TNA ADM 199 790

PLAGE OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Vatchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Tarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo",
30.5.40. 2345. Flotilla sailed Tarmouth for Ramagate,
Good
46
567
From:- Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N.
Mm
537
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate.
30th May. Arrived Ramsgate from Portsmouth with lighter. X.209
Ordered to sands between Gravelines and Calais.
Compass error 20°. Fixed green Bight buoy appeared to be missing.
Anchored off sands; landed in boat and searched inland. Encountered enemy, engaged two and believe
I shot both; returned to my ship.
31st May. Followed tug to East beach at dawn. Took aboard
500 men from my boats. One boat destroyed by bomb, two struck submerged lorries.
Left for Ramagate.
1715
Landed soldiers at Ramagate and returned Dunicipe.
led
2150
Arrived Dunkirk at dusk, heavy bombing and shelling.
Soldiers very steady and cheerful.
1st June. Landed soldiers at Ramagate at noon. Ship had been n
in collision off Dunkirk; left her in Ramagate us inner harbour. Took command of a tug whose
Master refused to go to Dunkirk again and left of for Dunkirk. Arrived evening: very few soldiers on beaches. Went alongside small pier at back or harbour. Went ashore to look for troops; found no English so loaded up with French.
2nd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate 0730. Obtained Captain Duka's
Mann, permission to arm and command Power Boat "Swallow". xi
Arrived Dunkirk in "Swallow" at dusk. Entered inner harbour; took off 15 men and towed & full cutter in addition.
3rd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate in morning with loaded cutter in tow. Left for Dunkink in afternoon; entered inner harbour. Ordered to embark some French staff but could find none; loaded with English and French troops. Purthest end of harbour now in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.

FLAG OFFICER IN N CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
568
V.Goodines
533
From:- Lieut. C.W. Read, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
a
9
Arrived at Ramsgate from Falmouth ex H.M.S.
Forte II 0330 29.5.40 and took command of Chris
Kraft Motor Launch "Bonnie Heather" - Length 35 ft;
speed 18 knots.
Lled
Made 7 complete return trips to Dunkirk beaches;
MA
1
average number soldiers carried - 60; approximately
R
out
420 soldiers. Made 10 trips from Mole at Dunkirk all a to to Transports lying off (under shrapnel) - 600
soldiers.
Rescued Chief Steward and 39 soldiers from water
Mann, ed ex S/S Scotia and bombed whilst doing SO.
On last return journey was caught in parachute flares, bombed and then machine-gunned but escaped without damage owing to speed and quickness on helm of "Bonnie Heather".
Service finished at 5.0 p.m. on 4th June.
Estimated number of soldiers handled in launch:- 420/450
Dunkirk Dunkirk Mole to transports lying off.
beaches to Ramsgate
600/650
40.
Rescued from S/S Scotia

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate, good
569
the
533
From:- Sub.Lieut. F.N.Dann R.N.V.R.
Date:- June 5th 1940
To
:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Ld
*
May 27th Sent from H.M.S. King Alfred to H.M.S. Wildfire.
May 28th
1100
Ordered to fuel and provision about 20 motor yachts in harbour basin and other yachts continuously
1930
Left arriving. Sheerness for Dover in M.Y. Viewfinder, leading a convoy of six yachts all towing whalers. Other convoys followed astern.
lled
May 29th
0130
Arrived Dover. Moored alongside destroyer and
&
requested 0.0.W. to signal shore for orders.
n
The following civilian volunteers refused further on
0400
duty and were sent ashore:-
out
T.Lewis, John Bye, - Bye, J.Palmer all a total of six yachts and refuelled six them a to
0600
Left Collected Dover in Viewfinder leading a column of motor yachts viz.
Viewfinder
(myself) Three civilian volunteers)
Advance
S.L. Minchin R.N.)
Mann,
Hanora
(S.L. Bonham)
red
Bobeli Elizabeth Green (S.L. Snow)
Joined by One Reda other which fell in with us and re-completed which turned back.
0700
the column arrived of six. in convoy off Gravelines. None hit. Repeatedly
1400
All dive six machine gunned Panne from Beach the air. and ferried whalers
1500
1830
Viewfinder All full aboard Put Took two off arrived off of in troops whaler dragged off to La THE with ships aground was two at all in by anchor. ratings whaler excited soldiers to with Belgian abtain from No us soldiers room Viewfinder and help. soldiers. my left for
1900
Hanora's whateremasing and crew my loaded
Hanora who took whalers off my to H.M.S. Lydd

ELAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
57
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
Report by Sub,Lieut. F.N.Dann (Contd)
570
540
1900
Took charge of empty whaler, made up scratch crew of two ratings and one soldier and continued to ferry troops from beach to motor boats.
2030
Many badly wounded men taken aboard H.M.S.Lydd no skilled help available. Went aboard and did what I
could with others until ship reached Margate.
Handed charts to Reda.
1d
May 30th
Early morning landed from H.M.S.Lydd at Margate.
R
Sent on to Chatham.
May 31st
Returned to H.M.S.Wildfire Sheermess.
June 1st
Assisted at Sheerness with supplies and victualling.
1700
Left for Ramsgate in M.Y. Dianthus. Engine giving much trouble. Taken in tow by M.Y.Thark.
2200
Arrived Ramsgate
June 2nd.
Attempted to repair engine of Dianthus.
1600
Ordered to attempt to leave on tide and to contact
Rear Admiral Taylor's convoy.
lled
1930
Left inner basin. Raided stranded yacht for compass of etc.
in
2030
Left Ramsgate.
ien
2045
Helmsman badly cut by flying glass from window.
out
Brought him ashore for attention.
1 all
2115
Left Ramsgate again.
be to
2200
very troublesome. Stopping every mile or till 30.
Only Engine making good 21/2 knots, carried on course daylight.
June 3rd
0300
Between V and W Bouys sighted convoy returning. Decided
Man ved to return with convoy.
0900
June 4th
Arrived Standing Ramsgate. by and attempting to repair engine

FLAG OFFICEN IN N CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWY
THE
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
Good
571
Yes,
541
From:- Sub. Lt. D.L. Satterford, R.N.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
1d
28th May.
1800
Left Sheerness in Thames Pleasure Craft "Viscount" for
Ramsgate. Followed M.Y. "Prince of Wales" as ordered. "Viscount's" engine stopped on the way.
After repairs continued on course until 2330; having no compass we anchored till 0400 Wednesday.
29th May.
1000
Arrived Ramsgate. Boiler pump defective; I asked for another boat.
lled
30th May.
g
1030
Took command M.Y. "Rygate II" with crew of 4 civilians.
in
Left for Dunkirk keeping station on the schoot ien
"Horst".
"Rygate II" broke down and was towed by out
"Horst".
Found impossible to effect repairs.
1 all
Anchored "Rygate II" and boarded "Horst" with crew.
to to
1600
Arrived Dunkirk in "Horst" (Lt. Sarjent R.N.R.) *
worked 3 pulling boats with 2 men in each. Operation rendered difficult by bombing and heavy surf. One
A.B. wounded in groin by machine-gun bullet. One
Mar boat capsized but was righted.
2300
Lieut. Sarjent decided to move closer inshore. Found ved anchor fouled by another cable. Donkey broke down.
Cut cable. Chief E.R.A. reported engine failure.
400 troops aboard taken off by another boat.
31st May.
0900
Arrived Ramsgate. Found M.Y. "Quicksilver" with take crew of naval ratings. Obtained permission to
"Quicksilver" across.
2000
Left for Dunkirk at 20 knots.
2400
Arrived Dunkirk; ferried troops to ransports.
1st June.
0600
Fuel running short; left for Ramsgate.
1030
Arrived Ramsgate.
2nd June.
1930
Left Ramsgate; followed schoot "Hilda" out.
3rd June.
0100
Arrived Dunkirk Beach and being searched shelled. for British Sent by troops whalers direct according to hit.
continue to order. search. One whaler blown up

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
57%
17JUN1940
*
HARWYOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramagate, to eport from Sub. Ltd. D.L. Satterford, R.N. (contd).
572
542
Searched for survivors, found none. One of crew wounded by shrapnel. Found no British on beach.
Went into the mole and took off about 20 French.
0900 Arrived Ramsgate. Left later with French Naval
Attache aboard. Delayed by choppy sea.
4th June. Arrived Dunkirk early morning; saw transports leaving so returned Ramsgate. Rested.
5th June.
Ordered to proceed to Sheerness.
14
us
>
illed ng on hen hout a all to to
1. Mann,
Eved

PLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate, arreed to good
Yes a
the
544
From:- Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
as
28th May.
1430
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in the tug JAVA with the following ships in company:-
Drifters. Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood and Lord St. Vincent.
Motor Launches. Walker I, Walker II, New Brittanic,
Nayland and Angler II.
29th May.
D
illed
0100
Arrived off Bray dunes and anchored in 3 fthms water and sent Walker I and Walker II in to the beach to ng try to find men; all troops seemed to be hiding in on the sands. Walker I and Walker II then proceeded then hour
As up dawn came I lowered all small boats from the Java to Dunkirk Harbour.
in all its to and the beach filling motor boats and transferring shore. from all drifters and worked with them right into
1000
Ordered motor a destroyer to take all ships to Dunkirk to fill boats to bigger ships lying off pier, On possible and return, leaving Dunkirk. I
by arrival there I received orders Walker i. Mann, ived up as much II as for the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, by H.M.S.
On Calcutta leaving to transfer all troops worked on board all afternoon and Walker Tuydercoot Pass I was ordered herand on return to the beaches. army We collapsible boats off shore. off the beaches the beaches, and filling towing larger more ships ships lying lying off to to fill
1900
At up, this so time filled there all were craft no possible and returned
Ramsgate.
30th May.
0930
Arrived THE
During but were 30th.
arrival the chance in harbour of a at 1100 on May

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramagate, to
Report by Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R. (contd).
575
545
The following men worked particularly well for no:
Robert Durrant, Master, Drifter Lord Rodney, helping me to keep the convoy together during the two night passages and during the day he manned 8 boat himself working into the beach.
Walker I.
Walker II.
New Brittanic.
A. Cadman (cox)
Percy King (cox)
William Matthews (cox)
de
G. Stavely
Edward Parker
Walter Reid
T. Davies
John Ellard
Norman Reid (aged 15).
Java.
Victor Smith (mate)
Harry Griffiths (deck hand).
Arthur Westcott Act. A.B. No. LDX/5046 - H.M.S. Pervent.
Lord Collingwood.
Lord Keith.
9
Lord Rodney.
illed
Edmund Marr (mate).
Robert Eye (master)
William Gladwell
Jg
(deck hand)
Thomas Durrant
(deck hand)
an
Charles Fisk then
Fred Goddard
( deck hand)
your
= all
These worked particularly well in the boats on the and beach ate to and also men in boats picking up survivors from aeroplane
H.M.S. Waverly, which was bombed close to us.
#. Mann, ived

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful
54
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Remsgate, to proceed to
Dyrama 35%
Biulo
TEAG OFFICER 207 IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
Subject:
Report on Operation "Dynamo".
HARWICH
by ould
From
Naval Officer in Charge, Great Yarmouth.
Date
15th June, 1940.
0.2/1697/40.
To
Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich.
The enclosed report in triplicate from the Group up
Commander of "M" Drifters detailed from Yarmouth for Operation fille ring
"Dynamo" is submitted for your information and any action which chen when ighout you consider necessary.
ien al gate t
Insurall
W. Ma
NAVAL CAPTAIN, OFFICER IN CHARGE.
rived
II.
No. 207/40.
Vice-Admiral,
(Copy The Nore.)
and the Group 9th June, Commander In continuation I beg of to enclose "M" Drifters a of my letters the June for Operation "Dynamo".
REAR ADMIRAL
Harwich.
FLAG OFFICER
18th June,
1940 VICE ADMIRAL
21 JUN 1940
*
HI R

PLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
HARWYOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the employed on Operation "Dynamo".
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
31.5.40. 1500.
Arrived Ramsgate and received orders to proceed to
Dunkirk forthwith to assist in evacuation of troops.
31.5.40. 1515.
Flotilla sailed for Dunkirk.
1900.
On approaching Dunkirk Roads, Flotilla vas subjected to intense bombing attack by about sixty onemy bombers.
Consequently, I gave the order to "scatter".
Drifter "Lord Hood" was severaly damaged by & "near riss*,
Three casualties, one seaman being killed outright, and two wounded. I took "Feasible" alongside "Lord Hood* and removed the C.Bs, the Ship's Company having been picked up by
"Alcmaria".
After ascertaining that nothing further could be done and nobody left on board, I ordered flotilla to take up formation again and proceeded into Dunicirk. bombers had in the meantime been driven off by British Pighters Sub ships coming under heavy gunfire from shore batteries.
2000.
Secured alongside North Pier, Dunkirk with twelve ships and proceeded to embark troops.
2030.
Orders were received from a Commander R.N. ashore to discontinue embarkation and proceed out of harbour to piok up troops from North Beaches.
Five ships, being already filled with troops, were ordered back to Ramagate,
The remaining ships followed me out of harbour to the Beaches,
From then onwards, ships worked independently, returning to Ramagate then full and back to Beaches for more, This continued throughout the night and the bllowing day and night of lat/2nd June when all drifters were ordered by the Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate to leave Dunkirk by 0300, 2nd June, empty or full. Plotilla anchored in Ramsgate Roads awaiting further instructions.
4.6.40.
0600.
"Alcmaria" with "Genius" in tow and "Swift Wing* with
"Feasible" in tow, under the command of Sub. Ideutenant 5. N. Mann,
R.N.V.R., were ordered to proceed to Yarmouth.
They arrived
Yarmouth, 5th June.
5.6.40.
1300.
I received orders to proceed with remaining ships to
Yarmouth, arriving Yarmouth, 6th June,
The following ships took part in the Operation:
M/S Drifter Motilla.
Skipper.
J. Finlay.
"Feasible".
G. Prosdick.
"Swift Wing".
#
G. Hatton.
"Reed".
"John and Norah".
#
J. Sims.
J. Green.
"Genius".
A. Offord.
"Alcmaria".
J. W. Lawn.
"Lord Hood".
1.

BLS
548
"Lord Barham".
Skipper.
"Overfalls".
C. Masterman.
If
"Jeannie MacIntosh".
D. Miller.
If
"Gula".
J. Nicholson.
If
"Rewga".
A. #, West,
#
"Taransay".
J. Macauley.
#
G. S. Peak.
Lieut. A. H. Turner in "Feasible" - Group Officer.
Sub. Lieut. L. W. Mann in "Genius" Unit Officer.
Casualities and damage received during the Operation 1-
"Lord Hood".
Damaged by "near miss" bomb. Engines disabled.
"Feasible".
Near miss - shell. Engines disabled.
"Genius".
Explosion under stern - unknown. Engines disabled,
All ships received a certain amount of superficial damage due to splinters and concussion which in several instances put the degmasing circuits out of action.
Remarks.
I cannot pay too high a tribute to all the Officers and ships companies concerned. During the course of the operation, the personnal were on continuous duty for more than 36 hours during which time 70 were being exposed to constant attack by enemy bombers, shore batteries, mohine guns and enemy M.T.B's. flying the White Ensign.
Navigation, especially at night, was extremely hazardous is no charts of the locallity were available at such short notice, and 1 consider a splendid example of team work, commonsense and initiative was displayed by the Skippers in bringing all ships back to Ramagate din conclusion.
It is very hard to pick out any individual for special mention where all did so well.
I regret to have to report the undermentioned casualties which occurred in "Lord Hood".
Killed:-
J. P. Reed, Seaman. Official No.JX.173103.
Severely
J. R. Purland, AB/ST.
#
wounded:-
D/J. 32592.
Wounded:-
L. Wills, Sea. cook.
#:
- imoun. H.O.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, a
LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
The Naval Officer in Charge,
H.M.S. "Watchful",
Great Yarmouth.
a