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TNA / ADM 199 790

TNA ADM 199 790

TNA ADM 199 790
Collection details

TNA ADM 199 790

Admiralty records concerning Operation Dynamo and the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk, dating from 1940.

Holding archive
TNA
Collection reference
ADM 199 790
View the archive catalogue entry ↗

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199/790. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Showing only pages tagged with the vessel name JOHN CATTLING. Tags are exact matches from this collection’s OCR tag index. Clear vessel filter ×

10 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 1 of 1 Showing document pages 724–1,009 of this collection
Page ImageOCR textOCR tags
724 Page 724 Log in to enlarge

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
M.T.B. 107 447
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 68 405
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 67,
M.T.B. 16,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
D.C.M.B., 484
CHICO
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 x476
M.A.S.M. No. 7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8V487 8 491
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
193
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
VEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
X
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
x
TARANSAY

977 Page 977 Log in to enlarge

38. G.D.309/58
SECRET.
-
45496
5th June, 1940.
467
To: The Vice Admiral,
Dover.
Report of Operations Carried out by Ships
Under the Command of Commender M/S, Dover during the period 26th May to 3rd June in accordance with V.A.D's 2050/4.
I have the honour to report the following operations carried out by M/S Vessels under my command during the period
26th May to 4th June, 1940.
The list of vessels employed in these operations is as follows:-
LL TRAWLERS.
Thomas Bartlett."
Inverforthx
Lord Inchcape.⁴
Our Bairnsr
Lord Grey X
Clythness.x
Relonzo.
Restrivo.
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
Botanic. Dankink
Marettax FyldeaX not of Dunkisk
Arleyx
Polly Johnson.
Brockx
CalviX
John Cattling.
DANLAYERS.
Gulzar.*
Grey Mist.*
Sargasso.r
Comfort.*
Nautilus*
Starlight Rays
Thomsons.
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
Conidaw.*
Chico. X
(Continued over).

982 Page 982 Log in to enlarge

5th June, 1940.
G.D.
501
-
fonmander W.V.H. Harris
C.M.S.
M/S Forces ashore and afloat.
Command and organisation of 472 all
Lieutenant R. Bill.
Asst. to C.M.S. 2 Andresselles. 1 Dunkirk
(6 ships).
Lieut. G. St. C. Rideal.
Operations Staff. 1 off Boulogne and
Calais W/T Link.
Lieut. C.L. Lambert.
Operations Staff. 1 Dunkerque (Medway Queen)
3ub. Lieut. D.G. Rattle.
Operations Staff. Chico. Off Dunkirk for
Pay. Sub. Lieut. Matthews.
Operations Staff. Conidaw.
Life saving duties ditto
Lieut. Cmdr. A.A.Martin.
Gp.Cmdr. "LL" 2 Dunkirk Roads "LL".
Continuous "LL" off Dover.
theut. Cmdr. P.F.Cammiade.
Gp.Cmdr "Oropesa". 1 Calais (Botanic &
(Maretta.
}
Lieut. W.E. Gelling.
Gp.Cmdr. "Skids". 1 Dunkirk (Comfort &)
(Nautilus
Lieut. L.J. Wyatt.
D.Y. Officer.
Lieut. H.S. Warren.
Pier Master.P. O.W. 1 Medway Queen - Dunkirk.
Lieut. J.K.M. Warde.
1 Buoy laying operation. / to DUNKERQUE AND
/ To BEACHES.
Lieut. W.R. Hutcheson.
2 Trips - Starlight Rays - Dunkirk.
Lieut. C.B. Sharp.
Sick.
Sub. Lieut. M.R. Mills.
1 trip Calais - Maretta, 2 Dunkirk - Sargasso
Sub. Lieut. J.C. Fegen.
1 trip Gulzar, 1 Conidaw, 1 Conidaw (Life- saving).
Sub. Lieut. K.H.G.Roberts.
1 off Calais 26th - Brock. 1 Dunkirk and beaches.
Sub. Lieut. F.L. Perkins.
2 Sargasso Dunkirk.
Sub. Lieut. R.L. Hippisley.
1 Sargasso, and also with Captain A/P.
Lieut. M. Eynon.
Gulzar.
Sub. Lieut. W.G. Lloyd.
Dunkirk in John Cattling.
Sub. LieutA Everitt.
1 off Calais, 1 Dunkirk - blown up - wounded.
Sub. Lieut..Thompson.
1 Calais - Conidaw.
Sub. Lieut. R.E. Weale.
2 off Calais - Grey Mist.
Sub. Lieut. R.E. Evans.
Gulzar then sick.
Lieut. C.V. Brammall.
5 Dunkirk, 1 Andresselles, 2 Calais.
Lieut. C.C.L. Gaussen.
3 Dunkirk.
Sub. Lieut. W.V. Liddall.
1 Bougogne W/T link. 1 off Calais.
Sub. Lieut. J. Mason.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper R. Snelgrove.
1 Calais, 1 Dunkirk, 1 lifesaving party.
(Contd over).

984 Page 984 Log in to enlarge

-3-
idpper Lieut.
Robinson.
Arley.
503
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1 dalais.4
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
}kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brock.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
skipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
$kipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
Skipper
S.Bindler.
B.D. spridler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
Supper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunitiplt.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais LD.
Skipper.
Playmates.
1 off Calata.
Stather.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
Thompson.
w of individual Officers.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Willing Boys.
1 Flushing, Calais,
Skipper.
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

987 Page 987 Log in to enlarge

-2-
347/58.
506
Name.
Ship.
Rank or Rating.
508
SARGASSO.
30-1/6
Charles L. Gaussen. Licutenant R.N.V.R. (Cormanding 477 Officer)
For constant devotion to duty under trying
Kip
Dunkirk and beaches, returning on each conditions whilst operating three trips to/
Trup occasion with a full load of troops.
LORD GREY
J
John A. Simson.
William Tiller.
Lieutenant R.N.V.R. (Unit Commander).
2nd Skipper R.H.R.
Malcolm McLeod.
2nd hand.
Ivan Lennox.
Chief Engineman.
400thorp
William Palmer.
Ord. Seaman.
For gallantry and devotion to duty under very trying circumstances experienced whilst embarking troops at Dunkirk Harbour.
JOHN CATTLING
/
Following extracted from Skipper G. Aldan's report:-
"I have the honour to submit the following ratings names, as deserving recognition for conspicuous misli dark when hig, she gallantry displayed" (See Lieutenant Robert Bill's report No. 5a).
wnt hulher the for mat
Charles Adams.
2nd hand. LT/JX 173276.
William W.Jefferies.
Chief Engineman. H.O.
Arthur Baul.
Stoker P.O. (Pens.D/K 737 Pen.No.26717
in
Ernest RichardA Emery. Wireman.
BROCK.
William A. Moss.
A.B. (Gunlayer). R.F.R. J86490.
Herbert C. Bidle.
2nd Hand. 46SD.
Francis Greenhill.
Sto. P.O. C/K14122.
Behaved with great gallantry under hazardous and trying conditions in Dunkirk Harbour.
picuota
$ Bil

988 Page 988 Log in to enlarge

347/58.
-2-
506
8
Ship.
Name.
Rank or Rating.
477
SARGASSO
/
Charles L. Gaussen. Licutenant R.N.V.R. (Commanding Officer
3 kip 30-1/6
For constant devotion to duty under trying conditions whilst operating three trips to/
Trip
Dunkirk and beaches, returning on each occasion with a full load of troops.
LORD GREY.
J
John A. Simson.
Lieutenant R.N.V.R. (Unit Connander).
William Tiller.
2nd Skipper R.N.R.
Malcolm McLeod.
2nd hand.
hip 20ap
Ivan Lennox.
Chief Engineman.
400 thap
William Palmer.
Ord. Seaman.
For gallantry and devotion to duty under very trying circumstances experienced whilst embarking troops at Dunkirk Harbour.
JOHN CATTLING
/
rip imymentian
Following extracted from Skipper G. Aldan's report:-
$
"I have the honour to submit the following ratings names, as deserving recognition for conspicuous gallantry displayed" (See Lieutenant Robert Bill's mate til gark for when maturely mat she report No. 5a).
Charles Adams.
2nd hand. LT/JX 173276.
wint further the
William W.Jefferies.
Chief Engineman. H.O.
Arthur Baul.
Stoker P.O. (Pens.D/X 737 Pen.No.26717
m
Ernest RichardA Emery. Wireman.
BROCK.
William A. Moss.
A.B. (Gunlayer). R.F.R. J86490.
Herbert C. Bidle.
2nd Hand. 468D.
Francis Greenhill.
Sto. P.O. C/K14122.
Behaved with great gallantry under hazardous and trying conditions in Dunkirk Harbour.
icuous ert

1005 Page 1005 Log in to enlarge

-4-,
520
-
491
heavy type. the could be quite easily seen as they fell
The They bombs dropped during the raids appeared to be of a
7
waves of the or three, releasing two bombs at a time, which in looked about about two size of a 15" shell. The bombers attacked and prolonged period and disorganised the embarking and tended to cause panic. Most of these bombs fell within 70 yards of the trawlers. The ships were also attacked with "cannon". This was not noticed at the time due to the intensity of the bombing, but inch iron shells were picked up afterwards.
The behaviour of all Officers and men was at all times exemplary, and at no time did I notice any man shew any disinclination to do his utmost or shew any sign of panic even when others were paniding. I would like to mention Skipper Lieutenant Lake, whose ship was badly damaged. He retained complete control of his men and assured me that he would take his ship back to port if it was possible. This afterwards proved to be impossible, and her crew were taken off by "Arley", who fired two rounds into her and left her to sink.clear of the channel. "Arley" was not able to fire again as she was attacked by bombs.
Lieutenant Warde and Sub. Lieutenant Roberts R.N.V.R.
were also of the greatest assistance. They supervised the placing of the ladders of the foremost group and throughout the whole period remained cheerful, and encouraged their men.
I subsequently discovered that the "John Cattling" was detained in Dunkerque by the Piermaster and remained there until dark, where, inspite of further bombing, she carried out the most useful work.
I authorised provisions and rum to be issued in moderation to survivors and troops, and morphia to the seriously wounded, at the discretion of Commanding Officers.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Lieutenant R.N.

1006 Page 1006 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 1006
FROM: GROUP OFFICER "LL" TRAWLERS. Dyrams G.D. 522
DATE: 28TH MAY, 1940. No 3.493
TO: COMMANDER M/S.
1007 Page 1007 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 1007
FROM: GROUP OFFICER "LL" TRAWLERS. Dyrams G.D. 522
DATE: 28TH MAY, 1940. No: 3 493
TO: COMMANDER M/S.
1009 Page 1009 Log in to enlarge

Dynamo NE
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. 494
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday head steamer to seaward Garry" in tow out of harbour. After proceed up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the transport then gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre.
I was ordered to tow transport out, as turning I had
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and while the steamer came astern with engines.
towing her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead harbour all clear stern first, but for some reason, which I
This operation would have taken the vessel out of cannot explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing the towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by the lengthened starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G. wiring of towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position which I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying us both very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to go full speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I e-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full antiaircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson", wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troopa coming along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).