TNA ADM 199 790

299
m
278
2
PORTSMOUTH
INNER
PATROL
ANKH
BOUNTY
CARYANDA
LAHLOO
THELE
SERIOLA
EILA II.
AHOLA
NONETA

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
295
of Petty Officer T.Jones throughout operations.
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
The following officers, Lieut.D. Dawson, ub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the ein and shelling from the land.
Difnams 298.
300 B14/0/
REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314
BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS
FROM
DUNKIRK.
Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA",
"LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at
Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from
Dover at 1930 on the 30th. and to proceed to the beaches at
Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and, during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P.
Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as possible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission.
Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches were available over the other side and had been assured that there been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600, were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats thousands troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the others remained were until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "AHOLA", "THELE",
Yachts that more damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the
"EILA II" "CARYANDA" ultimately returned to Dover; "SERIOLA",
"LAHLOO", & "BOUNTY" & "NONETA" to Ramsgate. On arrival, they all reported and were told to stand by for orders; none, back however to Hamble were damage by on course concerned, sent the the The over 4th. but great they fact again. only and, June all coolness that reported bearing two one and The all casualties those Yachts and the in at resource mind Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsggte Dover that returned of their having many were all on conduct Officers of the was sustained ordered them 5th. only under had June. and made considerable never Ratings almost possible In been due under continuous fire before, bombing and I consider shelling that deserves the highest praise.
Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R.
VICE AUMIRAL
Senior Officer, Inner Patrol.
6th. June 1940.
15 JUN 1940
*

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of I should Petty Officer like to draw T.Jones special throughout attention operations. to the magnificent work 295
2
The Potter-Irwin following officers, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate,
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
308
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "SERIOLA"
COmmanding Officer, Lieut. D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R.
- 287
29. 1800. Left Hamble in formation for Dover, my division consisting of "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA" & "NONETA".
30. 0930. Arrived Dover, and seet into submarine basin, S.O.I.P
and myself went to report to S.N.O. Dover and received final orders for our departure.
2200. Left Dover.
31 0500. Arrived off Bray, leading my division, when we received signal to commence embarking troops from beach to destroyers lying farther out. This lasted until about 1000, when I received a signal from a destroyer to proceed to
La Panne and carry on with the same routine there.
1200. Suggestion made to run a grass rope from "SERIOLA" to the shore, which would enable the troops to pull themselves out by the aid of this warp in boats etc. Sub.Lt.Godman, r.n.v.r left "SERIOLA" in a whaler with a Lt., R.N.V.R. off
H.M.S. "Hebe2 to operate the shore end. Unfortunately, a lorry was driven into the sea and turned over, fouling the line, so this idea had to be abandoned. With great difficulty we were able to get Sub. Lt. Godman aboard again as the whaler which took him off, left the shore without him, with a full load of troops. A severe bombardment was going on at the time and, consequently, most small craft had withdrawn to seawards but in spite of a big sea running at the time, we managed to lower our dinghy and got him aboard in an exhausted condition. We then prodeeded to continue disembarking
1500. troops. Received signals from H.M.S.Keith to go and collect two whalers and crews foroperations off La Panne during the
1530. evening. Received signal from C.O. "NONETA" to say that she had a dead man on board and her P.O. badly wounded. Closed her and the C.O. suggested that he should take Sub.Lt. Godman to with him. This I agreed to and advised him to return
Ramsgate "NONETA" was holed above the water line.
1630. Collected as the two whalers and crews and set off for La
Panne. the whalers and their respective crews.
1800. Received Beached signal from "BOUNTY" which was flying the
The of Commodore me and my crew that the hours 2100 on the that flag Stephenson WMMXXXXX ordering us to close.
day Commodore to the told following morning were to be considered to get as many Hour" and possible. We then returned to night. La
"Zero 0400 eh hoped we would do our utmost Panne and continued men off transporting as troops throughout the
(Continued).

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
I should like Officer to T.Jones draw special attention to the magnificent work 295
of, Petty throughout operations.
2
officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
-
309
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd).
288
ne 1 0700. Signal from destroyer to collect all boats lying in the channel between La Panne and Dunkirk and to take them in tow to the latter place so that they could then drift ashore. This had been carried out by 0830. We then collected several boathloads of troops who boarded us and we took them to a destroyer lying off Dunkirk. The Captain of this destroyer asked me if I could tow the "BOUNTY" back to
Ramsgate as her port engine had been put out of action.
This I agreed to.
0845. Closed "BOUNTY" which was lying on the other side of the destroyer and took off Commodore Stephenson and Lt.
Lundy, R.N.V.R. (C.O. of "BOUNTY"). We then took "BOUNTY"
in tow. the Commodore gave me orders to leave the vicinity immediately and set course for Ramsgate. "LAHLOO" was in company with is. We were attacked by aircraft machine gunning us but the damage done was slight.
1430. Arrived Ramsgate. Reported to S.N.O., Ramsgate,
S.O.I.P. at Hamble and to Flag Lieut. to C. in C., Portsmouth.
The following officers reported with me to S.N.O., Ramsgate:-
Lieut. Lundy of "BOUNTY",
Sub.Lt. Godman (with me on "SERIOLA")
We offered services for anything that might be required
Sub.Lt. Potter Irwin, C.O. of "NONETA".
and the our 0.qccordingly put our names down on the volunteerM did.
list, and asked us to report next day to him, which we ne 2. When reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed use, that no craft with a search of a suitable craft. We found ourselves M.T.B.101
we speed of less than 15 knots was of any not so we went in suggested that we manned her and being took her used, accross. so This unfortunately was not permitted as it belonged to the R.A.F.
ne 4 Received orders from S.N.O. to sail at 0800 on the 5th. and to collect charts and routes.
ne 5 with "BOUNTY" in tow, followed the by rate "LAHLOO" we were &
0830. "SERIOLA", I realised that minefields at off the
Nab going "NONETA" during we would left the Ramsgate. hours be in of the darkness, vicinity of so thought the it would be advisable to make Examination for Newhaven. anchorage, to Newhaven. Shoreham. Exam Ship refused 1800. Arrived us entry, at to shorehamporteported go to S.N.O.,
2030. Shoreham, Tied SOIP up at at and at 1030.
As we ne
6.
With ordering cancelled. sailed us to return at once were as all were (Continued).

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
*
of I should Petty Officer like to draw T.Jones special work 295
2
The following wm Godman and ships and me and reported to Ramsgate,
Our names accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering were services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
310
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd.)
*
289
e 6. 1500. Receive d orders from S.N.O., Shoreham to sail at
0400 the next morning.
ie 7. 0400. Left Canal with division and set course for Hamble.
1030. Arrived Hamble.
I estimate that, in all, approximately 900 soldiers were taken off.
Sgd. D.A.Dawson, Lieut., R.N.V.R.
Commanding Officer of "SERIOLA" (and S.O. of Div. 2 of Expedition).
Note. I wish to make special mention of Sub. Lieut. T.E.Godman,
R.N.V.R., who while serving with me on "SERIOLA", showed great coolness and devotion to duty under heavy fire and in extremely dangerous conditions. He showed jone great bravery and initiative when, arriving in Ramsgate in "NONETA", he at once volunteered and took another ship back to the beaches.
D.a.Jamsa
Luid RNV.R

BORT FROM SUB.LIEUT.T.E.GODMAN, R.N.V.R. ON EVACUATION OF
-317
NKIRK ON FRIDAY, MAY 31st. AND SATURDAY, JUNE 1st.
N
1 times approximate.
296 12
29.
Transferred to "SERIOLA" as assistant officer to Lieut.
D.A. Dawson, R.N.V.R. A report on the actions taken by
"SERIOLA" is being submitted by the C.O., Lieut, Dawson, up to 1600 31st. May, when I was transferred to "NONETA"
at the request of Sub. Lieut. Potter Irwin, R.N.V.R.,
C.0.of "NONETA". The latter boat had been damaged by a bomb, one soldier being killed and the Petty Officer of "NONETA" badly wounded.
A report on "NONETA's" return journey to Ramsgate is being submitted by the C.O.
31 2200. Arrived Ramsgate, landed soldiers and wounded
Petty Officer for medical attention and berthed ship.
e
1 0530. Reported to naval authorities on East Pier and received orders to take command of steam naval pinnace and carry out similar operations at La Panne and Bray to those undertaken on "SERIOLA" the previous day.
The crew consisted of P.O. Morrison, one engineer, one stoker and two The pinnace was provosioned, fuelled for six hours' steaming at six knots and one chart provided with the route to be followed plotted on it.
0600. Cast off.
0830. The firebox fan broke down and it was no longer possible to keep a sufficient head of steam to maintain full speed. The engineer of a passing trawler effected a temporary repair, gave us three further sacks of coal to replenish our supply and took the boat in tow.
1030. The tow rope having parted for the third time, the trawler signalled us to request to be taken in tow by another trawler a short distance behind. This was done and consequently our fuel reserves were maintained for the work to be carried out at Dunkirk.
1200. Slipped the tow line outside the harbour which the trawler entered, and proceeded towards La Panne in the wake of a trawler which had several small craft in tow and which started embarkation operations from the beach near the harbour.
Bombers had been active from about 1100 but no direct hits had been observed. Now, many enemy dive bombers appeared and attacked a sloop off the harbour entrance which had opened rapid A.A. fire but, after three or four salvos of bombs had been dropped, the sloop half submerged and ceased fire. Owing to the number of available craft already on that vicinity to take off survivors, we proceeded on our course.
(Continued).

REPORT OF "NONETA" [SubeLdeuteled.PotterImin R.N.V.R.) ON
321
EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK
A
300
All times approximate.
12
May 31. 0400 and Upon arrival at Bray the beaches were thronged with men a number of floats and boats which had been brought off to the waiting ships and not taken inshore again. We collected as many of these as possible and took them close to the shore, letting them drift in on the tide.
The shallow water made approach to the shore difficult, and so we got under way and went to Destroyer
H.42. The Commander of this ship had by then got four of his ship's boats down and we found that our best method of getting the men off was to tow the boats in to the shore, all tied together, stand off until they were full and then take them in tow back to the destroyer.
We carried out this operation, repeatedly, from day-break until after mid-day when the destroyer was full and recalled her boats. I estimate that in this way we got
700 men off. From mid-day onwards we picked up boats or troops and took them to bigger ships.
At 1620 a large wave of enemy bombers attacked.
We were then just embarking troops from a float which was sinking---it was impossible to get under way until they were embarked and by that time a full scale air-raid was in progress. As we moved away from the shore one bomb fell very near to us on the starboard quarter. In consequence of this one man was killed and four wounded.
Damage and casualties summarised:-
One soldier killed.
Petty Officer Lock wounded in the thigh in two places.
Four soldiers wounded.
The damage to the ship was not extensive.
Upon consideration and in view of the fact that there was a heavy sea running I decided it was out of the question to move the wounded men. Owing to the fact that my Petty Officer was incapacitated, leaving me
Lieut. Dawson, in "Seriola", to request that Sub.Lieut.
single-handed, I signalled the C.O. of my Division,
Godman should join me, and that I had decided to leave for Ramsgate.

REPORT OF "NONETA" (Contd).
322
sub. Lieut. reported Godman that joined me about 1640 and the engineer N. 301
having I got we were leaking and making water very slightly, under way at once.
12
We left Bray at 1650. Arrived at Ramsgate at about 2200, when I reported to N.O.i/C. and arrangements were made to remove the wounded.
June 1. At 0500 Sub.Lieut.Godmen took over a naval pinnace and sailed for Dunkirk.
At 1500 "Seriola", "Bounty", and "Lahloo" arrived at Ramsgate. I reported to my C.O. Lieut. Dawson and sailed, in company, to Hamble.
I would like to recommend very highly,
E.C. Hallet, Engineer T.124
B.P. Whitehouse, A.B. S.T.
C.Wilyman, A.B. S.T., for all their calm and brilliant work.
Under very difficult circumstances they set about their task cheerfully and without a thought for themselves.
I consider myself particularly fortunate to have had these men with me.
Petty Officer Lock was with me in the wheel-house until he was wounded and although in great pain cheered and encouraged the others and kept up the morale of the ship.
(Sgd) a I Potter Irain
Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R.