aircraft seen a with heard torpedo west. astern to small throug illum passe to At not tra an passed down my port side, and two more alarm by siren, but I saw 03
At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon sounded an course S, at na ation following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight.
one aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent
At 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti
11.
Points that emerge from the above are:-
(a) made by lying in wait ahead 01
attacks of the target are not and always stopped. be used at the moment g
(b) (c) attack. small flares may sometimes been wate aircraft co-operate and phosephorosconce of llary assisted which gives by the ships marked away speeds.
continued

SECRET
Dyroms 123. 10/19/01 B14/0/
Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Kingfisher".
5th. May 1940
254 265
No. 0/1/40.
Commander in Chief, Nore. Copies to V.A. Dover, Captain A/S,Portland.
bject:-
Report of proceedings.
Submi tted.
th K.R.and 1132.
The A.I. following report of proceedings is forwarded in accordance dnesday 29th May P.M.Received orders to land Experimental gear and remove Experimental Dome, and be ready to sail for
Dover by 0600 Thursday 30th.
This operation took less time than was anticipated due to the good work of the Scientific Staff and my Midnight. Ship's Company. Reported ready to proceed at nursday 30th May
0001 Proceeded.
0900 Arrived at Dover and secured to No. 19 Buoy.
1317 Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk by Route"X" with large Motor Boat "Sambra" in tow. Speed 12 Knots.
Magnetic Mine exploded by Sweeper 1 mile ahead of
Kingfisher in swept channel 3 miles E. of Dover.
1930 Arrived at Malo Beach, Dunkirk and embarked troops using Motor Boat and Whaler and "Sambra".
2300 Proceeded with 180 British troops on board.
iday 31st May
0510 Alongside Ramsgate Pier. Troops disembarked.
Had to wait for the tide before going alongside.
0533 Proceeded back to Dunkirk.
0800
Arrived Malo Beach and embarked troops with Motor
A
boat and Whaler. No other boats were available.
1100
Had 80 troops on board One seriously wounded, and
20 French.
It was nearing low water and a small ship which had been beached and which the boats had been using as a jetty was of no further use. There was sufficient surf on the beach to make embarkation extremely difficult and produce considerable risk of losing my only means of transport, also there were no more British troops ready to come had started to shell the beach and the troops had ta off probably due to the fact that the Germans
I decided to proceed with what I had and return taken cover.
as soon as possible by which time the state of
1440 Alongside the Margate Pier, disembarked troops.
tide would be more favourable.
1835 1518 Proceeded Malo back Beach. to Dunkirk. Where there appeared to small be very
Arrived and a large number of Tugs and boats few troops waiting off. Decided to try the Harbour but
1900 High bombing raid commenced, engaged enemy had to wait for a berth
Aircraft and considered Kingfisher shot one down

SECRET
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
Dynamo 132. 282
DATE
5th June, 1940.
267
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS MAY OF A/A SHIPS - OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
31st JUNE 3rd.
On completing discharge of the Military Units at Sheerness on May 31st H.M.S. "Royal Eagle" proceeded to a buoy and reported ready to proceed.
On June 1st at 0800 a signal was received from V.A. Dover, that all paddle minesweepers and minesweepers were to proceed forthwith to the beaches and I at once went on board "Royal Eagle"
and after having embarked extra lifebelts and some rafts from the
North Wall at Sheerness the ship proceeded to the beaches via route
"X" at full speed.
When half way across a signal was received from V.A. Dover ordering "Royal Eagle" to Ramsgate to await instructions so the ship was turned and anchored off Ramsgate. No instructions were received but an Examination Vessel called alongside with a set of directions to minesweepers and paddle minesweepers to proceed to a point 1 1/2 miles East of Dunkirk at 2200 to embark troops. I
endeavoured to obtain confirmation that "Royal Eagle" was meant to be included in the signal - but not obtaining this I signalled that
I intended to proceed and left at 1530.
"Royal Eagle" was the first ship to arrive off the beaches at 2200 and I directed the Commanding Officer to anchor a full 1½
miles from the breakwater so as to leave room for the ships coming on to anchor astern. On arrival a French drifter with some French soldiers arrived alongside and disembarked them but by 2320 I had seen no sign of any boats although by then some six or more sweepers had arrived and I made a signal to V.A. Dover to this effect.
A signal was received that all sweepers were to be underway and clear of Dunkirk by 0300, and I presumed that this was on account of the shelling which was fairly continuous, though in the dark not very accurate.
It seemed as if the enemy had registered on a wreck a few hundred yards away from "Royal Eagle" as most of the shells fell between "Royal Eagle" and the wreck or just around the wreck.
"Royal Eagle" was spattered with shell splinters and I kept the ship's company below the upper deck as much as possible.
A little before 0300 "Royal Eagle" commenced to weigh but two boats sighted inshore with no ship near them and they were injured and their lighter which was manned by naval the ratings. last closed were occupants picked up as well as two seriously but Eagle" to clear. Owing to the absence of boats embarked. only some
"Royal men from eventually a power left the beaches about 0330 being 120
French one troops ship and half a dozen British had been defect "Royal was put Eagle" at immediate notice for steam for half only.
returned to Sheerness and owing to a speed boiler
DH. M. S. "Golden Eagle" arrived that her at Commanding 1320 and Officer I assumed at once was command in a rather transferred overwraught her and state finding I sent him soon on received leave and for "Golden Eagle"
of to proceed the ship to myself. Dunkirk Orders to arrive were at 0100/3 crossing and by take route off "X" troops near"FG" from buoy the Mole. I sighted I sailed a motor at torpedo 1725. Whilst boat which, after passing at some

Dyrams 37. 291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the loss of H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F., to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430:. Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer berth but one, which was occupied by troopship Finella.
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
CONFIDENTIAL Dynama 269 286
nmenced in which some ne harbour and ships in
"Grenade" washit, and so intense that my
FROM.
The Extended Defences Officer,
Sheerness.
pening in the immediate
DATE... 7th June 1940.
ng between raids and nder Clouston, R.N., who
To.
The Commodore in Charge
Sheerness.
ed her survivors came on
SUBJECT. Senior Officer, Thames Local ges were passed by this
Defence Flotilla.
when a bomb dropped down n. from "Finella" to "Crested
I wish to recommend the
'S from the damaged ships
Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence
Flotilla, Commander E.C. Cordeaux R.N.
proceed by Commander
M.B. M.R.C.S. L.R.C.P. for his great judgment and initiative, and also for y and steering an Easterly iously until, as I learnt his unflagging energy shown during the ther, four of which hit the whole period of operation Dynamo.
idles) were still functioning
His gallant action in going ile, but I soon discovered overboard when the whaler capsized y from amidships right aft.
alongside ROYAL EAGLE and remaining and the sides were in.
inthe water for over an hour to clear
;enant Jones, reported on the propellor of the motor boat are15, adly burnt) to say that
I consider, worthy of the greatest ur, so decided to beach the praise.
.P's and C.B's. were ie P.O. Telegraphist.
to the beach where she
CAPTAIN,-
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
ed ground and with the wind

Dyroms 37.
291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the loss of H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F., to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer berth but one, which was occupied by troopship inella
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
SECRET Думашо 271
289
menced in which some
C.O. ROYAL EAGLE's letter of 5thJune '40
concerning Report of Proceedings.
e harbour and ships in
"Grenade" was hit, and so intense that my ening in the immediate
II
THE EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER
g between raids and
SHEERNESS.
der Clouston, R.N., who ed her survivors came on
Submitted, ges were passed by this
I entirely concur with the remarks made by Lieut. Commander Farrow.
when a bomb dropped down
The officers and men mentioned from l. "Finella" to "Crested also came under my own personal notice and I can fully endorse the recommendations made.
B from the damaged ships proceed by Commander
I would like also to mention the coxswain (leading seaman) of H.M.S.
/ and steering an Easterly
GREYHOUND'S motor boat, which after busly until, as I learnt
H.M.S. GREYHOUND had been bombed worked ther, four of which hit the for a time from the ROYAL EAGLE.
iles) were still functioning
The name of this rating is not known, but I was much struck by his ile, but I soon discovered
/ from amidships right aft.
coolness and devotion to duty.
ad the sides were in.
Deall vill enant Jones, reported on adly burnt) to say that e, so decided to beach the
P's and C.B's. were
COMMANDER R.N.
e P.O. Telegraphist.
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE
to the beach where she
FLOTILLA.
a ground and with the wind aft

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
I should Officer like to draw T. Jones special attention to the magnificent work 295
of, Petty throughout operations.
2
The following officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
280
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "THELE".
C.O., H.M.Glassborow, Lt., R.N.V.R.
May 29. 1800. Left Hamble.
May 30. 0600. Arrived Dover; berthed in Submarine Basin 1100.
Received orders to sail in company for Dunkirk area.
2130. Left Dover in company.
May 31. 0600. Arrived off Bray. Proceeded to La Panne under orders from "ANKH" to take soldiers off beach.
0630. Arrived off La Panne, took soldiers from surf boats and transferred them to destroyers. Later ordered by Capt. of destroyer to place ourselves at disposal of paddle steamer anchored off beach. Did this, collected her boats, took them in to beach and brought soldiers to her.
The Commodore in "BOUNTY" suggested we used our launch and with assistance of soldiers on board, we tried to get the launch in the water but smashed it in the process. Later called up by destroyer "KEITH"
and ordered to anchor astern of her. After about half an hour there was an air raid and "KEITH" weighed and left ordering me to remain where I was as despatch boat.
As bombs were falling all around, weighed anchor but remained i n position. The Commodore arrived in a small boat, transferred to us and took over the ship.
Sailed round La Panne and Bray, boarding ships and
1300. Went alongside sloop "HEBE" and took her Captain While transmitting Commodore's orders.
on alongside her, she was attacked by aircraft board. Put Commodore on board paddle steamer.
we and were she wieghed and left with Commodore aboard. me Heavy air all ships to move half a mile attack at La Panne; Capt. of "HEBE" Westward. ordered
Followed her off Bray, just as she was attacked lie off to signal "HEBE" to try and put her Capt. aboard. by Arrived alongside ordered by her Capt. to him her to bombers, so was in action, but close enough for him on while she was her if necessary. Later, put proceed pass orders and to received orders from him Was to given to board "HEBE" off G.H.Q. personnel.
La Panne and take Orders to hand and to Lord lay Gort. off pier. Proceeded
Night to La Operation Panne escorted ashore by "HEBE" with Gutsell, C.P.O. and hand and
1630. Sent dinghy with orders to contact G.H.Q. took on
G. over Duncan, Night A.B., Operation Orders. While waiting soldiers.