TNA ADM 199 790

COMPIDENTIAL,
Dynams 97 BWO/S
*
129
CONFIDENTIAL
H.F.S. "SALANAIDER",
To: V.A. Dover.
7th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report, in accordance with your
No.B14/0/1101/40 of 4th June, 1940, the following report of proceedings of H.E.S. "SALAMATER" from 26/5 to 1/6/-
At 2000/26/5 I laft the Humber under the orders of SUTTON in company with SUTTON and FITEROT.
Arrived and anchored in Doma at 1510/27/10.
At 1540/28/5 weighed and proceeded under of orders of SUTTON
in company with SUTTON and FITEROT via R.S. & it Theys to Duskirk Roads,
Rendezvous-ed with HALCTON and SEIPLACE by S. Bugy and proceeded in company, anchoring off la Panne at 2130.
Uning notarboat and shalers embarited 150 DER during the night,
In the morning I was ordered by CALCUTTA to close her and tranafer to here military personnel as she could get no closer to the shore,
At 0705/20/5 I weighed and proceeded alongaide GALCUTTA and at 0900 I transferred troops.
Proceeded back to La Fame and began loading troops using own boats and mall share pulling boats. A bombing attack by Junkare 87
was carried out in the foremoon and GREYHOUND, as will as several mall ships, was hit about one cable from 16.
At 0730 1730 1 weighed and proceeded via Dustribe Toada and another high banking attack - carried out. Observed Danielity and neighbouring beaches to be subjected to heavy bunbing attacks.
Proceeded via 44 " Duys in company with SETTON, arriving and anchoring off Dover in thick weather at 2320.
Reported magnetic nines laid by aircraft during night vide my
Signal to Value Dover 2345/29/5.
At 0600/30/5 weighed and proceeded alongable Admiralty Pier and store at ship 0.740 at discribarked Eastern Arm. 289 At 1610/30 allyped and progeeded to Dustribe
1
receaded to insumition ship and
Roads via U, V. à The Dugya and anahored are Dray by 2100/30/5,
Staff Officer and them transferred motorboat to TOASTS who no powerboat.
SHIRARI for two Staff Officers. labarked Holden had and another
Imbarked 397 men during the night and vas ordered to close
Proceeded to Dover via 1, V. & 11. Buoys and went alongside
Admiralty Pier at 0810/31/5.
Disembarked personnal, proceeded and secured to Saatern Area to ammition ship, etc.
proceeded in accordance with 17 attached narrative of
Commis, dated June, 1940.
VI
1 have the honour to bo,
8-JUN 1940
Bir,
Your obsident servant,
DOVER
L.7.S.Ede Liene. Car
RM

(1).
168
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
173
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salemander and Fitaroy in
Company+ sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh S.W.Wind, slight
Oh passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galates and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May Light breeze, calm sea, naximm visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jemmed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering+
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up eatern, steering repaired, proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy aboam. Ship sinking in visinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles, weather clearing, Fiteroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups towards la Panne+ Desultory gânfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anohored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent schore to contact troops. Troops appeared from send dunes in disorganised parties, mostly ReA.S.C. and R.B's who had lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Tery oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops and the condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10stroops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good for embarimtion, shelving sand and oalm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300, Moved to another position further East and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down, a considerable surf was running, managed to Embarked get a into a Dutch scoot, of Leicestershire and was towad back Regiment. to ship. COMMANDING OFFICER
miles 0730, off shore, and disembarked all troops, detachment proceeded alongaide Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander
19 JUN 1940
following.
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

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177
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940. EVACUATION
182
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S. SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWESSPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th, May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired, proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles, weather clearing, Fitzroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups, towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.B's who had lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, amunition dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disdiplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 milsa. 0.0. reported no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The alean shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10 troops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May. 0300. Moved to another position further East and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down, considerable surf was running, managed to get Embarked a small into a a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship.
detachment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, miles off shore, and disembarked all troops, proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some following.

(I).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE I940, EVACUATION
190
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
I545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering.
I750, 6th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired, proceeded at I5 knots,
I825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires IO miles, weather clearing, Fitzroy detatched to investigate boat.
2050, turnedtowards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. Reported no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
103 troops embarked between 2130 and 0200, in batches of 25, mostly with rifles and eqipment. Beach good for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. 0300. Moved to anothe position further East commenced May. bringing off troops but motor boat broke down, and after dragging anchor into shallow water where by now a considerable surf was running, managed to get a line into a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship. Embarked small detatchment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some miles off shore, and disembarked all troops, following.

191
195
FACTORS ASSISTING THE EVACUATION.
1.
Discipline and coolness of troops under fire on beach and in unfamiliar conditions in boats throughout evacuation.
2.
Life saving nets rigged along ship's sides.
3.
Assistance of Army Bren Guns and gunners against low-flying air attack.
4.
Calm weather and poor visibility.
5.
Presence of HA Light Cruiser "Calcutta".
6.
Excellent physical condition of majority of troops.
7.
Normal state in which all piers at Dunkirk were allowed to remain, which was invaluable in assisting embarkation of troops into ships.
COMMANDING OFFICER
*
6JUN 1940
*
Eminille. M. Tenth.
H.M.S. 4 SUTTON
Ad. Comes. Royal Navy.

Duplicate
Dynam ///
414/0/12
-1922
DarD
207
Miniralty, S.V.1.
with information
8th June, 1940.
Rear Admiral, Dover Report of Proceedings, 29th May - 3rd June
Sir, Dentas the
I have the honour to submit the following report on the operations
206
PACTORS INSTRUCTION N SECURITY
205
Low embarkation rate off basehes at the Issue this 30 per hour owned by lack of centrol ashore for first days: und of suitable boats FACTORS ASSISTING THE EVACUATION.
No whip to beach communication to augediate Issuing, resulting in casual 1. asseed by ships lying off banches for hours in deplight.
Discipline and coolness of troops under fire on beach
No That and in unfamiliar conditions in boats throughout evacuation.
Apparently no R.A.Z. protection statement agringt lovel Secting and
2. parLife saving nets rigged along ship' sides. exempt for last two days and This Lowered mozale considerably.
3.
Assistance of Army Bren Guns and gunners against low-
7
Only flying air attack. and to energy should (trs.
the
4. loan Calm weather and poor visibility. to hoodtate to 07083 to largue bosts.
MA 5. amount countating of 12 and Lowin - insidequate to
Presence of HA Light Cruiser "Calcutta".
produce become the, 02 to or Styleg streek.
No 6. billiamive shown by Army staff in local boats
Excellent physical condition of majority of troops.
on bacoh, look 7. of remain, which was invaluable in assisting embarkation of Proops
Normal state in which all piers at Dunkirk were allowed to packs, into ships. worn) emaing Late on Insections plar, and to enharking boats are beaches.
Insurrement bonie and boars shallow
No apparent Likes by stay la flying marking panting are beaches by
COMMANDING
Grenville M. Temple.
CORNAR
19JUN 1940
Ach. Cands. Moyal Navy.
H.M.S. "SUTTON"
the
Commandey office.
HMSSULTION
a

SECRET
Dynami 130.
220
Sea
1179
a
214
Subject ** Report on Operations in connection with the evacuation of the D.B.F. from the Dunitivis aroa.
From
** The Commanding Officer, "Caloutta".
Date
** 6th June 1940.
No. 001/20
To
** The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Hore.
The Plag Officer, 20th Cruiser Squadred
The following report on the minor part played by H.M.S. "Calcutta" in the evacuation of the D.B.F. from the Dunkirk area 1a submitted.
2.
In view of the vast number of reports which you will receive, It has been made as brief as possible in the form of a chronological time table of events with covering remarks at the ond.
Monday 27th Hay
2320
Sailed from Trinity Day, The Downs for La Panno.
Tuesday 20th Hay
0110
Loud explosion about 8 cables on starboard boxes probably from torpedo fired by cheery submarine or N.T.D.
0225
Torpodo track crossing from part to starboard missed ship about 100 yards astern.
0235
N.T.B. heard and vaguely sighted bearing Croon 609
ship manoeuvred under Large holm. No subsequent torpedo tracits or explosions soon or hoard.
0248
Anchored in position 005° La Panno, air light, 310
Notor Cubtor and both wholore sent in to beach to commonce ovacuation into puddle stoamers mine sweepers "Sandown" and "Cracio Fields" who ware much closer inshore.
and "Inpulsive" also evacuating from this boach.
0500
Opened fire on one Hointol.
0525
Opened fire on one J U 00.
0615
Impulsive ordered to proceed to Duniciris and go alongaide East pior.
0621
0625
Evacuation of beach completed. "Crafton" and
Opened fire on S Hottols.
"sandown" and "Cracio Flolds" ordered alongaido
"Creyhound" proceeded. Paddle llinesweopers to discmbark their 700 troops into "Colcutta".
0041
0715
Weighed and proceeded to Sheerness.
Opened fire on 1 Heintal.
1015
Arrived Shoorness, disemberited 700 troops and slipped from buoy and proceeded to La Punno.
completed with oil fuel and provisions.
1710
Anchored in position 02430 La Penno had Air boon Mght used 2".0,
8157
Boats sent in to the BOIDO beach as conditions proviously. Heavy surf running and one Schoot to assist in embariation of about 70
for embarking troops extremely difficult. only wounded.
Wednesday 20th May....

SECRET
230
245
city port on operations in connection with the evacuation of the B.B.F. from the Duniciple aroa. (Continued).
Wednesday 20th May.
500
All wounded that could be moved evacuated into
Schoot or ships boats all of which returned to
"Calcutta".
Schoot, with a certain number of wounded, sent back to England as she was nearly unmanagoable with her stooring goar in a precarious state.
345
Doats sent in again to collect HOTO troops as they arrived and 18 possible to connect with Lord Corb in view of your message 0127/20th May.
Officer in charge of "Calcutta's" bonts, If P.J. Harch
Cunner, made personal contact with Lord Corb about
0 miles inland, and placed "Caloutta" at his disposal for his or his staff's evacuation. Lord
Cart courteously refused to be evacuated at this stage.
430
One of "Calcutta's a shalers lost.
580
Opened fire on one Dornier.
7710
"Calcutta's" boats returned with more troops and sent in again to La Panno with relief crows.
735
"Sutton" alongside to disembark her troops into
"Caloutta" and return close inshore opposite La
0010
Panno. "Salemander alongside and as for "Subton" above.
1810
Party of tuge and drifters towing own boats aighted, proceeding homewards full of troops. All ordered alongside "Calcutta"to disembarkttheir troops and return to La Panno for mr.
1227
"Java" towing launch alongside.
1328
"Colden Sunbean" towing launch alongaide.
1230
"Lord Rodney" alongside.
1237
"Lord Keith" towing Launch alongaide.
1247
"Lord St Vincent" alongsido.
1250
"Lord Collingwood" alongaide.
1335
Panne at this time, informed that bugs and drifters
Captain (D) 1st D/Y, who WAD senior officer at La were being sent in to load up again.
1350
"Calcutta's" boats returned to ship.
1357
1000
Weighed. Arrived Shoorness. Diserbarked 1000 troops and completed with oil fuel and amition.
Priday 31st Hay.
1040
Anchored off East Margato buoy with "Mallard" and
Slipped from buoy at Shoorness.
3130
"shoorwater" in company.
Saturday 1st June.
0315
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" between and W "sheerwater". and X
0500
Commonded patrolling on X route buoyse to return to Sheerness.
0038
ordered fire on one Heinkel who shot had down. attached and
1015
1018
damaged Opened fire on two more Heinkels diving from
Opened "Mosquito". Heinkel
Detached "she reator" to stand by "Mosquito".
broken clouds.
1024
1312 ********

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231
246
3.
Report on operations in correction with the evacuation of the B.B.F. from the Dunletive aron. (Continued)
1312
2015
Weighed. Anchored off Horo Light Vessel.
2140
Anchored off East Margato Duoy, "Mallard" and
"shaerwater" in company.
Sunday 2nd June 1040.
0245
0430
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "shecruntor".
Commenced patrolling in vicinity of.II buoy.
French destroyers "Egervier" and "Leopard" at U and
V bucys respectively.
0710
Last homeward bound ship passed If buoy.
1035
Attacked by 3 J U 88 diving from out of the sun.
4 bombs very close on part bean.
4 bombles vary close on port bow.
4 bombs missed well ahoad.
French destroyers loft patrol.
1050
Attacked by 1 Hednkel dive bombing. 4 bombs missed woll out on starboard board
1140
Attacked by 1 Heinkel with machine gun from 4,000 ft.
1155
Attacked by 1 J U 88 who would not doos through
"Caloutta's" barrage and dropped 4 bombe woll astern.
1350
Orders received to return to Sheerness.
1450
"Mallard" detached to stand by Hospital ship
"Northing" who had been bombed and damaged.
1044
Anohored off Horo Might vessel to malto good confensor trouble and alight damage from near misses.
Monday 3rd June
0510
0550
Weighod. Secured to buoy at shoorness. Discovered further condenser trouble and serious cloud In all reserve food tanks.
All defects made good by 1400 on Tuesday 4th June.
3. During the period at LA Parmo, "Culcutta" had to lie too far from the beach to be of any use for direct embarisation of troops so the principle adopted was to order any smll into "Caloutta" and roturn close inshore for another load, ships alongaide when they ware full, disembark their troops de In the two salvoes each of 4 bombs which foll very close to Calcutta" on Sunday 2nd June it appeared and that one bonb in each salvo had a dolay action three buret buret somo way under the unter whereas the other on impact.
and of the military forces ovnounted has exemplary
5. The conduct and behaviour of my been ship's company throughout.
VICE ADMIRAL
(sgnd.) D. M. LEES.
1940
#
CAPTAIN
DOVER

SECRET
Dynam A14/01 3 3
From Lieutenant Commander T.G.P. Crick, Royal Navy.
in H.M.S. Calcutta" for passage.
Date.. 29th May 1940.
To
..
The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Submitted:-
As the Senior Officer of H.M.Ships"Abel Tasman",
"Alice" and "Kaapfalga" (Dutch barges), I have the honour to make the following report on operations at La Panne on
28th May.
2.
"Abel Tasman" was loaded with ammunition,
"Alice" and "Kaapfalga" with provisions. The destination of La Panne was received at Dover at 1900 on 27th May and ships sailed forthwith.
3.
On arrival at about 0500 ships were beached shortly after high water. A number of H.M. Ships were in the process of evacuating troops.
I proceeded ashore to make arrangements with the Military for unloading. It was extremely hard to get any information at all or to understand the situation.
After 2½ hours search I was able to locate G.H.Q. and reported to General Adam, who was in command of the Adam force. He stated that it was of paramount importance to evacuate as many troops on the beaches between La Panne and Dunkirk. I accordingly made those arrangements. There was great air activity all day and at about 1400 approximately
6 bombers commenced a wave of attacks with bombs and machine-gun on the three ships and the personnel in general on the beach.
The Military were about to commence embarking. I had left orders that in the event of attack the crew were to take cover on the beach, or elsewhere than on board, where there was still a quantity of ammunition. Immediately after, the second attack I went on board "Abel Tasman" to see that my orders had been carried out. The crew of 9 were extremely young and 6 of them had not been to sea before. I found one rating on board and got him ashore. There was only time to take cover under the ship closewto the keel. I was wounded in the foot by a machine-gun bullet during one of the attacks.
When the attacks were over my wound was dressed on the beach. I was in considerable pain and did not feel that I could adequately perform the duty of getting my ship back to Dover. I therefore turned over to the next Senior
C.O.. Later on I learned that my 1st Lieutenant had been very badly wounded. I therefore determined to return to
Dover. I was feeling much better after receiving proper medical attention. Ships were due to sail at 1700, and I
felt that I could carry out the navigation with one of the
1st Lieutenants in charge of the ship and that by stationing the ship with the sole Officer astern in the line that the three ships would return.to Dover with the troops.
Accordingly I was carried down to the beach at 1630 by the military, only to find that two of the ships had sailed. I could get no answer from the remaining ship by hailing. Apparently it had been decided to sail as were soon as possible after the bombing was over and as there

SECRET
4
2.
......and as there were only 4 Officers for the three ships only two of the ships sailed. I consider that this was a proper decision having regard to the circumstances. The inexperience of the crew and the strangeness of the ships and also the locality made a passage an extremely arduous affair.
The close proximity of the German army made it imperative to return to England as soon as possible.
Accordingly I was put on board H.M.S. "Calcutta" early to-day en route for Chatham Hospital.
4.
During the time ashore at La Panne I was beseiged with requests for a passage to England or France from French and Belgian Officers. These Officers all stated that their desire was to reform and fight again.
I informed them all sympathetically that I
could not give them a passage without the approval of
General Adam. As this was not forthcoming in the majority of cases, about 20 of them got & Diesel engined boat from the beach and requested that they might come across to
England in company with me. I readily acceded to this request and was prepared to tow them if necessary.
5.
I understand that the Admiralty were informed by the Military that my 1st Lieutenant and myself had become casualties.
6.
I regret that I am unable to inform you of the present whereabouts of the three ships.
from 7. Dover I considered it proper that this report should
As routeing and instructions were received be submitted to you. If this is not correct it is requested that this report may be forwarded to the proper authority.
VIOE ADMI
ADMIR
7.5.8.a.
A
Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.
DOV

28th May. (continued).
- 123
- 117
Several schoots were anchored in the Downs when we arrived and
I was ordered to anchor as convenient, as my anchor had to be weighed by hand and it was a lengthy process, I decided to proceed alongside
"Vrede", After consultation with the Commanding Officer "Vrede", we decided to weigh and to proceed to Dankirk in the hope of gleaning further information on the way, "Vrede" reducing speed to keep me company.
Off the North Goodwin Lt. Vess. we encountered a schoot returing full, who said that they were asking for us on the beaches East of Dunkirk. This was the first definate information that we were required to evacuate troops that we had received. "Vrede", and
"Reiger" then proceeded independently towards Dunkirk.
2300 Arrived off Zuyderoote buoy, sighted one Cruiser at anchor( afterwards identified as the "Calcutta") I closed the
"Calcutta", and asked where I could embark troops. "Calcutta"
ordered me to steer 140° to where her boats were operating. Contacted "Calcutta's" boats on the beach, and they brought off about
70 cot cases.
I cannot speak toohighly of the work done by "Calcutta's"
boats during this operation. There was a fresh breeze and choppy sea running with a considerable tide, but they continued throughout the night without let up. During this operation "Reiger's" starboard anchor chain parted and ship grounded without damage.
0300 Proceeded alongside "Calcutta". Transferred all cot cases from upper deck to "Calcutta" and proceeded with remainder.
29th May.
Arrived at Sheerness.
30th May.
0400 Sailed for Dunkirk, anchored off East Cant buoy owing to for, 0930 weighed and proceeded.
During the passage from North Goodwin to Dunkirk roads we were subjected to periodical machine gun fire from aircraft, none of which hit the ship, no plane coming below 4000 ft.
2000 Entered Dunkirk harbour, proceeded alongside quay emabrked 250 (approx) B.E.F.
While in Dunkirk the harbour was being subjected to fire from an enemy battery of about 6 in. calibore
2100 Sailed from Dunkirk.
( 31st May 1100 Arrived
Sheerness).

PLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate, arreed to good
Yes a
the
544
From:- Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
as
28th May.
1430
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in the tug JAVA with the following ships in company:-
Drifters. Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood and Lord St. Vincent.
Motor Launches. Walker I, Walker II, New Brittanic,
Nayland and Angler II.
29th May.
D
illed
0100
Arrived off Bray dunes and anchored in 3 fthms water and sent Walker I and Walker II in to the beach to ng try to find men; all troops seemed to be hiding in on the sands. Walker I and Walker II then proceeded then hour
As up dawn came I lowered all small boats from the Java to Dunkirk Harbour.
in all its to and the beach filling motor boats and transferring shore. from all drifters and worked with them right into
1000
Ordered motor a destroyer to take all ships to Dunkirk to fill boats to bigger ships lying off pier, On possible and return, leaving Dunkirk. I
by arrival there I received orders Walker i. Mann, ived up as much II as for the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, by H.M.S.
On Calcutta leaving to transfer all troops worked on board all afternoon and Walker Tuydercoot Pass I was ordered herand on return to the beaches. army We collapsible boats off shore. off the beaches the beaches, and filling towing larger more ships ships lying lying off to to fill
1900
At up, this so time filled there all were craft no possible and returned
Ramsgate.
30th May.
0930
Arrived THE
During but were 30th.
arrival the chance in harbour of a at 1100 on May