TNA ADM 199 790

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OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 3
B
SHIP:-
M.D.
AURA
OFFICER:- SUB. LIEUT. M.A. CHODZKO, R.N.V.R.
REPORT I.
Sr
On Saturday, June 3rd, I received instructions to take charge
of the Motor Launch AURA and proceed to a beach East of Dunkirk Harbour.
Left Dover Harbour towed by drifter GIRL GLADYS at 15.30.
Before leaving it had been reported to me that the AURA'S engine was not
operating successfully, in as much that she would not come astern. As
the weather appeared to be favourable there seemed no reason why the
operation could not be carried out.
X
We shipped from GIRL GLADYS in the proximity of 5W Buoy and
proceeded Eastwards. I was able to tow cutters from one of the Paddle
Steamers to the beach on this first trip inwards. The time was 0100 -
About 100 British troops were transferred from the shore to various
vessels. The engine was giving considerable trouble so that shortly
after 0215, June 4th, it failed completely.
The launch was then manoeuvred towards some Thames Sailing
Barges, and we endeavoured to repair the engine. On examination we
found that a defective dynamo was causing the trouble, and as operations
were ordered to cease at 0300, I decided to abandon AURA at 0245. I
transferred the crew to a dinghy which we found, and then managed to
get aboard a "paddle steamer" which was getting under way. All members
of my crew behaved excellently throughout the twelve hours.
REPORT II.
2nd
On Sunday, June 4th, I repaired aboard the drifter YORKSHIRE
LASS in the capacity of Skipper. I received orders to proceed to Dunkirk
Harbour. Leaving Dover at about 1515, we arrived off Dunkirk at 0000.
Off the S. Foreland Ljeutenant Commander Prior, Royal Navy, was transferred
from the drifter .UTPROSIM aboard the YORKSHIRE LASS.
There was little delay in arriving alongside and we started
embarking French troops before 0030. Another drifter arrived alongside
our vessel so we transferred our troops and carried on loading. By 00115
we seemed to be practically full. There appeared to be no more troops
on our portion of the jetty and I dispatched a soldier to see if we could
collect another 50 men. Other ships were arriving alongside, so by 0130
we were steaming out of the Harbour.
During the whole operation, and during the passage, the troops
behaved in an orderly manner. During the homeward passage the vessel
developed a hot bearing, and as it was just daybreak, I signalled SUN XI of
to take us in tow until repairs were effected. Within three quarters
an hour we proceeded under our own power and arrived in Harbour at 0830
Monday, June 5th.
The whole ships company were highly efficient in their duty,
and on investigation 100 French troops and 3 British Tommies had been
transported.
The British Tommies reported as having lost their division,
and had only arrived in Dunkirk on Saturday.
Report ends.