TNA ADM 199 792

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CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store
carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet
sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats,
etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The
composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought
to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following
situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east
of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles
on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the
first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she
returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded
vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk
by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually
abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff
were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs
with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk
by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst
on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A.Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out
on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor
damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and
received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would
be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was
shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk
that/