TNA ADM 199 790

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N
2
The following REPORTS have been extracted from this file and are being forwarded under cover of Vice Admiral, Dover's letter concerning loss of ships during operation DYNAMO.
SKOOTS:
HORST
LENA
have been extracted:
under cover of VieST
NA
ships during on

Dynam. 311.
27
I
FROM Commander in Command Mine Recovery Flotilla,
27
DATE
10th June, 1940
North Shields.
TO
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate copy r. Cape Hultern
REPORT OF OPERATION ON NIGHT OF
3/4 June, 1940
Sir,
I have the honour to report the operation of the 5 scoots under my command on the night of
3/4 June.
2.
On being refused permission to take the drifters of the 2nd M.R. Flotilla, I was offered command of the 5 Dutch Scoots, "PASCHOLL",
"HORNSRUG", "REIGER", "LENA" and "BORNRIF".
3.
There was little time to make any arrangements and comminication was difficult. I made some rough orders on a signal pad and sent them round by the motor boat which took me on board "PASCHOLL".
4.
Under way about 1600 for RV at N. G odwin.
"REIGER" had meanwhile run aground on the Quern on a falling tide and was out of it.
5.
Proceeded in company without incident, timing my speed to reachlio. 12, buoy Dunkerque at 2230.
6.
My orders were to use Western pier Nouvean avant Port and on rounding Western mole I headed into the avant Port. I was unable to find enough water anywhere in this area so I came astern and headed for
West pier of the main harbour, which I could seeagainst the burning town.
7. go alongside West side of West Pier. They got their
Meanwhile 2 of my ships passed me and tried to bows up to pier but had a job getting their stern to and "LENA" which was the outside ship of the two grounded just off the pier. I got alongside east side and
"HORNSRUG" came alongside me.
8. very glad to find Commander H.R. TroMp, who said he had
The Pier was full of French troops and I was appointed himself Piermaster.
He and I were unable to get a tug to pluck
"LENA" off and finally had to take the men off and leave her.
Lieut. Wise, R.N.V.R., and his Sub Lieut. were meanwhile 9. loading the ship with men and "HORNSRUG" destroyer was also loading vessel alongside each side astern of us. Cormander of across my decks. There was a escort complete control of the situation in spite and
Tromp had almost lost his voice, and without his help have been having judgment the loading of 5 ships at once would difficult.

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. in the Jug. Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Durkich at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandettee Bany, other
549
Report by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd).
- 519
centre jetty and embarked French troops (approx
50 in number). Discharged troops to steamer lying outside and returned for further load.
Were informed that there were 700 troops aboard &
steamer aground off Nouveau Avant Port so proceeded alongside and took off 39 French troops.
As it was approaching daylight Cormdr. Troop decided to return to base with load.
0200
Off entrance of harbour we were struck on portside by two French motor vessels in rapid succession and holed on port side amidships and portside for'd. Forepeak rapidly filled with water so we proceeded alongside paddle sweeper "Westward
Ho" which was on point of leaving.
As "Westward HO" already had her engines moving and wash from her paddles was causing "Haig" to fill rapidly, speedy abandonment was necessary and all hands and troops boarded "Weatward Ho"
by port paddle-box door.
3rd June.
0700 Landed Margate.
ben June.
1530 Having been asked by Commander Hammond, D.S.O.,
D.S.C., R.N. to come as his navigating officer, boarded schoot "Pascholl" (Lt. Wise R.N.V.R.)
and proceeded (Cmmdr. Hammond in command) with
"Lena", "Hondsrug" and another in company with orders toreach Dunkirk No. 12 W buoy at 2300.
Courses and speed as requisite for Dunkirk.
2300
On arrival at Dunkirk entered harbour and endeavoured to find Jetty in Nouveau Avant Port.
This was not practicable owing to insufficient water so proceeded alongside centre jetty (East side) and embarked 255 French troops. During embarkation enemy action was conspicuous by its absence and all was quiet.
th June.
0200
Left Jetty in order to allow other vessels to come alongside and set course and speed as requisite for Ramsgate. Left by X route and arrived off
N. Goodwin L/V at 0630. Owing to insufficient water in Ramsgate and inability to anchor,
Channel and up Ramsgate Channel, arriving in time proceeded to Downs by Gull Stream and Downs to enter harbour at 0815. Discharged troops.