TNA ADM 199 790

(copy)
Inprove 124 100.
220
- 235
H.M.S. "VERNON".
portsmouth.
6th June, 1940.
From: ACTING LTRIFT. Galls P.U.V.R.
Dynam. 12th 3234 1185
$15 VERRON.
PORTSHOUTH
8th June, 1940.
mit the following as "BEN & LUCY" and
Report of Movements of "DORIENTA" and
Tuesday, June 4th.
"BEN LUCY".
IS received from
Id from "VERION"
To: 136/49.
tay aboard "BST & LUCY",
DOVER, HE VICE ADMIRAL, its.
rul, the visibility very
(Copy to:- The Commander-in-Chief, we passed Dover
Portsmouth).
at 1645. I reported
I to stand by for orders, us day.
reference to
General Order 1700.
by,
I
received orders lag boats in tow,
L1 craft). We proceeded
1 to the remainder of the
Magerton
Low. At 2000 # were to Dunkirk channel when
1 us from the East flying our fighters and driven aff,
CAPTAIN.
had been dropped among the lerve that two vessels were
. vessel was towed back)
med was sunk. During this our two machine cune, the
VICE ADMIRAL
ed by one of our fighters.
we proceeded into the channel
1940
kirk harbour at 2100,
00 fathers. I ordered both
$ the boats in shore with ships if possible.
on the boats were inshore and the bay, I therefore
INSTA" to return independently as soon as she was loaded.
R.N. V.R. who requested a tow as his engines had been I disabled
I was then hailed by H.M.D. "FEASABLE", Lt. Turner by a shell, I replied that I would do so as soon as had filled with troops.
As my four boats were returning I observed that one was destroyed by a shell.
boat control officers who ordered my boats to boat return which
While embarking the troops I vas hailed by a power to name beach closes also with troops, to tow these "DORIENTA" boats to the containing to the harbour. I instructed a motor the position and I prosumed indicated. that she had proceeded as previously alongside me, At this stage contact with directed. was broken

(copy)
Dynam 124 100.
220
- 235
H.M.S. "VERNON".
PORTSMOUTH.
h
6th June, 1940.
ACTING LIEUT. Gollo nas, R.N.V.R.
CAPTAIN, H.M.S. "VERNON".
I have the honour to submit the following rt of the movements of Hello Drifters "BEN & LUCY" and
IDENTA" from Wednesday May 29th to Tuesday, June 4th.
In accordance with orders received from hander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, I sailed from "VERITON"
th Pier at 2400 on Wednesday, 29th May aboard "BRIT & LUCY",
INTA" in company, bound for Ramsgate.
The passage was uneventful, the visibility very
At 1405 on Thursday, 30th May, we passed Dover iving at anchor off Ramsgate Harbour at 1645. I reported
Naval Officer in Charge and was told to stand by for orders, ch were not given until the following day.
At 1350 on Friday 3kst May, I received orders proceed to Dunkirk taking four pulling boats in tow,
ORIENTA" in company also towing small craft). We proceeded route 15 We Our speed was adjusted to the remainder of the ege 'Armada' which was necessarily slow. At 2000 # were st to the North of the West entrance to Dunkirk channel when large force of enemy bombers attacked us from the Hast flying high altitude; they were engaged by our fighters and driven are, t not before a large mumber of bombs had been dropped among the a H.M.D. "FAIRBRESZ" which Iwas informed was sunk. During this ruck, namely, H.M.D. "LORD HOOD" (this vessel was towed back)
sembled shipping. I was able to observe that two vessels were tack I engaged one dive bomber with our two machine guns, the ither of two units was damaged and we proceeded into the channel struction of this machine was completed by one of our fighters.
preaching the shore to a depth of three fathoms. I ordered with both riving are my the bay to the East of Dunkirk harbour at 2100, structions to return to their parent ships if possible.
V vessels to slip their boats and sent the boats in shore ept enemy my ship moving and instructed "DORISITTA"
he commenced shelling the beach and the bay, to return I
It was now dark, and when the boats were therefore inshore ndependently as soon as she was loaded.
then hailed by HaM.D. "FEASABLE", disabled Lt. Turner
J N.V.R. a shell, who I requested replied that I would do so as soon as filled
I was a tow as his engines had been I had with troops.
As my four boats were returning I observed that one was destroyed by a shell.
While officers who ordered my boats a motor to boat which embarking the troops I vas hailed by return a power to boat the containing control the harbour. I instructed boats to the name alongaide me, At this stage contact directed. was broken beach closes to also with troops, to tow with these "DORISMTA"
position and I presumed indicated. that she had proceeded as previously

Page 2.
236
My boats having departed I made contact with
H.M.D. "FEASABLE" taking her in tow and proceeded to Westward in search boat loads of troops and took then aboard, as there were no boat of further troops. When off the harbour entrance I contacted three crews I put them in tow astern of H.M.D. "FRASAHLE".
"BSN & LUCY" was now loaded to capacity and was preparing to proceed homewards when I was hailed by a naval rating alone in a waterlogged whaler. I took him aboard abandoning the whaler. I was then hailed by a fishing smack (9) "LETITIA" of
Southend who requested a tow as he was short of fuel, I told him
0100 June 1st.
to tail on, and continued my passage, the time being approximately
The channel was negotiated without event, two destroyers being passed bound in. At approximately 0200 we turned to the
North having rounded the Whistle bucy and, when about six miles to the North of the channel aircraft was heard overhead, while Asha gunfire and searchlights had been active for the last half hour.
At approximately 0330 a very heavy explosion occurred close to the port quarter of "FEASABLE", The skipper and I were thrown across the bridge with great violence. On looking art I saw a large column of smoke and water close astern of "FEASABLE". Owing to the abnormal phosphorescence of the water I judged this to be an aerial attack on what was thought to be a largevessel, and as
"FEASABLE" was still in tow and made no signal for assistance
I continued. (I was subsequently informed by "LETTTIA" that another smack named "ROWAN" which had attached herself to the tow unknown to me had been sunk by this explosion).
"BBH & LUCY" was now making water at about one foot per hour.
About 0700 I was overtaken and hailed by "VERNON"
Pinnace Va4 who requested a course for the North Goodwin
Light Vessel and then proceeded ahead or US.
At approximately 0745 we sighted North Goodwin to part and headed for Ramagate.
When approximately 3 miles to the N.E. of Ramagate
"LETITIA" slipped her tow and under her own power began to make off.
I hailed her and when he informed me about the loss of "ROWAN" I ordered him to report to Naval Officer in Charge,
Ramsgate. I repeated my previous instructions which I do not think he obeyed.
He replied that he was returning whene he came.
while my to do this the tow rope was picked up by a length
"FEASABLE" intention a to two her in Iashed alongside & LUCY".
When mile to the Northward of the harbour "BSN I signalled of attempting which apparently had been foul of our propeller fouled since we Portsmouth. to anchor. I signalled disabled. A had leaving sweep wire Our propeller became hopelessly Pierhead that I 80
100 were troops, both including obliged two wounded and that We remained I was at anchor until launch by Monday came into "RENASCENT" in contacting acetylene harbour off morning and At outter. and to took the having 1000 clear at skipper the low on While made the troops Monday, tide of screw. unsuccesful this succeeded "DORIENTA". ashore. June the operation explosion 3rd, attempts in He we clearing was were reported of on to a hand towed our obtain shell to screw I in but me succeeded a by that tow that drifter he broken his had managed engines the joints has to return been in damaged several at reduced blooked by steam speed pipes up the (the causing bilge boiler pumps flooding had with moved in ashes). the and to engine I room, which in turn R.N. who instructed "DORIENTA" no to return was
Portsmouth reported to and crew with me as "wrecked"

Depramen 203.
342
From: Acting Lieutenant F.G.H. ILBS, R.N.V.R. Unit Officer.
Date:
8th June, 1940.
To:
VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
Jastimets Jades a nt
(Copy to:- The Communder-in-Chief, Portsmouth. aread Just 902
(Through Captain, H.N.S. "VERNON").
Sir, of Indred overl I
In accordance with paragraph 2 of C.P.G.O. 1691,
I have the honour to submit the names of the following officers and men who I consider greatly distinguished themselves during the evacuation of the B.B.F. from Dunkirk.
H.m. Drifter
Skipper Wello Watling, R.N.R.
His cool bearing and demeanour throughout the operation and especially during the time H.ll. Drifter "FRASABLE" was taken in tow under heavy fire contributed most materially to the saving of both ships.
A. Prampton, A.B. H.O. Official Number not known.
T.W.Turner A.B. H.O. IS/JX/167136
B.C. Winney A.B. H.O. LT/JX/167132
L.R. Ayers. A.B. H.O. III/JX/167128.
The above four seamen, aanned the two Lewis guns continually ina most steadfast Hanner and without any protection whatsoever for five hours under heavy bombardments both from the air and land.
RESILLS 10%
FOIT
H.M. Drifter "DORINNTA".
Juvoi
Skipper U.P Reynolds, -103 mo)
This officer showed great coolness throughout the whole operation and great initiative when ordered to proceed in independently. the channel are Deakisk withouts chart
He navigated his ship with extreme and skill his engines narrow partially disabled, thus, undoubtedly, saving this, ship and as the troops on board. Due X/369, and
W. Kennedy
Engineman R.N.R.
Enginemen H.O.
IR/XX/101797
J, Smith
J.J. Shone
Stoker H.O.
Official Number not known.
Stoker R.N.R.
X/104158.
J. Pirie.
When the the boiler was 30 rooked and by the feed explosion ship vas damaged bya aball bursting the close to the stern, joints were blown water to fly that sundry steam pipe to dause steem and not the purps choked in all pump damaged 80 bilges as became flooded and energy shown by directions, the initiative, skill and ship to reach these with ashes. especially The 1. Kennedy, enabled eventually the to proceed to
Ramsgate Portamouth, ratings, under although her own Captain steam Wharton, and Royal Navy, considered her a wreck in the Engine Room.
F. Russell.
X/18714
Seaman R.N.R.
Seaman R.N.R.
be Hurfield.
official Number not known H.O. Ord. Searan.
official their not known H.O. Seaman.
X/7963
R. Reekie
F.C. West.
The above four seamen manned the two Lewis guns continually
/in

23
-2-
10.
we could have taken more. There was
At about 0030 we had a good 10ad, althouch the arrival of the troops and there were ships waiting to get alongside, so I decided, after and "BORNRIF" following independently.
consulting Tromp, to 80 with what I had - #HORNSRUG"
11.
There was no shelling or bo bingof the part of either the harbour the where we were, and no incident to reports in harbour on the return journey.
12.
well taped beforehand, and nothing left to chance.
The officers of the ship had their organisatic shewed great judgment.
The C.O. Licut. Wise only joined the day before, and
Licut. de Mornay, R.N. came as a volunteer to
His pilot me to harbour having made several recent trips.
of the service was invaluable. I took over the handling and leaving, not that I doubted Wise's capacity, ship at the entrance of Durikerque, both entering but because the importance of accurate handling was such that I preferred to have it in my own hands.
13.
I have made no recommendations in respect of this operation in view of the fact that the S ips were at ano time under fire, whereas the majority of ships taking part were continually bombed and shelled.
PT
&
0
VIV
14
4
2
I have the honour to be Sir,
12 JUN 1940
H.M.S. M 2745/636 VERNON
Your obedient servant,
(SHammd
CO ANDER R.
II.
No: 211/27.
THE VICE ADMIRAL,
DOVER.
(Copy to:-
The Commander-in-Chief, H.M.Ships & Vessels, Ports
Portsmouth General Order 1700.
Submitted, with reference to Confidential
H.M.S. "VERNON",
PORTSMOUTH.
13th June, 1940.
Magerton
CAPTAIN.
VICE ADMIRAL
15 JUN 1940
Думашь

Deprover 162
15
The Commanding Officer,
HMS "Vernon".
From. Commanding Office
HMS "Bystand lsv. June 1940.
leport upon the action of seaman cook J.H.N. Elton (RM.
Patrol Service) in reseuring survivors from Hins King
Deparms 1,62 152 157
The Commanding officer.
From
HMS "Vernon"
HMS "Bystander"
1-6- 40.
in of this
I beg to submit the enclosed report to you upon the word riseworthy action of one of my ctew, I. Elton, cook on about rd this ship, in diving into the water to assist in cuing twenty survivors of the troop transport "King
1 off Dunkisk in the early hours of Thursday 30th process y.
dens for
As this man was manily responsible for the saving these officers and men, I submit his name be at sidered for an award.
to HARS
I am. yours obsedintly, ger of
H.J. Bange ( Lub. lt., RNVR)
the dog
Commanding Office.
attempt

Dyram 162
158
153
The Commanding Officer,
HMS "Vernon".
From Commanding Office,
HMS "Bystander."
Isv. June 1940.
Report upon the action of seaman cook J.H.H. Elton (RM.
Patrol Service) in reseuring survivors from Hims King
Orry on 30st cllay 1940.
"
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report upon the action of man cook J.H.H. Elton. a member of the of this ship, when this ship was engaged in reseuring survivors
HMS "King Orly: when she foundared off Dunkirk at about
+5 30 th ellay, 1940.
This ship. an echo-sounding vessel was in the process refitting at Ramsgate when she was given route orders for unkink to assist in transporting troops to England.
During this operation. I arrived at Dumkink at
30 of 29th ellay 1940 I was instructed to proceed to HMS
ing Pry" and take off her arew as she was in danger of bundering as a result of a bombing raid earlier in the day.
the Commanding officer of King Drry: however, decided to attempt

Syramo
Dynam 212
1230
1572
Vice-Admival,
From. Commanding Officer,
Dover.
(leho-smunding york)
HMS Bryetandar.
10d June. 1940.
Report on operation Dynama In accordance with
Confidential Portsmouth general Grder 1y00. (6.fume19100)
(bopy to bim b., Portimouth).
Dyram 167 158
of refilting since 14 th allay
H.M.S. 'VERNON,'
PORTSMOUTH.
:
I gave instructions that
4th June, 1940.
00, 29.00 allay. I had the
Report on action of Seaman Cook J.H.H.
ELTON in rescuing survivors from have and every available
H.M.S. "KING ORRY".
troops.
II.
it four daifters of the olline-
No: 211/22.
The Commander-in-Chief,
H. M.Ships & Vessels,
)
and entered Dunkink
Portsmouth.
Submitted.
who was temporarily in and I steamed up the
*
COMMANDER-IN-CHISE JUN
Sgalon CAPTAIN.
00 escertain the depth of
PORTSMOUTH:
- to the town. I received
III
No. 5400/42
VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
Referred with reference 1940. to t of Has King Only as your message 2001 of 4th June,
As the Commanding
OF ADDRESS 4. hace
Portsmouth. 940. 10JUN 1940 for Amiral.
reded to two of the cline-
7th June,
*
DOVERO

Dyram 100
339
From Actual A. 317
RNVR.
To. Captain H.M.S. Veriou
H.M.S. "VERNON",
Binfel uss
Portsmouth.
5th June 1940.
H.M.S. "VERNON,"
311
PORTSMOUTH.
8th June, 1940.
Report of Movements of "DORIENTA" and
"BEN LUCY".
unit the following ifters *HEN & LUCY" and
136/49.
a to Tuesday, June 4th.
VICE ADMIRAL,
OVER.
rs received from
(Copy to:- The Commander-in-Chief, sailed from "VERNON"
Portsmouth).
29th May aboard *300 &
nd for Remogate.
ful, the visibility Tory
Submitted with reference to
May we passed Dover onfidential Portsmouth General Order 1700
arbour at 1645. I
ge and was told to stand en until the following è
Maelon
May I received orders pulling boats in tow,
: small craft). No
CAPTAIN.
peed was adjusted to the
Loh was necessarily slow.
1 of the West entrance to
VICE AD MIRAL 1940
10 of enemy bombers at high altitude; they driven off, but not
*
ad been dropped mong the
DOVER
to observe that two
.D. "LORD HOOD" (this
"FAIRBREEZE" which I
this attack I angaged one guns, the destruction one of our fighters, ged and No proceeded into to the East of Dunkirk harbour at 2100, approaching the shore to a depth of three fathoms. I ordered both my vessels to ship their boats nshiment the boats in shore with instructions to return
S
sparent ships if possible.
11 when eat was now dark, and when the heats were inshore the beach emmenced shelling the beach and the bay, I
08 and instruant my ship moving and instructed "DORTENTA"
soon SA she allependently as soon SA she N&S loaded.
14 by H.M.D. wytons then bailed by H.M.D. "PEASABLE", It. Turner
& sow B.S. his anginwequested & sow as his angines had been replied
.D. shell, I replied that I would do so as soon troops.
4. "Pited with troops.
four returning 10JUN
recev four boats were returning I observed that une was

Dynam. 124
339
From Acting Ar.
To. Captain H.M.S. Veriou
RNSR.
H.M.S. "VERNON",
Portsmouth.
6th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of the movements of H.M.Drifters "BIDIV & LUCY" and
"DORIENTA" from Wednesday, May 29th to Tuesday, June 4th.
In accordance with orders received from
Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, I sailed from "VERNON"
North Pier at 2400 on Wednesday, 29th May aboard "EIGN &
LUCY", "DORIENTA" in company, bound for Ramsgate.
The passage was uneventful, the visibility very bad. At 1405 on Thursday, 30th May we passed Dover arriving at anchor off Ramsgate Harbour at 1645. I
reported to Naval Officer in Charge and was told to stand by day. for orders, which were not given until the following
Friday, 3180.
At 1350 on May I received orders to proceed to Dunkirk taking four pulling boats in tow,
("DORIENTA" in company also towing small craft). We proceeded by route 15 W. Our speed was adjusted to the remainder of the large Armada' which was necessarily slow.
At 2000 we were just to the North of the West entrance to
Dunkirk channel when a large force of enemy bombers attacked us from the East flying at high altitude; they were engaged by our fighters and driven off, but not before a large number of bombs had been dropped among the assembled shipping. I was able to observe that two vessels were struck, namely, H.M.D. "LORD HOOD" (this vessel was towed back) and H.M.D. "FAIRBREEZE" which I
was informed was sunk. During this attack I engaged one dive bomber with our two machine gune, the destruction of this machine was completed by one of our fighters.
Neither of my two units was damaged and we proceeded into the channel arriving off the bay to the East of Dunkirk harbour at 2100, approaching the shore to a depth of three fathoms. I ordered both my vessels to sRip their boats and sent the boats in shore with instructions to return to their parent ships if possible.
It was now dark, and when the boats were inshore the enemy commenced shelling the beach and the bay, 1
therefore kept my ship moving and instructed "DORIENTA"
to return independently as soon as she was loaded.
I was then hailed by H.M.D. "FEASABLE", It.Turner
R.N.V.R. who requested & tow as his engines had been disabled by & shell, I replied that I would do so as soon as I had filled with troops.
As my four boats were returning I observed that one was

340
318
Page 2, one was destroyed by a shell.
power boat to containing control officers who ordered
While embarking the troops I was hailed by a boats return to the beach closer to the harbour. my troops, to tow these boats to the position indicated.. At instructed & motor boat which came alongside me, also with I
this stage contact with "DORIENTA" was broken and I
presumed that she had proceeded as previously directed.
My boats having departed I made contact with
H.M.D. "FEASABLE" taking her in tow and proceeded to
Westward in search of further troops. When off the harbour entrance I contacted three boat loads of troops and took them aboard, as there were no boats crews I put them in tow astern of H.M.D. "FEASABLE".
"BEN & LUCY" was now loaded to capacity and was preparing to proceed homewards when I was hailed by a naval rating alone in a waterlogged whaler, I took him aboard abandoning the whaler, I was then hailed by a fishing smack (?) "LETITIA" of Southend who requested a tow as he was short of fuel, I told him to tail on, and continued my passage, the time being approximately 0100
June 1st.
The channel was negotiated without event, two destroyers being passed bound in. At approximately 0200
we turned to the North having rounded the Whistle bucy and, when about six miles to the North of the channel aircraft was heard overhead, while A.A. gunfire and searchlights had been active for the last half hour. At approximately 0330
& very heavy explosion occured close to the port quarter of "FEASABLE". The skipper and I were thrown across the bridge with great violence. On looking aft I saw a large column of smoke and water close astern of "FEASABLE".
Owing to the abnormal phosphorescence of the water I judged this to be an aerial attack on what was thought to be a large vessel, and as "FEASABLE" was still in tow and made no signal for assistance I continued. (I was subsequently informed by "LETITIA" that another smack named "ROWAN" which had attached herself to the tow unknown to me had been sunk by this explosion.)
at
"BEN & LUCY" was now making water & about one foot per hour.
About 0700 I was overtaken and hailed by "VERNON"
Pinnace V.4. who requested & course for the North Goodwin
Light Vessel and then proceeded ahead of us.
At approximately 0745 we sighted North Goodwin to port and headed for Ramsgate.
When approximately 3 miles to the N.E. of Ramsgate
"LETITIA" slipped her tow and under her own power began to make off. I hailed her and when he informed me about the loss of the "ROWAN" I ordered him to report to Naval Officer whence he came. I repeated my previous instructions which in Charge, Ramsgate. He replied that he was returned
I do not think he obeyed.
When a mile to the Northward of the harbour I
signalled

341
319
Page 3.
signalled "FEASABLE" my intention to tow her in lashed alongside "BEN & LUCY". While attempting to do this the tow rope was picked up by a length of sweep wire which apparently had been foul of our propeller since leaving Portsmouth. Our propeller became hopelessly fouled so we were both obliged to anchor. I signalled
Pierhead that I had 100 troops, including two wounded and that I was disabled. A launch came off and took the troops made unsuccessful attempts to obtain a tow into harbour to ashore. We remained at anchor until Monday morning having clear the screw.
At 1000 on Monday, June 3rd we were towed in by drifter "RENASCENT" and at low tide succeeded in clearing our screw by acetylene cutter. While this operation was on hand I succeeded in contacting the skipper of "DORIENTA". He reported to me that his engines had been damaged by the explosion of a shell but that he had managed to return at reduced speed (the boiler had moved and broken the joints in several steam pipes causing flooding in the engine room which in turn blocked up the bilge pumps with ashes). I reported to Captain Wharton R.N.
who instructed me to return to Portsmouth and take "DORIENTA's"
crew with me as "DORIENTA" was'wrecked", but on the assurance of her skipper that he was confident he could bring her back to Portsmouth I returned to Captain Wharton and sought permission to bring "DORIENTA" back, as, if it proved necessary, I could have taken her in tow. This permission was granted and at 0600 on Tuesday, June 4th we weighed anchor and made passage to Portsmouth, arriving at 2100.
I wish to place on record and draw attention to, the perfect discipline and devotion to duty of all members of both crews, with particular mention of Skipper
W.A. Whatling R.N.R., Skipper W.F. Reynolds R.N.R, and the engine room staff of H.M.D. "DORIENTA" whose coolness in maintaining way on the ship in most arduous conditions undoubtedly prevented the abandonment of this ship.
I have the honour to be,
CAPT H.M.S. -7 1940 2
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
"VERNON"
LM.Shs
Acting Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
Unit Officer.

419
411
/
389
412
390
0 Captai.. of "Vernon".
Tug 0.9
6th June 1940.
9 Bg ir.
on the 1st June as Master of Tug C.9 I was at Dunkirk hen two destroyers were bombed and having received orders il from
0 assist to tow one and then ordered to go to the other elioved to be the "Keith" which was sunk after the crew ad been ta en off by H.M.S. Sloop. I was on resoue duty
18 bombing was BO severe that I witnessed the destruction four ships, namely H.M.S. "BRIGHTON QUEEN", H.M.S. "SCOBIA"
ring these operations a bomb bursting (approx.) 30 ft.
M.S. "KEITH" which had just left Dunkirk full of troops.
tern of the Tug lifting stern in the air. All through the
46422 SGOE
erations whether on the Bridge with a rifle trying to pot down enemy planes or rescuing troops over the side to
By sych lp the wounded P.O. Steward and P.O.
loaned to us m H.M.S. "VERNON" were models of coolness, courage and easing effort. Their discipline and obedience to at to lers at all times was exemplary and I feel that I should neglecting my duty if I fail to convey to you, Sir, as yei
.r Commanding Officer my sincere admiration of their eptional conduct.
of
I am, Sir, a
Yours obediently,
& been
(sd) J. TRELEAVEN.
Bed on
Master Tug C.9.
ken off
Portsmouth Dockward.
by
EXLAPISA 21')
tack again ships HMS Brighton Luen and bufeled effer leaving Dunkirk feell of olefs a shee of Survivors, of for $ luced by Officer in motor Boal said to re. reserving Survivor: Onemy selviven B9 and HMS Esk oppiers) 18m number dropping,
Mature " also French destroyer which was their can survivors baplain of HMS Esk to proced to the int Swowors y had ouring cling the bapitain a first Offiere of an attack. Having 30 Survivors program Brighton Lucen, and a with army
11111 inlecome mander I was able to proceed

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
7
6x Imday the 31" M May. we the S.Jug Vincia left Ramagate in taw of three skiffs for Duskinh at
2.45pm.
544
2
514
This operation of holding the bifeboats end on to the beach, combined with the continuous bombing from the air, proved too difficult a task for the crews. After doing it twice
I had only one lifeboat remaining, the others having broached to and swamped themselves. Also, there was continuous shelling from the batteries from the Western side. So the only alternative left to me was to ferry troops from the piers to the trawler.
Atlantic
With the trawler filled we set out for home but we had not been under way long before the trawler struck a wreck. I sent out an S-0-S on the siren. It was quickly answered by a Dutch 'scoot which came to our rescue, took off our troops and leaving the trawler "FAIRBREEZE" to sink, landed us back at Ramsgate at about 7.30am.
That night I comandeered a fast motorboat
"VERNON 1" and set out again for Dunkirk to ferry troops off the piers out to the Destroyers and waiting transports.
I continued this operation until dawn when the starboard engine of the launch fell to peices and I had to be towed home to Ramsgate rull of troops.
The next boat I got was the "PIGEON" one of the
War Dept. boats which continued to run magnificently for the remainder of the operations. From now on I did not try the beaches any more but ferried troops from the piers to the waiting transports outside Dunkirk. This seemed my best