TNA ADM 199 790

22
SECRET9
Page 2.
was lowered and two officers and a signalman were sent in to endeavour to take charge on the beach. It was reported to me afterwards that this was next to impossible. The nen rushed the bee boats and capsized them in shallow water, and then left the boat without making any attempt to right it and use it again.
had one engine out of action; the other was blown up
There were only two motor landing craft in the vicinity; one subsequently when lying alongside the ship.
9. At about 1915 a dive bombing attack was made on the ship. The nearest of the pattern of four bombs fell about eighty yards on the port quarter, and the ship recieved no damage from this attack.
10. At about 2000 the ship was machine gunned again by alow flying aircraft. This attack caused several casualties both at No.2 Gun and on the signal bridge.
11. At 2007 (clock stopped!) the third bombing attack arrived. This was also a dive bombing a tack, and the pattern of four bombs landed on a line at an angle of about twenty degrees to the keel. The first bomb was observed by an officerto land about thirty yards from the ship. The fourth bomb hit the quarterdeck the starboard side forward, From this it is calculated that the third bombstruck either right on the stern, or was avery close miss. It is considered that one of the fifty depth charges was detonated; a portion of the internal wall (where primer is inserted) found afterwards supports this theory. (All primers and pistols had been removed previously).
12. The damage caused was very severe. About forty feet of the stern was blown away completely. A further forty feet was reduced to a tangled mass of metal; No.2 Gun was put out of action; the main mast fell in three pieces on the searchlight and 0.5" machine gun platforms, wrecking both; upper deck fittings on the boat deck were bent and battered by slinters; the bridge superstructure was severely shaken, a bulkhead dished and several frames cracked; the compass platform was loosened from the bridge screens; all woodwork such as doors and furniture throughout the ship was shattered, (including the sick bay door on the fore messdeck).
13. Thie attack was followed about ten minutes Jater by athird machine gun attack from an aeroplane with an half inch machine gun. (One bullet has been recovered from a hazel rod fender, and part of another is embeddedin a davit). There were no casualties from this attack.
14. At about 2020 it was reported that fire had broken out in the cabin flat. Orders were given toflood the after magazine and burn the signal books. Both orders were carried out, but the fire was quickly under control and the magazine was then pumped out. The ammunition was transferred to the forward magazine.
15. At about 2030 the fourth and final bombing attack was carried out. This was another dive bombing attack, but the bombs fell wide on the starboard quarter.
16. H.M.S. Bideford anchored and H.M.S. Kellett came alongside and took off about three hundred soldiers who had embarked.

Dynams 156 266
NARRATIVE 07 THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S.FRISO 282
OPERATION DYNAMO
H.M.S. OSPRST
PORTLAND.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of
"Dynamo". events whilst in command of the Skoot "FRESO" during Operation
Sunday 26th May. At Portsmouth - ship was being wiped, swung and generally prepared for service.
at 1315.
Monday 27th May. Sailed fr on Portsmouth at 0500. Arrived Newhaven
Tuesday 28th May. Repairs were affected to for'ard Capatan.
2100. Sailed for Dover.
Wednesday 29th May. 0900. Secured alongside Submarine Basin Dover.
Watered and provisioned ship.
1230. Sailed for Dunkirk towing a pulling
Boat. During the passage every endeavour was made for receiving and embarking troops. lty arew worked continuously at improving ladders and guest warps, and preparing the holds.
2330 Entered Dunkirk Roads. I steamed as close to the Beach as possible from about 6 miles to the East of
Dunkirk right up to Dunkirk, but was unable to see any signs of troops. It appeared that FRISO was the first skoot to arrive in the Roads.
0030 Entered Dunkirk and secured alongaide the
Mole. 1 then started ambarking troops until the skoot "SURSOM
CORDA" secured alongaide no when 1 transferred them across. At about 0130 1 decided to commende filling ay ship alternately with
SURSOM CORDA. Between 0130 and 0300 several skoots endeavoured to come alongaide SURSOM CORDA, I instructed the Commanding Officer of SURSOM CORDA to tell them to berth further up the Hole. 1
left the Mole at about 0315 having got onboard about 350 nea and
4 officers. 1 arrived at Dover after an unsventful trip at about
1500 Thursday 30th May.
Having provioned and ambarked water tins
I sailed again for Dunkirk at about 2100. This time 1 proceeded by the Calais Channel. ky crew worked axtraordinarily wall
Although up we were in the Beam of the Calais Searchlights for about clearing the hold and preparing it again for more troops.
2 hours it appeared that we remained undetected.
Friday At about 0245 I observed shat appeared to be a fairly 31st May. derelict two funnalled ship with & alight and list at the to port. large I approached her avoide shoused for Help, to be same time As took up & violent list to port and appeared for the but sinking. 1 well have andangered the Boat and proceeded. arew, both The the ship considered lowering a boat and searching Boats man, as I might for the evacuation 1 regretrully that SURSOM
urgently required after 1 had passed her. I understand boat but was
CORDA who was some Shortly afterwards I observed afterwards ship sunk just way astern of se did lower a a flare on the unable water some 400 yards 250 yards on ay starboard completely to find the nan- ahead of no, almost immediately how. At about 0415
a bomb fell about Harbour but as the Vola was I then proceeded deserted
I entered Dunkirk being shelled I left hurrisdly. the beach and the place was until I saw dense columns such of troops gable on as necessary where along the I anchored coast and ground, than I than lowered veared ay as Boats and started done to to load ships up.
An 80 Air as just Raid not occurred to at about 0630 but no damage was in ay immediate visinity.

DUPLICATE
271
- 287
At 1950/30 H.N.S. Fitaroy proceeded to Dunkirk via the Western route and at 0210 anchored off beach in three fathoms at a point 2) miles east of Dunkirk. The ships boate vere sent in shore in charge of Legutenant J.S. Horrez Only
3 soldiers could be found and these were embarked.
At 1 0300 ship veighed and proceeded to Dover with and the 3 soldiers
At 0825 proceeded and at (850 secured in
Granville dook and coaled
At 1850 ship proceeded to Rendesvous with
4th. Mineoweeping Plotilla at. long
Legutenant Bull, Scots Guards - on board and subsequently of great help in embarking troops.
June
At 0180 /1/6 H.N.S. Pilargy anchored off the beach at a point 8) miles cast of
Dunkirk.TheD/G gear call ht fire at alas and became tem: orarily useless This is attributed to shrapnel all the fore stay vas also stranded at the name time Ships boats were sent in ahore and Leautenant Bull
Sents Cuards directed the embarkation assisted by Midehipman Bryce R.N.R and Signalman
Froggant. 67 British officers and soldiers were embarked by 0345 By this time there were only a for more troops laft on this section of the beach and H.H.S. Lydd having arrived
I and them to enbark the remainder It ISA
my intention to proceed to join the Senior
Naval Officer 4th. Minesweeping Plotilla and endeavour to embark troops to capacity
However shortly after weighing 1 received a signal from H.N. subpre informing no

277
TRIPLICATE
- 293
At 1950/30 H.N.S. Fitzroy proceeded to Dunkirk via the Western route and at 0810 snohored off beach in three fathoms at a point 2) miles east of Dunkirk. The ships boats were sent in shore in charge of Legutenant J.S. Horrex Only
3. soldiers could be found and these were embarked
31ˢᵗ.
At 1 0300 ship weighed and proceeded to Dover with and the 3 soldiers
At 0825 proceeded and at 0880 secured in
Granville dook and coaled
At 1850 ship proceeded to Rendezvous with
4th. Mineeweeping Plotilla at 1. Buoy
Decutenant Bull Scots Guards Y&S on board and subsequently of great help in embarking troops.
1st June
At 0130 /1/0 H.M.S. Pilaroy anchored off the beach at a point 2) miles east of
Dunkirk.Theb/G gear call ht fire at 0139
and became tem orarily useless This is attributed to shrapnel as the fore stay vas also stranded at the name time. Ships boats were sent in shore and Leeutenant Bull
Scots Guards directed the embarkation assisted by Midshipman Bryce R.N.R and Signalman
Froggast. 67 British officers and soldiers were embarked by 0345. By this time there were only a few more troops left on this section of the beach and H.M.S. Lydd having arrived
I asked them to embark the remainder It was intention to proceed to join the Senior
Naval my officer 4th. Minesweeping Flotilla and endeavour to embark troops to capacity
However shortly after weighing I received no a signal from H.M.S. Sabore informing

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised Dynamso ds. 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
$5
10
55
1
An
Dynam
349
lasman
60
355
65
TER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
DNI
n
70
7010
3347
4
during daylight. About half-way across a French trawler with an open boat in tow was hailed. He reported having picked the boat up with soldiers off Dunkirk and it was thought this might be the boat for which we were searching. To make sure we proceeded to Dunkirk where two open boats and a Thames barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spaniards, the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and
English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at approximately 1330. This was found to contain about 320
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charts on board. The air compressor motor was made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left 1st Lieut., Leiut. Dehammel with instructions opened the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
to sail the my barge to Dover; and proceeded along the coast having
About two up miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to within of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course was set to intercept the Thames barge.
by approximately eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 were the dropped
At 1720 when out of sight of land bombs we were attacked
The fell at to attack in pairs out dive of the sun and eight six distances or varying from 10 to 50 yards of and ship.
having bombers appeared their bombs continued their endeavour firing to machine- miss guns. the Course was appeared to explode after entering water, released altered frequently in an the some bombs. Some the surface and & certain number appeared ahead and not the to explode at all. the splash. A certain amount who were exposed was on striking One exploded under the bow right of discomfort ship passed through myself and members of the crew hours or 80. to experienced the by eyes for the next twelve manning
Able-Seaman Power of the soldiers in the fore to peak. return to Dover now had splash in the was wounded in the leg when As I the port wounded on board ask for assistance for barge sailing turret also one I considered it advisable the barge. A tug was forthwith and approximately to 2100 and found the Deut. Dehammel well sent out at from Dover. I consider Sub. bombing to performed a very subjected had caused leaks for that night's the about 10 miles creditable operation. The to the hull which and petrol the ship tank had and been the ship was not used again operation.

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised Dyrams. & S. 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
$5
100
55
1
An
Dynam
355
349
Ahel Tasman. 60
65
TTER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
a
70
353
during daylight. About half-way across a French trawler with an open boat in tow was hailed. He reported having picked the boat up with soldiers off Dunkirk and it was thought this might be the boat for 14 ich we were searching. To make sure we proceeded to Dunkirk where - two open boats and & Thames barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards, the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and English. No then went alongside the Thanes barge at approximately 1330.
This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, ⑉ note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new platon to the air compressor motor while the let.Lieut. and myself trimed the sails.
They had no charge on board. The air compressor motor was made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my 1st,Lieut., SublLient. Delhamel with instructions to sail the barge to Dover, and proceeded along the coast having opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing approximately three miles of the coast alightly to the eastward of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course was set to intercept the Thanes barge.
by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bomba were dropped
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attached
The bombers at appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and and fell distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
having released their bombs continued their dive firing machine- to guns. Course was altered frequently in an endeavour miss the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water, at on striking exploded under the box right discomfort a ome the surface and a certain,appeared ahead and not the to ship explode passed all. One the splash* A certain amount who of were exposed was the experienced by the x eyes for the next twelve manning the through myself and members of the crew hours or 80. to splash in wounded in the leg when part
Able-Seaman Power of was the soldiers in the fore to peak. return As to Dover I now had wounded on board ask for assistance for the the barge. barge sailing well was turrets also one I considered it advisable A tug sent forthwith out and to 8100 and I consider found Sub.Lieut, Delfammel about performed 10 a very creditable subjected had operation. caused leaks The for to bombing the that bull night's to which and the the petrol ship tank had and been the ship was not used again operation.

21
20
.
20
'Alice' had to abandoned as bullets had penetrated the lubricating system, causing a seize up of her engine on attempting to start up,
I flooded her ballast tanks in an endeavour to submerge the ship below bullet holes, and thereby flood the engine room. I retrieved
'Alice's' charts and recognition signal tables and with her crew boarded 'Caap Falga', taking over command from Lt.Culmer, R.N.V.R.
who had by this time refloated 'Caap Falga'.
We proceeded to a destroyer but was unable to inter-sept her, I
thence set course for the Downs.
'Able Tasman' unloaded small arms ammunition at La Panne and proceeded to Dover at 1715.
Mayes Mastin
(H.R. Wykeham-Martin)
Lieutenant R.N.
RC
*
JUN 14JUN 1940
ADMIRA AL ZOIN

B.
24
29th. May. 00.00 off Dunkirk have great difficulty in finding out where to P 00.15.-
touched bottom 1.0 a.m. approx. entered Dunkirk and secured alongside Pier. Shore arrangements very bad only one shore ladder available. Troops commence to board.
24
1.30 "San Antonio" came alongside. Troops cross our deck to feed San Antonio. 3.0
approx. San Antonio cast off. I endeavour to speed up loading. Note as much as 15
minutes go by at times without any troops boarding at other times the single ladder is quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. No effort was made by the Military to use the outside of the Pier 4.0 0 a.m. Wind freshening we have received approx 220 troops cast off and proceeded in Company for Downs. Near by ships open fire at enemy aircraft
During passage three hunting destroyers drop at least five depth charges Our troops have rifles ready to engage aircraft. Run ha been issued to those troops who are very fatigued and wet also to ships crew. 2.0 Arrive off Downs ordered to proceed Ramsgate.2.
Pilot boarded took us to Margate discharged troops, received stores fresh water and two ladders. I rece ve 50 feet rope from another ships 8.0 p.m. Proceed in company with Carabia for Braye. Hands employed in rigging TS and cleaning ship
30th. May 5. a.m. anchored off Braye (falling tide) and enced receiving troops shifted ship 5 times as tide fell. Under continuous enemy gunfire from the shore. 9.0 a.m.
we have received approx 430 troops and all available space is full (the shore arrangements fo loading is under naval charge and most efficient. Also;adders were most useful.
Weighed anchor and proceeded for Downs altering course as required to aviod enemy gunfire until out of range. Issued run to fatigued troops and all crew.
Troops stand by to engage enemy aircraft 5.0 P.m. entered Ramsgate discharged troops received stores and fresh water. I wrote a note to.C in C Dover drawing his attention to the mutinous conduct of
Borrowed two naval ratings from shore as night watchmen. Proceeded outside Harbour to anchor. Hands clean ship All hands to sleep
Watchmen keep look out.
31st. May 5.0 p.m. ordered to proceed Portsmouth
1st. June, Secured Kings stairs
2nd. June 12.00 ordered to proceed Poole 5.0 P.m. stopped off Yarmouth.
4th. June 6.30 p.m. Secured alongside at Poole.
This ships engines are fairly good but all other appointments are very bad
Signed S.Hoggan, Lt. Comdr. R.N.R.
"ATLANTIC"
I beg to submit the following report on this ships activities during the evacuation from Dunkirk
Friday 29th. left Dover 9.30 a.m. 12. to waiting off N. Goodwin L. Vessel for orders 3.30 proceeded 3.0 a.m. 30th. arrived La. Panne commence embarking troops in ships lifeboat. Anchored as near shore as possible. Ship aground at Low water embarkation slow at first in ships boats very hard work for the small crew later expedited by Naval Commander S.N.O. who detailed motor launch and whaler to ship embarked approx. 300 men. Sailed about 11. a.m. Beach and Channel being shelled by Shore Batteries.
Arrived Ramsgate 23.00 30th. May arrived Dunkirk 05.00 31st. June about 1 mile east of Dunkirk close in shore passed ashore to haul out boats, sea choppy and boats getting swamped lost ships boats 10.00 was to out to deeper water, engines fail to start. Embarked approx. 100 troops. Waited off beach for 24 hours but unable to embark troops owing to being unable to obtain a motor launch to attend on ship and no boats being available. Beaches and Channel being jected to shelling and air bombardment all day and night. Two or three bombs fell close alongside.
05.00 1st rescued crew and passengers of Drifter which had struck sunken wreck [o?]
during operation, boat full close alongside striking at ketch which completely dissappeared.
13.00 Ist. Arrived Ramsgate.
Note. The small amount of troops embarked on 2nd. trip was due to scarcity of motor launche ato attend various ships, when I did eventually get one and sent it in shore the soldiers would not wade out to the boat during dark hours.
L.E. Fordham It. Condr. R.N.R.
"KAAP FALGA"
B.
Kaap Falga (Lieut. G.E.B. ST.G Beale) in Command) loaded 300 tons Army Provisions left Southampton 21.00 26/5/40 and beached off La Panne according to orders 0800
26/5/40 in Company with "Alice" and Able Tasman. At 12.00 Kaap Falga and Alice were ordered to refloat as soon as possible and proceed to Bray beaches, 4 miles away.
8 hours later Kaap Falga floated of with the tide.
In the meantime Lieut. Beale had been wounded ashore (during air attacks on Ships)
whilst contacting the Military, Lieut. Slater (Captain of Alice) who was with him was killed. Lieut. Beale was reported to have been taken to the Military Hospital with a. paralised leg.
Alice was put out of action and ballast tanks flooded to make her rest on bottom (Max, Depth H.W. about 14. feet).

Dynam 156.
NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S.FRISO DURING
60
OPERATION DYNAMO
H.M.S. OSPREY
PORTLAND.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events whilst in command of the Skoot "FRTSO" during Operation
"Dynamo".
Sunday 26th May. At Portsmouth - ship was being wiped, swung and generally prepared for service.
Monday 27th May. Sailed fr om Portsmouth at 0500. Arrived Newhaven at 1315.
Tuesday 28th May. Repairs were effected to for'ard Capstan.
2100. Sailed for Dover.
Wednesday 29th May. 0900. Secured alongside Submarine Basin Dover.
Watered and provisioned ship.
1230. Sailed for Dunkirk towing a pulling
Boat. During the passage every endeavour was made for receiving and embarking troops. My crew worked continuously at improving ladders and guest warps, and preparing the holds.
2330 Entered Dunkirk Roads. I steamed as close to the Beach as possible from about 6 miles to the East of
Dunkirk right up to Dunkirk, but was unable to see any signs of troops. It appeared that FRISO was the first skoot to arrive in the Roads.
0030 Entered Dunkirk and secured alongside the
Mole. I then started embarking troops until the skoot "SURSOM
CORDA" secured alongside me when I transferred them across. At about 0130 I decided to commence filling my ship alternately with
SURSOM CORDA. Between 0130 and 0300 several skoots endeavoured to come alongside SURSOM CORDA, I instructed the Commanding Officer of SURSOM CORDA to tell them to berth further up the Mole. I
left the Mole at about 0315 having got onboard about 350 men and
4 officers. I arrived at Dover after an uneventful trip at about
1500 Thursday 30th May.
Having provioned and embarked water tins
I sailed again for Dunkirk at about 2100. This time I proceeded by the Calais Channel. My crew worked extraordinarily well
Although we were in the Beam of the Calais Searchlights for about clearing up the hold and preparing it again for more troops.
Friday 31st May. At about 0245 I observed what appeared to be to a
2 hours it appeared that we remained undetected.
fairly large derelict two funnelled ship with a slight list the port. As I approached her avoice shouted for Help, and at to be same time the ship took up a violent list to port and appeared the but sinking. I might well have endangered the Boat and Boats crew, both The
I considered lowering a boat and searching for man, urgently sunk after I had passed her. I understand as required for the evacuation I regretfully proceeded. that SURSOM
ship who just some way astern of me did lower a boat but was the unable
CORDA the was Shortly afterwards I observed a flare afterwards on water some about 250 yards on my starboard bow. At to find 400 man. yards ahead of me, almost immediately about 0415
I entered being shelled I left hurriedly. I the beach a bomb fell Dunkirk Harbour but as the Mole was completely then proceeded deserted and the the place coast was until I saw dense columns of troops cable on as necessary where I not to ground, I lowered my Boats and started to ships up.
along anchored and then then veered as much to load
An so Air as just Raid occurred at about 0630 but no damage was done in my immediate vicinity.

127
121
NARRATIVE OF M.V. "RIKA" DURING THE PERIOD 27TH MAY TO
5TH JUNE, 1940, ENGAGED IN EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
(Page 2 of Commanding Officer, M.V. "Rika"s" letter No.1/12
dated 6th June, 1940.)
30th May, 1940.
That
0830
Arrived at Dover and secured to Admiralty Wharf and disembarked survivors. Reported to Captain Halifaxat Lord Warden Hotel and was instructed to await further orders.
31st May, 1940.
1430.
Instructed by Captain Fraser to proceed outside
Dover Harbour to tow M.V. "Vrede" who had developed engine trouble.
1700.
Embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition and 6 Lewis
Gunners.
1st June, 1940.
0630.
Transferred 7 days stores and petrol for four launches from M.V. "Vrede" and received instructions to proceed to Dunkirk and report to Captain Pim, R.N.V.R.
in M.V. "Hilda".
0700.
Left Dover with launches in tow.
1300.
Contacted M.V. "Hilda" on approaching Dunkirk Roads and received instructions from Captain Pim to return to the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall.
1340.
Intercepted by French destroyer T.113, and was requested to embark 80 French and 9 British survivors, several of whom were badly wounded.
1400.
Proceeded to Ramagate, having instructed launches to return to Dover under their own power.
1800.
Disembarked survivors at Ramagate and received instructions from Captain Wharton R.N., to anchor in the Roads.
2nd June, 1940.
2000.
Under orders from Captain Wharton, proceeded with launch and one boat in tow, under command of
Lieutenant Commander Miller, R.N.R., to rendezvous with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier.
3rd June, 1940.
0115.
Arrived off Dunkirk Entrance and, as M.V. "Rika" was unable to approach the beach, launch and boat were sent inshore to bring off B.E.F.
Owing to the heavy bombardment of the beach by the enemy from the eastwards, the launch was unable to contact the B.E.F. and returned at 0200. Launch was then sent to the Pier to endeavour to contact the
B.E.F. there.
0215

Dynamic 376
8/4/0/139
126
J.6633, c/o Messrs. J.S. White & Co.
Cowes, Isle of White,
20th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of proceedings during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. 0.
1700/6/6/40.
In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief,
Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Majesty's Ship "SURSUM_
CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.M. Friday 24th May, 1940, sailing for Portsmouth at 1600, arriving at 2130.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained in company with other Skoots under the ordera of Lieutenant Commander Stuart in H.M.S
"FREDANJA" until P.M. 28th May, 1940, when ship was sailed for
Dunkirk from Dover at 1400 by order of Vice Admiral Dover, for islbe the evacuation of troops via North Goodwin and Middle Kirke.
On arrival off beaches at Dunkirk at approximately
2230, decided to enter harbour straight away having sighted large number of soldiers on mole, but apparently no other ships in the harbour, though a transport and other skoots were lying off, and two ships just leaving. The western side of the harbour was ablaze.
Having evacuated British troops, approximate number three hundred and seventy, ship sailed for Dover at 0330; &
hospital ship and six or seven other skoots having entered and secured to the mole were also embarking troops by this time.
Ship arrived off Dover 1130/29, no incidents of
30/5?
importance occurring on passage.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained at Dover, storing and provisioning until orders were received to sail again for Dunkirk at 2100.
Short routevia Calais was taken; ship proceeding independently as visibility was decreasing and all skoots were not ready.
On arrival off Western beaches of Dunkirk, a wreck was sighted approximately half a mile to West of Harbour
31/5
entrance in the approach channel, and cries of & man in the water were heard, a boat was lowered, but the rescue work was
Priso)
left finally to a Sloop's whaler the Sloop itself being on her return passage to England. "SURSUM-CORDA" proceeded and arrived off beaches Eastern side of Dunkirk at 0430/30.
Many men were sighted waiting on the beach approximately two or three miles east of the mole, and on closing H.M.S. "FITZROY"
lying approximately three quarters of a mile off the beach, was asked to assist in ferrying troops from small craft to ITZROY"
and "VANQUISHER", three to four cables to Westward.
For approximately half an hour my Ship remained stopped three cables from the beach embarking as many troops as possible.
This process I considered far tooslow as the number of small boats employed in that area amounted only to four or five and these appeared to be in danger of being swamped by excessive loads, so decided to close the beach while the tide was flooding and endeavour to embark troops over my bows.

127
-2-
This method was found successful and two trips were carried out in same manner. For the third endeavour,
"VANQUISHER" and"FITZROY" having left for England, and no other larger craft being in the vicinity, my intentions were to close again, fill to capacity and proceed towards La Panne, to transfer troops if requested, or return to England.
It is regretted that this effort failed in that
"SURSUM"CORDA" was beached too securely and no efforts ot my part were successful in re-floating.
Thiswwas due to an error in judgement on my part in allowing too many men on board at the time and my incorrect appreciation of the time of the tide turning, no tide tables being carried.
H.M.S. "HEBE" came to my assistance, but unfortunately though a tow was passed, her lack of power and manoeuvreability were strong handicaps, and she herself grounded two cables to
Eastward.
At 0800/30 it was realised there was no chance of the ship moving until the following High Water.
During the period of waiting until High Water that evening, I assisted where possible on the Beach in the vicinity of the Ship, and during periods where there were no small craft operating, took aboard soldiers for shelter and distributed what food remained aboard "SURSUM-CORDA".
All members of my crew worked magnificently under somewhat strained conditions, and with no consideration for themselves.
Further endeavours to re-float were made between 1800
and 2030 using kedge anchor with soldiers onboard assisting.
At 1840 a shell from an enemy shore battery burst & few yards ahead of the ship and four soldiers were hit by splinters. I ordered these and one officer hit whilst on the beach to be placed below and with the assistance of a stretcher bearer my First
Lieutenant, Lieutenant Brooks rendered first aid and made them as comfortable as conditions allowed.
I then cleared the ship of soldiers and continued my efforts to re-float, but with no success, delay being caused by an influx of soldiers somewhat naturally seeking shelter after the shell fire, whom L'ordered to stand by to board "HEBE" who
I could see appeared to shew hopeful signs of clearing the beach. The majority of them carried out these orders and
"HEBE" was re-floated at approximately 1945. On receiving report of my engines being temporarily out of action and on point of "seizing-up") decided further efforts were fruitless, and retaining only wounded and completely exhausted men onboard for shelter, until small craft or ambulances could be commandeered to take them off, decided to land and assist on beach where possible.
(continued ty d, that too
Cing.

Dynoms 182.
186
From... Lieutenant R.H. Irving R.N.R. Motor Boat "TRITON".
Date... 3rd June, 1940.
To... Commodore Taylor, Sheerness.
Submitted, with reference to the short report handed in on my arrival at Sheerness, Saturday, 1st June, 1940, I shall now endeavour to fill in details left out at that time, due to inability to recollect everything and put it on record before being refreshed and rested, after so many hours of exertion.
On Wednesday, the 29th May, 1940, while supervising the cleaning and scrubbing of the Dutch Scoot "PRINCESS JULIANA"
of which vessel I was 1st Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander
Gwinnir, R.N., who was C.O., instructed me, to report immediately to Commander Troupe for orders.
I reported as instructed, and was ordered to take command of thirteen launches and get them to Ramsgate.
I got clear of Sheerness with the launches about
1200 29/5/40, and arrived Ramsgate about 1930. I reported to
Commander Davies there, and explained to him what had been said tome by Commodore L. Taylor regarding the launch "SILVER QUEHON
and "BEVERLEY". "BEVERLEY", however, failed to turn up at
Ramsgate although I had sent back my fastest boat from Margate to look for her, and waited for one hour to allow him to catch up.
Commander Davies consulted the N.O.I.C. and it was decided that in the "TRITON" I should endeavour to get "SILVER QUESION and seven more launches to La Panne.
The other launches for various reasons could not proceed until the morning. Commander Davies said he believed
East of La Panne was devoid of Allied troops, and as far as he knew no troops on beaches West of Braye Duns.
This meant I had to make the Belgian coast within a three-mile limit, rather difficult without navigating instruments or current charts.
Nevertheless, I thought I could do it, so at 2200 on Wednesday I left the harbour with eight launches.
I waited outside and shouted to them to keep close up and follow me.
I steered for N. Goodwin Light Vessel, and stopped there to count my fleet, though it was very dark.
I
counted five and was informed the other three had put back to
Ramsgate with engine trouble.
I then order "SILVER QUEIN® to render every assistance in keeping boats together (Sub.Lt. in command) in order that the five of us might carry out a successful crossing.
Only the
Seaman Cox.J. Keith could steer on my boat; this meant I had to relieve him myself. Two of the crew were already seasick, but kept their feet and showed spirit.
From N. Goodwin I proceeded.
It was very dark, and on and off I passed ships heading N.W. or S.E. About 0300
30/5/40 visibility was very poor, with heavy rain, no ships in however, to get into a position 15 miles north of La Panne, and then sight, and I was a little doubtful of my position.
I decided, steer South (mag) to make the coast.
At 0400 turned south, strong wind and following sea, boat steering wildly. Still no ships in sight or land.
About 0420 saw a cruiser loaded with troops, recognised her as British, and closed her.
She had received heavy punishment aft from shellfire.
I made signs as to whether I should hold on my course, and she answered in the affirmative. At this time one of my boats very foolishly crossed my bow and received a blow which damaged her.
I instructed one of the others to watch her, and

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Greatly to the Master's disappointment, X 213's machinery was not in a good enough condition for her to be used.
78. Owing to a misunderstending, not here, which I have been unable to trace, the motor boats which should have hours later. Suspecting that the fifth column was at work reached Sheerness from the Thames Adid not arrive until 24 Lou 30ᵗʰ hi
I informed your Chief of Staff, D.S.V.P., V.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C.s Ramsgate and Margate of the circumstances, and of my intention to ignore any such messages. No possible harm could have been done by sending boats on, at any rate as far as Ramsgate. Had these boats not been delayed, they would have been available on the last day on which evacuation from the beaches was still going on. Some of them were employed on the last two days in the vicinity of Dunkirk.
8. The type of machinery fitted in many of the boats and its defective state, presented F.E.O. and Sheerness Dockyard with some difficult problems and a great deal of hard work, which was tackled, night and day, with great zeal and energy.
Some of the boats broke down later on, much to the disappointment of their crews, who had done their best. Most of them, I think succeeded in joining other boats and msking at least one trip to the French coast.
9. The total number of craft prepared for service and sent out from Sheerness was as follows:-
100 Motor Boats
10 Lighters
7 Schuits
1 Oil tanker
6 Paddle Steamers
10. On Sunday June 2nd, having got away all the personnel and everything afloat that was sufficiently in good condition to do useful service, I went to Ramsgate with Commander Troup, arriving about 1600, in order to help N.O.I.C. and to endeavour to assist in the cooperation of motor boats with larger vessels.
I went in with a group of Schuits and slow motor boats to the beach at St. Malo les Bains, where a British Officer who had just got back reported that there were British troops who had been unable to get into Dunkirk. None were found. I
have no doubt however from later enquiries that they had got into the town. A volunteer whose name I have not yet been able to get, landed from one of the Schuits and walked along the beach to make sure there were none left. We brought him off and his boat's crew, and a number of French soldiers who were pulling for England in a small boat.
Commander Troup took the fast Army motor boats into
Dunkirk alongside the centre pier and brought off 79 French troops when his boat was rammed by a French tug and had to be abandoned.
11.
On Monday night I took a group of slow motor boats up to the Quay Felix Faure, at the top of Dunkirk harbour.
I went on ahead in the fast boat "Marlborough" to identify the quay. The motor boats were led in by the "Mermaiden",
Sub Lieut who did very well to find the place in the dark, 300 French Marines were embarked in the motor boats and a French Trawler. Their bearing was excellent.
As the quay was now clear, and machine gun fire was getting a little near, I decided not to get the motor boats back on the chance of another load of troops. At this period through no fault of the Officer at the wheel, we had the misfortune to scrape over some masonry that had fallen from the quay, losing our propellers and rudder.
Sidmonth- willing (Sea cadel Great

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Dover. Eventually a motor yacht got us in tow and took us to
Commander Troup went with the fast boats to the outer
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port. He made himself piermaster on the western mole and conducted the embarkation of about 10,000 French troops. He also had some anxious moments, as the boat which was to fetch him broke down. Another turned up in which he embarked with a French General Lucas and many StafffOfficers and men; and thus had the honour of being the last man to leave Dunkirk.
12. As Officers and Coxswains pass through Sheerness, endeavour is being made to extract full accounts of their adventures. N.O.I.C. Ramsgate is doing the same. These reports are being forwarded to Vice Admiral, Dover, but copies of those obtained here are attached. Even so it will be impossible to do justice to the services of these young Officers, ratings and volunteers, most of whom were acting independently, without anyone to see how they conducted themselves. A list of those who came under my personal observation is attached.
13. Until all reports have been compared and lists of
Officers, men, and volunteers going out and returning have been checked, the number of casualties remains unscertain. Many boats have had to be abandoned owing to grounding, collision or fouled propellers, but in most cases the crews transferred to other craft,
One craft is known to have been sunk by bomb.
"New Prince of Wales". Large motor craft. Officer in command, Sub Lieut..L.H. Bennett, R.N., now in R.N.
S.P.H.E.
Hospital, Chatham. Two ratings are believed to have been killed, but I have not been able to get this confirmed.
Several motor boats sailed direct from Southend for the beaches with volunteer crews who had not signed on.
There may be others, of which there will be no record.
Considering the heavy bombing, shelling and machine gun fire experienced by many of the boats, the casualties seem to be lighter than might well have been expected.
14. It would be impossible to speak too highly of the spirit which has animated all those who have been concerned in "Dynamo". Everyone tried to do their best for the Armies at Dunkirk, and those whose fortunes it was to get across and bring some of them off, will always look back on it with deep satisfaction. Some of the crews got their boats as far as Ramsgate, only to find that owing to the shortcomings of their vessels, they could get no further, but many of them succeeded in finding another boat with room for them.
A young Able Seaman, whose boat sank after bringing off 1,000 men, did much, by his sheerful talk and bearing, to bring about this happy result. His name is
Here at Sheerness the Commodore and his staff, H.M.S.
"Wildfire", and the dockyard did all that man could do to hasten the preparation and sailing of the varied fleet of craft which arrived here, some of them needing much attention.
With the exception of the Thames steamers, which could not run in salt water, though they had a good try at it, very few craft failed to achieve at least one trip to the French coast. Many men from the "Wildfire" offered their would services, have done so had it been possible to spare their services.
though only a few could be allowed to go, and more

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an open with soldiers off hailed. He reported having picked with the during daylight. boat in tow was About half-way across a French trawler boat up boat for in ich Dunkirk and it was thought this might be the we were searching. To make sure we barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from proceeded to Dunkirk where хихаря two open boats and a Thames the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards, the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at approximately 1330. This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charys on board.
The air compressor motor was made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my lst.Lieut., SublLieut. Dehammel with instructions to sail the barge to Dover,and proceeded along the coast having opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course was set to intercept the Thames barge.
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attacked by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bombs were dropped and fell at distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
The bombers appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and having released their bombs continued their dive firing machineguns. Course was altered frequently in an endeavour to miss the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water, some on striking the surface and a certain appeared not to explode at all. One exploded under the bow right ahead and the ship passed through the splash. A certain amount of discomfort was experienced by myself and members of the crew who were exposed. to the splash in the M eyes for the next twelve hours or 30.
Able-Seaman Power was wounded in the leg when manning the port turrett also one of the soldiers in the fore peak. As I now had wounded on board I considered it advisable to return to Dover forthwith and to ask for assistance for the barge. A tug was sent out at approximately 2100 and found the barge sailing well about 10 miles from Dover.
I consider Sub,Lieut, Dehammel performed a very creditable operation. The bombing to which the ship had been subjected had caused leaks to the hull and the petrol tank and the ship was not used again for that night's operation.
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.

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