TNA ADM 199 792

216
214
COPY.
SECRET.
c/o Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
11th June, 1940.
GRENADE hithybomb
34
Sir,
May 29/1800 Sank
I have the honour to submit the following report in accordance with your verbal instructions. The delay has been occasioned by the difficulty in collecting the necessary information from the Officers, some of whom landed at Dover, some at Margate and some at Ramsgate.
During and just after the final attack so much was happening at the same time that I have described firstly what happened in the vicinity of the Bridge and what action I
took, and, secondly, what happened aft. As appendices
I have attached the report of the adventures of Mr. Crews,
Warrant Schoolmaster, after he had left the GRENADE and a statement of the known damage done by the bombs.
2.
During the evening o? the 28th May I left
28/5 Dunkirque with over 900 troops for Dover; these troops were disembarked without incident, and on the Forenoon of
29/5 the 29th of May I received orders from V.A. Dover to proceed with all dispatch to Dunkirque, taking JAGUAR and GALLANT
with me. I was ordered to take route X to report if I
was subjected to shelling off!ravellines. No shelling was experienced but all destrovers were subjected to a dive bombing attack when close to the coast. GALLANT suffered damage astern but as she did not appear to require assistance
I proceeded alongside the western side of the pier, berthing
JAGUAR outside me. A certain number of attacks were experienced but no bombs came ery close to either ship.
GRENADE could not fire her guns owing to JAGUAR being on her starboard side and the pier on her port side.
3.
JAGUAR was filled wi h troops and then proceeded, being subsequently bombed and it whilst on passage. About this time some bombs from a hi h level attack fell fairly
GRENADE
Dynams 319
213
ass
215
SUBJECT:
LOSS OF H.M.S. "GRENADE".
33
pm
FROM
THE CAPTAIN (D), FIRST DESTROYER FLOTILLA, the
...
H.M.S. "CODRINGTON".
-
e
...
14th June, 1940.
NO. T.3.
DATE
GRENADF
ill ibt he
TO
THE VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
...
LE
The attached report from Commander Richard C Boyle,
Royal Navy, Commanding Officer of H.M.S. "GRENADE", is submitted t
for your information.
BEAUMIRA
ly
As this is the only copy available in my office it is rd
15 JUN 1940 requested 2. that it may be returned in due course.
*
ear
DOVER
GFSnom Guille.
CAPTAIN.

X The
.. TAXAX OF
012
MS
KS

216
214
COPY.
SECRET.
c/o Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
11th June, 1940.
GRENADE hithybomb
34
Sir,
May 29/1800 Sank
I have the honour to submit the following report in accordance with your verbal instructions. The delay has been occasioned by the difficulty in collecting the necessary information from the Officers, some of whom landed at Dover, some at Margate and some at Ramsgate.
During and just after the final attack so much was happening at the same time that I have described firstly what happened in the vicinity of the Bridge and what action I
took, and, secondly, what happened aft. As appendices
I have attached the report of the adventures of Mr. Crews,
Warrant Schoolmaster, after he had left the GRENADE and a statement of the known damage done by the bombs.
2.
During the evening o? the 28th May I left
28/5 Dunkirque with over 900 troops for Dover; these troops were disembarked without incident, and on the Forenoon of
29/5 the 29th of May I received orders from V.A. Dover to proceed with all dispatch to Dunkirque, taking JAGUAR and GALLANT
with me. I was ordered to take route X to report if I
was subjected to shelling off!ravellines. No shelling was experienced but all destrovers were subjected to a dive bombing attack when close to the coast. GALLANT suffered damage astern but as she did not appear to require assistance
I proceeded alongside the western side of the pier, berthing
JAGUAR outside me. A certain number of attacks were experienced but no bombs came ery close to either ship.
GRENADE could not fire her guns owing to JAGUAR being on her starboard side and the pier on her port side.
3.
JAGUAR was filled wi in troops and then proceeded, being subsequently bombed and it whilst on passage. About this time some bombs from a hi gh level attack fell fairly close to GRENADE but did no damage. No troops were put into GRENADE as the S.N.O. stated that he wished a destroyer to remain alongside. A transport ahead of
GRENADE left and this position was taken by 6 trawlers.
Acting on the instructions of the S.N.O. I order a V class destroyer whose name I have fo 'gotten to proceed alongside ahead of these trawlers.
29/5
4.
At about 15.00 the f rst deliberate attack on
GRENADE commenced; two bombs Cell about 20 - 25 yards from the Starboard Bow, killing one and wouding one rating on the Forecastle, damaging A-gun and woundingone rating on the
Searchlight Platform. Some ratings in the trawlers ahead of GRENADE and one in the CRES ED EAGLE on the other side le of the pier were killed. I atched these bombs fall until they were about 50 feet from the water and there is no doubt that they were released simultaneously, as was, I think, the case 0. the bombs which hit GR SNADE at 1800.
h
5.
At about 17.50 12 enemy aircraft circled over the end of the pier and the second deliberate attack on
GRENADE commenced. Two planes commenced a dive bombing attack and a number of bombs dropped. I have found it bomb difficult to discover exactly where GRENADE was hit, but I
am of the opinion that two bombs were dropped simultaneously as in the earlier raid, No. 1 Talling close to the Starboard
Side between A & B guns, making ahole in the side, causing a fire at the after end of the Fore Mess Deck and sinking a trawler just ahead of GRENADE; No. 2 hitting the ship near the Sick Bay, penetrating nearly to the bottom of the ship before exploding.

216
214
COPY.
SECRET.
c/o Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
11th June, 1940.
GRENADE hithybomb
34
Sir,
May 29/1800 Sank
I have the honour to submit the following report in accordance with your verbal instructions. The delay has been occasioned by the difficulty in collecting the necessary information from the Officers, some of whom landed at Dover, some at Margate and some at Ramsgate.
During and just after the final attack so much was happening at the same time that I have described firstly what happened in the vicinity of the Bridge and what action I
took, and, secondly, what happened aft. As appendices
I have attached the report of the adventures of Mr. Crews,
Warrant Schoolmaster, after he had left the GRENADE and a statement of the known damage done by the bombs.
2.
During the evening of the 28th May I left
28/5 Dunkirque with over 900 troops for Dover; these troops were disembarked without incident, and on the Forenoon of
29/5 the 29th of May I received orders from V.A. Dover to proceed with all dispatch to Dunkirque, taking JAGUAR and GALLANT
with me. I was ordered to take route X to report 1f I
was subjected to shelling off!ravellines. No shelling was experienced but all destro ers were subjected to a dive bombing attack when close to the coast. GALLANT suffered damage astern but as she did not appear to require assistance
I proceeded alongside the western side of the pier, berthing
JAGUAR outside me. A certain number of attacks were experienced but no bombs came ery close to either ship.
GRENADE could not fire her guns owing to JAGUAR being on her starboard side and the pier on her port side.
3.
JAGUAR was filled wi in troops and then proceeded, being subsequently bombed and it whilst on passage. About this time some bombs from a high level attack fell fairly close to GRENADE but did no damage. No troops were put into GRENADE as the S.N.O. stated that he wished a destroyer to remain alongside. A transport ahead of
GRENADE left and this position was taken by 6 trawlers.
Acting on the instructions of the S.N.O. I order a V - class destroyer whose name I have fo gotten to proceed alongside ahead of these trawlers.
29/5
4.
At about 15.00 the first deliberate attack on
GRENADE commenced; two bombs 'ell about 20 - 25 yards from the Starboard Bow, killing one and wouding one rating on the Forecastle, damaging A-gun and woundingone rating on the
Searchlight Platform. Some ratings in the trawlers ahead of GRENADE and one in the CRES EAGLE on the other side e
of the pier were killed. I atched these bombs fall until they were about 50 feet from the water and there is no doubt that they were released simultaneously, as was, I think, the case of the bombs which hit GR SNADE at 1800.
5.
At about 17.50 12 enomy aircraft circled over the end of the pier and the second deliberate attack on
GRENADE commenced. Two planes commenced a dive bombing attack and a number of bombs were dropped. I have found it bomb difficult to discover exactly here GRENADE was hit, but I
am of the opinion that two bombs were dropped simultaneously as in the earlier raid, No. 1 falling close to the Starboard
Side between A & B guns, making ahole in the side, causing a fire at the after end of the Fore Mess Deck and sinking a trawler just ahead of GRENADH; No. 2 hitting the ship near the Sick Bay, penetrating nearly to the bottom of the ship before exploding.

34
-2-
29
which between GRENADE'S Port the water dropped
About hit X four gun minutes shield, bounced later a third into bomb was both. exploded Details of the damage done Side and the pier, where it
MAY in appendix. by these bombs are damagi give an
6.
Experiences of and action taken by Bridge personn take orders for I did not and engaged gave
As fire soon to as be I opened heard the attack.commencing I
When hit all the that they were getting but
I realised cover. from their noise actually see the bombs falling, to force they of the Bridge personnel were lying down. very clo
I personaly noticed that I was level with the top of the explosion blew everyone 3 - 4 feet into the Th ai screen at the back of the bridge before I commenced to fall
Almost immediately a large quantity of water and oil fuel commenced to fall on the Bridge until it was 1/2 feet deep.
No further bombs were dropped for a minute or so and everyon on the Bridge commenced to think about the amount of damage done, when more bombs were heard, one of which hit X gun shield.
This was the final serious raid and as I saw several men in the water close to the ship I ordered them to swim back. I sent for the Engineer Officer and asked him if we could move the engines, as by this time GRENADE'S stern had commenced to swing out away from the pier right across the harbour. He informed me that the engines were out of action and that there was a serious fire in No. I Boiler Room. I
sent the First Lieutenant to find out our condition forrard and he informed me that the after end of the Upper Mess
Deck and the Canteen Flat were ablaze. The destroyer mentioned in para. 3 proceeded out of harbour and I shouted to her captain as she passed US to report the damage to
GRENADE by signal.
29/5
I then decided to give the order to Abandon Ship. In the meantime GRENADE had swung still further round and many
POLLY JOHNSON. When I had seen that everyone was away Deck from officer and men were able to step on board the trawler
Port Side, intending to charge by the Asdic Dome could the the ship I see for myself the damage forrard in left the bridge and went down to the Iron fore store, but owi g I consider that it was it and to try and fire the to depth the fire in the Canteen Flat just I as not well make that my this way charge forrard. was not now exploded at this time the as would have undoubtedly then walked caused aft and RENADE tried to to sink get into in the was after fairway. I Books. While I as I
doing this more bombs were dropped the clips in off the doors, lobby, I
lobb to see about my Confidential the vicinity and which had found that I could not bottle get the fire in the after walked been decided hammered that I up could to do no more up good on into board. the water I from and was the deck which board was the only remaining trawler. It forrard on the now Port practically Side and stepped level with the water, had wires. bridge hauled originally us clear prevented on but I been ordered this my anyone was the intention rendered trawler getting to impossible to forrard order take this me to as to let trawler him the the go for pier fire the to a bow by tow the with
I tug, met which Commander and was for in Clouston. depth the charges vicinity, I arranged to to be pust placed GRENADE near clear the Asic fire had channel found necessary when and died my out. cabin, I then should proceeded it be on board the CRESTED

217
215
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GRENADE
2915
7.
The following report of what happened at the after end of the ship is compiled from reports of Mr. Clare,
Gunner T, and Mr. Crews, Schoolmaster. When the raid started they were standing near the door of the after lobby and the former gave orders for all those not manning the guns to take cover. When the bombs hit GRENADE forrard there was a large concussion and vibration aft, all the lights went out and clouds of dense smoke and steam appeared forrard of the Bridge, giving the impression that the fuel was burning furiously. All compartments except the magazine and shell rooms were then closed down.
There was then a lull in the bombing and several ratings ran aft from the Canteen Flat; a number of these ratings were burnt and injured and were all covered with oil fuel. In two cases the fuel on their clothes was alight.
These latter were guided to the door of the after lobby where they were stripped of their clothes and attended by Leading
Stoker Stables.
A certain number of ratings had jumped over the side but on being ordered to return, they did so. Mr. Clare then ordered the ready-use lockers to be closed. On hearing the order from the Bridge to take cover he got as many men as possible into the after lobby, telling those remaining on the Quarter Deck to lie down. Then came the bomb which hit X gun and burst in the water alongside the ship. The concussion was very severe; it parted all the stern wires and gave the impression that the stern was under water. Many of the ratings on the Quarter Deck, especially those who had been injured, were either blown or washed over the side.
Mr. Clare then gave orders for all magazines and shell rooms' hatches to be Closed. It was then reported to him that the ship was on fire in the vicinity of the Ward Room and he ordered the magazine to be flooded. This was eventually done in his presence by Leading Stoker Stables. He then heard the order to abandon ship. He superintended getting out Carley Floats and then went forrard to try and blow up the Asdic Dome. He could not get past the fire in the Canteen Flat. By this time GRENADE had drifted alongside the POLLY JOHNSON and he transferred to her.
8.
Before the order to abandon ship was given the signal books from the Bridge were transfered in a bag to the trawler FIDHEA, Lieutenant Ward, R.N.V.R. The books from the wireless office were not removed but were doubtless burnt in the fire which raged all round the Bridge structure.
Lieutenant Horne placed two rockets in the chart house and fired two Verry's lights into it to destroy the charts. He also tried to get down by way of the ladder outside the Sick
Bay to blow up the Dome, but was prevented by the fire. The current Challenges and Replies were in a safe in the wheel house; this safe could not be opened owing to damage butthe fire was 80 intense that it is considered that they were destroyed. As stated before, arrangements were made with
Commander Clouston to destroy the Dome and Confidental Books should it be necessary. All other signal books had been landed previously in accordance with your instructions.
The loss of signal books and failure to destroy the Dome was reported by Lieutenant Horne!on arrival at Dover.
9.
I consider that the behaviour of all officers and men under my command in GRENADE was admirable; the Engine
Room Department stood to their posts until the last minute and those men who were in the water immediately returned to

SECRET
4-
the ship when ordered of to. the foremost I observed that it was GRENA
EAGLE after she had been men who manned some hit. pom-poms of the CREST
Stoker stables. I consider the former acted with
Especially I should like that to mention Mr. Clare and Lea great coolness and courage, taking complete control of after the magazine end of at the the ship, correct giving moment, the order thus to preventing close and what floo th might have been a much more serious disaster. He also remembered to try and blow up the Dome. The latter acted as right-hand man to Mr. Clare, taking charge of the young stokers and by his calm bearing dispelling all tendency to panic. He was assiduous in his attentions to the wounded men, both in GRENADE and in the trawler on the way across.
also opened the valves for flooding the magazine.
Although he did not have an opportunity to do much on this occasion Lieutenant Horne did fire the chart house, destroy the Asdic recorder on the bridge and attempt to destroy the Dome. I do feel most strongly that the courage he displayed during the sinking of GRENVILLE and BISON is deserving of some recognition.
I should also like to express my admiration for the coolness, daring and bravery displayed by Commander Clouston while in command at the end of the pier.
I have the hohour to be, Sir,
!our obedient Servant,
(Sgd) Richard Boyle,
COMMANDER.
Commander-in-Chief,
The Nore,
Chatham.
II.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
No. 187.S/40.
The Forwarded. full names of the officers and ratings
2.
concerned are:-
SublLieut. Mr. Commander Reginald Richard John Bremer Cour Richards ney Boyle, R.N. R.N. R.N.
Commander Mr. Reginald James James Campbell
Fred Staples C/KX.8419.1.
Harold Richard Emery сдах 144399.
Samuel Bennion C/JX 102723.
ADMIRAL
17 JUN 1940
*
P. Maenamaco.
*
OVER
The Nore, for ADMIRAL.
15th June, 1940.

216
SECRET.
218
Appendix to Report of sinking of GRENADE.
List of Material Damage lone by Bombs.
MAY29
15.00 attack. Two near misses on Starboard Bow.
(A) Damaged A sun and put it out of action.
(B) Splinters penetrated ship's side above the water line.
(c) Splinters cut steam pipe to capstan.
18.00 attack. Bomb No. I fell close to Starboard Side:-
(D) Started a fire at the after end of the
Fore Mess Deck.
Bomb No. II, which fell simultaneously with bomb No. I, hit the ship near the Sick
Bay and penetrated nearly to the bottom of the ship before exploding; it did the following damage:-
(E) Caused a serious fire in the Canteen Flat.
(F) Blew out the bottom and side of the ship in vicinity of No. I. Boiler Room.
(G) Damaged No. I Boiler, filling Boiler Room with steam and smoke, making it impossible to enter.
(H) Flooded No.2 Boiler Room above floor plates.
(I) Set fire to Bridge.
(J) Put both.5" machine guns out of action.
(K) Caused all steam in the ship to be lost.
Bomb No. III, near miss Port Side aft.
(L) Caused fire near Ward Room.
(II) Blew in side near Port Gland Space.
(N) Parted all GRENADE'S stern wires.
(c) Damaged pier and transport FINELLA.
Bomb No. IV.
Although I have no definite record of a fourth bomb I think that there may have been another near miss about amidships, possibly the other one of the pair to No. III. I
consider this possible as when I walked aft I noticed that the Upper Deck was badly corrugated round the fore end of the Engine
Room and the after end of No. II Boiler Room.

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.

Dyname 343.
220
218
38
From THE COMMANDING OFFICER, R.M.S. "KEI H"
KEITH
Date... 15th June, 1940.
No.4/32.
To
... THE FLAG OFFICER COM ANDING DOVER.
(Copy to: The Captain (D), 19th Destroyer
Flotilla, H.L.S. "Sandhurst".)
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCERDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(A full report with recommendations of personnel etc. will follow when information has been collected. Certain items in this report may have to be changed and added to.)
30/5
At 1455 on 30th May, II.IN.S. "Keith" entered Dover harbour after completing a short refit at Chatham and secured to No. 3 buoy.
2. At 1732, after the Captain had reported to Flag Officer
Commanding Dover, "Keith" sailed to Dunkirk by 'X' route at high speed with order to report to Rear Admiral V.F. Wake-Walker,
O.B.E., who was commanding the sea forces there.
3. At 1959, being unable to sight the Admiral and in order to gain information H.H.S. "Keith" entered Dunkirk harbour and secured to the East breakwater. A wireless set and two officers, who had boarded the ship at Dover, were landed in accordance with instructions from Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
4. A Commander, R.V., in charge of embarkation at Dunkirk, reported that Rear Admiral Dover was afloat in an M.T.B.
5. At 2020, "Keith" slipped from the breakwater and proceeded East in search of the Admiral but without success.
It was decided that in the circumstances it would be better to continue the embarkation of troops and report the fact.
6. At 2050, "Keith" re-entered Dunkirk harbour and embarked about 1400 troops at the Eastern breakwater. At this time, the West side of the breakwater was being shealed fairly regularly and obviously by map from the West.
7. At 2119, II.I.S. "Keith" slipped with a full load of troops and returned at high speed to Dover. The orderly and rapid arrival of troops at the ship was noted and was due to the efficient marshalling by the naval embarkation personnel on the re breakwater.
Speed was reduced to pass through the Downs.
31/5
8. At 0045/31 May, H.M.S. "Keith" entered Dover harbour and proceeded to Admiralty pier to disembark troops.
9. At 0305, "Keith" elipped Admiralty pior and proceeded hi to Dunkirk at high speed with orders to report to Rear Admiral or
Dover.
ar
10. At 0552, the ship passed Dunkirk harbour and reduced qu speed to 20 knots. Rear Admiral Dover was in "Express" and a
"Keith" was ordered to follow. Dritish fighter aircraft were
O
observed patrolling.
si
11. At 0608, the ship was stopped off Braye and Rear

221
219
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS Page FOR
&
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 180 JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June, 1940)
11 continued.
Admiral Dover and his Staff were transferred to "Keith" in 31/5 the whaler at 0635.
12. At 0655, the ship proceeded to La Panne as the Admiral wished to survey the situation there.
at an enemy bomber.
13. At 0723, "Keith" opened fire w1th 3" H.A. and pom pom
14.0 At 0726, the ship was off La Panne and at 0742, she anchored there. The Admiral communicated with other ships and the shore. At this tine intermittent shell fire on the beaches and in the dunes could be seen onshore.
15. At 0808, Rear Admiral Dover disombarked in an I.T.B.
and went ashore to converse with the military authorities.
16. At about 0910 Rear Admiral Dover returned to the ship.
17. At 0930, No.4 Yacht came alongside with the Naval
Officer in charge of the embarkation at La Panne to speak to the
Admiral and slipped again at 0954.
18. At 1113, the ship weighed anchor and proceeded to
Braye where the Admiral spoke various ships and yachts etc.
19. At 1134, "Keith" proceed to Dunkirk, marshalling boats and tows of boats and ordering them to the more Eastorn beaches.
20. At 1154, the ship was off Dunkirk and spoke the signal station there.
21. At 1255, the ship proceeded again to Braye where she arrived at 1331.
22. At 1400 the ship continued Bastwards, opening fire with pom pome at 1414 on an enemy aircraft.
25. At 1424 the ship arrived off La Panne.
24. At 1433, the ship opened fire on an enemy bomber with
4.7" barrage.
25. At 1443 a bomb dropped astern of the ship.
26. At 1450 enemy aircraft were engaged by British fighters two of which were shot down. The ship patrolled westwards.
27. At 1513, enemy aircraft overhead were engaged by H.A.
gun and pom pom when the ship was off Braye.
28. At 1540 Rear Admiral Dover disembarked into an M.T.B.
when the ship was off La Rosendal. At 1630, Rear Admiral Dover returned to the ship and came onboard.

222
220
Page 3.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINAT REPORT OF PROCENDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, I.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June 1940)
29. At 1703 the ship was attached by enemy dive bombing 31/5
X
aircraft, which were engaged by the 3" П.А. and pom poms. One aircraft was shot down by the port pom pom and two other enemy machines were seen to crash, probably due to our fighters.
30. At 1716 a bomb dropped close on the port quarter and the aircraft was engaged by H.A. armament.
31. At 1730 six enemy Messerschmitt aircraft were observed attacking three friendly Hudson reconnaissance aircraft. The attack dispersed after "Keith" opened fire with 3" H.A. sun.
32. At 1815 "Keith" arrived off La Panne to find that the anchorage was under fire from a gun or guns situated near
Nieuport. Its location could not be seen but an enemy observation balloon was observed.
33. At 1835 "Keith" proceeded Westwards again until at
1845, when between La Panne and Braye, signalling was seen from the beach informing us that the General Headquartero were there awaiting embarkation. The motor boat and starboard whaler were lowered and proceeded inshore. At 1908 the first boat load were aboard. Lord Gort, the Commander-in-Chief, went to H.M.S.
31
"Hebe" in a yacht. Our boats returned inshore for other officer
34. At 1910 about 80 enemy aircraft were sighted coming over and "Keith" circled in the constricted space at high speed engaging the enemy with 3" H.A. The enemy however proceeded in the direction of Dunkirk. At 1927 large numbers of enemy aircraft again appeared overhead on their way back to enemy territory.
35. At 1937 an enemy high level bomber attacked "Keith"
dropping four bombs without result. This aireraft was engaged by 3" H.A. and pom pom: the ship was again circling.
36. At 1942 the boats returned from the beach with their second load of Staff officers and was sent back for the remaining men.
37. At 2005 a further large number of enemy bombers and fighters were seen overhead and the ship engaged them with H.A.
armament. On this occasion, a few bombs were dropped near the ship and one aircraft attacked the boats inshore, narrowly missing them. At 2016 the boats returned to the ships and were hoisted. At 2018 "Keith" proceeded towards Dunkirk. The dunes and beaches near La Panne were at this time under steady artillery fire.
May
38. At 2120 "Keith" was off Dunkirk passing orders to boats tugs and yachts as to their duties.
39. At 2125 she proceeded Bastwards again and at 2140 was off Braye where she remained for some time marshalling small craft.
40. At 2310 "Keith" proceeded to La Panne where at 0015/1
after laying off, she anchored.

223
221
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
Page 4.
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commandi ng Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40
41. During the hours between 2200 and midnight, several enemy aircraft passed overhead and, as reported later, dropped magnetic mines to the West of La Panne and off Braye.
La Panne anchorage was under shell fire from Nieuport of La
Caxide and this became more accurate as time passed.
"Vivacious" vas hit twice and proceeded to the Westward.
42. At 0030/1 June, "Kei th" weighed anchor and proceeded 1/6
at slow speed towards Braye, which the enemy artillery were now reaching. At 0206, the ship was off Braye.
43. At 0510 ten enemy fighters fired on the shore beaches and on "Keith" and other ships with bursts of machine gun fire, which was inaccurate.
44. At 0520 shells from shore batteries again fell close to the ship off Braye.
June
45. At 0555 onemy bomber aircraft were engaged with 4.7"
X
barrage and pom pom fire. Only two rounds of H.A. ammunition now remained and about 100 rounds of pom pom.
46. At 0630 "Keith" was standing off between Braye and
La Panne superintending the departure of ships with men collected from the beaches during the night.
47. At 0737, a very large number of enemy dive bombing, heavy bombing and fighter aircraft were sighted approaching.
"Keith", circling rapidly round a wreck, was attacked by
Junker 87 dive bombers which carried out extremely vertical dives and released five bombs each. The ship however was not hit but a near miss, probably of a delayed action bomb, jammed the steering gear.
The enemy were engaged with pom pom and lewis guns.
The ship manoeuvred by engines until shortly afterwards she was under control in hand steering aft.
"Keith" continued to circle at speed as enemy aircraf were continually in sight.
1/6, 0805
NOTE: Times from now forward cannot be vouched for.
48. At about 0805, further numerous dive bombing attacks took place on "Keith", a salvo of which straddled the ship.
One bomb set No.2 boiler room on fire and caused severe flooding there. Lieutenant (E) Kenward, Royal Navy, and the boiler room's crew perished in this fire. The ship began to list heavily to port until eventually her upper deck was touch:
ing the water.
The torpedoes were fired with no range on and depth charges were set to safe and thrown or fired overboard due to the danger from further aircraft attacks. The ship now had no steam and had anchored.
49. An M.T.B. came alongside and took off Rear Admiral
Dover and his Staff.
undamaged
50. The Port whaler, the only/boat remaining, was lowered and all carley floats secured to it. A considerable quantity of timber was collected and thrown overboard.

224
"
Page 5.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
Junel
51. As the ship was getting lower the order to abandon ship was given and the majority of men, who were able to find some timber to hold on to or to find a place in the floats, left the ship. At this moment the enemy launched a further dive bombing attack and a bomb struck our exposed starboard side in the engine room, making a large hole. Several bombs fell very close to and one fell among the men who had abandoned ship. The aircraft were engaged by pom poms and lewis guns.
52. Some twnety minutes later the tug "St. Abbe" was sighted and eventually came alongside to take men off the ship.
This she did with the exception of volunteers who remained or.
board. She was ordered to go and pick up "Keith's" men in the water.
In this she was assisted by the tug "Vincia" which took back to Margate: Lieutenant Beauchamp, 83 ratings from
"Keith" and about ten of the General Headquarters Staff, together with six seriously injured ratings.
A grey scoob also assisted and recovered Lieutenant
Verney, Pay. Sub. Lieutenant Craig-Waller, P.N.V.R., and about four of "Keith's" men. Having a full load of soldiers, she returned to England.
53. "Keith" was again bombed by dive bombers at this time.
54. After an interval, in which a search was made for wounded and any confidential matter remaining, the tug "St.
Abbs" returned and, the ship now being not only immoveable but without H.A. ammunition and sinking slowly, the remaining men left the ship in her at about 0840.
1/6
55. Signals were made to "Salamander" and to "Basilisk"
asking them to sink "Keith" finally but both replied that they were out of control and required tug assistance. The minesweep er however proceeded westwardsand shelled "Keith" in vicinity of Asdic cabinet.
ed
56. "St. Abbs" proceed/to the recovery of a number of men in the water and on a wreck of the "Skipjack"
which had been sunk during, it 1s believed, the last attack on
"Keith".
57. After recovering all these men and a number of soldiers from a ship's lifeboat, the "St. Abbe" was attacked by part of a large formation of enemy aircraft but without result.
58. However, somewhat later, another extremely large formation was sighted consisting mainly of high level bombers.
These did not attack the "St. Abbs" but proceeded to destroy the "Keith" and attacked "Basilisk" some miles to the East.
"Keith" sank in a heavy salvo of bombs at about 0915.
59. A single, high flying twin-engined bomber was then seen returning from Dunkirk. Again the "St. Abbs" circled as fast as she could but this time a single bomb hit her amidships and she sank very rapidly in about 30 seconds and with her many wounded survivors at about 1000.

225
223
Page 6
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
59 continued.
All who had reached the water swam for the shore and a
1/6
number reached the wreck of the "Clan MacAlister" which was resting on her stern after being sunk in one the of the above raids. They were later taken off by a lighter and transferred to Sheerness Yard Craft No.63 then loaded with troops from the beach.
60. Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his Staff by M.T.B.
1 Officer and 88 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. Staff.
2 Officers and 4 ratings by a scoot.
Captain, 3 Officers and 13 men, some of whom were wounded, in Yard Craft 63.
1 Officer and an II.A.S.B. from Dunkirk, after swimming ashore from "St. Abbs".
7 ratings by "Salanander".
D.Jon. Barthan D.jon.
CAPTAIN.
P.S. In continuation of paragraph 40:-
Lord Gort came onboard "Keith", had about 25
minutes conference with Rear Admiral Dover, and then proceeded in a British M.T.B., accompanied by his Chief
Staff Officer, for Dover.
VICE AD MIRAL
#
DO
O
Tu
O
S

A14/0/1742
221
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FINAL
226
SUBJECT:
H.M.S. "KEITH"/REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS. 30th MAY -
1st JUNE, 1940, WITH HER EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION
FROM
CAPTAIN E.L. BERTHON, D.S.C., ROYAL NAVY,
LATE CAPTAIN (D), 19th DESTROYER FLOTILLA,
H.M.S. "KEITH"
44
1
DATE
1st JULY, 1940
No.31
TO
THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER
1
e
At 1455 on 30th May, H.M.S. "Keith" entered Dover i
harbour after completing a short refit at Chatham, and secured to No.3 buoy.
d.
30/5
2.
At 1732, after the Commanding Officer had reported to the Vice Admiral Dover, "Keith" sailed for Dunkirk by 'X'
Route at high speed, with orders to report to Rear Admiral d
W.F. Wake-Walker, O.B.E., who was commanding the sea forces there with the title of Rear Admiral, Dover.
3.
Being unable to sight the Admiral and in order to gain information, H.M.S. "Keith" entered Dunkirk harbour at
1959 and secured to the Eastern breakwater. Two officers and some ratings who had boarded the ship at Dover, and a wireless set, were landed in accordance with instructions from Vice Admiral Dover.
4.
Commander G.O.Maund, Royal Navy (Ret'd), in charge of embarkation from the pier at Dunkirk, reported that Rear-
Admiral Dover was afloat in an M.T.B. At 2020 "Keith" slipped from the breakwater and proceeded East in search of the Admiral but without success. It was decided that in the circumstances it would be best to continue the embarkation of troops and report the fact.
1
5.
"Keith" re-entered Dunkirk harbour at 2050 and embarked about 1400 troops at the Eastern breakwater. At this time the west side of the harbour was being shelled at regular intervals and obviously by map from the west. The orderly and rapid arrival of troops at the ship was noted and was due to the efficient marshalling be the naval embarkation personnel on the breakwater and to the high standard of discipline among the troops.
6.
At 2119 "Keith" slipped with a full load of troops and returned at high speed to Dover. Speed was reduced to pass through the Downs. The ship entered Dover harbour at
0045 on 31st May and went alongside Admiralty Pier to disembark troops.
b hit
Pier 7. and proceeded to Dunkirk at high speed with orders to
At 0305 on 31st May "Keith" slipped from Admiralty
31/5
report to Rear Admiral Dover. The ship passed Dunkirk harbour at0552 and reduced speed to 20 knots. Rear Admiral Dover was al in "Express" and "Keith" was ordered to follow. British
0
fighter aircraft were observed patrolling.
si
Admiral 8. Dover and his staff were transferred to "Keith" by
The ship was stopped off Braye at 0608 and Rearrage whaler at 0635.
.....9. At 0655 the ship

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bomber Admiral 9. wished At sighted 0655 to the survey shipp the proceeded situation to La
31/5
3" H.A. was and pom-pom. at 0723 and "Keith" opened there.
and there 10. the at shore. 0742. At 0726 At The the this Admiral ship was communicated off La Panne with an the beaches and in time intermittent she of and about 150 yards long was also lorries the dunes could be seen.
11.
At 0808 Rear Admiral Dover disembarke
M.T.B. and went ashore to converse with the Chi
Officer to Lord Gort. The Admiral returned on about 0910.
12.
At 0930 No.4 yacht came alongside with
Admiral Stephenson, Ret'd, Naval Officer in embarkation at La Panne, to speak to the Admiral slipped again at 0934.
13.
At 1113 anchor was weighed and the ship to Braye where the Admiral spoke to various ship etc. At 1134 "Keith" proceeded to Dunkirk, mars boats and tows of boats and ordering them to the beaches.
shore 14. signal station. Enemy artillery were firing
"Keith" was off Dunkirk at 1154 and sports merchant ship "Clan MacAlister", abandoned off Brand eventually hit her in the poop and a small fire
This vessel had been on fire for several days.
15.
At 1255 "Keith" returned to Braye where arrived at 1331.
continued eastwards, art op with 16. pom-poms At 1400 at 1414 the on ship an enemy aircraft, and
La Panne at 1424.
17. "Keith" opened fire at 1433 astern on an of enemy the with 1443 4.7" from barrage. a high level A bomber. bomb dropped Patrol was continu the westward.
Whilst off Braye at 1513 enemy aircraft OV
18. engaged by H.A. guns and
M.T.B. were 19. when At the 1540 ship Rear was Admiral off La Dover Rosendal, to onbard evacuation "Keith" staffs was on the attacked beaches, at 1703 returning the 3"
due bombing pom-poms. and 20. to two action aircraft other Two by enemy of our which the aircraft fighter were enemy engaged were aircraft. were circling seen shot by Napidly. quar and sustained 21. the aircraft At by 1716 "Keith", was a bomb engaged which dropped was by H.A.armament the without Six ene
22.

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PAGE 3. 225
H.M.S. "KEITH" - FINAL REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS 30th MAY - 227
1st JUNE, 1940, WITH HER EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION.
(Captain Berthon's No.31 of 1st July to Vice-Admiral,1 Dover)
22.
Six enemy Messerschmidt aircraft were observed at
1730 attacking three British Hudson reconnaissance aircraft.
The attack dispersed after "Keith" opened fire with 3" H.A.
gun.
23.
At 1815 "Keith" arrived off La Panne to find that the anchorage was under shell fire from a gun or guns situated near Nieuport. The location of the battery could not be established but an enemy observation balloon observed to the eastward was immediately hauled down by the enemy on the approach of our fighter aircraft.
24. "Keith" resumed course to the westward at 1835 until at 1845, when between La Panne and Braye, signalling was observed from the beach informing us that the Army G.H.Q.Staff was there awaiting embarkation. The motor boat and starboard whaler were lowered and proceeded inshore.
25. At 1908 the first boat load of the staff was onboard.
Lord Gort, the Commander-in-Chief, went to H.M.S. "Hebe" in a yacht. Our boats returned inshore for other officers.
26. At 1910 about 80 enemy bombing aircraft were sighted coming over and "Keith" circled in the constricted space at high speed, engaging the enemy with 3" H.A. The enemy however carried on to Dunkirk.
31/5
27.
A large number of enemy aircraft again appeared overhead at 1927 on their way back to enemy territory. At
31/5
1937 an enemy high level bomber attacked "Keith", dropping four bombs without result. This aircraft was engaged by
3" H.A. and pom-pom, the ship again circling.
28. "Keith's" boats returned from the beach at 1942
with their second load of staff officers and were sent back for the remaining men.
29. At 2005 a further large number of enemy bombing aircraft were sighted overhead and the ship engaged them with the H.A. armament. On this occasion a few bombs were dropped near the ship and one aircraft attacked the boats inshore narrowly missing them.
30. At 2016 the boats returned to the ship with the last load of the Army staff and were hoisted. "Keith" then proceeded towards Dunkirk. The dunes and beaches near La
Panne were at this time under steady shell fire.
31. "Keith" was off Dunkirk at 2120 passing orders to boats, tugs and yachts as to their duties. At 2125 she continued to the eastwards and at 2140 was off Braye where she remained for some time marshalling boats and small craft.
32. At 2310 "Keith" proceeded to La Panne where she anchored at 0015 after lying off for a short period. Between
2200 and midnight several enemy aircraft passed overhead and, as was reported later dropped magnetic mines to the west of
La Panne and off Braye.
reduced 33. to 2 rounds of 3" H.A. ammunition and 150 rounds of
After the air attacks of the day the ship was now
X
pom-pom per gun. This shortage was represented to the
Admiral in view of the certainty of further attacks on the following day.
...34.
La Panne anchorage

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34.
La
Panne anchorage was
Nieuport passed or La until Caxide the and town this and became under more shell fire under time continuous shell and machine beach at withdrawn from this gun hit and proceeded to the westward.
troops were area. "Vivacious proceeded now reaching. Braye, which the anch
35. At at 0030 slow speed on 1st towards June "Keith" weighed at artillery 0206. were The ship arrived of
36. As dawn broke ships embarking men from weighed anchor, the beach being clear to the eastwa th before returning to England.
the ships proceeded towards Dunkirk to fill up with
37. At 0510 ten enemy fighters attacked the
"Keith" and other ships with bursts of machine gun which were inaccurate but might have caused serious to bridge personnel if pressed home.
38. Shells, apparently fired from shore batter the eastward, again fell close to the ship at 0520
off Braye.
4.7" 39. barrage and pom-pom fire. This barrage was eff
At 0555 enemy bomber aircraft were engaged and split the formation. A fuze setting of 18=4000
considered to be the shortest practical setting than firing this be used the aircraft are above the was at formations of aircraft. If a shorter elevation setti the guns before they get into range.
0630 "Keith" was standing off between ships with and collected La from the beaches during the night.
40. Panne From superintending the departure of
At 0737 a very large number dive heavy 41. bomber and fighter round aircraft were vertical
"Keith" bombers circling which rapidly carried out extremely a no doubt that at the releasing dive five as bombs 80° and each. that the There bombs is good are released as no with mass tar was 900 is as feet. offered steep The and each flying pilot was delivered extremely was attack able skill ammunition and dash. was The exhausted, enemy normal. attack. effect effective gunners gun 42. until in All keeping The addition 3" 3" H.A.gun ammunition the to attackers the proved hit ship's was in this attack a beating but lineaused there action several jamb 43. of bombs the steering very "Keith" eteering.gearterwards.com near across was misses the not after and one part of of these, the Fore as enemy was manoeuvrentro for hand ship engines continued steering aft to by circle at high vouched were in
(NOTE: continually Times from sight. now forward cannot.44. be At about

226
SECRET
PAGE 5.
H.M.S. "KEITH" FINAL REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS 30th MAY -
228
1st JUNE, 1940, WITH HER EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION.
(Captain Berthon's No.31 of 1st July, 1940 to V.A. Dover.)
44. At about 0750 on 1st June a further heavy dive-
/
June bombing attack was launched on "Keith" by the same type of aircraft. A salvo of bombs from one ai rcraft straddled the ship. A near miss or hit on the starboard side made a large hole in the ship's side at the forward end of the
Engine Room below the waterline and the same, or another, bomb burst the bulkhead between the Engine Room and the after
Boiler Room on the same side. The Engine Room was instantly flooded and the controls wrecked and the after Boiler Room flooded very shortly afterwards; a bomb may have gone down the funnel as the after Boiler Room caught fire. Steam was gradually lost and the ship came slowly to rest.
45. Lieutenant (E) William Henry Kenward R.N. was knocked off the control platform of the Engine Room by the explosion and killed, as were several other men in the Engine
Room and after Boiler Room.
46. It is thought that there must also have been serious damage to the hull on the port side as the ship at once took up a heavy list to port and this gradually increased until the upper deck was within a few inches of the water. Spectators in ships nearby reported at least two direct hits in this attack on "Keith".
47. Torpedoes were fired with no range on and all depth charges jettisoned, set to safe, due to the danger from further aircraft attacks.
48. Signal and wireless books were then jettisoned in safes and all secret charts were jettisoned in a weighted chart container. Confidential folios were locked in a drawer with the exception of folio H for which there was no space. This was thrown overboard with Fleet Notices to
Mariners in weighted Guard Boards. Telegraph charts ware in the locked drawer with the current Z chart.
49. During this time an M.T.B. came alongside and took off Rear Admiral Dover and his staff, who returned to Dover.
50. Main W/T aerials were blown down in this attack and efforts were made to repair them. All boats on the starboard side were holed by near misses. The port whaler was lowered and all carley floats were got out and secured to it. A
considerable quantity of timber was collected and thrown overboard.
51. As the ship was settling the order to abandon ship was given and the majority of the men, who were able to find timber to hold on to or a place in the boat and floats, left the ship.
series
52. At this moment the enemy launched a further ****** of dive bombing attacks without hitting the ship but several near misses again shook her. Some of these bombs landed amongst the men in the water.
53.
The enemy was

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53.
gunners.
The The enemy was of these engaged by crews and guns the pom-poma among with great their courage number. They devotion were ordered in spite of killed expos a was the remainder sighted and of came the men alongside. after this XX attack to when abandor H
of 6 54. Officers "St Abbs" and 6 men, took
Tug assited men was then ordered to pick to this Margate "Keith" she was with and Lieutenant 10 officers by the J.G.R. tug in together with seriously injured from 6 of the
55. A grey scoot the "Hilda" also assisted
Waller, R.N.V.R. and some 20
Lieutenant David Verney R.N., paymetter load of soldiers she returned to Ramsgate, being bo times on passage.
56.
A grey schooner or yacht was seen to comme men but she was sunk by a bomb shortly afterwards.
recovered a whaler full of "Keith's" men and a few before being sunk herself. "Salamander"
also picked of "Keith's" men.
"Keith" 57. was again subjected to bombing by JU 87 and
Whilst "St.Abbs" was recovering some of the attack badly wounded Petty Officer Robert M. Unwi
No. gun C/JX. 113182 and caused a cordite fire round the af aerials once again. The party who were endeavouring deck ha structure. Near misses amidships brought down the m the Captain's cabin to bring a steel chest on abandon the attempt owing to the fire.
wounded 58. and After any confidential an interval, matter in which remaining, a immovable search was the but mad tug returned and "Keith" and sinking now being slowly, not only the Room remaining and after men
Room transferręd both full of water at this
H.A. ammunition at about 0900. The Engine time.
were were made "Basili A/S
by asking gunfire 59. them Signals or to torpedo, sink "Keith" but both replied control and required after tug assistance. firing one S.A.P. round westwards 60. however, "St Abbs" proceeded the wreck of to the the number in the water and on
Abbs" these sunk during was men attacked and the a number last by attack dive of without soldiers bombers on result from from an a in other spite very of may but misses. formation of aircraft another of
Destroyed escorted aircraft 61. by was "Keith" fighters. and in heavy at somabout about east.
"Keith"
sank a
At
.....62.

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PAGE 7.
22?
H.M.S. "KEITH" - FINAL REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS 30th MAY - 1st
229
JUNE, 1940, WITH HER EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION.
(Captain Berthon's No.31 of 1st July, 1940 to V.A. Dover.)
62. At about 0950 a single high flying twin-engine bomber was seen returning from Dunkirk. Again"St. Abbs"
circled as fast as she could but this time a single bomb hit her amidships and she sank very rapidly, (in about 30
seconds), with her many wounded survivors. The "Keith's"
medical officer Surgeon Lieutenant R.H.A.Turner Royal Navy,
Ret'd, who was attending to wounded below and the Gunner (T)
Mr.Gedric James Brown Rpyal Navy, were both lost.
63.
All who had reached the surface of the water swam to the shore and a number reached the wreck of the "Clan
MacAlister", which was now resting on her step off Braye after being sunk in one of the above raids. They were later taken off by a motor lighter and transferred to Yard Craft 63 which with a full load of soldiers proceeded for England and after further trials by bombing on passage landed at Dover at 0800 Sunday,
2nd June. One officer swam to the shore and returned via
Dunkirk in a M.A.S.B.
64.
Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
Following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his staff by M.T.B.
Captain, 3 officers and 13 men by yard craft 63.
1 officer and 83 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. staff.
2 officers and 20 ratings by scoot "Hilda"
About 7 ratings by "Salamander"
1 officer by M.A.S.B. from Dunkirk after swimming ashore.
There are 3 officers and 33 men lost.
65.
The discipline and cheerfulness of the ship's company was most marked and I consider was due to the personality of my predecessor the late Captain David Simpson R.N. who lost his life while in command of "Keith" about ten days previously, and to all the officers. No credit for this high morale can be attributed to myself as my active command of "Keith" amounted to 48 hours only.
66.
The cause of "Keith's" loss was the heavy enemy dive bombing attacks carried out when the ship's movements were very restricted owing to shoals, magnetic mines and wrecks and to the lack of effective A.A. fire owing to H.A. ammunition having been expended. The conduct of all officers and men was exempliary but it is desired to bring certain officers and men to your notice who from my personal observations were outstandingly forward in the execution of their duty in action under very trying conditions. Recommendations of these officers and ratings are being made in a separate letter.
VICE ADMIRAL
JUL 1940
D
CAPTAIN.
for Dover uy zuyuevote rass and North channel. The night was

Hms.wakeful.
Dynamo 6.
A22/
BS
223
SECRET
Royal Naval Barrasks,
230
Chathem.
48
30th May 1940.
5
WAKEFUL
r,
H.M.S. "Wakeful" while under my command at 0045 on 29th May 1940
I much regret to inform you of the loss, by enemy action,
1 have the honour to report my proceedings 9.8 follows.
2. At 1430 on Monday, 28th April, while at Plymouth at short a the ship sailed half an hour later.
tice, orders were received to proceed to Dover with all dispatch
3. On passage all Confidential Books and all except a few sential Signal Publications were put in sealed bags.
4. Dover was reached at 0100 on Tuesday, 28th May and the ip proceeded alongside the oiler but, before she had secured,
28/5
ders were received to proceed to the beach east of Dunkirk with most dispatch to embark troops.
5. Six bags of Confidential Books and Signal Publications
:
mediately. re handed to the Master of "War Sepoy" and H.M.S. "Wakeful" sailed
6. The Southern route was taken and as the ship passed Dunkirk rbour a signal from Senior Naval Officer, Dunkirk was read ordering r to proceed alongside the East Pier. Six hundred and thirty-nine oops were embarked in about 25 minutes. These were landed at Dover
0930 on Tuesday, 28th May.
7. H.M.S. "Wakeful" sailed for Dunkirk again unaccompanied at
30 with orders to proceed by the Northern route and embark troops om the beach at Le Braye.
8. At about 1300, near the Kwinte Whistle Buoy, a level bombing tack by nine four-engined German aircraft developed. They attacked ne times in groups of three. The ten rounds per gun of barrage minition carried was quickly expended and I regret to report that no mage was inflicted on the enemy, but the bombs were avoided by waiting r their release and then putting the wheel hard over. Out of about d made a hole in the engine room above the water line, wounding one rty or fifty bombs one fell about thirty yards from the ship's side n b= seriously and two slightly. The coolness and efficiency of identified the aircraft in the first place and informed me of each
Lieutenant Percival-Jones during this attack were highly commendable re mb release.
0 Tuesday, 28th May and, during the next eight hours, embarked about
9. H.M.S. "Wakeful" anchored off the Braye Sanatorium at 1500 28/5
troops by ship's boats. Sub-Lieutenant Percival-Jones volunteered go in the boats and did splendid work on the beach marshalling troops, hi one time at the point of the revolver.
or
10. All mess-tables and stools and other available timber was cod on the upper deck for life-saving purposes and the troops were qu wed as low in the ship as possible to preserve sufficient stability
8
rapid manoeuvring in case of air attack. Engine-room, boiler rooms
0
store rooms were all utilised.
si ed for Dover by Zuydcoote Pass and North Channel. The night was
11. At 2300 on Tuesday, 28th May H.M.S. "Wakeful" weighed and

231
22)
- 2 -
dark, butphosphorescence was very pronounced.
28/5
12. Twelve knots was maintained while in the narrow channels and every time the sound of aircraft engines was heard speed was reduced to slow to reduce wake.
13. I felt that it was very probable that some form of attack would be made near the Kwinte Whistle Buoy and five miles before reaching it speed was increased to 20 knots and a zig-zag of 40 degrees every four minutes was started. All guns crews and bridge personnel were lookout. warned and were keyed up and were keeping a specially good
14. At 0045 (Wednesday, 29th May) when the ship was two cables
29/0045
rest of the Kwinte Whistle Buoy, two parallel torpedo tracks about
30 yards apart one slightly ahead of the other were seen approaching
150 yards away on the starboard bow. They appeared to be running practically on the surface and the tracks were very bright with phosphorescence. No survivor can say what fired them, but it is evident from subsequent events that they were fired by a motor torpedo boat which was probably lying stopped close to the buoy.
15. The wheel was put hard a port and the ship swung sufficiently to cause one to miss ahead. The other hit in the forward boiler room.
The ship broke in half and the two portions sank within about 15
seconds, each remaining standing with its midship end on the bottom and the bow and stern standing about 60 feet above the water.
16. All Signal Publications were in the W/T Office and must have gone down with the ship. The following secret documents were on the chart table and may possibly have floated to the surface:-
Chart in use on which Dover Strait minefields were lightly marked,
Current table of lettered positions.
ficer remained on the stern portion. All the troops were asleep
17. Most of the guns' crows floated clear and thirty men and an
Delow and went down with the ship except one, and all H.M.S. "wakeful's"
engine room department except one or two were lost. I floated clear fhe bridge.
"Comfort" came on the scene and started to pick up those still swimming.
18. After about half an hour the motor drifters "Nautilus" and
Nautilus" picked up six and "Comfort" 16 including myself.
bout fifteen.
M.S. "Gossamer" arrived soon after and lowered boats which picked up re way with the tide after cruising around for about half an hour
19. The swimmers and rescue ships had drifted some distance the houting clinging "Comfort" to go back to the wreck to take off the stern while "Nautilus" carried on to Dunkirk.
n we got there the stern had fallen over and many men were shouting hit reck and I went alongside the former's starboard quarter to warn her the water. H.M. Ships "Grafton" and "Lydd" were close to the ore at she was in danger of being torpedoed. At that moment (0250) a an orpedomentarily swamped and as she bobbed to the surface again I was in the wardroom and the "Comfort" was lifted in the air, que al the full speed ahoad with no-one on deck I soon had to
I was able to grab a rope's end, but as the
O
S1
th H.M.S. "Lydd" and H.M.S. "Grafton" opened a heavy fire on her with
20. The "Comfort" then came round to a wide circle and suddenly

232
230
- 3 -
Lewis guns and, I think, four inch. I realised that they very naturally thought she was enemy and kept under water as much as possible when the bullets were coming near me.
21. I understand that all the "Comfort's" crew except one and all H.M.S. "Wakeful's" survivors onboard her except four were killed during this affray. of these four, two were later found wounded in the "Comfort's" skiff and picked up. Sub-Lieutenant
Percival-Jones is known to have been amongst those killed.
22. The firing ceased and I awam to the "Comfort" which had stopped engines and was drifting towards me slowly. As I reached her bow and was feeling for a rope's end, H.M.S. "Lydd" bore down on her at full speed and rammed her amidships on the opposite side, outting her in half.
23. I was submerged but came to the surface after an interval and swam about till about 0515 when I was picked up by a boat from the Norwegian ship "Hird" carrying 3000 troops from Dunkirk.
24. I very much hope that some expression of Their Lordships'
appreciation can be sent to the widow of Mr Tucker, Warrant Engineer, on whose high zeal, efficiency and sense of duty I have previously reported to the Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches, and who dealt personally with a burst auxiliary steam pipe at the time of the bomb damage on May 29th. He was unhappily killed with practically the whole of his staff when the ship was torpedoed.
Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham.
25. The list of casualties has been reported by the Commodore,
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
VICE ADMIR
1- JUN 1940
Richer re
DOVER
COMMANDER, ROYAL NAVY.
r
The Vice Admiral, Dover hi
(Copies to:- The Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.
The Commodore, R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
The Admiral Commanding Western Approaches.
an
Captain (D) Plymouth.)
al
O
si

234
222
REPORT ON THE LOSS OF H.M.S. SKIPJACK, 1st JUNE 1940. 0845
(1).
Skipjack anchored at 0030 on June 1st, 1940 off La Panne.
She had only one serviceable small boat and that had no rudder. the ghinle boats having been left behind off Dunkirk
B22/
B22/112
233
221
16, Staunton Road,
Headington,
Oxford.
51
4th June 1940.
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report on the loss of H.M.S. Skipjack under my command on the 1st June last.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Lieutenant Commander,
(retired)
Royal Navy.
The Vice Admiral
Commanding
VICE ADMIRAL
5- JUN 1940
*
Dover.
DOVER

234
REPORT ON THE LOSS OF H.M.S. SKIPJACK, 1st JUNE 1940. 0845 222
(1).
Skipjack anchored at 0030 on June 1st, 1940 off La Panne.
She had only one serviceable small boat and that had no rudder, the ship's boats having been left behind off Dunkirk on a previous trip.
Puler 52
(2).
It was understood that embarkation of troops would commence at once in boats believed to be organised by the Army and beach parties ashore. No boats, however, arrived.
(3).
During the time Skipjack was anchored off La Panne there was considerable enemy air activity, one parashutemine being dropped about one cable inshore from the ship. There was some shelling.
(4).
At break of dawn about 0330 it was decided to weigh and
1/6
endeavour to pick up and man any derelict boats that could be found. Skipjack, therefore, set a course to the westward and managed to secure three boats; some troops were also picked up. As several of H.M. ships were in the vicinity, course was continued to opposite a point on the beach about one mile to the eastward of Dunkirk, where there was only one small skoot operating. The boats were then sent inshore and the embarkation of troops commenced. The ship was kept under weigh owing to considerable enemy air activity.
(5).
From this time onwards, thought to be about 0530, there were continued enemy bombing attacks. Several W/T messages were transmitted asking for fighter assistance. Except for one period of about 5 minutes no fighters were seen.
(6).
At about 0600 a derelict motor launch was got in working order and embarkation of troops continued apace.
P.T.O.

235
-2-
233
(7).
At about 0700 H.M.S. Gossamer came alongside to deliver a bottle of chloroform required for some wounded who had been embarked.
(8).
Except when boats were alongside Skipjack circled round at full speed using full wheel to avoid attacks. Opportunities were found in the lull between attacks to embark troops from the boats.
53
(9).
At 0800 it was reported that 4" ammunition was nearly
X
expended, only about 12 rounds a gun being left. Orders were, therefore, given not to open fire till the commencement of the dive.
June
(10).
At 0845 Skipjack had embarked 250-300 troops. A flight of
10 Junkers 88 were seen to be about to attack. Fire was opened with all guns and full wheel put on. The leader of
0845
the flight dropped his bombs, two of which hit the ship, one on each side abreast the whallers davits. The ship way immediately lost weigh and took a strong list to port.
About a minute later a second plane made his dive and three more bombs hit the ship, one through the bridge, one on the fo'castle, and one in the foremost boiler room. The Lewis gun on the rangefinder platform, however, never relaxed fire and the plane never came out of her dive but went straight on into the sea.
(11).
One minute after the ship was hit the second time, the order was given to abandon ship and two minutes after this she turned turtle. She remained floating bottom up for some
20 minutes before she finally sank.
(12).
A further bombing attack was made on the survivors in the water.
P.T.O.

236
-3-
234
(13).
Most of the survivors in the water were picked up by the skoot "Hilda". It is thought, however, that some were picked up by the tug St.Fagan.
1/6
(14).
It is considered that there can have been very few survivors from below decks. Nearly all the troops were below decks.
(15).
The following officer and ratings were away from the ship in boats, and it is not known what happened to them:-
Sub. Lieut. E.V. Ruck, R.N.V.R.
54
Ldg. Seaman M.A. Smithson.
A.B. J. Cotterill.
Signalman H. Noyes.
Stoker J. Tanner.
(16).
"Hilda" landed her survivors at Ramsgate at 1730.
(17).
I handed over the keys of the C.B. safe to Lieutenant
Commander Nixon, the First Lieutenant of Chatham Barracks.
(18).
I would like to draw your attention to the following:-
Ldg. Seaman Murdo MacLeod, R.N.V.R. 5849 D. This rating was stationed at the Lewis gun on the rangefinder platform.
He must have been considerably shaken after the first attack, but during the second attack, although he could see the bombs falling, he made no effort to take cover but continued firing his gun actually hitting the attacking plane after she had released her bombs, and causing her to crash into the sea. One bomb passed within six feet of Ldg.
Seaman MacLeod and he was severely burnt.
Canteen Manager F. Murrell. This N.A.A.F.I. employee was in the after first aid party and he succeeded in getting seven wounded soldiers who were in the Ward Room over the side and most of them were picked up. They owe their lives
O
to his initiative and courage.
S)
I would further like to draw your attention to Sub-Lieutenant
P.T.O.

-4-
237
235
A.G. McCrum, R.N., who was in control of the foremost gun and who set an example of cheerfulness and courage which did much to keep up the spirits of the ship's company throughout a trying few hours.
35

Dynam 208.
B22/1111
CONFIDENTIAL
236
237
FROM: COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. "BRIGHTON BELLE".
238
0
DATE: 28th May 1940.
39
TO: SENIOR OFFICER, 10TH M/S FLOTILLA.
BRIGHTON Bei
LOSS OF H.M.S. "BRIGHTON BELIE"
56
I regret to inform you that H,M.S. "Brighton Belle"
sank at 1300 on 28th May 1940 in a position South of the Gull
Buoy off Ramsgate as a result of damage caused by stricking a submerged object 3 cables 183° from the Gull Buoy at 1230.
The ship was taken in tow by an Examination Tug after the troops had been transferred to other vessels but the effort to save her was futile
"Brighton Belle" was returning from the French Coast in your company and had on board approximately 350 officers and men from the British Army evacuated earlier in the day.
At the time of the accident I was closing Ramsgate for orders re disembarkation of the troops, and as an air attack was like in progress was concerned about the number of army people about the upper deck. This caused relaxation on my part in the conning of the ship, the loss of which I can only state was due to an error of judgement.
Pame
There were no casualties.
LIEUT. R.N.V.R.
I.
H.M.S. "SANDOWN. "
4/6/40.
y
VICE ADMIRAL DOVER.
Y
Forwar ded.
is
K.m.frees on new
VICE ADMIRAL
COMMANDER.
6- JUN 1940
*
relieved
DOVER

N WHO FLAG IN OFFICER
FROM
Captain M/S, HARWICH.
THE
207
DATE
3rd June, 1940.
0
239
TO
Flag Officer-in-Charge, HARWICH.
SUBJECT. Report from Lieutenant S.F. Harmer Elliott, R.N.V.R.,
H.M. Paddle Minesweeper "WAVERLEY", regrettably sunk.
Forwarded:-
Observing that the exemplorary conduct and devotion to duty of all concerned is in every way beyond mere praise.
57
VICE_ADMIRAL
*
*
G.W.Henion
DOVER
CAPTAIN, M/S.
first
Pame er y
y re ahandoned in a smking condition (the sponsons being under water), the position new hit
T busy.
ore
The confidential books in safe were que macesssable, onco on bridge Y in W/T Room relieved al
O
to C.13. officer wood.
si d

SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL.
238
2nd June, 1940.
The Flag Officer in Charge.
Harwich Naval Base.
240
Copy Captain M/S.
WAVERLEY
Sir,
I have the honour to submit my report on the operations ordered by your 1016/28.
The Flotilla viz. Waverley, Oriole, Marmion and Duchess of Fife arrived off La Panne at 2345 and
28/5
anchored.
At dawn positions were taken up along the coast and embarkation of troops commenced. Ships boats were used as the only means of conveyance available at the time, and we passed a line secured on shore to haul the boats across the tide which was running. Thus the process was necessarily a slow one until the use of beach punts and boats accelerated the flow of troops.
first
29/5
At approximately 1,0.00 on the 29th May, Oriole who had gone close to the beach found herself unable to
Pame get off. Meanwhile she was crowded with troops boarding her and it was necessary to relieve the ship from overcrowding.
1e
Marmion and Duchess of Fife embarked troops nearer
Dunkirk and left about mid-day, each taking about 300.
About 1500 Waverley had embarked approximately y
your ahandoned in a smking condition (the sponsons being under water), the position new hi
T busy.
or
The confidential books in safe were qu macessable, onco on bridge r in W/T Room relieved o
to C.13. officer Door.
si d

2.
N. 05 wasthe M/S Kellett
239
600 troops and I considered she would stand little chance
241
of hauling off Oriole at high water. I accordingly signalled destroyer N.05 asking her to detail a ship for the purpose and she signalled a tug in the vicinity to stand by.
Almost simultaneously a bombing raid took place
1500
also a number of incendiary bombs were dropped near Oriole, then high and dry. The position was becoming dangerous having regard to the large number of troops on board
Waverley and I weighed at 1540 and proceeded via Zuedcoote
Pass towards Kwinte Buoy. At 1630 bombing attacks were continued the principal targets being large transports and a hospital
29/5
ship using the channel. At 1700, 12 Heinkel bombers concentrated their attacks on Waverly by now alone in the channel, and I
from a height of approx. 8000 feet, adopted evading tactics successfully until about 1725 when one four each saluo of the salvoes off bombs entered the ship on the port quarter in my cabin and after wrecking the ward room flat passed right like through the bottom of the ship leaving a hole about 6 feet in diameter.
Four soldiers were killed and a number wounded who were immediately attended by our Medical Officer and his firstaid party. For a quarter of an hour the attack continued with the addition of machine gunning of the upper deck but a rapid rate of fire was kept up by our 12 pounder and Lewis guns, supplemented by rifle fire of the troops. No further bombs hit the ship and I intended to keep going with the possibility y
of falling in with other ships and transferring the troops.
I
ahandoned in a smking condition (the sponson being under water), the position new
T busy.
The confidential books in safe were macesssable onco on bridge r in W/T Room relieved to C.13. officer Door.

242
At 1730 the ship became unmanagable and would not
240
answer the wheel, and I found it necessary to maintain the trim by shifting the troops on deck to counteract the list
29/5
to port which was becoming pronounced. The main deck and boiler X
room was then cleared and I signalled two British destroyers but they did not apparently see our signals. We were unable to work our wireless which was damaged.
Finally the ship started rapidly to sink by the stern and I ordered abandon ship at 1745 and within one minute the ship had entirely sunk. I went down with her holding on to the bridge rails and kicked myself free of obstructions as she heeled over to port. When I surfaced a number of troops were swimming or trying to keep afloat, but the numbers thinned out considerably within 15/20 minutes.
The first rescue ship to arrive was a French destroyer and later guided by one of our planes several drifters and a tug like picked up the remaining survivors. I was picked up after being in the water 3/4 of an hour and was taken in to Ramsgate where
I reported to the N.O.I.C. together with three other officers and five ratings. I later understood one officer and a number of ratings were taken in to Margate. It is estimated that between 300 and 400 of our troops were drowned.
It would be invidious to single out any one individual for exemplary conduct as all on board, including the troops, behaved with the highest courage and calmness and beyed all orders implicitly, but I wish to submit the names of:-
one re ahandoned in a smking condition (the sponsons being under water), the position new hi
T busy.
or
The confidential books in safe were qu macesssable, onco on bridge r in W/T Room relieved
O
to C.13. officer wood.
si

LAS
(USI.
CAS
Special mention TOLING shanld.JUSHI No he
Hoeszu of the conduct H.M.H H. of the traps in the water. neetoM as.0 soon (E) Jush a noaqmonT.0.9
receive ship arrived on the they started up singing broy n.6m.692
X
the Barrel', every. one joining.g51
lustily. birs VJUB S.H.E. holjoveb Tiedj mi evonoiqanoo
.aiwed asmEsngra.570
vefieveW 9df IIs Jedj jimdua of ged I
ed (RM) 9VS9I 8 'TOVIVING reversive to no an redjegoj nisss 9VI92 of vjinutuoqqo edf nevig 9d
Iglne edd to eno biresmo of eyeliwing ViII need as brie reflagod NTOW akswls odw 89
AI mwob 915398 of emit to extupes
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242
from Tenh. 4. a.e. weeks RNVR.
244
to fenios officer 10 M/S Flothilla
GRACIE FIELDS
Date 5 July 1940
Report on loss of Hus "Ghaeie Fields"
62
on return from La Pame Beach, with 29/5
between 700 & 800 broops. The versel received a direct hit and ships from a bomb.
The explosion burst - a sleam pike near the starting year, of also jammed steering
Gear. roing to damages of boilu beng blown up,
I ordered fires to be drawn T slop values on backs lob to be closed.
when reseue ships came along side Indurn all broops of woun ded into then when this was done, it left 19 of the ships company on board, There got wounded } brooks away with ul most coolness, we then were taken in Low by Hms "Pany bowner.
0 n mopeation we found alley ways at after accommaddion were in a bad state & some places were massessable. when steam began to clear away we found the used making water in Eng ine Room & in last half an have on hoard gamed 2 feet. the used was abandoned in a smking condition (the sponsons being under water), the position new
T busy.
The confidential books in safe were macesssable onco on bridge r in W/T Room relieved to C.13. officer Door.

owny to dark ness, exact casuality
4
known
The names of known dead given in al accountants office Down.
The only officus remain my on boal tow, were my self, Leenl Jones RNVR
bonald, the 3rd Eng well was killed,
G loan RNVR was mess mg the name galing off icu wounded & Ch wounded went away with the reseue ship
It was in poss ble to ascertain hu troots killed.

243
P.O. speed R.N.R.
245
for excellent of unling, work with the boats beliveen ship & beach, and ex cellent leadership after bomb er plasion.
63
Hardld
Ht. Jones R.N.V.R. & remander of ships com pany curred out their duties in an excellent manner during the whole day & until we abandoned ship.
Commondey
L/S
cannt.
ADMIS
In
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATRO
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*
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(Continued over).

Dynamo. / A22/1515?
Ref No. GD. 264/11
t
246
SECRET.
244
ze
FROM:
COMMANDER M/S.
THOMAS BARTLETT a
DATE:
28TH MAY, 1940.
TO:
VICE ADMIRAL DOVER.
by
Regret to report H.M.T. "Thomas Bartlett", whilst endeavouring to avoid shell fire was sunk by mine in shallow mine field approximate position:-
11
51° 2' 12" N.,
1° 54' E.
off Calais
There were 10 survivors. A written report will follow.
nic
WIHHHOM.
28 MAY 1940
Commander M/S.
*
*
DOVER
cand.
In
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATRO
VICE ADMIR AL
it
1- JUN 1940
so the
(Continued over).

Dyram. #9
G.D.
No. 5d.
To: Commander Dover. M/S
31st May, 1940.
245
Sir,
Polly 247 JOHNSON
I beg to report the following:-
On the 29th May I proceeded in company to Dunkirk.
arriving about 1500.
About 1600 the fleet laying alongside the pier were heavily bombed by air attack, The "Polly Johnson" laying outside berth, in my opinion, got the full weight. Bombs were exploding within 10 yards; she shook and trembled.
I had six casualties.
65
With great difficulty, also with half of my crew wiped out, I managed to get my ship clear of Dunkirk harbour with survivors from a. Destroyer, and also soldiers.
About half an hour after leaving Dunkirk, my chief reported that the ship was making water fast. Water was over the stoke hole floors. I signalled to H.M. Trawler "Arley"
(next ahead) "ship making water rapidly, keep close to me". About five minutes afterwards I received a signal "have orders to take survivors and crew and sink "Polly Johnson". About ten minutes after this was carried out. The "Arley" fired two rounds then left "Polly Johnson". She was still afloat when I
last saw her. Position Middlekerke Bank Buoy (midway) Nieuport
Bank Buoy.
In my opinion that was the best way out, the "Polly
Johnson" being badly bombed and would not have been fit for further service. Her port side was simply riddled along the water line and I am sure she would not have reached the nearest port.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, g. Lake
Skipper Lieutenant R.D., R.N.R.
a
S, cannt.
In
ADMIR
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATRO
VICE JUN 1940 1-
DOV
(Continued over).

B23
Lon
248
CONFIDENTIAL.
246
FROM.
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATROL, DOVER.
STELLA
DATE
1st JUNE 1940.
No. DL/250/11/AP.
DORADO
5
TO
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
(Copy to Commanding Officer, H.M. S. "Lynx". )
SUBJECT. LOSS OF H.M. S. "STELLA DORADO". Tajudo
11
The following report is submitted with reference to H.M.S. 'Kingston Galena' s" signal of 1st June 1940 timed
0430, and my 1243 of 1st June 1940.
2. Sub. Lieutenant J.L. Pringle, R.N.V.R., Unit Officer,
9th A/S Group, H.M. S. "Kingston Galena", reports that at rs.
0015 1st June 1940, the noise of an explosion was heard well inshore South East of "I" Buoy, where "Kingston Galena"
was at that time on patrol. At the time there was heavy gunfire and shelling around Dunkerque, and no special notice was taken of this particular explosion.
6
3. At 0100, "Kingston Galena", when one mile North west of "I" Buoy, picked up hydrophone effect and observed in the fog a small craft proceeding approximately North
/
60° West. There were numerous small craft in the vicinity, coming from Dunkerque, and it could not be identified.
4. At 0230, a terrific underwater explosion was heard, bearing North 60 West from "I" Buoy, and immediately afterwards a ship's whistle blew very hard for about five seconds. A roar from the M.T.B.'s engines was then heard and it was seen going away about North 70° East. The visibility at the time was poor - about one mile.
1/6
5. The visibility had not improved by 0400, and
"Kingston Galena" steamed to "I" Buoy, intending to speak to "Stella Dorado", but on arrival in the vicinity there was no sign of "Stella Dorado", but wreckage was found and four of the crew were picked up from a Carley float and one from the Asdic bridge top, which had become detached and was floating. Search was made for any further survivors, but without result.
ing re candr.
In
VICEADMIS
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATRO
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(Continued over).