TNA ADM 199 790

Dynams 99. B1w/131
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CONFIDENTIAL
H.H.S. LYDD.
7th June 1940.
To The Flag Officer Commanding,
Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit for your consideration the attached report on Operation DISNAMO as far as it conserned
H.M.S. LYDD, together with apecial nentions of officers and men for meritorious service.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obsident servent..
MAir
LIGUTERANT-COMBANDER IN COMMAND.
VIOE 8- ADMIRA JUN 1940.
DOVER E

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OPERATION 'DINAMO' NARRATIVE OF EVENTS,
At noon on Tuesday the 28th May 1940, H.M.S.Lydd under my command left Harwish in company with the 5th M/S Flotilla arriving off Bray at about 2135. I was there ordered to proceed into Dunkirk harbour to enbark troops. I secured alongside the Eastern jetty and embarked about four hundred, leaving again at 2250.
At 2318 about two miles to the eastward of the entrance a drifter was sighted ahead crossing from port to starboard about twenty yards away, fine on the port bow. The engines were put full speed astern, but it was too late so avoid a X
sollision. The orew of the drifter were taken aboard another drifter, which was close by. IS 18 understood that the drifter in collision with Lydd was the 'Girl pamela' which subsequently sank. No damage was sustained by Lydd.
At 0200 29th May when passing the Kwinke buay, flares were sighted and shouting heard close at hand. The light from an Aldis lamp revealed the bow and storn portions of
H.M.S.WAkeful appearing above water with - alinging to them.
I immediately lowered a whaler and two carley floats. Shortly after this H.M.S. Gossamer, which was close by, ordered no to put ay light out and drop a depth charge. I could not at once comply with the latter order as I was $00 close to the wreck and would have killed the non in the water; I therefore asked what the situation was, to which I received no reply; nor did
I see Gossamer again. I kept the ship moving while the whaler and carley floats were picking up survivors and had just got twenty alongside when H.M.S. grafton appeared. I asked her is she would pick up the rest, and she asked me to circle

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...circle..
Found her in case of meny submarines. It was then discovered from one of the survivors that Wakeful had been torpedoed by an M.T.B., I at once passed this to Grafton and continued circling round.
I had just completed one circle and was heading west with my stern to Grafton, when at about 0307 and explosion occured at her stern. I continued my circle to port and sighted an
M.T.B. about fifty yards away on the starboard bean, steering about south-west and nearly stern on to Lydd. Sub-Lieut. E.H.
Britton R.N. who was on the bridge, opened fire with the starboard pair of Lewis guns and raked her up the stern;
bullets being seen to hit her wheelhouse and superstructure in a cloud of sparks. It was thought that she was disabled. I than closed Grafton with the idea of taking off survivors should she be sinking; but as she appeared to be all right I circled round to starboard to finish off the M.T.B. if she were still afloat. A dark object was sighted ahead in the direction in which the M.T.B. was last seen and fire was opened with Lewis guns and 4inch; Grafton also opened fire. The supposed M.T.B.
was then rammed, as she was hit figures sprang at the ship and it was thought that an attempt was being made to board;
fire was therefore opened with rifles. During this firing A.B.
S.P.Sinelair, O.N. e/JX 152005 who WAS on the Forecastle attempting to repell the boarders was accidentally shot. It is very much regretted that he died about an hour later from his wound. After investigation I have come to the conclosion that the bullet which struck him must have glanced off some portion of the vassel raymad. Two non were taken off her. I
then set course for home, Grafton being apparently well able to look after herself.

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...herself.
IT was then discovered that the Yessel ranned was the drifter 'Comfort' and not he M.T.B.. V.A.Dover was informed of the circumstances as far as I then knew than; I also informed
Jason and Javelin not with shortly afterwards, of diafton's plight. On further questioning the two survivors of the
Comfort, it was ascertained that she had been picking up survivors from the Wakeful, when and explosion threw all on board into the water and disabled the Yessel. Three men managed to scramble back again, of whom two got on board
Lydd and the other who was apparently badly wounded, went down with the vessel when ahe was rammad.
I landed the troops at Ramsgate and returned to Dunkirk by $ X route.
When off Nieuport Bank buay as 1700 a large number of enemy aircraft started dive-bombing ships arriving and leaving, paying particular attention to the hospital ship St.Julien which had repeated attacks made on her.
I arriver off Bray at 1730 and sent boats inshore to embark troops. I did not anchor but lay to off the beach. At about 1745 andurgent call for assistance was received from 3.8.
clan Mee Allister which was on fire aft. I passed this to
Pangbourne who was just arriving, as I had already started embarking troops. panghourne then went alongaide the burning ship.
Embarkation was not such hampered as far as Lydd was conserued by the almos incessant boubing assacks; but 16 was

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was noticed that ships at anchor had heavy boabs directed at them, whereas Lydd who was under weigh was only treated to light stuff. During the embarkation H.M.S. Crested Eagle, which had bombed aft and caught fire, beached herself 01088 by and the troops on board began to jump into the water. Lydd's bosts immediately went to their assistance, picking up a large number, including twenty five very badly burnt and injured non.
Albury arrived shortly after this and her assistance was called for, which was at once rendered.
AS there was no doctor on board it was deemed essential to get the wounded home as quickly as possible, and I laft the scene at 2100, with three hundred troops enboard.
When off the Middelkirke Buoy at 2200 11 was reported to ne that the D.G. cabled had caught fire and had had to be switched off. IT was discovered that They had been pairced by bomb splint
-ters, the steering compase was now so sluggish that the ship had to be steared by a star When visible. Temporary repairs to
D.G. cable were carried out next day.
At 2205 and so 3 was reserved from the Travler TOR BAY 2.
ON closing her it was discovered that all she had wrong was &
foul propeller. I explained about the necessity of getting ay
Wounded home quickly, told her that there were other ships following, continued on ay way, and reported the matter on arrival at Margate.
I arrived at Margate at 0515 30th May, but could not get alongside to disembark until 0855, owing to the large number of ships already there.
I then proceeded to Sheerness to coal and ammunition,

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ammunition sailing again in company with Sutton and Ross at 0230, may 31st arriving off Bray by I route at 0915.
As there were no enemy aircraft in the visinity, I anchored.
Troops were embarked and at 1130 Sutton and Ross transfered their troops to ae and all proceeded to Margate where I dis-
-embarked five hundred.
At 1915 I proceeded towards the rendesvous off 1 buoy, being ordered at 2145 to assist Tug St.ABBS, one of whose tow of three
Thanes barges had broken adrift. I picked up this barge and towed her to Dunkirk, arriving at 0330, tat June. At about this time a vessel which was unidentified was seen to blow up, presumeably on a magnetic mine, in the neighbourhooh of the whistle buoy off Bray.
About two hundred and fifty troops had been embarked when at message was brought off from the Brigadier to say that he had stopped embarkation from the beaches, which were being shelled, and was retiring on Dunkirk. I passed this message so Kwith.
During the embarkation low flying aircraft sachinegunned boats and ships. Several hits were registered on one machine, which was afterwards seen to creat on the sand dunes, by &
Bren sug in Lydd fired by one of the troops embarked. Another machine was also thought to have been his by the starboard pair or Lowis guns fired by ord.Sea. N.F.R. Duxbury, O.N.O/JX 173054.
At 0625 I proceeded by route X to Dover= arriving at 11299.
On the way enemy bombors appeared but after a few SALYOB were driven off by our fighters who were seen to bring down two.
a
At 1920 I again proceeded by route X to Dukirk, anchoring in the roads about half a mile east of the harbour entrance at
2350. The beach and roads wro being should, and there and ns appear to be much boat traffic. I sent the motor boat inshore

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE.
Where all did their duty to their utmost capacity in spite of severe fatigue, it is very difficult to single out any officer or man for special nention; I would, however, like to put on record the following:-
(1) The excellent First Aid given to the wounded by my
First Libutenant
Lieutenant John Anthony Hodnet HAMER R.H.
when no Doctor was on board. I a quige certain that a number owed their lives to him.
(2) The excellent work done by
Sub-lieutenant Edwin Michael BRITTON" R.N.
who was in charge of Lydd's boats, in bringing off from the beaches & very large number of troops, nost of the time under heavy shell fire and bombing and sachine gun attacks.
Aveng ratings the following deserve nontion:-
(1) ordinary Seases VIDRIAM Fielding Richards DUXBURY"
0.No.G/JX 173054, for accurate shooting with the Starboard Lewis gun, crusing as ensuy airoraft which vas machine gunning a bostload of troops to year off hurredly with probable damage to itself.
(2) Able Seaman Fred dankwell, 050.0/J and stall 91927, for showing initiative, resource when in charge of the whaler and carley float. In a choppy sea, strong tide and pitch dark night, and with a broken rudder he succeeded in getting alongaide the wrock of H.M.S.Wakeful and brought off twenty survivers.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE. (continued).
(3) Sto.1. Joseph FoodSwiss ROADLEY, O.N. C/SX 94432.
For ably assisting Lieut.Hear in his case of the wounded in addition to his boiler room watchkeeping duties; continuing to Nort until overcome by sheer exhaustion and nervous strein.
(4) P.O. Prodrick Harold KING, O.H. G/J 100181., for keeping the anti-sireraft spearms in an efficient state do that no delays or jamba occured.
(5) Ldg.Sto. Raymond Persival John JRMETT, O.N. 0/3% 85935.
for keeping the twenty year old angine of Aydd's motor boat in efficient running order, Bo that no breakforms of any sors occured as any time daring ambarkation.
MAIN
IN CONSTAND.
E.H.S. LYDD.
7ah June 1940.

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Sheet 2. 159
At 0030 on Wednesday 29th. May I slipped and proceeded down harbour. After rounding No.6E whistle and bell buoy I found myself in among two or three
French destroyers, stopped in the channel, and as a result missed No.13 bouy and went aground on sandbank north of Zuydcoote Pass Engines were put to full astern and the ship slid off into about ten fathoms. In order to ascertain my exact position and wait until unlit bouys could be seen I anchored and very shortly picked up the
Nieuport buoy While waiting the ship was roughly fixed and found to be in position51 degrees 7 minutes 30 seconds
North, 2 degrees 28 minutes 48 seconds East, and clear of the channel. I proceeded without further incident to
Margate. Just before dawn gunfire was observed shead and shortly afterwards several destroyers passed ae proceeding towards the French coast. Later passing the Kwiente buoy one sunken destroyer and another badly down by the stern were passed.
At I000 ship secured alongside Margate pier and disembarked troops. Although no exact counting of troops was possible, about 450 in all were landed, including approximately 50 stretcher cases and 100 walking cases.
The arrangements for disembarkation of troops at Margate were most efficient.
At 1107 Wednesday 29th. may slipped and proceeded back to Dunkirk, being joined by Lydd at North Goodwin light vessel. At 1315 Lydd reported & submarine to starboard, although not observed by Pangbourne a warning was broadcast at 1321 Between 1645 and 1715 just off Nieuport bank several air attacks were directed against Pangbourne and all ships in the vicinity. Immediately after this two
British soldiers were picked up in an exhausted condition, apparently having been blown from the deck of some small ship. At approximately 1730 several enemy bombers appeared to be about to attack Pangbourne but passed overhead, and were distinctly observed to attack & hospital ship about a mile on the Starboard beam for & considerable period without registering any direct hits. Just before passing the Nieuport Bank buoy a large lifeboat containing some thirty Belgian soldiers was picked up and the boat taken in tow for use on the beach. On closing the beach 1 was ordered to proceed Alanasise the Clan MacAlister lying at anchor and embark the crew. This ship was on fire aft, and the ammunition round the after gun was continually exploding.
The Master reported to ae that there was no chance of saving the shipas all hoses were out and the steering gear out of action. The crew, including some 30 Lascars, and several
Naval ratings, - crews of motor boats - were all embarked.
I then proceeded and anchored about half a mile off the beach opposite the Sanatorium. All available boats were lowered and sent inshore in charge of Lieut. Tadman
R.N.R. and Rabbitts, Boatswain R.N.. Between
1860 and 1900 the ship was subjected to numerous low diving bombing attacks, although no direct hits were made there were several near misses. The hull was holed on both sidesabove and below the water line and the D.U. coil cut in several places. It was during this period that all casualties occurred, resultang in the death of of seven the ratings and six Belgian soldiers, and wounding seven

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0830. Returned to beaches, contacted 350 troops of R.A.S.C.
and R.A.O.C. detachments, including Montenant Colonol and officers. with ascistance of 150 troops, large ship's lifebout was pulled down boach and successfully floated to accident embarlextion, but after removing good, dr take did not give sufficiont bucyancy to componsate for stove in gerboard stroke.
Scarlous lack of boats, reducing omborization rate to about 30 por hour with own bonts only. 227 troops orderhod remainder being cont off to Salamonder and dostroyers. Somo difficulty exporienced through persistent attempts of Large masses of French troops to intercept boats and domand passage Assisted by British troo a in heading off French submers by riflo fire from 50 yurds further along beach. Dunkirk burning with much molio. Miximm visibility, slight cloud. No. R.A.F. support aighted all day.
2600. Lovel bonbing attack on Sutton, Solvenndor, Grogliound and paddlors from 5000-10000 foot. Coo solvo pattom bombo without result. One salvo of H.S. straddling Station and paddlors, no lite.
One dive borbing attack on Suttom and Creyhound, noor nice started fire in Greyhound sundships. One line of 5 bombo aloco to G.H.).
on DOB front, on a line starting from centre of the town down beach and into don, final too bombo fulling such aldo of Service.
Comperitivoly mll bombo used, with incondinres, 000
of which got light to a drifter cable from Strtton which was sunk by paddlors gunfire. To R.A.P. support visible. for smll machine gun hits on Strtton. Greyhound budly damaged by bember and riddled with mahine on fire.
1706. Procoeded Dover, leaving La Panno during further air redd of Issu intensity, in company with Sulamander. No R.A.F. support visible on passage.
2300. Arrived off Dove, only, what. feld in progress, unchored
Chocrved plane at about 1500 foot drop three mignatic nines about
2 cables ahoad, coundo of nines strilling mor clearly andible.
Parashutos soon by several separate observers. signalied position of mines to V.A. Dovor.
mursday 30th. May. 0600. Proceeded into Dover, discharged troops.
1052. Proceeded Sheernues with one boilor. Drove fires in other boiler to make repairs to birlowork, damgod by bunb explosion.
1632. arrived Shoomoos, orderlood coal and ammittion.
riday State My. 0205. Left Shoorness in company with Lydd and Booo.
0400. Companyee maddenly produced a and 30 degrees of devintion,
Rose assumed load of dividion, Inter company dovintion improved and Subton responsed Lead.
0812. Arrived proceeded cust puballol to bonches passing
4 planes wrocked on he boach weat of two with Prench markings. 29. Passed Dunkisk harbour 1 cuble. Harbour fires. wall intect and little damage apparent from counard except Imgo
Continued DOID from bouch close work of
0835. high Hurricanes One 0.230 ship ounls alenguide cust plur of Dunicipt. 2
Sinfire, and Spitfires overhead, processing home of harbour, at
Fearch spood. and several cargo ships must court cast. continued groups Long column on the bonoh. Combinuous column about 1 wills dectroyers of troops surehing into Dunisive from long along bouch cast of
3 milon off is punno. wind Items force In frushering, troops with DOG
0906. slight Anchored but considerable mall.. Consenced loading
COMMANDING OFFICER
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

(2)
0830. Returned to beaches, contacted 350 troops of R.A.S.C.
and R.A.O.C. detachments, including Lieutenant Colonel and officers. With assistance of 150 troops, large ship's lifeboat was pulled down beach and successfully floated to assist embarkation., but after removing gear, air tanks did not give sufficient buoyancy to compensate for store in garboard strake.
Serious lack of boats, reducing embarkation rate to about 30
per hour with own boats only. 227 troops embarked, remainder being sent off to Salamander and destroyers. Some difficulty experienced through persistent attempts of large masses of
French troops to intercept boats and demand passage. Assisted by British troops in heading off French Swimmers by rifle fire from 50 yards further along the beach. Dunk rk burning with much smoke. Maximum visibility, slight cloud, No R.A.F. support sighted all day.
1600. Level bombing attack on Sutton, Salamander, Greyhound and paddlers from 5000-10000 feet. One salvo pattern bombs without result. One salvo of H.E. straddling Sutton and paddlers, no hits.
One dive bombing attack on Sutton and Greyhound, near miss started fire in Greyhound amidships. One line of 5 bombs close to G.H.Q.
on sea front, on a line starting from centre of the town down beach and into sea., final two bombs falling each side of Sutton.
Comparitively small bombs used, with several incendiares, one of which set light to a drifter 1 cable from Sutton which was sunk by paddlers gunfire. No R.A.F. support visible. Few small machine gun hits on Sutton. Greyhound badly damaged by bombs and riddled with machine gun fire.
1706. Proceeded Dover, leaving La Panne during further air raid of less intensity, in company with Salamander. No R.A.F. support visible on passage.
2300. Arrived off Dover, calm, mist, Air raid in progress, anchored.
Observed plane at about 1500 feet drop three magnetic mines about
2 cables ahead, sounds of mines striking water clearly audible.
Parashutes seen by several observers. Signalled position hursday 30th. May. 0600. Proceeded into Dover, discharged troops.
of mines to V.A.Dover.
1052. Proceeded Sheerness with one boiler. Drew fires in other boiler to make repairs to brickwork, damaged by bomb explosion
1632. Arrived Sheerness, embarked coal and ammunition.
riday 31st May. 0205. Left Sheerness in company with Lydd and Ross.
0400. Compasses suddenly produced 20 and 30 degrees od deviation,
Ross assumed lead of division, later compass deviation improved and Sutton re-assumed lead.
0812. Arrived Dunkirk, proceeded east parallel to beaches passing
4 planes wrecked on the beach west od Dunkirk, two with Franch markings. 0829. Passed Dunkirk harbour distant 1 cable. Harbour wall intact and little damage apparent from seaward except huge fires.
Continual gunfire, some from beach close west of Dunkirk.
0835. Hurricanes and Spitfires overhead, proceeding homewards at high speed. One cargo ship sunk alongaide east pier of harbour, 2
French destroyers and several cargo ships sunk east of Dunkirk.
Long columns of troops marching into Dunkirk from east, scattered groups on the beach. Continuous column about 1 mile long along
0906. Anchored off La Panne. Wind N.W. force 3, freshening, sea beach 3 miles east of Dunkirk.
slight but considerable swell. Commenced loading troops with

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Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at ehb tide in of line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerably by lack of control at shore end of pier to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without beding relieved of part tow of their heavy equipment. Some difficulty experienced in loading pontoons in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchored hocadside or sunk athead of pier
Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. Allowed to broach in to give a lee if necessary with oil &td provided. During embarkation awell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. 120 troops embarked mostly R.B.,
R.A., R.A.S.C. with a few infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Belgium treachery behind lines.
Country said to be filled with spies, night positions during retreat seen to be scignalled by flashlight to planes, bombed within half an hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being prepared and defencelessness against dive bombing also important factors.
1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Widd and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud.
1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next rendezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops.
1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel.
1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company with Niger.
Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlers.
2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shalling town.
Fires in Dunkirk more expensive.
2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sdgn of boats as expected.
2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only boat available run aground. Moved 1 mile eastward.
Saturday 1st June 0100: No troops yet contacted, No boats except
Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed parachute mines decending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern.
Mines reported dropped all over fairway.
0130. Commenced loading broops with our own motor boat and whaler and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motor yacht.
Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, 3. Yorks., and machine gun detachment. No. R.A.F. assistance before or after dawn.
Opened fire on occasional reconnaisance aircraft at dawn. One level bombing attack at about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst in the back whilst being helped over the side. This machine gun attack embarking wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving wounds undoubtedly would have been pressed home causing very heavy casualties but for concentrated Lewis gun and Bren gun fire from troops, who manned ships M.G. armament. Detachment of Guards also offered to provide Bren gun defence for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flying.

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0830. Returned to beaches, contacted 350 troops of R.A.S.C.
and R.A.O.C. detachments, including Licutenant Colonel and officers. With assistance of I50 troops, large ship's lifeboat was pulled down beach and successfully floated to assist embarkation, but after removing gear, air tanks did not give sufficient buoyancy to compensate for store in garboard strake.
Serious lack of boats, reducing embarkation rate to about 30
per hour with own boats only. 227 troops embarked, remainder being sent off to Salamander and destroyers. Some difficulty experienced through persistent attempts of large masses of
French troops to intercept boats and demand passage. Assisted by British troops in heading off French swimmers by rifle fire from 50 yards further along beach. Dunkirk burning with much smoke. Maximum visibility, slight cloud. No R.A.F. support sighted all day.
1600. Level bombing attack on Sutton, Salamander, Greyhound and paddlers from 5000-I0000 feet. One salvo pattern bombs without result. One salvo of H.E. straddling Sutton and paddlers, no hits.
One dive bombing attack on Sutton and Greyhound, near miss started fire in Greyhound amidships. one line of 5 bombs close to G.H.Q.
on sea front, on at line starting from centre of the town down beach and into sea, final two bombs falling each side of Sutton.
Comparitively small bombs used, with several incendiares, one of which set light to at drifter 1 cable from Sutton which was sunk by paddlers gunfire. No R.A.F. support visible. Few small machine gun hits on Sutton. Greyhound badly damaged by bombs and riddled with machine gun fire.
I706. Proceeded Dover, leaving La Panne during further air raid of less intensity, in company with Salamander. No R.A.F. support visible on passage.
2300. Arrived off Dover, calm, mist. Air raid in progress, anchored.
Observed plane at about 1500 feet drop three magnetic mines about
2 cables ahead, sounds of mines striking water clearly audible.
Parashutes seen by several separate observers. Signalled position of mines to V.A. Dover.
Thursday 30th May. 0600. Proceeded into Dover, discharged troops.
1052. Proceeded Sheerness with one boiler. Drew fires in other boiler to make repairs to brickwork, damaged by bomb explosion.
1632. Arrived Sheerness, embarked coal and ammunition.
Friday 31st May. 0205. Left Sheerness in company with Lydd and Ress.
0400. Compasses suddenly produced 20 and 30 degrees of deviation,
HOSS assumed lead of division, later compass deviation improved and Sutton re-assumed lead.
0812. Arrived Dunkirk, proceeded east parallel to beaches passing
4 planes wrecked on the beach west of Dunkirk, two with French markings. 0829. Passed Dunkirk harbour distant I cable. Harbour wall intact and little damage apparent from seaward except huge fires.
0835. Hurricanes gunfire, and Spitfires overhead, proceeding homewards at
Continual some from beach close west of Dunkirk.
high speed. One cargo ship sunk alongside east pier of harbour, 2
French destroyers and several cargo ships sunk east of Dunkirk.
Long columns of troops marching into Dunkirk from east, scattered groups on the beach. Continuous column about I mile long along beach 3 miles east of Dunkirk.
0906. Anchored off La Panne. Wind N.W. force 3. freshening, troops sea slight but considerable swell.. Commenced loading with

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Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at ebb tide in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading of boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerably by lack of control at shore end of pier to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without being relieved of part of their heavy equipment. Some difficulty experienced in loading tow of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling pontoons in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchored broadside or sunk at head of pier to give a lee if necessary with oil slick provided.
During embarkation, Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. allowed to broach in swell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. I20 troops embarked mostly
R.E., R.A. R.A.S.C. with a few infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F support and Belgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with spies, night positions during retreat seen to be signalled by flashlight to planes, bombed within half an hour of being established.
Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being prepared and defencelessness against dive bombing also important factors.
II37. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alonside Lydd. Wind and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud.
II50. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt Vessel to await time for next rendezv ous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops.
1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt Vessel.
I855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company with Niger.
Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlers.
2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distantI I cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of harbour, apparently enemy shelling town. Fires in Dunkirk more extensive.
2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sign of boats as expected.
2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only
Saturday Iss Junable roo. Saturday Isavailable.com No troops yet contacted. No boats except aground. Moved 1 mile eastward.
Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed parashute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and I cable astern. Mines reported dropped all over fairway.
0130. Commenced loading troops with own motor boat and whaler and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motoryacht.
Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, E. Yorks.
and machine gun detachment. No R.A.F assistance before or after dawn. Opened fire on occasional reconnaisance aircraft at dawn.
One level bombing attack at about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst embarking wounded from pontoons alongside, one casualty receiving wounds in back whilst being helped over the side. This machine gun attack undoubtably would have been pressed gun and causing Bren fire from troops, who manned ships L.G. armament.
home very heavy casualties but for concentrated Lewis
Detachment of gun Guards also offered to provide Bren gun defence for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flyiing

(2)
0830. Returned to beaches, contacted 350 troops of R.A.S.C.
and R.A.O.C. detachments, including Lieutenant Colonel and
202
officers. With assistance of 150 troops, large ship's lifeboat was pulled down beach and successfully floated to assist embarkation, but after removing gear, air tanks did not give.
sufficient buoyancy to compensate for stove in garboard strake.
Serious lack of boats, reducing embarkation rate to about 30 per hour with own boats only, 227 troops embarked remainder being sent off to Salamander and destroyers. Some difficulty experienced through persistent attempts of large masses of French troops to intercept boats and demand passage. Assisted by British troops in heading off French swimmers by rifle fire from 50 yards further along beach. Dunkirk burning with much smoke. Maximum visibility, slight cloud, No R.A.F. support sighted all day.
1600. Level bombing attack on Sutton, Salamander, Greyhound and paddlers from 5000-10000feet. One salvo pattern bombs without result. One salvo of H.E. straddling Sutton and paddlers, no hits.
One dive bombing attack on Sutton and Greyhound, near miss started fire in Greyhound smidships. One line of 5 bombs close to G.H.Q.
on sea front, on a line starting from centre of the town down beach and into sea, final two bombs falling each side of Sutton.
Comparatively small boats used, with several incendiaries, one of which set light to & drifter - cable from Sutton which was sunk by paddlers gunfire. No R.A.F. support visible. Few small machine gunshits on Sutton. Greyhound badly damaged by bombs and riddled with machine gun fire.
1706. Proceeded Dover, leaving La Panne during further air raid of less intensity, in company with Salamander. No R.A.F. support visible on passage.
2300. Arrived off Dover, calm, mist. Air raid in progress, anchored
Observed plane at about 1500 feet drop three magnetic mines about
2 cables ahead, sounds of mines striking water clearly audible.
Parachutes seen by several separate observers. Signalled position of mines to V.A. Dover.
Thursday 30th. May. 0600. Proceeded into Dover, discharged troops.
1052. Proceeded Sheerness with one boiler. Drew fires in other boiler to make repairs to brickwork, damaged by bomb explosion.
1632. Arrived Sheerness, embarked coal and ammunition.
Friday 31st. May. 0205. Left Sheerness in company with Lydd and Ross.
0400. Compasses suddenly produced 20 and 30 degrees of deviation,
Roas assumed lead of division, later compass deviation improved and Sutton re-assumed Lead.
0812. Arrived Dunkirk, proceeded east parallel to beaches passing
4 planes wrecked on the beach west of Dunkirk, two with French markings. 0829. Passed Dunkrik Harbour distant 1 cable. Harbour wall intast and little damage done apparent from seaward except huge fires.
Continual gunfire, some from beach close west of Dunkirk.
0835. Hurricanes and Spitfires overhead, proceeding homewards at the soattered harbour
Long columns of troops marching into Dunkirk from east, beach 3 miles east groups on the beach. Continious column about 1 mildalong of
Dunkirk. 0906. Anchored off La Panne, Wind N.W. force 3, freshening, with sea slight but considerable swell. Commenced loading troops
COMMANDING OFFICER
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

203
(3)
Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at abb tido in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading of boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerablyby lack of control at shore end of pior to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without being relieved of part of their heavy equipment. Some defficulty experienced in loading tow of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell and in handling pontoons in tow in provailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchordd broadside or sunk at Hoad of pior to give a lee if necessary with oil slick provided.
During embarkation, Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon.
Allowed to broach in swell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. 120 trags embarked mostly R.E., R.A., R.A.S.C. with a for infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Bolgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with updes, night positions during retreat seen to be signalled by flashlight to planos, bombed within half nn hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being propared and defencelossness against dive bombing also important factors.
1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Wind and sea increasing alightly, rather Low cloud.
1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next reddezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops.
1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel.
1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company ml. th Higer.
Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlors.
2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shelling tom.
Fires in Dunkirk more extensive.
2147. Anchored off beach between La Fanne and Dunkirk. No sign of boats as expected.
2235. Boat from shore reported troopa further to eastward, only boat available run aground. Moved 1 mile eastward.
Saturday 1st June 0100. No troops yet contacted. No boats except
Sutton's available. Several minelaying airoraft overhead, observed parachute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern. lines
0130. Commenced loading troops with own notor boats and whalar reported dropped all over fairway.
Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, X Yorks., and machine and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Lator assisted by motor yacht.
gun detachmont. No R.A.F. assistance before or after. dawn. Opened fire occasional reconnaisence aircraft at dawn. One level bombing wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving attack wounds in attack on of about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst embarking back whilst helped over the side. This machine gun but undoubtedly for would being been pressed home causing very heavy casualties manned
L.G. concentrated Detachment of Guards also offered to provide low gun have Lowis gun and Bron gun fire from troops, who Bron ships defence armsment. for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional flying
COMMANDING OFFICER
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"
to

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

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

Dyrom 391
il
368
June 5th, 1940.
1.
Lieut. A.J. Davies, R.N.V.R. -"Java" never got over the other side and was finally towed to Sheerness by "Gorecht"
2.
Lieut. A.N. Blundell, R.N.R. - "Bornrif" did three. trips between Ramsgate and beaches at Dunkirk. "King Orry" was sighted sunk off Dunkirk.
3.
Sub Lieut. R.H.C. Amos, R.N.V.R. - "Iote" was beached and abandoned after she had damaged her rudder while rescuing two of her crew, who had fallen overboard on the morning of Saturday June 1st. On night of Monday, June 3rd, Sub Lieut
Amos, R.N.V.R. and Sub Lieut. R.H. Wallace, R.N.V.R. were in a new but unnamed power life boat which was towed over to
SUN
Dunkirk by Tug XV "About..... (A).
On the 30th May D.S. "Horst" was known to have been abandoned.
4.
Sub Lieut. D.C. Williams, R.N.V.R. - left Ramsgate on the night of Su day, June 2nd in the "Kiteat". On the way over he became separated from the rest of the convoy. After doing some work the other side he towed the "Singapore" back to Dover and then on to Ramsgate on Monday, June 3rd.
5.
Lieut. R.W. Thomson, R.N.V.R. - After being discharged from the "AEGer", where he had proved lacking in experience, did
4 trips in the "DABB II", two of which were unsuccessful.
6.
Sub Lieut. C. Minchin, R.N. - Went to the beached in the
"LYDD" where he ferried until the boat broke down. She was abandoned and Minchin returned to Ramsgate in the "Lydd".
On Monday, against orders he tried to go over in the "Helfrinore" but she broke down.
7.
Sub Lieut. E.S. Foreman, R.N.V.R. - In the"Princess Freda"
he ferried from the beaches for a destroyer. He then worked for the Dutch "Besta" --?, who finally towed him back to Ramsgate.
8.
Sub Lieut. R.E. Blows, R.N.V.R. - Started in the "Minikoi"
but she was rammed and sunk by "MASB 6" off the downs at
0250 on Wed, May 29th. He next went over in the "Ambleve", which with the "Sambre" was towed over by the "Skipjack", for whom he ferried from the beaches. A crew from the
Skipjack releived his crew for 'stand-easy' and ran the
"Ambleve" aground. He and his crew returned in the
Skipjack. On Saturday, June 1st, he went over in a power life boat. She was damaged by near bombs but the engines continued to run.
9.
Sub Lieut. J.W. Pratt, R.N.V.R. - Ran aground in the
"Singapore" on beach at 0130 on Sunday June 2nd. She rfloated at 0800 and he left with three French Officers.
On the way he picked up two British soldiers who were
French Officers' water bottles. He passed the "Mosquito"
floating around'. These were revived with wine from the which was still afloat but had been deserted. In mid channel he found three life boats which he took in tow until his engines gave out and he was taken in tow by the "Kitkat".
10.
Sub Lieut. I.F. Smith, R.N.V.R. - In "Jong" helped to ferry home he sighted the "Iote" drifting round empty and troops from the beaches on Friday, May 31st. On way the "White Heather" empty but at anchor.

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate, good
569
the
533
From:- Sub.Lieut. F.N.Dann R.N.V.R.
Date:- June 5th 1940
To
:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Ld
*
May 27th Sent from H.M.S. King Alfred to H.M.S. Wildfire.
May 28th
1100
Ordered to fuel and provision about 20 motor yachts in harbour basin and other yachts continuously
1930
Left arriving. Sheerness for Dover in M.Y. Viewfinder, leading a convoy of six yachts all towing whalers. Other convoys followed astern.
lled
May 29th
0130
Arrived Dover. Moored alongside destroyer and
&
requested 0.0.W. to signal shore for orders.
n
The following civilian volunteers refused further on
0400
duty and were sent ashore:-
out
T.Lewis, John Bye, - Bye, J.Palmer all a total of six yachts and refuelled six them a to
0600
Left Collected Dover in Viewfinder leading a column of motor yachts viz.
Viewfinder
(myself) Three civilian volunteers)
Advance
S.L. Minchin R.N.)
Mann,
Hanora
(S.L. Bonham)
red
Bobeli Elizabeth Green (S.L. Snow)
Joined by One Reda other which fell in with us and re-completed which turned back.
0700
the column arrived of six. in convoy off Gravelines. None hit. Repeatedly
1400
All dive six machine gunned Panne from Beach the air. and ferried whalers
1500
1830
Viewfinder All full aboard Put Took two off arrived off of in troops whaler dragged off to La THE with ships aground was two at all in by anchor. ratings whaler excited soldiers to with Belgian abtain from No us soldiers room Viewfinder and help. soldiers. my left for
1900
Hanora's whateremasing and crew my loaded
Hanora who took whalers off my to H.M.S. Lydd

ELAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
57
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
Report by Sub,Lieut. F.N.Dann (Contd)
570
540
1900
Took charge of empty whaler, made up scratch crew of two ratings and one soldier and continued to ferry troops from beach to motor boats.
2030
Many badly wounded men taken aboard H.M.S.Lydd no skilled help available. Went aboard and did what I
could with others until ship reached Margate.
Handed charts to Reda.
1d
May 30th
Early morning landed from H.M.S.Lydd at Margate.
R
Sent on to Chatham.
May 31st
Returned to H.M.S.Wildfire Sheermess.
June 1st
Assisted at Sheerness with supplies and victualling.
1700
Left for Ramsgate in M.Y. Dianthus. Engine giving much trouble. Taken in tow by M.Y.Thark.
2200
Arrived Ramsgate
June 2nd.
Attempted to repair engine of Dianthus.
1600
Ordered to attempt to leave on tide and to contact
Rear Admiral Taylor's convoy.
lled
1930
Left inner basin. Raided stranded yacht for compass of etc.
in
2030
Left Ramsgate.
ien
2045
Helmsman badly cut by flying glass from window.
out
Brought him ashore for attention.
1 all
2115
Left Ramsgate again.
be to
2200
very troublesome. Stopping every mile or till 30.
Only Engine making good 21/2 knots, carried on course daylight.
June 3rd
0300
Between V and W Bouys sighted convoy returning. Decided
Man ved to return with convoy.
0900
June 4th
Arrived Standing Ramsgate. by and attempting to repair engine