TNA ADM 199 790

10 ⁵
&
9
Signal 0840 to V.A. Dover:-
"Evacuation practicable. Vessels urgently required.
In the meantime some destroyers and small craft, including some Dutch Skoots, had arrived off Bray beaches, and I sent an N. M.T.B. down there to supervise the embarkation arrangements. I ordered the Dutch Skoots to enchor as close to the shore as possible and the destroyers to send all their boats to ferry the troops between the shore and the Skoots. AS soon as the skoots were full they went alongside the destroyers to discharge their troops and then returned to their position near the beach. In this way we were able to get some 4000 men away during the afternoon and evening. This operation was continued through the night and it was estimated that a further 3000 men were embarked. On her return the N.T.B. was sent home as she was running short of fuel.
miles AS 1420 heavy bombing on Bray took place and I ordered more troops to march to Dunkirk, During daylight hours probably 18000 troops were embarked from the Santern Hole.
At 1725 the following signal was made to Admiralty:-
"Suggest magnatic mineaweeping of channel being used from Dunkirk is advisable and preferably at night."
1835 signal made:-
Signal sent Pressing for all possible shipping who tever their
"breed" be sent for troops during dark hours."
Night of
88th
May.
Evaquation from the Eastern Arm proceeded steadily, embarkation being at average rate of 2000 an hour. Enemy

11
Embarkation proceeded at rate of 3 to 4,000 an hour.
Troops were now consisting mainly of the Fighting Corps, all the non-combatant troops in the area having been evacuated. The display of this Corps Troops was noticeably superior - - previous detachments had reached the embarkation point in a straggling manner with scarcely any semblance of order. The Corps Troops marched in formation along the beaches, quickly scattering during an air raid, and reforming and continuing afterwards.
It was this order which enabled such a high rate of embarkation to be maintained.
At 1800 I proceeded with Brigadier Perminter by
Motor Boat to La Panne to G.H.Q. to report on the difficult situation vis-a-vis the French over the evacuation. When on board EXPRESS I made a signal to the Admiralty and to
V.A. Dover giving an appreciation of the situation as follows:-
"Bombing of beaches and Dunkirk pier hasnow commenced without opposition from fighters. If they hit
Dunkirk pier embarkation will become very jammed.
Beach at La Panne covered with troops congregating in large numbers. Very slow embarkation taking place from Restern Beach.
The French Staff at Dunkirk feel strongly that they are defending Dunkirk for us to evacuate, which is largely true. To continue evacuation my appreciation is as follows -
The perimeter must be strongly held, food and stores immediately provided, and bombing of Dunkirk pier must be prevented.
There is no other Alternative evacuation to take off mone than a tithe of men now on beach before they are bombed continuously."
In Dunkirk itself we were left in comparative peace by enemy aircraft until the evening. V.A. Dover's 1906/29
received, reading:-
"Evacuation of British troops to continue at maximum speed during the night. If adequate supply or personnel vessels cannot be maintained

12
to Dunkirk East Pier destroyers will be sent there as well. All other craft except Hospital Carriers to embark from beach which is extended from one mile East of Dunkirk to one mile East of La Panne.
Part 2 follows."
Part 2 received as follows:-
Whole length is divided into 3 equal ports referred to as La Panne, Bray, Malo, from
East to West with a mile gap between each port. La Panne and Bray have troop concentration points each end and in middle;
Malo at each end. These points should be tended by inshore craft.
Pass this message by V/S to ships not equipped
U/I, as opportunity offers. Destroyer at
Dunkirk pass to S.N.O. Dunkirk."
This was exactly what was required.
In the evening a series of fierce air attacks were made on the Seatern Arm. These resulted in H.N.S. GREMADE
being bombed while embarking troops. It looked for the moment as though she might sink and block the entrance to the harbour but a trawler and drifter were sent to assist her and managed to guide her into 8 pocket to the Westward of the main channel. She burned fiercely for some hours and eventually blew up with a loud explosion.
A trawler was also bombed and sank in the channel in about 50 yards from the East Pier about two cables/from the
Rastern Lighthouse.
The transport FENELLA was sunk while loading at the outside extremity of the Kastern Arm. She was practically fully loaded but the troops were transferred to another ship with very little loss
A troop transport CRESTED KAGLE was bombed and rendered unusable. She drifted down towards Bray where she ran aground. A "J" Class destroyer was bombed off the beaches but was taken in tow by another destroyer.

12
16
30 - 31 may.
As ships had now arrived in good mumbers it was necessary that the rate of embarkation mut in some way be speeded up. The troops coming down the Pier were, therefore, urged to quicken their pace and eventually the thousands of troops, tired and without food and water for days, broke into the double and kept it up the whole length of the
Eastern are for more than two hours. During that period it is entimated that more than 15,000 troops were embarked.
Night 30th 31st Have Shelling was heavy during the afternoon and night and operations were greatly hampered.
However, ships arrived in some misbers and with the cessation in the shelling between 3 and 4 a.m. about ten thousand troops were enbarked. This relieved the congestion on the beaches which had been very great in the evening. In the early morning the beaches were very nearly clear of troops.
I remined at G.H.C. for the night and telephoned the noval situation to the Admirality. I was present with the C.in C. at several meetings, my main object being to explain to the Military that if the evacuation of the B.E.F.
was to be largely accomplished, it could only be done by means of Dunkirk. Even given good weather embarkation from the beaches must be very slow. A destroyer going full out with her boats to the beaches could only embark 600 men in
12 hours, whereas this could be done in 20 minutes at the
Pier.
Some of the O.H.Q. staff expressed disappointment that more could not be done to push on with the embarkation off the boaches in a surf. I was satisfied that when the weather permitted everything possible was being done by the officers I had placed there, but I continually stressed that troops should be moved to Dunkirk and maximum mumbers should also be available to asbark there.
Political
*******

14
i
18
Friday 31st May. The following signals were mades-
0320. "Request more shipsto load Dunkirk."
0445. "Every available ship will be required at Dunkirk during the next two hours to evacuate rest of army.
0605. "Imbarkation proceeding satisfactorily in spite of bonbardment. I would again stress the need for more ships and constant fighter protection
0638. "Am now receiving a number of Frenchmen. I have raised no objection to their embarking in British ships and an allowing then to do 80.
0940. "Request you will inform me whether troops are now being ordered to earch to Dunkirk from the beaches.
0945. "Sun is now coming through and I have a big target of ships in harbour. Request special air protection for next two hours.
0957. "Lord Gort has agreed that 5,000 Frehe troops should be embarked here this evening after dark in British vessels. Request necessary ships may be sent to arrive at dusk.
1044. "We have been continually heavily bonbarded and they are gradually finding the range of our loading berth. I would rather only enter ships as necessary for the flow of troops.
Continuous and heavy shelling all the morning, but the evacuation proceeded fairly speedily. At last ships were arriving in large numbers and strong a 2. protection kept bomeing attack away. The only thing necessary was tostop the shelling. At 1200 B signal was received from the Air Linison
Officer at Dover asking for position of energy battery. This was not known with any certainty as the battery was probably mobile, but it was in the district of Loon Plage Brouge Kerk
Soch. A reply was made to this effect. The bombardment, novertheless, become more intense and a great deal more accurate.
Very heavy attacks were delivered during the evening but were concentrated chiefly upon derelict ships in the roads. Dive bombing attacks were carried out on the ships loading but without success. The embarkation proceeded smoothly.

36
40
there
Signal 0840 to V.A. Dover:-
"Evacuation practicable. Vessels urgently required.
In the meantime some destroyers and small craft, including some Dutch Skoots, had arrived off Bray beaches, and I sent an H. N.T.B. down there to supervise the embarkation arrangements. I ordered the Dutch Skoots to snchor as close to the shore as possible and the destroyers to send all their boats to ferry the troops between the shore and the Skoots. As soon as the skoots were full they went alongside the destroyers to discharge their troops and then returned to their position near the beach. In this way we were able to get some 4000 men away during the afternoon and evening. This operation was continued through the night and it was estimated that a further 3000 men were embarked. On her return the M.T.B. was sent home as she was running short of fuel.
At 1420 heavy bombing on Bray took place and I ordered more troops to march to Bunkirk. During daylight hours probably 12000 troops were embarked from the Eastern Mole.
At 1725 the following signal was made to Admiralty:-
to
Suggest magnetic mineaveeping of channel being used from Dunkirk is advisable and preferable at night.
1835 signal made:-
qual dent Pressing for possible shipping whatever their
"breed" be sent for troops during dark hours.
10
I
have sent
Captain by
N.T.B.
Night of 88th May.
food in
Evaquation from the Eastern Arm proceeded steadily, embarkation force being at average rate of 2000 an hour. Enemy
Cannot
Officer with staff
Army unable to provide."

4238
43
Embarkation proceeded at rate of 3 to 4,000 an hour.
Troops were now consisting mainly of the Fighting Corps, all the non-combatant troops in the area having been svacuated. The display of this Corps Troops was noticeably superior - previous detachments had reached the in embarkation point in a straggling manner with scarcely any semblance of order. The Corps Troops marched in formation along the beaches, quickly scattering during an air raid, and reforming and continuing afterwards,
It was this order which snabled such 8 high rate of embarkation to be maintained.
At 1200 I proceeded with Brigadier Parminter by
Motor Boat to La Panne to G.H.Q. to report on the difficult situation vis-a-vis the French over the evacuation. When on board EXPRESS I made a signal to the Admiralty and to
V.A. Dover giving an appreciation of the situation as follows:-
the
"Bombing of beaches and Dunkirk pier hasnow commenced the without opposition from fighters. If they hit
Dunkirk pier embarkation will become very jammed.
Beach at La Panne covered with troops congregating in large numbers. Very slow embarkation taking place from
Restern
Beach.
The French Staff at Dunkirk feel strongly that they are defending Dunkirk for us to evacuate, which is largely true. To continue evacuation my appreciation is as follows -
The perimeter must be strongly held, food and stores immediately provided, and bombing of Dunkirk pier must be prevented.
the
There is no other alternative evacuation to take off mone than a tithe of men now on beach before they are bombed continuously."
very loss
In Dunkirk itself we were left in comparative peace by enemy aircraft until the evening. V.A. Dover's 1906/29
received, reading these bombed the
Evacuation of British troops to continue at maximum speed during the night. If adequate supply of personnel vessels cannot be maintained

39
43
to Dunkirk East Pier destroyers will be sent there as well. All other craft
EAT
except Hospital Carriers to embark from beach which is extended from one mile East
Inemyor Dunkirk to one mile Rest of La Panne.
Part 8 follows."
Scobing being
It intended
Part 8 received as follows -
"Whole length is divided into 3 equal ports referred to as La Panne, Bray, Malo, from daly East to West with a mile gap between each port. La Panne and Bray have troop concentration points each end and in middle;
Malo at each end. These points should be tended by inshore craft.
Pass this nessage by V/S to ships not equipped
I/C, as opportunity offers. or Destroyer at
Dunkirk pass to S.N.O. Dunkirk."
referred so the by a dive-bomber
This was exactly what was required.
In the evening a series of fierce air attacks ere made on the Enstern Arm. These resulted in H.R.S. GRENADE
eing bombed while embarking troops. at It looked for the oment as though she night sink and block the entrance to the
If arbour but 8 trawler and drifter were sent to assist her nd managed to guide her into a pocket to the Westward of information as to the blooking he main channel. She burned fiercely for some hours and by Commader
If ventually blew up with a loud explosion.
1a reduced the
A travler was also bombed and sank in the channel the simimum. in bout 50 yards from the East Pier about two cables/from the astern Lighthouse.
The transport FENELLA was aunk while loading at he outside extremity of the Reatern Arm. She was practically ully loaded but the troops were transferred to another ship
1th very little loss
A troop transport CRESTED EAGLE was bombed and endered unusable. She drifted down towards Bray where she an aground. A "J" Class destroyer was bombed off the eaches but was taken in tow by another destroyer.

4743
30 31 may
AB ships had now arrived in good numbers it was necessary that the rate of embarkation must in some way be speeded up. The troops coming down the Pier were, therefore, urged to quicken their pace and eventually the thousands of troops, tired and without food and water for days, broke into the double and kept it up the whole length of the
Eastern STE for more than two hours. During that period it is estimated that more than 15,000 troops were embarked.
Night 30th - 31st May. Shelling was heavy during the
"ternoon and night and operations were greatly hampered.
However, ships arrived in some numbers and with the cessation in the shelling between 3 and 4 a.m. about ten thousand troops were embarked. This relieved the congestion on the beaches which had been very great in the evening. In the early morning the beaches were very nearly clear of troops.
I remained at G.H.Q. for the night and telephoned the naval situation to the Admiralty. I was present with the C.in C. at several meetings, my main object being to explain to the Military that if the evacuation of the B.B.F.
was to be largely accomplished, it could only be done by means of Dunkirk. Even given good weather embarkation from the beaches must be very slow. A destroyer going full out with her boats to the beaches could only embark 600 men in
12 hours, whereas this could be done in 20 minutes at the
Pier.
Some of the G.H.Q. staff expressed disappointment that more could not be done to push on with the embarkation off the beaches in a surf. I WELD satisfied that when the weather permitted everything possible was being done by the officers I had placed there, but I continually stressed the troops should be moved to Dunkirk and maximum numbers shou'
also be available to embark there.
Political

45
49
Friday 31st May. The following signals were made:-
0320. "Request more shipsto load Dunkirk."
0445. "Every available ship will be required at Dunkirk during the next two hours to evacuate rest of army.
0605. "Embarkation proceeding satisfactorily in spite of bombardment. 1 would again stress the need for more ships and constant fighter protection
0638. "Am now receiving a number of Frenchmen. I have raised no objection to their embarking in British ships and am allowing them to do so.
0940. "Request you will inform me whether troops are now being ordered to march to Dunkirk from the beaches.
0945. "Sun is now coming through and I have a big target of ships in harbour. Request special air protection for next two hours.
0957. "Lord Gort has agreed that 5,000 Freinh troops should be ambarked here this evening after dark in British vessels. Request necessary ships may be sent to arrive at dusk.
1044. We have been continually heavily bombarded and they are gradually finding the range of our loading berth. I would rather only enter ships as necessary for the flow of troops.
Continuous and heavy shelling all the morning, but the evacuation proceeded fairly speedily. At last ships were arriving in large numbers and strong a r protection kept bomging attack away. The only thing necessary was tostop the shelling. At 1200 a signal was received from the Air Liaison
Officer at Dover asking for position of enemy battery. This was not known with any certainty as the battery was probably mobile, but it was in the district of Loon Plage Brouge Kerk
Soch. A reply was made to this effect. The bombardment, nevertheless, become more intense and a great deal more accurate.
Very heavy attacks were delivered during the evening but were concentrated chiefly upon derelict ships in the roads. Dive bombing attacks were carried out on the ships loading but without success. The embarkation proceeded smoothly.

163
SCIMITAR REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS
168
PAGE 2
*
The reasons for this collision and as report on the damage sustained have been more fully reported to Capatin (D) 16.
8. I arrived at Dunkirk at about 1300/31 and was ordered to go to Bray beaches. I spent this afternoon and evening in company with "Vivacious" and "Shikari" off Bray under intermittent bombardment and bombing during which no damage was sustained. During one bombing attack at sbout 1700(?) an aircraft was shot down; it is thought that this was from "Scimitar's" A
gun. I myself was watching A gun bursts, which appeared close to the target and at the moment the aircraft caught fire a burst from A gun appeared nearly in line. The aircraft fell in the sea and was obviously a total loss. During this period no troops were embarked as I had no boats and no other boats come near.
There seemed to be trouble in embarking due to choppy water.
9. At nightfall/31 the weather improved and troops were very quickly embarked, principally from the "skoot" "Hilda"
which was doing excellent work. I sailed at about 2300 with
500 troops, proceeding at 8 knots. During the passage numerous aircraft were heard but no attacks were made. A slight collision occurred with an unknown trawler, in which my port propellor guard was damaged. I arrived at Dover at about 0600/1 and after disembarking troops proceeded to oil. A further examination of the damage was made.
100 At 1000/1 I was ready and was orderedato proceer to Dunkirk again, but when near the North Goodwin L.V. I was ordered to return. At this time I had just sighted Prague in difficulties 80 I went to his assistance. Re asked me to take some of his troops 80 I went alongside while under way and embarked 500. I then stood by while he proceede through the Downs and at about 1530/1 I arrived at Dover and disembarked troops subsequently proceeding to a buoy.
11. At 0600/2 I proceeded to Sheerneas to disembark ammunition, thence to London for repairs by Messrs
Harland and Wolff. Repairs are expected to take 14 days.
12. "Soimitar" being short handed compared to other destroyers, all ratings had to work very hard and it was noteworthy that Engine room ratings not only steamed the ship with full also assisted on deak in embarkation etc. Nearly all seamen took efficiency and took their place at ammunition supply parties, but part as boat's crews at one time or another, using skill and determintion inxtrying conditions. The following are considered
Midshipman M.J.BALL R.N.R.,.for taking adminate charge with of the boats particularly worthy of mention or award.
in bombing etc. for & day ship absent.
A.B.
P/J
96339.
for taking charge of his gun's crew
G.PASMORE
well, and skill in shooting down an enemy
P/K 61614 aircraft For long and untiring it work as driver
Stoker in TYLER the motor and keeping running nearly continuously for 3 days.
I have the honour to be
Sir
The Vice Admiral your obedient servent
DOVER
Two copies to
Strants
The Captain (D)
16th D.F.
Lieutenant in Command
ADMIRAL
9-JUN 1940
DOVER

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 -

- 232
Page 3.
aday (continued)
congestion in the harbour
2331
Just cleared Harbour entrance when Kingfisher was rammed by French Trawler 'Edmond Rene', and her Port
Bow, 20 feet from the stem opened up to the water-line
"M" and"F" Degaussing circuits were cut. The two ships swung alongside one another after the collision and troops transhipped to the trawler who was undamaged tesday 4th June.
0005
Received orders to return to Margate.
Kingfisher was making a little water in the Asdic
Compartment.
0010
Proceeded. Speed 7 Knots.
Ordered to proceed to Sheerness.
0505
In company with H.M. S.Lida who had been in collision and requested Kingfisher to stand Dy.
0540
Sighted French Destroyer with damaged bows,at anchor near N. Goodwin Lt. Vessel, who had been in collision
0545
French Destroyer got under way and proceeded to the
South.
0615
Observed heavy explosion in position 51° 23' II,
1° 31' E., and unknown ship sink. Several of H.M. Ships including H.M.S. Aulbury and H.M.S. Kellet near the position picked up survivors.
0714
H.M.S. Lida and Kingfisher arrived off Margate.
Decided to anchor attempt repairs to D.G. Circuits before proceeding,
0745
Thick FOE. Requisioned steamer King GeorgeV, hit
Kingfisher on the Starboard Bow when entering
Margate Road but caused practically no damage
1200
D.G. Circuits temporarily repaired. Received orders to proceed to Lowestoft at daylight on Wednesday.
During the evening M.A.S.B. No.1. came alongside and reported one engine out of action and requested a tow up the swept channel to abreast Harwich.
lednesday 5th June.
0400
North Knock Deep Buoy. Slipped M.A.S.B. No.1. who
Proceeded with M.A.S.B. No.1. in tow.
0926
Berthed in Lowestoft Harbour.
proceeded to Harwich.
1620

SECRET
243
. 258
manocuvring and one rating near the wall fairly heavy shelling use in outside the harbour W88 slightly wounded by a splinter. On progress hemp wreck air the bearing - 30 88 soon 00 I 769 just clear or round I found the Dort peddle and mony fathoms arriving of hands the entrance to the Dorto I stopped and got B musber the of cleared on with knives to clear ito The bearin- ma the and 2 was able to proceed though Ny half practically In increasing light the ship WOB shelled from - a speedo coant I picked m a Service notor Jounch une also lifebox: and to the west of Dunkirko but was 20% hito Soon after gun 1e position ving the towad them back to the Worth Copúvino.
the Commanding Officer of Hollod, "Crested Engle" but from the
NAOLE" I have not yet doen the report from evidence of a survivor it appears that, after I had ordered her to Dunkirk on May 29th, the proceeded alongaido the sestem side of the East Mole at Dunkisk and embarited troups and consulties including many from II 3.3. "Grafton" and a transport which had both been sunk alongside by boabs. Heavy boaling and shell fire WUB experienced but "frested Regle" this unhit with the evening when she had just left the Vole to proceed have with her for 1 or troops and casualties and TROB his by a boob in the engl 0
TO no A fire was started and It appeared that 18 the engines were et: 11 working slowly the Companiting Officer decided to beich the shin. Before or after he ⑈ benched 11 is believed she was hit again by two borbs. It is thought that only a mail proportion of the hip's company were committies but that may 02 the streeth "
cases who were accomptated 1nth mardroom and after the ship were loot in the fire.
H.H.B. "OOLDEN OLN". I would like to & 'il the following return
HOWEIST and Lucas. Although technically Lic to Ludas 10 second in in Tespect or th report of proceedings formided by Reutenants
First Mentenant and there in no doubt that the initiative and
R.NoV.No Officer), Lieut. Neumen has curried our the Jusice of commend of the ship (se on R.N.R. Officer #: Lieud being an by the ship d 128 the absence of have Commiting
2 elmost entirely to Membership Research the took
Belf the commend and we toyally supported by the two
C. vewn. 1 1a 34 years of age and quite inexperienced an Naval once Lieutenant Nowman had decided white una to be concol Meuts Jo
Officers Lieutenants Lucan and/Denting who did excellent work matters - but I consider that the part he played in these operations have Paken any sotive part in the not been for his highest Seadership and Littletive 001000 agle would not is We they of the commentation and I on convinced Shirt had is
Lucan 340 & who handles the ship with great abill, and OR the
1 - V 11km S180 to mention the gooder york by Licut.
consider that which the ship that she 803 out enfetly JOB in a great
OCCBR on VOB in Dunidak Surbour it nights I
messure as due to the his fact personal efforts on the DD well his handling of the ship.
J, Shirley, Ust of men Telegraphist RaNaVaR whose
To the recomended I VOL the to add Fredito
BORION and excreme officer of the flotilla and elso that efficiency Actin Leading devotion to duty has been 05 the statest rely Kion Searen Scott 8.2. with any degree of competency €
02 At moo DU no BB Senior 10/31406, who USD the only man I duri could given, O.P.O. Sereen to and Uttam STATE RNR
the night visit tc take the Lunicipio wheel 1 thoroughts shill insteme the

(5)
- 334
On the return voyage, after passing Nieuport Bank
Buoy, we saw two ships ahead of us bombed, one with 8 bombs, the other with sixteen bombs.
but as we drew nearer it could be seen that one was in
There was no indication that either had been hit, difficulties, and in reply to & signal we went alongside.
This ship was the GRACIE FIELDS, and while she continued to steam round in a circle, we took off troops, & number seriously wounded.
After about 45 minutes when this was almost completed ( another dynamo ship was taking off troops on her starboard side ) a destroyer indicated that she wanted to come alongside and at 2130 we proceeded, passing through the Downs harbour. in an early morning fog, up the Ramsgate Channel and into
As soon as the troops were disembarked, precaration was made for the next trip. Army provisions were put aboard and two Lewis guns mounted.
For the next trip, officers and nen 1 not engine room men who could work in three watches ) were relieved to get some sleep.
I understand that on that trip of the 30th/31st,
JUTLAND brought off troops from the beaches to the East of
Dunkirk Pier.
On her return it was reported that she required fuel and that fact and the state of the tide kept her in harbour that day.
With the original crew. I took over again from the understand the ship's speed was not considered suitable
Ramsgate Road, standing by for further orders; but I
relief crew, and on the 1st June was at anchor in the for taking that in the final operations. and after standing to by for further part period. JUTLAND was ordered to return
London a after reporting to F. 0. 1. C., I handed Dock. over the ship where. to the Chief Dock Master, Surrey Commercial obtaining a detailed receipt.
floats were sent any and many survivors were picked up. Bombs were being dropped continually around the ship and the Paddl e-steamer during this operation, and two Machino-gun attacks were carried out, I have nothing but the utmost praise for all concerned, the never been in action before. Continual Anti-aircraft majority of whom are very young and had certainly signal for Fighter assistance, which arrived later in fire vis kent up by the Twelve Pounder. I sent a the evening.

Dynam 200.
336
37
From
The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "GOSSAMER".
Date
7th June 1940.
No. Bo/F
To
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
Submitted.
Reference your 314/0/1101/40 of 4/6/40 the following are the particulars required:-
Lieutenant Peter Forster Menisty - for cool and accurate observation of enemy aircraft during dive-bombing attacks.
Sub-Lieutenant Michael Phinos - for constantly returning to the beaches to organise the embarkation of the troops.
Petty Officer Edward William Highs, C/JX.138416 - for his service at the 0.5" machine-gun during dive-bombing attacks, and his courage and activity throughout the operation, including several rescues from the sea.
Yeoran Simala John Yours, C/JX.131436 - for cool and accurate observation of enemy aircraft during dive-bombing attacks.
Petty Officer Steward Arthur Hockney, C/L.14824 - for his coolnes and resource in calming the French troops between decks during di bombing attacks by singing to them.
Assistant Cook (0) Thomas Henry Ward, C/UX.59379 - for constant activity and gallantry including five reseuse of exhausted men from the see.
VIOE ADMIRAD
(sd.) R. C. V. Ross
*
DOVER
COMPANDER IN COMMAND.
bad grounded be in 3 bad my. All boats picked
6. I made and,beirs being full of troops and and Carley towards 3 burning Paddl e-stemmer, survivors, which up. ship appeared floats were to were sent being any dropped and sazy carried continually survivors this out. operation, around were I have the the and two the for all had certainly
THE concerned, majority nothing but of in about notion are before. very young Continual and Anti-aircraft I sent a signal fire MS for kent Fighter up assistance, which later in never been by the Twelve Pounder. arrived the evening.

Dynams 202.
BIGLO
- 337
H.M.S. Albury. H.M.S.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to formed the account of proceedings of His Majesty's Ship Albury during the days May 28 th to June 6th 1940.
25
I left Harwich at noon on lay 38th in company with the Fifth Minesweeping Flotilla, arrived off
Zudecotte Beach at 3130 and, anchoring as close as possible, sent Doats inshore to embark troops. The rate of embarkation was then slow as the tide vis low and a small surf was troublesome 00 the beach. The troops were in good spirits though short of rations;
I landed a quantity of dry provisions in the skiff.
mile 3. to seamed of the ship, but no interference was
About 2330 a bomb was seen to drop about one caused to the work in hand.
4. ceeded without incident to Margate, where the troops
At 0830 on May 20th I got under my and prowere disembarked.
5. at 1930 on May 29th; a considerable amount of bombing
I then returned to Zudecotte, arriving there was in progress. On arrival the roads were fairly empty, as we had passed,on the my,a number of loaded ships returning.
had 6. grounded and,beirg being full of troops and survivors,
I made towards a burning Paddl -stommer, which appeared to be in 8 bad my. All boats and Carley up. Bombs were being dropped continually around the floats were sent any and many survivors were picked two Machino-gun attacks were carried out. I have ship and the Paddle-steamor during this operation, and but the utmost praise for all concerned, the majority nothing of whom are very young and had certainly never fire was kent as by the Twelve Pounder. I sent been in action before. Continual Anti-aircraft a signal for Fighter assistance, which arrived later in the evening.

332
338
7.
mostly suffering from severe burns; the Commanding
Fifty seven cot-cases alone were brought off,
Officer and other survivors from His Majesty's Destcleared the steamer out as far as was known, I proroyer Grenade were amongst those embarked, After having ceeded down the coast towards Bray, and picked up troops from several boats, which they had found on the beach. A
Captain Churchill, from the Headquarters Staff, off and told me that he had to get over to England to see his uncle, the Prime Minister,by 0600.
8.
I proceeded to Margate, arriving at 0550 on May
30th, disembarked troops,survivors and Cartain Churchill, then sailed for Sheerness for coal and Ammunition.
9.
I left Sheerness at 0300 on the 31st and arrived without incident off the beach just to the Bast of
Dunkirk, at 0930. The rate of embarkation was slow ording to considerable surf on the beach, but valuable assistance was given by a large power boat, It was necessary for me to leave at 1230 in order to unload and be at By render-vous by 8300 on May 31st for the evening operations.
10.
I sailed from liargate to comply with previous instructions and proceeded, under the orders of the
Senior Officer 11 the Fifth Minesweeping Flotila, to By appointed station off the beach; navigation at this period was difficult,a the absence of wind allowed the smoke from Dunkirk to settle over the channel, that visibility The poor. On enchoriz at 2345 a shell from 8
shore battery landed about a cable to securd; this ma repeated spasmodically. Reports were then received of magnetic nines being dropped in the channel.
on 11, embarkation, using ships' boats, Short y after a
About 0832 the Flotil a ms ordered to carry bombing attack took place,and from then on these attacks were practically continuous. Several Heinkel III
type aircraft were observed, but the majority of the attackers were identified as Junkers 87 Dive-bombers.
Embarkation was carried out, though the rate ha slow, this operation the ship case under machine-gun fire aground; 12. a vire was passed and I towed her off. During
His Majesty's Ship Speedwell ma seal to be tenant for the speed and coolness with which be carried from the air, end great credit is due to ay First Lieuout the ution.
afloat 15. to proceed alongaide in Dunkirk harbour, and to
I then received orders from the 7108 Officer comp. ete with troops there. As troops vere being and a machine-gun embarked, attack me delivered, but no casualties were bombs were dropped in the harbour incurred.
14. board, His Majesty's Dostroyer Ivanhoe to was her hit
Just before I al ipped, with a full load of by troops a bomb on outside the herbour. Two ships went assistance, 80 I proceeded at full speed,

From
Lieut: WykehamH Martin.
Dynam.
223.
Alulol
1352
1st Ideut: of "Alice', D.B.2.
15
Date 7th June 1940.
TO V.A. Dover.
Report on Dynamo Operation.
15
Alice left Southampton at 2030/26/5/40
and at Dover was directed to beach herself at
La Panne, to fac litate unloading of cargo of
250 tons of provisions.
This operation was carried out at
0800/28 by Alice and Kaap Falga, the former having rescued Pilot Sergeant T.BOYD 516716
of 213 Fighter Squadron, who had descended by parachute.
Two hours later he was transfered to Able Tasman, also beached at La Panne as it was thought that she would be the first to return, Alice and Kaap Falga having received orders to refloat as soon as possible and beach themselves again after dark at Bray Beaches, there to land some provisions and evacuate soldiers before daylight.
Lieut: Slater (C.O. Alice ) and Lieut
Beale (C.O. Kaap Falga) landed to make definità arrangements with G.H.Q. for the evening's operation.
Whilst they were ashore four bomb and Machine gun attacks were carried out against the three ships beached and the Military ashore
About 1400/29,Major P.De Havilland, of at unea
G.H.Q. four soldiers, himself being wounded, with instructions
(D.A.Q.M.G.) arrived on board Alice with
29
for me to try and get in touch with a destroyer cut immediately, and he wished to report to the War Office as his communications had been the
28
seriousness of the situation.
stated that Germans would be occuppying evening
Dunkirk and He advancing along the coast that due to the capitulation of Belgian Troops for told him of the intentions he had the evening evacuation Bray Beaches, where the provisions were
I and he told me that troops falling just come back from on La Panne, and that were no longer required mentioned there. that the beach Channel. at Bray was under He also was the Zudycote he said fire,as
Two naval leg. and one had taken been to hit one the
Military From his description Slater I (Alice)
conclusion that it was Lieut: Beale (Kaap Falga)
who who I spoke was was KIlled wounded. to Lieut and Slater Lieut: was I was also over wrong; unharmed. the phone, since on and June6th he assured me but that due Lieut Efforts Beale were made bullets the to aircraft of the engine, up.

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.

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.

1
48
47
In the afternoon of the 3rd June orders were received to be prepared to proceed to Dunkirk but these were later cancelled.
In the evening of the 4th June orders were received to proceed to Tilbury. At Tilbury on the 5th June orders were given to destore at Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford, and to proceed to Surrey Commercial Docks. The dock was entered at 1530 and the ship handed over to the Port of London
Authorities.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Donald H.,Sift.
Lieutenant. R.N.
VICE AUMIRAL TRAL
11 JUN 1940
*
*
DOVER ER E
for

289.
-
83
NARRATIVE OF DUTCH BOAT "JAVA"
26th May - 4th June, 1940.
0645, 27th May, the crew of D.B.22 under the command of
Lieut-Commander Drake, BUE left Chatham Barracks and travelled via
Portsmouth to Southampton, joining "Java" that evening. The vessel was then under repair, with orders on completion to load ammunition in the River.
On the afternoon of 29th May those orders were cancelled and we were instructed to fuel and proceed light to Dover.
Accordingly about 1700 with Main and Auxilliary machinery persuaded to function by Diesel experts from the shore "Java" left ible.
SECRET
,914/0
irted. Our final air
??
22/1148
left with the handicap of
IS the belt driving our ally our Auxilliary
LIEUT.F.T.RENNY.R.N.R. - REPORT
83
Lght and air with the
ON OPERATIONS OFF FRENCH COAST.
er our E.R.A. collapsed
(Letter dated June, 1940.)
as already out of action è morning of 31st May
By this time our
II.
in
No:477.cc/40.
egards the other and
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
it was pointed out that
Lete and we were under h starting on them.
-Commander Drake was
Forwarded.
=
proceed to Dunkirk to
2. The full names of the
945, steaming 10 knots
Officer and rating concerned are:-
working. My confidence as being too slack it
Lieut. Frederick Thomas ack of air and consequent
Renny, R.N.R.
ahead or astern, might
Petty Officer James Potts,
, 16 miles off Dunkirk,
D/J.92816.
, shedding bolts from eventually held in place
5 knots making an 0200
at to put about, but a
Engine cooling, some rpoceeded another 5 miles
The Nore.
ADMIRAL
ngine failed and it was
9th June, 1940.
hat it could be kept ogress unwise I cruised
VICE ADMIRAL
then made the best of my
2nd June. Here repairs
11 JUN 1940
y,4th June I was towed lowing day by "Bornrif"
*
to Surrey Commercial Docks
DOVER
ΓyHaTo
Davie
It. P.N.V.R.
14 Ju.
DOVER

289.
-
83
NARRATIVE OF DUTCH BOAT "JAVA"
26th May - 4th June, 1940.
0645, 27th May, the crew of D.B.22 under the command of
Lieut-Commander Drake, RND left Chatham Barracks and travelled via
Portsmouth to Southampton, joining "Java" that evening. The vessel was then under repair, with orders on completion to load ammunition in the River.
On the afternoon of 29th May those orders were cancelled and we were instructed to fuel and proceed light to Dover.
Accordingly about 1700 with Main and Auxilliary machinery persuaded to function by Diesel experts from the shore "Java" left dock and proceeded down the Solent to Hamble.
At 0400 on 30th May our troubles started. Our final air pressure started the Main Engine and we left with the handicap of being able neither to stop or go astern as the belt driving our
Auxilliarys parted immediately. Eventually our Auxilliary
Diesel was started and ran all day for light and air with the result that shortly before arrival at Dover our E.R.A. collapsed owing to fumes. As our Windlass gear was already out of action the ship was allowed alongside and on the morning of 31st May
"Sandhurst" was notified of our defects. By this time our
Auxilliary engine also had ceased running.
The Main belt was renewed, but as regards the other and major defects, notably our Ballast Pump, it was pointed out that as they would take several hours to complete and we were under
1 hours' notice for sea, it was not worth starting on them.
On Saturday morning, 1st June Lieut-Commander Drake was taken ill and detained sick in "Sandhurst".
I received orders that afternoon to proceed to Dunkirk to arrive at 0200 on 2nd June and left at 1945, steaming 10 knots with neither Auxilliary nor Anchor gear working. My confidence in our new belt was apparently misplaced as being too slack it failed to drive the Compressor. This lack of air and consequent inability, if stopped, to restart, either ahead or astern, might have led to complications if, at midnight, 16 miles off Dunkirk,
No.3 Cylinder had not commenced to seize, shedding bolts from the Crankcase which my Engineroom staff eventually held in place with wedges. But our speed was down to 5 knots making an 0200
arrival impossible and I had no choice but to put about, but a for minuteslater however presumably with the Engine cooling, some higher revolutions were obtained, and I rmoceeded another 5 miles towards the shore. Again however the Engine failed and it was only at slow speed and with great care that it could be kept moving at all. Considering further progress unwise I cruised in the neighbourhood until daylight and then made the best of my way home, berthing in Dover about 1015, 2nd June. Here repairs were considered impossible and on Tuesday, 4th June I was towed by "Gorecht" to Sheerness and on the following day by "Bornrif"
to Tilbury, thence the following morning to Surrey Commercial Docks
ADNIRAL
Raviei
DOVER 14JUN 1940
ft. R.N.V.R.
R

Dyrams 314
Blale m. Lieut.Commdr.K.M.Drake,R.N.R., c/o W.Simons & Co., Renfrew.
1325
e. 13th.June 1940
-
85
Vice Admiral, Dover. copy to 0.in O., Nore.
mitted in accordance with Nore General Order 448/40 relative to ration "Dynamo".
On the morning of 27th.May I proceeded from Chatham to Portsmouth
:h draft, to take over Dutch ship "TINY". On arrival at Portsmouth I
3 informed that "TINY" had already been taken over by the C.O. and ships mpany of "JAVA" which had broken down and was then undergoing repair,
1 I was instructed to proceed to Southampton and take command of the tter ship;this I accordingly did on the evening of the same day.
Repair work proceeded as arranged in accordance with F.O.1/c.
uthampton's instructions and main engine trials were held during the renoon of 29th. May; these appeared to be satisfactory.
ring the afternoon of the same day I received instructions to proceed
Dover at the earliest possible moment, the urgency of these instructions king it impossible to carry out the full tests of auxiliary machinery originally planned with a further 24 hours at my disposal.
I left Inner Dock, Southampton at approx.1840/29th.and,after justment of compasses and fuelling at Hamble Jetty, finally sailed for ver at 0400/30th. arriving off that port at 1730 on the same day.
On passage the following defects had appeared:-
Driving belt from main engines to auxiliary machinery broken.
Auxiliary diesel refused to start.
Leaks from air bottles had resulted in starting air supply being reduced to only sufficient air for one certain restart.
Mooring and windlass diesel refused to statt.
Ballast pump out of order.
On arrival off Dover a report was made through the Examination essel to the effect that engineroom repairs were required and I was later nstructed to berth alongside in Submarine Basin. This was done at approx. 2230/30th.
Repair work was started the following day but at 2000 was stopped is all ships were at immediate notice and remaining repairs would require at least 24 hours. At that time the only repairs which had been completed were the renewal of the driving belt and the restarting of the auxiliary
Omant

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.

129
-4-
Having reported to H.M.S. "LYNX" was ordered to remain ready at short notice, but received no further instructions until the evening of Sunday June 2nd, when under the orders of Captain G. Fraser returned in the tug
Sun X' to assist disembarking French troops. I was discharged to Admiralty P.M. Tuesday, 4th June.
A verbal report was given to H.M.S. "LYNX" of proceedings during the operations "Dynamo" and delay in forwarding this report is regretted but had no immediate access to P.G.O's.
I have the honour, to be
Sir
Your obedient Servant,
LIEUTENANT, R.N.,
Vice Admiral Dover.
VICE ADMIRAL
25 JUN 1940
A

t.of Officers and "Christobel other ranks brought from Dunkirk by H.M.Y.
II" June 1st 1940.
180
Varney. R.A.S.C.
3449762.
I
1/5 " Battallion 11 Lancs Fus.
-
3450550.
168
"
"
If airhurst
3451380.
If
If
"
"
"
Walkden. Fus.
3445062.
"
If
If
If
If
6018271.
Taylor. Green. Fus.
2nd Essex regiment.
3450323. 1st 5th. Lancashire Fus.
kelly. Fus.
3446761.
1st 5th.
If
If
3449109.
"
G. Butler Fus.
If
If
If
B.Mc. Ewan.
7339992.
R.A.S.C.
CPL. N.H. Colson.
T92456.
T58067.
2nd If Corps Amm Park. R.A.S.C.
CPL E. Betts.
"
"
"
If
Dawson. Fus.
3449949.
1st 5th. Battallion Lancs Fus.
3445064.
If
"
Singleton Fus.
If
If
If
If
L. J.R. Crompton.
3448391.
"
If
If
If
If
If
Evans Fus.
3450278.
If
If
II
If
If
"
3446130.
"
If
If
France. Fus.
"
If
11
Chadwick. Fus.
3449797.
"
If
If
"
"
11
3445292.
"
S. Mc Carthy.
11
"
If
11
"
3444120.
If
If
If
II
If
Renshaw.
If
Q.M.S. John Armstrong.
3449829.
"
If
If
If
"
If ohn Oddie. Fus.
3449958.
If
If
If
If
11
If
.Q.M.S. George Blagg.
4073997.
If
=
II
If
"
If
S.M. John Henry Brown.
1714972.
2nd Corps Amm Park. R.A.S.C.
harles Belshaw. Pte.
807755.
5th Bii Northants Regt.
ack Trailing. Pte.
6141581.
1st 6th Btn East Surrey Regt.
amuel Penman. Fus.
3452270.
1st 5th Btn Lancs Fusiliers.
rederick Charles Clarke.
34471191.
"
"
If
"
II
11
ames Henry Herbert Wood.
3448936.
If
"
"
If
If
If
C.A. Warren.
6018483.
2nd Essex Regt.
3. Fielding. Fus.
3448122.
1st 5th Regt Lancs Fus.
7. Sherrington. Fus.
3450197.
"
"
If
If
"
Dunn.
3452185.
- **** 1000 range. a pay. AND HAVE - now 04 was 0
Hurricanes have in sight and we saw no more of the Messerschmits after that.
Another day we were bombed by a large formation of
Heinkels flying miles up. At least I think it was our little ship they were after, unless it was one on the horison, in which case they missed by miles.
During the course of these operations we took off from the beaches upwards of 400 French soldiers. To our bitter disappointment we could find no British, others were luckier.
He also mislaid out ship for a few hours - she was on tow -
having one propeller completely tied up with bits of line and the other engine knooking hard. The tow rope broke and we could not find her though we cast about for a time. However
5'
back at Sheerness yesterday evening having called from Ramsgate she turned up again next day - faithful thing. We arrived at 1200. An eventful trip. We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice
18ft

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

Dynamo 18.5
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRU"
170
6th.June 1960
SKIPPER. G.D.OLIVIER.
SIGINEER
C.COGGINS.
CREW
Messrs.FORBES, HUMPHRIES and Leading Seaman BROWN.
I have the honour to report that I took over dommand of the Motor Yacht "Marsayru" on Wednesday 29th.May 1940.
Before commencing this report I tried to sort things out a bit but find that my recollection, regarding any particular date on which incidents occurred, is extremely hazy. I therefore hope that a general report on our doings will suffice.
We sailed from Sheerness on Friday 31st.May 1940 at
4 A.M., bound for Dunkirk, in company with X217 and 2 other drifters under the comand of.Lieutenant POOL,R.N. We steamed at 5 knots approximately. About 3 p.m. we came in sight of the coast, a long line of fires, smoke and explosions as far as the eye could see. About one hour later we contacted the
Naval forces engaged in evacuating the French soldiers from the beaches. I had a whaler and sent it to the beach; it was immediately stormed by about 50 Frenchmen and capsised at once.
My rating, Brown, had a job to prevent himself from being more or less forcibly drowned. I then withdrew my ship to review the position. Warps were everywhere, stuff that looked like
42", also smaller ropes which were the devil as I knew that sooner or later we were bound to get our propellers in the way of one of them. However this did not happen as soon as I had feared. In our retreat p from the beach we managed to pick up a very nice naval cutter which we captured and used a little futther down channel where the French troops appeared to be a little calmer. life took off many boat-loads for some 5 hours, loading X217, S.S. "Foam Queen", S.S. "Jaba" and so on. On this first day we also managed to pull "Foam Queen" (about 2000 tons
I should say) off the mud, into which she had put her nose.
I thought this spoke well for the engines of "Marsayru" and
Mr. Coggins who attended them. Throughout this day and the days and nights that followed (it's all a complete jumble in my mind) we were of course under constant fire of various kinds, but I have the honour to report that the ship was not hit by anything. On one day - Sunday 2nd.June I think - we were singled out for attention (we were alone, nearest ship being about 2½ miles away) by 4 brave Messershimits who dived and machine-gunned us with much vigour but exceedingly poor aim for about half an hour. We had a Bren and 2 rifles but did not use them as the German pilots seemed disinolined to come nearer than 2000 feet and I had given orders to hold our fire
Hurricanes have in sight and we saw no more of the Messerschmits to 1000 feet range. A pity. After half an hour of this 3
after that.
Another day we were bombed by a large formation of
Heinkels flying miles up. At least I think it was our little in ship they were after, unless it was one on the horison, which case they missed by miles.
the course of these operations we took off from the beaches During upwards of 400 French soldiers. To our luckier. bitter disappointment we could find no British, others were tow -
He also mislaid out ship for a few hours - she was on having propeller completely tied up with bits broke of and line we and could not find engine her though we cast about for a time. arrived However the other one knocking hard. The tow rope back turned Sheerness up yesterday evening having called from Ramsgate - nice she again next day - faithful thing. we at 1200. at An eventful trip. We borught back 2 "prises" a
18ft

Dyrams 61.
DOVER.
à
179
5
4th June, 1940
TO: COMMANDING OFFICER,
H.M.S."LYNX".
189
.
-2-
177
lighter to see if I could help them and found a young Tommy
(K. Alfred) in the water vigorously assisting the others to get aboard.
Just as I arrived he said he was exhausted and so we got him on to the lighter and I went overboard to take his place.
We continued to get men on to my boat until no more were coming down the beach.
During this operation three bombs fell quite close to the lighter but no one was hurt. I took this boat load of about thirty five out to the hopper.
I spent some time during the afternoon trying to pull other motor boats which had gone ashore without dropping an anchor off the beach which was a lee shore. I also towed various whalers and ships boats out to the transports.
Towards evening the big ships started sending their own boats ashore on long lines and as this occurred about every
50 yds the manoeuvring of motor boats became difficult. I was hailed by a tug which had a supply lighter in tow outside the line of big ships.
Saying that he could come no nearer the beach he asked me to take this lighter as close in as I could. The lighter was almost unmanageable.
While towing it the water circulation of one engine gave out but I had to continue using the engine which got very overheated until I could safely drop the lighter after taking it through the line of big ships to the shore.
This caused the engine to seise up. Shortly afterwards the other engine began to give trouble and could only be used at slow speeds.
I later discovered that this was due to a choked jet in the carburettor. Just as dark came I passed a rope to a drifter and asked permission to hang on until morning when I could see to try to repair my engines. This drifter had not got its complement of men on board and during the night he moved about slowly from one spot to another trying to get a load.
During this period a bomb fell very close to us. The fourth time he moved he headed to a point south of the harbour and then very slowly made his way down channel.
About a mile from the harbour I realised he was heading for home and being then too far from the seat of operations
Ramsgate. and being practically engineless I let him tow me right back to
We entered the harbour at noon (Saturday).
I reported for duty again at 0800 on Sunday morning and though I was given command of another boat and got her all ready I was not again ordered to sea.
I brought both my boats back to H.M.S. Wildfire on
Thursday p.m. the 6th June.
yours obediently
Ian F. Smith
SubL RNVR

ENCLOSURE I. TO FORD'S NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
198
REPORT BY STOKER A. BENHAM, STOKER OF
MOTOR BOAT, NO.275
P.M. 29th.
Left Littlehampton and arrived Newhaven same evening, had a spot of bother before we were allowed to enter harbour and stay the night.
A.M. 30th.
Left Newhaven for Ramsgate arriving P.M. same day.
Port Stern Gland was leaking badly had to be repacked on arrival, Refuelled and ready to sail.
A.M. 31st.
Was ordered to leave Ramsgate independently for Dunkirk.
C.P.O. Leighton, Cox., A.B. Strand and Stoker Benham, crew. Left harbour and picked up convoy already leaving for Dunkirk. After about 2/2 to 3 hours out we had trouble again with Port Stern Gland and returned to harbour and repacked and tightened up both Stern Glands.
A.M. lst.
Was called again about 4.30 and ordered to sail and proceed to Dunkirk. Two Sub-Lientenants R.H.V.R.
volunteered to come with us as their boat was unfit for the trip, and an extra Able Seaman came aboard with them for the trip. On the way to Dunkirk was kept busy,
Able Seaman Strand watching for aircraft and myself tending engines, had no more trouble with Stern Glands,
There was quite a considerable amount of aircraft about and our destroyers were continually repelling their attacks. Struck something below water starboard side which made the boat jump but no damage seemed to be done as the engine was running smoothly and we were not making water, so we carried oh. On sighting Dunkirk we saw two large ships loaded with soldiers steamin down the coast and all small craft following, so we decided to follow as there was nothing we could do there. After about 10 minutes steaming we saw a crowd of German áircraft in the air flying at a great height. About six detached themselves, and dived down at the two big ships. They did not release their bombs until they were almost on the ships, registered hits which sunk both ships quite close to each other. We were travelling at full speed and picked up 10 of the survivors which made the boat full. As the bombers were still very active in the vicinity, we decided it was best to leave with all possible speed for home.
After about half to three-quarters of an hour we were mistaken for German Torpedo Boat by our own trawlers, who opened fire on us at close range. I saw C.P.O.
Leighton leave the boat after a shell had wrecked the wheel house and Able Seaman Strand dashed forward to grab the wheel, I got on to the side and saw one of the trawlers bearing down on us as though it was going to ram us, she was just about a boat's length away when I
jumped into the water, for it seemed impossible that she would miss us. But Strand must have swung boat around enough to clear. I was picked up by one of the boats after swimming around for a while. I dont know how long.
I did not see any one else of the boat's crew until we arrived at Margate, when Able Seaman Strand came aboard the trawler I was on and spoke to me about the affair.
The only....

Page 3.
267
256
day (continued)
congestion in the harbour
2331
Just cleared Harbour entrance when Kingfisher
Bow, 20 feet from the stem opened up to the Port rammed by French Trawler 'Edmond Rene', and her was
"M" and"F" Degaussing circuits were cut. The water-line two ships swung alongside one another after the collision and troops transhipped to the trawler who was undamaged esday 4th June.
0005
Received orders to return to Margate.
Kingfisher Compartment. was making a little water in the Asdic
0010
Proceeded. Speed 7 Knots.
Ordered to proceed to Sheerness.
0505
In company with H.M.S.Lida who had been in collision and requested Kingfisher to stand by.
0540
Sighted French Destroyer with damaged bows at anchor near N. Goodwin Lt. Vessel, who had been in collision
0545
French Destroyer got under way and proceeded to the
South.
0615
Observed heavy explosion in position 51° 23' N,
1° 31' E., and unknown ship sink. Several of H.M.Ships including H.M.S. Aulbury and H.M.S. Kellet near the position picked up survivors.
0714
H.M.S. Lida and Kingfisher arrived off Margate.
Decided to anchor attempt repairs to D.G. Circuits before proceeding
0745
Thick Fog. Requistoned steamer King GeorgeV, hit
Kingfisher on the Starboard Bow when entering
Margate Road but caused practically no damage
1200
D.G. Circuits temporarily repaired. Received orders to proceed to Lowestoft at daylight on Wednesday.
During the evening M.A.S.B. No.1. came alongside and reported one engine out of action and requested a tow up the swept channel to abreast Harwich.
lednesday 5th June.
0400
Proceeded with M.A.S.B. No.1. in tow.
0926
North Knock Deep Buoy. Slipped M.A.S.B. No.1. who proceeded to Harwich.
1620
Berthed in Lowestoft Harbour.

264
276
have off a the few boats. At this time I got a signal
I at this part of doing the essential work and that there were
I was beaches were to proceed to Dunkirk but that as many men and coast to be evacuated I decided to ignore the signal, proceed with the evacuation. There were at and/cross arrived. The embarkation arrangements were first no other channel transports boa on the beach but later a paddle minesweeper most inadequate the other only about 3 power boats of doubtful efficiency were present and boats consisted of a few service boats mercantile between the loto It was only due to the magnificent work of the boats and Royal Engineers Ferry Boats do with very few seamen ratings
Army units at this part of the beach who were admirably led by their
Officers. that embarkation was able to proceed at any sort of speed, although the work of the naval officers 10 were present in few power boats available was beyond praise. These appeared to be no centralised control either of boats or beach. During the afternoon and evening there was a certain amount of enemy air activity but enemy planes always moved away when A/A fire was brought to bear on them, and there were frequent visitations by British
Fighters which appeared to have an excellent deterrant effect. No bombs were dropped in my vicinity.
At about 2000 a short but heavy artillery fire was brought to bear on the part of the beach near to Dunkirk and many men started to swim out to the ships or come out in very inadequate boats.
I weighed anchor in the "Royal Eagle" - as the tide was approaching high tide and proceeded as close in shore as possible to pick up these men. At about 2200 when no further men were coming to the ship and "Royal Eagle" was packed to nearly full capacity - 1.e. every covered in part of ship full and men also on the upper deck forward and aft, I decided to weigh and proceed to Sheerness rather than
Margate on account of the ships requirements in oil and water which at Margate would have taken too long to complete. I consider now that on this day I committed a serious error of judgement as in view of the poor embarkation facilities I should have ordered "Royal
Eagle" to ground herself in shore at low water and fill up my boats running between the ship and shore on a line and then have floated off and proceeded as the tide rose, or alternatively I might have grounded /Royal Eagle" to form a pier to facilitate embarkation by other ships when they arrived. I consider now on looking back that the provision of some sort of pier should have been a matter of primary importance.
In view of the shelling of the beaches from the Westward I
decided to proceed back by route "y" particularly as this was the only route known by experience. Shortly after leaving a report was received of M.T.B.'s off Bray but I then considered that it was too late to turn back. After passing Middelkerke Buoy the ship was attacked by an aircraft firing machine gun but I gave orders that no firing was to take place so that thereshould be less chance of giving away 10 ships position to M.T.B. The ship was not hito
During the night I passed three small dark vessels which I believed were French Torpedo Boats. I did not challenge but kept guns trained on them. About 0230 on 31st May there were signs of firing about
10 miles astern and about five minutes later a tremendous column of flame rose from the water. I consider now that I was to blame in using route "Y" and that I unduly hazarded the ship by so doing.
On arrival at Sheerness at 0600 I found that in response to my request possible arrangement had been made for the reception the of the every and the cleaningofuelling and provisioning of hours ships working under conditions of high tension and ship. The troops company had had practically no sleep for about 48
been discomfort was very much appreciated. I cannot speak extreme and had been and the fact that such excellent arrangements had ships highly company. of the On both nights the whole of the ships accomodation too made by Shearness spirit and sense of duty shown by the officers and

SECRET
mánoeuvring one rating near was the slightly wall fairly heavy shelling was in progress58 k.
284
and the harbour wounded by a splinter.
hemp at the entrance soon as I was just clear outside round the bearing I found - so as the port paddle had many On fathoms arriving of wreck with knives to the port, I stopped and got of the of hands on and I was able to clear it. The bearing was a number cleared light to proceed though only at half practically speed. In the increasing of the ship was shelled from a gun position coast I picked up a Service motor launch and also a lifeboat and to the west Dunkirk, but was not hit. Soon after leaving the towed them back to the North Goodwin.
H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE"
I have not yet seen the report from the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. "Crested Eagle" but from the evidence of a survivor it appears that, after I had ordered her to Dunkirk on May 29th, she proceeded alongside the eastern side of the East Mole at Dunkirk and embarked troops and casualties including many from H.M.S. "Grafton" and a transport which had both been sunk alongside by bombs. Heavy bombing and shell fire was experienced but "Crested Eagle" was unhit until the evening when she had just left the Mole to proceed home with her load of troops and casualties and was hit by a bomb in the engine room. A fire was started and it appeared that as the engines were still working slowly the Commanding Officer decided to beach the ship. Before or after she was beached it is believed she was hit again by two bombs. It is thought that only a small proportion of the ship's company were casualties but that many of the stretcher cases who were accommodated in the wardroom and after part of the ship were lost in the fire.
H.M.S. "GOLDEN" EAGLE". I would like to add the following remarks in respect of th report of proceedings forwarded by Lieutenants
Newman and Lucas. Although technically Lieut. Lucas is second in command of the ship (as an R.N.R. Officer - Lieut Newman being an
R.N.V.R. Officer), Lieut. Newman has carried out the duties of
First Lieutenant and there is no doubt that the initiative and good work done by the ship during the absence of her Commanding
Officer was due almost entirely to Lieutenant Newman who took upon himself the command and was loyally supported by the two
R.N.R. Officers-Lieutenants Lucas and Dent, who did excellent work once Lieutenant Newman had decided what was to be done. Lieut. J.
C. Newman is 54 years of age and quite inexperienced in Naval matters - but I consider that the part he played in these operations is worthy of the highest commendation and I am convinced that had it not been for his leadership and initiative "Golden Eagle" would not have taken any active part in the proceedings.
I would like also to mention the goods work done by Lieut.
Lucas R.N.R. who handled the ship with great skill, and on the occasion on which the ship was in Dunkirk harbour at night. I
consider that the fact that she got out safetly was in a great measure due to his personal efforts on the springs, etc, as well as his handling of the ship.
To the list of men recommended I would like to add Fredk.
J. Shirley, Acting Leading Telegraphist R.N.V.R. C/WRX84, whose efficiency and extreme devotion to duty has been of the utmost assistance to me as Senior Officer of the flotilla and also that rely upon to take with degree of competency during of Able Seaman Scott S.T. TD/X1406, who was the only man I could the night visit to the Dunkirk. wheel I thoroughly any endorse the recommendations given to C.P.O. Seaman and Utton, Seaman R.N.R.

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of I should Petty Officer like to draw T.Jones special throughout attention operations. to the magnificent work 295
2
The Potter-Irwin following officers, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate,
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During 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 air and shelling from the land.
308
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "SERIOLA"
COmmanding Officer, Lieut. D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R.
- 287
29. 1800. Left Hamble in formation for Dover, my division consisting of "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA" & "NONETA".
30. 0930. Arrived Dover, and seet into submarine basin, S.O.I.P
and myself went to report to S.N.O. Dover and received final orders for our departure.
2200. Left Dover.
31 0500. Arrived off Bray, leading my division, when we received signal to commence embarking troops from beach to destroyers lying farther out. This lasted until about 1000, when I received a signal from a destroyer to proceed to
La Panne and carry on with the same routine there.
1200. Suggestion made to run a grass rope from "SERIOLA" to the shore, which would enable the troops to pull themselves out by the aid of this warp in boats etc. Sub.Lt.Godman, r.n.v.r left "SERIOLA" in a whaler with a Lt., R.N.V.R. off
H.M.S. "Hebe2 to operate the shore end. Unfortunately, a lorry was driven into the sea and turned over, fouling the line, so this idea had to be abandoned. With great difficulty we were able to get Sub. Lt. Godman aboard again as the whaler which took him off, left the shore without him, with a full load of troops. A severe bombardment was going on at the time and, consequently, most small craft had withdrawn to seawards but in spite of a big sea running at the time, we managed to lower our dinghy and got him aboard in an exhausted condition. We then prodeeded to continue disembarking
1500. troops. Received signals from H.M.S.Keith to go and collect two whalers and crews foroperations off La Panne during the
1530. evening. Received signal from C.O. "NONETA" to say that she had a dead man on board and her P.O. badly wounded. Closed her and the C.O. suggested that he should take Sub.Lt. Godman to with him. This I agreed to and advised him to return
Ramsgate "NONETA" was holed above the water line.
1630. Collected as the two whalers and crews and set off for La
Panne. the whalers and their respective crews.
1800. Received Beached signal from "BOUNTY" which was flying the
The of Commodore me and my crew that the hours 2100 on the that flag Stephenson WMMXXXXX ordering us to close.
day Commodore to the told following morning were to be considered to get as many Hour" and possible. We then returned to night. La
"Zero 0400 eh hoped we would do our utmost Panne and continued men off transporting as troops throughout the
(Continued).

345
be 322
June 2nd. In Ramsgate Harbour doing temporary repairs to boilor of "Kindred Star".
shaken up and galley stove destroyed.
"Thrifty" reported to be leaking badly, engines
June 3rd. Orders were received from N.O.I.C. Ramsgate to return to Portland in company as soon as the tide permitted. Owing to the repairs not being completed until late, we were not in time for that evening's tide.
The Chief Engineer of "Thrifty" got intoxicated and struck the Skipper of the "Kindred Star" and also his own Skipper. He was placed under arrest by orders of the N.O.I.C. and handed over to the
Ramsgate Police.
June
4th.
Left Ramsgate 0925.
June 5th. Arrived Portland 1100.
June 12th 1940
Lieutenant. R.N.V.R.
ded hereto

36,
PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICE
FRENCH PORTS,
2
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
338
ROOM 8009
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
FP/YX/4.
SHEERNESS
BERKELEY SQUARE,
LONDON. W.1.
20th June, 1940.
The Director of Sea Transport.
Sir,
I have the honour to bring to your notice Lieutenant
C.V. Brammell R.N.R. of H.M.S. "GULZAR".
2. On the evening of. 26/27th May, 1940, I was informed by
Vice Admiral, Dover, that H.M.S. "GULZAR" was placed at my disposal to go to Calais to take water and stretchers, and to bring back wounded.
3. Lieutenant Brammell brought his ship into Calais, it being a very dark night, turned round, and secured with slip lines alongside the steps of the Gare Maritime. All this was done without noise, which enabled the officers landing to get ashore unnoticed. On entering the channel, the complete absence of any firing raised suspicions that the enemy might already have taken the town, suspicions which were confirmed when the landing party got ashore and had to return hurriedly to the yacht.
4. Lieutenant Brammell slipped his lines very quickly and got away just in time, as a heavy fire from rifles and machine guns was opened on the yacht from the neighbourhood of the steps as she proceeded down the entrance.
5. It was due to the quiet discipline in his ship that the landing party got ashore unnoticed, and due to his seamanship and smartness that we got quickly away; any delay might have entailed severe casualties.
/6.

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.

Dynams 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 Remsgate. 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 water we were drawing and I replied about 11 feet. He then told us to proceed 8 miles to the Eastward and get troops off the beach.
We proceeded on our way and as soon as we got there, hailed some small boats and told them to bring us some men.
raid.
Dynamo 143.
bombs
348A 'S from to the
From:
Captain M/S, Sheerness.
roraft
During all
Date:
6th June, 1940.
Eagle
To:
Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.
When we to smother did. We so I ran he boat
In forwarding the attached, I have hen we
$ at nothing but praise for the Skipper and Crew of
"Renascent". Theis officer carried out his very coming in unusual duties in a prompt and seamanlike and them courageous manner.
hing to
He had no Unit Officer on board to assist ring a and the him.
1 Della and
The hanging put the
PBHartford CAPTAIN M/S
a 51t to kirk harbour
SHEERNESS.
UNMODORE-IN-CHARGE
would day June ashore
-7 JUN 1940
return
*
CHEERNESS

Dyuams 143
372
H.M.D. "RENASCENT"
6th June, 1940.
349
Sirs, action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk.
I have the honour to put before you a report of our
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 water we were drawing and I replied about 11 feet. He then told us to proceed 8 miles to the Eastward and get troops off the beach.
We proceeded on our way and as soon as we got there, hailed some small boats and told them to bring us some men.
We were waiting for them when we had an air raid.
There were about 80 planes over and they were dropping bombs for about three quarters of an hour. We then had orders from a destroyer to go back to the Westward. We then went to the
Westward as ordered, with wave after wave of enemy aircraft continually coming over and trying to get some of us. During all this they started shelling from ashore.
While on our way back, we were hailed by an Eagle paddle steamer and told to put our troops on board him. When we did that, we were told to take the Commodore from him to another paddle boat - about a mile back to the East - which we did. We then came to the West again and it was a rising tide, so I ran my ship up on the beach and started to get troops in the boat by any means I could. We had one hundred and eighty when we were floating again, so I came away with them - leaving at approximately 8. 30.
We were subjected to one more air raid while coming out. It lasted for about twenty minutes. We arrived in
Ramsgate 8 A.M. Saturday 1st June with first load, put them ashore and laid off at anchor.
Set sail for Dunkirk 5.40 Saturday p.m. Nothing to report until we got into Dunkirk Roads. We were following a large steam yacht when there was a terrible explosion and the yacht disappeared - he had been mined. The time Was 11 Della and
I ordered full speed and the boat's crew to stand by. The visibility was very poor and the smoke from ashore was hanging on the water, but we got as near as we could.
I could hear men shouting in the water, 30 70 put the boat away and picked up four survivors. I waited for a bit to see if we could get any more of them, but we could not.
I then proceeded on my way and went into Dunkirk would harbour where took on board eighty British. The French men not we I started back for Ramsgate at 2 a.m. them Sunday ashore June
2nd. come, arrived so in Ramsgate about 7 a.m. I put to return and went We off and laid at anchor until we had orders back to Sheerness.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) R.E. HANNAPORD
Skipper R.N.R.

SECRET
- 3 -
1
Binlo/2 408
and get 21. around provisions. At 1130/3 the wheelhouse. June, The opportunity 1940, Dure we were was ordered taken to alongside fit sandbags to water 38671
only of motor and 22 remain boats Commander were alongside motor secured Le for Measurer astern. about came an At hour onboard to 1700 either the four tugs at side tugs 1600 large of weighed and draft high four water. and we large on could top broceeded. Two British boats were slipped at 1830 and came on under evening. At position two German floating mines were sighted.
their own power. "W" fighter patrols were observed during the
They were destroyed by minesweepers.
boat (Santday)
parted, as its engines were broken down. It was, unfortunately, a
23. At 2130 one motor was abandoned after the tow ropes had 3/6
boat only three days old.
24 By 2330 we were approaching the breakwater when a small boat filled with French soldiers hailed us. These soldiers were embarked. They told us that the Germans were in the town, but that the French held the coast for about one and a half miles to the westward of the breakwater. The tug was stopped to the eastward of the breakwater and we remained in this position until 0200/4 June, 1940, when we went inside the harbour to try and pick up more soldiers from the pier. H.M.S. Malcolm hailed and asked us to hold her stem up to the jetty. This we did. Between 0200 and 0230 there was periodic shelling outside the breakwater.
25. At 0230 the tugs had, been ordered to leave and we proceeded with our one remaining motor steaming under its own power. One aircraft was engaged with Lewis guns at 0310, it did not retaliate.
The motor boat was taken in tow about half an hour later. The tug was anchored in Ramsgate at 0730 after an extraordinarily peaceful passage home.
26. Lieutenant Fletcher and myself together with nine naval ratings left the tug A.M. on 5th June, 1940. Lewis guns and two
Able Seamen were left onboard until the tug arrived back at Gravesend.
27. Both the naval ratings, the civilian tug's crew, and the volunteers behaved splendidly.
I have the honour to be,
Commanding Officer,
Sir,
H.M.S.Pelican.
Your obedient Servant,
JEL hartin
LIEUTENANT, R.N.
II.
No. 195D.
VICE ADMIRAL
JUN 1940
VICE ABMIRAL,
*
DOVER
(Copy to:- Commander-in-Chief, The Nore).
no
Submitted in accordance with Nore General Order 448/40.
LIEUTENANT Jenhnaitin FOR
PELICAN.,
COMMANDER (on leavel
1940.

NAVAL
21 JUNISTANT
PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICE,.
7-
FRENCH PORTS,
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
ROOM 8009
*
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
7
FP/YX/4.
of
BERKELEY SQUARE,
LONDON. W.1.
20th June, 1940.
The Director of Sea Transport.
Sir,
C.V. Brammell, R.N.R. of H.M.S. "GULZAR".
I have the honour to bring to your notice Lieutenant
2. On the evening of 26/27th May, 1940, I was informed by
Vice Admiral, Dover, that H.M.S. "GULZAR" was placed at my disposal to go to Calais to take water and stretchers, and to bring back wounded.
3. Lieutenant Brammell brought his ship into Calais, it being a very dark night, turned round, and secured with slip lines alongside the steps of the Gare Maritime. All this was done without noise, which enabled the officers landing to get ashore unnoticed. On entering the channel, the complete absence of any firing raised suspicions that the enemy might already have taken the town, suspicions which were confirmed when the landing party got ashore and had to return hurriedly to the yacht.
4. Lieutenant Brammell slipped his lines very quickly and got away just in time, as a heavy fire from rifles and machine guns was opened on the yacht from the neighbourhood of the steps as she proceeded down the entrance.
5. It was due to the quiet discipline in his ship that the landing party got ashore unnoticed, and due to his seamanship and smartness that we got quickly away; any delay might have entailed severe casualties.
/6.
be were dropped, but they were
Commanding Officer,
HMS. Gulzar,
"Canterbury," "Calvi", "Polly e men received shrapnel wounds
% W.P. Oi, the raiders were driven off.
London think one by "Jaguar". "Jaguar"
hips attended to their wounded.
18 "Canterbury" and got the from "Grenade" for the more

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,

REPORT
539
522
ON THE OPPERATIONS OF THE MOTOR LAUNCHES "YSER" AND
"MALBOROUGH DURING THE EVAQUATION OF THE BRITISH &
509
7
FRENCH FORCES.
Yug Vincia
The Hopper no.95, which I had been ordered to take h
round to Ramsgate, anchored early last Wednesday evening, and Commander Duffet gave me the Belgian ferry boat "Yser".
We started in 8 convoy of eighteen other small motor craft at about 0100 on Thursday. Shortly after daylight
512
the escorting drifter had to turn back with two of the small
512
boats, and with our much greater speed we soon left the remainder of the launches well astern.
VI940
Owing to the fact that the "Yser" was not fitted with a compass we deviated from our course, making a landfall
8 few miles to the westward of the town. We arrived off the beaches at about 0900, and ran aground in our attempts to approach close enough to the sands for the men to wade out to us. There was no anchor in the boat, but we salvaged two of the plowshare type from other abandoned boats, and laid them out at low tide in order to kedge her off.
During the afternoon and dog-watches we were able to be of some use by acting as a liason link between the boats and the officers of the embarking troops. The Frenchmen were very reluctant to wade in deeper than their waists, and
Petty Officer Clarke (Chatham Division) spent approximately five hours, with water up to his neck, helping the soldiers ief into the small boats.
agret
I should like to take this oppotunity to recommend
Petty Officer Clarke for his cheerfulness, vigour, and valuable advice offered on this occasion and later in the WD boat
"Malborough". I understand that Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten mentioned Petty Officer Clarke in his despatches following the torpedoing and bombing of HMS "Kelly".
Our efforts to refloat the "yser" were without success, and having waited for high tide we took passage home
G. Gabbett- Mulhallen.
Sub.Lieutenant Royal Navy.
The Captain's Secretary.
H.M.S. FERVENT.
RAMSGATE.

Statement from S.J. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C.B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. are the J.Juy Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Durkish at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandetha Bany, ohen
548
eport by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd)
-
518
1500
From 1500 onwards we were subject to almost continuous attack by enemy aircraft and had the satisfaction of seeing 7 bombers brought down by destroyers' and shore batteries' anti-sireraft fire. Two enemy pilots escaped by parachute.
Majority of troops embarked at this point were
French.
1700
On hearing that there were a number of British troops on the beach near La Panne proceeded there with Sub. Lt. Cornish and his motor boat and succeeded in embarking a number of British.
Total number embarked was not recorded by ne but was approximately 150 altogether.
2030
Having valuable cargo aboard and observing that there were a number of schoots and other craft who, owing to the absence of small power driven craft, were unable to get any troops. I decided to return to Base with my load and turned over my whaler to Sub. Lt. Cornish and asked him to report to the Schoot "Atlantic", the Commanding
Officer of which told me that he had been there all day without being able to get a single man on board for reasons explained above.
Proceeded by route X in company with other drifters, troop ships, tugs, etc. and were attacked by enemy aircraft until past No 6 W Buoy, when they were driven off by anti-aircraft fire from
British destroyers.
1st June.
1430
Arrived N. Goodwin L/V and anchored owing to insufficient water in Ramagate.
1600
Weighed and proceeded in to Ramagate and discharged
That troops. evening was ordered to return to Dunkirk in
"Ocean Breeze" but order was cancelled as we could not reach destination by 2130.
2nd June.
Ordered to proceed in Power Boat "Haig" with Lt. in
McMullan R.N.R. and Sub. Lt. Hollingshead company with Marlborough, Kestrel and Swallow. Cmdr.
2100
Proceeded with Marlborough in company with with one
Troop R.N. in command of "Haig" and lifeboat in tow.
3rd June.
0030
Approached Dunkirk; obliged to out lifeboat adrift she became full of water and was hampering bollard.
Entered Dunkirk Harbour and proceeded alongside speed as of "Haig" and damaging towing

558
4
528
for order.
On 28/5/40 at 1735 whilstlying at anchor off Deal fier order were received to proceed to Dunkit in order to evacuate troops. at this time, owing to information received the previous evening from an armed merchant cruiser (see my report on varyage ho 1) we thought that
Dunkirk was in the hands of the every Ten minutes later we have up ancher and proceeded to Dunkink followed by some half dozen other small motor vessels! We proceeded via broys u "V" and W and arrived off Dunkisk at about 2300
-and observed the town was in flames.
Downs to Dunkisk with 5 other
I did all the Piloting from
(ht- line close astern, including "Patria"
schoolo following in single
Cundr Pisani R.N.) the "Lwenti"
and the Rian w l waited near the entrance, about 1/4 mile
3ra Juny.
tow. harbour. Ordered staff and French but troops. Furthest end now inner could find none; loaded of with harbour snggion in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.

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.

582
552
Report of Operation "DYNAMO" from 30th lay to 5th Tune 1940.
Subject:
Dynama 374 581
it
EVACUATION OF B.E.F. - NARRATIVE OF EVENTS.
551
From
THE COMMANDING WEYMOUTH. OFFICER, CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE, ser
Date
17th June, 1940.
No. 40/23.
a
To
THE FLAG OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, PORTLAND.
poss
G
following reports in connection with the evacuation of
With reference to your No.2912 of 6th instant, the troops from Dunkirk are submitted:-
Temp. Lieutenant R.Nimmo, R.N.R.
Petty officer F.J.Norton, Pensioner.
Petty officer G. Senior, Pensioner.
pes.
Petty officer G.B. Thomas, R.N.R.
$
Leading Stoker W.A.S.Horne, R.F.R.
2. - Other officers who took part in Operation
Dynamo, have been reappointed and instructed to hand in reports to their Commanding Officers.
CER-IN-CHARGE 310 4
may
JUN 1940
ed
2
*
CAPTAIN.
RTLAND
/II.
early on the 1st June and the engine was overhauled that day and made 115
Ior rurther service. ne left again for Dunkirk in the early evening and on arrival OIT Dunkirk troops were again ferried for some time.
unfortunately in manoeuvering close to the anor the crait either stuck a submerged object or grounded and in the subsequent movements of engines and nelm the rudder W.S.S. lost. 1 eventually managed to retch up alongside of tus, transferred the troops 1 had on Doard and unen proceeded to 118 a jury rudder; consisting or at ladder Asshed so &
rail stantion art and with & locker door lashed at une oottom; the flag start acting 8.8 a tiller. This proved rairly effective and as earried on Terrying troops until the tue nad surficient and 40 left in tow or the EUG. when about 15 miles off Hamagate the GOW rope parted and we completed this latter part of the voyage under our own power

582
552
Report of Operation "DYNAMO" from 30th May to 5th Tune 1940.
30.5.1940. 2pm. Left Sheerness in charge of Motor Boat "Forty TWO"
and a convoy of nine craft bound for Ramsgate for orders. After about
2* nours steaming the leader of the second convoy, Lt.ges] on Dogra
"white Heather" requested me to take charge or nis convoy or nine craft as White Heather" had broken down and was under GOW. Thereafter proceeded with the full convoy of 18 craft and arrived OIL Hamsgate about midnight. Proceeded ashore for orders and received same, which were to carry on as soon as possible to Dunkirk beaches for the purpose of ferrying troops to the larger ships at anohor. At Itam on the 51st
May left Ramsgate escorted by H.M. Trawler towing those craft wnion were unable to proceed under their own power. After about 2 nours steaming the trawler requested me to carry on with the convoy as the craft ne nad in tow were causing him some trouble with their tow ropes.
I earried on with 14 crait and arrived or the Dunkirk beach as about
9am. Throughout the day British and French troops were ferried to the various large vessels at anchor. Sometime during the night the engines on "Forty Two" were giving trouble and as 1 had the opportunity of a tow back to Ramsgate where 1 might expect repairs to be executed and as few ships seemed to be left in our immediate vicinty for the transferrence or troops 1 decided to return. Arrived off namagate early on the 1st June and the engine Was overhauled that day and made 115
IOr further service. ne left again for Dunkirk in the early evening and on arrival orr Dunkirk troops were again Ferried for some time.
unfortunately in manoeuvering close to the anor the craft either stuck a submerged object or grounded and in the subsequent movements 01
engines and nelm the rudder was lost. 1 eventually managed to reach up alongside a tug, transferred the troops 1 had on DOBIQ and onen proceeded to 115 a jury rudder; consisting or at ladder issued to &
rail stantion art and with at locker door lashed at une oottom; the flag stari acting 8.8 a tiller. This proved rairly effective and we carried on ferrying troops until the tug nad surficient and we left in tow or the tug. when about 15 miles off kamagate the GOW rope parted and we completed this latter part or the voyage under our own power