TNA ADM 199 790

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From:: Unit Officer, H.M.T. "LORD INCHCAPE"
SECRET Brulo/ 1381
TO P.M.S.O., PLYMOUTH.
Дулаша 34H
3??
Date. 10th June 1940.
REPORT ON OPERATION DYNAMO AS PER ADMIRALTY
SIGNAL 1652/6 to C-IN-C. W.A.
On the 30.5.40, whilst minesweeping between Dover Harbour
and the S.Good-win L/V., I received orders to proceed to
Dunkirk operations. to arrive there at daylight on 31.5.40, for sweeping
I left Dover in the "L.L" trawler "LORD INCHCAPE" at
1750/30 in company with the "L.L" trawler "OUR BAIRNS"
orming the Unit.
Both vessels anchored at the N. Goodwin L/V until
2345/30 and then weighed and proceeded.
At 0500/31 I closed H.M.S. "EXPRESS" in Dunkirk roads
to ascertain where I should find the S.N.O. at Dunkirk.
I received orders to enter the port and at 0600 both vessels
were moored alongside the Eastern Mole inside the harbour,
where I reported to the S.N.O. at the Naval Base at the end
of the Mole.
I then received orders to lie where we were as sweeping at
the moment was impossible owing to traffic in the roads, but to
be ready to proceed when required.
Orders were later received from the Naval Embarkation
Officer that the "LORD INCHCAPE" would be required to evacuate
the Naval Staff and personnel from Dynkirk when the troop
evacuation was completed, and that the vessel was to stand by
for this This order was passed down to the Ship: in
the meantime, purpose. however, orders from another source had been
received by the Skipper to embark troops.
was and I to then leave reported as I was loaded with troops. I was then to
On arrival to the Embarkation Officer and asked ordered
back at the ships I found them loaded with if troops, I
disembark the troops and await further orders.
This was done have steam for 2100 that day Officers. to proceed far
and I later received orders that the "LORD as
up INCHCAPE" the Mole was as to possible to embark some Army
At 1300 I reported again to the S.N.O. in Dunkirk and was roads informed that that
we afternoon. should probably This order be required was later to cancelled sweep and we resumed a state
of readiness for 2100.
At 1700 a W/T message this was to the received S.N.O. and from sail. Dunkirk S.N.O. and Dover was ordered to return
forthwith. to embark I many reported troops as possible
Both as vessels then of the started ships embarking and operation. the low troops, tide, but embarkation owing to the
down ranging the up ladders and down was a very slow
(Cont).