|
133
|
Log in to enlarge
|
126 CONFIDENTIAL. 130 To: The Admiralty. via: V.A. Dover. H.M.S. "SALANDER". Copies to: F.O., London. 5th June, 1940. M.S.4. Sir, I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events which took place on Friday, 31st May, and Saturday, 1st June, 1940. At 1800/31/5 I left Dover in company with HALCYON and SKIPJACK to rendezvous with the remainder of the minesweepers at YY buay by 2200 in accordance with V.A. Dover's 0357/31/5. Here I took FITZROY under my command and followed astern of the other two groups through Dunkirk Roads, past Dunicirie, to a position off Bray, I was then ordered by NIGER to anchor one mile to his Eastward, to avoid magnetic mines laid near No.8 Buoy. This was accomplished by 0015/1/6. The beach at Bray was under shrapnel fire from inland energy batteries, and as no boats closed no I lowered a shaler with a Volunteer crew to land for soldiers (See appendix No.1). The boat returned in about half an hour with one hand and a message from General Nontgomery to inform all ships that he intended moving Weatward to Dunkirk at once as the beach was becoming untenable. This message I passed to all ships in V/S to ch. The pontoon pier had been hit by shell fire and no troops seemed to be embarking at all, so I weighed and kept under way closing the beach as much as I could. When a little light appeared, however, boats began to above off from the beach and dame to no. RA Dover now ordered all ships to embark men in boats and move Westwards to Dunkirk at dawn. A continual stream of boats came off with military personnel, and by 0600/1/6 I had embarked about 450 men, including 29 wounded of whom 11 were stretcher cases, Attacks by aircraft took place on all ships and salvoes of bombs were dropped, no ships being hit. We were then attacked by front machine gun fire from Messerschmitt 109's, and one casualty was sustained. L.S.A. Gullett was hit in the hand by a bullet. I then noved Westeard astern of KNITH and SKIPJACK. At 0820/1/6 an air attack took place on all three ships, and SKIPJACK was sunk, and KSITH hit and set on fire. KSITH abandoned ship, and I closed her and sent away both whalers as lifeboats. (See appendix No.2). Whilst resouing survivors I was again attacked by Junkers 87 dive bombers, and a salvo of four bombs fall about 50 feet ahead of the ship. They exploded under water when two bomba were approximately abreast the bridge. The ship lifted bodily and heeled to starboard, and then settled down with a list to part. She then sank about a foot, suddenly. I feared she was in danger of sinking, so I ordered the S.P's on board to be jettisoned. This was done in a weighted bag. (See appendix No.3) I stopped engines and waited reports from the Singineer Officer and Recutive Officer. The Engineer Officer and First Lieutenant ascertained that the forward, was and had flooded compartments amidahips In comprising about the cold and ship still seaworthy, although she had gained about 1 foot of draught hour rooms, steam WILLS gunners got on main engines again. (See Engineer Officer's 0001 stores and canteen store. attached a quarter of an report).
|
|
|
152
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Dynam 103 814/0/1152 B14/0 1156 ...Vice Admiral Dover. 148 From. Commanding Officer H.M.S.Shikari. Date.7th June 1940. REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS; The following is submitted in accordence with Signal 2001/4/40. Tuesday 28th May. Returned from night Convoy to Cherbourg at 1400. Landed S.P's and fuelled. 1430 Sailed independently for Dover at 28 knots. 1930 Arrived off Dover. Instructed to join Malcolm. 2000 Sailed under Captain D.16's Ordersto carry out evacuation. Wednesday 29th May. 0100 Arrived off Beach at La Panne. Commenced work, using Motorboat and Whaler. Heavy Surf running. Whaler capsized owing to military rushing boat in the Surf. With daylight evacuation speeded up and this Y88 greatly assisted by Naval Landing Graft. As in subsequent work, drifting boats were being towed in by the Motorboat with Boatkeepers from Shikari. Kedge anchors were used when Surf was heavy and boats veered to the shore. During all operations, hands not required at the Guns were in boats or assisting to embark the military. Supply Parties only closing up when the Guns fired. 1215. Ship full. Returned to Dover. Disembarked troops, fuelled. 1745. Left Dover for La Panne. Many bombing attacks on Ships in vicinity, when near Dost Dyok buoy. Closed Paddle Steamed "Gracie Fields* who had been hit, but as sufficient craft were available to take off her troops, proceeded. Zig-Zagging at high Speeda was employed whenever bombing attacks took place or were threatened. Thursday 30th May. Ran aground on approaching the Coast but got off on the rising tide, three hours later, at Dawn. Contin -ued embarking troops. 0800 Full. Returned to Dover. On passing Nieuport Bucy came under fire from a battery behind Nieuport for seven minuted. It is thought that the fire was controlled by an observation Baloon over Nieuport. This fact was reported by signal but the Baloon was up for the next few days. No hita were registered. Smoke screen and Zig-Zagging was commenced after the first Salvo. 1300. Arrived Dover. Disembarked. Many of these troops from the Beaches had only Half Kits and were wet through. The Ship's Company did all they cuold for the Soldiers and now in consequence have deplated Kits, The Coxswain, his Staff and the Cooks and Stewards did Great work in supplying the Soldiers with food and drink, under most trying circumkeep the Galley fire going when steaming at high speeds. stances; especially as in Shikari it is impossible to A burst steam pipe to one of the oil fuel pumps necessitated proceeding to & buoy while Sandhurst made repairs. This was rapidly done. 1930. Ready for sea again. Sailed for La Panne. Gyro Compass failed when approaching Dunkirk by "X" Route for the first time. 2230 Darkness slowed down evacuation considerably, close and our boats took Soldiers to light draught Ships This inshore when uncertain of Shikari's position. added considerably to the time spent off the Beaches.
|
|
|
153
|
Log in to enlarge
|
( Cont: ) Friday 31st May. 149 0400. R.A. ordered Shikari to Dunkirk. Proceeded alongside East Jetty and very soon had the Ship full. During this operation there was a bombingbattack, which was most inaccurate due to heavy A.A.fire. 0520. Sailed for Dover Disembarked. 0930. Sailed for La Panne. Near No 6 W. Buoy of the Dunkirk Channel, came under fire from shore battery to the West of Dunkirk. Fire was returned. During the whole time embarkation was taking place, the Nieuport batteries were firing at the Ships. When straddled moved West towards Bray, the Motorboat and tow filling up small craft in thier vicinity, before rejoining Shikari at Bray. Beaches Shelled. 1800. Bombers attacked. A.A. Fire was opened. This continued until dark and rather disorganised embarkation. Our boats were asked for to bring off Lord Gort's luggage. The embarkation speeded up under cover of darkness. Staurday 1st June. At dawn shelling was resumed with greater intensity. 0600. Though reported nearly full, Shikari was ordered to complete to full capacity at Dunkirk, This was done. 0620 Sailed with other Ships for Dover. Used Smoke Screen and only & few shots were fired at us off No.6.W. buoy. On the voyage, had several attacks from the air. Enemy aircraft being engaged by our fighters. 1000. Arrived Dover, Disembarked troops. Each batch had several stretcher cases which lengthened the disembarkation. From today Saturday 1st June, no more day evacuation was attempted, owing to shelling and bombing. The troops today were part of General Piroux's army. Oiled and ammunitioned Ship. 2130. Sailed for Dunkirk, arriving at 0225. Sunday 2nd June. 0200. Ship full. Returned to Dover. Most of the voyage was under cover of darkness, and there was no trouble. 0540. Arrived Dover. Disembarked troops. Scaling ladders were supplied. 1845. Sailed under orders of Sabre for Dunkirk. The shore batteries opened fire as we rounded No Buoy. Under cover of a smoke screen no hits were obtained. Fire was returned at the flashes seen. 2200. Ship full. Sailed for Dover. Though unable to see Aircraft, they were heard and flares were seen. Probably Mine Laying. Monday 3ed June. 0130. Secured and disembarked troops.1800. Captain Dangerfield and his Staff arrived onboard. Sailed for Blockships. A conference of C.O.'s was held in Shikari. the Downs and anchored for two hours near the three 2030. Sailed for Dunkirk. Speed 7 knots. Acted as off guide for the Route "2" was used. arrived near Dunkirk Dask. No entrance. 0230. Ordered to weigh Calais at Blockships. fire from the shore. 0130. Anchored by Captain harbour who had transfered to an M.T.B. Shikari led Dangerfield the Blockships to the entrance. On weighing,
|
|
|
157
|
Log in to enlarge
|
H.M.S. *rangbourne* 158 At Sea. 5th.June 1940. Sir, 1 have the honour to forward the following narrative in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6. At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. say, H.M.S. of the Sthen.s. 2 148 153 conditions quiet. a.m. Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked troops. Sailed immediately for La Panne beaches via Test Hinder Buoy. afternoon. When several miles from coast many Terman bombers were encountered. Bombs were dropped but utesed. Ships two Lewis @ guns in constant action. Although ineffective in fact, this gunfire probably kept them ups machines up. Many ships in vicinity being bombed. Some British fighters sighted. then nearer to shore the Paddle Steamer "Gracie Fields" was sighted homeward bound packed with approximately 800 troops. aftnessed a bomb attack on her during which & direct bit Y&S secured amidships. Nent to render assistance. "Gracie Fields" was unable to stop her engines. Upper deck enveloped in clouds of steam. Operation of going alongeide had to be performed whilst both ships more proceeding shead. Secured alongside. Terrible mortality and shambles on board. Transferred as sany injured and others as "Twente" would hold. During operation another scoot secured alongaide opposite side of "Gracie Fields" and took off remainder. Cost off and proceeded full speed to Hamsgate. Arrived dawn, May 30th. Disembarked wounded and other troops.
|
|
|
161
|
Log in to enlarge
|
rangbourne" 15 At Sea. 5th.June 194 Sir, I have the honour to forward the following narrative in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6. At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. May, H.M.S. with the remainder of the 5th.m.s. 6 157 find) and a report that all British had left. These Frenchmen refused to come in so small a blacks craft and insisted on boarding a large ship which was also alongside f the mole. à Pritish Naval officer apparently in charge of embarkation on mole informed 70 that there were no more troops to come and that 1 cust return empty. I took on board a Frenn gun which 108 lying on the Tole and returned to Ramsgate. It was afterwards learnt that although there were no more troops to come in the area that night, therewore some more further from the port who succesded later in reaching the port and were embarked the following night by other ships. rd. a.m. Returned Remagate arriving dawn. th Re-assumed cormand of Dutch Scoot "Ixente" and sailed to Tilbury and Surrey Commercial Cooks. ith Handed ship over to Pook authorities and returned with Ship's Company to Chatham Perracks. Lieut.-Commander, R.N.B.
|
|
|
163
|
Log in to enlarge
|
154 Sheet 2. 159 At 0030 on Wednesday 29th. May I slipped and proceeded down harbour. After rounding No.6E whistle and bell buoy I found myself in among two or three French destroyers, stopped in the channel, and as a result missed No.13 bouy and went aground on sandbank north of Zuydcoote Pass Engines were put to full astern and the ship slid off into about ten fathoms. In order to ascertain my exact position and wait until unlit bouys could be seen I anchored and very shortly picked up the Nieuport buoy While waiting the ship was roughly fixed and found to be in position51 degrees 7 minutes 30 seconds North, 2 degrees 28 minutes 48 seconds East, and clear of the channel. I proceeded without further incident to Margate. Just before dawn gunfire was observed shead and shortly afterwards several destroyers passed ae proceeding towards the French coast. Later passing the Kwiente buoy one sunken destroyer and another badly down by the stern were passed. At I000 ship secured alongside Margate pier and disembarked troops. Although no exact counting of troops was possible, about 450 in all were landed, including approximately 50 stretcher cases and 100 walking cases. The arrangements for disembarkation of troops at Margate were most efficient. At 1107 Wednesday 29th. may slipped and proceeded back to Dunkirk, being joined by Lydd at North Goodwin light vessel. At 1315 Lydd reported & submarine to starboard, although not observed by Pangbourne a warning was broadcast at 1321 Between 1645 and 1715 just off Nieuport bank several air attacks were directed against Pangbourne and all ships in the vicinity. Immediately after this two British soldiers were picked up in an exhausted condition, apparently having been blown from the deck of some small ship. At approximately 1730 several enemy bombers appeared to be about to attack Pangbourne but passed overhead, and were distinctly observed to attack & hospital ship about a mile on the Starboard beam for & considerable period without registering any direct hits. Just before passing the Nieuport Bank buoy a large lifeboat containing some thirty Belgian soldiers was picked up and the boat taken in tow for use on the beach. On closing the beach 1 was ordered to proceed Alanasise the Clan MacAlister lying at anchor and embark the crew. This ship was on fire aft, and the ammunition round the after gun was continually exploding. The Master reported to ae that there was no chance of saving the shipas all hoses were out and the steering gear out of action. The crew, including some 30 Lascars, and several Naval ratings, - crews of motor boats - were all embarked. I then proceeded and anchored about half a mile off the beach opposite the Sanatorium. All available boats were lowered and sent inshore in charge of Lieut. Tadman R.N.R. and Rabbitts, Boatswain R.N.. Between 1860 and 1900 the ship was subjected to numerous low diving bombing attacks, although no direct hits were made there were several near misses. The hull was holed on both sidesabove and below the water line and the D.U. coil cut in several places. It was during this period that all casualties occurred, resultang in the death of of seven the ratings and six Belgian soldiers, and wounding seven
|
|
|
187
|
Log in to enlarge
|
179 - 183 (3) Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at ehb tide in of line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerably by lack of control at shore end of pier to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without beding relieved of part tow of their heavy equipment. Some difficulty experienced in loading pontoons in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchored hocadside or sunk athead of pier Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. Allowed to broach in to give a lee if necessary with oil &td provided. During embarkation awell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. 120 troops embarked mostly R.B., R.A., R.A.S.C. with a few infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Belgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with spies, night positions during retreat seen to be scignalled by flashlight to planes, bombed within half an hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being prepared and defencelessness against dive bombing also important factors. 1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Widd and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud. 1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next rendezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops. 1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel. 1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company with Niger. Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlers. 2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shalling town. Fires in Dunkirk more expensive. 2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sdgn of boats as expected. 2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only boat available run aground. Moved 1 mile eastward. Saturday 1st June 0100: No troops yet contacted, No boats except Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed parachute mines decending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern. Mines reported dropped all over fairway. 0130. Commenced loading broops with our own motor boat and whaler and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motor yacht. Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, 3. Yorks., and machine gun detachment. No. R.A.F. assistance before or after dawn. Opened fire on occasional reconnaisance aircraft at dawn. One level bombing attack at about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst in the back whilst being helped over the side. This machine gun attack embarking wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving wounds undoubtedly would have been pressed home causing very heavy casualties but for concentrated Lewis gun and Bren gun fire from troops, who manned ships M.G. armament. Detachment of Guards also offered to provide Bren gun defence for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flying.
|
|
|
196
|
Log in to enlarge
|
-188 102 (3) Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at ebb tide in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading of boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerably by lack of control at shore end of pier to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without being relieved of part of their heavy equipment. Some difficulty experienced in loading tow of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling pontoons in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchored broadside or sunk at head of pier to give a lee if necessary with oil slick provided. During embarkation, Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. allowed to broach in swell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. I20 troops embarked mostly R.E., R.A. R.A.S.C. with a few infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F support and Belgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with spies, night positions during retreat seen to be signalled by flashlight to planes, bombed within half an hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being prepared and defencelessness against dive bombing also important factors. II37. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alonside Lydd. Wind and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud. II50. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt Vessel to await time for next rendezv ous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops. 1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt Vessel. I855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company with Niger. Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlers. 2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distantI I cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of harbour, apparently enemy shelling town. Fires in Dunkirk more extensive. 2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sign of boats as expected. 2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only Saturday Iss Junable roo. Saturday Isavailable.com No troops yet contacted. No boats except aground. Moved 1 mile eastward. Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed parashute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and I cable astern. Mines reported dropped all over fairway. 0130. Commenced loading troops with own motor boat and whaler and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motoryacht. Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, E. Yorks. and machine gun detachment. No R.A.F assistance before or after dawn. Opened fire on occasional reconnaisance aircraft at dawn. One level bombing attack at about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst embarking wounded from pontoons alongside, one casualty receiving wounds in back whilst being helped over the side. This machine gun attack undoubtably would have been pressed gun and causing Bren fire from troops, who manned ships L.G. armament. home very heavy casualties but for concentrated Lewis Detachment of gun Guards also offered to provide Bren gun defence for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flyiing
|
|
|
208
|
Log in to enlarge
|
203 (3) Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at abb tido in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading of boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerablyby lack of control at shore end of pior to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without being relieved of part of their heavy equipment. Some defficulty experienced in loading tow of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell and in handling pontoons in tow in provailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchordd broadside or sunk at Hoad of pior to give a lee if necessary with oil slick provided. During embarkation, Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. Allowed to broach in swell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. 120 trags embarked mostly R.E., R.A., R.A.S.C. with a for infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Bolgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with updes, night positions during retreat seen to be signalled by flashlight to planos, bombed within half nn hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being propared and defencelossness against dive bombing also important factors. 1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Wind and sea increasing alightly, rather Low cloud. 1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next reddezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops. 1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel. 1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company ml. th Higer. Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlors. 2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shelling tom. Fires in Dunkirk more extensive. 2147. Anchored off beach between La Fanne and Dunkirk. No sign of boats as expected. 2235. Boat from shore reported troopa further to eastward, only boat available run aground. Moved 1 mile eastward. Saturday 1st June 0100. No troops yet contacted. No boats except Sutton's available. Several minelaying airoraft overhead, observed parachute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern. lines 0130. Commenced loading troops with own notor boats and whalar reported dropped all over fairway. Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, X Yorks., and machine and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Lator assisted by motor yacht. gun detachmont. No R.A.F. assistance before or after. dawn. Opened fire occasional reconnaisence aircraft at dawn. One level bombing wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving attack wounds in attack on of about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst embarking back whilst helped over the side. This machine gun but undoubtedly for would being been pressed home causing very heavy casualties manned L.G. concentrated Detachment of Guards also offered to provide low gun have Lowis gun and Bron gun fire from troops, who Bron ships defence armsment. for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional flying COMMANDING OFFICER 19 JUN 1940 H.M.S. "SUTTON" to
|
|
|
222
|
Log in to enlarge
|
202 217 ter she was hit in the after Boiler Room and started to settle down. aptain Berthon then anchored her and M.T.B. 102, which had just arrived, me alongside. I embarked in her with my Staff, and after telling 2 ags to stand by KEITH I went into Dunkirk to see General Alexander. Dive ombing and Maching Gun attacks were made on the N.T.B. on the way there. 5. General Alexander was away from the H.Q., but I saw a Staff Officer nd discussed the situation. At that time I gathered that the plan was o evacuate during the next night from the Western Beach only and Dunicizione he Rearguard were to withdraw at dawn and make their way to Dunkirk. is his meant continuing the embarkation for some hours of daylight I had rave fears of heavy losses after that morning's experience. 6. As there was nothing more I could do at Dunicirk and all ships were etuning I decided to return to Dover to make contact. 7. I reached Dover at 1130 in M.T.B. 102 and left again at 1730 in LA/S.B. 10. At Dover I was able to discuss the plans for the night operations which was invaluable, and thereafter I returned each day for this purpose. 38. The plan for this night was, roughly, to embark between 2100 and 0330 from the 12 miles of beach East of Dunicirk, for which large numbers of small craft were to be towed out. In addition Personnel Ships were to enbark from Dunkirk. 39. I sailed early in M.A/S.B.10 and landed at Dunicirk at 1900, visited the S.N.O. and the General, and gave them details of the plan. I then learnt to my great relief that the Rearguard were being relieved by the French and withdrawing during the night. 40. At 2100 ships started to arrive and from then omards I noved between the beaches and Dunkirk, continually sending ships which were loading very slowly off the beaches into Dunkirk to fill up there. The plan as originally made would not have made full use of Dunkirk. 41. bring off some of the Naval Ratings of the Shore Party, and I lay there until At 0200 I went alongside the root of the East pier in Dunkirk to 0245 when I proceeded round all ships barthed in harbour. there was it was clear morning I decided to get ships away by 0300 instead the considerable shelling of the Harbour at this time and a Trawler was sunk. of As 0330, and a very seen this put into effect I left for Dover; acue of small craft having however, continued their work off the beaches to a later hour. 42. Night - Sunday 2nd - Monday 3rd June. it was understood that there were 5000 enbark British from still Dunkirk and over 30,000 except for some French local craft from the beach made any Eastashore At this stage French, and the plan arranged was to beach close ward. entirely Actually a strong wind and heavy shelling on the embarkation there impossible. 43. Paddlers, Minesweepers A very large and Schools was provided in addition to and carrying capacity in Personnel Ships, Destroyers, Drifters Flotillas of boats working from Tugs outside. the French had collected a large mmber the harbour. of fishing 44. vessels, Trawlers, By this and time small also steamers which worked from quays up 45. I arrived at Dunicis in M.A/S.B. 10. at 2030, after a boaking /attack **********
|
|
|
228
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Dynamo 115 207 999 REPORT OF OPERATIONS OFF DUNKIRK. Having proceeded at maximum speed (26) knots) with fuel available from a position about 120 miles north of Lands End, Worcester arrived off Dover at 0715 on the 28th May. Then on account of reduced fuel I was forced to make the passage to Dunkirk by "y" Channel at a speed of 18 knots. A summary of Journeys made is shewn on the attached Appendix A. On Journey I attempts were made to refuel from "Anthony" but only 10 tons was taken on board. The return journey was made at 15 knots leaving less than 5 tons on board on arrival at Dover. Numerous enemy aircraft made towards the ship during the afternoon but all were driven off by gunfire. Destroyers astern were seen to be bombed. Athacked prinke S/M # West Hundred List hung. / pattern 4 depth drangers. Recult wreakings has - it. Fuel was taken in before Journey 2 ( Route X both ways) which took place without incident except for a heavy bombing attack on East Pier while embarking troops. The continuation of this attack subsequently sunk the Grenade 10 minutes after leaving the pier. Journey 3. (Route X both ways) Troops were embarked from boats off Bray. All ships boats were left behind. Very few enemy aircraft approached the ship on this trip and any that looked dangerous were driven off by sunfire. Journey 4. Sailed on route 8 but altered back to route X on receiving information of enemy shelling on 2. It was expected to embark troops from the beaches again but was ordered to carry R.A. Dover LAPANNE and Staff until dawn. A full load was taken from boats at Bray after his departure. - 1 -
|
|
|
229
|
Log in to enlarge
|
208 223 On return X channel was taken at dead low water and owing to rounding No.5 Buoy Dunkirk roads too close, grounded on a shoal 337° 2.5 cables from that buoy. Then the ship was refloated it was discovered that 18 - 20 knots was the maximum safe speed. Occasional firing was carried out on enemy aircraft in the vicinity during the evening of the 30th May. Journey 5. As soon as ship had refuelled and had the propellers examined by divers a passage was made at 18 knots to the beaches which were reached at dusk on the 31st May. East pier was full at this time and it was evident that difficulty was being experienced in getting men to the minesweepers already at the beaches. I visited all the beaches in turn finally anchoring at LAPANNE. The minesweepers further inshore were getting small loads but none came the greater distance to WORCESTER. At dawn WORCESTER came under shell fire from shore batteries and I decided to slip the cable and proceed to East pier where a full load of troops was embarked. Journey 6. June 1st. On approaching X xhannel about 1500 in the vicinity of No.5 buoy, two recent wrecks of transports were sighted; small craft and destroyers were picking up survivors. A few survivors were picked up. At this time a signal was received from V.A.Dover to return to harbour forthwith. It seemed however not worth while to return so close from Dunkirk and so I continued my course through the roads where some French soldiers were picked up from an open boat and the crew of a small service motor launch which had broken down. - 2 -
|
|
|
274
|
Log in to enlarge
|
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
|
|
|
278
|
Log in to enlarge
|
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
|
|
|
333
|
Log in to enlarge
|
318 - 324 - Proceedings by H.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June. "SABRE" again sailed for Dunkirk, and at 0115/1 both boats were & again sent in to the - eastern beach. No troops were found there, 86 proceeded to search further east. Hearing "S.O.S" being sounded C a syren, steamed towards 16 and Count a drifter stranded on a submerged wrack. Went alongside and took off the crew and troops. Jus before dawn some more instroyers were Count off Bray, and Sabre's Doats were sent in to bring off troops which could now be seen in large numbers. On "Shikari" CLILING up a cutter was taken over from her. The towage of this, full of trocps, proved too much for the motor boat and the troops had to pull off to the ship. INO trips were made in this way. Hourwhile on orders from R.A.Dover (in Heith) "SABRE" went alongside a tus, took off her troops and sent him to tow "Speedwell" off. During this time a single aircraft (apparently ch a Messersmidt 100) approached and made some rather half hearted machine gun attacks. Intense 1.4 thre provented these from boing X pressed home. There vas also VI unsuccassful dive bonbing attack by a Junkers 87. Numerous British fighters ware seen, and our freedom from serious interference was prosumably due to them. At 0700 having about 500 troops aboard, *SABRE* returned to Dover, arriving at 1000. At 2030/1 procested to Dunkirk in company with "Codrington" at 28 knots. It 8315 secured so the east pier and C111- ad up with troops. Shoved off at midnicht and returned, fortunbately coming no with "Icarus" who YAS followed as or as the DONILS (Sabre compass still Daine unreliabe). Arrived at 0400/3 and landed troops. 18 1845/8 proceeded to Dunkirk in company with 7 "Shikari" who was sent about at the North Goodsin be T. until arrival in Dunkirk Channel, then passing new Ruytingen bank bucy H.M.H.S. "parts" was seen to be sinking and to have boats away. A crossichannel steamer which had just been overtaken was sent to has assistance
|
|
|
474
|
Log in to enlarge
|
I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside Adminalty Pier 23 After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered prt H.H.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Doms at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940 23 "RUJA" B H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirk from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.H.S. Pascholl. Signed H.R.Webber (Lieut R.N.) "FRISO" A This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under Sun. Lieut. R.N.V.R. made two successful trips to Dunkirk beach and was able to evacuate 1008 officers and men. Although under continual fire from shore batteries and dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel or crew. Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.) "DESPATCH II" B. May 29th & 30th. To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with ships boats only until 04.00 At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft of water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ransgate 19.00 30th. May 31st. June 1st. Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment with ships boats only until midnight. Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked ship sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1. Ships Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505 A.B. W.H. Dibben P/JX 148504 A.B. H.B.Ketchley PJ109346 O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093 Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr. "PASCHOLL" B. This ship was only taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having returned to his proper duties at Ramagate. I proceeded to Ramagate arriving there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond flying his flag in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty at 23.00 and embarked ap roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 Tuesday June 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions sailed at 05.30 Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having taken H.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. June entered Poole Harbour. Signed Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R. "ZEUS" I have the honour? to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation I Dynamo in diary form. 25th. May Joined at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 p.m. approx cast off and proceeded to anchor off Portsmouth. 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Yarmouth. 26th, May. 5.10 a.m. ordered to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship 3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth. 6.0 p.m. Arrived Portsmo th. Recive fuel water and stores and ordered to broken proceed Spithead to swing for deviation. Discharged Dutch engineer. Note compass and steering compass damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable deviation card 10.30 Proceed in company for Newhaven. 27th. May Dawn arrived off Newhaven and anchoved. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec. gear stores rope etc. Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship 9.0 approx. Proceeded in company for Dover. 28th. p.m. Dawn arrived off Dover 9.30 approx berthed alongside "Ruja" at West bad Quay, Enemy render independance p.m. of navigation impossible we follow rest ahead. gunfire May air raid 1.0 approx. Proceed in company for Dunking. Compass Considerable so as to etc. all night.
|
|
|
475
|
Log in to enlarge
|
I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside Adminalty Pier 23 After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered escort H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Downs at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940 23 "RUJA" B H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirl from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.M.S. Pascholl. Signed Webber (Lieut R.N.) "FRISO" A This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under Sun. Lieut. Ward R.N.V.R. made two Although successful under trips continual to Dunkirk fire beach from and shore was able batteries to evacuate and 1008 dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel officers and men. or crew. Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Licut. R.N.V.R.) "DESPATCH II" May 29th & 30th. To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft or water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air ships boats only until 04.00 compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ramsgate 19.00 30th. May 31st. June 1st. Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles with to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked ships boats only until midnight. sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1. Ships ship Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention L.S. A.J.M. Upton SSX 13505 A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504 A.B..B.Ketchley PJ109346 O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093 Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr. This "PASCHOLL" ship was only B. taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor returned to his proper duties at Ramsgate. I proceeded to Ramsgate arriving until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond at flying his in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty flag and embarked approximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 05.30 Tuesday June 23.00 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions taken sailed at Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having H.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday June 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. entered Poole Harbour. Signed J.N.Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R. "ZEUS" I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation Dynamo 25th. in diary Joined form. at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 Dalla approx cast Yarmouth. off and 26th. proceeded May. to 5.10 anchor a.m. off ordered Portsmouth. to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship May 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off 3.0 p.m. Ordered Portsmo to proceed th. Portsmouth. Recived fuel water and stores and ordered to proceed broken 6.0 p.m. Arrived deviation. Discharged Dutoh engineer. Note compass deviation Spithead and steering to swing compass for damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable card 10.30 Proceed Dawn in arrived company off for Newhaven Newhaven. and anchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec gear stores 27th. rope etc. May Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship 9.0 28th. p.m. May approx. Dawn arrived Proceeded off Dover in company 9.30 approx for Dover. berthed for alongside "Ruja" Compass at so West bad Quay. as to Enemy render air independance raid 1.0 p.m. of navigation approx. Proceed impossible in company 49 rest shead. Considerable fofolComt gunfire etc. all night. so folonsidat ores ost to el gunfire Duto.
|
|
|
529
|
Log in to enlarge
|
74 73 -2- 6. I approached a number of trawlers and other small vessels which seemed to be getting under way for Great Britain and asked them to remain until I could fill them up with troops. It seemed to me that the orders which they said they had received to return to Great Britain were not bona fide. 7. I proceeded ashore and interviewed various military officers at as many of the beaches as possible. At the request of a senior military officer I agreed to assume the duties of Beach Master and arranged to continue the organisation until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told them that if anything went wrong during the night we would return at dawn. I learned that some of the men had been in the dunes for two or three days awaiting embarkation, and they were obviously much cheered up to learn that they would get out that night. The flat-bottomed boats which the military had been using themselves were extremely dangerous in the surf which, although not very great, was sufficient to capsize these boats. 8. I found from experience that it was much quicker to run a load of troops in a single motor boat rather than to fill up one or more lifeboats and tow the greater number. The dangers of controlling boats in tow when they were crowded both near the shore and alongside H.M. ships were considerable. During the night I acquired in one way or another five additional lifeboats, and in many cases the military themselves acted as crews. 9. The pontoon bridges which had been built by the military the previous day were extremely useful, and were largely responsible for the rapid evacuation of troops. It is interesting to note that a few moments after the last men had been taken off one of these bridges it was hit by enemy artillery. 10. All the troops that I could find were embarked by midnight and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before midnight I went along certain of the beaches to look for stragglers. A Staff Officer informed me that no more troops would embark from these beaches but that they would march to Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be shelled and would probably be in German hands the following day. This, as it turned out, was a correct forecast. 11. I estimate that from pontoon bridges and beaches approximately 5,000 troops were probably embarked. 12. The soldiers, though obviously extremely tired, made no complaints of the delay or of the wettings which they got in wading out in the surf to get into the motor boats, and were more than thankful for the kindnesses which were shown them in the various ships. One could not but be impressed by the amount of friendly cheering which occurred when H.M. ships passed the troop ships at sea. The great majority of the troops were carrying their rifles and side-arms, and I insisted that in no case must they be thrown away. I was impressed to notice that the military padres were always amongst the last to leave the beach in their respective parties. 13./
|
|
|
545
|
Log in to enlarge
|
90 (2) 89 before daybreak and arrived back in the Downs by 1000 May 28th. At 1730 we again received orders to proceed to Dunkirk, this time by the shorter route 15X and this time 28/5 with the knowledge that we were engaged in the evacuation of the B. E. F. from the eight miles of beaches from Dunkirk to La Panne. Of the dynamo ships that left the Downs at the same time, we were the first to arrive off Dunkirk and seeing that the harbour was being used by bigger ships, I decided that me might only obstruct the bigger ships by going in and that our proper function was to contact the beaches where bigger ships could not go. I therefore proceeded past Dunkirk in an Easterly direction. The light of burning Dunkirk was now nearly astern of us and the heavy smoke cloud over the beaches intensified the darkness. Thinking here to contact other ships or boats I proceeded at half speed. Presently another dynamo ship passed us in the opposite direction and informed us that she had come all the way from La Panne and had seen nothing. I therefore steered in more closely to the beaches. At a point about 4 miles East of Dunkirk, I came between a destroyer and another dynamo ship. I asked the dynamo ship if she was at anchor and she replied that she was aground. There appeared to be two others aground also. There were no boats visible, but as I was preparing to lower my boat, I received information from a motor boat which came out from the shore. that she had brought off the last of the troops that were there. the remainder having started back into the hills preparatory for dawn. I noticed also that the destroyer was preparing to leave and as this seemed the only thing left to do I set course for returning to Ramsgate. That was at 0250 on the morning of May 29th and I arrived at Ramsgate Road at 0830. from - Hum SRot Who we dropping ashin, and Pacific beary Kishi than luch of Vein was &: belowed, about the had Proceded at How spend has the White t trey of this party 5 anin 4 ha Pause.. hail are Guld has Ideas dircust for the beach Were is anouns an Ill aituition are is line is Rrt 9 Here Me Form was a Perius
|
|
|
553
|
Log in to enlarge
|
CONFIDENTIAL page 98 97 ORANJE'S R.O.D./1 dated 10th June 1940 (cont) commandeered. It was now about an hour after high water and ORANJE proceeded/ as close inshore as possible, anchored, and then beached stern first, drawings of the ship showing that this would not damage the screw or rudder. A line, consisting of two 120 fathom lengths of 2" manila, was then run inshore and hauled as tau a.s possible and ORANJE's dinghy was run along this, as no other boats were then availabbe; the disembarkation of provisions was then started about 5 packages at as time. 10. Two large boats were obtained about noon, and at 1700 the Royal Engineers provided 6 bridge building pontoons. with this number of boats available It was possible to disembark the provisions with reasonable celerity. Intermittent Air Raids took place throughout the day, but although a number of bom bs fell close to the ship, no damage was done nor were there any casuals By midnight when about 150 tons had been disembarked and were still on the beach, it was decided between the embarkation officer and mygelf that it would be better to stop disembark ing provisions and embark troops, sailing as soon as the tide rose sufficiently to float the ship. 11. Thursday May 30th. ORANJE weighed at 0415 with over 500 troops on board and proceeded for the Downs via the Kwinte Bank and West Hinder buoys. On sporoaching the Kwinte Bank buoy 8 wreck was observed about half 8 mile westward of the buoy, which gave the appearance of being the bows of destroyer protruding about 20 feet out of the water. On arrival in The Downes ORANJE was ordered by the examination steamer to proceed to Margate where we went alongside the pier at 1720 and disembarked troops. 1 A.B. was discharged sick. ORANJE completed with fuel, water, and provisions, embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition, took two boats in tow, and sailed for Dunkirk again at 2230. Owing to too short a tow, ORANJE having no more hawsers on board, the boats broke adrift in the vicinity of the Elbow buoy, and as they could not be immediately located they were abandoned. There were no crews on board. 12. Friday 31st Mey. ORANJE arrived off No. West buoy, Dunkirk Channel at dawn and proceeded towards Le Panne. There was considerable air activity along the coast but. ORANJE was unmolested. Off Dunkirk Harbour ORANJE was closed by a destroyer believed to be EXPRESS, and told to close destroyer H 11 (BASILISK) and work under his orders: ORANJE anchored off Le Panne in the same position as the previous day. As ORANJE had no boats, embarkation was very slow until BASILISK pan - slum Skud Who are aripping ashin, and Pacitic benif Kishi than with A Vein are & 1 belowed about the has Proceded at the spend has White & they skoot of this party 0 amin it the ha Pance. hail, are Guild was Ideas straight for the beach were is awouns an Il within was is line is Ret 9 Auch n. Here the Ipen was a
|
|
|
562
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Dynami but 105 SUBJECT: REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS DURING EVACUATION. FROM: LIEUTENANT T. JOHNSTON, R.N. COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. PASCHOLL. DATE: 6th June 1940. TO: VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER. I have the honour to report that I sailed from Portsmouth at approximately 3200 27th May 1940, in command of the Dutch skoot PASCHOLL, arriving at Dover about 0900 28th May 1940. 2. I left Dover at 1400 28th May, for the beach off Le Panne via route Y with orders to arrive about 2200 to take off troops from the beaches and transfer them to Destroyers, endeavouring to return to the Downs by dawn. 3. As the PASCHOLL was SO much slower than other ships in the Convoy, I was obliged to leave the route given and proceed across the Banks, by SO doing arriving of Ia Panne at 2230, 28th May. 4. Approximately 300 troops were embarked and transferred to the WOLSEY(?), by this time it was 0400 29th May, so I returned as ordered to the Downs. On arrival at the Downs I was ordered by an examination steamer to proceed to Deal where I arrived about 1200 29th May. 5. Having received no further orders I proceeded to Dover where after storing ship I was ordered to return to Le Panne. 6. I sailed from Dover at 1900 29th May, and proceeded to IQ Panne arriving about 0230 30th May where I embarked 400 British and French troops and sailed for Ramsgate at 1030 30th May. During the embarkation only two enemy aircraft were sighted and they did not bomb in the vicinity of the PASCHOLL. 7. On entering the main channel of Le Panne, I was shelled for half an hour by shore batteries at Nieuport, and was obliged to steam across the sendbanks to get out of range. About 1400 I was attacked by a Dornier bomber which bombed and machine-gunned without more success than two slight casualties. I arrived at Ramsgate about 2000 30th May. 8. At approximately 2200 30th May, the whole crew of the PASCHOLL were relieved and Lieutenant Donaldson, R.N.R., took command. 9. At 0700 on 1st June, I took command of Drifter JACKEVE and proceeded to Dunkirk. During the outward passage, I was bombed several times and on arrival off the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at about 1250 1st June, was attacked heavily by dive bombers. The MOSQUITO who was quite close at the time was hit and abandoned, 80 I proceeded to pick up survivors.
|
|
|
570
|
Log in to enlarge
|
115 112 secure one on embark atim. The flow of hoops ceased at about 0200 a despite ever effect to obtain more men, I was unable to Burbark have than c few odd parties. Dawn being due better moments, ch was decided to Cast off as no more men were with coming heat. Commanded Clements RN.R. "f"Tilly" informed me that he was unable to have as his S Crew was shill F fene. I apred to low him ont of harbur 7, of necessary, bach to Ingland. I lashed him almpide with W fore Mbach spring knoking on a double bach. spring, mandwred both issues against the wind 1 clear of the geth Minall out of harbond Here "Tilly" reversed engines & cleaning her propellor, was able to proced under her uhn power I should like to place on record here the lach of assistance fiven by military officers of all Tanks from major downwards, in controlling twops during embarkation full brunt coming on the lender. officered a manned havel vesseh. may 29th arrived D ones at 0845 9 was instructed to pureed marfate to disemberd the 280 men about I was able to do this at 1430. after watering, stining i fulling, sailed at 1530 for Ramsjali, to embark en Lewis funs, wires for kedge Is, v uplace my Carswain Ldq Leaman Haffai was embailed n this hands conduct ton.o. I.S. Rainsfate / in this capacity I subsuently made a uport uconmended him you some recognition, which I hope will be futh coming
|
|
|
594
|
Log in to enlarge
|
2 139 14 133 11 conditions quiet. ch a.m. Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked troops. Sailed immediately for La Panne beaches via West Hinder Buoy. th afternoon. When several miles from coast many German bombers were encountered. Bombs were dropped but missed. Ships two Lewis @ guns in constant action. Although plant ineffective in fact, this gunfire probably kept them apr machines up. Many ships in vicinity being bombed. Some British fighters sighted. When nearer to shore the Paddle Steamer "Gracie Fields" was sighted homeward bound packed with approximately 800 troops. Witnessed des a bomb attack on her during which a direct hit was 300. secured amidships. Went to render assistance. "Gracie Fields" was unable to stop her engines. Upper deck and enveloped in clouds of steam. Operation of going alongside had to be performed whilst both ships were proceeding ahead. Secured alongside. Terrible T mortality and shambles on board. Transferred as many with injured and others as "Twente" would hold. During 00 operation another scoot secured alongside opposite side situa of "Gracie Fields" and took off remainder. Cast off and proceeded full speed to Famsgate. Arrived dawn, ak. May 30th. Disembarked wounded and other troops. teh 20 4R ICE ADMIRAL Ell day light an air 9- JUN 1940 be durlsping at on * DOVER - disaubarked toops, formism stares.
|
|
|
598
|
Log in to enlarge
|
6 -_143 147 137 41 find) and a report that all British had left. These Frenchmen refused to come in so small a blogy craft and insisted on boarding a large ship which was also alongside/ the mole. A British Naval Officer apparently in charge of embarkation on mole informed me that there were no more troops to come and that I must plain return empty. I took on board a Brenn gun which was lying on the mole and returned to Ramsgate. It was afterwards learnt that although there were no more troops to come in the area that night, therewere some more further from the port who succeeded later did in reaching the port and were embarked the following 300. night by other ships. rd. a.m. Returned Ramsgate arriving dawn. !th Re-assumed command of Dutch Scoot "Twente" and ans sailed to Tilbury and Surrey Commercial Docks. 5th Handed ship over to Dock authorities and returned - with Ship's Company to Chatham Barracks. Erik 00 without Lieut.-Commander, R.N.R. ak. teh 21 4R ICE ADMIRAL Ell day light an air 9- JUN 1940 the durlsping at Vo * DOVER R - disaurban had toops, promium stares.
|
|
|
608
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Dynam. 209 BIWO/ 233 c/o The Standard Bank of South Africa, 1462 9 Northumberland Avenue, S.W.1. 7th June 1940. Sir, ACTIVITY OF EX DUTCH COASTER "ZEUS" UNDER OPERATION "DYNAMO" I have been instructed by the Commodore's Secretary at Portsmouth to submit a report to yourself with reference to the above, together with my suggestions. 27th May 1940. Dawn - Arrived in company with others off Dover. This vessel has been equipped with 360 life belts in addition to those for the crew. 9 A.M. - Entered Dover. Berthed alongside West Quay, topped up with fresh water, stores etc., BIG 13:00 - Proceeded in company for Dunkirk. Considerable gun fire heard during crossing. 29th May 1940. 00:00 - Approaching Dunkirk experienced considerable difficulty in finding out where to go to be of most value. 01:00 - Entered Dunkirk harbour and berthed alongside the quay. Commenced receiving troops. (NOTE: Only one vertical shore ladder was available). 01:30 - SAN ANTONIO berthed alongside this vessel. Troops crossed our deck to board SAN ANTONIO. 03:00 - SAN ANTONIO cast off. This vessel continued embarking troops. 04:00 - Breeze freshening and we have received approximately 230 troops, as the supply of troops appears to have stopped for the time being we decide to cast off. At times troops were so numerous on the quay that the one shore ladder was quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. At others, as much as quarter of an hour went by without at single man boarding our vessels. It had been discovered that two ladies in soldiers overcoats and steel helmets boarded with troops. Best possible arrangements were made for their comfort. Vice-Admiral, Dover. As/...
|
|
|
632
|
Log in to enlarge
|
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
|
|
|
633
|
Log in to enlarge
|
174 We weighed and proceeded out a 15 bomb: yards astern and Yacht angle "15" of but its on fall our way caused the majority fell to The strike her and shaken she had but one undamaged man killed and we and was in No. close 1 severely and contact as I had with previously her. to return She reported reported for my to as to ordered as she was by unarmed. the Captain repairs and accompany defect 31/5 at 2130. I immediately not be required asked for repairs Rams The return was safetly reported accomplished and and we entered told that we would and the again. The we returned to Sheerness orders. repairs having complete awaited further this time conveying a group and motor lifeboats, At 1430 on Sunday 2nd June of launches we again. proceeded arrived about 1845 and I reported our arrival to Admiral R.N. and to Captain Wharton R.N. for orders. I was told Taylo small boats which were willing were to make an. attempt to that 1000 British troops on a small portion of the beach just West eve Dunkirk Mole. The majority of the craft going over to this point were fast motor boats of over 15 knots and had been ordered to les the beach no matter what the position was at 0230. We sailed from Ramsgate at 2045 and followed the same course as previous as far as "W" Buoy 5 miles from the coast. This was reachei 0020. I shaped a course for the next mark but our port engine lost revolution and became useless. I decided to carry on il under one engine, but we were met by three Yachts returning, They had been close to the beach which they said was under a continuously heavy fire from large guns and dive bombing and machine gunaattacks. Either there had not been any troops 811 they thought the faster boats in front had got them away or the troops could not reach the beach because of the barrage. They had been told to wait at "V" until dawn and see if any the ships coming out had been damaged and needed assistance. we would only have ten minutes near the shore with our speed Dn these facts I considered my best policy was to join them and our draught would not allow us to approach as close as had dóne. parachute fl were Two tugs While dropped about cruising around in us and this we vicinity spent numerous time could not see the 1/4 of plane: a mile Aerial from us breaking and ships lucky were coming to be home, attacked. my port engine was were extremely not SURBITON. HOOK, 'T092 TELEPHONE SUBINWO THE VICARAGE,
|
|
|
637
|
Log in to enlarge
|
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
|
|
|
638
|
Log in to enlarge
|
179 difficult as the beach is very into flat the and there was a my crew with managed to get her afloat troops two and as soon as the a few assistance men got of some of Whaler the she surf up to their armpits and two of my crew board in H to and float two of with my 15 crew men in the dinghy, the whaler on was got a great struggle as there board were I sent only the three whaler oars in it, alongside these men were got dinghy on arrived back with soon another load, the the beach she capsized in 1 and ding and ashore getting her off these men were being the surf but she was righted, as to sea to wait for got on board wortunate! bombed so I stood out out bombing us but a lull, one us and followed us deemed it advisable they fell very wide mark, as soon as I out to us-they I steamed back for of I saw the whaler heading nine had had great the getting off and could had only restarted bring I men off, as 2115 and the bombing thought it underway; I had been afraid to stop engines all day as SI knew to would be almost impossible to re-start as our air compressor had given out; one engine actually stopped but was got going after a short while,- I had the whaler cast adrift as I knew it drfft ashore and some more men would be able to get off to the that were waiting to take them off, my only regret was being to embark the remaining 14 men from this party. I got underway at 2145 with my own dinghy in tow as I did want to waste time getting her hoisted, as soon as we were clear of the bombing outside Dunkirk roads I stopped the ship and the dinghy which was by now almost full of water. When in position approximately 51 degrees 15' N. 1 degreep at 2300 a bomber flew very low over us I did not open fire as not want to give away our position, soón after this I reduced so asto close the North Goodwin Light Vessel much before dawn, not wish to anchor as my windlass would not work, also I had to engines running, at 0430 I got away from the North Goodwin Light Vessel and proceeded to the Nore and closed B.V. 10 to report to Sheerness, just about this time my engineman reported that he have to stop the Starboard engine as it had water in the oil and was afraid it would seize up, also that the Port engine was running too well. We tied up in Sheerness at 0825. The whole of my crew behaved in an exemplary manner, they continually on duty during the whole period, gave over their accommodation to the soldiers and fitted them out in dry clothe did what they could for them. I should like to mention O.S. John Philip Chable the Mead, for his unfailing help during specially the whole period and and efficient way in which he embarked the troops. S.V.G.L. Cyril George Dunley for the cool manner in which engaged the German aeroplanes which attacked us. from and the time we left the North am Damerell, Goodwin for Light not Vessel back Engineman James Willi the to in managing to keep the engines running. I should like to for Promoti Commissioned and rank, he recommend has a lot O.S. Charles Mead member Ocean navigated his own 18 ton of Yachting experience, and has Racing Club, has had cutter to Gibra Somerset. had a public school several education trips at King's in School, TWO I am sure he would make splendid leader of of men.
|
|
|
672
|
Log in to enlarge
|
206 123 would be able to assist us if necessary and realised that we were the last English boat leaving harbour. Could not get engine of LADY CABLE to start but after a short while W.D. boat came nearly alongside her engines were running and making considerable noise. Their action then appeared light. to me suspicious - she appeared to be undamaged in the half By now dawn was nearly breaking. When W.D. boat came close to us I ordered one of my crew - Cadet Rating Price - to board her. He managed to jump aboard but the two boats drifted apart. Price shouted that there was nobody aboard. Yet her engines were going - in neutral of course. Displaying great initiative and resourcefulness, Price was able to make HAIG go slow ahead and was able to steer her close enough to LADY CABLE for me to jump aboard. Our first efforts to get a line between the two boats were unsuccessful. The operation was made difficult by the LADY CABLE being full of French soldiers who did not of course appreciate what was happening and were therefore unable to be of much assistance however willing they might be. After some time the two boats were secured but in order to pass a line it had been necessary for Price to swim from the HAIG to the LADY CABLE with it. Price did this on his own initiative and displayed great courage and efficiency. By the time the two boats were secure it was almost broad daylight and we were still very close to Dunkirk Harbour and appeared to have drifted inshore to the S.W. and were very close to the pall of smoke which shrouded the coast to the West of Dunkirk. On inspecting condition of HAIG found that she had a fair amount of water forward and was damaged extensively on the port bow. However, I got French poilus to work the pump in relays and towing LADY CABLE and going very slow ahead were able to make progress and prevent the water forward from rising. For some time we did not discover that each engine had a separate control lever and had been going ahead on one engine only. For several hours we made slow progress. Worsall was trying to get LADY CABLE's engine to start again and Smith was steering her. I left most of the French in LADY CABLE. I saw a submarine half surface about half a mile ahead on one occasion and also a number of German aircraft passed close ahead of us. Luckily we were either not seen or not deemed of sufficient importance to attack. A French destroyer came and had a look at us but I did not signal to her as we were making fair progress. A flight of 3 Hurricanes flew low over us and later we saw Spitfires and Defiants, but luckily no German planes approached us. The starboard engine of HAIG packed up I think about 0730. I had not time to keep a detailed log of events. By this time Stoker Worsall had got engine of LADY CABLE to go again and I secured her alongside HAIG as towing her astern with only our port engine going was too difficult. For a considerable time we made very slow progress using engines of both boats. LADY CABLE's engine kept stopping, which made our progress very slow and steering difficult. At last/ French 4-funnelled light cruiser or large destroyer X 440 (I think) with bow wave painted on her, saw us and came up to help. I had/
|
|
|
714
|
Log in to enlarge
|
, OPERATION 231 NO. 20 SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). STATEMENT BY $ Name Service Sunday 2nd Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II. Lifeboat "JANS HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). Cast $ Sto. J. Strangeways off outside and told to go to a landing right PKX 95036. up the other and of the harbour. Found they 0 Sto. A.H. Shaw were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck PKX 94553. E.R.PONSON@Y the tug or drifter they were going alongside One Sub.Lieut, R.N.V.R. so they wont on up harbour. 31g enough hote One A.B. in the lifeboat bows to crawl through. Drenohed One O.S. with spray caused by shrapnel. Às proceeding also there. up harbour sear a destroyer out & small rowing All came back. boat down with two Fyench sailors in 11. They took these to the first destroyer. Tent right up harbour: saw Fyench troops but they refused to be taken off. So they came back out of the harbour to tug anchored outside. Then they were told to collect troops from anywhere. Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour. Nearly every boat had gone by then. So they got up sail and tried to get out of harbour. Several destroyers passed, they waved and destroyers waved back: one hour after dawn when they were just about giving up hopes & M.T.B. came. Towed them out, engine started, then they were alipped and after about 4 miles the engine began to smoke and she caught fire. No one in sight and two M.T.B's came along to resque. Took them aboard. Lifeboat in l'lames, returned a.m. 31at.
|
|
|
717
|
Log in to enlarge
|
248 OPERATION 231 NO.22 SHIP:- NAME NOT KNOWN. SEA FALCON (?). About 40 ft. open M/B, grey. (Similar to FAIRY NYMPH) STATEMENT BY $ Crew Service $ L.S. A.Westbrook 30th. Left Dover after dark with L.S. in charge. PJX 131401. Towed in company with about 5 others by tug - two O.S. Smith. tows. Foremost boat of opposite four broke Sto. Hardwick. adrift, swung back, hit stern sheets and broke main feed pipe. Proceeded on reserve tank, repeatedly filling from main tank. Arrived. off beach near Gravelines and ran gauntlet of fire from beach as far as Dunkirk and on to Bray. Filled boat by grounding and pulling in soldiers - - continued from dawn Friday to dusk Friday. Stores being swamped had nothing to eat. Only water was in few bottles filled at pier. On last trip rising tide and wind swamped boat, carried it broadside on. Crew abandoned boat and swam ashore. Other boats could not get near enough to get a line across. About 60 carried each trip. Continual bombing all day. Smith found a cance, floated it, paddled with piece of driftwood to Walmer Lifeboat. Others walked along beach to pier and boarded destroyer. Beach littered with guns and equipment and fairly crowded with soldiers, mostly French. On pier shrapnel was bursting over, marching troops several casualties. Saw ship hit by bomb in distance in La Pame direction. Saw 5 or 6 dive bombers brought down by destroyers. A number of boats working off beach all day.
|
|
|
719
|
Log in to enlarge
|
250 OPERATION 23] NO.24 SHIP:- M/B. COMMODORE STATEMENT BY $ Crew Service Sub. Lt. Thompson, R.N.R. Left Dover in COMMODORES - open N/B. A.B. 31st at dawn. Towed in two tows of two. Sto. Beech Went to beach near Dunkirk harbour cast off PKX 90016. tow, collected troops from beach and forried Ord.Sea. them to WORCESTER. Soldiers climbed about themselves. Took about 20 a trip. About one hour for the round trip. Here machine gunned - boat was holed and made so much water 18 had to be beached and abandoned. Joined the EASTBOURNE QUEEN by using & rowing boat found on the beach. Troops boarded EASTBOURNE QUICKN by wading out up to their shoulders. EASTBOURNE Quest took about 40 to the WORCESTER which then (about 1600/1st) went alongside pier. WORCESTER was continually bombed, fragemts from near misses killed 3 and wounded several nearby. Left Dunicier in WORCESTER about 1700/1800. Beach littered with equipment. Pier bombed, beach shelled, sheltered under dereliot boat.
|
|
|
720
|
Log in to enlarge
|
251 237 OPERATION NO.25 SHIP:- NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT. STATEMENTS BY Ø Crew Service Coxswain 0 A.B. W.J.MOrris Left Dover 0500/31/V started work on the beach. P/JX 126097. Tried twelve places, but draught too great. At & Sto.1 W.Spray one place two and a half hours on beach. Tried PKX.87052. various ways of getting off, shifting weight &c. After getting off saw 3 British and 4 French O.S. T.E.White soldiers washed out of a boat being towed: saved CDX 133. 2 British and 3 French. A rough pier had been p This was all the crew. made with lorries and tins and they used this for troops. It was now very dark. They saw all little boats moving off in tow. They, however, took a load of troops off a barge aground and put them on board a trawler. Then saw more boats moving and decided it was time to move away. Tried to get a tow. Started on & Northerly course (compass) for 2½ hrs. Aprived at some light and decided to wait till dawn as German planes were dropping flares all round them. Something like a fast M.B. passed them. At daylight they saw ships to Southward and went over to see where they were. They picked up a tow as starboard engine broke down. Came back. Prepared boat for next trip. Left Dover 2/7: towed over. Told to go into Dunkirk harbour. Went alongside jetty. Shelled heavily all the time, about 2230. Took one boatload off. Told by a Lt.Car. to go to a troopship run aground in the harbour. Made about 6 trips to troopship, one to harbour. Shrapnel and tracer bullets firing at German machines. On the 6th trip they were told to take up tow astern with troops on board. Saved about 600 to 800 troops, all told. what he couldn't do before. This was Morris Went 2nd time with intention of making up for first experience as Coxswain of any boat, but had been Acting Q.M. of a destroyer.
|
|
|
740
|
Log in to enlarge
|
2. continued 7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained Having re-embarked Bk. the GP.OCC. demolition and party at 0017 I until 0230 with the or with a faint hope until that R either left patrol, by appearing from on their return be journey able to engage. None were the half light to been established before met, and the dawn suffly of aircraft had not I was clear of the path 8. experience nith M.T.B. during few days, in the hope own In submitting the above report the last I would like to add my methods of operating may be up. from such scraps of unexplained built evidence a complete picture of that the 9. During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patroll between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by BS. with mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 and rocket at 0147. 10. During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight cannot be which point to attacks night and with of aircraft Widgeon the range, turned the glasses guns on turned 10" returned, at these to in before 2000ft. ram from the to small an investigate. the beam course doing innocent burning targets bridge. of her N.E. the navigation any small difficult, light, At I At followed. harm. 2340 0040 boat and I flares torpedoes At lights, орепей which as are At 0030 they only 0041 were I an course fire managed were visible aircraft seen a with heard torpedo west. astern to small throug illum passe to At not tra an passed down my port side, and two more alarm by siren, but I saw 03 At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon sounded an course S, at na ation following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight. one aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent At 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti 11. Points that emerge from the above are:- (a) made by lying in wait ahead 01 attacks of the target are not and always stopped. be used at the moment g (b) (c) attack. small flares may sometimes been wate aircraft co-operate and phosephorosconce of llary assisted which gives by the ships marked away speeds. continued
|
|
|
754
|
Log in to enlarge
|
gLT One able to keep one of the men from during actually the sinking I I Wholer capsized along side "Royal Segle" and although that I the unable to revive line hims. round her one to in the water I endoavoured Second to Engineer 100 Officer after a time as only two motor boats got e clear and propeller and of who Joined no it WAS conc. Unfortunately as & result 02 each efficient help of the of the "Royel with hand over command to Licutenant Forrow anding had immersion for over on hour I had Commander G temporary collapse and the of H.M.S. "Royal Bagle" who carried on in a \ my cool and Off manuer for about four hours until I wes fit to take over able During this time two more air reids Cook place and fr. again nollected 1 believe that "Royal Eagle" accounted for One evidence plano Bagle" 1703 hit by a bomb and set on fire. I understand that posponso I very much regret to state that H.M.S. "Crested Commanding Officer WOO able to beach her but she was completely gutted. I very much regret the loss of this ship and part of complemento H.M.S. "Crested Engle" had on excellent record and from. several weeks from personal contact with her officers and company, complete confidence in the ship in whatever dutyes the called upon to performo I have not yet had a detailed report her casualties but an afraid that a number of valuable lives lost on board hero On cosuming command at about 8.30 I signalled to the V1ce Admiral, Dover that I propoded remaining at anchor for the nigh and continuing the embarkation at down - I reported also the of power boats and the necessity for fighter aircraft defence dawn. Just before dark however a minesweeper passed me and me to return, with the men I had evacuated, to Dover - I asked the authority and was told that it was from Captain Ao I order May "Royal Engle" to proceed to Margate as considered that from on point of view this was the best point for disembarkation arriving there at about 0500 on Wednesday 29th I found "Golden dution who had apparently also been sent out for disembarkation and "Golden Regle" proceeded alongside Margate Pier before everythin me 3. had been most efficiently organisedo the 02d "Royal Eagle" followed shortly before 0600. I found troops discobarked hurriedly but and the casualties evacuated by first Lieute emoothly carried including a Gener General Officer and (when staff. I I made was strong Chief of Staff to the the number partied. About 700 troops had been representations to Commender the Chief) power boats that every and that means adequate should air protection should be gathered be taken to increase provide with provisions and water H.M.3. from who Pierothen as she was rather short 012 and was in view "Royal Bagle" was supplied of 011 enchored by esigaged sailed urgent need ofor ships the "Royal beaches Segle" sufficient of safety you oiling "Golden Bagle". About 1000 I "Golden Nagle" time to had been sent to Margate to provide considered that should May 5 tons and I only allowed to give her B. Engin 1100 by the a When second trip to the const. I proceeded I received a signal "X" and which WB Just enough at about saying were near the West Hinder Buoy but to proceed by informed Bagle" not who to WAS proceed shond by of "y" me told were me that she had been At the Ban him the routs account of shell fireo tolling 1n 30 however was dangerous on to on unknown unit adbarked proceed I decided there Panno from men field were batteries was not Englon I to intercepted La where a signal iting to be likely dangerous firing full H.M.S. "Royal from parm On subjected DO to proceeded a prolonged at but not speed. very accurate ship fire off Serous La to shore I considered gun which that did the, not coase would until be definitely the merchant ship. On arrival fire at 40 Panne there within of Bri on Dunkirk the beach and anchored at all BO at I proceeded about 1530 further
|
|
|
782
|
Log in to enlarge
|
REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd). 295 of Petty Officer T.Jones throughout operations. I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work 2 The following officers, Lieut.D. Dawson, ub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering ships and services on the following day if required. Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List. June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her. Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base. Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the ein and shelling from the land. Difnams 298. 300 B14/0/ REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314 BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS FROM DUNKIRK. Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA", "LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from Dover at 1930 on the 30th. and to proceed to the beaches at Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and, during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P. Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as possible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission. Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches were available over the other side and had been assured that there been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600, were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats thousands troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the others remained were until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "AHOLA", "THELE", Yachts that more damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the "EILA II" "CARYANDA" ultimately returned to Dover; "SERIOLA", "LAHLOO", & "BOUNTY" & "NONETA" to Ramsgate. On arrival, they all reported and were told to stand by for orders; none, back however to Hamble were damage by on course concerned, sent the the The over 4th. but great they fact again. only and, June all coolness that reported bearing two one and The all casualties those Yachts and the in at resource mind Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsggte Dover that returned of their having many were all on conduct Officers of the was sustained ordered them 5th. only under had June. and made considerable never Ratings almost possible In been due under continuous fire before, bombing and I consider shelling that deserves the highest praise. Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R. VICE AUMIRAL Senior Officer, Inner Patrol. 6th. June 1940. 15 JUN 1940 *
|
|
|
818
|
Log in to enlarge
|
RECOMMENDATIONS. 313 "MARE" Mr. of A.H.W. the ship Pendle, which Skipper R.N.R. is recommended for air men loss of time in the troopship basin "Scotia", and to getting recovery of handling picked up from the contributed greatly to the quick his efficient without He is also keen at Boulogne where there alongaide passage West Swins to the Mouse Light Vessel. room. through the East on and navigation and was of good help was in the not night much "SARAH HIDE" out his duties a cool and efficient manner during the whole operations. carried Lieutenant in Cruickshank, R.N.V.R. states that Skipper Meen "STRIVE" R.N.R. who "after all other ships in the section, including the ship of Lieutenant Cruickshank, R.N.V.R.recommends Skipper H.A. Catchpole, the Commander acting as Beachmaster, had retired owing to bombing and shelling, stayed off the beach at La Panne all night. At dawn he made fast all warps and wires which were on board "Strive" to the large lifeboat which had been towed across and a destroyer's pinnace towed it ashore. When fully loaded the boat was hauled back by means of the "Strive's" winch. "THREE KINGS" Mr. J.A. Smith, R.N.R. did good work as he made two trips across and is handicapped by being short of his Second Hand and two men. D.T. Bowen, First Engineman and his Second Engineman, S. Lawson, were able to effect temporary repairs when the SThree Kings" engines were badly shaken by a bomb explosion. The Skipper specially recommends S.G. Burroughs, Acting Leading Seaman, without whose work and encouragement the boat work on the beaches would not have been effective, and who took the place of Second Hand throughout the two trips in place of Second Hand, left behind on sailing. "RIG" The Skipper, Mr. E. Beckham, states that his whole crew worked well and that there is/one that he specially wishes to recommend, no "JACKEVE" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others. TWEENWAYS" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others. "UNICITY" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others, Sheet 2 attached.
|
|
|
854
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Dynamo 143 372 H.M.D. "RENASCENT" - 349 6th June, 1940. Sirs, I have the honour to put before you a report of our action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk. We sailed on orders on Thursday evening May 30th at 8.45 p.m. and proceeded to Ramsgate. Arrived at Ramsgate in the early morning 5.0 a.m. and received orders to go to Dunkirk and take off soldiers. We arrived at Dunkirk and hailed a destroyer, asking him where they were getting the troops from. He asked us what and T replied about 11 feet. He then told 348 2. About 1,000 men stood to attention 4 deep about half way along the pier, the General and his staff about 30 feet away and after having faced the troops; whose faces were indescernable in the dawn light, the flames behind them showing up their steel helmets, the Officers clicked their heels, saluted and then turned about and came down to the boat with me and we left at 0320. "Go stranger, tell the Spartans that here we lie, having been obedient to their commands!". Commander, R.N.
|
|
|
1012
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Dynams so. O.D. 526 TO: COMMANDER M/S. N°6. 497 DATE: 6TH JUNE, 1940. FROM: LIEUTENANT J.A. SIMSON R.N.V.R., H.M.S. "LORD GREY". carried 29th/30th out May, 1940, at Dunkirk. under my command during the night of I have by the the ships honour to report as follows on the operations for Dunkirk orders to report on arrival to Captain Tennant. at 1615 H.M.T's with "Lord Grey" and "Clythness" left Dover instead. signalled S. Foreland P.W.S.S. to use route "X" both we ways, were Instructions from were to proceed by route "Y", but We therefore proceeded by route "X" and arrived off Dunkirk at 2300. The harbour was found on entering to be very congested as a number of drifters were manoeuvring in the fairway and it was decided to lay off the entrance until it was clear to proceed alongside the quay. At 2330 we again entered the harbour and tied up alongside the Eastern Jetty. Sub. Lieutenant Heckstall-Smith (Clythness) and myself went along the quay in an effort to ascertain the whereabouts of Captain Tennant, and the state of affairs inside the harbour. It was impossible to get far owing to the damaged condition of the jetty and we therefore returned. Considerable air activity and continuous bombing was going on over the town, which was ablaze. It was decided to keep the ships moored alongside in such a way that they could slip at a moment's notice, and to await dawn before going further in to the harbour. A number of rifles and a Bren gun found on the quay were put aboard "Lord Grey". At 0210 on the 30th May, cries for help were heard outside the harbour and both ships instantly left to investigate. It was found that H.M.S. "King Orry" had sunk on leaving the harbour. Ships' boats were launched and "Lord Grey" rescued ten men, "Clythness" four. "Lord Grey" transferred her survivors to H.M.S. "Vivacious", and was ordered by the Commander to return to harbour, and if possible embark troops for transfer to his ship. "Clythness" was signalled accordingly and both ships proceeded back to Dunkirk harbour, and as it was now light it was possible to reach the Southern end of the quay. On arrival 0410 - I reported to S.N.O - Captain Tennant was not then available - and was ordered to embark troops for transfer to a destroyer and then to carry out "LL" sweep in a N. Easterly direction from the harbour. Troops were accordingly embarked - "Clythness" 300 (approx) "Lord Grey" 350 - and were transferred at 0515 to the destroyer "Whitehall". "Clythness" signalled that her dynamo In was these not working circumstances and her a signal was passed to S.N.O. and At 0605 D/G gear was consequently useless. fresh orders requested. (Contd. over).
|
|
|
1020
|
Log in to enlarge
|
YES M.T.B. to be well which clear said before all craft dawn, were being ordered so we had to turn to back. without help. transports might not a were ben able the to m to the Dunkirk harbour The because and next the wrecks day, Monday, and I was ordered to hours borrowed was from Navigation only a about wooden on ship, the way and across consequently was not usasy becaus On 200 yards, while a local squall 1 to getting stand in by. and arrival I out requested of at harbour Dunkirk quickly I duly under reported. their own The tran permission to enter power was the the on Tuesday refused operation morning, as was it might ending the 4th have and June, was impeded then to Captain the ordered transports. Wharton back harbour to Ramsg I to th I same evening I was ordered to report back to H.M.S. and "KI Co (sd) T Lamine Proby. Temp. Sub. Lieut,
|
|
|
1022
|
Log in to enlarge
|
536 506 9.6.40. The Admiralty, Whitehall, S.W.1. To. N.O. i/c Ramsgate. From. Captn. Wharton. S.V.P. Vinsin Operation "DYNAMO". Report on Officers. evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk, the work of the Whilst working under your command during the following officer. was SO outstanding, that I wish to draw their names to your special attention. Though I had do 512 opportunity boats of seeing their work at Dunkirk itself, my duties in turning round, and all which that involved, gave me a clear indication of the storling merits of these officers. Lt. Cmdr. J. I. Miller, D.S.O., R.N.B.,, This officer was indefatigable in his efforts to get his boats ready to return to operations. The minimum of time was required by him for rest, the maximum time humanly possible being spent at Dunkirk, his first consideration being to get ready to return. His cheerful bearing and keenness infused all with whom he came in contact and 1 consider his example is worthy of consideration. I have no doubt that his conduct on the Dunkirk side was in keeping with that of the Base end. Lt. Van Hemel. Royal Dutch Navy. This remarkable officer He appeared to flourish on hard work with little 02" no sleep. had his own motor boat which he brought from fortsmouth and remained at Dunkirk four days working off the beaches, and on Thursday 30th May. He left Ramsgate at dawn on 31st May, at Dunkirk ferrying troops. de found fuel and food On over there and so avoided delay in returning to the Base. and his return he got his boat ready, had five hours sleep, minimum his duration thereafter. I was greatly impressed were by returned to Dunkirk. His stays in Ramsgate of the inspiring and the work done by him of very great value. manner and bearing and consider that his example was Contd., suo.Lleutenant noyal savy. The Captain's Secretary. H.M.S. FERVENT. RAMSGATE.
|
|
|
1028
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish 522 C. B.O. Sir, 7 6x Imday the 31" M May. we the S.Jug Vincia left Ramagate in taw of three skiffs for Duskinh at 2.45pm. 544 2 514 This operation of holding the bifeboats end on to the beach, combined with the continuous bombing from the air, proved too difficult a task for the crews. After doing it twice I had only one lifeboat remaining, the others having broached to and swamped themselves. Also, there was continuous shelling from the batteries from the Western side. So the only alternative left to me was to ferry troops from the piers to the trawler. Atlantic With the trawler filled we set out for home but we had not been under way long before the trawler struck a wreck. I sent out an S-0-S on the siren. It was quickly answered by a Dutch 'scoot which came to our rescue, took off our troops and leaving the trawler "FAIRBREEZE" to sink, landed us back at Ramsgate at about 7.30am. That night I comandeered a fast motorboat "VERNON 1" and set out again for Dunkirk to ferry troops off the piers out to the Destroyers and waiting transports. I continued this operation until dawn when the starboard engine of the launch fell to peices and I had to be towed home to Ramsgate rull of troops. The next boat I got was the "PIGEON" one of the War Dept. boats which continued to run magnificently for the remainder of the operations. From now on I did not try the beaches any more but ferried troops from the piers to the waiting transports outside Dunkirk. This seemed my best
|
|
|
1029
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish C.B.O. 522 Sir, 7 6n I mday the 31" M May. we the s.Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Dunkinh at 2.45pm. 545 - 3 515 courseas, for one thing, I was now aquainted with the majority of the wrecks in the vicinity of the piers and the entrance of the harbour and was able to quide in the arriving transports on each of my return journeys. The "PIGEON" carried approx. 25 troops. Between midnight and dawn each night I made on an average 20 trips, arriving at Ramsgate usually at 7.30 a.m. on the last lap with the PIGEON full of troops. I continued this every night until Monday when 3.4 having ferried all night when having forried all night, and the last transport had sailed with approx. 3,500 troops aboard I waited alongside the pier for Commander Troupe (2 spelling) who was on the pier embarking the men into the ships. Eventually he came aboard with the French General and his staff (very relieved at the coming I was to, for having heard the Jerries had arrived in the town, the wait and the time they took to get down the ladder from the pier(being low tide) seemed interminable. It was about 3.45 a.m. when we finally cast off and made for theentrance of the harbour. With such & important personages abound, my one mortal fear, considering there was not another craft to come to my assistance in the harbour or outside, all having left previously, was losing the three propellers in the tremendous amount of wreckage and floating baulks of timberete. which had now spread out
|
|
|
1037
|
Log in to enlarge
|
Statement of the S.S. Harcular 554 524 C.B.O. O. Sir. On Thursday the 6". 4 June. su left Ramegato about at 12.45 for duties on the Month Patrat 6n our way ant. we saw a ship maned the S. Harcula. in deffeculties, a being tawed by the 1. Laga Ka. gava, of Fabia We, the S.Y. Vincia, went to the ship, of wes mediately engaged. Wea passed and lawing howev abound X was made last on the S.S. Hancula part how. d by 13.25 4 une towing Full speed in company with the the ugo as 13.55 the tug Lady Brancy arrived, & he he was engaged of made fast - the "If Harcula 20ml quarter. cL assested in the tawing from the owns Channel to the n. Brake bands. where the lb grounded at 14.15 p in a sunking condition, meny to being mined in the Laway Due to the prompt executance given by the ugs. I think we saved the its. Harcula from being a wreck in the Dawn Channel & a danger to navigation your a.V.Hails Chadianthy (Manto of ft Ymair
|
|
|
1050
|
Log in to enlarge
|
PLAGE OFFICER IN CHARGE 17JUN1940 * HARWIOH H.M.S. "Vatchful" 547 Great Termouth. 8th June, 1940. Sir, I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the "M" Drifters attached to Tarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo", 30.5.40. 2345. Flotilla sailed Tarmouth for Ramagate, Good 46 567 From:- Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N. Mm 537 Date:- 5th June, 1940. To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate. 30th May. Arrived Ramsgate from Portsmouth with lighter. X.209 Ordered to sands between Gravelines and Calais. Compass error 20°. Fixed green Bight buoy appeared to be missing. Anchored off sands; landed in boat and searched inland. Encountered enemy, engaged two and believe I shot both; returned to my ship. 31st May. Followed tug to East beach at dawn. Took aboard 500 men from my boats. One boat destroyed by bomb, two struck submerged lorries. Left for Ramagate. 1715 Landed soldiers at Ramagate and returned Dunicipe. led 2150 Arrived Dunkirk at dusk, heavy bombing and shelling. Soldiers very steady and cheerful. 1st June. Landed soldiers at Ramagate at noon. Ship had been n in collision off Dunkirk; left her in Ramagate us inner harbour. Took command of a tug whose Master refused to go to Dunkirk again and left of for Dunkirk. Arrived evening: very few soldiers on beaches. Went alongside small pier at back or harbour. Went ashore to look for troops; found no English so loaded up with French. 2nd June. Arrived Ramsgate 0730. Obtained Captain Duka's Mann, permission to arm and command Power Boat "Swallow". xi Arrived Dunkirk in "Swallow" at dusk. Entered inner harbour; took off 15 men and towed & full cutter in addition. 3rd June. Arrived Ramsgate in morning with loaded cutter in tow. Left for Dunkink in afternoon; entered inner harbour. Ordered to embark some French staff but could find none; loaded with English and French troops. Purthest end of harbour now in German hands. Returned Ramsgate. Completed 5 journeys in all.
|
|
|
1057
|
Log in to enlarge
|
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
|
|