TNA ADM 199 790

126
CONFIDENTIAL.
130
To: The Admiralty.
via: V.A. Dover.
H.M.S. "SALANDER".
Copies to: F.O., London.
5th June, 1940.
M.S.4.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events which took place on Friday, 31st May, and Saturday, 1st June, 1940.
At 1800/31/5 I left Dover in company with HALCYON and SKIPJACK
to rendezvous with the remainder of the minesweepers at YY buay by 2200 in accordance with V.A. Dover's 0357/31/5.
Here I took FITZROY under my command and followed astern of the other two groups through Dunkirk Roads, past Dunicirie, to a position off Bray,
I was then ordered by NIGER to anchor one mile to his Eastward, to avoid magnetic mines laid near No.8 Buoy. This was accomplished by 0015/1/6.
The beach at Bray was under shrapnel fire from inland energy batteries, and as no boats closed no I lowered a shaler with a Volunteer crew to land for soldiers (See appendix No.1).
The boat returned in about half an hour with one hand and a message from General Nontgomery to inform all ships that he intended moving Weatward to Dunkirk at once as the beach was becoming untenable.
This message I passed to all ships in V/S to ch.
The pontoon pier had been hit by shell fire and no troops seemed to be embarking at all, so I weighed and kept under way closing the beach as much as I could.
When a little light appeared, however, boats began to above off from the beach and dame to no. RA Dover now ordered all ships to embark men in boats and move Westwards to Dunkirk at dawn. A continual stream of boats came off with military personnel, and by 0600/1/6 I had embarked about 450 men, including 29 wounded of whom 11 were stretcher cases, Attacks by aircraft took place on all ships and salvoes of bombs were dropped, no ships being hit. We were then attacked by front machine gun fire from Messerschmitt 109's, and one casualty was sustained.
L.S.A. Gullett was hit in the hand by a bullet. I then noved Westeard astern of KNITH and SKIPJACK.
At 0820/1/6 an air attack took place on all three ships, and
SKIPJACK was sunk, and KSITH hit and set on fire. KSITH abandoned ship, and I closed her and sent away both whalers as lifeboats. (See appendix
No.2). Whilst resouing survivors I was again attacked by Junkers 87
dive bombers, and a salvo of four bombs fall about 50 feet ahead of the ship. They exploded under water when two bomba were approximately abreast the bridge. The ship lifted bodily and heeled to starboard, and then settled down with a list to part. She then sank about a foot, suddenly.
I feared she was in danger of sinking, so I ordered the S.P's on board to be jettisoned. This was done in a weighted bag. (See appendix No.3)
I stopped engines and waited reports from the Singineer Officer and Recutive
Officer.
The Engineer Officer and First Lieutenant ascertained that the forward, was and had flooded compartments amidahips In comprising about the cold and ship still seaworthy, although she had gained about 1 foot of draught hour rooms, steam WILLS gunners got on main engines again. (See Engineer Officer's
0001 stores and canteen store. attached a quarter of an report).

(1)
177
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
182
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S. SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight sea.
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
176
H.M.S.SUTTON.
181
CONFIDENTIAL
c/o G.P.O.London.
6th. June. 1940.
Mr. Thompson.
The Staff Superviser. N.A.A.F.I.
Claygate, Surrey.
Copy to:- Mr. Shed.
District Area Manager. N.A.A.F.I.
Humber Area. Grimsby.
Sir,
I wish to bring to your notice the conduct of one of your employees, Mr. C.M. Cealworth, who is Canteen Manager of this
He has only recently joined, and has been in the ship during the operations off Dunkirk and beaches, while evacuating the B.E. Forces.
In this operation this ship was instrumental in evacuating about I600 Officers and men. During the whole period of eight days, he was continually helping the Ship's Staff in the Galley and elsewhere, keeping the Troops supplied with hot soup, tea, and food. As many of them were wet through, and exhausted, his work was invaluable.
I cannot speak too highly of him, and any preferment you can offer him, will be soundly endorsed by myself.
Yours faithfully,
Greuville. M. Temps.
COMMANDING OFFICER
Commander in Command.
*
5 JUN 1940
*
H.M.S. 4 "SUTTON"
H.M.S.Sutton.

(1)
177
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940. EVACUATION
182
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S. SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWESSPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th, May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired, proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles, weather clearing, Fitzroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups, towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.B's who had lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, amunition dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disdiplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 milsa. 0.0. reported no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The alean shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10 troops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May. 0300. Moved to another position further East and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down, considerable surf was running, managed to get Embarked a small into a a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship.
detachment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, miles off shore, and disembarked all troops, proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some following.

(I).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
190
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Dover at 1600.
189
H.N.S.SUTTON.
e/o G.P.O.London.
NFIDENTIAL
6th. June. 1940.
Mr. Thompson.
The Staff Supervisor. N.A.A.F.I.
Claygate, Surrey.
Copy to:- Mr. Shed.
District Area Banager. N.A.A.P.I.
Humber Area. Orimaby.
Sir,
I wish to bring to your notice the conduct of one of your employees, Mr. C.//.Cetelworth, who is Canteen lanager of this ship.
during the operations off Dunkirk and beaches, while
He has only recently joined, and has been in the ship evacuating the B.R.Forces.
about 1600 officers and men. During the shole period
In this operation this ship was instrumental in evacuating of eight days, he was continually helping the ship's Staff with in hot soup, tes, and food. As many of them were eat through, the Galley and alsowhere, keeping the Troops supplied and exhausted, his work was invaluable.
1 too highly of him, and any preferment you can cannot offer him, speak will be soundly endorsed by myself.
Yours faithfully.
OMMANDING OFFICER
Greuville. M. Temas.
6 JUN 1940
*
Commander in Command.
'S'W'H
H.H.S.Sutton.

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

(1).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY 20 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
201
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight sea.
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breese, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired, proceeded at 15 lmots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 niles, weather clearing, Fitaroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported clean no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The the shaven condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly of strain and comparatively fresh appearance of troops as and the the evacuation progressed, with the evidences shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
, of 25, mostly with rifles and aquipment. weather. good
10 troops embarked between 3130 and Beach 0200, in batches for embarkation, shelving send and calm
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300. Moved to another position boat broke further down, East commenced dragging anchor into shallow water to a line now bringing off troops but motor where by and after surf was running, managed get Embarked small into a of Leicestershire Regiment.
a Dutch considerable scoot, and was towed back to ship.
miles following. 0730, off proceeded shore, and disembarked all troops, COMMARDING OFFICER
detachment alongside Caloutta, who was anchored Salamanter some
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

Dysam 164 268
DUPLICATE
284
H.N.S. Fitzroy
7 June 1940
Memorandum B14/0/1101/40
Sir,
With reference to the above memorandum, I
have the honour to submit a report of the proceedings of H.M.S. Fitzroy between 26th.May 1940 and the 4th.
June 1940.
I have the honour to be Sir,
Your obedient servant,
VICE ADMIRAL
100UN1940
*
DOVER
Ratortes.
Lieutenant Commander in Command
Vice Admiral B.H. Ramsey.
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.

DUPLICATE
-270
- 286
0°
29" May.
At0030 the Belgian motor boat was swamped in the surf though all eighteen occupants were saved. At 0350 all ships boats
(one motor skiff and two whalers) were hoisted and H.M.S. Fitzroy proceeded to Dover via the Western route *
During the embarration large fires were observed ashore and heavy distant explosions occured. Hostile aircraft were about but the ship was not attacked.
At 1115 the ship proceeded alongside
Admiralty pier and disembarked 109 British officers and soldier's, the eight Belgian officers two French soldier's and two Jewish refugee*s
At 2235 ship proceeded to Dunkirk via W. Goodwin and anchored off the beach in
300 May.
three fathoma at a point 8 miles east of
Dunkirk Leiutenant Davies in charge of motor skiff landed and reported on the situation; he was assisted by Midahipman
I.K. Bryce R.N.R. and Signalman Minter
When he had made his rport I observed two ex Dutch motor XXXXXXXX coasters approaching ship. I ordered them to close me and disembark the troops to Fitaroy and return to for more. As the ship appeared to be full to capacity 1 veighed anchor and returned to Dover via the Western route. 678 British officers and men were disembarked at Admiralty pier at 1935 /30

273
289
DUPLICATE
5
continued.
was transferred to H.W.S. DENDALE an she was short. This ammunition has subsequently been reembarked in H.H.S. Fitzroy. *
At 2850 there Fas an air rail alarm and the ship went to action stations.
Ratintes
Leiutenant Commander In Command

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

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

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