TNA ADM 199 790

22
26
APPENDIX III.
LIST OF RATINGS AT DURKIRK WHO PERFORMED
VALUABLE SERVICE.
1. Last to Evacuate.
Yes. of Sign.
Piper
A.B.
Coz
#
Rose
#
Burrows
If
Fermar
=
MeClachlan
2. Others Worthy of Nention.
Signal Staff.
Signalman
Waters
#:
Jones
#:
Mulheron
*
Simonds
3. Pian Party.
P.O.
Topleigh (Topley)
A.B.
Moore
A.B.
Mm.C.Grainger
SSX.22139.
A/P.O.
S.W. Spickett
JY.12646
A.B.
J.W.Swales
JX.152505
A.3.
G.A. Hall (J.434/12)
B.21047
Signature
B.Robinson
ESD.1704
A.B.
R.Isnenster
JX.129630
A.B.
C.L.Fletcher
D.941
A.B.
T.D.D. Somes
JX.145091
Ord.Sen.
P.W. GARROTT
JX.272437
L.Sea.
H.J.Syanton
J.214468
A.B.
John Doig
SSX.20706
A.B.
H.Fletcher (J.99712)B.23221
4.
Benches.
A.B.
C.Foster
D,112
*
G.F. Wixon
25222
#
R.Vey
JX.144541
#
J.L.Francr
98/X.24037
P.O.
S.L.Parker
P.O. J.84930
Sto.
F.Coltmen
XX.88357
5. Headouarters, Desmatch Riders, etc.
A.B.
Owen
J.L. Turnor
Miller.
6. Commendere Cobbo and surtees recommendations yet to come; these will possibly be already envored in the above list.

Appending 5 P, 29 25
inclose there remarks by bdi Richardson
The J that in change 7 the BRAY Wermant beasher
SSX20706
J.STEWART
A.B.
SSX23107
T.FOSTER
A.B.
B25147
H.FINDLEY
A.B.
JX139084
A.WARRINGTON
A.B.
J103642
G.HOLDAWAY
A.B.
N.K.
J.RAWE
Card.
SSX
William M.SMITH
0.Sig.
N.K.
John C.COPSON
0.Sig.
KX88357
T.COLTMAN
Sto.
88X14777
W.C.COX
L.S.
SSX29723
D.McCANN
A.B.
N.K.
B.OWEN
A.B.
N.K.
J.SMANLEY
A.B.
N.K.
William GENERATE
A.B.
397158
T.T.DEARING
A.B.
G.WINDER
A.B.
SSX23772
L.HATHER
A.B.
D434
H.FLESCHER
A.B.
799712
W.THINGAR
Sto.
H.O.B.D.
P.WEIR
A.B.
SSX29728
JX149262
P.HAND
A.B.
R.J.TUCKER
0.31g.
S3X31323
88X30610
S.GIBBARD
0,Sig.
0.AUSTIN
L.A.
JX133281
D.O'PRAY
AB ST.
SEX18097
S8X29299
R.LOWTCAER
A.B.
J11086
A.CANNON
2.0.
W.J.SKINNER
A.B.
S8X26514
I.S.KENT
A.B.
D208
G.W.BOWEN
A.B.
B22367
J113737
G.RICHMOND
A.D.
B20977
J.G.OWN
A.B.
JX129715
C.W.BOWRING
A.B.
B25322
G.F.NIXON
A.B.
KX86044
W.MELROSE
Sto.
D.A.HEARS
Sig.
SSX31365
V.XNIGHT
A.B.
S8X21778
J.L.TURNER
A.B.
88X24057
G.ROSE
A.B.
JX151756
J.KIPLING
0.81g.
JX152103
50/ther
.

53
Ratings in the ampinal % 57
draps from Chatham
PENDIX III.
LIST OF FATINGS AT DUNKINK 1350 PERFORMED
VALUARIN SERVICE.
Last to Syacunto.
Yoo. of Sign.
Piper
A.B.
Cox
#
Rose
*
Burrown
#
Funner
#
others morthy of Mention.
Signal staff.
Signalman
Waters
If
Jones
*
Milhoron
#
Binands
Pier Party.
P.O.
Topledgh (Toplay)
A.D.
Hoore
SEX.22139.
L.B.
A/P.O.
B.W. Sydekett
JX.12546
JX.152505
1,3.
A.B.
J.W.Sun.es C.A. Hall (J.43b42)
3.21047
Signature
E.Robincon
ESD.1704
JX.129630
A.D.
R.Lancaster
A.B.
C.L.Fletcher
D.941
1.3.
T.D.D. Bones
JX.145092
Ord.Sea.
F.V. GARROTT
JX.172487
L.Sea.
H.J.Spanton
J.114468
A.B.
John Doig
SSX.20706
R.Fletcher (J.99712)3.25221
A.B.
Benches.
1.3.
C.Fonter
D.112
4
0.3. Mixon
25222
18
R.W
JX.144642
J.L.Francer
88/X.24037
#
S.L.Parker
P.O. 3.84930
P.O.
sto.
9.Coltmnn
KX.88357
Headoughters, Degnatah Riders. etc.
1.B.
Owen
J.L. Turner
Hiller.
Commidors ano; these will possibly be already covered in the
Gosto and surteen rocommendations yet to above list.

169
(2)
. 174
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"

that.A.V.N.E ean M.D.T Important gotto
-enut did
132
in & most steadfast manner and without any protection for five hours under heavy bombardments both from th land.
(.8.M.N entedges riguords)
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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

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.

CONFIDENTIAL
page
98
97
ORANJE'S R.O.D./1 dated 10th June 1940 (cont)
commandeered.
It was now about an hour after high water and ORANJE proceeded/
as close inshore as possible, anchored, and then beached stern first, drawings of the ship showing that this would not damage the screw or rudder. A line, consisting of two 120
fathom lengths of 2" manila, was then run inshore and hauled as tau a.s possible and ORANJE's dinghy was run along this, as no other boats were then availabbe; the disembarkation of provisions was then started about 5 packages at as time.
10. Two large boats were obtained about noon, and at
1700 the Royal Engineers provided 6 bridge building pontoons.
with this number of boats available It was possible to disembark the provisions with reasonable celerity.
Intermittent Air Raids took place throughout the day, but although a number of bom bs fell close to the ship, no damage was done nor were there any casuals
By midnight when about 150 tons had been disembarked and were still on the beach, it was decided between the embarkation officer and mygelf that it would be better to stop disembark ing provisions and embark troops, sailing as soon as the tide rose sufficiently to float the ship.
11. Thursday May 30th. ORANJE weighed at 0415 with over
500 troops on board and proceeded for the Downs via the
Kwinte Bank and West Hinder buoys. On sporoaching the Kwinte
Bank buoy 8 wreck was observed about half 8 mile westward of the buoy, which gave the appearance of being the bows of destroyer protruding about 20 feet out of the water.
On arrival in The Downes ORANJE was ordered by the examination steamer to proceed to Margate where we went alongside the pier at 1720 and disembarked troops. 1 A.B. was discharged sick.
ORANJE completed with fuel, water, and provisions, embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition, took two boats in tow, and sailed for Dunkirk again at 2230. Owing to too short a tow,
ORANJE having no more hawsers on board, the boats broke adrift in the vicinity of the Elbow buoy, and as they could not be immediately located they were abandoned. There were no crews on board.
12. Friday 31st Mey. ORANJE arrived off No. West buoy, Dunkirk Channel at dawn and proceeded towards Le Panne.
There was considerable air activity along the coast but.
ORANJE was unmolested. Off Dunkirk Harbour ORANJE was closed by a destroyer believed to be EXPRESS, and told to close destroyer H 11 (BASILISK) and work under his orders: ORANJE
anchored off Le Panne in the same position as the previous day. As ORANJE had no boats, embarkation was very slow until
BASILISK
pan - slum Skud Who are aripping ashin, and Pacitic benif Kishi than with A
Vein are & 1 belowed about the has
Proceded at the spend has White & they skoot of this party 0 amin it the ha Pance.
hail, are Guild was Ideas straight for the beach were is awouns an
Il within was is line is Ret 9 Auch n.
Here the Ipen was a

MOTOR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
Motor Barge Sherfield
1 - 185
Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63.
Ex-Lighter X.95.
Motor Launch Nanette II.
Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops we were under way heading out to sea.
from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniol Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never know, which perhaps was just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted - -"Ostend". This
Dynam 193 " 183 196
REPORT OF "MARY ROSE" - S/I H. Mc.Clelland R.N.V.B.
Ity
Engines failed on way over. Ship taken in cow, began
2
making water fast and became unmanageable and was abandoned in Mid Channel where she sank. Crew taken on board the Trawler "Strathelliott" where they helped to take off troops from the beach at Dunkirk.
Journey back made in trawler. No injuries to anyone.
8
on dng
18
#

COPY!/3
2024
OPERATION DYNAMO
NARRATIVES BY PERSONNEL OF SMALL CRAFT.
INDEX
NAME OF VESSEL
WRITTEN BY
1. TUG 87
Sub.Lieut. H.M. Davis, R.N.R.
2. M.B. BLUE BIRD
If
G.B. Eyre, R.N.V.R.
3. M.B. AURA
#
M.A. Chodzko, R.N.V.R.
4. M.B. BRITANNIA
If
S.D. Ward
5. M.B.'s CAVERSHAM and QUISISIANA
If
A.V. Weaver
6. M.B. LADY CABLE
Lieut. B.S. Fidler, R.N.R.
7. M.B. EMPRESS
Sub.Lieut. T.W. Betts, R.N.V.R.
8. M.B. SKYLARK
If
M.J.R. Yeatman, R.N.V.R.
9. M.B. SOUTHERN QUEEN
#
Demattos
0. M.B. PRINCESS LILLY
#
K.E.A. Bayley
1. M.B. SKYLARK VI
Ct. Rating G.R. Price
2. H.M.M.B. WHITE BEAR
Cd. Gunner E. Deacon, R.N.
3. H.M.S. DOLPHIN's Motor Boat
Sub.Lieut. E.F. Cornish-Bowden, R.N.
4. WALTON and FRINTON Life Boat
P.O. Tel. Cooley.
5. M.B. CORDELIA
Sub.Lieut. C.A. Thompson
6. M.B. PELLAG II
Lieut.
Martino, R.N.V.R.
STATEMENT BY
7. M.B. SKYLARK (Southend)
Pensioner P.O. R.A. Smith
8. BOURNEMOUTH Life Boat
L. Sea. H. Huntington
9. M.B. BONNY BELLE
Sto. I. G.H. Rose
O. EASTBOURNE Life Boat
(Sto. J. Strangeways P/KX.95036 and
(Sto. A.H. Shaw P/KX.94553
1. M.B. (Unknown)
A.B. M.J. Stallard P/JX.154107
2. M.B. SEA FALCON
L.Sea. A. Westbrook P/JX.131401
3. M.B. SKYLARK
Sto. G. Bramhall P/KX.88343
4. M.B. COMMODORE
Sto. Beech P/KX.90016
5. NEWHAVEN Life Boat
(A.B. W.J. Morris P/JX.126097
(Sto.I W. Spray P/KX.87052
(0.S. T.E. White CDX.133
6, M.B. YSER
Act. P.O. W.H. Achin JX.149919

OPERATION
230
NO. 19
SHIP:- BONNY BELLE NOTOR BOAT.
STATEMENT BY 0
Name
Service
0
G.H. Rose, Sto. 1st C1.
Went away in Bonny Selle with 2 0.S. they didn't know much about steering the boat
Two ord. Sea.
so he had to drive and stoor it at the same time. 2nd June, then they arrived
Dunkirk a shell burst on the pier and sank a drifter alongside & jetty. Sto.
went astern to avoid shapnel and can on to submerged wreckage. & Sub.Lieutenant,
R.N.V.R. came on board at Dignitire and Sub.
dived over the side and took & rope to the pior. The Sub.Lieutenant got some soldiers to give him & pull off the wreak.
Enemy opened fires like daylight due to the blaze. Soldiers lot go of the rope and tookdover. The Sub-Lieutenant who vas on the plar with the soldiers told the boats crew to abandon ship and got out of 10 18
soon as possible. The two C.S. got on the side of the boat to get out and nearly turned the boat over. Sto. had to get out after and leave kit and steaming dt and everything. Sto. lose walked on the wreckage, which man't deep, only up to waist then he was taken off wrockage by a lifeboat thenos in a trawler thence to
Dover.

CONFIDENTIAL.
Dyram 95.
263
From.
The Commanding Officer. Sheldrake.
248
Date
2nd June. 1940.
Reference.
RDA/0/37.
To
The Flag Officer in Charge. Harwich.
Subject
Meritorious Service Awards.
1.
Operations in which Sheldrake has been involved during the evacuation from Dunkirk has enabled certain officers and men to distinguish themselves in H.M. Ship under my command. The circumstances are outlined below so that the necessary action may be taken by you should you concur.
2.
Sheldrake was ordered by C-in-C. Nore. to proceed to the KWINTE BUOY
and destroy the Asdic Apparatus of one of our destroyers wrecked in the vicinity
3.
On arrival 'Wakeful' was found to be lying completely capsized with her stern resting on the bottom and only the forefoot visible, which appeared from oil marks on the waterline to be semi buoyant. A Boat under the command of my First Lieutènant, Lieutenant HUGH WILLIAM MACKENZIE ROSE, R.N.
was sent over and placed a berthing wire running from the bull ring round the keel, to the bull ring the other side. It was intended to hang depth charges on this 'necklace' and countèrmine them with other depth charges, using Bickfords fuze.
4.
For the second trip with two depth charges, it was necessary to tow the whaler to the wreck on the end of a grass and to pump out oil fuel from Sheldrake to counteract the effects of ground swell and strong tide, which made operations difficult, particularly on the weather side.
Good seamanship and stout hearts succeeded in placing one charge on either bow in the required spot without damage to the boat. Throughout the operation all were acutely aware that we were only 10 miles from Dunkirk with aircraft of both sides passing the ship at intervals, and that at bomb in the vicinity of a boat would have countermined the depth charges that they were placing.
5.
On the whalers return to the ship for the demolition charges,
C-in-C. Nore's signal "Cancel my 1044 area now mined" was received. It confirmed our own fears that we had been working in a mined area. It seemed a pity to leave the job half done and it was decided to sink the wreck by gunfire using D.A. fuze asnear the required area as possible, and if the ship sunk before the charges placed had been exploded, to fire them with a countermining pattern of depth charges. She sank inside ten mintes, and using the escaping bubbles from the punctured stem as an aiming mark, a pattern was dropped, of which the centre charge produced a plune that told us that the desired effect had been achieved. The only damage to Sheldrake was a few light fittings on the Stokers Messdeck caused by the capstan engine
'whipping' on the light deck above.
6. Acting Petty Officer Albert Edward Jackson, Official No. 0/JX/125587
In addition to Lieutenant Rose I wish particularly to mention my Chief Boatswains Mate, whose energy din the whaler was largely responsible that the depth charges were placed.
7. for those concerned was the resoue of the survivors of H.M.Trawler
The second incident which I submit should receive. recognition
ST. ACHTLLEUS, which had been mined. After a night spent dodging M.T.B.
torpedoes with H.M.S. Widgeon, aircraft closed and informed me stress that survivors the in the waters bearing 340 degrees I wish particularly to the were efficiency of this flight of three aircraft in leadin me to continued scene. to
After passing the signal most expeditiously, two aircraft the ship circle over the area while one of their number flew past indicating

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have off a the few boats. At this time I got a signal
I at this part of doing the essential work and that there were
I was beaches were to proceed to Dunkirk but that as many men and coast to be evacuated I decided to ignore the signal, proceed with the evacuation. There were at and/cross arrived. The embarkation arrangements were first no other channel transports boa on the beach but later a paddle minesweeper most inadequate the other only about 3 power boats of doubtful efficiency were present and boats consisted of a few service boats mercantile between the loto It was only due to the magnificent work of the boats and Royal Engineers Ferry Boats do with very few seamen ratings
Army units at this part of the beach who were admirably led by their
Officers. that embarkation was able to proceed at any sort of speed, although the work of the naval officers 10 were present in few power boats available was beyond praise. These appeared to be no centralised control either of boats or beach. During the afternoon and evening there was a certain amount of enemy air activity but enemy planes always moved away when A/A fire was brought to bear on them, and there were frequent visitations by British
Fighters which appeared to have an excellent deterrant effect. No bombs were dropped in my vicinity.
At about 2000 a short but heavy artillery fire was brought to bear on the part of the beach near to Dunkirk and many men started to swim out to the ships or come out in very inadequate boats.
I weighed anchor in the "Royal Eagle" - as the tide was approaching high tide and proceeded as close in shore as possible to pick up these men. At about 2200 when no further men were coming to the ship and "Royal Eagle" was packed to nearly full capacity - 1.e. every covered in part of ship full and men also on the upper deck forward and aft, I decided to weigh and proceed to Sheerness rather than
Margate on account of the ships requirements in oil and water which at Margate would have taken too long to complete. I consider now that on this day I committed a serious error of judgement as in view of the poor embarkation facilities I should have ordered "Royal
Eagle" to ground herself in shore at low water and fill up my boats running between the ship and shore on a line and then have floated off and proceeded as the tide rose, or alternatively I might have grounded /Royal Eagle" to form a pier to facilitate embarkation by other ships when they arrived. I consider now on looking back that the provision of some sort of pier should have been a matter of primary importance.
In view of the shelling of the beaches from the Westward I
decided to proceed back by route "y" particularly as this was the only route known by experience. Shortly after leaving a report was received of M.T.B.'s off Bray but I then considered that it was too late to turn back. After passing Middelkerke Buoy the ship was attacked by an aircraft firing machine gun but I gave orders that no firing was to take place so that thereshould be less chance of giving away 10 ships position to M.T.B. The ship was not hito
During the night I passed three small dark vessels which I believed were French Torpedo Boats. I did not challenge but kept guns trained on them. About 0230 on 31st May there were signs of firing about
10 miles astern and about five minutes later a tremendous column of flame rose from the water. I consider now that I was to blame in using route "Y" and that I unduly hazarded the ship by so doing.
On arrival at Sheerness at 0600 I found that in response to my request possible arrangement had been made for the reception the of the every and the cleaningofuelling and provisioning of hours ships working under conditions of high tension and ship. The troops company had had practically no sleep for about 48
been discomfort was very much appreciated. I cannot speak extreme and had been and the fact that such excellent arrangements had ships highly company. of the On both nights the whole of the ships accomodation too made by Shearness spirit and sense of duty shown by the officers and

Dynams 146.
355
H.M.S. "WILDFIRE",
Sheerness.
June 5th, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of certain proceedings affecting H.M.T. "Strathelliot" on May 30th and 31st,
June 1st and 2nd 1940.
Acting on orders received from P.M.S.O., Sheerness, I
repaired on board H.M.T. "Strathelliot" at 10.30 May 30th with instructions to escort a convoy of motor cruisers to Ramsgate. The executive signal was received at 1410, anchor was immediately weighed and the convoy was picked up at 1430.
The route ordered was via 33 QZS, but as certain boats had proceeded into the Princes Channel, I ordered course to be laid through that channel so that we should not lose touch with them. At 1550 we hove to and took in tow two disabled boats the "Skylark" and
Court Belle II" - proceeding at 1635. At 1800, we again hove to to await boats astern, and they coming up, we took in tow the "Mary Rose", proceeding at 1840. At 1845 we were again compelled to stop, as certain other vessels were in trouble, but these being taken in tow by others, we got under way again at 1910.
Our orders were to close the Examination Vessel off the
N. Goodwin L.V. for instructions, but, as we approached we received orders by R/T to prodeed to Ramsgate and to report to the N.O.I.C.
there. We arrived off Ramsgate about 2200 and came to anchor -
ordering all motor boats to make fast to the trawler. I then went aboard motor boat "Forty Two", whose officer was a Lieutenant R.N.R.
in aommand of the boats and put off to search for three boats lost in the darkness. These we fortunately picked up near the Gull Buoy and escorted to the "Strathelliot". I then went ashore in "Forty Two"
and reported to the N.O.I.C. at 2305.
I was then ordered ny him to escort the convoy to Dunkerque, but having received orders from Sheerness to return, I requested permission to telephone Sheerness for confirmation. This being given,
I collected orders, route orders and charts, being ordered to sail immediately. I then returned to the "Strathelliot" and asked the
Lieutenant R.N.R. to call all the officers in command of motor boats to the trawler. They were then given orders and charts so that in the event of their losing touch with the escort, they would be able to proceed alone.
I arranged to hoist a red lantern of low visibility in the trawler, so that boats could keep in touch with us in the dark and slao arranged certain signala which were to be made on our siren to cause the convoy to heave to, to proceed or to ease down. I gave orders to be prepared to move off at 0200 and the officer returned to their boats. There were eight defective boats to be towed and arrangments were made as to which hoats were to do the towing. In the darkness however, it was impossible to hold to these arrangements, but all the defective boats were taken in tow by others. Anchor was weighed at 0205 and the convoy proceeded to sea.
the North Goodwins L.V., the convoy was hove to and all ships accounted At for; course then being set vis U.V. and W. buoys due for
Dunkerque breeze and the boat's crews were suffering great although speed roads. The seas had by this time become very heavy, discomfort. to a
The strong N.W. causing considerable damage to the boats, bollard was tore reduced and to she was taken in tow stern first - there being no other towing was two knots and at 0640 the "Skylark's" towing point away forward at which the towing wire could be secured.

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bringing was entering faster trawler's counter, her stem was damaged
At her 0730, up against the "Mary the Rose" reported that, due to a following sea and water decided that than it could be pumped and bailed out.
Dunkerque-even presuming we could get her there-she should be
I therefore as she was unlikely to be of any use at abandoned and sunk.I therefore ordered the rest of the convoy to proceed under the Lieutenant R.N.R.. We then took off the crew of the
"Mary Rose" and fired one tray of Lewis gun ammunition into her water line, finally breaking her up by ramming her to prevent her becoming a danger to navigation. We then proceeded after the convoy and picked up another boat which was being towed.
At 0820, the "Skylark" sustained further damage to her stern due to the strain on the tow caused by the heavy seas, and, as she was in danger of foundering, her crew were taken off and a cargo of ladders and petrol and all serviceable stores aboard transferred to the "Strathelliot" the boat being them cut adrift. We then closed a trawler "KO" and semaphored her to sink this boat which she did.
At 0845, we took in tow the "Malden Annie IV", nut at 0855
her Port mooring bollard tore away and the towing hawser was then secured to the Starboard. This was showing signs of parting, and finally tore away at 0940. The hawser was then secured to a small hook.
At 1000 we closed the trawler "Grimsby Town" and sent a message ashore by her reporting our position. A mechanic was put aboard the "Malden Annie IV" to try to effect repairs to her magneto, but this was found to be impossible. A hawser was then passed right round underneath her and was secured on deck, the towing hawser being bent to this. This hawser parted at 1215, when "Malden Annie IV"
reported that water was entering due to damage received forward. A
new hawser was passed and the vessel towed stern first. A great deal of damage. had been caused to her superstructure by heavy seas crashing her into the trawler, but having lost two ships, I was loth to lose a third. The tow parted twice more in the course of the afternoon, but the vessel was eventually taken to Dunkerque. I would like to mention the conduct of the officer in command of the "Malden Annie IV" who worked extremely hard under very trying conditions to bring his ship to port.
At 1530 we were proceeding down the channel into Dunkerque when a destroyer came out firing on and being fired on by batteries ashore. It was impossible for us to steer out of her line of fire, due to our tow, but fortunately, although shells were falling close to us and planes were trying to bomb the destroyer, we sustained no damage the mearest shell being about 70 yards on our starboard beam.
On two other occasions between 1530 and our arrival off Dunkerque but sustained hits. We came to anchor off Dunkerque beaches ( as beaches at 1620, we received salvoes of bombs intended for destroyers close in no draft would allow) and eventually attracted the attention of a motor as launch our manned by Sea Scouts. They came alongside and we asked them to bring us some troops from the beach. We put our this ship's and boat over the side and she was towed ashore to assist. From another motor launch we eventually received a total of fifty-four
French soldiers.
unable further boatloads of soldiers, and at
Although we waited for a total of two and a half 1920 hours we we were deceded to get not any knowing the state of the tide and being in danger Had of settling there on the possibility of getting any more men, we would there. waited that, sand, we would weigh and proceed to Sheerness. have but there been were any insufficient small boats to supply the ships

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22.
Skipper beaches A. Gardner, at 2200 R.N.R. - Went in Tug "Tanga" arrived bombed machine-gunned throughout the night, while at the and on Friday, May 31st. They were lying off an life inprovised boat jetty. He helped to ferry troops life boat.
down and he returned on Saturday in "Leda", leaving the in a power which "Tanga" had towed. This broke
23.
Sub Lieut. E.T. Garside, R.N.V.R. - Went to Le Panne in
"Elizabeth Green" and ferried for larger craft. He sighted "Viewfinder" on the beach. He got back to
Ramsgate on Thursday May 30th, transferred to the R.F.A.
launch "Andora II" and returned to beaches where he ferried for a bit and then brought back 23 French. Arrived
Ramsgate on Friday. On Monday night he was towed over in the "Elizabeth Green" by a tug, which he could not afterwards find and so he brought his load home.
24. Sub Lieut. R. Shrimpton, R.N.V.R. - In an Admiralty, open
36 ft. launch he was towed over by a drifter and pent
Saturday night at the beaches. On a later night he went into Dunkirk.
25. Sub Lieut. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R. - Went over to Le Panne in the "Frightened Lady" which was beached after fouling the screw. He reported to an Admiral with side whiskers who was escorting Gort. He was told to help some soldiers getting abandoned pinnaces away. He also assisted to build a jetty with trailers etc. Left the beaches in the
"Horst".
26. Sub Lieut. A.V. Weaver, R.N.V.R. - Went over in "Quijijana"
and brought back a party of 18 troops mostly Coldstream
Guards. He went over again in "Sun X".
27.
Sub Lieut. W.G.H. Bonham, R.N. went over in "BOBELI"
in the first batch and ferried until about midnight on
Wednesday night. His boat was broken up by a destroyer which went full ahead while he was alongside. He went on ferrying for a bit but had to abandon the "Bobeli" and returned to Margate in the "Albury". He then went over in the "Horst" which had to be abandoned owing to engine trouble and a near miss.
28.
Sub Lieut. J.W. Culham, R.N. - in "Smolt" which broke down on way over and was towed back by "Midas"?. Went over in "Glitter II" to the beaches about 6m East of
Dunkirk arrived at 1600 on Wed. 29th. Stayed ferrying until 0200 on Thursday when she lost her rudder on some wreckage and was towed back to Dover by a drifter. The
"Black Arrow" was seen aground at Dunkirk.
29. Sub Lieut. R.A.W. Pool, R.N. - Took lighter X.817 to
Dunkirk and then back to Ramsgate. He went over again on last night to Dunkirk in the M.T.B. "Marlborough".
Mares
30.
Sub Lieut. E.G.B. Enxnish, R.N.V.R. - in "Skylark" but she sank on the way over. He also saw "Mary Rose" sink in mid ocean and the "Ellen Mary" run down by a life boat and abandoned.
31,
Sub Lieut. E.A.E. Cornish, R.N.V.R. - was in the
"Lansdowne" which slipped her tow outside Dunkirk.

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33.
Lieut. "Mermaiden Nimmo, back R.N.R. to Weymouth. - Took "Filleul" yacht
/.
34.
Lieut. J.S. Seal, R.N.R. - in "Queen Boadicea picked up three seamen survivors from' Janis"? II"
Dunkirk Pier. The latter's Captain Sub Lieut. off Bell by a bomb on Friday may 31. The survivors were
R.N.V.R.? and a stoker had been killed outright landed at Ramsgate.
35,
Mr. C.V. Cogger - signed in "Seine" at Rochester.
Left her on Wednesday full of water for the aches
( Lieut. Cdr Filluel in command). Brought hack
350 British and French troops to Ramsgate. Sailed again for Dunkirk and brought back 300 troops.
36.
Sub Lieut. W.E. Mercer, R.N.V.R. of "Strathelliot" -
saw the"Mary Rose" and "Skylark" sink in mid ocean, crew all brought back. Following were seen abandoned as Dunkirk:- "Malden" "Annie IV" and "Empress".
The former was used as a pier.
37.
"Scene Shifter" was swamped by French troops on
Wed. June 29th. "Triton" was cast off while in tow with foul screw.
38.
Lieut. W.B. Whitworth, R.N. did 6 trips in "Aeger".
39.
Mr. R. Brown - went over in "Madame Sansgene" on night of Monday June 3rd. Elgar H. Jefferey and his brother were also in the boat. Towed over by "Tanjar"
(Tug) with another Motor boat. On way back boats fouled a rope, which had been veered by the "Tanjar"
to stutch it as it was new, and the boats had to be abandoned. The "Madame Sansgene" claimed to have shot down a bomber.
40,
P.O. E. Wells, R.N.R. - went over in "Nanette II", who had a Lieut. R.N.V.R. in charge. They went to
Ostende an then to Dunkirk and brought back mostly
French troops, some of whom had been in the water for 12 hours. "Nanette" was finally returned to
41.
Dover.
Sub Lieut. Church, R.N.R. - In "Portsdown"
see separate report.
42
Coxn. George Senior, O.N. 239990 - In YC 78
Wed, May 29th for Ramsgate. Sailed from Ramsgate at at
(Lieut. Mortimer R.N.R. 1/c). Left Sheerness on
2245 Thursday night and arrived at Dunkirk
1100 on Friday. The only soldiers on the beaches vessels there, They left Dunkirk about 1830 towing on 45 of them, were ferried off in the YC 71
and a about midnight and anchored. H wever, and skiff. Thornycroft motor boat. The YC 72 broke down the herself boat managed to start up again about must
Thornycroft informed Ramsgate for a tug came out 0700
have and towed YO 78 and YC 71 back to Ramsgate.