TNA ADM 199 790

126
CONFIDENTIAL.
130
To: The Admiralty.
via: V.A. Dover.
H.M.S. "SALANDER".
Copies to: F.O., London.
5th June, 1940.
M.S.4.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events which took place on Friday, 31st May, and Saturday, 1st June, 1940.
At 1800/31/5 I left Dover in company with HALCYON and SKIPJACK
to rendezvous with the remainder of the minesweepers at YY buay by 2200 in accordance with V.A. Dover's 0357/31/5.
Here I took FITZROY under my command and followed astern of the other two groups through Dunkirk Roads, past Dunicirie, to a position off Bray,
I was then ordered by NIGER to anchor one mile to his Eastward, to avoid magnetic mines laid near No.8 Buoy. This was accomplished by 0015/1/6.
The beach at Bray was under shrapnel fire from inland energy batteries, and as no boats closed no I lowered a shaler with a Volunteer crew to land for soldiers (See appendix No.1).
The boat returned in about half an hour with one hand and a message from General Nontgomery to inform all ships that he intended moving Weatward to Dunkirk at once as the beach was becoming untenable.
This message I passed to all ships in V/S to ch.
The pontoon pier had been hit by shell fire and no troops seemed to be embarking at all, so I weighed and kept under way closing the beach as much as I could.
When a little light appeared, however, boats began to above off from the beach and dame to no. RA Dover now ordered all ships to embark men in boats and move Westwards to Dunkirk at dawn. A continual stream of boats came off with military personnel, and by 0600/1/6 I had embarked about 450 men, including 29 wounded of whom 11 were stretcher cases, Attacks by aircraft took place on all ships and salvoes of bombs were dropped, no ships being hit. We were then attacked by front machine gun fire from Messerschmitt 109's, and one casualty was sustained.
L.S.A. Gullett was hit in the hand by a bullet. I then noved Westeard astern of KNITH and SKIPJACK.
At 0820/1/6 an air attack took place on all three ships, and
SKIPJACK was sunk, and KSITH hit and set on fire. KSITH abandoned ship, and I closed her and sent away both whalers as lifeboats. (See appendix
No.2). Whilst resouing survivors I was again attacked by Junkers 87
dive bombers, and a salvo of four bombs fall about 50 feet ahead of the ship. They exploded under water when two bomba were approximately abreast the bridge. The ship lifted bodily and heeled to starboard, and then settled down with a list to part. She then sank about a foot, suddenly.
I feared she was in danger of sinking, so I ordered the S.P's on board to be jettisoned. This was done in a weighted bag. (See appendix No.3)
I stopped engines and waited reports from the Singineer Officer and Recutive
Officer.
The Engineer Officer and First Lieutenant ascertained that the forward, was and had flooded compartments amidahips In comprising about the cold and ship still seaworthy, although she had gained about 1 foot of draught hour rooms, steam WILLS gunners got on main engines again. (See Engineer Officer's
0001 stores and canteen store. attached a quarter of an report).

(1).
168
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
173
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salemander and Fitaroy in
Company+ sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh S.W.Wind, slight
Oh passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galates and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May Light breeze, calm sea, naximm visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jemmed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering+
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up eatern, steering repaired, proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy aboam. Ship sinking in visinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles, weather clearing, Fiteroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups towards la Panne+ Desultory gânfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anohored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent schore to contact troops. Troops appeared from send dunes in disorganised parties, mostly ReA.S.C. and R.B's who had lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Tery oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops and the condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10stroops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good for embarimtion, shelving sand and oalm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300, Moved to another position further East and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down, a considerable surf was running, managed to Embarked get a into a Dutch scoot, of Leicestershire and was towad back Regiment. to ship. COMMANDING OFFICER
miles 0730, off shore, and disembarked all troops, detachment proceeded alongaide Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander
19 JUN 1940
following.
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

(1)
177
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940. EVACUATION
182
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S. SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWESSPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th, May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired, proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles, weather clearing, Fitzroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups, towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.B's who had lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, amunition dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disdiplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 milsa. 0.0. reported no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The alean shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10 troops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May. 0300. Moved to another position further East and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down, considerable surf was running, managed to get Embarked a small into a a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship.
detachment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, miles off shore, and disembarked all troops, proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some following.

(I).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE I940, EVACUATION
190
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
I545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering.
I750, 6th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired, proceeded at I5 knots,
I825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires IO miles, weather clearing, Fitzroy detatched to investigate boat.
2050, turnedtowards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. Reported no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
103 troops embarked between 2130 and 0200, in batches of 25, mostly with rifles and eqipment. Beach good for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. 0300. Moved to anothe position further East commenced May. bringing off troops but motor boat broke down, and after dragging anchor into shallow water where by now a considerable surf was running, managed to get a line into a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship. Embarked small detatchment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some miles off shore, and disembarked all troops, following.

(1).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY 20 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
201
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight sea.
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard, mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breese, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired, proceeded at 15 lmots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity, rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 niles, weather clearing, Fitaroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk, in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported clean no embarkation organisation or control ashore. The the shaven condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly of strain and comparatively fresh appearance of troops as and the the evacuation progressed, with the evidences shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
, of 25, mostly with rifles and aquipment. weather. good
10 troops embarked between 3130 and Beach 0200, in batches for embarkation, shelving send and calm
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300. Moved to another position boat broke further down, East commenced dragging anchor into shallow water to a line now bringing off troops but motor where by and after surf was running, managed get Embarked small into a of Leicestershire Regiment.
a Dutch considerable scoot, and was towed back to ship.
miles following. 0730, off proceeded shore, and disembarked all troops, COMMARDING OFFICER
detachment alongside Caloutta, who was anchored Salamanter some
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

201
216
3.
23.
A heavy gun was also shelling somewhat blindly off Bray, the shots falling outside the ships in fairly well defined areas which could be avoided.
24.
An encounter between our own and enemy aircraft took place off
Bray in which three of our own adroraft were shot down. Later air attack developed on ships and 10 raids took place but no ships were damaged.
25.
In accordance with the plans tows of boats should have arrived off
Dunkirk about 1800. Two tows of dinghies arrived at 1700 and were sent to La Panne where I also went in order to ensure the embarkation of the C.in c.
I left behind Ideutenant Communder in an M.T.B. to direct the tows when they arrived and to order a large mmber of Hoppers and similar craft to beach themselves on the rising tide at the Western beaches. At La Parme
I found that HEBE had embarked Cy-in-C. according to plan, and I ambarked the rest of the H.Q. from the beach 2 miles west in KEITH's boats. During this time KEITH and HERE were bombed and the boats were narrowly missed.
26,
I then returned to Dunicirk where the rest of the town did not arrive till it was getting dark, making it very difficult to ensure their finding the further beaches. Lt. Commander Wynne-Bhrards was left behind in M.A.S.B.6. to direct then and I took KETTH up to La Fame to shepherd some of the town in that direction. By this time the wind had dropped.
27.
About Midnight M.A/S.B.6 returned to KETTH, embarked the 0.-in-C.
and took him to Dover.
28.
HEITH remained off La Parme during the night, during which there were reports of Parachute Mines off Bray, M.T.B's were heard to the Eastward, probably our own, and a few shells fell among ships off La Panne. The town and beaches at La Panne were heavily shelled and the embarkation moved
Westward in consequence. It was impossible to tell how the embarkation -
going in the dark as KETTH could not get close inshore, but such reports as came in showed that it was slow and that beaches at la Panne were being heavily shelled.
1st June
29.
As the enemy would be in occupation of La Panne in the worning ships were ordered to withdrew to the Westmard at dam. At daylight the situation was as follows. The beaches at La Panne were espity and - were moving along all beaches to the Westward. Ships Bast of Bray were moving
Westward. A Minesweeper and a Paddler were schore off Bray: a large mmber of boats were floating expty and without crews.
30. loading into Dunkirk and tried to get some of the boats collected by
During the next few hours I sent all ships that sere not full Hotor or boats and towed West. I also spent some time trying to induse a tug to assist the Minesweeper ashore. I kept BASILISK with 200 and eapty of troops in case any covering fire was needed.
were 31. made on nearly all ships off the beaches by Dive Bumbers.
About 0730 large numbers of energy Aircraft appeared and attacks
KEITH, 32. During and a tug with survivors of KNITH and were the others this period, one Destroyer off Dunkirk SKIPJACK was hit and BASILISK, sunk.
Bombs SKIPKACK, be dropped in threes and fives, one large and that bombs had and three delay planes action of about 20 seconds. I have learnt this time. subsequently
Small, appeared to attacked together; one of my staff states scie that all small a craft and beaches were machine gunned at
33. BASILISK so KNITH that was KRISH could load at Dunkirk and then return short of assunition and I had intended to to transfer Dover. to
#
At 0745 a near miss jammed the stearing goar in KNITH and shortly
/ after

272
DUPLICATE
. 288
A
continued.
informing to that the approaches had been sown with magnetic stres - By compaes TBC behaving very strangely and I decided to return via route Y.
Shortly after this I observed H.N.S. Skipjack enveloped in red flame and then disappear.
The ship 788 then attacked from the stern by a
German the Aeroplane * Fire was opened by the 19
pounder and the aeroplene immediatley onnited black smoke and dropped & very large bomb which shook the ship, two thousand feet astern Many of my ships company state definitiey that the aeroblane also crashed into the see in company with Its bomb but I was engaged in manoeuvring the ship and 11d not personally observe this
H.N.S. Fitarcy returned to Dover and disembarked 07 officers and sen and then nade fast to No.4 Buoy.nt 1915.
On accortaining the inability of N.V.S.
Fitarcy to return to Dunkirit owing to the failure
June.
or the D/G gear and as minor enginerros repaire were also necessary the following officers and nen volunteored to go in other ships and proceeded as follows..-
H.M.O. Winchelsea- Widshipman Bryce R.N.R
Signalman D. #interc/JX155114
1. Hard Stoker * 0/1197894
H.M.S. Halsyon
Sub Leiutenant Date Shaw
Signalman Prograt 0/31144084
Ordinary Seaman
At 2930 the 19 pounder amunition of H.N.B.Fitzeoy

204
TRIPLICATE
#
continued.
informing me that the approaches had been sown with magnetic mines By compase vas behaving very strangely and I decided to return via route Y.
Shortly after this I observed H.N.S. Skipjack enveloped in red flame and then disappear. *
The ship was then attacked from the stern by a
German *** Aeroplane * Fire VSS opened by the 12
pounder and the aeroplane immediatley and black smoke and dropped a very large bomb which shook the ship 2: two thousand feet astern * llany of my ships company state definitiey that the aeroplane also crashed into the sea in company with its bomb but I was engaged in manoeuvring the ship and did not personally observe this.
H.N.S. Fitaroy returned to Dover and disembarked 67 officers and man and then nade fast to No.4 Buoy.nt 1915.
On secortaining the inability of U.V.S.
fune
Fitaroy to return to Dunkirit owing to the failure of the d/g gear and as minor enginerrom repairs were also necassary the following officers and men volunteered to go in other ships and proceeded as follows..-
H.M.S. Winchelsea- Widshipman Bryce R.N.R
Signalman D. #intere/JX155114
W. Ward Stoker * 0/1007894
H.M.S. Halsyon
Sub Leiutenant D.A. Shaw
Signalman Proggat 0/JX144084
Ordinary Seaman
At 9930 the 19 pounder amunition of H.N.S.Pitzeoy

68
I
-
67
to the westward and anchried opposite the
French battery until daylisht. During the might I shifted borth further to the westward to avoid "oras" from the
Perman batteries shelling the French fort.
June 1ˢᵗ
1/6
At darr [ closed the beach ajain where some troops were seen marching lowards Dushisk. They should no particular clesse Is come off and only about 100 straggles were embarled, the main body antioning along the beach.
At about 0800 therefore [ closed the "Kith flying the flag of hear Admiral wake-walhor. Captain Pin reported the situation and was andered IS close the beaches close castward of Danhih, and if there were no troops there to proceed
Is England.
Shortly often this stung formating of enemy chise bonkers appeared and Kith was aepeatedly attached until put out of action and chandmed ship. During this period E remained under way
3ig zagging as apart from Keith and Skipjack there appeared the

74
-3-
13. Several of the motor boats had now broken down and between midnight and 3 a.m. complete repairs were done to these boats, which was most creditable to the R.N.R. and
R.N.V.R. officers and ratings sent from EXCELLENT and KING
ALFRED to man them.
14. I found it necessary to shift my anchorage to the west during the night, as shells meant for the beaches were ricocheting over H.M.S. HILDA.
15. In accordance with my undertaking to the troops, I sent off all boats again at 3.15 a.m. to search the beaches, starting from the western end of Bray-Dunnes. During the next three hours approximately only 250 men were taken off the beaches, and these in small parties; they were apparently stragglers.
A large rearguard party marching along the beach decided to continue to Dunkirk.
June.
16. At 7.30 a.m. approximately I closed H.M.S. KEITH and reported the position to Admiral Wake-Walker. He told me to continue my search of the beaches and if possible transfer my troops to another ship, subsequently returning to England.
17. Unfortunately, with the exception of KEITH, SKIPJACK, one destroyer a considerable distance away and an Admiralty tug, there were no vessels to whom I could transfer these troops, besides which, with the dive bombing and shelling, it would, as it turned out, have been impossible.
18. dive bomber and was abandoned shortly afterwards.
At approximately 8 a.m. H.M.S. KEITH received at direct hit closed from KEITH a and picked up some 50 survivors out of the water, including this stage I jettisoned all my spare petrol. The off Admiralty the
I the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F. and other Staff Officers.
At went alongside KEITH before she sank and took the east majority make a final inspection of the beaches and to see motortug of the survivors. I then proceeded to that no to boats had been left behind.
19. dive bomber Half an and sank immediately. I closed SKIPJACK picked hour later SKIPJACK received a direct hit and from a up some 60 or 70 survivors.
20. Dive bombing had been more while or less HILDA continuous proceeded since towards early morning Dunkirk Germans or narrowly 21. three At on and seemed missed 10.30 occasions, passage the to attacks be home. but in in complete during went the British on the control fighters greater for of bomba, of England, two part sink. the were of and air. of H.M. seen being after the transports on day an two the hour's I saw the steaming, latter while struckby dive bombers and
22./

2??
OPERATION
SHIP:- MOTOR BOAT - TENDER TO SKOOT "HILDA".
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
&
A.B.
M.J.Stallard
Detailed for small motor boats and went on board
PJX 154107.
the HILDA, a Dutch Skoot: taken round to Dgal
31/5
1100ca
19 years of age.and took two ships lifeboats and six motor boats
A
Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R. inntow. Stallard was transferred into & small
Motor Boat and towed across to La Panne. Passing
An Q.S.
Dunkerque were mixed up with an de raid. Then
1600
The old man from Deal he arrived at La Panne there was heavy firing mentioned in a Sunday and shells were dropping in the sea all around, paper.
firing at the destroyers. They were told to go inshore, when it was found that the propeller was foul with rope. They were towed inshore by another motor boat and were able to clear the propeller. Picked up a pontoon full of soldiers and returned to HILDA with them. Pontoon was so badly damaged that it had to be left. Found a naval cutter. Took outter in tow. Tyansforred from motor boat to cutter to help soldiers into boat. Went into beach and a passing destroyer beached them. By then motor boat and cutter were full of soldiers. Breakers soon had motor boat and cutter swamped and outter full of water.
Stallard had to tell the soldiers and push and pull them out of the boat, as their equipment was caught up. Ordered them to push the boat off, doing his best with an oar, After they got the cutter off, all the soldiers got back in and
Stallard told them to get the cars. There were only 4 oars. The Officer and 0.3. abandoned the motor boat and came aboard the outter. The old man stayed in his motor boat. The cutter was
1815 ca rowed by Stallard and aix soldiers out to HILDA.
He stayed in the outter. This was after 6.0 Dalla and shelling was going on. One shell landed
2200
200 yards ahead of them inshore and wiped out a group of 6 soldiers waiting. By about 10.0 Dalla one part of the beach had been cleared by
Stallard's party. They then moved to a jetty made of Army lorries. Took a boatload of soldiers to
"MOSQUITO". They were told by an afficer in
MOSQUITO that on the next trip they would get a bottle of bear each. This was the first drink
Saturday morning they had since leaving Deal. Could hardly see the sky for aeroplanes. One Spitfire attacked
37 German aeroplanes, brough down one and came down himself into the sea. Started bombing
0800ce: 12/gune immediately. Hit Keith; Captain Pin than ordered boat to pick up survivors. After picking these up: SKIPJACK was hit. Went down in two seconds.
0849ca:
Went over to pick up SKIRJACK'S survivors. There were some soldiers but very few of crew. Returned to HILDA. Ordered to take up tow astern. HILDA
was full of survivors in bad state, one died.
HILDA tried to get away from the heavy bombing.
Tried to get clear. One salvo of bombs fall each side of motor boat. Finally /14000 escaped about

Dyrom 391
il
368
June 5th, 1940.
1.
Lieut. A.J. Davies, R.N.V.R. -"Java" never got over the other side and was finally towed to Sheerness by "Gorecht"
2.
Lieut. A.N. Blundell, R.N.R. - "Bornrif" did three. trips between Ramsgate and beaches at Dunkirk. "King Orry" was sighted sunk off Dunkirk.
3.
Sub Lieut. R.H.C. Amos, R.N.V.R. - "Iote" was beached and abandoned after she had damaged her rudder while rescuing two of her crew, who had fallen overboard on the morning of Saturday June 1st. On night of Monday, June 3rd, Sub Lieut
Amos, R.N.V.R. and Sub Lieut. R.H. Wallace, R.N.V.R. were in a new but unnamed power life boat which was towed over to
SUN
Dunkirk by Tug XV "About..... (A).
On the 30th May D.S. "Horst" was known to have been abandoned.
4.
Sub Lieut. D.C. Williams, R.N.V.R. - left Ramsgate on the night of Su day, June 2nd in the "Kiteat". On the way over he became separated from the rest of the convoy. After doing some work the other side he towed the "Singapore" back to Dover and then on to Ramsgate on Monday, June 3rd.
5.
Lieut. R.W. Thomson, R.N.V.R. - After being discharged from the "AEGer", where he had proved lacking in experience, did
4 trips in the "DABB II", two of which were unsuccessful.
6.
Sub Lieut. C. Minchin, R.N. - Went to the beached in the
"LYDD" where he ferried until the boat broke down. She was abandoned and Minchin returned to Ramsgate in the "Lydd".
On Monday, against orders he tried to go over in the "Helfrinore" but she broke down.
7.
Sub Lieut. E.S. Foreman, R.N.V.R. - In the"Princess Freda"
he ferried from the beaches for a destroyer. He then worked for the Dutch "Besta" --?, who finally towed him back to Ramsgate.
8.
Sub Lieut. R.E. Blows, R.N.V.R. - Started in the "Minikoi"
but she was rammed and sunk by "MASB 6" off the downs at
0250 on Wed, May 29th. He next went over in the "Ambleve", which with the "Sambre" was towed over by the "Skipjack", for whom he ferried from the beaches. A crew from the
Skipjack releived his crew for 'stand-easy' and ran the
"Ambleve" aground. He and his crew returned in the
Skipjack. On Saturday, June 1st, he went over in a power life boat. She was damaged by near bombs but the engines continued to run.
9.
Sub Lieut. J.W. Pratt, R.N.V.R. - Ran aground in the
"Singapore" on beach at 0130 on Sunday June 2nd. She rfloated at 0800 and he left with three French Officers.
On the way he picked up two British soldiers who were
French Officers' water bottles. He passed the "Mosquito"
floating around'. These were revived with wine from the which was still afloat but had been deserted. In mid channel he found three life boats which he took in tow until his engines gave out and he was taken in tow by the "Kitkat".
10.
Sub Lieut. I.F. Smith, R.N.V.R. - In "Jong" helped to ferry home he sighted the "Iote" drifting round empty and troops from the beaches on Friday, May 31st. On way the "White Heather" empty but at anchor.

-2-
497.8
sailed for
On Calais the night Roads:- of 25th/26th May, the following vessels
468
Botanic.
Fyldea.
7
Maretta.
Arley.
Polly Johnson.
Brock.
Calvi.
Grey Mist.
Conidaw.
Chico.
Playmates.
Willing Boys.
of Calais.
The object of the expedition was the possible evacuation
"Grey Mist" in charge of forces employed.
Commander M/S (Commander W.V.H. Harris R.N.) sailed in
The orders to form the expedition were received at 1900, and vessels sailed at 2130, the first five trawlers to leave, towing motor boats.
Vessels were ordered to rendezvous at No. 3 Buoy Calais
Roads, and await instructions from Commander M/S. Destroyer force was in support.
On receipt of signal which had been wrongly decoded, two motor boats were ordered into Calais Harbour. These boats had left for the harbour when a further signal was received that
Calais was to be held at all costs, and the signal was ordered to be sent by hand to the Brigadier Commanding Forces. "Conidaw"
was ordered to proceed immediately and deliver the message.
A further signal was then received recalling all forces to the Downs. On receipt of this signal "Botanic" and "Maretta"
were ordered to remain until boats and "Conidaw" returned, and
Destroyer escort was asked to be provided. All other vessels returned to the Downs.
Reports from Lieutenant Commander P.F. Cammiade R.N.V.R.,
Sub. Lieutenant M.R. Mills R.N.V.R., and Skipper R. 9nelgrove,are attached (la, lb, lc, ld).
There was constant enemy air activity during the night, and a considerable amount of firing ashore.
26th May. Danlaying Yachts"Gulzar" and "Grey Mist"
to Calais P.M. with Commodore W.P. Gandell, P.S.T.O. France. Report of Lieutenant C.V. Brammall R.N.R. attached (No. 2).
"Arley" ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
She 27th May. shelled off Calais, and returned with engineer seriously was heavily wounded. Operation was then cancelled.
"Fyldea" sailed, buoy laying, under the orders of "Skipjack"
employed on mine sinking duties.
"Thomas Bartlett", recalled on report of returned to
"Inverforth", & "Our shelling Bairns" of were "Arley". sailed for Dunkirk, but ordered were to sweep the Admiral war channel, Dover. and
They harbour were p.m. then on orders from Vice
(Continued over).