TNA ADM 199 790

159
3
164
Engineer left. Officer. There was very little H.A. ammunition t.June. 10. Immediately were dischar ed at Margate I
sailed again for Dunkerque. On the way there I passed
H.M.S.HAVANT, in distress behind Dyke Shoal. "HAVANT"
was on fire for'd SO I jettisoned my depth charges, placed
ARGATE
my stern under her bows and took er in to: on my sweep wires. Only very slow speed could be made as her helm
UNKERQUE.
WAS over and she paravaned over to the side and pulled my stern over. During this time the ship was subject to frequent and savy bombing and machine gun attacks -
at one time there very 40 aircraft OV rhead. Many salvoes of bombs fell near to the shipp mostly on the starboard quarter and port bom, some were within 30 feet of the
M.S.
ship. Most of the bombs were small but some were large.
AVANT.
Splinters from the bonbs and sprayfrom their splach fell on board fret uently. It Was very nociteable that nearly all the splinters were very small and far too light to do damage, although the force of the explosion burst open the wheelhouse doors and shattered the windows which are protected by splinter mats. I believe most of the larger splint THE passed ever the ship, there trajectory presumeably being nearly vertical on bursting, them fanning out and coins further than the light ones. This
Dombing completely upsat ay compass. Machine run attacks
Mere also experienced, also from the starboard quarter and port bow. These were attempts to rake the ship fore and aft, but were all aimed too hi h; very faw bullets were found on board fterwards, all being ni ses over.
The enemy made three mistakes during each attack.
1. He estimated the course Oil & line through "HAVANT"
and "SALTASH". Actually "HAVAME" was abo 10°
on the quarter.
2. its over estimated the speed.
3. He over estimated the hight of our decks above water.
Had he been correct in 1. he would a Ve scored nany hits with bombs, and if correct in 8. would have caused many casualties on deck. No casualties were xperienced and no major damage was done. During this time I believe the "HAVANT" was also subjected to attack. I had now only two round of H.A. high explosive left, a few shrapnel and six pans of lewin gun ammunition. 4 in. L.A. sun was used against low flying aircraft, but without any noticeable affect. 12 pdr. and levis gun seemed to disturb the enemy.
11.
Later the Commanding Officer of H.M.S.HAVANT decided to abandon ship, as sue appeared to be codus to turn over at any moment. In my judgment, also, she was bound to had several large holes in her side near the deak level.
capsize shortly and then would inevitably sink, as she channel and sink in a dangerous position, or, more
As, after capsimin and micht possibly drift towards the

226
SECRET²⁴¹
Subject.. Personnel. Recommendations for Services in Action.
From.....
Date
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S.BIDEFORD.
June 6th. 1940. NO.....
To
The Vice Admiral Commending. Lover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on the conduct of By officers and ships company during the period May 29th - May 31st. 1940.
2. The general behaviour of the personnel was excellent. There was a feeling of great satisfaction throughout the ship when the orders to proceed to Dunkirk were recieved,
3. The behaviour of the nen under fire was exemplary.
There were no signs of panic or fear; orders were passed and recleved clearly, and were executed rapidly and correctly. All did their duty caluly and efficiently.
4. Great credit for the general organisation of the ship to meet emergencies is due to the late Lieutenant PAUL
ALISTAIR STEWART R.N., the Executive officer and Gunnery officer of the ship.
5. No acts of exceptional gallantry were observed, but I wish to bring to your special notice the two following cases of very great devotion to duty:-
I. Surgeon Lieutenant JOHN JORDAN. MB. B.Ch. R.N.
This officer by his conduct, zeal and unswerving devotion to duty throughout the period May 29th - May 31st.
was an outstanding example to us all. His Sick Borth Attendant seriously wounded; with limited resources, he competed with some fifty casualties, many horribly autilated or dangerously wounded. He performed sever 1 major operations; he organised his limited resources to their utmostn; throughout the period h he attended his patients continuously, and at all times displayed great Dility, patience and understanding. No effort was too much for him, no call was left unanswered; he was completely selfless. He upheld the traditions of the Royal Navy and of his profession in a most worthy nanner. It is considered that he TO
would be the very worthy recipient of a decoration in recogniti of his services.
GEORGE CROWDER
II. No.7354480. Private WILLIAM CROWDER.
6th. Field Ambulance " Company.
England. After the ship was struck by bonbs he volunteered
This man wasembarked from Bray Beach for passage to an hour later S.M.S.Kellett came alongside to take off all troops immediately to assist the Surgeon in tending the wounded, About promptly said he would remain in H.W.S.Hideford and continue embarked, because this was considered most advisable. Crowder
Bideford the very severly damaged and aground; at that time tending wounded. He did yhis knowing full well that thatH.M.S.
it was considered was highly improbable the ship would England. reach

II.
26y
(NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S. FRISO DURING
283
OPERATION DYNAMO)
Friday 31st May (contd) During the mornang one of the Beachmasters came off to me and endeavoured to persuade ae to beach the ship
(HEBE & SURSOM CORDA) were doing so very successfully. As it was so as to lead quicker, pointing out that two other smaller skoots now a falling tide with an onshore wind I refused. For this I
was later very glad as both other skoots shor tly afterwards became stuck on the beach and were unable to get off. (HKBE came off at the next high water. During the forenoon I hailed a large motor driven pleasure boat, got him alongside no and transferred
256 men to him. By about 1230 I had onboard 648 men and space was extremely cramped. I had delayed my departure hoping that a destryer or other fast craft would appear and take my load from me so that I could fill up again. However as another skoot appeared
I slipped my anchor (the capstan being again defective) and sailed.
Just as I was about to leave Dunkirk Roads I was hailed by a Fleet
Minesweeper and ordered to tow a Drifter full of troops to Dover.
By 1330 the Drifter was in tow and we were proceeding at about
5 knots. At approximately 1400 a Heinkel appeared out of the low cloud and at a height of 350 feet released a large bomb, probably
500 lbs, and as he passed over he opened fire with machine guns.
The bomb fell on my Port quarter batween ate and the Drifter.
Luckily the Bomb exploded below the surface and beyond violently shaking both ships no ajur major damage was done. The force of the explosion caused my compans to jump out of its gimbals.
Certain damage was done to Auxiliary Machinery in the Engine Room.
After we had been proceeding for about half an hour we were shelled by the Nieuport Battery. As the third salvo straddled us I decided to risck the navigational dangers and cut across the snadbanks 80
as to present the minimum target and to open the range as fast as possible. Luckily the Enemy never found the range again. Thick fog was encountered at about 1830.
On making the North Goodwin Light Vessel I discovered that the Shaking up had caused a 30 dgree error in the compass.
During the cassage through the Downs the tow parted on several occasions due to the wash of fast moving vessels.
At about 0100 on Saturday lat June I was about 1
cable from the entrance to Dover Harbour when I was bombed again.
This time it was only a very small bomb, which although a very near miss only wetted the troops on the port aide aft. There were no casualties from machine gun fire. At 0130 I secured alongside Admiralty Pier Dover. At 0230 we shifted billet and secured for the night for which I was very grateful an we had been running continuously for over three days and I had had no sleep for 90 hours. On Saturday temporary repairs were At effected 1700
to the and provisions and water ware embarked.
where as I could not anchor I secured in the Inner
I proceeded Engine to Ramsgate with HEBE in company arriving Harbour. at 2000,
Sunday and Monday 2nd & 3rd June respectively permanent On were effected to the Engine in and Capatan. they were When all repairs brought to immediate notice case required skoots were it was decided that FRISO Harbour. was not sufficiently reliable again and so was left in the Inner
I and on Friday were in the Boats at the time cannot speak too highly of ay crew for 7/4 who hours worked continuously, The 0 nly men being onboard and myself. were without my First & Lieutenant break. one seamen and the B.R.A.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
VICE
ADMIRAL
Your obedient servant,
JUN1940
DOVER
Lieutenant.
Royal Navy.

Page 1.
NARRATIVE.
290
SIGNALS.
Scorth Goodwin Light in company with "Dundalk", signal to "Niger" be used to was carry given. out ferry service between Sheerness
Informed V.A.D. and R.A.D. Time of arrival La Panne 0700.
ered both whalers and motor-bost and sent them inshore.
Teach. 1 considerable surf was running. There was no one soon as the boats arrived in they were seized by soldiers.
overleaded and capsized.
R.A.D. from "Niger"
regarding the final evacuation wa s received giving the
1. V.A. D's 0357 intend to dezvous and time. As "Niger" then scareely any troops fill up with troops now to R.A.D. in "Keith" with the Idea of saving time.
and If unable to make 20
but R.A.D. instructed yachts to fill up "Niger" first.
-ndervous in time tonight
1045 "Niger" had over 200 troops on board when it was will ask him to supply spare ship.
Sheerness in order to save Before sailing
1. "Niger" from R.A.D.
R.A.I In consequence Lieutenant Hichens R.N.V.R.
You should leave in time two yachts as pantoons, secured grass lines to the to make rendezvous tonigh
Manised the boats pulley-haldy on these lines. I was work made the most tremendous difference to the rate of
-$ whether full or not.
Spart from making it comparatively safe and avoiding the
/3. R.A.D. from "Higer"
aldiers which was extremely high in the early morning,
I have one officer who frequently.
has volunteered to stay at Admiralty pier.
ashore and assist on the beach. He is confident
4 Sailed immediately.
that with a grass line and a yacht suchored in in 38 fathoms. "Niger" and group 3 were to westward.
close he will get all lowered as the evacuation was timed for 0030 and it was soldiers off quickly. I
last shore motor boats would be used.
have great confidence in him and intend to leave
Time off with some 30 soldiers under the commend of Sub.-Lieut.him behind.
had been towed by tug Tanya. Sub.Lieut. Byggott who had
4. Nost immediate.
Shumb reported that there were 150 soldiers abreast the ship
F.0.Dover.S.N.0.Dunkirk moved to the westward to Bray. two whalers and the motor from V.L.D.
gred and sent in. A fairly heavy surf was still running.
tray wishes to commence evacuation 2030. Instruct
.v.r. (Name anknown) from THE San nill. anda off from beach
A B if 100 1
motor-boat in and another a shipse boat boat and were that aground there were with about some 50 60 more sold beaches at this time.
off returned 30 empty about this time orders and reported to that they
The They Cox'n reported later that the left. boats had got off before were at once sent in with tow the other boats
Sand that there were no soldiers of came alongside with hander Brigadiers the orders Robb and that to move all the further other to
Balso eastward seen from the shore and from troops the troops of were me. Shortly afterwards this our boats time onwards returned with off Bray. I
larly but slowly.
large took a numbers were seen to be floats. on the These beach and ers transport, but towed were also sent in and was on nearly and swam low off. water, "Niger" was about three cables from the continously u from Nieuport throughout the night.
ried out machine-gun attacks on the ships and beaches. Several
N.O.1/c Ramage let
330 troops on board "Niger" weighed and proceeded, from Major "Sutton" General @th,5th,6th Nore, Speedy M.S.F.C.IN N.O.1/c Shee C
Salamander* troops that the troops had been ordered to remained and a message was received proceed to
-rness from V.A.D.
All available ships operating under V.A.Dove:
ceeded "Sutton" in company, in accordance with' shore. signal In No.45 accand M.S.F.s' addressed are required to evacuate tonight Saturday. Ships t from chor 1 instructions 1 mile east from of Dunkirk, Admirel's 3.5 motor cables boat, "Sutton" proceeded
-0 sail to arrive off beaches between Dunkirk and a point It miles Eas abark troops.
-t at 2200/lst June.Ship worked a ship's from boat the borrowed beach, the from motor S.S. boat Vren was in Dover, lowered the together other whhler-s sail.Ships equipment which have are report not not D.G. to forth ded in the ashore morning. Lieutenant Hichens, R.P., and R.N.V.R. no other in boats charge. being Licutensnt worked. heto with comply.A be whether shown dimmed shoreward they lightis can occeded no troops along on the the beach beach towards waiting Dunkirk. About 5 He cables endeavoured westward to gewhen in 1510/1/6. position.
chments start emberkation of French troops but had drawn considerable up on the difficulty. beach. Finally he found

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised Dynamso ds. 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
$5
10
55
1
An
Dynam
349
lasman
60
355
65
TER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
DNI
n
70
7010
3347
4
during daylight. About half-way across a French trawler with an open boat in tow was hailed. He reported having picked the boat up with soldiers off Dunkirk and it was thought this might be the boat for which we were searching. To make sure we proceeded to Dunkirk where two open boats and a Thames barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spaniards, the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and
English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at approximately 1330. This was found to contain about 320
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charts on board. The air compressor motor was made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left 1st Lieut., Leiut. Dehammel with instructions opened the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
to sail the my barge to Dover; and proceeded along the coast having
About two up miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to within of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course was set to intercept the Thames barge.
by approximately eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 were the dropped
At 1720 when out of sight of land bombs we were attacked
The fell at to attack in pairs out dive of the sun and eight six distances or varying from 10 to 50 yards of and ship.
having bombers appeared their bombs continued their endeavour firing to machine- miss guns. the Course was appeared to explode after entering water, released altered frequently in an the some bombs. Some the surface and & certain number appeared ahead and not the to explode at all. the splash. A certain amount who were exposed was on striking One exploded under the bow right of discomfort ship passed through myself and members of the crew hours or 80. to experienced the by eyes for the next twelve manning
Able-Seaman Power of the soldiers in the fore to peak. return to Dover now had splash in the was wounded in the leg when As I the port wounded on board ask for assistance for barge sailing turret also one I considered it advisable the barge. A tug was forthwith and approximately to 2100 and found the Deut. Dehammel well sent out at from Dover. I consider Sub. bombing to performed a very subjected had caused leaks for that night's the about 10 miles creditable operation. The to the hull which and petrol the ship tank had and been the ship was not used again operation.

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised Dyrams. & S. 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
$5
100
55
1
An
Dynam
355
349
Ahel Tasman. 60
65
TTER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
a
70
353
during daylight. About half-way across a French trawler with an open boat in tow was hailed. He reported having picked the boat up with soldiers off Dunkirk and it was thought this might be the boat for 14 ich we were searching. To make sure we proceeded to Dunkirk where - two open boats and & Thames barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards, the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and English. No then went alongside the Thanes barge at approximately 1330.
This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, ⑉ note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new platon to the air compressor motor while the let.Lieut. and myself trimed the sails.
They had no charge on board. The air compressor motor was made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my 1st,Lieut., SublLient. Delhamel with instructions to sail the barge to Dover, and proceeded along the coast having opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing approximately three miles of the coast alightly to the eastward of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course was set to intercept the Thanes barge.
by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bomba were dropped
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attached
The bombers at appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and and fell distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
having released their bombs continued their dive firing machine- to guns. Course was altered frequently in an endeavour miss the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water, at on striking exploded under the box right discomfort a ome the surface and a certain,appeared ahead and not the to ship explode passed all. One the splash* A certain amount who of were exposed was the experienced by the x eyes for the next twelve manning the through myself and members of the crew hours or 80. to splash in wounded in the leg when part
Able-Seaman Power of was the soldiers in the fore to peak. return As to Dover I now had wounded on board ask for assistance for the the barge. barge sailing well was turrets also one I considered it advisable A tug sent forthwith out and to 8100 and I consider found Sub.Lieut, Delfammel about performed 10 a very creditable subjected had operation. caused leaks The for to bombing the that bull night's to which and the the petrol ship tank had and been the ship was not used again operation.

358
364
Page II
proceed at slow speed. "Express" arrived at midnight and troops a trawler to escort "Jaguar" who was later able to were performance. disembarked, the number of wounded making this a slow
Having completed with fuel "Express" left
Dover by route Y at 0920 30th May,arrived alongside Dunkirk pier at 1245 and with about 800 troops onboard sailed at 1315
arriving Dover 1650. Ship sailed again by route Y at 1800
and arrived off La Panne beach at 2130 and commenced embarking troops by ships and other small boats.
At 0250 31st May Rear Admiral Dover Straits and staffembarked and later "Express" acted as desired by the
Rear Admiral who transferred to "Keith" at 0700/31. More troops were embarked and having got about 600 onboard including Major-
General Thorne I proceeded to Dover arriving at 1115.
"Express" sailed again by route Y at 1215.
While passing 511 buay the ship came under fire from Gravelines batteries and was straddled. This fire was returned.
On arrival off Dunkirk roads all ships present engaged enemy aircraft intermitiently who were carrying out bombing attacks and the prospect of going alongside the
Eastern side of Dunicirk Pier was investigated. At about 1700 dive bombing attacks on Destroyers off Bray was particularly heavy.
Two attacks were carried out on "Express",one salvo was a near miss ahead, and the other straddled, five depth charge type bomba falling close all round the ship. Aircraft were heavily engaged and no damage was sustained except for small breakages. At 1830
"Express" again entered Dunkirk and embarked about 700 troops sailing at 1900.
Shortly after a large number of enecty bonbers and fighters attacked ships approaching Dunkirk including a large number of small craft. Several aircraft were seen to be destroyed as a result of our aircraft attacking.
After disemberking troops at about 2300/31
"Express" proceeded to oil and at about 0400 1st June secured to buoy and made good small defects including severed Coll.
At 2200 2nd June "Express" left Dover and arrived off Dunkirk where there was considerable congestion and I was unable to get wires secured - the bonhardment appeared alongside. Ship entered at 0200/3 but the pier una eapty of troops this time. The Rear Admiral accordingly to return to Dover in company with "Codrington"
and ships arrived there at 0500.
into North Goodwin which persisted until to buay. sink
"Express" proceeded at 2200 3rd June aya and ran as Dunkirk at presumed mine. explosion. "Express" British Beach
Arrived thick fog off 0230/4 where an unknown ship was seen secured to party. pier and embarked appeared to be not quite after passing on the a result of a 600 French Proops and the 80 heavy as the previous The bombardment night. ht. The ship mailed at 0300 and through rog in the Downa arrived Dover at 0610.
At 1200 "Express" and "Windsor" sailed for
Portamouth.
About 3500 troopa had been whichet transported.
red to be mailed at at 0610.

From
Lieut: WykehamH Martin.
Dynam.
223.
Alulol
1352
1st Ideut: of "Alice', D.B.2.
15
Date 7th June 1940.
TO V.A. Dover.
Report on Dynamo Operation.
15
Alice left Southampton at 2030/26/5/40
and at Dover was directed to beach herself at
La Panne, to fac litate unloading of cargo of
250 tons of provisions.
This operation was carried out at
0800/28 by Alice and Kaap Falga, the former having rescued Pilot Sergeant T.BOYD 516716
of 213 Fighter Squadron, who had descended by parachute.
Two hours later he was transfered to Able Tasman, also beached at La Panne as it was thought that she would be the first to return, Alice and Kaap Falga having received orders to refloat as soon as possible and beach themselves again after dark at Bray Beaches, there to land some provisions and evacuate soldiers before daylight.
Lieut: Slater (C.O. Alice ) and Lieut
Beale (C.O. Kaap Falga) landed to make definità arrangements with G.H.Q. for the evening's operation.
Whilst they were ashore four bomb and Machine gun attacks were carried out against the three ships beached and the Military ashore
About 1400/29,Major P.De Havilland, of at unea
G.H.Q. four soldiers, himself being wounded, with instructions
(D.A.Q.M.G.) arrived on board Alice with
29
for me to try and get in touch with a destroyer cut immediately, and he wished to report to the War Office as his communications had been the
28
seriousness of the situation.
stated that Germans would be occuppying evening
Dunkirk and He advancing along the coast that due to the capitulation of Belgian Troops for told him of the intentions he had the evening evacuation Bray Beaches, where the provisions were
I and he told me that troops falling just come back from on La Panne, and that were no longer required mentioned there. that the beach Channel. at Bray was under He also was the Zudycote he said fire,as
Two naval leg. and one had taken been to hit one the
Military From his description Slater I (Alice)
conclusion that it was Lieut: Beale (Kaap Falga)
who who I spoke was was KIlled wounded. to Lieut and Slater Lieut: was I was also over wrong; unharmed. the phone, since on and June6th he assured me but that due Lieut Efforts Beale were made bullets the to aircraft of the engine, up.

II.
16
hoping bullet holes therby I gave when to flood orders the to engine flood all ballsst the is
I the tide rose.
recognition giving signal the tables and the route the secured the charts and burnt boarded KaapFalga where I took over command before order to abandon ship, order, then refloating Kaap Falga.
from Liett.Culmer R.N.V.R. who had succeeded in
It was now about 1630/29 and there was no sign of life on the beaches as everyone was still taking cover due to aidcraft overhead.
We proceeded due north from La Panne over the sandbanks into Nieuport Roads, as I
had been imformed by Major P.De Havilland that the Zudycote Channel was under fire.
The presence of enemy sircraft overhead prevented the destroyers sighted from stopping to receive our message. The destroyers were, however, steaming in the direction of Dunkirk,
Which I assumed to be in German Hands and I
assumed that they had somehow heard of the fall of
Dunkirk., and were on their way to Bombard.
I then decided not to return to Bray
Beaches that night, because:-
1. According to my imformation there would be no troops there to receive our stores.
2. If they wanted food at La Panne the
Alice was still aground with 250 tons aboard, which I was unable to destroy by fire due to the proximity of the Able Tasman with munitions aboard.
3. Major De Havilland's message was still underlivered.
.Kaap Falga had a deck cargo of over 20 tons and the crew of Alice and the other four soldiers took up nearly all the available space.
Kaap Falga reported arrival in Downs at
0300/29th through H.M.S. Holdfast on examination service.
NO orders were received and about 1200/31
I steamed Kaap Falga to Dover, where I reported to the Dynamo Operation Room.
which was completed by 0900/1st fell June.
It was decided to unload Kaap Falga,
During operation the unloading one Army Stevedore drowned.
off the in the dark and was made.)
( A separate jetty report has already been stand to At Dunkerk leaving there of evacuation. later
1600/1 KaapFalga was ordered not to than 0300/2 by go to this was the last night throttle as two hours funning at a to asphyxiating the engine room fumes and gaoke This coming pipe from was a red pipe
After had to be evacuated due leading off the silencer. close past the ready used use fuel hot tanks and and since pump it only led slow speed of fire. could be owing to Ship the serious anchored at danger anchor off Ramsgatea all effect night at repairs about as even if
2130/1 expert and aid remained could be obtained reach to Dunkirk by 0300/2.
it capable to engine, officers was block now which of the from The I maintaining impossible was maximum running for speed to was Dover and 5 imformed I next afternoon empty 50 the reckoned to silencer 70 ship. me degrees KaapFalga that were Engineer not the badly wishing centigrade coked up'.
Kaap above Falga normal, was not therefore employed that

21
21
19
FICER-TROLLA
WE
Lieut. H.R.Wykeham-Nartin, R.N.
( 1st. Lieut. 'Alice')
MADate 1940
05
31
29/5/40
OUTHRMPTO
F.O.I.C., Southampton,
Report
Dynamo Force 28/5/40 (Dutch vessels 'Alice', 'Caap Falga',
(store ships) and'Able Tasman' (aminition ship).
Proceeded from Southampton 26/5/40 and thence received instructions at Dover to proceed to La Panne and beach these ships to facilitate unloading cargo. This operation was carried out at
0800 28/5/40 by 'Alice' and 'Caap Falga', the former having rescued aSgt. Pilot who had descended from a disabled Spitfire by parachute, he was afterwards transferred to 'Able Tasman'.
Com. Crick landed to report to G.H.O. He returned at 0900 with
'Able Tasman (Lt. Com. Crick) arrived earlier at 0600 when It.
orders to refloat 'Alice' and "Caap Falga' and send then to Beary
Beaches where provisions were required and certain Army units were to be evacuated.
ded Falga Lt, Sclater to R.N. (Capt. of'Alice) and Lt. Beale from R.N. G.H.O. (Capt. and of request *Caap that boats acertain definite requirements 'Alice'and'Caap Falga' at Bray Beach being inadvisable might be to sent beach to their ships again owing to the appares
Meanwhile ent existance of enemy aircraft there. attacks were made on these ships and the four bomb and machine-gun after which Major P.de Havilland soldiers, arrived ashore, on board 'Alice' with four and get in with the instructions to the try situation to the
Genermans were his communications Dunkirke having and, that forces at Bray were with a destroyer immediately to report been cut. He stated that
Beaches were advancing from on La Panne and that provisions evacuation no longer required falling or bach possible to land as complete
.00
He was Lt. reported anticipated that Lt. Sclater had been killed and had near been him taken and to that the
Military Hospital had been
Beale wounded in the leg
The
See/orer.

First Lieut. then abandoned Alice and took his crew and Major De Haviland (wounded)
25
and 4. soldiers to Kaap Falga where 1st. Lieut. Alice took command. Major De.
Havilland of G.H.Q came on board with instructions for Kaap Falga to go to sea
25
and try and intercept a destroyer so that he could report by m/t to the War Office the seriousness of the situation. No. Destroyer would stop so Kaap Falga returned to the Downs and reported arrival. Then to Dover where stores were cleared by 09.00
1st. Kaap Falga's engines were badly coked up and in attempting to return to
Dunkirk at 22.00 1st. they overheated to such an extent that the Ship could not make suffient speed to reach Dunkirk by 03.00 2nd. the latest hour that ships had been ordered to stay off Dunkirk.
Due to the possibility of this defect Kaap Falga was not used on the night of June 2nd.
the last night of the evacuation.
Sailed for Poole 14.30/3 arrived 12.00/5
PACIFIC
A
Lieut. Comdr..Skrine R.N. Lieut. Triscott R.N.R.
Sat.25th. May Crews for Dutch Skoots proceeded from ortsmouth to Poole where they arrived about noon and were detached for these vessels.
Pacific proceeded at 14.00 leaving discharged dutch crew at Brownses Island. Was ordered to anchor at Yarmouth for the night.
Sun. 26th. May. Weighed at 0.430 and proceeded for Portsmouth Harbour at 09.3.0
Being Senior officer of the Party I went ashore and arranged for stores and swinging etc. No sailing orders were obtainable until about 19.00 when we were ordered to complete swinging as soon as possible and sail at once for Newhaven. Accordingly sailed at dark with Amazone Atlantic Zeus & Pascholl in company (wega and San Antonio)
has broken down)
Monday 27th. May. Arrived off Newhaven at 04.00 and was ordered to anchor outside
Lay at anchor all day awaiting orders. At dark received orders to sail for downs in company with a party of skoots that had previously arruved Newhaven. Weighed and
Proceeded
Tues. 28th. May Arrived Dover about 08.00 and berthed alongside 09.00. Went ashore and having ascertained the possible nature of the operation made arrangements for sandbags first aid outfits etc., to be supplied to my party of Skoots by noon
However an air raid warning intervened and none of these stores had been received
13.00 received orders to sail forthwith. Sailed about 13.00 and took over a large lifeboat at sea from one of the slower skoots who was dropping behind. Pacific gradually overhauled the other four skoots and I think was the first of this party to reach La Panne.
From No. 6 E Buoy we proceeded at slow speed 180 straight for the beach where in answer to our hail a shout was raised by the soldiers on the beach. The intention waswas to turn to Port and anchor off. However partly due to the fact that the larger ships were closer in than I anticipated but mainly due to my leadsman failing to obtain any sounding at all we grounded on a bank of sand before we had turned
90° This occured at 23.00 We sent the large Lifeboat ashore with 3 of our 5 hands and instructed them to take off men to other ships as with the wind blowing inshore it was not certain that we should get off, With the remaining two hands we laid out a kedge on our Port quarter. By going full astern and heaving on the kedge we got afloat when the tide rose at 02.00
29th. May. The ships lifeboat and skiff was then sent inshore and 1 officer and
7 men were brought off to Pacific before the boats lost touch with her in the dark
They did howver bring several par ies off to other ships. Verbal orders had been received before leaving Dover to leave shore before03.3 being anxious to recover boats and men Pacific remained inshore till daylight finally sailing at 04.30
when it seemed liekly that the boats and crews had been embarked by other ships.
Rerurned to Dover by route Y arriviving about 16.30 and disembarked troops. No orders were immediately available but verbal orders were subsequently received to embark water and provisions and sail about 22.00 Application was made for the balance of complument and I was informed that I should be sent 3 hnds from
Montvera. These did not arrive until 02.40 at which time Pacific sailed for Dunitirk.
30th. May. The morning of 30th May was misty at about 08.20 when crossing Le Dyck bank there was a violent underwater explosion about two cables on the Starboard bow
No aircraft was about and it is supposed that it was a torpedo which had exploded on the Bank. No vessel was in sight Arrived off the beach 09.00 about 1 mile E
of Dunkirk and anchored close in. We had no boat of our own but collected two from a skoot that was just leaving, conditions as regards surf were pretty good but boats very waterlogged and no boat was obtainable all day. By 16.00 my crew were exhausted by pulling those boats in and out from the hore all as I had 30 Officers and 620
men aboard I decided to sail. We might have had many more in half the time if a motor boat had been available. Accordingly sailed at 16.00 When crossing the
Inner Ratel Bank attacked by by two of a flight of three fighters with machine guns. They scored was & few hits on the ship and injured noñody. Had nothing but a pistol with which to reply.

II.
62
(NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S. FRISO DURING
61
OPERATION DYNAMO)
Friday 31st May (contd) During the moráing one of the Beachmasters came off to me and endeavoured to persuade me to beach the ship so as to lead quicker, pointing out that two other smaller skoots
(HEBE & SURSOM CORDA) were doing so very successfully. As it was now a falling tide with an onshore wind I refused. For this I
was later very glad as both other skoots shor tly afterwards became stuck on the beach and were unable to get off. (HEBE came off at the next high water. During the forenoon I hailed a large motor driven pleasure boat, got him alongside me and transferred
250 men to him. By about 1230 I had onboard 648 men and space was extremely cramped. I had delayed my departure hoping that a destryyer or other fast craft would appear and take my load from me so that I could fill up again. However as another skoot appeared
I slipped my anchor (the capstan being again defective) and sailed.
Just as I was about to leave Dunkirk Roads I was hailed by a Fleet
Minesweeper and ordered to tow a Drifter full of troops to Dover.
By 1330 the Drifter was in tow and we were proceeding at about
5 knots. At approximately 1400 a Heinkel appeared out of the low cloud and at a height of 350 feet released a large bomb, probably
500 lbs, and as he passed over he opened fire with machine guns.
The bomb fell on my Port quarter between me and the Drifser.
Luckily the Bomb exploded below the surface and beyond violently shaking both ships no xjer major damage was done. The force of the explosion caused my compass to jump out of its gimbals.
Certain damage was dome to Auxiliary Machinery in the Engine Room.
After we had been proceeding for about half an hour we were shelled by the Nieuport Battery. As the third salvo straddled us I decided to risck the navigational dangers and cut across the snadbanks so as to present the minimum target and to open the range as fast as possible. Luckily the Enemy never found the range again. Thick fog was encountered at about 1830.
On making the North Goodwin Light Vessel I discovered that the Shaking up had caused a 30 dgree error in the compass.
During the oassage through the Downs the tow parted on several occasions due to the wash of fast moving vessels.
At about 0100 on Saturday 1st June I was about 1
cable from the entrance to Dover Harbour when I was bombed again.
This time it was only a very small bomb, which although a very near miss only wetted the troops on the port side aft. There were no casualties from machine gun fire. At 0130 I secured alongside Admiralty Pier Dover. At 0230 we shifted billet and secured for the night for which I was very grateful as we had been running continuously for over three days and I had had no to the Engine and provisions and water were embarked. At 1700
sleep for 90 hours. On Saturday temporary repairs were effected where as I could not anchor I secured in the Inner Harbour.
I proceeded to Ramsgate with HEBE in company arriving at 2000,
On Sunday and Monday 2nd & 3rd June respectively permanent repairs were effected to the Engine and Capatan. were When all skoots were brought to immediate notice in case they required again it was decided that FRISO was not sufficiently reliable and so was left in the Inner Harbour.
I cannot speak too highly of my crew who worked without a break. The o nly men being onboard at the were continuously, and on Friday were in the Boats for 7½ time hours my First Lieutenant one seamen and the E.R.A. and myself.
I have the honour to be,
VICE ADMIRAL
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
*
*
DOVER
Gene Lymmus.
Lieutenant.
To the Vice Adminal
Royal Navy.
Dorn.

289.
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83
NARRATIVE OF DUTCH BOAT "JAVA"
26th May - 4th June, 1940.
0645, 27th May, the crew of D.B.22 under the command of
Lieut-Commander Drake, RND left Chatham Barracks and travelled via
Portsmouth to Southampton, joining "Java" that evening. The vessel was then under repair, with orders on completion to load ammunition in the River.
On the afternoon of 29th May those orders were cancelled and we were instructed to fuel and proceed light to Dover.
Accordingly about 1700 with Main and Auxilliary machinery persuaded to function by Diesel experts from the shore "Java" left dock and proceeded down the Solent to Hamble.
At 0400 on 30th May our troubles started. Our final air pressure started the Main Engine and we left with the handicap of being able neither to stop or go astern as the belt driving our
Auxilliarys parted immediately. Eventually our Auxilliary
Diesel was started and ran all day for light and air with the result that shortly before arrival at Dover our E.R.A. collapsed owing to fumes. As our Windlass gear was already out of action the ship was allowed alongside and on the morning of 31st May
"Sandhurst" was notified of our defects. By this time our
Auxilliary engine also had ceased running.
The Main belt was renewed, but as regards the other and major defects, notably our Ballast Pump, it was pointed out that as they would take several hours to complete and we were under
1 hours' notice for sea, it was not worth starting on them.
On Saturday morning, 1st June Lieut-Commander Drake was taken ill and detained sick in "Sandhurst".
I received orders that afternoon to proceed to Dunkirk to arrive at 0200 on 2nd June and left at 1945, steaming 10 knots with neither Auxilliary nor Anchor gear working. My confidence in our new belt was apparently misplaced as being too slack it failed to drive the Compressor. This lack of air and consequent inability, if stopped, to restart, either ahead or astern, might have led to complications if, at midnight, 16 miles off Dunkirk,
No.3 Cylinder had not commenced to seize, shedding bolts from the Crankcase which my Engineroom staff eventually held in place with wedges. But our speed was down to 5 knots making an 0200
arrival impossible and I had no choice but to put about, but a for minuteslater however presumably with the Engine cooling, some higher revolutions were obtained, and I rmoceeded another 5 miles towards the shore. Again however the Engine failed and it was only at slow speed and with great care that it could be kept moving at all. Considering further progress unwise I cruised in the neighbourhood until daylight and then made the best of my way home, berthing in Dover about 1015, 2nd June. Here repairs were considered impossible and on Tuesday, 4th June I was towed by "Gorecht" to Sheerness and on the following day by "Bornrif"
to Tilbury, thence the following morning to Surrey Commercial Docks
ADNIRAL
Raviei
DOVER 14JUN 1940
ft. R.N.V.R.
R

115
112
secure one on embark atim.
The flow of hoops ceased at about 0200 a despite ever effect to obtain more men, I was unable to Burbark have than c few odd parties. Dawn being due better moments, ch was decided to Cast off as no more men were with coming heat. Commanded
Clements RN.R. "f"Tilly" informed me that he was unable to have as his S Crew was shill
F
fene. I apred to low him ont of harbur 7, of necessary, bach to Ingland.
I lashed him almpide with
W
fore Mbach spring knoking on a double bach.
spring, mandwred both issues against the wind 1 clear of the geth Minall out of harbond
Here "Tilly" reversed engines & cleaning her propellor, was able to proced under her uhn power
I should like to place on record here the lach of assistance fiven by military officers of all Tanks from major downwards, in controlling twops during embarkation full brunt coming on the lender.
officered a manned havel vesseh.
may 29th arrived D ones at 0845 9
was instructed to pureed marfate to disemberd the 280 men about I was able to do this at 1430. after watering, stining i fulling, sailed at 1530 for Ramsjali, to embark en
Lewis funs, wires for kedge Is, v uplace my
Carswain Ldq Leaman Haffai was embailed n this hands conduct ton.o. I.S. Rainsfate /
in this capacity I subsuently made a uport uconmended him you some recognition, which I
hope will be futh coming

"VREDE"
Page 8.
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144
From
8. On-closing the Naval Control Service cutter off Southend
Route Instructions and Sailing Orders were received to arrive off Marte les Bains, 5 miles East of Dunkirk, not before 2300.
As there was time in hand "Vrede" was anchored in the Downs in company with several other commandeered schoots at 1830.
9. I was informed by the Commanding Officer of "REIGER" that the
N.C.S. trawler off the North Goodwin Light Vessel had told him to turn back, the trawler having been told by another schoot that Dunkirk was in enemy hands. The B.B.C. news bulletin gave no guidance, nor could I get any information from other ships present, so I eventually sailed with "Reiger" at 1400
with the idea of complying with sailing orders if the situation permitted.
IO. Owing to the darkness and to the failure of several light buoys "Vrede" took the ground at the inshore end of the
ZUYDECOOTE PASS. Attempts to refloat her proving abortive it was decided to wait for the flood tide.
II. During this time many ships were seen entering and leaving within two cables of where "Vrede" lay aground and at 0030 &
large merchant ship was seen to encounter two ships leaving.
This first ship blew three short blasts and went astern. Shortly afterwards there was a dull explosion, without any flame,and when the resultant water and spray subsided nothing could be seen of the ship. As it was impossible to assist from where
"Vrede" lay aground, and as other vessels were in the vicinity, no action was taken.
I2. At 0400 "Vrede" was refloated by the tide and allowed to drift to a safe anchorage where the air bottles might be recharged. While at anchor an unidentified destroyer approached and hailed an order to proceed inshore to the beach as soon as possible and embark troops.
I3. At 0500 "Vrede" was anchored as close inshore as the shelving nature of the beach permitted. Both dinghies were lowered and sent to cooperate with several motor launches which proved to be
Margate pleasure boats manned by their Margate crews. These men were absolutely tireless and cheerful under the most trying conditions, receiving troops from the dinghies and ferrying them to the ships. In thes manner some I50 officers tiredbut cheerful officers and men were embarked, including a Belgian major with whom we had some difficulty owing to the impossibility of drying his corsets. The motor launches were withdrawn had by been wrecked and it was impossible to get nearer to the beach other authority at about 0930 and as one of the dinghies than about 3/4 mile I decided the operation could best be served by embarking troops from Dunkirk, whence many other ships were proceeding.
I4. I alongside the eastern breakwater. Approximately entered Dunkirk harbour at I030 Wednesday 29th. May and 500
secured full capacity, were embarked during which operation obtained troops, several minor our bombing attacks took place, none of which hits nearer than the central pier.
I5. As only

260
650 Troops.
June.
ntd)
At 2000 received orders (F.O.C. Dover Most Secret Memorandum No. 246
A.14/0/40.) to proceed to vicinity of Bray to lend support and covering fire. Owing to low visibility and necessity for oiling before starting "Locust" was one hour late in position. Took ship close inshore but coast was very misty and no targets could be seen. Heavy small arm firing was heard in Bray, which was also being shelled from apparently the village of Furnes. After some waiting "Locust" was fired at by machine guns from a position approximately half way between the foreshore and Adinkerke. This was replied to by 0.5 machine gun fire from "Locust". Further fire was directed at the ship from the direction of La Panne, and this was answered with 4" H.E.
I then attempted to silence shore batteries which were shelling
Bray from Furnes, and 30 rounds of 4" H.E were fired. This apparently achieved some result as the firing died down, and several explosions causing fires were observed.
d
June. 0300. Ceased firing and proceeded.
0350. Tug "Fossa" signalled she was ashore and required assistance. In attempting to close, "Locust" took the ground but same off again, and I decided it was impracticable to close "Fossa".
A Motor Landing craft was therefore hailed and brought alongside and her troops, 51 in mumber were transferred to "Locust", and the
M.L.C was sent to rescue the crew of the Tug, and any troops she may had on board.
0450. Proceeded, and at 0545 overtook a small armed yacht in the charge of a Major R.A, who had 28 mén with him. Party was transferred to "Locust", and Major gave information that covering fire of "Locust" had been effective.
1005. Arrived Dover, and disembarked 79 Troops.
1820. Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk Harbour.
2223. Went alongside East Mole, Dunkirk and commenced embarkation of British Troops.
2302. Sailed with 650 British and 70 French Troops.
June. 0408. Arrived Dover.
1845. Slipped and proceeded.
2300. Anchored off Dunkirk Mole and commenced embarking troops from Motor boats.
June.
0015. Demolition party consisting of Lieutenant Holdsworth and
6 men left by Motor boat for wreck of "Mosquito". On arrival it was found that the wreck was submerged to the level of the battery deck, and despite repeated efforts of Lieut. Holdsworth who attempted to enter the Captain's Quarters, the forward charge had to be placed in the wheelhouse. The after charge was placed in the after magazine. The demolition party were working under great difficulties due to the movement of the wreck in the swell, and to the darkness, and great initiativewas displayed by P.T.O. Lieut.

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an open with soldiers off hailed. He reported having picked with the during daylight. boat in tow was About half-way across a French trawler boat up boat for in ich Dunkirk and it was thought this might be the we were searching. To make sure we barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from proceeded to Dunkirk where хихаря two open boats and a Thames the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards, the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at approximately 1330. This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charys on board.
The air compressor motor was made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my lst.Lieut., SublLieut. Dehammel with instructions to sail the barge to Dover,and proceeded along the coast having opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course was set to intercept the Thames barge.
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attacked by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bombs were dropped and fell at distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
The bombers appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and having released their bombs continued their dive firing machineguns. Course was altered frequently in an endeavour to miss the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water, some on striking the surface and a certain appeared not to explode at all. One exploded under the bow right ahead and the ship passed through the splash. A certain amount of discomfort was experienced by myself and members of the crew who were exposed. to the splash in the M eyes for the next twelve hours or 30.
Able-Seaman Power was wounded in the leg when manning the port turrett also one of the soldiers in the fore peak. As I now had wounded on board I considered it advisable to return to Dover forthwith and to ask for assistance for the barge. A tug was sent out at approximately 2100 and found the barge sailing well about 10 miles from Dover.
I consider Sub,Lieut, Dehammel performed a very creditable operation. The bombing to which the ship had been subjected had caused leaks to the hull and the petrol tank and the ship was not used again for that night's operation.
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.