TNA ADM 199 792

127
129
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
29/-
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
midship end on the bottom. All the troops on board went down with the ship; certain of the crew floated clear. After about 1/2 hour motor drifters NAUTILLUS and COMFORT arrived and started to pick up survivors, later joined by GOSSAMER.
Captain of the WAKEFUL was in the COMFORT. GRAFTON and LYDD
were close and Captain of WAKEFUL warned GRAFTON she was in danger of being torpedoed, At that moment, 0250, GRAFTON was torpedoed, COMFORT was lifted in the air, and Captain of
WAKEFUL washed overboard. COMFORT was going full speed and as she came round in a circle LYDD and GRAFTON opened fire on her, evidently thinking she was an enemy ship. It is believed that COMFORT crew, except cne, and WAKEFUL survivors, except 4, were killed. LYDD then bore down on COMFORT, rammed and sank her.
Previously GRAFTON, who was proceeding to Dover with troops, had observed a ship tropedoed, and Icwered her boats to pick up survivors, subsequently ascertained by signal to
LYDD to be WAKEFUL. A small darkened vessel, thoughtto be a drifter, was signalled and told to pick up survivors.
Within a few seconds of this, GRAFTON was torpedoed, The bridge was also hit, either by a shell or grenade, and the
Captain killed instantly. LYDD then tried to come alongside but after hitting starboard side sheered off, and appeared to ram a vessel on port quarter. This was COMFORT. GRAFTON
opened fire under the impression LYDD had rammed the M.T.B.
Target was then shifted to another vessel further away on port quarter, and vessel was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the enemy M.T.B.
29, During the forenoon JAGUAR, GALLANT and GRENADE
were dispatched via the new Middle Route X to test the opposition by shore batteries prior to introducing this route as an alternative to the long Northern route. GRENADE arrived
Dunkirk, reported no fire from shore batteries, but that she had experienced heavy bombing. These three destroyers were attacked by dive bombers when approaching Dunkirk at about noon, and GALLANT was damaged. At least six attacks were carried out, one enemy aircraft was brought down by gunfire and others by fighters. An hour later MALCOLM reported
Dunkirk heavily bombed with a large number of aircraft and during the afternoon this bombing extended up the coast to ships off Bray. During the afternoon the Middle Route x was brought into use for destroyers, but small ships were still routed round the Northern route to Zuydecoote Pass. LOCUST
and MOSQUITO joined Dover Command and were despatched to work on the beaches during the afternoon. Shortly after noon enemy shore batteries near Nieuport began to bring Zuydecoote
Pass under spasmodic gunfire and the state was being reached whereby the new Middle Route would become the only practicable daylight approach to Dunkirk and the beaches. At noon,
CALCUTTA, who was able to get across to La Panne beach to receive troops by small boats, embarked 1200 troops from the minesweepers and then sailed for Sheerness the minesweepers remaining to load up again. At 1606 the New Route X having been fully swept, all ships were ordered by the Vice Admiral to use Route X, exercising navigational caution, and those from Dover were instructed to proceed by Route 2, the South route

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1?9
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9, 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
128
7/5
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing, which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray.
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000, not only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end of x Route. These attacks were to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers ahead of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them with the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer ahead of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of the Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
GRENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
In addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour but further inside. This presented a very good target and the ships were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the time being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in leaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed part of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
CANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops but was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again in these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying alongside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
GRENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and the trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire had to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the fairway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY, who witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by bombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having ceased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and trawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a sunk drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived to find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships, was with no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in thantly harbour uld little
36

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22
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CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft, either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY
(Personnel Vessel)
M/S
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned eventually under own steam.
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May

164
163
APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of and final.
181
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
FLARE BURNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
DRIFTER:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
GUARDSHIPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLA
KING ORRY
A.B.V's:
LLANTHONY
CORVETTES:
KINGFISHER
G
ILLEMOT
F.A.A.
AIR FORCE
GRIEVE
AMULREE
TRAINING VESSEL:
M.T.B's:
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
PERSONNEL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX- MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
PRAGUE
OSPITAL CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST DAVID
PARIS
ST JULIAN
WORTHING
OTE:
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
Yachts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more tows of boats to the coast.

Page 3.
194
Teut. car. W.G. Boaks.
BASILISK
196
4.
With after guns until motor boat lowered and then went forward to make quite sure coxswain of boat (Hicks) understood his orders reference embarking troops and collection of drifting boats, Just as we got the baat clear I heard a bomb whistling down and dived under Pom-Pom platform. About six, possibly more, bombs dropped, one of which was presumably the one that went through the engine room -- this very seriously wounded and burnt one rating and seriously burnt another but I escaped the full force of the back flash although thrown heavily against Pom-Pom deck overhead and almost knocked out.
I then went to the bridge to see what the position was there, but there were no casualties there and I then went aft to the after guns to find en route that deck was buckled by mainmast.
The after magazine and shell room were flooding and decided to close down. I then went down to my cabin and passed up about eight spare torches (placed there for use in disembarking troops previous day are night) as all lights were out and being daylight few were carrying torches on them. I found general chaos in Captain's Cabin flat and sent extra hands down to resecure deadlights as this compartment being next to the buckled part was rather important.
I then went forward to supervise tow forward. In the midst of this another heavy attack was made and most hands took shelter, some in forecastle locker. I then found all but three of the cordite rounds from "A" gun had been jettisoned and in view of the nature of the attack ordered these three to be thrown overboard. After this attack we came out and then started to provide cordite again. I then went aft to see what damage had been done during which the fishing drifter returned and I again went forward to rig new tow lines and also ordered individual hands to turn out and lower boats and carley floats into water as by then it was known ship could not move and drifter could not have towed faster than say four knots, I also placed one hand with a lead line aft to keep check on amount of water ship was in from point of view of grounding and stationed hands ready to cast off boats' painters should ship sink without warning.
Then to the forecastle to get up the after hemp and also 3-3-11 wire during course of which the third attack developed and I went aft to the after guns and with one round of cordite from forward fired the remaining round in Y gun myself at a passing bomber but not enough aim off in field of view to hit even with full deflection. After firing this round I went forward and noticed that X gun had a round left but was unable to fire as recoil cylinder had been emptied in preparation for firing and tearing gun out of mounting overboard. This cylinder was refilled but on going forward I discovered that the crack in deck appeared to have widened and gave orders that after guns were on no account to be fired in view of probable breaking off of after end. I then ordered every possible container of water to be filled from only remaining water left in hot water tank in galley and tore up soldiers ground capes to provide covers to prevent loss or contamination of this water. Boats' anchors were then placed in spare boats alongside and oars provided, sailing gear hi placed in whaler, after steering compass unshipped and placed in spare motor boat, torches distributed to boats, the after lifebuoy flare placed in whaler for possible use. After steering an party detailed and party to clear the flat of weeckage. I then que went forward for third time to take in tow during which the fourth attack developed - dive bombing - and upper deck was cleared.

105
4. (contd.).
197
On completion when ship had been struck and water was level with waist the question of scuttling ship came up but
Captain decided this was unnecessary and order was given to abandon ship. I reached one of the spare Army boats two hundred yeard away and after collecting survivors to limit of boats capacity went to drifter. After collecting all but two floats we went off to head off a destroyer for the remainder.
Particular merit:-
A.B. Rawstron - courage, example & cheerfulness.
A.B:s Glover and Ord. Sea Mullins - courage & cheerfulness.
P.O. Robinson took charge well on forecastle,
A.B. Davis. Torp. although badly burned took a lively interest in remaining action taken.
Lieut. Sowry - for tenacity of purpose with French drifter resulting in the recovery of seventy survivors and message passed to destroyer for remaining fifty,
5. Surg. Lieut. A.W. McHaffie.
1st. Attack, In Sick Bay - which was reduced to chaos from concussions. Casualties arrived after attack.
Soldier compaining of burns of arms.
Stocker complaining of burns of face.
2xStanker Terpedoman complaining of extensive surface burns of face, scalp, neck and both eyes.
Another rating complained of splinter wound of left arm.
L.S.B.A. reported A.B. Riddle lying under Pom-Pom platform. When
I arráved there I found him complaining of fracture of left femur and very extensive burns of face and shoulders - Dressed him and then went down into engine room where I saw two ERA's dead.
Griffeths & Griffeths& Putt (stoker) was also dead.
L.S.B.A. reported four dead in boiler room,
2nd. attack. Ordered to clear upper deck - and I went to port side alley way. Saw Mr. Francis of Pom-Pom platform and one rating. He called for rest of crew and I passed on call to ratings in fore mess deck. No hands came forward. Saw Captain climbing on to platform followed by rest of crew. Was called by
Captain to attend to Mr. Francis and I went on to Pom-Pom platform and found Mr. Francis unconscious - splinter through lungs. Gave
1/6th. morphine.
3rd. attack. Was still on Pom-Pom platform until shortly after attack when Mr. Francis died.
During interval between 3rd. and 4th. attacks.
Evacuated wounded into water boat lying in water amidships on starboard side. Was helped in this by L.S.B.A and Coxswain.
Orders to do so were given by First Lieutenant.
boat
4th. attack. Most of #crew of motor, boarded ship including all wounded except A.B. Riddle who was comatose and lying in
Robertson stretcher c. me on forecastle of motor boat - two ratings remained in boat.
Bomb hit water 10 yards off motor boat and wave upset and smashed boat against ship's side upsetting all within - Riddle disappeared before I could get to him and I lost sight of other menbers of boat's crew.
Ship by this time was being abandoned.

to 205
Stade Form,
203
Stade bross,
Bovertracey
Devon
"BASILISK 4/6/40
23
Sir,
I have the Lonour to submit the following report g
as First Lieutenant, A.MS. "Basilisk"
The general conduct of affairs during the combat between large numbers of enemy Gombero &
H.M.S. Basilisk off Dunkink on, st. of June has been dealt with by my Commanding officer but the following can Lardly be forwarded by the same channels.
As the next senior officer orboard I was most impressed with Commander m. Richmonds conduct throughout this Larassing period & I feel that his efforts to keep up the morale of the ships company should not Lass without notice.
Every effort was made to get the ship towed back to Dover by the French fashing drifter folie
Mascotte" but although taken in tow two or three times the attentions of enemy bombers made it necessary to slip Tow twice X the last of many salvas striking the ship sunk it X attempt was abandoned.
The foremost guns continued fiving to last although only using A.P.P. shell in order to keep up the morale of the ship -This by order of Colr. Richmond
Firing at the after guns was stopped by my ordero after one round due to the possibility of shock breaking off after end of ship near mainmast whine it was badly buckled. & splitting more with movement of the ship

219
217
SECRET.
Appendix II. to report of sinking of H.M.S. GRENADE.
After the explosion aft I observed a large number of ratings blown into the oily water, several of whom were badly injured. With the aid of the Gunner T. I cut away the lashing of the after Carley float and launched it. I
swam after the drifting float and with the mutual help of one or two ratings we hauled each other on board. I then collected the seriously injured and one or two uninjured men.
The First Lieutenant was heard to order men to to remain in the ship and I took the float back to the ship collecting a steward en route. The ship lurched heavily to port as I reached the side and since the forecastle was blazing I ordered the raft to stand off. At this juncture another rating was observed in a patch of oil fuel about 40
yards from the ship. I rescued this man with the float and took in tow a T.S.D.S. float which was supporting two P.Os who had since abandoned ship. Two destroyers and two trawler passed without stopping and a French tug landed our party on the west side of the docks amid the blazing ruins. An ambulance picked up our party and proceeded towards the heart of the town. When the ambulance stopped for more casmalties the party disembarked, and were forced to leave one seriously injured seaman (Coates) who WELE then taken to the base military hospital. At this point a lost Bren gun crew joined forces and the idea of escaping to England in a small boat was formulated.
I took the whole party, eight sailors and eight soldiers, and proceeded on the carrier to the docks.
A
gendarme prevented our embarkation in a drifter, the captain of which had signified his willingness to take us. We then proceeded on the carrier towards the eastern jetty, but our progress was halted by a blazing ammunition lorry. The commencement of intense aerial bombardment forced us to seek shelter in the vaults where Army officers and men provided us with dry clothing etc.
I then reported the Naval party to the S.N.O.
Dunkirque and after suggesting we remained in the town he gave the party full permission to seek a boat and sail to
England. We made our way towards the pier and P.O. Emery and myself became detached from the main party. In the course of a talk with a French soldier I discovered he possessed a motor boat with which he was desirous of escaping to England.
P.O. Emery sought out and brought along the remainder of the party, including the Bren gun crew and with P.O. Bennion managed to embark the whole party, with equipment, and against the wishes of the Frenchman. Then after considerable tactful persuasion and adjustment of top weight, plus the encouragement of casting off the painter, the engine was started and the bows pointed towards England at 21.00/29.
P.O. Bennion took the wheel and I shaped a course for the harbour mouth and channel buoys. After darkness fell
I checked my compass on the stars and found it had a variation of about 10° W. I.was then able to set a course for the S.E.
coast of England. All lights were extinguished outside the small cabin and most of the party fell asleep after having eaten a little food. The boat was well equipped with fuel and stores and the small engine gave us an estimated speed of five knots.

-2-
was stopped to other engined
The trip allow across a German was diesel uneventful. The
Several passed one destroyers floating At 03.30 and mine the which engine craft I decided stopped passed to us, leave while we time two drifters hove in sight. I decided to hail th untouched. and about the drifter because I was uncertain of my position, having chart or maps. The drifter altered course towards us took us aboard and the boat in tow. I found my positi to be about 15 miles S.E. of Ramsgate and I estimate the my course made good would have brought us to a point S.
Ramsgate (Deal?) at about 0800 on Thursday, May 30th.
P.O. Bennion remained at the wheel continuousl from 2100 to 0200 and with P.O. Emery brought the wounde seamen safely to the Naval base in spite of attempts by the Army to claim him as a casualty. The two P.O's mentioned carried out all duties with precision and showe great initiative in the handling of the situation. The behavious of the naval party was exemplary and their unflagging energy and support enabled us to escape and at the same time bring eight English and two French soldiers safely to England.
(Sgd) Reginald J. Crews.
5.6.40.

254
1342
FROM:- Commander J. Elliott, R.N.R.
256
DATE:- 4th June 1940.
TO:- V.A. Dover.
KING ORRY
Sir,
I beg to report as follows on the loss of H.M.S.
"KING ORRY".
Proceeding in accordance with your orders on the afternoon of the 29th May, I arrived in Dunkirk Roads at
730.
The voyage was without incident.
On rounding No. 6 Buoy and approaching Dunkirk it was evident that considerable aerial activity was in progress, and one of H.M. Destroyers appeared to be making a smoke screen.
29/5
I proceeded along the channel and was subjected to a direct attack from a dive bomber when about half a mile
West of the West Breakwater end. Six bombs straddled the bow - two to Port and four to Starboard. My thought at that moment was that we were fortunate to be missed, especially as two bombs bounced off the water on Port side - but as it happened, all the bombs exploded under water at the time the ship had passed into their zone.
This shook the ship convulsively, but as no damage was reported or seemed evident at the time, I proceeded towards the harbour.
There was a continuous attack on the harbour and vicinity in progress. Two ships were in sight sunk at the East Pier on the inner and outer sides and one of
H.M. Destroyers was burning furiously in the Western Basin.
A Drifter was alongside about half way down the East Pier.
There was no sign of anyone on the pier, nor was any boat moving in the harbour.
I now
The
"my:- one V.U and 4 seamen wounded hilitary
:- 4 here killed / Officer and nt men nounded.
tomage the Ship was rus tained as follows
/. 55. coils severed
2. Two life loats badly holed
3. Boot back hiered Patside
4. are rentilator boled and Duady minor depects to wining etc

- 2 -
king 01r257 257
I now endeavoured to get alongside the East Pier on inner side but failed to turn ship head out at first attempt owing to strong set away from the Pier, so I
drew off to try again. Unfortunately at this time we again came under heavy bombing attacks, which appeared at the time to be continuous. The ship was violently 29/5
shaken and the steering gear was put out of action. All instruments, woodwork, etc. were shattered.
It seemed essential to get the ship alongside the
75
quay and this I proceeded to do, but in closing the pier damaged same considerably. I do not think the structure could have been very strong as no damage was done to the ship, and my impression was that the ship merely pushed hard - there was no shock or rebound whatever.
We were now attacked again but no direct hits were made - bombs falling so close, however, as to give the impression of direct hits, especially as various debris flew up at every explosion.
I now resolved to secure the ship and shelter the crew ashore till we could examine the damage under cover of darkness. An immediate withdrawal from the harbour did not seem practicable without steering gear. Even although the engine room was intact it would take some little time to discover all damage, and I was not at all confident from previous experience that the ship with her small propellers would manoeuvre with engines alone in a tideway in the narrow waters, and might become a serious obstruction if she grounded.
Having secured the ship by the bow I made along the quay towards the drifter and placing the wounded in her, stood by for a short while, noting developments. But as the attack had ceased I returned to the ship and prepared to repair the steering gear, etc.
A Naval Commander from Headquarters ashore now came along and I consulted with him as to general position and as to steps to be taken if it were found necessary to leave the ship.
An examination of the ship showed that she was holed below the water line forward in two or three places and aft in the starboard Firemen's sleeping quarters. But
Ph this damage thes:-
my kingdomy one V.U and 4 seamen wounded hilditary
:- 4 knew killed / Officer and nt men wounded.
samage ship was rus tained as follow
/. 55. coils severed
2. Two life loats badly holed
3- Boat buck hiered Patside
4. are genetilator holed and Away minor defects to wining etc

259
131
- 4
King Ony
I found, however, that she was not at all handy on her
256
propellers, and whilst endeavouring to point her for the channel she began to develop a list to starboard which developed seriously. Water was reported entering the stokehold and I sent the First Lieutenant to investigate.
Almost immediately, however, it became obvious that the ship was sinking, and I ordered abandonment. Ship was
77
now clear of entrance over towards North side of channel.
Our one remaining available boat on starboard side was turned out previous to this but was submerged as ship heeled over. As we had two Carley floats and a large number of rafts this was not a serious loss.
30/5
At about 0200, or shortly before, the ship foundered.
I was on the bridge and was joined by the Chief
Engineer, Mr. Cowley (Temp. Lieut. Engineer). The First
Lieutenant, Lieut. J. Lee, R.N.R., was attending to abandonment generally.
The ship turned completely on her starboard side.
and I stepped into the water, being afloat near the forward starboard hoat, now submerged. The Chief Engineer was with me.
After and during the following hour several ships, including H.M.S. "VIVACIOUS" and H.M. Drifter "LORD GREY", picked up survivors, but I regret to report that two
Engineer Officers, T.124, and seven other ratings were lost.
A complete readiness to carry out all orders was shown throughout by all officers and ratings. Steam was maintained in the engine room, and everything done to find some means to repair the steering gear.
Fire from the 12 Pdr. H.A. gun and Lewis guns was
I
kept up throughout all attacks, and from my own observation, one aircraft was damaged - a piece seeming
11-
to fall off.
As I was required for duty at Ramsgate on the
31st May and subsequent days, I have not been able to
Ph report thes:-
my king my:- one V.U and 4 Scandar wounded hilditary
:- 4 knew killed / Officer and nt men wounded.
tomage to the of was rus tained as follows
/. 55. coils severed
2. Two life loats badly holed
3- Boar back piered
4. are rentilator holed and Away minor depects to wining etc

- 2 -
12
she if she was spared further direct attack it seemed tug likely
By now H.M.S. "IVANHOE" was in tow with a and
261
who had earlier taken troops and survivors off H.M.S. "IVANHOE", would make home, in the meantime H.M.S. "HAVANT,"
264
was hit and on fire and did not look likely to last, she was half-hull down and listing badly to port. "GRIVE" got alongside and took off all the troops and "IVANHOE" survivors together with wounded and her medical officer, another vessel had "HAVANT" in tow. "GRIVE" then proceeded to Dover having
1300. about 700 on board including many wounded, she arrived about
At this stage Captain Lambart put Lt. C.E. est R.N.R.
of the ship at the beach and in harbour and alongside ashore, his work had been tremendous and his skilful manouevring
H.M.S. "HAVANT" contributed enormously to "GRIVE" 8" success, but he had done his share, and as a man of over sixty had earned a rest.
Nevertheless Captain Lambart himself would not rest and having called the crew together, who had been simply magnificent, told them of his intention to start off again
1/6
immediately and take part in the operation at 2200. that night.
They were all as determined as he, and "GRIVE" sailed about 160
having first taken on provisions and ammunition.
Before sailing we were reinforced by S/Lt. Meyer.
R.N.V.R. from Dover, and also we put ashore the 4th Engineer
Officer (T.124), Mr. Terry, whose nerves were not standing the strain, incidentally he had already lost his ship once in this war, the H.M.Y. "PRINCESS".
Lt. Branwell was throughout a tremendous value and showed great energy and efficiency. "GRIVE" proceeded slowly to the rendezvous and whilst proceeding along the South side of the channel to Dunkirk we heard an aeroplane in the vicinity though could not see anything, a few minutes later
(about 22307 there was a tremendous explosion and "GRIVE" was literally blown to pieces and sank in a few seconds. I
think it is probably that the 'plane we heard was actually sowing magnetic mines in the paths being used by shipping ano
"GRIVE" was an immediate victim.
Together with three others of the ships company I
was picked up by a boat from a drifter and I believe about a dozen others were picked up by another drifter and 3 or 4
more by a destroyer. The ships proceeded to Dunkirk and took off troops and we were all landed at Ramsgate.
I trust this report, sir, though not necessary is not tedious, but having regard to the personality of my fine old
Captain and to the fact that so far as I know I am the only surviving officer I felt it my duty and thought that you would wish to have an account of the matter.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) J.K.B.Miles.
S/Lt. R.N.V.R.
ide pped dous
[over

- 2
Royal Noval Hospital 263
By now H.M.S. "IVANHOE" was in tow with a tug and if she was spared further direct attack it seemed likely
266
she would make home, in the meantime H.M.S. "HAVANT,"
The who had earlier taken troops and survivors off H.M.S. "IVANHOE", was hit and on fire and did not look likely to last, she was half-hull down and listing badly to port. "GRIVE" got longside and took off all the troops and "IVANHOE" survivors together with wounded and her medical officer, another vessel had "HAVANT" in tow. "GRIVE" then proceeded to Dover having
1300. about 700 on board including many wounded, she arrived about
At this stage Captain Lambart put Lt. C.E. est R.N.R.
ashore, his work had been tremendous and his skilful manouevring of the ship at the beach and in harbour and alongside
H.M.S. "HAVANT" contributed enormously to "GRIVE success, but he had done his share, and as a man of over sixty had earned a rest.
Nevertheless Captain Lambart himself would not rest and having called the crew together, who had been simply magnificent, told them of his intention to tart off again immediately and take part in the operation at 2200. that night.
They were all as determined as he, and "GRIVE" sailed about 160
having first taken on provisions and ammunition.
Before sailing we were reinforced by S/Lt. Meyer.
R.N.V.R. from Dover, and also we put ashore the 4th Engineer
Officer (T.124), Mr. Terry, whose nerves were not standing the strain, incidentally he had already lost his ship once in this war, the H.M.Y. "PRINCESS".
Lt. Branwell was throughout a tremendous value and showed great energy and efficiency. "GRIVE" proceeded slowly to the rendezvous and whilst proceeding along the South side of the channel to Dunkirk we heard an aeroplane in the vicinity though could not see anything, a few minutes later
(about 22307 there was a tremendous explosion and "GRIVE" was
14
.iterally blown to pieces and sank in a few seconds.
I
think it is probably that the 'plane we heard was actually sowing magnetic mines in the paths being used by shipping and
"GRIVE" was an immediate victim.
Together with three others of the ships company I
was picked up by a boat from a drifter and I believe about dent a dozen others were picked up by another drifter and 3 or more by a destroyer. The ships proceeded to Dunkirk and took off troops and we were all landed at Ramsgate.
I trust this report, sir, though not necessary is not tedious, but having regard to the personality of my fine old
Captain and to the fact that so far as I know I am the only surviving officer I felt it my duty and thought that you would wish to have an account of the matter.
way
I have the honour to be, Sir, further
Your obedient servant, at
30th
(Signed)
J.K.B.Miles.
Mrs commander
S/Lt. R.N.V.R.
1400
the at ded
[over

270-
207
ashore the 4th Engineer officer (T. 124) Terry whose nerves were not standing the strain, incidentally he had already lost his ship once in this war, the H.M.Y. Princess.
Lt. Branwell was throughout of tremendous value O slowed great energy Q efficiency.
grive proceeded slowly to the rendez-vous o whilst proceeding along the South side of the channel to Dunkiik we heard an aeroplane in the vicinity though could not see anything, a few minutes later Cabout 2230) there was a tremendous explosion Q grive was literally blown to pieces D sank in a few seconds. I
think it is probable that the plane we heard was actually sowing magretic mines in the paths being used by shipping D Grive was an immediate victim.
Together with three others of the ships company
I was picked up by a boat from a drifter
Q
I believe about a dozen others were picked up by another drifter D 3 or 4 more by a destroyer. The ships proceeded to Dun Rirk
Q took off troops o we were all landed at Ramsqate
I trust this report sir though not necessary is not tedious, but having regard to the personality of my fine old captain of to the fact that so for as I know I am the only surviving officer I felt it my duty
Q thought that you would wish to have an account of the matter
MMANDER-I I THIEF have the honour to be,
8. JUN 1940
*
su, e
ORTSMOUTH
your obedient servant
(J. K. B. MILES.)
s/lt. RN.V [over

6%
a laye Ena of mud and water over the bridge; I think is this that put the for ward 0.5 M. G. out of ae
The salvo which streets probably produced a 4
miss as well as a direct hit as both the boil and engine wou were holed badly. Thesickk
1400
was in a very expored position behind the br about was completely weeked and all its contents useless. (Fortunality I had institud on the M.O.
below during an attacks unless Lewas actually
≥
in tending wounded and be had no previously outsond ar the time). The wheel jammed with rudders hand over and the engines stopped the wireless aerials came down. The bonk the wh on hit three of the four barrels of the the whole perup of put and Killed or knocked out Thura action mis crew ex ups Leading Seaman wound pomp the although shockingly badly barrel the trainer, kept the remaining I saw this in at least until four it ran places, out of amin unition. consider that to friend afterwards and 9 wait until ratings to wounds his post and keepping (he had the fun wes sti an ck aircr aft bravery came hear and the devotion elevation Noone to duty realised that des constitutes of the highest order. until I saw him that Therwill was wounded leaving the ship, looking other wen cognition atall extremely white. in the drifter, Even then after his concern was that recitur

Decrame 33V.
SECRET
with the idea of 2%
swimming across its bow to attract its attension. The??
next he know was when he was being dragged ouboard a earley floor. This carley theats occupants and many
1/6
on $ bilor timber were picked up by a motor boot which took them to Ramegate. Sub- that is now in
97
The Royal Surrey County Itospital as fuildford and he forwarded me a report of what had happened to him and his party. I consider that this officer throughout the while operation displayed nictiation resource and devotion to duty; he is a reserve oftice of the very best type.
10. Two drifters eventually came alongside and after satisfying myself that then were wo tiering left onbrand, particularly in the Engine and briler 200ms, I lep the ship in the drifter Earl of Canan with the last of the wounded
Mosquito then had a list to port of about 20 depects and ce water was pouring in through three holes in the builes wohn anda laye hole in the wondenser. The Earl Cavan took us into Dunkerque while the other drifter look the unainder direct to England. The very badly wounded, including
Throwith, had to he left at the medical post at the shore in end 51 the pier to wait for the Hospital slip. I and my party returned in H.M.S. Worcester where I sustained wounds in the thigh. I would like to pay Kibule to the magnificant way in which the Worcester, although liter ally Eurounded by borbs, beat more ofr the attacks and jot her load home.
11. There are oneh Hier and two more whom I wish to bring
K your notice. Surgeon Lientenant N.L. Fox RN., an australian who joined the Name on the out break of crar, worked unceasing through out these operations. During our first trip he undoubtedly samed the lives of many soldiers;
after we were his, he remained onboard to the last making certain that there were no living Left orkoard and knding

SECRET
0
with the idea of 27
ue, swimming across its bow to attract its attension. The?? 279
next he know was when he was being dragged ouboard a early floor. This carley thats occupants and many
1/6
on $ bito of timber were picked up by a motor boot which took them to Ramegate. Sub- that is now in
The Royal Surrey County Itospital as faildford and he
97
forwarded me a report of what had happened to him and his party. I consider that this officer throughout the while operation displayed nictiat in resource and devotion to duty; he is a reserve oftice of the very best type.
10. Two drifters eventually came alongside and after satisfying myself that them were 40 tioning left onboand, particularly in the Engine and briles 200ms, I lep the ship yer in the drifter Earl of Canan with the last of the wounded
Hosquits then had a list to ports? about 20 defices and take water was pouring in through three holes in the builes wom men a
anda laye hole in the condenser. The Earl Cavan took us into Dunkerque while the other drifter look the unwander had direct to England. The very badly wounded, including ties
Throwith, had to he left at the medical post at the shore d.
rain and or the pier to wait for the Hospital slip. I and my f
anne party returned in H.M.S. Worcester where I sustained wounds and in the thigh. I would like to pay Kibuli to the magnificat id to way in which the Worcester, although liter ally Eworounded set by bombs, beat ofr the attacks and jot her load home.
ions
11. There are more and two more whom I wish to bring i/c se to your notice. Surgeon Lientenant N.L. Fox RN,, an austialian who joined the Name on the out break J/war, worked unceasingly through out these operations. During our frist trip he undoubtedly samed the lives of many soldiers;
after we were hit, he remained onboard to the last making certain that there were no living Legr orkoard and knding

M
017978
(Revised-June, 1933.)
CONFIDENTIALI
DATE
WHOM
287
90
RA.C RACINGS.
9.11.41
que
461/15.16.
290
SUBJECT.
NGS TO BOARD.
Report of R.A. wake walker on the wasuation
Ann Dunkint 29 may June. 1940
3rd June (cont.) 2300. Grounded when going alongside middle pier of Avant port at Dunkirk. Tug was
286
ordered from ashore but did not arrive. The schoot
"BORNRIFF" and a British drifter endeavoured to tow
3/6
off but without success.
289
4th June. On being informed that no further embarkations could take place after daylight and it then being about two hours after high water I decided at 0145 to send the crew to a British drifter astern. The first party embarked on her, the second party in a French drifter and the remainder including Lieutenant Morton, R.N.V.R. 107
the 1st Lieutenant and myself to a lifeboat ferrying to
H.M.S.LOCUST outside the harbour. The British drifter and the Locust landed their parties at Dover, from where I reported to the N.O.I.C. at Ramsgate. The remainder of the crew were landed by the French drifter at Ramsgate, and the crew returned to Chatham complete at 1615. I consider the "LENA" of little use to the enemy apart from the six tons of Diesel oil onboard, as her screw hit an obstruction when going astern.
I would mention L.M.W. GIBB, Leading Seaman
O.N. D.J. 64311, the coxswain, for his untiring work during the embarkations, and attention to the troops comfort aboard as far as was possible under the circumstances.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R.DC Hanhmis
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, (R.N. Retd.)
The Vice Admiral,
Dover. Admiralty House,

length of piling runs out parallel to East Pier 295
292
wide. encloses the entrance to this channel - about 150 and
A new series of docks under construction has yards into the harbour by this entrance is the West Quay.
entrance opening off the inner harbour, and jutting out an
93
West Quay was used entirely by the French; luckily for us they did not consider East Pier suitable for embarkation. to
All British troops were embarked from East Pier, and on se last 2 days a large number of French troops also.
Bi g rise and fall of tide: at H.W. can step straight on a destroyer's deck, but at L.W. it was a 15 ft. drop.
Many ladders were sent over and secured to sides of pier,
O
but sobdiers with rifles and packs took a long time to get down ladders.
When I first went in (30th) there was a trawler (c) sunk alongside pier and another ship (A) sunk outside the end.
The trawler and drifter shown sank later, as also the
(9
blockships.
4 berths alongside East Pier could be used. Inner one (F)
only by small ships at L.W., but at H.W. personnel ships
(7
could get into B, D and E.
On 24th May, KING ORRY had rammed the pier during a bombing raid and made a large gap in it abreast E berth: until this was bridged outer berths could not be used as roadway along pier was cut. Harbour very shallow to the west of
West Quay, and place where ROUEN went ashore on night of
2nd June when leaving the quay is shown - also where
KELLETT grounded on night of 3rd June.
As soon as HEBE got alongside East Pier I went to local
Naval H. Q., while she was quickly filled up with 6-700
some of them wounded.
men, Naval H.Q. were established in a dug-out at shore end of
East Pier. This area was not large and was separated from mainland by a bridge over a cabal. Surface was uneven and covered with heaps of rubble; there was a and a few ambulances, cars and wounded men.
Bofors small gun staff of the SNO, Captain Tennant, did wonderful the
The controlling the embarkation and dealing with shell work ashore: they worked under constant Tennant fire and were was away with the General, but was and that situation short of sleep and food. Did not informed see that as he of troops were ready to embark at sent pier in.
plenty would take all ships that could be East
At this cut off the end, so that the only Later, accessible this they time gap in roadway halfway along Pier completely points were inside this point. along its embarkation bridged so that pier could be alongside. used whole
Had intended to keep HEBE as my headquarters, so she had length gap was except where ships were sunk not been used to embark any troops from beaches. Felt this I
could not refuse to do this at Dunkerque, and once done the question of their disposal arose.
was returned to beaches and sent any surplus ships to load to
(8)
I Dunkerque, and from then on had continually to and try needs hold beaches and Dunkerque. Also reported that, essential to more at the balance between the respective claims until boats of were available for ferrying, it was itself.
Explanation why Dunkerque was then being so little used concentrate on evacuation from Dunkerque and 25th so May, Dunkerque was heavily attacked from sunk, the and air much effort expended on beaches:-
On harbour was full of ships. GRENADE was when ORRY and several other ships alongside piers Party were ashore hit.
KING result of this, a junior member of Naval of the day, whose off in a car to La Panne where he Dunkerque and a judgment had been affected by events saw Lord Gort dashed Admiralty that further embarkation from sending al phoned was impossible. Dover was, therefore, took 2 days to itself to beaches and none to Dunkerque: which had a ships overcome results of this indiscretion, consi erable temporary effect on the plans.

11
303
300
reluctance when bombing was probable, especially several would only go into Dunkerque in daylight. as This now considered too dangerous, and Naval Officers were put on board to act as advisers to the masters and crews were stiffened with seamen. They went in every night and did
(32)
magnificent work. Other craft, also, including French destroyers, were to go in and load alongside: British at
East Pier, French at West Quay.
Gap in pier had been bridged, but I feared that Germans would now shell pier heavily and make it impossible for ships to be kept alongside. Asked RAF to reconnoitre:
report gave accurate account of gap, but no word as to whether pier was being shelled.
1700
Arranged to leave Dover at 1700. Picked up Wynne-Edwards and Norfolk and embarked in MA/SB 10, in which a portable loud-speaker was fitted (similar sets found very useful in
(29)
HEBE and EXPRESS). A flag had been made for me out of a piece of cleaning cloth - the red stripe made one half of the cross, and the other half and the balls had been added in red paint. Harbour was full of destroyers, sloops, etc., many showing signs of minor damage. Some were out of action all together, and all were enjoying a short, well-earned rest. I had an hour's sleep on way over; up till then had had about 7 hours in short snatches, but felt quite fresh and fit.
When some miles away from Dunkerque sighted 2 MTBs approach ing on port bow. They did not make contact and were
(38)
probably French.
1900
Arrived at Dunkerque and made fast alongside shore end of pier. Went to the "Bastion" (H.Q. of Army and the local
(34)
French Naval and Military Command) - 10 minutes' walk.
Many buildings and sheds damaged. A French field gun was firing back over the town. Road fairly clear, but litter-
(30)
ed with vehicles the whole way. Men straggling along the road, but very few troops seen as they were kept away on beach behind shelter of wall except when ships came along-
Found side. Tennant and Alexander at the "Bastion. Heard that
French were holding a line in rear of ours and that rear would continue to hold. Joined by my proper Flag-Lieut. with guard were to withdraw through this line which the French
(Balfour): he had come over the day after I left, a
Returned to the pier. A Lysander Army Co-op plane, which
W/T set.
had been flying over pier all day, was fired at by several
Bofors guns - not hit. Explained it was probably the reconnaissance plane I had asked for.
(31)
While having some food in the MA/SB, the Navigating Officer He of KEITH appeared, saying he was the only survivor.
had swum ashore and reached a battery on the dunes some distance outside Dunkerque, and had then walkked in.
(Actually, only 3 Officers and 33 mon were lost, and 16
wounded.) Close by my boat was Tennant's drifter; he also had 2 old steamboats. Next day the drifter was sunk by a shell.
Naval Party ashore = about 6 Officers and a number of men messengers, signalmen, etc. Arranged to collect some of them at 0200/2, but Tennant would not leave then.
"Tomorrow we'll either be back in London, in a German prison or done for.
went outside harbour to meet the first ships arriving.
2100
Beginning to get dark. First ship was a sloop, followed off
(35)
by beaches to the east of the pier and boats ferried men minesweepers, destroyers and tugs. They anchored the off. Noticed 3 or 4 Thames barges anchored off them beach; and they seemed to be deserted, but men got off to full of away. soldiers who were trying to sail her home: a Officer
One barge was met later in mid-Channel Naval was put on board and she got back safely.
During

311
- 6 -
314
time was the question and fear of how long the defence line could hold and the weather remain fair
30/5
The Grux of the matter was boats, boats' crews and towage to and fro, x
and at 0630 I signalled the urgent need of these, Intor, about 0730, most of the ships had loaded up and were leaving and I asked for more ships and again stressed the need of boats.
About this time I moved down to Dunlcirk to get in comunication with
Tennant and went in alongside the pier in response to a signal.
The outer harbour at Dunkirk (see plan) 10 formed by two breakwaters approximately at right angles, leaving a narrow entrance between, The
Western arm is built solidly of stone, but the Eastern arm, or East Pier r
08 it will be called, is only solid for a short part at the inchore end,
The rest of it is built of concrete piles through which the tido flows and on which is supported a narrow pathway wide enough for four mon walking abreast, Alongside the East pier is the channel to the Innor harbour and docks. A short length of piling runs out parallel to the East pior and encloses the entrance to this channel which is about 150 yords wide.
A now series of docks under construction has an entrance opening off the outer harbour, and jutting out in the harbour by this entrance is the
West quay.
The Nest quay was used entirely by the French and luckily for 11:3 they did not consider the East pier suitable for omberkation. It: was from the
East pier that all the British embarked and on the last two days a large number of French troops also.
The tide had a big riso and fall and at high tide you could step straight on to a destroyer's dook, but at low tide 10 was a filteen foot drop. A. lot of ladders were sent over and secured to the sides of the pier, but 1t took time to get soldiers with their rifles and packs down these laddors. on Thursday morning when I first went in trawler (0) sunk alongside the pier and another ship (A) sunk outside the end. The trawler and drifter shown sank later, SB also the blook ships.
There were four berths alongside the Bast pior which could be used.
The innor one (F) could only be used by small ships at low title, but et

N.L.
9553
55
D-51.
(Revised-June, 1933
1940
CONFIDENTI
FROM WHOM
DATE
RNO Weymouth
6/5 AB/40
16. 8. 40
MARKINGS TO BOARD.
SUBJECT.
54
N.L.
9552
H.M. Paddlesweeper
-2-
1940
"Waverley"
Report of Enguiry (Continued)
usefulness in conveying the M. 150 other vessels, proved of considerable value in saving many lives after the ship sank.
I understand that Lieut. Tattersall has preferred a claim for compensation for the boat which was not picked up by the drifter which rescued the men who were in it.
7. S.P.s and C.B.s, except those in one "holed" chest which was thrown overboard, went down with the ship in about 15
fathoms. No trace of the ship remained.
8. In view of my remarks in Para.2 above, I do not consider that anything is to be gained by examining Temp.Lieut. S.F.
Harmer-Elliott, R.N.V.R. who was in command of "Waverley".
9. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander S.M. Walker R.N.
(H.M.S. Boscawen) and Engineer Lieutenant A. Henderson R.N.R.
(H.M.S. Mercury).
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant, aBeatorg
Vice-Admiral.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
The Admiralty, S.W.1.

-NC
-
70
CONFIDENTIAL.
c/o OFFICE OF
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
27th August, 1940.
No. 11/10.AB/40
10141
Sir,
1940
Enquiry into loss of H.M. Drifter
"Paxton" in Operation "Dynamo".
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before Their
Lordships the following report resulting from an Enquiry into the circumstances attending the loss of H.M. Drifter
"Paxton" on 28th May, 1940.
2.-
Temporary Skipper A. M. Lovis, R.N.R. the surviving officer who was in command of "Paxton" was examined on
27th August, 1940.
3.-
At about 1630 a near miss from a bomber diving low blew a hole in the ship's port side.
She made water instantly but as engines were still working she proceeded, sinking steadily, to a position in the harbour clear of the fairway where in about 20 minutes she settled down and was abandoned with gunwale awash in shallow water.
4.-
All S.P's and charts had previously been thrown overboard in a weighted bag and in deep water.
5.-
In the circumstances in which this vessel was lost no useful information as to the behaviour of material was obtained.
6.-
I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander F. J.
Walker, R.N., and Lieutenant Commander (E) Weston Smith,
R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
ADM 30AUG 30 AUG BRANCH 1940
aBedford
VICE ADMIRAL.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.

NC
10142
-
72
1940
CONFIDENTIAL.
HINDS
c/o OFFICE OF
30 AUG 1940
No. 12/11.AB/40
ADMIRALTY
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
27th August, 1940.
Sir,
Enquiry into the loss of H.M. Drifter "Girl
Pamela" in Operation "Dynamo".
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before Their
Lordships the following report resulting from an Enquiry into the circumstances attending the loss of H.M. Drifter
"Girl Pamela" on 29th May, 1940.
2.- Temporary Skipper C. Sanson, R.N.R. the senior surviving officer who was in command of "Girl Pamela"
was examined on 27th August, 1940.
3.- At about midnight on 29th/30th May, "Girl Pamela"
in company with three other drifters was lying, with engines stopped, outside the entrance to Dunkirk harbour in a heavy smoke pall when she was rammed by an escort vessel coming out of the harbour. She was struck on the starboard bow and sank within four minutes on an even keel in about 3
fathoms.
4.- All C.B's and confidential matter, which were placed ready for destruction, were immediately burnt in the stokehold.
5.- The circumstances in which this vessel sank were such that, from the material point of view, there is nothing to be learnt.
6.-
I was assisted in my enquiry by Lieutenant Commander
(E) Weston Smith, R.N.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient servant, a Bedford
VICE ADMIRAL.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.

I
80
CONFIDENTIAL.
N.L.
10932
No.16/15.AB/40
Harwich.
1940
3rd September, 1940.
Sir,
Enquiry into the loss of H.M. Paddle Minesweeper
"BRIGHTON HELLE" in operation "Dynamo".
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40 dated bet
August, 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the following report resulting from an Enquiry into the loss of H Paddle Minesweeper
PaNL 9530 /to
NL
NL7/8
I
79
CONFIDENTIAL.
10932
Harwich.
No. 17/16A.B/40.
1940
3rd September, 1940.
MILITARY
Report of Enquiry into the loss of H.M.
de
Drifter "Lord Cavan" in Operation "Dynamo".
Sir,
OL/E/2/8.
With reference to Admiralty Letter M.L.6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before their
Lordships the following report resulting from an enquiry held into the circumstances attending the loss of
H.M. Drifter "Lord Cavan" on 1st June, 1940.
2.
Commander A.J. Cubison, D.S.C., R.N. who, as
Senior Officer of the group was on board at the time, was examined on 3rd September, 1940.
3.
At about 2200 on 1st June "Lord Cavan" embarked a General Officer and his staff at Dunkirk Pier to transfer them to a Destroyer berthed at the Seaward End of the pier.
4.
When shoving off from the Pier a shell hit the ship on the port side forward just on the water line, passing through the messdeck and out through the Starboard side, bursting on the pier. The explosion made a hole about two feet square in the Starboard side. Ship flooded and sank in three minutes.
5.
There were no C.Bs. or S.Ps. on board.
6.
I was assisted in my Enquiry by Lieutenant
Commander (E) W.G.H. Nicholson, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, a Beatord
VICE ADMIRAL
The Secretary of the, Admiralty.

R
/19. AB/40.
NL9530
SEPTRAL REGISTRY MAL
NL
86
8
CONL
CONFIDENTIAL.
Admiralty,
6th September, 1940.
Report of enquiry into the loss of
H.M. M/S Trawler "Calvi" in operation
"Dynamo".
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40
dated 1st August. 1940, be pleased to lay before
1/20. AB/40
PrNC9530/40
CENTRE
N47/8
NIL
(7-SEP 1940
-
85
REGISTRY
CONFIDENTIAL.
Admiralty.
6th September, 1940.
Report of enquiry into loss of
10932
H.M. Drifter "Boy Roy" in operation
"Dynamo".
19401
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before
Their Lordships the following report resulting from an enquiry held into the loss of H.M. Flare
Burning Drifter "Boy Roy" on 28th May, 1940.
2. Temporary Skipper E.F. Dettman, R.N.R., who was in command of "Boy Roy" was examined on
5th September, 1940.
3. As "Boy Roy" was approaching Dunkirk at about
2100, Dive bombers dropped about 12 bombs all round the ship. These near misses opened the seams of the wooden hull and she made water everywhere.
4. As the ship was sinking fast, the Commanding
Officer turned her aside out of the channel and ran her towards the shore on the Western side of the entrance where she was grounded about 7 minutes after the attack.
5. Before furnaces were flooded, C.B's and S.P's
N.
were burnt. The secret charts, two Lewis guns and the breech of the 3-pdr. gun were transferred to a destroyer.
6. There is nothing to be learnt from the experience of "Boy Roy" which was a wooden hull and being subjected to such tremendous shocks from explosion, was certain to sink almost immediately.
7

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events,
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
midship end on the bottom. All the troops on board went down with the ship; certain of the crew floated clear. After about 1/2 hour motor drifters NAUTILLUS and COMFORT arrived and started to pick up survivors, later joined by GOSSAMER.
Captain of the WAKEFUL was in the COMFORT. GRAFTON and LYDD
were close and Captain of WAKEFUL warned GRAFTON she was in danger of being torpedoed. At that moment, 0250, GRAFTON was torpedoed, COMFORT was lifted in the air, and Captain of
WAKEFUL washed overboard. COMFORT was going full speed and as she came round in a circle LYDD and GRAFTON opened fire on her, evidently thinking she was an enemy ship. It is believed that COMFORT crew, except one, and WAKEFUL survivors, except 4, were killed. LYDD then bore down on COMFORT, rammed and sank her.
Previously GRAFTON, who was proceeding to Dover with troops, had observed a ship tropedoed, and Iovered her boats to pick up survivors, subsequently ascertained by signal to
LYDD to be WAKEFUL. A small darkened vessel, thought be a drifter, was signalled and told to pick up survivors.
Within a few seconds of this, GRAFTON was torpedoed, The bridge was also hit, either by a shell or grenade, and the
Captain killed instantly. LYDD then tried to come alongside but after hitting starboard side sheered off, and appeared to ram a vessel on port quarter. This was COMFORT. GRAFTON
opened fire under the impression LYDD had rammed the M.T.B.
Target was then shifted to another vessel further away on port quarter, and vessel was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the enemy M.T.B.
29. During the forenoon JAGUAR, GALLANT and GRENADE
were dispatched via the new Middle Route X to test the opposition by shore batteries prior to introducing this route as an alternative to the long Northern route. GRENADE arrived
Dunkirk, reported no fire from shore batteries, but that she had experienced heavy bombing. These three destroyers were attacked by dive bombers when approaching Dunkirk at about noon, and GALLANT was damaged. At least six attacks were carried out, one enemy aircraft was brought down by gunfire and others by fighters. An hour later MALCOLM reported
Dunkirk heavily bombed with a large number of aircraft and during the afternoon this bombing extended up the coast to ships off Bray. During the afternoon the Middle Route X was brought into use for destroyers, but small ships were still routed round the Northern route to Zuydecoote Pass. LOCUST
and MOSQUITO joined Dover Command and were despatched to work on the beaches during the afternoon. Shortly after noon enemy shore batteries near Nieuport began to bring Zuydecoote
Pass under spasmodic gunfire and the state was being reached whereby the new Middle Route would become the only practicable daylight approach to Dunkirk and the beaches. At noon,
CALCUTTA, who was able to get across to La Panne beach to receive troops by small boats, embarked 1200 troops from the minesweepers and then sailed for Sheerness, the minesweepers remaining to load up again. At 1606 the New Route X having been fully swept, all ships were ordered by the Vice Admiral to use Route X, exercising navigational caution, and those from Dover were instructed to proceed by Route Z, the South route/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing, which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray,
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000, nt only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end or X Route. These attacks vere to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers head of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them vith the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer head of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of
;he Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
RENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
in addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour ut further inside. This presented a very good target and the hips were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the ime being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in eaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed art of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
ANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops ut was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again n these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying longside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
RENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and he trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire ad to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the airway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY, no witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by ombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having eased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and rawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a ink drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived o find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships, th no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in the harbour/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12,
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft, either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY (Personnel Vessel)
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned eventually under own steam,
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May
!

APPENDIX III
to
26th May, 1940.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events
DESTROYERS
PERSONNEL SHIPS
MINESVREPERS
-
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS
SKOOTS
FRENCH DESTROYERS
CANTERBURY 1299
MAID OF
ORLEANS 988
DRIFTERS
TRAWLERS
MISCELLANEOUS
HOSPITAL SHIPS
FOREIGN VESSELS
Drifter
24
JORDAN (A.B.V. 624
(Store Carrier)
MONA's ISLE 1312
(A.B.V.)

tions of Commander k.
der Dove, Sub Lieutenant
N.V.R. The object was to erect
7th June, 1940.
rt of Dunkirk. Commander Dove atsuki" on May 2000 with 200
-Admiral Sir James ut. Field and Sub Lieut Addis
Somerville, K. C.B., D.S.O.,.
taul". On instructions from took command of the Drifter
On the orders of Commander Yates, we iled from Dover 6345 Friday the honour to submit the following es for the demolition party, 4
ort on the activities of Commander officer Major Russell, 1 Army e's party at Dunkirk.
3 signal ratings. After an
Dunkirk 0930 to find a large
We have the honour to be, Sir, rogress. We noted then, and for that in spite of the courage and
Your obedient Servants, the great majority of their targets. We immediately entered
J.L. Field Subtient RNVILE
the South Quay.
R.G.addis Subtient RMVR.
ratings, we reported to Cdr.
La Rentaul" to keep clear of the nent which had recommenced. We emolition party that we had afterwards made contact with portion of a demolition party.
re-enter the harbour and took
CS.
threatening to block completely a done at once it would have
32" the hospital and personnel y. The, "Gervaise" was mana side to avoid the risk of her ion in the fairway. Ammunition nd handed over to Cdr Banks who y primersor detonators for the a two hospital ships which were
$
The attached papers have been ng these was just put in hand seen by the Vice Admiral, Dover, and note made
* available at any time during for his list of personnel recommendations.
himself and with help of his the necessary work. Now the
Yours sincerely, ble for further hospital and
During these operations Cdr.
e situation in Dunkirk was so he opportunity nor the facilitie hadch Cress rk. Furthermore there was a re-
1" dive bombing until Monday 27th old Cdr Dove that there was no ommandeered a car and bought
SECRETARY to rom estaminets which were still
VICE ADMIRAL.
de tour of inspection and found property and personnel was il tanks on the south side of the atening the railway and timber
S. to S.W. which blew a pall of scene appear far worse than evening the work of loading ship eady a large number of noncomour besides an increasing number quay. The night was quiet planes sincleithe town for over*
ely small number of bombs. Early ho had been instructed by Cdr.
for safety, reported that magnet mines nad Deen 1814 near the entrance and that a French merchantmen had been blown up.
ore dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'

Statement of the operations of Commander
Dove's party at Dunkirk.
Prefatory Note.
The party consisted of Commander Dove,R.N., Sub.Lieutenant
Field, and Sub.Lieutenant Addis, R.N.V.R. The object was to erect
& lethal kite barrage round the port of Dunkirk. Commander Dove sailed with H.M.D. "Boy Roy" and "Natsuki" on May 2014 with 200
sets of lethal kite year.,Lieut, Field and ub.Lieut Addis left Daver with H.M.D. "Gervais Rentaul". On instructions from
Captain A/P Dover,.Lieut. Field took command of the Drifter
(skipper Mr.Burgess,R.N.R)
Report.
Sub.Lieut Field and Addis, sailed from Dover 6345 Friday
May 25th with 9 tons high explosives for the demolition party, 4
tons of medical stores, 1 Medical officer Major Russell, 1 Army liaison officer Captain Hill, and 3 signal ratings. After an uneventful passage, we arrived off Dunkirk 0930 to find a large scale air attack by the enemy in progress. We noted then, and for the whole time we were in Dunkirk that in spite of the courage and persistence of the shore A.A.units the great majority of their salvoes were well astern of their targets. We immediately entered the harbour and made fast alongside the South Quay.
ratings, we reported to Cdr.
La Rentaul" to keep clear of the nent which had recommenced. We emolition party that we had afterwards made contact with
OFFICE OF
portion of a demolition party.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
re-enter the harbour and took threatening to block completely a done at once it would have
32" the hospital and personnel
18th June, 1940.
7. The, "Gervaise" was man-
1 side to avoid the risk of her ion in the fairway. Ammunition nd handed over to Cdr Banks who
Dear Gleadowe, y primersor detonators for the
The attached papers have been a two hospital ships which were seen by the Vice Admiral, Dover, and note made ng these was just put in hand for his list of personnel recommendations.
* available at any time during himself and with help of his the necessary work. Now the
Yours sincerely, ble for further hospital and
During these operations Cdr.
8 situation in Dunkirk was so he opportunity nor the facilitie hadch Cres rk. Furthermore there was a re-
1" dive bombing until Monday 27th old Cdr.Dove that there was no ommandeered a car and bought
SECRETARY to rom estaminets which were still
VICE ADMIRAL.
de tour of inspection and found property and personnel was il tanks on the south side of th atening the railway and timber
S. to S.W. which blew a pall of scene appear far worse than evening the work of loading shi eady a large number of noncomour besides an increasing number quay. The night was quiet planes circledthe town for over*
ely small number of bombs. Early ho had been instructed by Odr.
for safety, reported that magnet mines nad been 1810 near the entrance and that a French merchantmen had been blown up.
ore dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'

Statement of the operations of Commander
Dove's party at Dunkirk.
Prefatory Note.
The party consisted of Commander Dove, b.Lieutenant
Field, and Sub.Lieutenant Addis, R.N.V.R. The object was to erect a lethal kite barrage round the port of Dunkirk. Commander Dove sailed with "Boy Roy" and "Natsuki" on May 2004 with 200
sets of lethal kite gear. Sub,Lieut,Field and Sub.Lieut Addis left Daver with H.M.D. "Gervais Rentaul". On instructions from
Captain A/P took command of the Drifter
(skipper Mr.Burgess,R.N.R)
Report.
Sub.Lieut Field and Addis, sailed from Dover 6345 Friday
May 25th with 9 tons high explosives for the demolition party, 4
tons of medical stores, 1 Medical officer Major Russell, 1 Army liaison officer Captain Hill, and 3 signal ratings. After an uneventful passage, we arrived off Dunkirk 0930 to find a large scale air attack by the enemy in progress. We noted then, and for the whole time we were in Dunkirk that in spite of the courage and persistence of the shore A.A.units the great majority of their salvoe were well astern of their targets. We immediately entered the harbour and made fast alongside the South Quay.
Army Officers and signal ratings, we reported to Cdr.
Henderson B.N.L.O. who order "Gervais Rentaul" to keep clear of the harbour to avoid the aerial bombardment which had recommenced. We then reported to Cdr. Banks of the demolition party that we had brought his explosives, and shortly afterwards made contact with
Cdr. Dove who had taken charge of a portion of a demolition party.
Cdr.Dove now signalled the G.R. to re-enter the harbour and took in tow two sinking tugs which were threatening to block completely the South Quay. If this had not been done at once it would have been difficulty if not impossible for the hospital and personnel ships to make fast to the South Quay. The, "Gervaise" was maneeuvred to a small lock on the south side to avoid the risk of her being hit and exploding the ammunition in the fairway. Ammunition medical stores were then unloaded and handed over to Cdr. Banks who up to that time had not received any primersor detonators for the depth charges.
Cdr.Dove then signalled in two hospital ships which were in the offing and the work of loading these was just put in hand inmediately. As there was no. labour dock available at any time during our stay in Dunkirk Commander Dove himself and with help of his officers organised and carried out the necessary work. Now the
South Quay was cleared it was possible for further hospital and personnel ships to enter and load. During these operations Cdr.
Dove reached the conclusion that the situation in Dunkirk was so grave that we should have neither the opportunity nor the facilitie to erect a kite barrage round Dunkirk. Furthermore there was a regrettable lack of wind and no low or dive bombing until Monday 27th
At midday dr.Henderson told Cdr. Dove that there was no water in Dunkirk and we therefore commandeered a car and bought sufficient vichy and perier water from estaminets which were still open in Malo form H.Q.staff. We made tour of inspection and found that up to date the damage done to property and personnel was surprisingly little, although the oil tanks on the south side of th town were blazing flercely and threatening the railway and timber yards. There was a light uir from S. to S.W. which blew a pall of smoke over the harbour and made the scene appear far worse than reality. During the afternoon and evening the work of loading shi went on smoothly but there were already a large number of noncombatant forces crowded into the harbour besides an increasing number*
of ambulances lined up on the south quay. The night was quiet except for one air-raid when German planes circledthe town for over
(ca hour before dropping a comparatively small mimber of bombs. Early next morning May 26th, r.Burgess who had been instructed by Cdr.
Dove to anchor outside the harbour for safety, reported that magnet mines had been laid near the entrance and that a French merchantmen had been blown up.
dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'

3
ried us four hours to do scale normally bombardment 20 minutes. This ide to fly another work which takes (made in Germany)
which was entirely kite deserted from a except large floating for Bank's crane party. We
THE decided There so cases similar to key this that our uninterrupted and large to wind which continued
Owing to return a contrary to H.Q. We found our the efforts proved of
IM
car presumably the result of about 2 miles and our were of fifth many column activity. We made way times on the way, especially on the We reported leading that H.Q. it it was back to H.Q. on foot, a distance road to were bombed several H.Q. the position seemed extremely from grave. the South Quay. Cdr. was
Henderson hardly informed us that G.H.Q. intended taking to be over evacuation bastion
At practicable to embark troops the and the extreme shortage of supplies. We were and to sail as soon as that all superfluous personnel would have therefore ordered owing by to Dove to go aboard the "Gervaise Rentual" most of the bombardment permitted. The air force personnel, onboard. We demolition the party were, we were informed, already and QZS.60. were On arrival also at the ship we found we had no charts and to the our given a new route order via Zuydcoote Passage therefore made way bastion. At the bastion we found that a number of soldiers, the obviously a back as quickly as we could through the bombardment unnerved by the relentless attack, were approaching H.Q. in went out in the midst of the bombardment, without steel helmets, destroy- or fire threatening manner with their rifles. Cdr.Dove and Cdr. Henderson arms which had just entered harbour, arrived. The situation control and and parleyed with them until a naval landing party from which a might
"
have er developed seriously was immediately brought under take we informed that the evacuation of the town of Dunkirk was to were forthwith. We were therefore given new orders by Cdr.Dove. found We place able to collect a chart and return to the ship where we were Cdr. Bankes. He told us to collect as many small craft as possible and take them and the drifter round to the beaches on the north side of the town to pick up soldiers. We tried to commandeer two Belgian tugs and manage to secure two launches byt on investigation both were too badly a picket boat but the French naval commander objected strongly. We did damaged to be serviceable. One had its steering gear rendered useless one by bombs, and the other, a diesel engine, had no fuel, and no knew how to work it. We now had onboard four air force officers, 10
re moment four drifters arrived in the entrance, two of which were in a soldiers, the majority of the demolition party and Cdr. Bankes. At this sinking condition owing to bombing and machine-gunning, These two the
"Bola Roy" and the "Paxton" were sunk by gun-fire from the "Gervaise
Bentual", clear of the fairway, after all personnel had been taken onboard, the drifters "Playmates" and "Gervaise Rentual." The remaining
2 drifters were ordered by Cdr. Bankes to tie off the beaches and they proceeded thereforthwith.
We were now helded from the South Quay and on crossing there found Cdr. Dove who was the last person to leave the South Quay. We took him aboard and landed him and Cdr. Bankes on the North Jetty, where they met Captain Tenant, Cdr. Dove insisted on returning to the bastion to the end of the pier, within hail for an hour. Captain Tenant then told find out if there were anyone left there and instructed us, to be off us to extend those orders until midnight. It was now about dark and air activity was intense. Huge fires light up the town and later numerbelieved we heard artillery. After standing off for about 1 hour, ous parachute flares were dropped by the enemy. For the first time we gun us, we received enemy a morse message from the beach, to come alongside in which time the enemy dropped magnetic mines and attempting to machine the North Jetty, There we found Naval Commander whose name was not ascertained, other Captain drifter and tell any personnel ships to come alongfrom Tenant's party, who ordered us to make conside the North We spoke to the Queen of the Channel (?)
to this effect Jetty. drifters who were Lying some way to the north and were difficult and to the locate. Another morse message asked us to use and found all possible a despatch. to After this we?) returned ship alongside to the North and fully Jetty loaded. were
We took personnel (Queen of Channel and children and some soldiers, and hound aboard which written) was was destroyer, continuing "Unless and complete W/T dubies. fighter The protection gist of this can be message provided (which only to proceed a home to Dover also an urgent despatch to H.M.S. "Wolfordered aboard about 30 women after delivering women and children before dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'

DMS
OPERATION "DYNAMO".
bas
H.M.S. # GOSS AMER ",
5th June, 1940.
L
1
D
The Commander in Chief,
H.M.Ships and Vessels at the Nore.
ir,
I have the honour to submit the following despatch on the operations J
£ H.M.Ship # GOSSAMER # under my command during the evacuation of unkirk, for the information of Their Lordships.
1
We made six trips in all, and transported, as accurately as can be scertained, 3214 British and French troops to this country. A list E
18 recomendations for awards is appended. At the same time the entire hips company did as much to deserve a medal as tose few I was able to ingle out.
When this operation is compared with the glordous feat at Zecbrugge in 1918, I am inclined to believe that it imposed greater strain on the ficers and men. This was particularly 80 due to the constant repetition in the belief that each one was the last. Again there were the long hours off the beaches in momentary expectation of the arrival x enemy aircraft(en expectation which was seldom disappointed ). Then the six hour passage home with constant reports of the presence of enemy
L.T.B.'s on the route, and in the knowledge that we had six or sevenhu undred souls on board and no boats whatever.
"GOSSAMER" sailed from Harwich at 1230 on 28th May, 1940, in company with H.M.Ships "KELLETT", "ALBURY", "ROSS", "LYDD", "PAINGBOURNE", sand "LEDA". H.M.S. "SALTASH" was left in the Tyne boiler cleaning.
flotilla arrived at EUIDCOTE addititis Pass at 2030 and stapped off
BRAY at 2115. There cared to be a large wood close to the shore but on neurer approach this was seen to be a mass of troops on the and.
Two ships were left there and the remainder proceeded to the East Pier at Dunkirk which at that time was intact.
As it was low water it took half on hour to embark troops down 1mprovised ladders, but "GOSSAMER" sailed at 2215 with 430 on board.
from now on it was impossible to exercise control over the fiotilla as a unit, and this narrative is concerned with "GOSSAMER" alone.
Just outside the 2UIDCOTE PASS we come upon the "MANNIAN" aground, and S.S. "PRAGUE" stopped, without charts. "MANXMAN" was given directdons, and a boat was sent to "PRAGUE" with a chart of Dunkirk. As will be seen this delay seved our lives.
Proceeding towards KWINT DOUY we soon came into a patch of water filled with mom crying BHelp", and heads could be seen all round in the
Ben.
I stopped and lowered boats ( three whalers and a skiff ).
I
WED then halled by Commonder R.L. Fisher of H.M.S. "WAKEFUL" who said he had been torpedoed and that the Submerine vas still near by.
In actual fact I believe he was attacked by on M.T.B. Dut my boats and almost all my officers were now lost in the night, and it took some time to recover them with such few men as they had been able to pick up.
The skiff was loft alongside a drifter. No doubt we were wrong to stop, but at the time I thought otherwise. We then steered so as to evoid KWINT BUOY, and proceeded without further incident to Dover, arriving there at 0655 an Wednesday 29th May.

Lieutenant Derek Peel Willan, Royal Navy,
Lieutenant H.M.S. Icarus. Frederick Worcester. Greville Woods, Royal
Captain John Henry Wh
Transport Tynwald.
Lieutenant Navy, H.M.S. Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R.,
Mr. Terence O' Hanlon,:
Dorrien Rose.
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
Lieutenant Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R.,
Joseph Cox, R.N.R.
Mr. Hubert Donald F1
H.M. Hospital Carrier
Mr. Arthur Patrick Jo
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.R.
H.M.S. Ross.
Officer, H.M. Transpo
Lieutenant Robert Hunter Irving, R.N.R.,
Mr. Frank Edward M
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.R.,
Motor Boat Triton.
H.M. Hospital Carrier
Mr. Allan Watterson,
H.M. Skoot Hondsrug.
Transport Tynwald.
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R.,
Mr. Joseph Wilfred Coul
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
H.M.S. Speedwell.
H.M. Transport Royal
Mr. William McGregor,
Princess Elizabeth.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens,
Transport King Georg
Mr. Bernard Murphy,
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Niger.
Lieutenant Alexander Harper Turner,
Transport Dorrien Ro
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Watchful.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxer
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing,
H.M. Transport Prag
H.M. Skoot Hilda.
Mr. David Douglas R
Surgeon Lieutenant Joseph Wishart Shield,
H.M. Hospital Carrie
M.B., B.Ch., R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Grafton.
Mr. Andrew Sinclair,
Sub-Lieutenant Edmund Charles Croswell,
Transport Royal Sove
Royal Navy, H.M.S. Harvester.
Mr. George Frederick To
Sub-Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-
H.M. Transport Maid
Mulhallen, Royal Navy.
Mr. James Lang Croc
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Williams,
Transport Biarritz.
Royal Navy, Motor Boat Swallow.
Mr. Charles Powell Maso
Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R.,
Transport Tvnwald.
H.M.S. Mosquito.
Sub-Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke,
R.N.V.R., Motor Boat Rapide.
+
Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman,
R.N.V.R., H.M.Y. Seriola.
Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R., H.M.S. William Sutton. Geoffrey Hewitt,
Sub-Lieatenant R.N.V.R., H.M. John Grive. Kenneth Barton Miles,
Herbert Bernhard
H
TOTAL
H.M.S.
John Ball, R.N.R.,
Bryce, R.N.R.,
Jones, Royal Engineer Navy, Engineer H.M.S. Reginald Sabre. Thomas
Gunner Reynolds, Royal Navy, H.M.S.Salamandr.
Gunner H.M.S. Frederick Wolsey. William Benoy, Royal
Skipper Navy, (T) H.M.S. Reginald Grenade. William Clare, Navy,
Skipper Drifter Andrew The Boys. Buchan, R.N.R., Royal
Skipper Reed. George Hattan, R.N.R., H.M. H.M.
Drifter Midas. Herbert Holden, R.N.R., Drifter
Skipper Captain H.M. Reynolds, R.N.R., H.M.
Captain Captain Card CANADA Captain Captain H.M. most Scotia. H.M. 87. Transport James Transport Robert Fryer, McCallum Prague. Rowland Master, Hughes, Baxter, H.M. Master, Tug Master, Master, Master, Fore- H.M. S.S.
Pitman, Master, H.M.
Master, Master, H.M.

Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Halcyon.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Princess
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, R.N.R., Elizabeth. H.M.S.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. Fitzroy. Mosquito.
Midshipman Malcolm John Ball, R.N.R., H.M.S. Scimitar.
Commissioned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones, Royal Navy, H.M.S.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, Royal Sabre. Navy, H.M.S.
Gunner Frederick William Benoy, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Salamander. Wolsey.
Gunner (T) Reginald William Clare, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Grenade.
Skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter The Boys.
Skipper George Hattan, R.N.R.,
Reed.
Skipper Herbert Holden, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Midas.
Skipper William Francis Reynolds, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter Dorienta.
Captain Clifford Rowland Baxter, Master, S.S. Prague.
e.
Captain John Fréyer, Master, Tug Foremost 87.
Captain Charles Archibald Hancock, Master, S.S. Canterbury.
or
Captain Ernest Leonard Hill, Master, Sx8x Hospital Carrier Isle of Guernsey.
Captain William Henry Hughes, Master, S.S. Scotia.
C Captain Robert McCallum McLean, Master, H M.hanspat King yearge V.
Captain Reginald Richard Pitman, Master, S.S. St. Helier.
Captain William Thompson, Master, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Captain William Oswald Young, Master, H.M. Transport Levenwood.
Captain a ohn Henry Whiteway, Master, S.S. Tynwald.
Mr. Terence O'Hanlon, Mate, S.S. Dorrien Rose. S.S.
S.S.
Mr. Hubert Donald Freeman, First Officer, St. Helier. S.S.
Mr Arthur Patrick Joseph Paterson, Chief S.S. Officer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. Frank Edward Martin, Second Officer, 1/1 St. Helier.
SS.
15.5 Mr. Allan Watterson, Second Officer of Tynwald.
Mr. Joseph William fred Coulthard, Chief Engineer, Royal Daffodil.
Mr. William MagGregor, Chief Engineer, H.M. Transport King George V
Mr. Bernard Murphy, Chief Engineer, S.S. Dorrien Rose.
Mr. Walter Ernest Oxenham, Chief Engineer S.S. Prague.
Mr. David Douglas Robb, Chief Engineer M.V. Hospital Guernsey. Carrier Isle of
Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Chief Engineer, S. Royal Sovereign.
D
Mr. George Frederick Todley, Second Engineer, S.S. Maid of Orleans.
all
MR. James Lang Crockart, Engineer S.S. Biarritz.
Mr. Charles/Mason, Radio Officer Tynwald.
Queen.

18.
Han
Ordinary Seaman Bert Marston, P/JX.175182, H.M.S. Worcester.
Ordinary Seaman John Philip Charles Mead, LT/JX.193106, H.M.Y.Christock
Ordinary Seaman Hugh Watson Miller, C/JX.170010, H.M.S. Royal Eagle.
Ordinary Seaman Frank Arthur Victor Patrick, C/JX.171302, H.M.S.Crest
Eagle.
Ordinary Seaman Thomas Edgar Whyte, R.N.V.R., CD/X.133, Newhaven
Life Boat Rosa Wood and Phyll
Lund.
Seaman Arthur George Farrow, LT/JX.179655, H.M.S. Glenavon.
Seaman George Fred Mathews, R.N.P.S., LT/JX.185264, H.M.D.The Boys.
Seaman Raymond Allenby Stone, R.M.R., X.19746A, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Ordinary Signalman Victor Albert Leslie Shallis, LD/X.4505, H.M.
Danlayer Gulzar.
Stoker Second Class Ralph Kearvell, P/KX,87052,H.M.S. Worcester
Stoker John Pirie, R.N.R., X.10415,S., H.M.D. Dorienta.
Second Hand John Malcolm Fenwick, LT/JX.185753, H.M.Y. Alouette 1.
Engineman James Smith, H.M. H Drifter Douenta.
Fireman John Develand Connell, T.124, H.M.S. Medway Queen.
Cook George Henry Cliefe, T.124, H.M.Danlayer Gulzar.
Deckhand Charles
E
Baldry, T.124, H.M.Danlayer Gulzar.
Captain William Hay Baker, Master, S.S. Biarritz.
Captain Herbert Cecil Bond, Master, S.S. St. Andrew.
Captain II
F
Boyce, Master, Hopper Barge 24,
Captain George Beaumont Butler, Master, M.V.Laroc.
Captain John Willimm Dickinson, Master, Ngorama.
Captain Henry Clarke, Master, Princess Maud.
Captain RederickJohn Hopwood, Master, Tug Lady Brassey.
Captain Eyril Glad west Hughes, O.B.E., S.S. Master, S.S. Nephrite.
Captain R chard Hughes, Master, Killarney.
Captain Welfred # yvon Larbalestier, Master, S.S Roebuck.
Captain Ewen Mackinnon, Master, Loch Garry.
Captain William Josiah Penny, Master,
Lord Rodney.
Captain
A
M
Pooke, Master,
Lady Southborough.
Captain Thomas C
Woods, Master,
Lady of Mann.
Captain R
G
Banks, Acting Master, Lighter X.209.
Mr. John William Ailwyn Jones, Chief Officer, Hospital Carrier Vinard
Mr. Reginald Frederick Pembry, Chief Officer, Hospital Carrier Isle
Mn Arthur Patrick Joseph Paterson, First Officer, M.
Mr. Jack Lynn, Mate, M.V.Laroc.
Mr. Victor Smith, Mate, Java.
Service,
Mr. John Bingham Woodhouse, Second Officer, S.S. Prague it Massey Shaw
London Fire
Brigade Wire Flo

ICW19295
d'enner
Lieutenant Jan Nagle Douglas Cox, R.N. (First Lieutenant),
H.M.S. MALCOLN.
Commi sei oned Engineer Reginald Thomas Jones, R.B., H.M.S.
Midshipman Balcolm John Ball, R.M.R., H.M.S. SABRE. SCIMITAR.
Lieutenant Commander Hugh Nicholas Aubyn Richardson, R.B.,
H.M.S. SHIKART.
Lioutenant Adrian Paul Wilbraham Northey, R.N., H.M.S. VIMY.
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker, R.N., H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Lieutenant Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins, R.M.,
H.M.S. WIRCHALSEA.
Mr. Frederick William Benoy, Gunner, R.N., H.M.S. WOLSEY.
Lieutenant Frederick Greville Woods, R.N., H.H.S. WORCESTER.
Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Corbet-Singleton, R.N.,
H.M.S. ALBURY.
Midshipman Ian Kinloch Bryce, R.N.R., H.M.S. FITEROY.
Commander Michael Anthony Crame Biddulph, R.N., H.M.S.
GLENGOWER.
Sub-Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, B.N.V.R.,
H.M.S. HALCYON.
tooda Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY QUENN.
Sub-Li sutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R., H.M.S. MEDWAY
QUEEN.
Lieutenant Robert Peverell Hichens, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. NIGER.
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. PRINCESS
ELIZABETH.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R., H.M.S.
PRINCESS ELIZABETH.
Lieutenant Kenneth Arthur Gadd, R.N.R., H.M.S. ROSS.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, R.N., H.M.S.
SALAMANDER.
Lieutenant Robert Archibald Vallings, R.N.R., H.M.S.
SPEEDWELL.
Sub-Lieutenant William Geoffrey Hewitt, R.N. Valing
H.H.S. SUTTON
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.H., H.M.S. BIDEFORD.
Lieutenant Ackroyd Norman Palliser Costobadie, R.N., M.M.S.
LOCUST.
Lieutenant JAYOR Denis Harold Palmer Gardiner, bittle
MOSQUITO.
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Eric Sidney Flint, N.N.R.,
H.M.S. MOSQUITO.
Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman, R.M.V.R., SERIOLA. H.M.Y.
skipper Andrew Buchan, R.N.R., W.S.3319, H.M.Drifter THE BOYS
Holden, R.N.R., W.S.3452, H.M.Drifter MIDAS.
Lieutenant Joseph Cox, R.N.R., Unit Officer to Drifters.
78.
Lieutenant Tom Preston Graham, R.N.N., Unit officer of

C.W.19295
(Revised-June, 1983.)
D-51.
1940
FROM WHOM
DATE
Merchant Service Vessels employed in Operation "Dynamo".
/
(Extracted from Case 5458).
Personnel Ships
Case 5458 Vol. III. 7.)
29.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
"
III. 6.
sunk
1.
"
DORRIEN ROSE
"
1.
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
"
III. 6.)
sunk
1.
SCOTTISH CORPORATION
"
III. 6.)
1.
MASSEY SHAW
"
III. 6 & 8)
1.
LIGHTER X 209
"
III. 6.)
1.
C.E.in C. TUG PRIMA
)
"
III. 6.)
1.
"
HOPPER BARGE W.24)
1.
"
"
"
W.26)
1.
"
"
"
W.95)
1.
THYRA
1.
PUDGE
London and Rochester ( "
II.5.)
1.
CABBY
Trading Company,
1.
SEINE
)
Limited.
1.
BEFENDER
1.
RELIANCE
1.
LETITIA
Bawley Boats
III 8
1.
ENDEAVOUR
"
Civilian crews.
1.
RESOLUTE
1.
RENOWN (Sunk)
1.
QUEENSLAND,
Tilbury Dredging Company.
(Case 5458.Vol.III.8.)
1.
JOHANNA
"
(Dutch eel boat)
III.8. 1.
River M/L "MADAME SANS GENE" (sunk)
"
III.8.) 1.
M/V "SEA ROAMER"
"
III.8.) 1.
"FAAR BREEZE" Drifter
1.
Votor Boat "KIT CAT"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Southend Lifeboat "GREATER LONDON"
1.
Launch belonging to Skylark Shipbuilding
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Co. Poole.
opper " Barge "Lady Southborough"
1.
"
1.
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
"
"
GALLIONS RANCH
Tilbury l.
"
(
"
"
FOREMOST 101.
Contracting
III.8.) 1.
"
"
FOREMOST 102.
& Dredging
1.
"
"
1.
JAMES 67.
Company.
Dutch eel boat "CHANTECLER"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Motor Life Boat unnamed,
#
(S.Lt.Amos, R.N.V.R.)
III.8.) 1.
Motor Yacht "RYGATE II"
"
III.8. 1.
M/B "QUICKSILVER"
"
III.8. 1.
Motor Cruiser "BOBELI"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "RAPIDE"
"
III.8.) 1.
"NAID ERRANT"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "THARK"
#
III.8.) 1.
Total. 71.
Mainly civilian crew, but R.N. or R.N.R.Officer in command.

7432 50M 10/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
base'beservi
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
X
Temporary Skipper Alfred Manning Lovis, R.N.R., W.S.3397,
H.M.Drifter PAXTON.
x
Captain Gordon Dyer Walter, Master, MAID OF ORLEANS.
Captain George Johnson, Master, ROYAL DAFFODIL.
Captain Thomas Aldis, Master, ROYAL SOVEREIGN.
Distinguished Service Medal
Petty Officer Thomas A. Topley, C/J.112800.
Yeoman of Signals Geoffrey Piper, C/JX.132686.
Able Seaman Alexander C. Moore, C/JX.129026.
Able Seaman James G. Owen, R.F.R., B.20977.
Able Seaman Joseph L. Turner, C/SS.X.24037.
Able Seaman Walter F. Cox, R.F.R., B.22716.
Able Seaman Gilbert Rose, C/J.X151776.
Able Seaman Francis H. McLaughlin, C/J. X146012.
Ordinary Seaman Andrew McKay H. Miller, C/JX.174079.
Ordinary Seaman William J. Edward Burrows, C/JX.154411.
Ordinary Seaman Sydney V. Genner, C/JX.150954.
A special note would be put in the Gazette making it clear that circumstances had made it possible for these recommendations to be made in advance of the general body of recommendations and that they have not been in any sense specially selected.
*
The Distinguished Service Cross may, at the discretion of the Admiralty, be awarded to Officers of the Merchant
Navy, and the Committee think that the award of the
D.S.C. to these three Masters would be both correct and unobjectionable.
R.Gleadowe for HEAD OF COMMISSION AND WARRANT BRANCH
5th June, 1940.
The King has 1 been pleased to apparer