TNA ADM 199 792

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representation must take precedence over any normal form of
proportion as between officers and men.
6.
In List 'A', 93 H. M. Ships and Vessels and 80
requisitioned or other small craft and tenders are represented, ye
besides beach parties, pier parties, and base organisations.
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In List "B", 42 H. M. Ships and Vessels and 37
requisitioned or other small craft and tenders are included;
some of them are also represented in List 'A'.
The total number of H. M. Ships and Vessels and
requisitioned small craft and motor boats manned and working
independently in this Operation is unknown, but is estimated
to be 600.
There were besides H. M. Ships' own boats, a further
large number of open boats used in tow or as tenders to the
larger craft, estimated at about 200,
7.
As will be seen from the above, it has been impossible
to recommend decorations for more than a small percentage of
the personnel engaged in the operation. It is therefore
submitted to Their Lordships that consideration should be given
either to the issue of a special plaque to each ship engaged
in the operation, or that a special medal be struck, in
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addition to any decorations awarded, to be worn by any officer
or rating actually taking part in the operation afloat or on
the beaches at Dunkirk. of the two, I would prefer the issue
of a. medal for the following reasons:
(a) That many unrecorded acts of gallantry and examples
of meritorious service took place in small craft and
on the beaches and piers which deserve recognition.
(b). A great number of the personnel were not in ships
or boats at all, being used for beach parties, etc.
(c). A plaque could only be issued to a ship, and many
hundreds of the personnel engaged were in small boats
requisitioned for the purpose.
8.
In conclusion, I would refer to Dover Despatch
A.14/0/876/40 of the 18th June, 1940, in which I made special
reference to the invaluable services of the following officers,
whom I trust Their Lordships will recommend to His Majesty for
decoration in recognition of their outstanding services
throughout Operation Dynamo.
Vice Admiral Sir James Somerville, K.C.B., D.S.O.
Appointed to H.M.S. LYNX, special service, in
connection with the evacuation. The attributes of this officer
for initiative and resource are well known throughout the
service, but I venture to express the opinion, never in the
course of his long and distinguished career have they been put
to better use than during the operations for the evacuation of
the Allied Armies from Dunkirk.
Captain/