TNA ADM 199 792

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Page 99.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.Yacht H. BYSTANDER (Echo Sounding Yacht). - Lieutenant Henry
John Beresford Barge, R.N.V.R.
Recommendations.
RATING:
Able Seaman (Cook) J. H. Elton, LT/JX,180250 180250 (R.N. Patrol Service)
off Dunkirk, this ship proceeded to remove the
Employed as Cook in this yacht. At 0200/30/5 when
dinghy, with Elton and one other as crew, launched to
the KING ORRY, then sinking in the fairway. The crew 8 of ft.
effect a rescue. Most of the KING ORRY's personnel
attempted to swim to the yacht, but they were in such
a weak state owing to the arduous service they had done
that it was obvious many would drown. Elton thereupon
dived into the water and assisted and supported as many
of the swimmers as he could find for more than half an
hour whilst the dinghy, rowed by the other rating, with
loads of men, returned to the BYSTANDER. Whilst in the
water Elton put many men on to life-rafts and towed them
by swimming. The last men he brought back to the yacht
on a life-raft, were towed by Elton in the water acting
as a tow-rope with one hand on the raft and one hand on
the dinghy - a remarkable feat of endurance. He was
responsible for rescuing about 25 Officers and men. In
addition to the above, Elton, in his capacity as Cook,
supplied hot tea and food to all the 97 men on board
within half an hour of leaving the scene of the wreck,
the cooking utensils, etc. normally sufficing for 7.
He provided dry clothes and blankets and generally
tended the rescued, many 01° whom were suffering from
shock. This rating was unsparing in his efforts and
CGM
acted with great gallantry without regard to his own
safety.
luring
stered
Recommended for decoration.
ivors
was
whom
Motor Boat CONSTANT NYMPH: - Chargehand B.A. Smith, Little Ship Club,
(Owner of Motor Boat).
Recommendation.
Chargehand B. A. Smith, Little Ship Club.
D.S.M.
Chargehand Smith proceeded with a crew of 2 Naval
Stokers who had never been to sea, in tow p.m. 30th May
for the beaches. Took in a whaler and cutter, and
during the night ferried off about 800 men to 2 skoots
the JUTLAND and LAUDANIA, who were thus filled up.
CONSTANT NYMPH then collected a number of odd boats
trying to row off to ships filled with soldiers, and
collected them and towed them to offshore vessels.
During thiss time fairly continuous bombing and shelling
were encountered. Chargehand Smith remarks that being
deaf and with a lot to do prevented him noticing these
annoyances. Continued work until all fuel was
exhausted, and the boat was sent to a supply drifter
ordered back to Margate This civilian showed great
for repair and refuelling, Chargehand Smith being