TNA ADM 199 792

di
CENTRAL
i
6245
19
TRY
FROM
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
4940
DATE
6th June, 1940.
No. G22/869/40.
TO
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(copies to: Commander-in-Chief, Western
Approaches.
Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.
Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.)
18
material available
HMS. Jallash Neveral small craft were soon n the selve carrying ml the defficult operation of rescuing the survivors with speed &
determination, AMS. Sallash being land along Red, the wreck until the has man has laken 0/1.
all confidential looks remain m the ship they were placed in a weighthed sach ready lobe fellismed in the commanding officers Cubin but this cabin was flooded he/re is coned be reached the more important looks were landed at Harwich n may 30ᵗʰ 1940.
OD
have
Vana
There the honour to be, that the
Sir, your Obedient Saward a. Shibbs
Lieus RNR.
the Seerelary the Admiralty
2nd Sen Loids Department
Rex House
Repent S
Ladon.
X I regut that probably 50 % of the ush Colonial troops must have been tack as a would of the unplain & by showing

GENTRALS 340
19
STRY
6245
FROM
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
4940
DATE
6th June, 1940.
No. G22/869/40.
TO
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(copies to: Commander-in-Chief, Western
Approaches.
Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.
Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.)
SHIPS LOST DURING THE EVACUATION OF THE
BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
NL4077/39
With reference to A.F.0.3348/39, be pleased to inform
Their Lordships that a list showing the names of H.M.Ships which were lost between the 26th May and 4th June, 1940, while taking part in the evacuation of the Allied Armies from Dunkirk, is attached.
2.
It is requested that Their Lordships' directions may be sought whether Courts-Martial or Boards of Inquiry are to be held, and if so, at what port.
3.
It is submitted for consideration that it might be sufficient for a small Board to interview the senior surviving executive officer of each ship lost.
4.
The surviving officers and men were sent to their manning Ports as shown on the enclosure hereto, except that
T.124 personnel were sent to their homes in accordance with paragraph 7 of A.F.0.647/1940.
M015558/39
5.
With regard to the other losses of tugs, schoots, barges, lifeboats, motor and other boats, it is for consideration that all naval authorities responsible for sailing them to Dover or the Downs for the operation, should be instructed by Their
Lordships to prepare on the 15th June a list of vessels which for have not returned whence they came.
Such lists to be forwarded to Vice Admiral, Dover, and Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate, for confirmation that the vessels are no longer in their waters, before final transmission to the Admiralty.
1-7/6
VICE ADMIRAL.

22
(ATI) notional
.
$левет9
21
9msk
Name
Ex.
Present
Location (17/7/40)
Appo ntment
Tempy.Lieut.E.
SKIPJACK
PATROCLUS
Northern Patrol.
Richardson,R.H.A.
Tempy.Ideut.L.K.
BRIGHTON
BADGER
Harwich.
Perrin,R.N.V.R.
BELLE
addl.for
Gp. of A.P.
Tempy.Lieut.W.J.C.
MEDWAY
Dover.
Fuller, R.N.V.R.
QUEEN (No.1)
Tempy.Lieut.A.C.
GRACIE
ORIOL
Lovestoft.
Weeks, R.N.R.
FIELDS
in command
Tempy.Lieut. H.
"
LYNX addl.
Port Edgar.
Jones, R.N.R.
for AMBASSADOR
Tempy.Licut.S.T.
WAVERLEY
VICTORY addl. Hamble River.
Harmer Elliott, for A.P.Duties
R.N.V.R.
Tempy.Lieut.F.P.
"
BOSCAWEN addl. Portland.
Tattersall,R.N.V.R.
for A.P.Base
Officer.
Tempy.Lieut.J.
DEVONIA
Southsea in
SOUTHAMPTON.
Brotchie,R.N.V.R.
command
Tempy.Lieut. A.F.
#
VERNON addl. Portsmouth.
Cox, R.N.V.R.
for IL/S Course
Sub-Lieut.D.J.
THOMAS
On sick leave
Hutton,R.N.V.R.
BARTLETT
until 8th July
Tempy.Lieut.A.R.
THURINGIA BACCHANTE for Scapa
Cornish, R.N.R.
LEIGESTER CITY
in command
Fby.Tempy.Sub-
BACCHANTE addl.Scapa
Licut.A.G.
for LEICESTER
Slemeck,R.N.V.R.
CITY
Sub-Lieut. J.S.
ARGYLISHGE CALLIOPE for Blyth
Weddle, R.N.R.
ANEMONE
Ty.Sub-Lieut.
"
CAROLINE addl. BELFAST till complete
M.F.Villiersfor MALLOW
then Portland.
Stuart,R.N.V.R.
(building)
Py.Ty.Sub-Ideut.
AMULREE
OSPREY addl. Portland.
G.P.Probert,R.N.V.R.
for II/B
training
Py.Ty.Licut.Cdr.B. CRESTED
PEMBROKE for
Sheerness
R.Booth, R.N.R.
EAGLE
GOLDEN AGLE
Py.Ty.Lieut.D.J.R.
Davies, R.N.R.
"
VICTORY for
Portsmouth
Boom Defences
Portsmouth
Cdr.J.Elliott,
KING
ROSEMARY
Portsmouth
R.N.R.
ORRY
addl.

IS
Name
Ex.
Present
Appointment
Location
Tempy.Lieut.J.
KING ORRY PEMBROKE addl.
Lee, R.N.R.
Not to join;
Home address:
noticoal
59, Cambridge Avenue,
DEAL
.Loring nationali
Great Crosby,
Liverpool, 23.
Tempy.Sub-
GRIVE
R.N.Hospital,
Miles, R.N.V.R.
Cha them.red
Proby.Sub-Lieut.
MOSQUITO Sick Leave.
E.S.Flint,R.N.R.
(f.om)
(is a nominee for
Submarine Course)
STOTHO
STATED
Directment nt surary exas
LODA 7MYX
(signed) T.C. SKEAT
Chin
YHOTOKV
YXJOYAT for HEAD OF C.W.
22 July, 1940.
PRONABORT
N
ИОТЧМАНТОВ
ATHOVED
.Ebby HOMALY
"
SUI
202
event:/ola no
638 Chim to) AXOUXABHT
bancado at
STRATUMI
202
YYIO
203 SUBLLITYOSA
FOLLTAN TESTORAD 201
XXX980
.brefities
KNIL 202
HERTUMA
10%
SPELIOD
EXTURED
SIDAR
CONDTOIV

CONFIDENTIAL
i
22
/ august July, 1940.
2
N.L. 6245/40.
on the outside of the envelope as well as in the text.
Sir,
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that they have appointed you to enquire into the circumstances of the loss of Ships engaged in the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force and Allied
Forces from Dunkirk.
I attach a list of these ships, with the dates upon which they were lost, the names of their senior surviving
Officers, and of the present appointments and locations of these officers BO far as they are at present known. Plag
Officers and Naval Officers in charge at the ports concerned have been informed in the sense of the enclosed copy of a letter that you are to conduct this enquiry.
You are requested to make the necessary arrangements with the Flag Officers and others to whom that letter has been circulated.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) H. EASTWOOD
CRED
Vice Admiral A.E.F. Bedford, C.B., C.S.I.,
Priory Cottage,
Boxgrove,
Near Chichester,
E S P 6 A, AUG 1940 CRIMA * BRANCH
Sussex.
The follow:
Date
30th
1st J
1st J
2nd Jt
BO far as can be asc complete accuracy cal
POLLY JOHNSTON
STELLA DORADO
ARGELLSHIRE
WESTELLA H E D 2nd Ju
#
COPYING BRANCH
1940 AUG 4.
CENTRAL
BLACKBURN ROVERS
*
AS
Ship
DESPA

I
23
The following information as to Skipper Class fficers is forwarded as requested:-
ame.
ex.
Present appointment.
empy. Skipper
THOMAS
UROPA for VELMONT
J.J. Tomlinson, R.N.R.
BARTLETT.
3144 U.S.
Tempy. Skipper
ALVI
EUROPA.
B.D.Spindler, R.N.R.,
3170 7.8.
Skipper Lt. (retd)
POLLY
WATCHFUL for
L.Lake, R.N.R., 2347 W.S. JOHNSTON
BERVIE BRAES.
Skipper W. Martin, R.N.R. BLACKBURN
RACER for VICTRIX.
2645 W.S.
ROVERS
Chief Skipper A.Gove, R.N.R., WESTELLA
EUROPA.
2345 7.S.
Skipper C.E. Chaney, RNR.,
-do-
EUORPA.
2952 W.S.
Tempy. Skipper
PAXTON.
LYNX for GOLDEN
SUNB AM.
A. M.Lóvis, R.N.R.,
BOY ROY.
LYNX for EILEEN
Terpy. Skipper
EMMA
E.F. Dettman, R.N.R.,
3306 W.S.
GIRL PAMELA
LYNX for YOUNG MON.
Tempy. Skipper
C.Sanson, R.N.R.,
5394 W.S.
LORD CAVAN
CLIO for GAVA.
Tempy. Skipper
J.H. Mugridge, R.N.R.,
Skipper R.A.MacLean *****
3018 V.S.
The followi
Date
30th If
1st Ju
1st Jui
BO far as can be asce complete accuracy can
2nd Jun
2nd June
*
COPYING BRANCH
a
E
AUG 1940
CENTRAL
POLLY JOHNSTON
STELLA DORADO
ARGELLSHIRE
BLACKBURN ROVERS
CH
*
DSPART
A
Ship
E
a
WESTELLA

Skipper
U.S. 5159
July 1940.
ADMIRAL 25th COMMANDING RESERV S.
(Sd.) N, F. LAURENCE.
obtained their Red List when required. locations view can be of officers 2. frequent from are The serving the present movements, have locationsof and not the been latest the inserted, ships in in which thes
R.A.Maclean, R.N.R.,
N.L. 6245/40.
XAXT ASTILLIA
for
FROM DUNKIRK.
next senior surviving officers of the ships in question, in C.W. In view of numerous local changes in personnel, ch follows is believed to be substantially correct.
ers
Present Appointment
Location
EUROPA
.R.
R.N.R.
WATCHFUL for BERVIE BRAES.
lle,
CALLIOPE for ANEMONE
Blyth
N.R.
CAROLINE addl. for
Belfast till
MALLOW (building)
complete, then
V.R.
Portland.
R.N.
2.
RACER for VICTRIX.
.N.R.
EUROPA
.
EUROPA
2
O.
27

arou
Amc
ONIGINVINGO 2574
LAURENCE if 'N ('ps)
when required. latest inserted, in which which
JOJ UT XALXT ship the Dood the you pue 19TT for BUTAI quesed
6245/40.
OF DUNKIRK.
The following are the names of the senior and next senior surviving officers of the ships in question, so far as can be ascertained from information available in C.W. In view of numerous local changes in personnel, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed, but the list which follows is believed to be substantially correct.
Ship
Date Lost
Senior surviving officers
Present Appointment
Location
Destroyers
GRAFTON
29th May
Lieutenant H.C.J. McRea, R.N.
BRANLEBRAS in command.
Lieutenant L.E. Blackmore, R.N.
WHADDON for duty with A.S.C.B.S. etc.
WAKEFUL
29th May
Commander R.L. Fisher, R.N.
PRESIDENT addl. for duty inside Admiralty.
Lieutenant W. Scott, R.N.
JERVIS as 1st. Lieutenant.
GRENADE
30th May
Commander R.C. Boyle, R.N.
PRESIDENT addl. for duty inside Admiralty.
Lieutenant E.C. Peake, R.N.
HORNET addl. for command of 10th.M.T.B. Flotilla.
KEITH
1st June
Captain E.L. Berthon, R.N.
VICTORY addl. for full pay sick leave.
Lieutenant G.J.A. Lumsden, R.N.
PHOEBE and for duty with A.S.C.B.S. etc.
HAVANT
1st June
Lieutenant-Commander A.F.
Burnell-Nugent, R.N.
HOSTILE in command.
Lieutenant A.H. Terry, R.N.
GANGES addl. for Battalion duties.
BASILISK
1st June
Commander M. Richmond, R.N.
LE TRIOMPHANT in command.
Lieutenant-Commander W.G.
Boaks, R.N.
RODNEY.
Paddle Minesweepers.
BRIGHTON BELLE
28th May
Temporary Lieutenant L.K.
BADGER addl. for G.
Harwich
Perrin, R.N.V.R.
of A.P.
Temporary Lieutenant W.J.C.
MEDWAY QUEEN (No.1)
Dover
Fuller, R.N.V.R.
30th May
ORIOLE in command
Lowestoft
BRACIE FIELDS
Temporary Lieutenant
A.C. Weeks, R.N.V.R.
Temporary Lieutenant
LYNX addl. for
Port Edgar
H. Jones, R.N.V.R
AMBASSADOR
WAVERLEY
Temporary Lieutenant S.F.
VICTORY addl. for
Hamble River
30th May
Harmer-Elliott, R.N.V.R.
A.P. Duties.
Temporary Lieutenent
BOSCAWEN addl. for
Portland
F.P. Tattersall, R.N.V.R.
A.P. Base Officer.
31st May
Temporary Lieutenant
Southsea in command
SOUTHAMPTON
DEVONIA
J. Brotchie, R.N.V.R.
Lieutenant A.P. Cox, R.N.V.R.
VERNON addl. for
Portsmouth
M/S Course.
Trawlers.
28th May
Temporary Skipper
EUROPA for VELMONT
THOMAS BARTLETT
J.J. Tomlinson, R.N.R.
Sub-Lieutenant D.J. Hutton,
On sick leave until
R.N.V.R.
8th July.
Temporary Lieutenant
BACCHANTE for LEICESTER
28th May
Scapa
THURINGIA
A.R. Cornish, R.N.R.
CITY. in command.
Probationary Temporary Sub-
BACCHANTE addl. for
Lieut. A.G. slemeck,R.N.V.R.
Scapa
LEICESTER CITY.
Temporary Skipper
EUROPA
30th May
B.D. Spindler, R.N.R.
CALVI
Chief Skipper L. Lake, R.N.R.
WATCHFUL for BERVIE BRAES.
POLLY JOHNSTON
30th May
STELLA DORADO
1st June
None
1st June
Sub-Lieutenant J.S. Weddle,
CALLIOPE for ANEMONE
Blyth
ARGELLSHIRE
R.N.R.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant
CAROLINE addl. for
Belfast till
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
MALLOW (building)
complete, then
R.N.V.R.
Portland.
2nd June
Commander R.W. English, R.N.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
(severely wounded)
Skipper W. Martin, R.N.R.
RACER for VICTRIX.
WESTELLA
E
2nd June
Chief Skipper A. Gove, R.N.R.
EUROPA
Skipper E. Chaney, R.N.R.
EUROPA
BRANCH
COPYING
CENTRAL

Ship
Date Lost
Senior surviving officers
Pre
Drifters.
PAXTON
29th May
Probationary Temporary
LYNX
Skipper A.M. Lovis, R.N.R.
BOY ROY
29th May
Probationary Temporary
LYNX
Skipper E.F. Dettman, R.N.R.
GIRL PAMELA
29th May
Temporary Skipper C. Sanson,
LYNX
R.N.R.
LORD CAVAN
1st June
Temporary Skipper J.H.
CLIC
Mugridge, R.N.R.
OAI
Danlayers.
COMFORT
29th May
None
NAUTILUS
29th May
Acting Skipper R. Maclean, R.N.R.
LYNX
Harbour Defence Patrol Craft.
AMULREE
1st June
Probationary Temporary Sub-
OSPR
Lieutenant G.P. Probert,R.N.V.R.
tra
Miscellaneous.
CRESTED EAGLE
30th May
Probationary Temporary Lieut-
PEMB
Commander B.R. Booth, R.N.R.
Probationary Temporary Lieutenant
VICT
D.J.R. Davies, R.N.R.
Por
KING ORRY
30th May
Commander J. Elliott, R.N.R.
ROSE
Temporary Lieutenant J.Lee,R.N.R.
PEMB
Home
Aven
Live
GRIVE
1st June
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant
R.N.
J.K.B. Miles, R.N.V.R.
MOSQUITO
1st June
Lieutenant D.H.D. Gardiner, R.N.
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant
Sick
E.S. Flint, R.N.R.
for:
Atta
Home
Newp
Minesweeper
SKIPJACK
lst June
Lieutenant-Commander F.B.
Proudfoot, R.N.
Temporary Lieutenant
PATRO
E. Richardson, R.N.R.

avicea TX
BALCHX Bug for apo
THE SGST* gara Tuarge agains for, for
TH r*a*c*B*e* ofc
Eur esent Appointment
Location
X for GOLDEN SUNBEAM
X for EILEEN EMMA
X for YOUNG MON.
0 for GAVA
X for WILLING BOYS.
REY addl. for M/B
Portland aining.
BROKE for GOLDEN EAGLE
Sheerness
TORY for Boom Defences
Portsmouth rtsmouth.
EMARY addl.
Portsmouth
BROKE addl. Not to join;
e address: 59 Cambridge nue, Great Crosby, erpool, 23.
Hospital, Chatham.
c Leave. (is a nominee
Submarine Course)
ched VICTORY.
address: 52 Preston Road, ort, Mon.
OCLUS
Northern Patrol

NL 9031/40
D-51.
(Revised-June, 1933.)
Lander Rongo and BE & 27
Xt adm533
FROM WHOM
DATE
Vice-Admiral A. Bedford.
CB., CSI.
6th August, 1940.
MARKINGS TO BOARD.
SUBJECT.
9) (3165) Wt. 36485/0155 40M 12/39 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
ADMIRALTY.
26
REFERENCE SHEET.
C.W. Branch
N.L.
To m
(Mr. Richardson)
11th August ted
19⁴⁰.
Information required, or notified.
Reference N.L. 6245/40
The following are the senior surviving officers of the ships
ST. FAGAN, ST. ABBS, and PEELAG II:
ST. FAGAN: Lieutenant-Commander G.H. Warren, R.N.
(in command)
Appointed EXCELLENT additional 19/6/40.
Boatswain D.G. Brown, R.N.
Lately in Haslar Hospital: fit for duty 2/7/40.
ST. ABBS: Boatswain R.B. Henderson, R.N.
Appointed LYNX additional 16/7/40.
PELLAG II: Temporary Lieutenant F.W.R. Martino, R.N.V.R.
Appointed BADGER additional 12/6/40.
T.c.
T.c.Skeat
Skeat for Head of C.W.
ky handed to
Paymaster Communder Lander a.7.g. Richardson to Hot N.h 12/8/40

NL 9031/40
to
D-51.
(Revised-June, 1938.)
lander Rongo and Bk2 27
xr adms33
FROM WHOM
DATE
Vice-Admiral A. Bedford.
CB., CSI.
6th August, 1940.
MARKINGS TO BOARD.
SUBJECT.
ENQUIRY INTO LOSS OF H.M. SHIPS
DURING EVACUATION OF
B.E.F. FROM DUNKIRK.
FORMER.
NL 6245/40
Referred
Date
Referred
NOTATION ONLY.
to to
Date
Referred to
Date
N.L. M. L.
E.A.P
N.A.25L
A.L.
C.E. 7831/1922.
20771 Wt. 40803/0007 485,000 8/88-MoO & Co Ltd-T.1440
Sta 47/89

arrangments will be made for Che attendance of a Commandes when the date on which he is iniquired is known was, from A 25 J
E.A.P. allocated Singinces Commander
*
NA2S.L. " Commander.
CCB - shorthand typist
D.E. L Lander. called on behalf of V/A Bedford & was informed accordingly + promised to make arrangements with them as to the time of meeting on Thursday 8th any.
a.7.j. Richardon for Hot N.L.
8/8/40

29
N.L.9031/40.
N.L. 6245/40 of (1. August 1940.
28
Enquiry into loso Ships durnig evacuation of B.E.7. from Dunkisk.
In is requested that a Commander and Commander(E)
may be detailed to assist me in the enquires Thursday v
on Commander R.L. Fisher and Riv.4201.6x198
Commandes R.C. Boyle (DA/SW.) Thursday and that 1 may be informed when these officers will be available.
2. A short. hand typist may be detailed to attend the enquiry
3. A room may be provided in which to hold the enquiry
Room 90 Arch Bbs a Beating
Admiral
6.8.40

Park NL 6245/40 - TR
Vice Admiral A. Bedford, c/o Commander-in-Chief,
Commander-in-Chief,
31
H. M. Ships and Vessels,
T
Western Approaches,
The Nore.
Plymouth.
Copies to:-
is
Commodoreyin-Charge,
17th August, 1940.
Sheerness.
Secretary, N.L. Branch,
Admiralty.
No:- A.B.2/40.
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40 of 31st
July, 1940 I propose the following programme for holding the enquiries which I am directed to carry out:-
Name of Officer.
Ship.
Date.
Time.
Late.
Now Serving.
Temp. Lt. H. Jones,
GRACIE
WILDFIRE
Wednesday 1430.
ted
R.N.V.R.
FIELDS.
81/8/40
Temp.Lt.Cdr.B.R.
CRESTED
PEMBROKE for
Thursday
0930.
Booth, R.N.R.
EAGLE.
EMPEROR OF
22/8/40
INDIA.
Lieut. D. H. D.
MOSQUITO
HUSSAR
- do -
1100
Gardiner, R.N.
Temp.Sub.Lt.
GRIVE
R.N. Hospital, Friday a.m.
J.K.B. Miles,
Chatham.
23/8/40
R.N.V.R.
2. If these arrangements are convenient it is requested that I may be informed where I may hold these enquiries and that the Officers named above may be directed to attend. The order in which the enquiries on first three ships named are held is immaterial.
3. It is requested that the two Officers detailed in accordance with the last paragraph of the Admiralty Letter attend a quarter of an hour earlier than the time of opening the Enquiry.
(spe)
VICE-ADMIRAL
GADM L
UADM
PASS T
I $
PASS TO
ADDRESS
VICE ADM ADMIRAL
ROOM FOR
PSE READ
R 1002/23
78.

5) Wt42355/0384 1/40 2,000pads JC&SLtd Gp674/39
POSTAGRAM or MESSAGE
(Delete as
OUT.
necessary)
FOR WAR REGISTRY USE ONLY.
in
PASS TO:-
32
ADDRESSED
Bodgerd.
DATE 19.8.40
C.in C. W.A.
Junes our pass to V.A. Bedford
Boot
Pl, suggest month)
SENT
you
Is informed.
Present you have heard from
Miles.
ted
Cypher or Confidential Code or
Delete as
Non Confidential Code or Plain Language necessary.
to
Addressed Secretary to Vice Admiral Bedford from
Admiralty.
Reference your 1345/16. Commander J.Elliott R.N.R. late
KING ORRY appointed SPARTIATE additional for CAMITO on commissioning 12.8.40.
1218/19
a.2.j. Richardsm for HEAD OF N.L.
War N.L. Regy.
GADM L
UADM
PASS T
**** $
PASS TO
ADDRESS
VICE ADM ADMIRAL
ROOM FOR VED.A.
PSE READ
R 1002/23
78.

34
Vice Admiral A. Bedford,
Lieutenant Commander
Room 90 Archway Blook (s),
F.B.Proudfoot, R.N., (retired),
Admiralty.
16, Staunton Road,
Hendington,
Oxfordshire.
21st August,
0
(Copy to Secretary, N.L.Branch).
No.5.AB/4.0.
With reference to my telegram of Wednesday 21st August, you are requested to attend an enquiry at the address given above at 1500 on
Friday 23rd August.
ted
2.
The enquiry, which is relative to the loss of H.M.S. SKIPJACK, is of an informal nature and with the object of eliciting information as to the behaviour of material and what lessons may be learnt from the experience gained.
3.
If you have a copy of your report on the loss of this ship you are requested to bring it with you.
4.
A travelling warrant is attached.
R.N.R.
VILLING
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It would be convenient if these two officers attend a quarter of an hour sh times fixed for the Enquiries.
the DRIT loss of his ship, it would be helpful if he would bring it for my in
If the surviving officer is in possession of a copy of his rep
5.
Will you inform me by tëlegram addressed to me, care of N.L.Br
Admiralty, whether the proposed arrangements are convenient?
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It is requested that accommodation may be arranged for me and
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CONFIDENTIAL
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38
T
Vice Admiral A. Bedford.
The Flag Officers-in-Charge,
Liverpool and Glasgow.
Copies to:- Commander-in-Chief,
Western Approaches.
31st August,
40.
The Secretary, N.L.Branch
Admiralty.
No. 8.AB/40.
are
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L.6245/40 dated
July 1940, a copy of which is attached, I propose the following programme for the enquiries which I am directed to hold:-
ted
Name & Rank of
Ship
Date
Surviving Officer
Late
Present
& Place
Time
Sub.Lieut.
Tues.
J.S. Weddle, R.N.R.
ARGYLLSHIRE
ANENOME
10th Sept.
1000
Liverpool
Tempy.Sub.Lt.
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
#
MALLOW
e
#
R.N.V.R.
Comdr. J. Elliott,
KING ORRY
SPARTRIAK
Thurs.
1000
D.S.O.,R.N.R.
for
12th Sept.
CAMITO
Glasgow
2.
If any of these Officers is in possession of a copy of his report on the loss of his Ship it would be helpful if he would produce it for my information.
3.
If Sub. Lieut. Weddle, who is the Senior Surviving Officer of ARGYLLSHIRE, is available, it will not be necessary to interview
Sub. Lieut. Villiers-Stuart.
GADM L
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R 1002/23
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4.
It is requested that the two Officers detailed to assist me may attend a quarter of an hour before the time of opening the enquiry.
mr
5.
Will you communicate with the 08 of Nob. Branch,
Admiralty, as to whether these arrangements are convenient.
(6gd) A-BEdpm A-
Vica-Aderinal ted
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INSURE $
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ADDRESS
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1002/23
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78.

MYDNE 673/40
to ASR 1918
N.L.
w11388
9339
40
Confidential
D-51.
(Revised-June, 1933.)
1940
45
FROM WHOM
Vice-Addrial Bedford
DATE
9.8.40
1/1 A.B./40, 2/2 A.B.40 SUBJECT. of 3/3 A.B/40
410.8.40
MARKINGS TO BOARD.
rears hoss of H. shifs Grenade,
21 Seator
Walseful of Amiliee
7
43
N.L. Branch,
Admiralty, S.W.1.
11th September, 1940.
Dear Richardson,
I don't know if you are back yet or whether Winter is still deputising for you.
This is to let you know our movements for next ten days which are as follows:-
Date
From
To
Depart
Arrive
Remarks.
hursday 12th Sept.
London
Portland
1200
1800
riday 13th Sept.
At Portland aturday 14th Sept.
Portland London
1000
1600
onday 16th Sept.
London
Liverpool
0900
1700
uesday 17th Sept.
At Liverpool ednesday 18th Sept.
Liverpool Glasgow
A.M.
P.M.
hursday 19th Sept.
At Glasgow.
riday 20th Sept.
r Sat 21st Sept.
Glasgow
Firth of
Forth.
I shall call at Admiralty or ring you up a.m. Thursday 12th, and p.m. Saturday 14th or on Sunday 15th.
Yours sincerely,
Dilanda
Paymaster Lieutenant Commander R.N.
Secretary to Vice Admiral A.E.F. Bedford.
478.

Naria
Manansh
In DAlrw 15.8.40
horid.
Proposals for augmenting supplies I five extinguishers an on N.S.O. 7186/40.
action has already been then on
D.O. 7468/40 to provide scuttles for crape purposes.
arr cole and tole f
D.N.G.
4SEP1940
Noted and concur with D.N.C. On D.N.E. 673/40 the ossible methods to be employed for the destruction of C.B's are eing considered.
D.N.E. 673/40 was passed to D.S.R. on 19/8/40.
DIRECTOR OF humand NAVAL EQUIPMENT.
9th September, 1940.
It is proposed that this paper be marked to
DSR for his remarks regarding the proposal contained in para 3(b) regarding Boals.
Almery from
12.9.40

3/5/89) (3190) Wt. 36485/0155 40M 12/39 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
46
Register No. N.L. 9339/40
Minute Sheet No. 1
The destruction of confidential documents in an emergency is being considered on other papers.
For smaller vessels operating in shallow waters it is suggested that C.B's and S.P's be stored in a safe lined with incendiary materials as proposed by S.O. Naval Base,
Barrow on N.I.D. 01398/40. The ignition system could be modified to function automatically when the compartment is flooded e.g. using a spring controlled plunger locked by a soluble plug.
Complete destruction of C.B's by this method cannot be guaranteed and consideration is being given to the possibility of increasing the destructive effect of the incendiaries by interleaving each book at suitable intervals with sheets of celluloid or nitrocellulose.
Invaulay for /10/40. D.S.R.
me proposal to use nitrocellutore leaves to assiet- combriation of books has been forwarded to the Nar office for the comments
OFFSRD but no reply has yet. been received
M.I.D. 01398/40 would not yet appear to have been seen in of (Booke)
but the results of experiments mat have ben carried out using an incendeary mexture for the destruction of books in a steel chesh are not incouraging & the problem would be intensified were the streb chest submerfed
Ex periments in the wee sfacid as a destructive agent reveal the fact That it is extremely difficult to eneure mororya permeation of even if this were effected some long as ordinary methodo of printing are trace of the text is likely to be lego so used
Consideration is being given to the

method of reproduction of a which possibility of using a non- books contact might permit of the solution use of which much diluted acid have if more is understood would greater penetrative qualities.
Gercias
DIE
*
11
for Hd of of
10/10/40
boted. N.J. 07/86/40 is still in action and at present with E inc.
VArieta throughs of stores
19.10.40.
Submitted for information.
some other reports of Adminal
Bedford's investigation into the loss of The ships in operation 'Dynamo'
are attached.
Lanso
Head of ML.
29.00.40.

1) Wt. 9406/3520 40M 5/40 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
47
Register No. N.L.9339/40.
Minute Sheet No.
Noted.
Some of the attached dockets do not appear to have been referred to all departments concerned, e.g. -
N.L.9552/40 - Lieutenant Tattersall's M.B.
Propose this be marked to the department which deals with claims for compensation.
N.L.10167/40 - Conduct of Skipper MacLean.
There is nothing to shew whether the commendation in para.5 has been considered by the appropriate department with a view to an award or expression of Their Lordships'
satisfaction being conveyed.
anthically
N.L.10168/40. This might have been of interest to D.T.M.
is cancerns
N.L.11789/40. There are no comments, on para.10, and the docket does not appear to have been seen by D.N.C.
6/16/40
T.I.V.P.
3rd November, 1940.
Approved as VCNS.
a
7/11
M. 9552/40 and aR. 10/67/40 detached for separate action
Hawson
11/66

Compitential
48
N.L.
9339
ROOM 90, ARCHWAY BLOCK (s),
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
1940
No. 1/1 A.B./40.
9th August, 1940.
ENQUIRY INTO LOSS OF H.M.S. GRENADE
IN OPERATION "DYNAMO."
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter I.L.6245/40 of
1st August, 1940, be pleased to submit to Their Lordships the following report resulting from an enquiry held by me suto the circumstances attending the loss of H.M.S. GRENADE
on 29th May, 1940.
2. Commander R.C. Boyle, R.N., the Senior surviving
Officer of GRENADE who was the Officer in command of that
Ship, was examined on 8th August, 1940, and information elicited as to the behaviour of material has not revealed any defects in material or construction which contributed to the loss of the ship or which augmented damage sustained.
3. The following general points, however, arise, which it seems desirable to bring to Their Lordships'
attention:-
(a) It is considered very necessary that there should be an adequate supply of fire extinguishers distributed throughout ships to meet the eventuality of failure of water supply to the hoses, as occurred in the case of GRENADE.
(b) Fires prevented access to Asdic Dome with a view to its destruction, and similarly to certain places in which S.Ps and C.Bs were kept. It is, therefore, for consideration whether it would not be desirable in the case of Asdics, to arrange a means of destruction by remote control and independent of the ship's electrical power and in the
CAFO.3202/39/
case of S.Ps and C.Bs, the presence in chests of some destructive agent which would act on contact with water, thus rendering the books valueless if the chests are salved by the enemy.
(c) As regards means of escape for personnel in ships fitted with small scuttles, although
I am aware that this question is receiving attention, my enquiry confirms the great necessity for fitting of large size scuttles on each side and at each end of living spaces.
4. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander Thomas
Aislabic Powell, R.N. (Retd.) and Commander (E) Charles Edward
Smith, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Secretary,
Beatord
Admiralty,
VICE-ADMIRAL.
S.W.1.

Confitiential
48
9339
ROOM 90, ARCHWAY BLOCK (s),
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
1940
No. 1/1 A.B./40.
9th August, 1940.
ENQUIRY INTO LOSS OF H.M.S. GRENADE
IN OPERATION "DYNAMO."
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter 6245/40 of
1st August, 1940, be pleased to submit to Their Lordships the following report resulting from an enquiry held by me auto the circumstances attending the loss of H.M.S. GRENADE
on 29th May, 1940.
2. Commander R.C. Boyle, R.N., the Senior surviving
Officer of GRENADE who was the Officer in command of that
Ship, was examined on 8th August, 1940, and information elicited as to the behaviour of material has not revealed any defects in material or construction which contributed to the loss of the ship or which augmented damage sustained.
3. The following general points, however, arise, which it seems desirable to bring to Their Lordships'
attention:-
(a) It is considered very necessary that there should be an adequate supply of fire extinguishers distributed throughout ships to meet the eventuality of failure of water supply to the hoses, as occurred in the case of GRENADE.
(b) Fires prevented access to Asdic Dome with a view to its destruction, and similarly to certain places in which S.Ps and C.Bs were kept. It is, therefore, for consideration whether it would not be desirable in the case of Asdics, to arrange a means of destruction by remote control and independent of the ship's electrical power and in the
CAF0.3202/39/
case of S.Ps and C.Bs, the presence in chests of some destructive agent which would act on contact with water, thus rendering the books valueless if the chests are salved by the enemy.
(c) As regards means of escape for personnel in ships fitted with small scuttles, although
I am aware that this question is receiving attention, my enquiry confirms the great necessity for fitting of large size scuttles on each side and at each end of living spaces.
4. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander Thomas
Aislabic Powell, R.N. (Retd.) and Commander (E) Charles Edward
Smith, R.N.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servant, he Secretary,
Beaford
Admiralty,
VICE-ADMIRAL.
S.W.1.

Compitential
49
9339
ROOM 90, ARCHWAY BLOCK (s),
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
1940
9th August, 1940.
No. 2/2 A.B./40.
ENQUIRY INTO THE LOSS OF H.M.S. WAKEFUL
IN OPERATION "DYNAMO".
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L.6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to submit to Their
Lordships the following report resulting from an enquiry held by me into the circumstances attending the loss of
H.M.S. WAKEFUL on the 29th May, 1940.
2. Commander Ralph Lindsay Fisher, R.N., the Senior surviving Officer of WAKEFUL who was in command of that Ship, was examined on 8th August, 1940, and stated that WAKEFUL
was hit by a torpedo at 0045 in the vicinity of the forward boiler room. A vivid flash was seen and the ship split in two, the two midship ends sinking in about fifteen seconds.
3. In view of the immediate sinking of the ship, it is not possible to furnish any detailed information as to the behaviour of material but the subsequent position taken up by the vessel described as follows by Commander Fisher may be of interest from the constructional point of view:-
"The fore part of the ship, bow upwards, remained protruding some sixty feet out of water at an angle of about 60° from the horizontal, and the after part similarly stern upwards. About an hour and a half later the stern submerged but the bow was still standing up and this was its position when I left the scene."
4. The Asdic gear was intact when the ship sank and was abandoned by those who survived.
5. As regards any lessons which may be learnt from the loss of WAKEFUL, the remarks contained in my Report
No. 1/1 A.B./40 of 9th August, 1940, on loss of GRENADE, here also apply, although it is almost certain that in this case, there would not have been time to destroy the Asdic
Dome even by a remote control method of firing the charge.
My remarks as to the desirability of some method of rendering
S.Ps and C.Bs useless, as mentioned in my Report quoted above, again also apply.
6. The necessity for the provision of escape scuttles was, unfortunately, only too strongly emphasised in the case of/
Secretary,
Admiralty,
S.W.1.

Part NL 6245/40 c/o NL/E)2 8
NLV
Office of the Commander-in-Chief,
Portsmouth.
No.5/2.AB/40
13th August, 1940.
Supplementary report of Enquiry into the loss of H.M.S.WAKEFUL
in operation "Dynamo".
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter
N.L.6245/40 dated 1st August, 1940, and my report No.2/2.AB/40 dated 9th August, 1940, be pleased to submit to their Lordships that in view of a subsequent report received from
Commander Fisher, the following should be added to paragraph 2 of my report:-
"The fore-part turned and sank with a corkscrew motion but the after-part just dropped at its fore end without twisting".
I am, Sir,
NL
Your obedient Servant,
* MILITARY 17 AUG 1940 BRANCH
a.Beatorg
Vice Admiral.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.

Compitential
50
9339
ROOM 90, ARCHWAY BLOCK (s),
1940
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
No. 3/3 A.B./40
10th August, 1940.
ENQUIRY INTO THE LOSS OF H.M. HARBOUR
DEFENCE VESSEL AMULREE
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter.6245/40
of 1st August 1940, be pleased to submit to Their Lordships the following report resulting from an enquiry held into the circumstances attending the loss of H.M. Harbour Defence
Vessel AMULREE on 1st June, 1940.
2. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant Graham Phineas Probert,
R.N.V.R., the Senior surviving Officer of AMULREE who was in command of that Ship was examined on 9th August, 1940.
3. AMULREE was rammed on the starboard side forward between the 3-pdr. gun and foremast by H.M.S. VIMY and sank immediately.
4. No information, therefore, as to behaviour of material was elicited, but the Officer in command spoke highly of the structural characteristics of this vessel.
5. Since the VIMY was steaming at about 18 knots and struck the AMULREE bow to beam it is not, having regard to the size of the vessel, likely that the AMULREE, whatever her construction, would have remained afloat.
6. It is, however, suggested, that vessels of this type would, in the event of suffering collision or other damage, be more likely to remain afloat if watertight doors were fitted on the deck hatches leading to each compartment.
In the case of the motor room, where propulsion is by Diesel engine, it would be necessary to fit vent shafts carried above the deck.
7. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander Thomas
Aislabic Powell, R.N. (Retd.) and Commander (E) Charles Edward
Smith, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, a.Beatord
VICE-ADMIRAL.
Secretary,
Admiralty,
S.W.1.

Documents. reports the handed to Paymaster
Lt Cdr Lander at his request. 2 for controller aR
25/9/40

,
Noted few ANAD 27.8.40
holid.
53078 J.D.N.C.
5/9/40.
6 277 40