TNA ADM 199 790

SECRET
Dynamo 135
/
262
FROM
COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.Y. "CHRISTOBELZI".
DATE
June 2nd 1940.
TO
TENDED DEFENCES OFFICER SHEERNESS.
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FROM FIRST SIGNAL TO ARRIVING AT SHEERHESS.
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report:-
On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Caleta" I
proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Caleta", "Amulree", and
"Glala" I was handed your letter by "Glala" instructing be to take these raghts to the North Goodwin Light Vesselo there to close the
Exami: tion Vessel for further instructions, we proceeded in line ahead outenant Dunning knew the channels ovin nation Vessel I decided to anchor my ordered my engines to be started and
1 Examination Vessel, as it was now ted a defect, I gave orders for
INSERTION NO. 6.
unination Vesselsat 0600 and proceed rade
P-247
10 running and I decided to proceed to
M.010946/40.
ported to the Examination Vessel,
, at 1000 my engineman reported that he inchored off Remagate Pier and
NORE LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILIA - Report ship's singhy for my routing instr stion and at *015 were underway for D- ink.
Operations off French Coast during proximately 51 degrees 12' No 2 de rees acuation of Dunkirk.
cers 87 and W hine gunned, his burst
I gave orders to my gun layer not to
311 within range as I did not think he run at his heighto immediately we
61.5
HIS PAPER IS TO BE INSERTED HERE.
at Drokirk at 1530, as I saw a lot of
I we.it off in the ship's dinghy to see on board, There was too much surf ormed roops that these troops were French and hat are would be swarped, I learnt that
D the ship and decided to cruise about
ODS would arrive at about 1700 at that as there spoken by a sloop who asked
: some description to embaile these men,
Minually chelled and bambed, at about get troops off to him, from that part our stern the last bomb falling st across was to aveg our stern down a few
3 this aeroplane which was a heavy ter ad a direct hit with our Lewis guy into flamer arl he creshed into the seal,
I cannot 81 this aeroplane
: the British troope at Dunkirk I
aed. hopeng to find & boat to bring than is a Whaler adrift which we managed to lintely sent these two boats ashore proxin sity 1750 this was very

SECRET
Dynamo 135
262
ROM
COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.Y. "CHRISTOBELEI".
DATE
June 2nd 1940.
TO
TENDED DEFENCES OFFICER SHEERNESS.
BARRATIVE OF EVENTS FROM FIRST SIGNAL TO ARRIVING AT SHEERIESS.
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report:-
On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Caleta" I
proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Caleta", "Amilree", and
"Glala" I was handed your letter by "Glala" instructing ne to take these raghts to the North Goodwin Light Vesselo there to close the
Exami: ation Vessel for further instructions, we proceeded in line ahead led by "Caleta" as Sub. Lieutenant Dunning knew the channels owing to non appearance of Examination Vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the nighto at 0400 I ordered engines to be started and to go and see 11 I could finithe Examination my Vessel, as it was now dawn at 0500 my engineman reported a defect, I gave orders for rema: der of yachts to close Examination Vesselsat 0600 and proceed according to instructions received.
Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the Examination Vessel,
& eventually got one engine running and I decided to proceed to had the Port engine I anchored off Remagate Pier and just before arriving at Ramsgate at 1000 my engineman reported than he immediately proceeded running ashore in ship's dinghy for Rg routing instr stion these I was given without and at *015 were underway for D- irk.
28' E we were attacked Junkers 87 and = hine gunned, his burst
When we were in position approximately 51 degrees 12' No 2 de reed of fire feal all round by the a shipo I gave orders to sy gun layer not to would be able to Lewis grun at his heighto imediately we open fire on him until he was well within range as I did not think he opened fire he sh ered ae our off.
how I could waiting to be embarked, I weat on boardo There was too such surf troops (°f the Casino off in the ship's dinghy to see
I anchored at Drokirk at 1530₂ as I saw a lot of running ( get Home of these troops that these troops were French and would land, I was also informed abo would be swemped, I learnt that a party crown the boat so much, that would arrive at about 1700 at that part to of of the about 50 British troops to the ship and decided to cruise about men, see if beache I returned some description to embable these me I went s I could find a boat and was of there spoken by a sloop who that asked part on to the take his BI as bc. La Panne and try and get troops chelled off to and him, bombed, from at about this time beach, 70 were being continually our stern the last bomb a for fulling 1
in about 30 It a alvo of bombs only effect fell across was to areg our which storn was down a heavy bomber the water. away, We the opened fire on this ad a aeroplane direct hit with our Lewis the guys as and c his her type Starboard ships Dornier were engine also 17 we busit firing register into I cannos flames cat arl he this creshed aeroplane into sea definitaly.
steament back 2 had at promised all possible to speed hoping to adrift find which a boat we to managed bring then to
As embark the British treope at Dunkirk I
Pack off, and ate we up were with our fortunate dingay in I finding immediately at a proxip a Thaler sent sty these 1750 two this boats was very ashore
"ed to embark troops

CONFIDENTIAL
Dyramo 140. 2535
269 2
6th June, 1040.
252
CONFIDENTIAL
Dynama,
FROM
shalls Comminding Officer
The Extended Defences Officer,
Hreating his ship unice
Sheerness.
DATE
7th June 1940.
MAIN For coolness
Insurancive energy and
SECRET
Drynams 13%
965
COMMANDING OFFICER,
DEFENCES OFFICER,
H.M.Y. GLALA.
ADMIRALTY SHEERNESS. HOUSE,
4th June, 1940.
Siro
I have the honour to report that having received orders, I
proceeded from Sheerness in conjunction with three other Yeahte:
at 1930 on Thursday 30th May, 1940.
Shortly after midnight we were in the vicinity of the North
Goodwin Light Vessel, and as we were unable to contact the
Examination Tug the Yacht "ChristobellII", the senior ship ordered us to anchor.,
At dawn I received a signal from the Senior Officer I weighed that and he was closed to and entered Amulree" unable at Shortly the Dunkirk Tugo to before and proceed 'Roads' Having "Caleta" eleven owing received about and the to 11300 we French engine proceeded orders anchored No Coast trouble, from steamed by off was her route so the eighted along I beach delivered "X", the and 3 coast miles we tow then
East of about 1230, "Golden Bagle" to us to close She asked when us to this
WBC halers which were full 02 could be of assistance, but wo Dunkirk, signalled soldiers alongaide and she replied completed that she we was asked alright if we and that we could be of more use further alongo
Off "Venomous" called us up and alose informed to the us her motor La boat Panne had H.M.S. broken down inshore. transports, No went and having
49
piero We contacted As securing were allowed all 01 then she towing but ready which was went them alongside the now to nam was back way to boat go getting back constructed drift inshore. and to were took when we the to underway were informed it beach the filled. in we of beach left tow took Агщу and we completely that with At and and closed them this this returned abe anchored a as time single point had H.M.S. new close took three wird to with strand. our as "Vivacious" out the boats possible, steering and the on her destroyer. at intention It whaler. which that was and ropes ly moment impossible to Sclent continuously the bombing became repair and intense. it shelling without make A which Captain for the had RaNa open been in sea going Yacht and No.1 all the 05
the smaller Patrol power ordered lowed craft him outo

Dynom 2153 Dute/ 263 "So
279
I
H.H.S. "Brandaris,"
c/o. G.P.O.
London.
6th June, 1940.
The Vice Admiral Commanding Dover,
Dover Castle,
Dover.
Sir
Department A.275 260
-3ECRET-
two/
REPORTS ON "DYNAMO" OPERATION.
my
(copy to:- COMMANDER-IN-CHISP, THE NORE).
are forwarded with reference to Hore General Order 448.
Reports and recommendations on Operation "Aynamo"
Supmary 08 Reports enclosed.
1. From Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness, concerning the following vessels:-
H.M.S. "ROYAL SAGLE"
H.M.S. "GOLDEN EAGLE"
}
LA with reference also to if
No: N.1.1/14/015 of and June,
1940, to Commander-in-Chief,
The Nore. Copy to Vice-idairal,
Dover.
H.M.Y. "CHRISTABEL II"
H.M.Y. "CALETA"
H.M.Yo "G "GLADA"
H.M.Y. "AMULREE"
in From Captain M/S, Sheerness, concerning the following veasels:-
H.M.D. "MONARDA"
H.M.D. "RENASCENT"
H.M.Y. "ARONIA"
H.M.T. "STRATHELLIOT"
From *ST. Commander of Dockyard, Sheerneas, concerning H.M. the
CLEARS".
.
ary LEX. Q be a "AMULRER"/ matter for (my reference regret P.A.7/02 that to dated this vessel 8th June, was 1940), diverted 10 out from would pontoons the appear the report of the Commanding Officer,
Tom may valuable which carry she out was a seemingly performing being minor remed in towing administrative and aunk by a
ritish destroyer in the resulted Downs. in her report forwarded by Commander H.M. of no Ockyard, with reference to June, the 1940, 10 is observed craft that arew.
'ST. OTLEARS" Sheerness, is manned dated entirely 7th by a civilian Yard
(Sd.) H.R. MARRACK.
5 James A 19-04 A DOV
THE -

CONFIDENTIAL
Dynams 141.
FROM
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
178.
DATE
7th June, 1940.
162
167
TO
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR H.M. YACHTS "CHRISTOBELLII", "CALETA", "GLALA"
AND "AMULREE".
"CHRISTOBEL II". (1). Commanding Officer Lieut. H.E. Wigfull
R.N.V.R. For his resource and skill in embarking 33 soldiers from the beach with the two boats at his disposal while being heavily bombarded.
(2). C.G. Dunley Seaman H.O.P.S. (Qual. S.V.G.L.
For the cool manner in which he engaged and apparently brought down in flames a Dornier 17, with the Lewis Gun.
(3). J.W. Damerell, Engineman H.O.P.S.
L.T./K.X.105230. For not leaving the engineroom from 1000 31st
May until 0830 1st June in order to keep the engines (which d
were giving much trouble) running.
(4). J.P.C. Mead, Ordinary Seaman H.O.P.S.
d
For his unfailing help during the whole period and the cool and efficient way in which he embarked the troops.
to
"CALETA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. J.F.
he
Dunning R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in rescuing the E.L.C.
Launch under heavy gun fire, and successfully towing her from the Beach, Dunkirk to Sheerness with her load of soldiers.
irk.
"GLALA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. J.A.
grees
Dow, R.N.V.R. For his valuable services in towing boats from st the beach under heavy bombing attacks.
to he
"AMULREE"
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. G.P.
Probert R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in towing from the beach 11 pontoons (with about 300 soldiers in all) to awaiting and vessels under heavy gun fire, and with only 4 deck hands in his of vessel.
see surf
Kannake and that hat
CAPTAIN.
out
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
men, d
art ut
GILLS time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last 0 0mo railing about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, definitely., as were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane
As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore find and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very imr continued over
Cemb

CONFIDENTIAL
FROM
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
Dynamo 141.
7th June, 1940.
178.
DATE
162
TO
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
167
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR H.M. YACHTS "CHRISTOBELLII", "CALETA", "GLALA"
AND "AMULREE".
R.N.V.R. For his resource and skill in embarking 33 soldiers
"CHRISTOBEL II". (1). Commanding Officer Lieut. H.E. Wigfull heavily bombarded.
from the beach with the two boats at his disposal while being
(2). C.G. Dunley Seaman H.O.P.S. (Qual. S.V.G.L)
For the cool manner in which he engaged and apparently brought down in flames a Dornier 17, with the Lewis Gun.
(3). J.W. Damerell, Engineman H.O.P.S.
L.T./K.X.105230. For not leaving the engineroom from 1000 31st
May until 0830 1st June in order to keep the engines (which a
were giving much trouble) running.
(4). J.P.C. Mead, Ordinary Seaman H.O.P.S.
d
For his unfailing help during the whole period and the cool and efficient way in which he embarked the troops.
to
"CALETA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. J.F.
he
Dunning R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in rescuing the E.L.C.
Launch under heavy gun fire, and successfully towing her from the Beach, Dunkirk to Sheerness with her load of soldiers.
irk.
"GLALA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. J.A.
grees
Dow, R.N.V.R. For his valuable services in towing boats from st the beach under heavy bombing attacks.
to he
"AMULREE"
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. G.P.
Probert R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in towing from the beach 11 pontoons (with about 300 soldiers in all) to awaiting
?
vessels under heavy gun fire, and with only 4 deck hands in his of vessel.
see surf
Kannake and that hat
CAPTAIN.
out
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
men, d
art ut
GILLS time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last DOMO railing about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet bomber Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy and his type Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, as other ships were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane definitely.
steamed possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them to
As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
off, we back at fortunate all in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged ashore pick up were dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats and started with to our embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very continued over

SECRET Дупашь COMMANDING 137.
EXTENDED ADMIRALITY DEFENCES HOUSE, OFFICER
OFFICER,
173
H.M.Y.
GLALA.
164
178.
SHEERNESS
4th June, 1940.
167
sir,
I have the honour to report that, having received orders, I
from Sheerness in conjunction th three other Yachts
Thursday 30th May, 1940.
Shortly after midnight we were in the vicinity of the North
Goodwin Light Vessel, and as we were unable. to contact the
Examination to Tug anchor., the Yacht "ChristobelkII", the senior ship ordered us
At dawn I received a signal from the Senior Officer that he was unable to proceed owing to engine trouble, SO I weighed and e
closed the Tug. Having received orders from her I delivered them to "Amulree" and "Caleta" and we proceeded by, route "X".
Shortly before eleven the French Coast was sighted and we my d
entered Dunkirk 'Roads' about 1130. We steamed along the coast and at about 1230, "Golden Eagle" anchored off the beach 3 miles
East of Dunkirk, signalled to us to close. She asked us to tow d.
two whalers which were full of soldiers alongside and when this was completed we asked if we could be of assistance, but she replied that she was alright and that we could be of more use to further along.
he
Off La Panne H.M.S. "Venomous" called us up and informed us her motor boat had broken down inshore. We went close to the pier, which was constructed of Army transports, and having irk.
contacted the boat took it in tow and returned to the destroyer.
We then went back to the beach and this time took out her whaler.
grees
As she was now getting underway we closed H.M.S. "Vivacious" and st securing alongside were informed that she had three boats which to were to inshore. We took them as close as possible, he allowed ready them to go drift to the beach and anchored with the intention of towing them back when filled. At this point our steering It was ropes all but and we were left with a single strand. that impossible gave to way repair it without completely new wire and on at of and shelling which had been going see
Moment the bombing became intense. À Captain R.N. in Yacht No.1 all the of the surf
Solent continuously Patrol ordered us to make for the open sea and and that smaller power craft followed him out.
hat out men, d
art ut bombs fell across our stern the stern last down oomo a ralling few feet about in the 30 water. ft away, We the opened only fire on this aeroplane direct hit which with was OUD Lewis this time a salvo of effect was to drag our a heavy gun bomber type Dornier 17 we burst registered into flames a and he this crashed aeroplane into the sea, and as other his Starboard ships were engine also firing I cannot claim definitely. As I had promised to embark speed the hoping British to adrift troops find a which boat at Dunkirk we to magaged bring I them to steamed off, we were back at fortunate all possible in finding immediately a Whaler sent these two boats this ashore was very pick and started up with to our embark dinghy, troops I at approximately at 1750, continued over

SECRET
FROM:
COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. "CALETA".
Dyram
176
DATE
3rd June, 1940.
178
166
TO.
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
167
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS.
in
May 30th, 0830. Underway in company with "Christobel II",
"Amulree", and "Glala" for North Goodwin by Oaze Deep, Knob
Channel, South Edinburgh Channel and Foreland Buoy. Anchored off N. Goodwin, 0100 May 31st.
0645. Instructions from Examination Vessel to proceed to La
Panne by route X15. "Christobel" signalled one engine not working and was proceeding to Ramsgate for repair.
0715. Underway. Had a defect in steering which delayed start, finally got underway at 0800. Arrived Dunkirk 1145, went on to
La Panne, reached at 1245. Very few small boats to bring troops off, and decided to anchor and send in Launch. Lowered launch my which broke down almost at beach. Conditions on beach very id difficult owing to its flat nature and a fresh on shore breeze.
This combined with low water considerably hampered embarkation.
Launch towed back to ship was hoisted in board to effect repairs.
On the way back was attacked by low flying Messerschmitt.
Shortly after this, a considerable dog fight took place
1 to between Hurricanes and Messerschmitts, two of our planes being shot down, the pilots, landing by parachute. Fighters were he followed by bombers who bombed destroyers round us. Got underway, made towards seaward side of channel, where the water was cuction found to be very shallow. By this time it was about 1500. Went drk.
back towards the shore launched boat again, and it again broke down. Hauled in board to resume attempt at repairs.
agrees est
The Commanding Officer and crew of "Amulree" which had gone is to on shore, were brought aboard, and shortly afterwards we were
C he rammed on our starboard side aft of the beam by large motor boat
(Commodore Stephens on board) attempting to come alongside.
"Amulree", at 1700 approx. was floating, and Commanding of see
Officer and crew returned in small boat which took them off.
surf
Shortly afterwards, German Batteries opened fire with considerable
2 and accuracy, and shells, burst under our counter on both sides, and that under the port bow.
that bout men, ed gart out fell across our stern the last 0 0mo ralling few feet about GILLS time a salvo of the bombs only effect was to drag our stern down a heavy a bomber the water. We opened registered a direct hit with our into the gun in 30 ft away, fire on this aeroplane which was Lewis and type Dornier 17 we burst into flames and he crashed aeroplane sea, as other his Starboard ships were engine also firing I cannot claim this definitely.
steamed back at all possible in finding a Whaler adrift two boats ashore
As I had promised to speed hoping to find a which boat we to magaged bring them to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
off, we were fortunate I immediately sent these this was pick and started up with to our embark dinghy, troops at approximately at 1750, very continued over

SECRET
Dynams 135.
FROM
COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.Y. "CHRISTOBELLI".
178
DATE
June 2nd 1940.
167
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FROM FIRST SIGNAL TO ARRIVING AT SHEERNESS.
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report:-
On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Caleta" I
proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Caleta", "Amulree", and
"Glala", I was handed your letter by "Glala" instructing me to take these yachts to the North Goodwin Light Vessel, there to close the
Examination Vessel for further instructions, we proceeded in line ahead led by "Caleta" as Sub. Lieutenant Dunning knew the channel, owing to non appearance of Examination Vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the night, at 0400 I ordered my engines to be started and to go and see if I could findthe Examination Vessel, as it was now dawn, at 0500 my engineman reported a defect, I gave orders for remainder of yachts to close Examination Vesselsat 0600 and proceed according to instructions received.
We eventually got one engine running and I decided to proceed to
Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the Examination Vessel, just before arriving at Ramsgate at 1000 my engineman reported that he had the Port engine running, I anchored off Ramsgate Pier and immediately proceeded ashore in ship's dinghy for my routing instruction:
these I was given without delay and at 1015 were underway for Dunkirk.
When we were in position approximately 51 degrees 12' N. 2 degrees
28' E we were attacked by a Junkers 87 and machine gunned, his burst of fire fell all. round the ship, I gave orders to my gun layer not to open fire on him until he was well within range as I did not think he would be able to see our Lewis gun at his height, immediately we opened fire he sheered off.
I anchored off the Casino at Dunkirk at 1530, as I saw a lot of troops waiting to be embarked, I went off in the ship's dinghy to see how Iscould get some of these troops on board, there was too much surf running tolland, I was also informed that these troops were French and would crowd the boat so much, that she would be swamped, I learnt that a party of about 50 British troops would arrive at about 1700 at that part of the beach, I returned to the ship and decided to cruise about to see I could find a boat of some description to embabk these men,
I went as far as La Panne and was there spoken by a sloop who asked me to take his boat and try and get troops off to him, from that part of the beach, we were being continually shelled and bombed, at about this time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last bomb falling about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, as definitely. other ships were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane
As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very continued over

Dynamo 185.
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRO"
170
6th.June 1960
B14/0/1513
II.
Leading Seaman BROWN.
No.R.E.2/014.
Vice Admiral,
Dover.
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief, that I took over dommand
The Nore.)
esday 29th.May 1940.
rt I tried to sort things on, regarding any particular
Forwarded.
stremely hasty. I therefore nga will suffice.
2.
Reports and recommendations
Friday 31st.May 1940 at concerning the above named vessels with X217 and 2 other were forwarded by my Nos. M.I. 1/14/015
utenant POOL,R.N. We and R.E. 2/014. of 8th and 9th out 3 p.m. we came in sight
June, 1940.
moke and explosions as far later we contacted the
3.
Of the vessels mentioned in the French soldiers from the above reports only the "Royal Eagle", to the beach; it was
"Golden Eagle" and "Crested Eagle"
heen and capsized at once.
are specifically named in Appendix 1, it himself from being more thdrew my ship to review
4.
In addition to the vessels
", stuff that looked like named in Minute 1 above, the Yachts iD devil as I know that
"Christobel II" "Caleta", "Glala"
our propellers in the way
"Amulree" and the tug "St Clears"
happen as soon as I had were mentioned in my reports, and each we managed to pick are presumed to be included in the captured and used a little note to Appendix 1.
troops appeared to be a
>-loads for some 5 hours,
Jaba" and so on. On this
ADMIRAL
am Queen" (about 2000 tons
" she had put her nose.
30th JULINE, 1940
*
;ines of "Marsayru" and
1940.
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE, ghout this day and the
SHEERNESS.
all a complete jumble in stant fire of various kinds, affird the ship was not hit by most lune I think - we were
UMum
-done, nearest ship being
Marmay) by 4 brave Messershimi to who dived and m. compair bell hadwith much vigour but exceedingly poor aim tant fire 7 we messenour. We had a Bren and 2 rifles but did the ship. are bus German pilots seemed disinolined to come lune I thinwaleand 4 net and I had given orders to hold our fire ar, nearechya pity.. A pity. After half an hour of this 3
rebbmit to worght and sight and we saw no more of the Messerschmits and exceeding 2 rire bombed day we were bombed by a large formation of d disinclleast I class up. At least I think it was our little arders wer was one as. unless it was one on the horison, in
After half anre French soldienw. course of these operations we took off iven calf an a these opeedirapd by miles.
we saw no more be British, others ads of 400 French soldiers. To our bitter few hours - she and find no British, others ware luckier.
were bombed by aly a tied up with hingly for a few hours - she was on tow
At least I thinked. The sow rope rifompletely tied up with bits of line and a it was one we cast about for a noling hard. The sow rope broke and we iles. 80 of them tay evening having eaflecut day - faithruk thing. No arrived day - faithruk thing. Hugh we cast about for a time. However
400 1 about
We borught back 2 preday evening having called from Ramagate
- faithruk tip. We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice evening h.s.
We borught

_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.