TNA ADM 199 790

588
556
W.A.S. HORNE LDG. Sto.
Prints
R.F.R. B.16726, sferred
JUNE 13th 1940.
M.L. MERHAIDEN, shortly c/o HOTER E)NARD
Tune
WEYMOUTH
e due
DUTY PERFORMED By M.A. MERMAIDEN DORSET.
held
AT EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK.
up uth.
$ to to
+ expr Heymin of 6.30PM.T procussess to.) met May under command of Junt. Maitin R.N.R.
doing followed 1) wech Rilot boots to Joves a advist er of Doves of 3.0 P.M. May 3th u Jun the
Finst Hastin was released from as on allowal we from of Dover to go do and this the who
Pensioner Petty Coffices Norton was then in board command of The boat.
to their
We completed with spel 9 works & provisions overca
& loft Joves for Sunkish 31ˢᵗʰ May.
her.
an unwertful ship to Dunkish, snop) for
R
off fouring difficulties with Tage dowing small crafer, we were under one own faver.
We saw Ting ship sto book in spow, & permit we were heal Smkirk.
The Tag made any & we and not know while we were, so me had to hang alound until class broke.
as alown was bleaking we got under way
& steamed for a awl red glow which we could see in She custance, & which we sook for Dunkisk.
asked then if May were going to Sunkish,
We sighted two Belgian fishing boats, &
They smell so we followed
Jast apperwards we hade contact with

590
Two
557
an seart vessel & asked Then for The conse to Sunkish, & are found we were on the sight Arack.
We eventually arrived or the beach which was noth of Dembrik, & which 2 Thank was LA DANN.
Iv was The Glorions,et of June when we assined at The beach in The thisk of an vial bombarant.
I Aprgov to hertin that on he way to The beach we were strafer by Nazi Planes but without loss of life a very while method damage, hit one of the Belgion looks was far and of action.
an the beach we procuded sto filly traspe to Ae waiting austrayers under bonbaidness
& machine gun fir, although and waships were keeping of a stopy bareage.
a big flight of Nazis cane over, a
The & other waships all got started overfung loabs.
under way, of proceded sto Sea, which They
We Spotted a boat load of back were forced % do mow She Tommies cricumstances. well for them, of mall machine gm fire we got and from the beach so we Animal
There then safely about warships heal so we had to by Ao well sea, no as with The washifs hd. gone, 94
The will Soldies had given of hope well until
Huns making it was for they Ann back, a they risk greatly law relieved, no & said They world
The tril back with as.

upe 12th 1940
C.C.S. Base 59%
Wermonth 558
bhronicle of Events of Imerniades may 29th Proceeded so Dower under
Doner. 30th Comfleted with oil and water
Com mand of Lieut. martin R.H.R. arriving and provision, Luest martin while to so to another ship took charge of Income nd proceeded the 31st may in Curver under run Power with two trainlers towing small motor boats, at between 11 and 12 on after great difficultres in keeping Confact with
Hawler the tiansler slifid their Tow. in he darkness we missid the Convoy, so decided to wait ontill dazlight, when sighting two
Belguim drifters the Joinsa with them asking if ther were procerding to Dunkins, not quite lear. signted Transport and asked by Signal
Coresfonded with the coam we were the coarse for Dunkirk, the Coarse received steering so proceeded the in Company Just before
Dunkirk we were attacked G 4 as arring aircraft but doing at with us machine little damage, action, fun fire the arring taking Drifts at astern being put out of from the books to the destroyers, tombs our destination, proceeded to Embark hoots which there puff rather close, Sing how was rowing up a Leavy barrage, several us a hard droffed the one Destroyer was was AFTER fathy one Loading, underweigh boat on contain Leaving 24 the British Destroyer. / French sighted officer and shaking, Except the one that I
so in and took them off, weigh as proceeded the Denti open was getty under

she
Submitted Report of Dunkisk Operations.
561
The Night of fune 3.4.
after being relived from HM School Tilly'
managed to faid a large cabin cruiser, as Mermander, in which to you au last crosing. She had at the time a broken fuel and extaust pipe but, due 6 as efforts of leading Stoker younger, They were boa meuded in time to start with as remainder unfortunately as crew had received their full share of machine quaring in a previous tip and any were rather chary of going again, so, while an stoker voluntersed 6 stay on board the remaining four members of as clew wall left ashone. The crew eventually consisted of as stoke an air gummer on leave, Michael game, an elderly while -
haved gentleman M: MacPherson ecently appointed 5 HMS
Victory as a Lientement, and myself. During a greater part of as trip across we had also am board in adminal, Ramsqate - Commodore Taylor.
fuse after passing 'w' 3 bury a admiral traus fessed 19 a Was Department boat. and as an boats shick zill aen, had been Towed by tips, were cast of and told 6 follow under Casin our steam - Between w buoy and are channel. Chree floating mines were enline, Shile hey and 6 explode Deam with Lewis you fiecountried, which occupied as insesweepers for a ensidence
The Flest teached Dunkisk without mishap.

596
and admisal we proceeded straight up To Quai Felix Fame.
Boar was the directing are swaller boats. The who there was was a only other one alongside when we was Dep difficulty in filling the boat. animal au officer bows controlling the French troops, they archough powed are and stem antil are was noc au inch in unfilled. the Meanwhile stumbling along be 'quai', tripping debin G report G the admisal, 1 ended of a large shell hole, which 1 promptly cursed up fluently at
Draw one language.
with two hundred troops on board forward of the cobine was so crowded that are believe not we one ot all, consequently the boat bad 6
by slouting diections louder Than due incessant Freuch
The passage out passed without any untoward incident.
De barbow however. a slight well difficulty arose, lousi to which the troops should have been transfe not be found, due to its not flashing the preatrava
5 make matters worse are was a swell outside
Oue boat roll reiker precariously.
The troops were eventually put aboug lying near are entrance much a are consternated
Sub- Lientenant who kept bleating hopelessly. Passer cli an order which are French promptly obeyed by sero the focile. Luckey the only damage the boar a goterquely twisted guardrail and chipped paint by are swell.
but on assioring at the quai' found it deserte s
We proceeded once wore up a troops had been evacuated in a emarkably.
acting on his instructions I went ashore again left certain that are admiral had not been be had not.
On our return down are harb admisal in an HTB. which had apparently 6
are her propersion and relders were ordered

AID a go is to a tramp steams proceeding 4
French fishing assistance smask that Each had collected a few troops- 552 running full speed in an endeavour eitile to avoid us, an straight into one bows. Fortunately ic did damage, due 5 an decks you but air was not known while doeslight.
Once alongside are fishing boat / enquired civilly of the coxswain Whether or not he required towing, and was promptly told 13 hop 's' in a most ungentle manner while one of an Crew proceeded is but ML with an oar. In are conversation Oat ensued is appeared Diat
I
was Drying to turu are boat back while the latter was determined G save itself comme tous le auties! & Chey still seemed adamant in their refusal 19 & Towed, and appeared 13 be quite sappy in aim ignorance we eft Gen
19 make arein our way 4 the larbou entrance.
Further down au harbour we were hailed by a moterboat which appeared 4 have gone aground off one of the when pies. We had hoped G Tow has our, are au idea was eventually abandoned as she had a ope round her SCHEWS and a large beam of wood, G which as ope was attached under her, forward of au propellers. 7 -
were then Taken on board, and twned not 6
be Vice- admissals, doven Garge we were leaving. The proceedings were held up by be coxswain a Scotomian, insisting on returning for his boots.
a hundred yards fund on we were you bailed by a small open motorboat which had broken dan.
Taking her in Tow we eventually reached as intrance, located where are Tow decided G part. after rescuring her again, we ae motorboat was aen cast adaift the tugs and the two chews were transferred is Crem -
The time was now after one. City so we well ordered to stay by as tup, giving up our former intention of visiting schools are were Nouveau working. awar lust Part, above as this quai time an at German which are articlery opened fine on the Larbour shelling

596
and we proceeded straight up to Quai Felix Fame. where admisal was directing are smaller boats. The was Department
Boat was the only other one alongside when we arrived there was 2 difficulty in filling the boat. archough are au officer controlling are French troops, they powed in are bows and stem antil are was not an inch of over cpace unfilled. Meanwhile stumbling along the 'quai', tripping over of a large shell hole, which 1 promptly cursed fluently in the debin G report G the admissal, 1 ended up at Due
Draw one language.
with two hundred troops on board. the forward of the cabine was so crowded that are behnoman not au one ot all, consequently the boat bad 6 be way by slociting diections louder Than the incessant Freuch chatter
The passage one passed without any untoward incident. Once as harbour however. a slight well difficulty arose, when lousi to which the troops should have been transferred, not be found, due to 't's not flashing the preatranged 8g
5 make matters worse are was a swell outside which
Ou boat roll precariously.
The troops were eventually put aboard a lying near au entrance much a an consternation: of la an order which are French promptly obeyed by sustained chestering
Sub- Lientenant who kept bleating hopelessly. Passer the foirle. Leckey are only damage the boar a goterquely twisted guardrail and chipped paintwork, by are swell.
up the har all but troops on had assising his been instructions We at evacuated the proceeded quai I in went once found a ashore a wore cc again deserted short believe to acting certain on that the admiral had not been left be had not.
atura down the harbour lost in On our MTB. which had apparently to Take are her admisal propersion and an relders. we were ordered

AD a go is to assistance a tramp steams proceeding 4
French fishing smask that Euch had collected a few troops. 552 Turning full speed in au endeavour eitile to avoid us, an straight into one bows. Fortunately ic did damage, due G an decks iron strengseening but this was not known whil doeslight.
Once alongside are fishing boat / enquired civilly of the coxswain wheller or not he required towing, and was promptly told 13 hop 's' in a most ungentle manner while one of an crew proceeded 19 but 3 with an oar. in are conversation Oat ensued is appeared that
I was Drying to turu are boat back while the latter was determined G save itself, comme tous le auties! & Chey still seemed adamant in their refusal 19 & Towed and appeared 13 be quite happy in air ignorance we eft Gen
19 make arein our way 4 the harbou entrance.
Further down au harbour we were hailed by a motorboat which appeared to have gone aground off one of the winer pies. We had hoped G Tow his one, auc
Cu idea was eventually abandoned as she had a ope round her SCHOOL and a large beam of wood, G which as ope was attached under her, forward of au propellers. The -
were then Taken on board, and twned one 6
be Vice- admissals, dover's barge we were leaving. The proceedings were held up by the coxswain a Scotoman, insisting on returning for his boots.
a hundred yards funcess on we were apain hailed by a small open motorboat which had broken dan
Taking her in Tow we eventually reached as intrance, where are Tow decided G part. after rescuing her again, we located ae motorboat was Cheu cast adift be tugs and the two chews were transferred is Chem -
The time was now after one. City so we well ordered to stay by are tup. giving up our former intention at of visiting schools are were Noweau working. awar lust Part, above as this quan time an German which Due articlery opened fine on the Larbour shelling

CONFIDENTIAL
Drynams 375
Subject.
REPORT ON EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
583
68
From
The CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT. Portsmouth.
Date
24th JUNE 1940.
No. 781/4.
To
THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
The attached reports on the evacuation of the
B.E.F., by the Commanding Officers, H.M.S. ST. FAGAN, D/C
Motor Boats, H.M.S. EXCELLENT's A.A. Motor Boat and Hopper
"Gallions Reach" are forwarded in accordance with Confidential Portsmouth General Order 1700/40.
you ADMIRAL *
DOVER 26JUN 1940
RT
CAPTAIN.
wy.
just clear of the suit, throw a line to the pulling boats and then tow them out to the ships. One boat, heavily laden with men in full equipment capsised just as it we managed to recover one who revived after some was reaching us. most of the men sank like stones treatment. but
While this our screws became foul In of spite doing obstacle and rendered useless.
sunken the anchor and vain efferts by other boats, the strong surf of and ebbing tide soon drove us aground.

CONFIDENTIAL
Drynam 375 Bw/
Subject.
500
REPORT ON EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
563
}
From
The CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
Date
24th JUNE 1940.
No. 781/4.
To
THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
The attached reports on the evacuation of the
B.E.F., by the Commanding Officers, H.M.S. ST. PAGAN, D/C
Motor Boats, H.M.S. EXCELLENT's A.A. Motor Boat and Hopper
"Gallions Reach" are forwarded in accordance with Confidenne tial Portsmouth General Order 1700/40.
OF ADMIRAL *
DOVER 26JUN 1940 RT
CAPTAIN.
DO
&
WAS a line to the pulling boats the is unustes is to the ships. One boat, heavily be acquipment capsised just as it the weat incompled medicare was made A Names a were the who men revived sank like after stones treatment. but in Lan, care 4. and I news became foul of some usba endered useless. In spite
Cani inho futae Herto by other boats, the strong
Business Exhand drove us aground.

600
2
565 18
H.M.S. Excellent,
Portsmanth time 10 the 1940
x.
The Vice adminal, Hoves the thave the honour to submit the follow toppes gallions Reach on hray 29
leard of events after being appointed to the
1
the Portsmonth Commander in. chief Postomouth tsailed from
In accerdance with instructions received from my Command the Hoppers Queen's Channel Laty at 0320 on may 30ᵗʰ taking under wg.
South borough" ho 101" & No usit and arrived at Ramsgate at 2015 on the same day.
2
wing to slow speed and apparent engine trouble Hopper "No. 67 was mable & seep company, & on my Departure from Ramigate assised there. an the following mothing she had us.
3
In accordance with orders teceived at Ramogate m just yenesa throw a line to the pulling boat, boats heavily and then tow men in full equipment capsised like just stones as but clear of the suit, them out to the ships. One it laden with us. most of the men revived sank after treatment.
we managed to this our screws became useless. In spite was reaching recover one who foul of some we 3 our obstacle and vain efferts by other aground. strong doing and rendered boats, the blund we ele de wher ebbing tide soon drove as

601
566
led for Hun kish at 0 300 on heay 31ˢᵗ
8
th borough", their T slower process independently "Laty to me pany with Q "No. meen's 101" Channel to & ordered Hoppers anse of specds.
jallions Reach and Queenischamel assured at the each 31ˢᵗ. to the East of Hem kisk Newbour at about osio may
Twin to the effing like we could only take an board gallions Reach eventually managed to get about few tooops moring the forenoon and early efternoon.
official attached to the army.
one Belgian soldies and me French potal
123 French and British troops, including at The Hoppers sailed independently from Huntrith discretion various times rusing the evening at the
Hun of the Skippers tsailed from wy time kirk 3,st in и fallion's Reach at 2230 m twas set considerably H my coutse in takin
Owing to enemy air attack during the night
Ramsjalie until about 0700 on time 11 in avoiding action and tid not assure at whence twas ordered to margate to disembark troops.
MUSLINE - m just clear general the suit, throw a proper line to the pulling boats of then tow them out to the ships. One boat, heavily it and laden in full equipment capsised just as with men us. most of the men sank like stones treatment. but we was reaching to recover one who reviewed after some sunken the anchor and vain efferts by other boats, strong
While doing obstacle and rendered useless. the managed this our screws became foul In of spite suit of and ebbing tide soon drove as aground.

602
2
5.
stake this opportunity to mention the splentid art played by the 'Lady South borough the Ad not have a neval officer onboard, and because dependently the brought It more troops than her speed was forced to operate largely od.
any of the other Hoppets and the itialive and skill displayed by her SR ipper and Chew in ind
The in thusidsm Reeness of all about her to ambasking troops from the beach was outstan rug return to Hunkith was repeatedly in evidence at 0300 on time 5ᵗʰ in in accordance with order under received at margate tsailed for Portsmouth, taking
Lady South borough" "Fotemost (Sub Lientenant K.H.
my command the Happers "Queen's Channel mathin R.N ) and No. W. 24"
the Chamiel had been twept
We were delayed until 0700 in the Howns until
In a position approximately 10 miles south of
28
the Royde sovereign Light House (in numbed allion's Reach)
took in tow a Ftench fishing vessel in by personnel of the French havy, bound from Hun havel kith to Hower touly handed her over to the auth orities in hewhaven.
2
&
line 000 30 W after 1700, and thoth fee
Owing to the weather, restriction on passing of feed water in several ships, tanchoted at henhave about C 0a 1 power Noals TO run m just at 2 June 58
J
- 11 5 K. 00-4 you 950 of TVr frow a line to the pulling boats
Address a to the ships. One boat, heavily it this is fare old at use equipment capsised just as when Kg beha chass expanse take R the men sank like stones but that Palaxe HE nick's who revived after treatment.
mede CANN nooder became foul of some
& Mas "Pda cast with produced useless. In spite he Hereby whenels - manes accents by other boats, the strong
We What drove us aground.

603
568
hewhave On time 6ᵗʰ in accordance with in stare china received at
Ports mouth.
Heft the Happets and proceeded personally to while engaged in ferrying troops from funkish beach, one of gallion's Reach's boats was lost and the rema in in boat twamped with the subs ment loss of some bottom boards, and crutches.
in those the honour to be,
Sir, your obedient servant,
7.h I tohnston,
WHALE IBLAND
Sub. Lienten ant Roy al havy.
idea was for the power boats to nun in boats just clear of tow them out to the ships. One heavily it general the suit. throw a line to the pulling boat, and then in full equipment capsised just stones as but laden with men most of the men sank like after treatment.
we was reaching to us. recover one who revived of some managed this our screws became foul In spite sunken and vain efferts by other aground. strong
While doing obstacle and rendered useless. boats, the suit of the and anchor ebbing tide soon drove us

604
2
569
H.M.B Excellent.
12 June.
Sir,
He
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events covering the period 2200 Wednesday 29th May until the morning of saturday June 1st
In accordance with verbal orders, 9 sailed from
Portomouth in H.M.S' EXCELLENT'S A/A motor Boat about 2200 May 29th. The following afternoon it became necessary to put in to Dover owing to insufficient fuel to proceed to Ramsqate. While refuelling I received orders to remain at Dover.
about michight I got sailing orders to proceed at once to BRAY DUNES to assist with the terrying operations between the beach and waiting ships.
and went straight inshore. There was heavy sust
Early on Friday morning we arrived off BRAY
and many of the pulling boats which the soldiers were manning from a jethy of abandoned army transports appeared to be in difficulties. The general idea was for the power boats to nun in just clear of the suit, throw a line to the pulling boats and then tow them out to the ships. One boat, heavily laden with men in full equipment capsised just as it we managed to recover one who revived after some was reaching us. most of the men sank like stones treatment. but
While doing this our screws became foul In of spite obstacle and rendered useless.
sunken the anchor and vain efferts by other boats, the strong suit of and ebbing tide soon drove as aground.

605
Once ashore, and 9 got in touch with a party
Engineers made arrangements for the of Ro stern to be raised in an attempt to clear boat whatever had become foul of them. while this away being done I took the crew and a party of we some way along the beach to where am abando sole cabin-cruiser lay. she appeared to be in good condition; after considerable effort and mus hampered by bompandment and machine attacks from berman aircraft she was ever refloated. I left her in charge of my consway the rest of the crew,.1 with orders to carry on previously. When I returned with the soldiers original place it was obvious that my A/A
boat was of no further use. The most import articles were removed to safety: Secret chai the Captain of the minesweeper PRINCESS ELIZA
and Aldis hamp to the Royal Curps of Signa had only a motorbicycles lamp.
With the aid of more soldiers we got a ships trip back took became over into badly another the sea motor-boat holed one. and so By made I had this abandoned several been time force my he and in in life-boat the as private almost the and engine redhot. appeared did They a pulling rejoined rather too Jerry me 70
for the remainder we of the time. There being five oars the work was exhausting and ob slow. with darkness, the submerged private cans, buses etc) and the suit the difficulty of operating from the sing con transports run out into the sea and

606
570
ch other by single planks. shorthy before midnight we ade our last trip. The Princess Elizabeth was full up nd the object of much shell-fire; our We-boat was lowly breaking up and the cnew were exhausted fter a day of fairly continuous fire from land nd bombing and machine gun attacks from the air.
They could not have carried on any longer. We were iken onboard the Princess Eligabeth and arrived it mangate next morning. I reported with my cnew it
Dover and on being informed that we would not enle required any further, returned to H.M.S. Excellent.
I have the honome to be
Sir, w
Your absectent servant.
13 JUN 1940
WHALE ISLAND
Q.W. m. Matthew.
(sub heat. R.N)
2A
he Captain life
H.M.S. Excellent.
own

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Wednesday, possible route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my dailed dommand for arrived at Dover p.m.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 feet. Low water Dunkirs approximately by shortest
Flag Dover Officer-in-Charge, on board). Dover and Lieut. (Commander Candr. Dennis Canalet. staff of
Cleared ORRY. Fouled perews on submerged up 11
from H.M.S. KING 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked S.O.N.T.B's, survisors
0300. from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine Thursday, towed in 30th, and started.
accepted screws. tow Engines wouldwetart. 0200, wreekage.
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level
Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk hardour. 0100. Completed bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunision
Engines most unsatisfactory
Tel. Hii. 3211 306 Broan Rill Road 7
Calford, 571
X
12-6-40
London S.E.G.
Dear Sity Herewite a rough report of part them by "ot Fagur in evacuating time of Dunkish not much I'm afraid but you will note that had did bring back the Company
1- think this is what in callul for by
C.P.G.O. 1700 Could you please have + typet and made to look presentable
EXCELLENT
your
JUN 1940
NHALE IRLAND
It. Ch.

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
6
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, possible route H.M. 29th D/C May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived at Dover p.m.
0100, least depth over over shallow mines minefield. 6 feet. (Commander Low water Dunkirk approximately by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis Casalet, S.O.M.T.B's, staff of
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing
Engines most ungeti
H. M.S. EXCELLENT 608
PORTSMOUTH
12-6-40572
REPORT ON EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
have the know to render the following report, in accurdance with Confidential Portsmouth General Order ho.1700, of first taken by H.h. Tug "SiFagan" in evacuation of BEF.
0708 (APPROX) FRIDAY "MAY - Orders received from P.A. Donn to take from Dunkish.
three Thomes Saiting Barges in togo and proceed a to Duratish stretch of heach east of Sunkirk where Barges were to he beached to act as embarRation Pontouns for BEF.
Two suffied these Darges undere filted with ausectling engines.
taking they in low.
instructed to proceed actside Harbuur to facilitate
I them them with necessary towing Rawson and this
0830 (APPROX.) the 1 Procuded outside hurhum and took Banges in third tow length of tow from how of stragan" to stery to the Bange being approve 200 fathous, 1 Rausess of Rad
1000 Sands. an Processed speed with tow vip channel through Gooduria not (APRROX) strong secured enough to for masts towing of Banges as other fittings were
1115 channel opprose. by as (APPROX.) tar Destroyers at Rad average arrived to. and to 12 be W then at Bary nursed "w" vissels of Bury as 5 constantly Kurts instructed passing and mg Course at through a Could high was 4 speed. the set made wash to good enter caused the some the essential, marks mumeries mish Hrikension after High that dark, sandbanks faccepted Water sheed draught was Junkiok an felt north it of of was en ship of not this being date affreace. was distance and that at the 14feet, 2105 on of luck 7₫ one and meles but of of
300 directive owing (APPROX) to turnerds - amind Dumkish in was Channel reduced / could and recognised, on proceeded nearing proced in the an at stad Easterly was defficulty of avoiding the memoran only whichs slow with sheed the

CONFIDENCIAL
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer Page D/C 1 Unit's of letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
$
H.M. D/C motor OPERATIONAL boat under DYNAMO.
Wednesday, possible route 29th over May, shallow 1940. At 2100 my sailed dommand for arrived at Dover p.m.
0100, least depth over mines minefield. 6 feet. Low water Dunkir's approximately by shortest
Flag Dover Officer-in-Charge, on board). Dover and Lieut. (Commander Commar. Casalet. staff of from H.M.S. KING 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked Dennis 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors
Cleared screws. ORRY. Fouled porews on submerged up accepted tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, weekage. 30th,
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed In and started.
reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots the to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat of Flag Officer, Dover for
Engines most
609
lay withs tow were and fould the in numerous the 2 darkness Jush on having three in occasions, the Channel, and 573
the must of third lighter was camisdaway.
30 Saturday "June- Harbour alroam, further Cantine Rad to be exercised as no chart uses mailable for Channel East of Dunkink, direction being obtained by haiting following passing Vessels.
(affrom) Received
0230 (approse.) 1 my Coeswain Petty officer BASTABLE- volunteered to take the shiff ashare, taking ABLE SEAMAN NEALE, to this I shiff was lumored and sent in.
investigate suitable hosition for hearting the Banges, and
0300 Capture.) - Received signal from Beach requesting boat to take off British Soldiers, and decided to heart the &
Barger using one with awaithing enginer to fatch of the to Lightermen and as many troops as we Could camey and small engines- - the Lighterman to return in own on finally its own beach third tighter Barge by sending it in was Thingly my estimated position at this time
3 mids East of Dunkish.
Banges to the were Lightermen. hanled claim to shih and instructions given
0340 without (apparme) - Barger slipped, and am with took the are bow engain in - heard tow and went a head engines to hass rund
1355 (approse.) sunk I with Aircraft in a By very ese plasion short and hund, occurred / found and the myself ship callupsed in the water and mg one of which my and Telegraph near the two
P.H& was and suring the sinday slowly, Barge 1 these out were reached Barges with contacted my Criswain in the skiff Rad adrift landed officer sent a party two of British Trans whose and
Corporals with him Quanding to organing

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
8
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my dailed dommand for arrived Dunkirk at Dover Deme possible least depth over shallow minefield. Low water by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Commdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
0100, over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, approximately staff of
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled porews on suimerged wreokage.
Cleared screws. Engines Wouldwetart. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towad In and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk hardour. ohoo. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing
574610 610
Engines most thin disposition and 3 to me guide that the he Banges. had amroal occumed, appose. also of Operamin later informed the ship when the explosion and that that bout eschlosion affeared to 8° drawn the Funnel of shih.
venty yards from was Caused by a bouth from aircraft, He then of woulded the twenty. officir and Ships Company, two officis and to pick up survivors, the ratings were saved, one officer - the D.G. Brown Boats:
and an stoker were wounded.
In addition to the seventeen maral ratings lat them was one initian who had Come on board from one of the Barges.
a complete list of survivors and ratings lost, including this when together with the two Antorals, were later friked hh
Civilians, was given to the Captain in Charge at Ramsgoste by I & passing hig filled with troops and landed at Ramsgutes
Bastable Consider the murked zeal and initiating of Patty officer worthy of special commundation
I have the hunnur * h your Obedint Servant il Coptain
H.m.S Emallent
Luit. Canth
Portsmonth

CONFIDENTIAL
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
H.M. D/C motor boat under
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
8
Wednesday, possible route 29th May, 1940. At 2100 my sailed command arrived at Dover p.m.
0100, least depth over over shallow minefield. Low for Dunkirk by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, mines 6 feet. (Commander water approximately
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dover and Dunkirk. Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis Casalet, S.O.M.T.B's, staff or from Cleared H.M.S. screws. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged Picked up 11 survisors accepted tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. in Completed and started.
Proceeded H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed 30th, reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low bombing casualties. attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, level defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff
0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due no to engine of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunsire
Engines most unsatisfactory.
LD
574 610
thin disposition and 3 to guide the Banges.
of Occarin later informed me that he had amount approve.
venty yards from the ship when the exchlosion occurred. also that escplosion was Caused by a bouth from aircraft and that the brub affeared to 80 down the Funnel of shih. He then worlded to pick up survivors, of the twenty-f officis and Ships Company, two offices and bese ratings were saved, one officer - the D.G. Brown and are stoker were wounded.
In initian addition to the seventeen maral ratings last them was one a who had Come on board from one of the Banges.
whom, together with the two Cartorals, were later fried hh
Civilians, was given to the Captain in Charge at Ramsgoste complete list of surverois and ratings lost, including this by & passing tig filled with troops and landed at Ramsynts
Bastable worthy of special commundation
I Consider the musked zeal and initiation of Patty officer
I have the honour * &
your Obedint Servant
The Captain
Luit. Cand ces
H.m.S Emallent
Portsmouth

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
Page 1 of
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
H.M. D/C motor boat under my command arrived at Dover p.m.
Wednesday, 29th May, 1940. At 2100 sailed for Dunkirk by shortest over shallow minefield. Low water approximately over mines 6 feet. (Commander Casalet, staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover and Lieut. Cmmdr. Dennis S.O.M.T.B's,
Dover on board). 2300 Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 survisors from H.M.S. KING ORRY. Fouled screws on submerged wreckage.
Cleared screws. Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, 30th, accepted tow from H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in and started.
0300. Proceeded to reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, no casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 mots due to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
CONFIDENTIAL.
575
Subject.
OPERATIONS OFF THE BELGIAN COAST.
From.
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
Date.
14th June, 1940.
as
To
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT, Portsmouth.
a
In accordance with C.P.G.O. 1700, the report on operation DYNAMO is forwarded.
)
lle)
Lieutenant in Command.
ted utes ans ficer from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 lifeboats survivors spoke tow.
(hospital ship). Picked up wounded and took men in from wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow.
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued.
)
psh.

CONFIDENTIAL.
612
Page 1 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated 14th June, 576 1940.
OPERATIONAL DYNAMO.
Wednesday, route H.M. 29th D/C over May, motor 1940. boat At under 2100 my sailed command for arrived at Dover p.m.
possible 0100, least depth over shallow mines minefield. 6 Low water Dunkirk by shortest
Flag Officer-in-Charge, feet. (Commander approximately
Cleared screws. Fouled screws on submerged from Dover H.M.S. KING ORRY. Arrived Dunkirk. Picked up 11 S.O.M.T.B's, survisors on board). 2300 Dover and Lieut. Crundr. Dennis Casalet, staff of accepted Proceeded to H.M.S. VIVACIOUS. One engine towed in 30th, and started.
tow from Engines would/start. 0200, Thursday, wreckage.
0300. reconnoitre Dunkirk harbour. 0400. Completed bombing attack. 7 bombs 150 yards away, no visible damage, reconnaissance, embarked 15 allied soldiers. 0415. Low level casualties. 0425. Proceeded for Dover. Speed 8 knots due no to engine defects. 0945. Arrived Dover. D/C motor boat was used by staff of Flag Officer, Dover for routeing merchant ships to Dunkirk.
Engines most unsatisfactory. E.R. department worked continuously on both engines to diagnose faults and to remedy. Returned to harbour 0400/31.
Friday, 31st.
D/C motor boat again used for routeing. Engines still unsatisfactory, and at 1630 I suggested to Duty Officer on staff of
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover that the officers and men of the boat should make themselves useful elsewhere. Permission was received to commandeer any available boats, to assume command and report for duty.
Lieutenant Mead, as reported in my letter dated 12th
June, 1940, assumed command of R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON.
Lieutenant Hamilton Meikle assumed command of 40 ft.
ships fast motor boat and manned it with:-
Petty Officer John Luckins. P/J 103170, coxswain of the D/C
motor boat (as coxswain).
A.B. Alfred J. Cole P/JX 129800 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT) (as Lewis
Gunner).
and Stoker W.M. Wells R.F.R. P/85.125744 (H.M.S. EXCELLENT).
These men all volunteered to accompany Lieutenant
Hamilton Meikle, and it was with difficulty that he could persuade them that orders were necessary before proceeding immediately to
Dunkirk. The boat was capable of 20 knots and one stripped Lewis gun was transferred to her from H.M. D/C(boat, MORE the other gun being in Lieutenant Mead's lifeboat.
Saturday, 1st June.
40 ft. motor boat assisted M.T.B. 107 (Commodore Hallet)
in regulating rescue traffic to and from Dunkirk.
Sunday, 2nd June.
motor boat escorted M.A.S.B. Continued 10 (Admiral towards Somerville)
but 40 ft. due to discrepancy in speed. 1900.
Dunkirk to see aircraft attacking hospital approximately 12
lost touch if boat was required for any purpose. ship. Proceeded Sighted formation of enemy 1910 Air attack. Duration All petrol minutes. cans
87215 to assistance. dive-bombing and machine günning. Between spare 30-40 M/G
pierced and near 1930. Took offices
JU 97's and miss bomb strained boat. off Captain and some from S.S. PARIS. Picked up 6 survivors tow.
bullet holes, no (hospital casualties. ship). Picked lifeboats up wounded and took men in from wreckage of lifeboats. further lifeboat - ship unknown, weight of tow. spoke
2005. Spanish. Picked 2100. up Engines overheated due to
(Continued

6.6
LOG of the m.v., "SEINE" Official No.160693 of Roohester.
580
Crow
Master - G.V. Cogger.
Mate - H.L. Stafford.
Engineer L. Godden,
Deck Hands J. Lawson and J. Kirby.
Tednesday May 22nd 1940 Sailed from Rochester at 7. 0 a.m. for S.R.D. Jetty,
Deptford, for stores for North France; arrived
579
614
Disnom 399
578
FROM
CAPTAIN OF DOCKYARD, CHATHAM.
DATE
17th June, 1940.
TO
ADMIRAL UPERINTENDENT, CHATHAM.
CONFIDENTIAL.
577
Page 2 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated
14th June, 1940.
2115. Transferred all survivors to a SUN class tug. 40 ft.
motor boat making water and liable to sink. SUN tug took motor boat in tow hoping that self-bales would keep boat afloat.
2130. Abandoned 40 ft. motor boat in tow.
Monday, 3rd.
0415. Arrived Dover in tow. Secured. 0700 motor boat awash, due to leaks. 0800. Hoisted motor boat out. Crew returned to D/C motor boat.
should like to bring to notice the coolness calm and of Patty
Officer J. during the extremely difficult 2nd period June, Glso at boat
I Luckins in obeying my helm orders with when the was Dunkirk being on heavily 29th/30th May his coolness was also promptitude attacked. on Sunday, noticeable.
The enemy aircraft with the stripped Sunday, 2nd June. gun, was accurate shooting and calamess of A.B. Lewis Cole who hit very at praiseworthy least one during the air attack on
15.6 D/C.

three miles to the Eastward of Dunyirk and there were thousands
621
of men on the shore shouting and after consulting with a Destroyer the Captain of the tug ordered me up on a short tow rope (despite
585
6
my warning them my stem might be knooked in); instructed
"LADY ROSEBERRY" to start up his engine; piok up the "DORIS"
and get ashore ready to pick up the troops.
Whilst they were doing this, I was getting my engine going and within a very few minutes by the time the "LADY ROSEBERRY" and
"DORIS" had navigated up round the head of the tug and I had slacked astern of the boat, there was a tremendous explosion and the tug had apparently been blown up by a mine. It was only half light at the time and I immediately lowered my small boat to look for any survivors.
I picked up one Stoker who subsequently proved to have a broken leg and whilst we were pulling him into the boat, another man who proved to be the Mate, climbed over the dinghy side. Just at this moment I saw another small boat pproaching and hailed them, to find that they were the crews of the two barges which had sunk in the explosion. They had scrambled aboard their boat before their barges sunk. Everything happened so quickly that it is difficult to remember everything but my barge seemed to be lifted bodily out of the water by the explosion and I was relieved when I found she was still afloat although making water badly.
By this time my barge was the only remaining vessel of the flotilla and I had the injured man aboard and there appeared to be no other survivors.

622
I applied to the Destroyer for instructions who told me to
586
proceed back with the injured man.
After we had proceeded about 5 miles, another large tug (I believe one of Watkins) picked us up and towed us back to Ramsgate where we arrived at about 11.30 on Saturday morning. When we arrived at Ramsgate, a launch took the injured man ashore and 8 second boat landed the other members and I was sent to Pebble Bay, to await further instructions.
It is interesting to note that the Stoker with the broken leg was on watch in the boiler room at the time of the explosion and was blown out of the stokehold before he found himself in the water.
My crew consisted of twomen only as under:-
Captain - W. Watson. 10 Victoria Street, Strood. Kent.
Mate -
A. Hall. lives aboard the barge.