TNA ADM 199 790

16
20
"disregard your verbal instructions to return home, and hope you will approve. with the approval of
Lord Gart I have returned here as S.N.O. Dunkirk and to assist the British Commander?
At 2353 the following signal was unde:-
"In view of the decision request maximum number of transports and air protection to-morrow Saturday, and particularly air and sea protection for the following day, when energy will have no other occupation.
Unfortunately some hours are passing to-night without a single ship entering Dunkirk for French or ourselves."
Shelling took place all night during embarkation causing some casualties on the beach.
BRAY
La Panne was evacuated and troops fell back on
A situation report was made as follows:-
"No ships entered between 2230 and 0400, Unsuccessful dive bombing attack has just taken place. British fighters arrive. Smoke covers pier. Embarkation re-commenced. Reported heavy shelling of beaches and an improvised pier smashed. Please despatch by M.T.B. morphia and field dressings.
Saturday 1st June,
0715.
"Attended meeting of French Staff at Malo Barns.
Witnessed very heavy dive bonging on ships off shore.
Discussed evacuation and arranged that more ships should be given to the French.
At 0910 a further signal was sade reading:-
"Shipe are urgently required."
Much bombing had taken place for rest of day. H.M.S.
Keith and Ivanhoe were bombed and H.M.S.Mosquito on her way to entering the port was bombed and sunk. H.M.S.Worcester sailed and received such heavy bombing that I gave orders that no more ships were to sail in daylight and requested that henceforth none should arrive before dark.
At 1841 the following signal was received from C.I.G.S
for Senior Officer:-
"We do not order any fixed moment for evacuation. You are to hold on as long as possible in order that the

47
-3-
51
"disregard your verbal instructions to return home, and hope you will approve. with the approval of
Lord Gort I have returned here as S.N.O. Dunkirk and to assist the British Commander"
At 2353 the following signal was made:-
"In view of the decision request maximum number of transports and air protection to-morrow Saturday, and particularly air and sea protection for the following day, when enemy will have no other occupation.
Unfortunately some hours are passing to-night without a single ship entering Dunkirk for French or ourselves."
Shelling took place all night during embarkation causing some casualties on the beach.
BRAY
La Panne was evacuated and troops fell back on Bire,Demis
A situation report was made as follows:-
"No ships entered between 2230 and 0400, Unsuccessful dive bombing attack has just taken place. British fighters arrive. Smoke covers pier. Embarkation re-commenced. Reported heavy shelling of beaches and an improvised pier smashed. Please despatch by M.T.B. morphia and field dressings.
Saturday 1st June.
0715.
"Attended meeting of French Staff at Malo Barns.
Witnessed very heavy dive bomging on ships off shore.
Discussed evacuation and arranged that more ships should be given to the French.
At 0910 a further signal was made reading:-
"Ships are urgently required."
Much bombing had taken place for rest of day. H.M.S.
Keith and Ivanhoe were bombed and H.M.S. Mosquito on her way to entering the port was bombed and sunk. H.M.S. Worcester sailed and received such heavy bombing that I gave orders that no more ships were to sail in daylight and requested that henceforth none should arrive before dark.
At 1841 the following signal was received from C.I.G.S
for Senior Officer:-
"We do not order any fixed moment for evacuation. You:
are to hold on as long as possible in order that the

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,

Dywans 206.
A14/075
SECRET.
- 363
REPORT 07 PROCEEDINGS DUNKIRK OPERATIONS.
FROM
THE COMMANDING OFFICER E.M.S.EXPRESS
DATE
9th JUNE 1940.
TO
THE VICE ADMIRAL DOVER
(Copy to the Director of Operations Division (M)
Admiralty 1.
I have the honour to submit the following report or proceedings of H.M.S Express under if command, in
Dunkirk. connection with the ships participation in the Operations at
On Sunday May 26th all ships of the 20th
Destroyer Plotilla were at Dasingham loading mines and completing with fuel etc. At about 2200 on that ay"Dulaive"
proceeded to Dover in accurdance with Admiralty orders to take part in Taut Wire Measuring Gear Operations from that Port.
The remaining vessels of the 20th Destroyer Flotilla sailed at 0700 on Monday 27th May and carried out Operation B.S.9.
on completion of which at about 1445 ships proceeded through the Downs and in accordance with Admiralty Orders I ordered
"Express" and "Rak" to Portsmouth and "Intrepid" "Ivanhoe"
and "Icarus" to the Testern Approaches.
"Expre a"and "Eak" proived Portanouth at
0600 28th May, completed with 011,and sailed for Cover at 1415
at 30 knots, entering Harbour at 2000. At 2040 in company with "Malcoln" and "Scimitar", "Express" and "Sat" proceeded via Suydcoote Channel and arrived off Bray Beach at 0130 on
29th May! All Boats were lowered and commenced embarking military until about 1200. This was an exceedingly slow operation owing to the lack of Power Boats, and the smill though unpleasant seend on the Beach made proceedings difficult one whaler being lost.
A Bombing attack took place on Dunklise from Malo to La Panne at 1400 and then with about 500 troops took place about 1250, "Express" transferred S.N.O. Dunitibed:
at 1530 heavy Dive Bombing attack took place from which salvoes as ship was about to secure alongaide "Gronada" at and the to pier on board proceeded into Denkink by order of "Malcolm". Just or near misses a ahoad and astern arrived, splinters came aboard.
I proceeded out of harbour at speed, and own and ships gunfire and bomb explosions provided a an decision unusual since "grenada" was later destroyed in the harbour.
adjacent circumatance for all concerned. This proved fortunate
"Jaguar" was than sighted,stopped and disabled as board a and was very close to a wreck. "Expross" of her troops result of the attack. She had a large number went of
Troops on - towed her clear - and took aff acese towed intern and approximately were continued in the visinity. and the alongside 45 wounded. Later"Jaguar"was At about 1630 while bombing attacks and in view of the member of non transferred condition the the tow parted I ordered "Jaguar" to anchor, a Travlo to remaining of the wounded troops, and proceeded to Dover leaving

Dywans 206. A14/075 1473
SECRET.
363
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS - DUNKIRK OPERATIONS.
FROM
THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S.EXPRESS
DATE
9th JUNE 1940.
TO
THE VICE ADMIRAL DOVER
(Copy to the Director of Operations Division (M)
Admiralty 1.
I have the honour to submit the following report or proceedings of H.M.S Express under my command,in
Dunkirk. connection with the ships participation in the Operations at
On Sunday May 26th all ships or the 20th
Destroyer Flotilla were at Imingham loading nines and completing with fuel etc. At about 2200 on that day "Ingulsive"
proceeded to Dover in accurdance with Admiralty orders to take part in Taut Wire Measuring Gear Operations from that Port.
The remaining vessels or the 20th Destroyer Flotilla sailed at 0700 on Monday 27th May and carried out Operation B.S.9, on completion of which at about 1445 ships proceeded through the Downs and in accordance with Admiralty Orders I ordered
"Express" and "Sak" to Portsmouth and "Intrepid" "Ivanhoe"
and "Icarus" to the Western Approaches.
"Expre a"and "Eak" arrived Portsmouth at
0600 28th May, completed with oil,and sailed for Dover at 1415
at 30 knots, entering Harbour at 2000. At 2040 in company with "Malcoln" and "Scimitar", "Express" and "Sat" proceeded via Zuydcoote Channel and arrived off Bray Beach at 0130 on
29th May! All Boats were lowered and commenced embaricing military until about 1200. This was an exceedingly alow operation owing to the lack of Power Boats,a the smll though unpleasant seend on the Beach made proceedings difficult one whaler being lost,
A Bombing attack took place on Dunkirk took place about 1250, "Express" transferred Dunital from Malo to La Panne at 1400 and then with about 500 troops at 1530 heavy Dive Bombing attack took place and tro which salvoes as ship was about to secure alongaide "Grenado" at the pier on board proceeded into Denkirk by order of "malcolm". Just of near misses a ahead and astern arrived, splinters from came aboard.
I proceeded out of harbour at speed,and own and ships gunrire and bomb explosions provided an unusual decision circumstance since "Grenade" was later destroyed in the adjacent for all concerned. This proved harbour. a fortunate result of the attack. She had a large "Express" number went of
"Jaguar" was than aighted,stopped and
Troops on board - her clear - and took aff name towed datern disabled as a and was very close to a wreck. of her troops and approximately continued in the vicinity, and the alongside towed 45 wounded. Later"Jaguar"was At about 1830 while bombing attacks and were in view of the member of men transferred condition the remaining of the wounded troops, I and proceeded to Dover a the tow parted ordered "Jaguar" to anchor, leaving Travle to

394
327
- 30592
port on Proceedings of M.T.B. 68
Page 2
ficer on board and patrolled beaches between Dunkirk and La Panne ganising the beaching of drifters, trawlers etc., at Braye and the stribution of small craft as they arrived.
Considerable shelling from direction of La Panne at times.
Searched for pilot of "Hurricane" brought down about 2 miles if beach, but unable to find any remains.
Continuous air raids on town and beaches but not so intense
3
previous day. Little dive bombing.
2035.. Fuel running low. Returned to Dover.
2050. Overtook M.T.B's 67 and 107 and proceeded in company.
2205. Secured Dover. Two feet of water in after compartment and in engines causing considerable trouble.
aturday, 1st June.
0740.
Took officers into Downs to board merchant ship.
0900.
Secured Dover.
1430.
Sailed for Portsmouth to be slipped with M.T.B. 67.
2040.
Secured Portsmouth.
o0o0o0o
3 to subsequent identification
I have the honour to be,
EITH" and reported short of fuel.
ldiers to various transports.
Sir, ring 1800.
Your obedient Servant,
Chobreyer signalled instructions from
Licutenant in Command.
ed H.M.S. "IVANHOE" being
1 who appeared to be not under e Vice Admiral, off Rear Admiral Wake-Walker
Dover.
roached two tuga to order them lies to:- Portsmouth,
"HORNET".
attacking, many bombs falling ay action of smaller bombs in bed - considerable damage ermittent shelling in harbour ear Admiral Wake-Walker and
"SANDBURST".
Engine Room maintenance, I
reported ready

119
I
114
as he sheeld off at speed. I was also handecapped by lach of day light liqualling apparative, as, when hallenged by a V class deslares, my answer was not seen, i I was fined on until he was able to accertain my nationality.
on arrival at Dunkerh, I
closed the Beach at malo des Bains The
CMB. was hust unhand head the beach, pro jecting propellors (b) the humber of from owing (d) to a minimum speed of 7 Knot F
lines land to the shore by off lying versils
However by putting my bones to two laye
Steam launches aproad hear the beach, l was able to load up three true with
Trench took, whom I ferned int & trankers I
. difflin discharged The funth time proceeded at speed for Ramafate they tooh off 37 French Jolding, 3 Butish where officers were disen banked
During the Continums an naids while we were at malo has Bains beach, the Can duct of two the w D. Palinfs inboard "Narg was very pow: I had is threatin both with arrest. The master however, did every thing he was wed with at fues 9 quirel ten, proved Emli whable The next morning, June 2ml l
enly chride was ho 6 Burg l of at full speed. I was again Dunkish Was, aim sailed for Dunkerh knowleding alt endepend. ached by a hit measer hot hil. arrived off Dunkish, was beaches almost empty while whing to Saw enter the harbond saw Hms Ivanhoe an five

120
in No 1 Briles wom in tow of Persia closed him & ashed if he wanted
The Captain ashed we to exent which I did after circling him as awaraft were active I
enemy he had slipped his tow '&a that be procuding at about 12kh Ivanhoe "Pesse astern but at ho 6 Bud, told we to instruct "Peria to new tow was being be connected rouke
As for half an hour, three waves of every bombers, attached anhae", transports sentife ing muscellanems when 2 miles the 6 W. Budy. both all all possible at 30 knots with anicraft funo to m not, keep them at with ing, whether every hey large Continu ally circled what was tug
Convay of the damaged des troyer about third tug resul with a barge in tors
(Incia orDonal with hosh al of hoops Inaccurate bombing Persia". usult one salvo falling wal"
The appeared Um ander from S.W. Subsequently the but tup was a was sample soon made di heal "W Bud, another tug bound for incident. I had any 3 have of ammy was contacted x sent to a des to aif distress was Hills Banck
Finally heal horth
"Ivanhoe. ashed we to Contenue esca
Sheetness or until and D.Y. trys arrived.

121
115
North dorsland Hm. MB Halczure fun
Ramsjate closed we, I sent her is were put aboard hear S.W. Spit margali you doalins E/c You Ivanhoe. There at horth end of Ideaborgh
Smith Channel, I formed my fuel Supphes running short 4, as ofd aley Ivanhae one" had taken me to proced to Raunsgate off lioop E/c to margali, allowed on animal, I was told to report to "Lynx" where I subsequenty took hant in operations M.H. under
Captain Telbs.
Before clising my report, I
should wish to express appreciaten of the action of the R.S.M. of the Bedford embark atim f the 1200 men at Braye feomaury who on the occasion filthe
Beach, tooh Complete Control fall unlitary onboard maintained mapufecents discipline any Sign of panie with that number of livops anbound, might have had serious woult Once afain the
Commissioned officers were conspicions kg
Tach of assistance
Th Cimil RN. ould

- 2 -
I
376
-
aircraft attacked which for the quickly rest of made off and we were not again directly
353
us by our extremely phosphorescent water. and I believe the aircraft detected the night. The sea surface was
At 2256 a M.T.B. proceeding very fast struck us glancing blow on the Starboard quarter. This craft did not a stop or answer any signals but appeared to carry a green light shining skywards. He was quickly lost in the darkness - marks and splinters left behind showed that he was painted a dark grey.
At Dunkirk itself the offing was lit by the burning oil tanks making ship very conspicuous and as the beaches were at this time obliterated by heavy smoke from these fires, I
anchored to the Westward at 0110 1st June and waited daybreak.
0350 weighed anchor and entered Dunkirk harbour. At CLUIO, in company with H.M.S. "Locust". 0500 berthed alongside and commenced embarking troops - severe air raids in progress all the time. Two raiders shot down by A.A. fire.
0620 let go and cleared harbour having embarked about
70 soldiers, mostly E. Yorks Regiment. 0750 attacked by enemy bomber, opened fire and hit him with bursts from Lewis gun. No received great assistance in this attack from the troops who mounted their Bren guns on deck. Observed one aircraft shot down by gunfire from H.M. Ships.
We were now compelled to go slow as our main engine circulating pumpawas damaged and engines getting extremely overheated.
1000 took in tow for Ramsgate a disabled motor launch.
1300 entered Ramsgate harbour and disembarked troops. 1315
left Ramsgate for Sheerness going dead slow owing to condition of engines. 1547 passed W/T signal to C. in C. for H.N.S.
"Ivanhoe" (in tow). 1916 entered Sheerness hargour and secured to buoy.
During the whole of the operation, I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of the ship's company. Without exception they were calm and cool carrying out their duties with ourge and zeal under most trying conditions.
I wish to specially mention Sub Lieut J.G. Llewellyn
R.N.V.R. for his devotion to duty and coolness; Coxswain F.
Thompson R.N.P.S. for his leadership of the crew; Ordinary
Signalman J.L. Wells R.N.V.R. for quick and efficient and signalling;
R. Matthews R.N.P.S. Lewis Gunner for well controlled accurate fire with most economical use of amminition. Also,
Engineman Macallister, R.N.P.S. for keeping the engines running and controlling
D. Seaman R.N.P.S. (Helmsman) and H. Topte, leaks.
I have the 'honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) J.S. ROE
Lieutenant R.N.V.R.
4th June, 1940.

Reseue Yuy Lady Brassey 435
Sate 144 Junes1940
410
fir
I Frederich John Hopyood was in charyes the try
Lady Brassey when ar 10.40 am yr Commonder yaloe was put on board the Hospital ship sx David lying ar anchor off the detached mole with Engins trouble. He then told me to go bach into harbour see if D-S. Noebrech bying arthe admiralty Reir was ready to be assisted off Wehad just left the Hospital ship about 11.30 on when we received instructions from the examination steamer to proceed to the assistance of Transport Prague
Salamander, r Ivanhoe of toinstruct Salvage vessel Forde to proceed that was lying at anchor in the Drons. We left Dres about noon y spoke the
Forde off Deal about /. Pm γ proceeded on course when nearing the Form bray I could see a craft that appeared to be the Regue off the N.W.Jordurin broy. spoke the master who requested me to make fast, r also what was his position I told him he was close to the Forth brioy. Wegor, fast as /. 20 Rm r truing as 30 pm. About 1.45pm
I had ashed the master if he could hold the we eased tourng for the pilot they on board loster in the ship V replied yes, r draught 25 feet
We then proceeded on passay to Drver. When nearing the Rort we received instructions 2.30 to Rm anchor Rrague in the Downs ar bach about to the
We turned around r proceeded gynamo trouble
Drons -X During Whilst this possing time Engineer through the Drons better Y off
Walmer hailed that we had take the we ship were to anchor in Bamsgab Channel were asking toground why they urshed to beach told closing the vessel. I the vessel and
V on Ramsgate channel then hacleditem we

H.M.M.T.B. No. 102.
431
at Portsmouth.
458
7th June, 1940.
H.M.M.T.B. No. 102
430
and 5th June, 1940
at Portsmouth
7th June, 1940.
vor. Having received orders
300 for Dunkirk in accordance r, buoy in the Dunkirk approach n me and the land, and, therefor
I have the honour to submit a letter de outside the channel.
my proceedings between the dates 30th ast quay in Dunkirk harbour. I
ay, 1940 and 5th June, 1940.
man J.P. Vilford, R.N.V.R. took rted to Captain Dennant R.N.
I have the honour to be derson and Commander Blwood e dituation.
Sir, attacked by 3 M.E.110's in used - own speed 2 knots.
our of the beaches we returned
Your obedient Servant, d Commander Elwood and embarked
ChSDreyes
Dover I was stopped by and took him back towards ir way to Dunkirk.
Licutenant in Command.
he Vice Admiral,
Dover.
J, 31st May.
those orders, arriving off La pies to:- Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth,
" and reported to Rear
The Captain, H.M.S. "HORNET".
k him along the beaches, being
"KEITH".
of crashed Hurricane. Pilot to subsequent identification
IITH" and reported short of fuel.
diers to various transports.
ing 1800.
signalled instructions from xi H.M.S. "IVANHOE" being lecessfully bombed.
0755. Approahced H.M.S. "KEITH" who appeared to be not under mtrol, id Staff she and had one 0800. just wounded went been alongside torpedo-man. bombed. and took Approached off Rear two Admiral tugs to lake-walker order them
, assist H.M.S.
"KEITH". J.U.87 dive attacking, many bombs bombs falling in lose astern, nearest 0805. Thirty-five 10 yards, observed delay action of smaller to water.
0810. H.M.S. "KEITH" again bombed - considerable damage pparent.
Alongside Dunkirk - intermittent shelling in harbour and ad western arm 6830. 0915. of inner Sailed harbour. for Dover with Rear Admiral Wake-Walker taff on board.
1100. Secured alongside H.M.S. "SANDHURST".
Sunday, 2nd June.
Having been given 24 hours for Engine Room maintenance, ******* I
reported ready

H.M.M.T.B. No. 102.
431
at Portsmouth.
7th June, 1940.
ter of Proceedings between 30th May, 1940 and 5th June, 1940
Thursday, 30th May.
0530. Secured in Submarine Basin, Dover. Having received orders om the Chief of Staff, Dover, I sailed at 1300 for Dunkirk in accordance th those orders. on approaching No. Mm. buoy in the Dunkirk approach annel, I noticed some shell splashes between me and the land, and, therefor tered course and steered along the North side outside the channel.
At 1430 I came alongside the East quay in Dunkirk harbour. I
sembarked, and my First Lieutenant, Midshipman J.P. Wilford, R.N.V.R. took e boat outside to await my return. I reported to Captain Dennant R.N.
received his orders to take Commander Henderson and Commander Blwood orig to the beaches to La Panne to review the dituation.
on passage to La Panne we were attacked by $ M.E.110's in ose formation from ahead. No dama e was caused - own speed 2 knots.
At 2000 on completion of our tour of the beaches we returned
Dunkirk, disembared Commander Henderson and Commander Elwood and embarked
British soldiers and sailed for Dover.
At 2115 about 10 miles S.E. of Dover I was stopped by umander Le.Mesurier in the D.C. Motor Boat and took him back towards inkirk to pass messages to three tugs on their way to Dunkirk.
At 0030 secured in S/M basin.
(31)
Friday, 31st May.
At 0130 I received my orders for Friday, 31st May.
At 1100 I proceeded in accordance with those orders, arriving off La mne at 1240. I went alongside H.M.S. "KEITH" and reported to Rear miral Wake-Walker. He embarked and we took him along the beaches, being ielled off La Panne, and then back to H.M.S. "KEITH".
At 1445 went to pick up pilot of crashed Hurricane. Pilot is dead bus parachute was recovered, leading to subsequent identification the officer.
At 1500, returned to H.M.S. "KEITH" and reported short of fuel.
1530. Towing boatloads of soldiers to various transports.
1640. Sailed for Dover, securing 1800.
Saturday, 1st June.
0600. Proceeded in accordance with signalled instructions from ce Admiral, Dover.
0750. Arrived Dunkirk. Passed H.M.S. "IVANHOE" being lecessfully bombed.
0755. Approahced H.M.S. "KEITH" who appeared to be not under mtrol, she had just been bombed.
id Staff and one 0800. wounded torpedo-man. Approached two tugs to order them vent alongside and took off Rear Admiral lake-walker assist H.M.S. "KEITH". J.U.87 dive attacking, many bombs bombs falling in lose astern, nearest 0805. Thirty-five 10 yards, observed delay action of smaller le water.
0810. H.M.S. "KEITH" again bombed - considerable damage pparent.
6830. Alongside Dunkirk - intermittent shelling in harbour id western arm 0915. of inner Sailed harbour. for Dover with Rear Admiral Wake-Walker and taff on board.
1100. Secured alongside H.M.S. "SANDHURST".
Sunday, 2nd June.
Having been given 24 hours for Engine Room maintenance, I
reported ready