TNA ADM 199 792

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CONFIDENTIAL
Report on Operation "DYNAMO".
Page 7.
WAVERLEY. 600 troops were on board before ship was
abandoned in sinking condition, but only 200-300 were
picked up,
In all it is regretted that about 2,000 troops must
have been lost through these and similar disasters on
the return voyages to England.
14.
CO-OPERATION OF THE FRENCH NAVY.
French warships and other vessels were employed
evacuating French troops from Dunkirk harbour, and on the last
three nights from the beach 1½ miles eastward from Dunkirk.
Details are given in Appendix V.
15.
BASE ORGANISATION,
An operation of this magnitude involving the
maintenance and movements of close on 900 vessels and boats
could not have been conducted without the wholehearted and
unceasing efforts of the base establishments at Dover and
Ramsgate, as well as those at Sheerness and Harwich in the
Nore Command. At all these places officers and men, Naval
and civilian, laboured unceasingly throughout the Operation.
In particular I wish to acknowledge the great
assistance received from the Commander-in-Chief, Nore, who
in many cases anticipated my requests for assistance through
his constant watch on the progress of the Operation.
The prompt and unfailing assistance afforded by
the Chatham Depot in providing personnel for the numerous
small craft, working parties and beach parties, was a feature
essential to the successful outcome of the Operation.
The Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate, by taking
over the servicing and control of the great majority of the
small craft of the inshore flotillas relieved Dover or an
immense volume of work which it would otherwise have been
impossible to handle.
It was also broughtto my notice that at Harwich an
exceptional Naval and Military system was in being for
assisting those ships which called there to make a quick
turn round, relieving the tired ships' companies of the work
of cleaning and clearing their vessels.
16.
SERVICES OF STAFF, INCLUDING OFFICERS
TEMPORALLY APPOINTED.
I was fortunate in having the services of
Rear Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker, C.B., O.B.E., as Flag Officer
afloat off Dunkirk, and Captain W.G. Tennant, C.B., M.V.O.,
as Senior Naval Officer, Dunkirk on shore. Admiral Wake-
Walker was responsible for supervising the embarkation afloat
and Captain Tennant for organising embarkation from the shore,
keeping touch with the French Naval Authorities and the Staff
of the British Commander-in-Chief.
Detailed particulars of their services were given
in Dover Despatch No. B.23/862/40 of 4th June, 1940.
I cannot conclude this despatch without reference to
the splendid work of my staff under the guidance of my Chica
Staff/