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TNA / ADM 199 790

TNA ADM 199 790

TNA ADM 199 790
Collection details

TNA ADM 199 790

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

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

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

11 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 1 of 1 Showing document pages 339–1,044 of this collection
Page ImageOCR textOCR tags
339 Page 339 Log in to enlarge

(5)
the 334
On the return voyage, after passing Nieuport Bank
Buoy, we saw two ships ahead of us bombed, one with 8 bombs, the other with sixteen bombs.
There was no indication that either had been hit, but as we drew nearer it could be seen that one was in difficulties, and in reply to a signal we went alongside.
This ship was the GRACIE FIELDS, and while she continued to steam round in a circle. we took off troops, & number
324
330
CONFIDENTIAL
VICE-ADMIRAL COMMANDING DOVER,
Sir,
OPERATIONS *DYNAMO*
Having been in command of the dynamo ship JUTLAND. I
have the honour to submit the following narrative report of operations May 26th - June 3rd.
On May 26th, JUTLAND was at Sheerness awaiting orders.
In the early hours of May 27th, acting on orders received,
We proceeded to the Downs where at 1500 the same day. orders were received to go to Dunkirk by & certain route.
This route was via the Test Hinder Light and Kwinte
Bank Buoy.
While on the South-Westerly course from this buoy at about 2200 a hospital ship steeming away from Dunkirk signalled us Dunkirk fallen.
message and added 12. I an returning" to which I replied
Shortly afterwards. another ship signalled a similar
# # Later, in the proximity of the
I was signalled to close another ship. Here I had hopes of receiving more detailed orders.
her that PATRIA was contacted an R. A. F. motor boat which had also closing this ship and I learnt from gone for she had While waiting there, I sought orders from a destroyer orders. that nessed and was advised to wait there.
street roadal understarhead.
A. rature. hours and after consultation withdraw
WAY authorizes 2 Date Be INTERNATED da good Alternative but to

340 Page 340 Log in to enlarge

(5)
be 334
On the return voyage, after passing Nieuport Bank
Buoy, we saw two ships ahead of us bombed, one with 8 bombs, the other with sixteen bombs.
There was no indication that either had been hit, but as we drew nearer it could be seen that one was in difficulties, and in reply to a signal we went alongside.
This ship was the GRACIE FIELDS, and while she continued to steam round in a circle, we took off troops, & number
324
* 330
CONFIDENTIAL
VICE-ADMIRAL COMMANDING DOVER,
Sir,
OPERATIONS 'DYNAMO'
Having been in command of the dynamo ship JUTLAND, I
have the honour to submit the following narrative report of operations May 26th - June 3rd.
On May 26th, JUTLAND was at Sheerness awaiting orders.
In the early hours of May 27th, acting on orders received,
We proceeded to the Downs where at 1500 the same day. orders were received to go to Dunkirk by a certain route.
This route was via the West Hinder Light and Kwinte
Bank Buoy.
While the South-Westerly course from this buoy at about 2200 on hospital ship stegming away from Dunkirk signalled us Dunkirk fallen.
message and added 18 I am returning" to which I replied
Shortly afterwards. another ship signalled a similar
I # Later, in the proximity of the
Nieuport am proceeding. I was signalled to * close another ship. Here Bank I had Buoy, hopes of receiving more detailed orders.
her PATRIA was contacted an R. A. F. motor boat from also closing this ship and I learnt which from had gone that she had While waiting there, I sought orders there.
a destroyer for orders. that passed and was advised to wait
Planes were heard overhead.
some three hours and after consultation withdraw with PATRIA, After we waiting felt we had no alternative but to

448 Page 448 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 448
And page AMAZONE 29 13 SAN ANTONIO tage 129 +22
ATLANTIC 33+2y 33 +2y SURSUM CORDA 132
1 BART 39 TINY 136
BORNRIF 40,274 TWENTE J 138
BRANDARIS ICEDS- VREDE 147
abovat p.267) CARIBIA J 4635 ZEUS 152 123
DELTA 50 Tilly (vol III 6265)
DESPATCH IIV 51023
DOGGERSBANK 53
FREDANJA 58 Hebe 22
FRISO 61+23
Hele 63 HILDA V
MB HONDSRUG 79,27
1)300/- JAVA 84 Elgs 24
also vol III 88 JUTLAND
" ORANJE 95
PACIFIC 10/125
PASCHOLL 106 $23,27
PATRIA J 111
REIGER 1224.27 Ruja
RIKA 126 Lena 27
544 Page 544 Log in to enlarge

89
88
CONFIDENTIAL
VICE-ADMIRAL COMMANDING DOVER,
Sir,
OPERATIONS 'DYNAMO'
Having been in command of the dynamo ship JUTLAND. I
have the honour to submit the following narrative report of operations May 26th - June 3rd.
On May 26th, JUTLAND was at Sheerness awaiting orders.
In the early hours of May 27th, acting on orders received, we proceeded to the Downs where at 1500 the same day. orders were received to go to Dunkirk by a certain route.
This route was via the West Hinder Light and Kwinte
Bank Buoy.
While on the South-Westerly course from this buoy at about 2200 a hospital ship steaming away from Dunkirk signalled us Dunkirk fallen.
Shortly afterwards, another ship signalled a similar message and added " I am returning " to which I replied
" I am proceeding. " Later, in the proximity of the
Nieuport Bank Buoy, I was signalled to " close If another ship. Here I had hopes of receiving more detailed orders.
PATRIA was also closing this ship and I learnt from her that she had contacted an R. A. F. motor boat which had gone for orders. While waiting there, I sought orders from a destroyer that passed and was advised to wait there.
Planes were heard overhead.
After waiting some three hours and after consultation with PATRIA, we felt we had no alternative but to withdraw from - Hum Skurt Who are dripping ashin, and Pacific they Kashi them luid of their was y 1 believed, about the for stert of this party 0 are it he Renue.
Proceded at How spend has the Whisle truy diract for the beach Were as awouns & our hail are Guld has Ideas
Ill citaition are Is him is Ret 9 auchor.
Here the Then was a Perius

565 Page 565 Log in to enlarge

in
110
Narrative of routs lea dug up to a during the Evacualin fronk at Dunkish
H.M. S. Palica (ex Datch Schuft)
W.D M.T.B. "Naig"
both under the Comm and t Ll. Commander N.L. Pisani (wa) RN
May 24th. Patria commissioned at 1500 with crew from R.N.B. Chalham, Dutch Crew leaving at that time.
This Gew consisted of 12dr Seal subsequently from incapable of steering 4 course or taking the wheel) / EXA.
who though afteat min a Dual Infine for the first time ) yet did very fine work * was trieless in his efforts to keep things fo ing; 2 Ldg Slohers, both well hained, cafable hand working active Service ratings; a 5 upper deck ratings when 4 were
O.Ds who had hevel been to sea before.
birth the exception fhe Ldq Seaman (Costwain) when
I was able & exchange later, I have no thing but praise for a completely untried sunskilled CAEW, who made up for lack Askill but the extention superb energy * who would never five in. I
weived wonderful support all wand.
In addition dient Inpree. RNVR. was appointed ferst bentenant. Throgh the food services froic
Ramsfali I was enable to exchange thus officer for Lient Kuby. R.N.R. Lient Dupres was mush willing but had only been to sea for a few months over 20 years ago Y was unable &
assist me in any way.
Liest Kinky was an excellent officer Y fave me every support V. assistance, had dufferent Know.

566 Page 566 Log in to enlarge

in
110
Narrative of routs lea dug up ti a during the Evacualin fronk at Dunkish
N.M.S. Palina (ex Datah Schurft)
V.D. M.T.B. "Naig"
both under the Comm and t Ll. Commander N.L. Pisani. (wy) RN
May 24th. Patria commissioned at 1500 with crew from R.N.B. Chalham, Dutch crew leaving at that time.
This Gew consisted of 12ds Seal subsequently from incapable of steering 4 course or taking the wheel) / EXA.
(who though aftert nith a Dual Engine for the first time ) yet did very fine work X was trieless in his efforts to keep things fo ing; 2 Ldg Slohers, both well trained, cafable hand working active Service ratings; a 5 upper deck ratings, f whereh 4 were
O.Ds who had hever been to sea before.
birth the exception fhe Ldq Seaman (Coxtrain) when
I was able to exchange later, I have no thing but praise for a completely untried wunskilled Cdew, who made up for each Askill but the extration f superb energy * who would never five in. I
weived wonderful support all wan!
In addition dient Dupree. RNVR. was appointed ferst bentenant. Throgh the food services froic
Ramsfali 1 was enable to exchange this officer for Lient Kuby. R.N.R. Lent Dupres was mosh willing but had only been to sea for a few months over 20 years ago Y was unable &
assist me in any way.
Liest Kinds was an excellent officer Y fave me every support & assistance, had sufficient Know

567 Page 567 Log in to enlarge

the
- ledge ts enable the to concents ate on for troop embarkation while he kept. pm organizated the ship bith regard to Patria this is an e well. found. engined "Schuyt" of me build More in Their Lisdships plan tam Some of these ships in use, I fe ship should certainly be considered well Mas always been well kept.
May 24th 25ᵗʰ.
hurred from yearsend l
Tellury Landing Stage. The solul measured "wrped", various movement tell 0245 when she was again anchore they 25h
Proceeded Sheerness with and swring ship at No 19 Bu later the 10, "Schuyls" Delta "Twente"
almpide may 26th as Sheernese. Kedge and deck gear Ii prepand Misle ma 27th lafts secured to 6 fm lanyards for me
Proceeded 0300 for Dons with 5 other "Schuyto" anchose at approx. 1045 wind strong S.W.
bottom dragged sent of in orders slightly small & Downs I wrti decided to pward at 1330, to move N.C.S. to D Is northern Renli for Neemport r Dunkirk
I was under way, J proceeded indepen weather During this passago, continually I therefore the putting Casswain hor helm A.B. cenld creed ship the a found some stiened deviations manigated the Is the veme hand

568 Page 568 Log in to enlarge

113
I
111
Card I had been fever at Theerness, but, as the ship was in ballast a a strong lut the deiating S.W. wind was blow ing, a sting set" was ex perenced at dusk, I found mupelf of the
SS. Datrien Rise. several hospital ships Y
"Trepegee" briag hear hempent Mm company will hausperts hassed no at high speed homeward bound, rsynalled Dunkish has fallen return"
Dosrien Ruse" Patria closed a while discussing the situation with the heaster, where ship had a duch Cargo of petive for Dunkink, a slight crushed Collision
This was due to Casswain putting helm over hand occuring in which he put seaboat was to stanboard instead it to Pat. I removed Cardwain from what theneforth lue then decided to close hempat Bank Bur to anchor, pending possible contact with howal verals.
chen
Two M.T.B. then appeared ranchd us, uproing is id answer synalo or hails. dearing they night he
German, I turned away hut one, closing Dorrin
Ruse" told him to anchor to await order I
no ed ten went almpide him, then being joint by
H.M. Schungh. Julland after conference now mg Is as the proximity of German forces at I
decided to proced homeward at day lynn all
0.
three ships procuded at 0245. anchored in fmall I mo ah approx non after uputing to inspection 28th Tug.
Proceeded on write "X "to Dunkink in Company with "Till," under orders not to arrive before 2230. Entered Dunkuh was at approxim atily 2315 x then en decumence is obtain orders, ouro being unti indeterminate

1041 Page 1041 Log in to enlarge

558
4
528
for order.
On 28/5/40 at 1735 whilstlying at anchor off Deal fier order were received to proceed to Dunkit in order to evacuate troops. at this time, owing to information received the previous evening from an armed merchant cruiser (see my report on varyage ho 1) we thought that
Dunkirk was in the hands of the every Ten minutes later we have up ancher and proceeded to Dunkink followed by some half dozen other small motor vessels! We proceeded via broys u "V" and W and arrived off Dunkisk at about 2300
-and observed the town was in flames.
Downs to Dunkisk with 5 other
I did all the Piloting from
(ht- line close astern, including "Patria"
schoolo following in single
Cundr Pisani R.N.) the "Lwenti"
and the Rian w l waited near the entrance, about 1/4 mile
3ra Juny.
tow. harbour. Ordered staff and French but troops. Furthest end now inner could find none; loaded of with harbour snggion in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.

1042 Page 1042 Log in to enlarge

559
10;
I
529
away - -or less, expecting some orders.
then we proceeded further contward for a distance of not less than
2 miles in the Rope of picking up troops from the heaches but seeing no signs of life on the beaches, we returned towards Dunkink. we
(including "Patria" - ht-Cundr Pisani
R.M. D.S.C.) entered Dunkish harbour and saw a great number of troops on the mole awaiting embarkation
It now became clear that Dunkink was in every's hands was not altogether correct. we proceeded
1/4 mile along the side of the hole and moored outside Patria and berthed outside us. just as we afterwards medway Queen picked up -a wire from the were going alongside the propeller shallow water. I did not consider the propeller was badly fouled to and was therefore determined take -on hoard any troops available and especially those
3rd June.
tow. DOES
inner but harbour. could Ordered find none; 40 loaded of with harbour English now staff and French troops. Furthest end in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.

1044 Page 1044 Log in to enlarge

561
6
I
531
sold not take Embarkation
Pat the Patria and medway Queen res slow and so J ran along he mole and hastened the arims groups of troops along of the Rarhour when I was
Patria towed my vessel out full of troops and at about
0330 on 29/5/40 cleared the sun kirk hasbour and proceeded followed under my own "Patria". power to damogate the time by we had been in During harbour was the sound of gun fire and explosions
We was no skelling of the harbour but these more or less incessant
845 arrived on back 29/5/40. at Ramsgate at seven and trips to Dunkink beaches made
In all the TILLY
quantity of troops back and brought a vast
Commanding officer of the school
On the 30/5/40 I relieved the ora June tow.
inner harbour. Ordered the staff but could find none; loaded with and French troops. Furtheat end of harbour now in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.