TNA ADM 199 792

127
126
128
CONFIDENTIAL..
Page 7.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
29/
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
well as from Dunkirk harbour, both from the aspect of the military situation and from the fact that Dunkirk was limited by a bottle-neck, formed by the narrow gangway along the East
Pier to the points of embarkation. Furthermore, there was every prospect of the weather improving and the surf reducing as the tide rose. Nevertheless, an increased number of
H.M. ships was ordered to Dunkirk to augment the personnel vessels, though it was feared that an accumulation of ships alongside the East Pier at Dunkirk by day might well invite intensive air attack,
Subsequently, this fear was fully to be justified.
25. Meantime, considerable anxiety was felt as to the fate of the personnel vessels which had been despatched in a steady stream to Dunkirk commencing the previous evening. The first of these was due back at Dover about 0300, but by 0900
nothing had been sighted or reported. But at 0700, O.,
Dunkirk, had reported that the embarkation there was going on at the rate of 2000 an hour, so it was presumed that the transports had failed to enter the harbour during darkness, had waited outside, and had commenced to enter in succession at dawn. The necessity for continuous fighter protection in view of the exposure of these unarmed ships while at Dunkirk and during the dayligh passage through coastal waters, was obvious, Constant touch was maintained with R.A.F. Commands to obtain continuous fighter protection during the hours when the Vice Admiral, Dover, estimated the largest concentration of vessels would be present, it being realised that the R.A.F.
3
resources were not sufficient to provide continuous air cover, ed and to dispense with full cover at less important periods.
26. At 0930 the belated return of the personnel vessels from Dunkirk commenced, and proceeded steadily through the day. In addition to the personnel vessels using Dunkirk the
Admiralty were informed of the necessity for X-lighters and other self-propelled lighters to increase the facilities for beach evacuation. A Medical Party was shipped in VERITY for use on the beaches, and a Naval Medical Party was sent to
Dunkirk.
27. The considerable alarm as to the immediate safety of the B.E.F. felt during the evening and early night of the k
28th, which caused all available resources to be immediately concentrated on the French Coast, eased during the 29th. But e
emergency measures taken late on the 28th had an adverse effect on the orderly organisation for evacuation so necessary le if effective measures were to be devised and put in force.
28. Meantime, in the early hours of the 29th, an unfortunate disaster occurred involving the loss or H.M.
destroyers WAKEFUL and GRAFTON, and the danlayer COMFORT.
WAKEFUL, after embarking troops at Bray, sailed for Dover at
2300/28 by the Zuydecoote Pass and North Channel. Approaching the Kwinte Whistle Buo the speed of the ships was 20 knots, and a zigzag of 40 degrees every 4 minutes was started. At
0045 two torpedo tracks were observed, one torpedo missed, the other hit ship smidships. WAKEFUL broke in half and the two portions sank in 15 secends, each remaining standing midship/ with the

127
129
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
29/-
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
midship end on the bottom. All the troops on board went down with the ship; certain of the crew floated clear. After about 1/2 hour motor drifters NAUTILLUS and COMFORT arrived and started to pick up survivors, later joined by GOSSAMER.
Captain of the WAKEFUL was in the COMFORT. GRAFTON and LYDD
were close and Captain of WAKEFUL warned GRAFTON she was in danger of being torpedoed, At that moment, 0250, GRAFTON was torpedoed, COMFORT was lifted in the air, and Captain of
WAKEFUL washed overboard. COMFORT was going full speed and as she came round in a circle LYDD and GRAFTON opened fire on her, evidently thinking she was an enemy ship. It is believed that COMFORT crew, except cne, and WAKEFUL survivors, except 4, were killed. LYDD then bore down on COMFORT, rammed and sank her.
Previously GRAFTON, who was proceeding to Dover with troops, had observed a ship tropedoed, and Icwered her boats to pick up survivors, subsequently ascertained by signal to
LYDD to be WAKEFUL. A small darkened vessel, thoughtto be a drifter, was signalled and told to pick up survivors.
Within a few seconds of this, GRAFTON was torpedoed, The bridge was also hit, either by a shell or grenade, and the
Captain killed instantly. LYDD then tried to come alongside but after hitting starboard side sheered off, and appeared to ram a vessel on port quarter. This was COMFORT. GRAFTON
opened fire under the impression LYDD had rammed the M.T.B.
Target was then shifted to another vessel further away on port quarter, and vessel was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the enemy M.T.B.
29, During the forenoon JAGUAR, GALLANT and GRENADE
were dispatched via the new Middle Route X to test the opposition by shore batteries prior to introducing this route as an alternative to the long Northern route. GRENADE arrived
Dunkirk, reported no fire from shore batteries, but that she had experienced heavy bombing. These three destroyers were attacked by dive bombers when approaching Dunkirk at about noon, and GALLANT was damaged. At least six attacks were carried out, one enemy aircraft was brought down by gunfire and others by fighters. An hour later MALCOLM reported
Dunkirk heavily bombed with a large number of aircraft and during the afternoon this bombing extended up the coast to ships off Bray. During the afternoon the Middle Route x was brought into use for destroyers, but small ships were still routed round the Northern route to Zuydecoote Pass. LOCUST
and MOSQUITO joined Dover Command and were despatched to work on the beaches during the afternoon. Shortly after noon enemy shore batteries near Nieuport began to bring Zuydecoote
Pass under spasmodic gunfire and the state was being reached whereby the new Middle Route would become the only practicable daylight approach to Dunkirk and the beaches. At noon,
CALCUTTA, who was able to get across to La Panne beach to receive troops by small boats, embarked 1200 troops from the minesweepers and then sailed for Sheerness the minesweepers remaining to load up again. At 1606 the New Route X having been fully swept, all ships were ordered by the Vice Admiral to use Route X, exercising navigational caution, and those from Dover were instructed to proceed by Route 2, the South route

133
22
.
131
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft, either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY
(Personnel Vessel)
M/S
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned eventually under own steam.
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May

APPENDIX I.
160
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
162
-
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
A.A. CRUISER:
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VIMY
(40)
SLOOPS:
BIDEFORD
GUNBOATS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
UNESWEEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
EL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGO
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO
A/S VESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SANGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
re
SPECIAL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
ESSELS:
"LL" TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
it
A/S TRAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
ore
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WESTELLA
an
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
ue
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
all
INE RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
SILVER DAWN
RIFTERS:
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

231
22)
- 2 -
dark, butphosphorescence was very pronounced.
28/5
12. Twelve knots was maintained while in the narrow channels and every time the sound of aircraft engines was heard speed was reduced to slow to reduce wake.
13. I felt that it was very probable that some form of attack would be made near the Kwinte Whistle Buoy and five miles before reaching it speed was increased to 20 knots and a zig-zag of 40 degrees every four minutes was started. All guns crews and bridge personnel were lookout. warned and were keyed up and were keeping a specially good
14. At 0045 (Wednesday, 29th May) when the ship was two cables
29/0045
rest of the Kwinte Whistle Buoy, two parallel torpedo tracks about
30 yards apart one slightly ahead of the other were seen approaching
150 yards away on the starboard bow. They appeared to be running practically on the surface and the tracks were very bright with phosphorescence. No survivor can say what fired them, but it is evident from subsequent events that they were fired by a motor torpedo boat which was probably lying stopped close to the buoy.
15. The wheel was put hard a port and the ship swung sufficiently to cause one to miss ahead. The other hit in the forward boiler room.
The ship broke in half and the two portions sank within about 15
seconds, each remaining standing with its midship end on the bottom and the bow and stern standing about 60 feet above the water.
16. All Signal Publications were in the W/T Office and must have gone down with the ship. The following secret documents were on the chart table and may possibly have floated to the surface:-
Chart in use on which Dover Strait minefields were lightly marked,
Current table of lettered positions.
ficer remained on the stern portion. All the troops were asleep
17. Most of the guns' crows floated clear and thirty men and an
Delow and went down with the ship except one, and all H.M.S. "wakeful's"
engine room department except one or two were lost. I floated clear fhe bridge.
"Comfort" came on the scene and started to pick up those still swimming.
18. After about half an hour the motor drifters "Nautilus" and
Nautilus" picked up six and "Comfort" 16 including myself.
bout fifteen.
M.S. "Gossamer" arrived soon after and lowered boats which picked up re way with the tide after cruising around for about half an hour
19. The swimmers and rescue ships had drifted some distance the houting clinging "Comfort" to go back to the wreck to take off the stern while "Nautilus" carried on to Dunkirk.
n we got there the stern had fallen over and many men were shouting hit reck and I went alongside the former's starboard quarter to warn her the water. H.M. Ships "Grafton" and "Lydd" were close to the ore at she was in danger of being torpedoed. At that moment (0250) a an orpedomentarily swamped and as she bobbed to the surface again I was in the wardroom and the "Comfort" was lifted in the air, que al the full speed ahoad with no-one on deck I soon had to
I was able to grab a rope's end, but as the
O
S1
th H.M.S. "Lydd" and H.M.S. "Grafton" opened a heavy fire on her with
20. The "Comfort" then came round to a wide circle and suddenly

232
230
- 3 -
Lewis guns and, I think, four inch. I realised that they very naturally thought she was enemy and kept under water as much as possible when the bullets were coming near me.
21. I understand that all the "Comfort's" crew except one and all H.M.S. "Wakeful's" survivors onboard her except four were killed during this affray. of these four, two were later found wounded in the "Comfort's" skiff and picked up. Sub-Lieutenant
Percival-Jones is known to have been amongst those killed.
22. The firing ceased and I awam to the "Comfort" which had stopped engines and was drifting towards me slowly. As I reached her bow and was feeling for a rope's end, H.M.S. "Lydd" bore down on her at full speed and rammed her amidships on the opposite side, outting her in half.
23. I was submerged but came to the surface after an interval and swam about till about 0515 when I was picked up by a boat from the Norwegian ship "Hird" carrying 3000 troops from Dunkirk.
24. I very much hope that some expression of Their Lordships'
appreciation can be sent to the widow of Mr Tucker, Warrant Engineer, on whose high zeal, efficiency and sense of duty I have previously reported to the Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches, and who dealt personally with a burst auxiliary steam pipe at the time of the bomb damage on May 29th. He was unhappily killed with practically the whole of his staff when the ship was torpedoed.
Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham.
25. The list of casualties has been reported by the Commodore,
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
VICE ADMIR
1- JUN 1940
Richer re
DOVER
COMMANDER, ROYAL NAVY.
r
The Vice Admiral, Dover hi
(Copies to:- The Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.
The Commodore, R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
The Admiral Commanding Western Approaches.
an
Captain (D) Plymouth.)
al
O
si

Dynams 46.
N°.4.
253
H.M.S. "LYNX".
251
31st May, 1940.
The Commander M/S,
Dover.
ze NAUTILUS
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report:-
71
At 1700 on Tuesday 28th May H.M.T. "Nautilus" and "Comfort"
left Dover under my directions en route for La Panne.
At 0030 the 29th May in vicinity of Kwinte Bank Buoy we heard cries for help and "Nautilus" picked up six survivors from
Destroyer "Wakeful" which had been torpedoed. "Comfort" picked up sixteen, including her Captain.
I instructed "Comfort" to return to Dover and land survivors.
Was unable to transfer any of the survivors to "Comfort" owing to weather conditions.
"Nautilus" proceeded to La Panne arriving there at 0540.
Closed "Calcutta" and transferred "Wakeful's" survivors to her.
29/5
"Nautilus" then proceeded closer in shore and started ferrying soldiers to the H.19 and when she left at noon we ferried them to H.05 ("Greyhound").
Panne
At 1630 with 150 B.E.F. on board German bombers came along and in the endeavour to hit "Sandown" and "Greyhound" straddled the
"Nautilus". Although not actually hit the engines and steering gear of "Nautilus" were put completely out of action and the vessel began making water rapidly.
"Nautilus" managed to get alongside Destroyer "Greyhound"
and embark troops. In the middle of this the "Greyhound" was damaged by a bomb and her Captain decided to weigh anchor and proceed towards Dover.
Decided on consulting Skipper of "Nautilus" and Captain of "Greyhound" to abandon "Nautilus".
The Skipper poured petrol on C.B's and set them on fire.
He then set his bunk on fire pouring more petrol on same endeavouring to set "Nautilus" completely on fire, as being a very stoutly built wooden ship she would not sink.
About ten soldiers were wounded by bombs falling around
"Nautilus" but none fatally. None of the crew were injured.
Two of "Nautilus" crew were left behind as crew of a large ship's lifeboat which was working in conjunction with a flat bottomed motor punt.
The "Nautilus" transferred between 700 and 800 B.E.F. to the two destroyers.
The crew of the "Nautilus" were grand, in particular the us
Skipper, 2nd engineer, and the cook.
(Continued over).

M
017978
(Revised-June, 1933.)
CONFIDENTIALI
DATE
WHOM
287
90
RA.C RACINGS.
9.11.41
que
461/15.16.
290
SUBJECT.
NGS TO BOARD.
Report of R.A. wake walker on the wasuation
Ann Dunkint 29 may June. 1940
3rd June (cont.) 2300. Grounded when going alongside middle pier of Avant port at Dunkirk. Tug was
286
ordered from ashore but did not arrive. The schoot
"BORNRIFF" and a British drifter endeavoured to tow
3/6
off but without success.
289
4th June. On being informed that no further embarkations could take place after daylight and it then being about two hours after high water I decided at 0145 to send the crew to a British drifter astern. The first party embarked on her, the second party in a French drifter and the remainder including Lieutenant Morton, R.N.V.R. 107
the 1st Lieutenant and myself to a lifeboat ferrying to
H.M.S.LOCUST outside the harbour. The British drifter and the Locust landed their parties at Dover, from where I reported to the N.O.I.C. at Ramsgate. The remainder of the crew were landed by the French drifter at Ramsgate, and the crew returned to Chatham complete at 1615. I consider the "LENA" of little use to the enemy apart from the six tons of Diesel oil onboard, as her screw hit an obstruction when going astern.
I would mention L.M.W. GIBB, Leading Seaman
O.N. D.J. 64311, the coxswain, for his untiring work during the embarkations, and attention to the troops comfort aboard as far as was possible under the circumstances.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R.DC Hanhmis
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, (R.N. Retd.)
The Vice Admiral,
Dover. Admiralty House,

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.

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 7.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events,
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
well as from Dunkirk harbour, both from the aspect of the military situation and from the fact that Dunkirk was limited by a bottle-neck, formed by the narrow gangway along the East
Pier to the points of embarkation. Furthermore, there was every prospect of the weather improving and the surf reducing as the tide rose. Nevertheless, an increased number of
H.M. ships was ordered to Dunkirk to augment the personnel vessels, though it was feared that an accumulation of ships alongside the East Pier at Dunkirk by day might well invite intensive air attack,
Subsequently, this fear was fully to be justified.
25. Meantime, considerable anxiety was felt as to the fate of the personnel vessels which had been despatched in a steady stream to Dunkirk commencing the previous evening. The first of these was due back at Dover about 0300, but by 0900
nothing had been sighted or reported. But at 0700, S.N.O.,
Dunkirk, had reported that the embarkation there was going on at the rate of 2000 an hour, so it was presumed that the transports had failed to enter the harbour during darkness, had waited outside, and had commenced to enter in succession at dawn. The necessity for continuous fighter protection in view of the exposure of these unarmed ships while at Dunkirk and during the daylight passage through coastal waters, was obvious. Constant touch was maintained with R.A.F. Commands to obtain continuous fighter protection during the hours when the Vice Admiral, Dover, estimated the largest concentration of vessels would be present, it being realised that the R.A.F.
resources were not sufficient to provide continuous air cover, and to dispense with full cover at less important periods.
26.
At 0930 the belated return of the personnel vessels from Dunkirk commenced, and proceeded steadily through the day. In addition to the personnel vessels using Dunkirk the
Admiralty were informed of the necessity for X-lighters and other self-propelled lighters to increase the facilities for beach evacuation. A Medical Party was shipped in VERITY for use on the beaches, and a Naval Medical Party was sent to
Dunkirk.
27. The considerable alarm as to the immediate safety of the B.E.F. felt during the evening and early night of the
28th, which caused all available resources to be immediately concentrated on the French Coast, eased during the 29th. But emergency measures taken late on the 28th had an adverse effect on the orderly organisation for evacuation so necessary if effective measures were to be devised and put in force.
28. Meantime, in the early hours of' the 29th, an unfortunate disaster occurred involving the loss of H.M.
destroyers WAKEFUL and GRAFTON, and the danlayer COMFORT.
WAKEFUL, after embarking troops at Bray, sailed for Dover at
2300/28 by the Zuydecoote Pass and North Channel. Approaching the Kwinte Whistle Buoy the speed of the ships was 20 knots, and a zigzag of 40 deg es every 4 minutes was started. At
0045 two torpedo tracks were observed, one torpedo missed, the other hit ship amidships. WAKEFUL broke in half and the two portions sank in 15 seconds, each remaining standing with the midship/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 8.
Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events,
Wednesday, 29th May (continued)
midship end on the bottom. All the troops on board went down with the ship; certain of the crew floated clear. After about 1/2 hour motor drifters NAUTILLUS and COMFORT arrived and started to pick up survivors, later joined by GOSSAMER.
Captain of the WAKEFUL was in the COMFORT. GRAFTON and LYDD
were close and Captain of WAKEFUL warned GRAFTON she was in danger of being torpedoed. At that moment, 0250, GRAFTON was torpedoed, COMFORT was lifted in the air, and Captain of
WAKEFUL washed overboard. COMFORT was going full speed and as she came round in a circle LYDD and GRAFTON opened fire on her, evidently thinking she was an enemy ship. It is believed that COMFORT crew, except one, and WAKEFUL survivors, except 4, were killed. LYDD then bore down on COMFORT, rammed and sank her.
Previously GRAFTON, who was proceeding to Dover with troops, had observed a ship tropedoed, and Iovered her boats to pick up survivors, subsequently ascertained by signal to
LYDD to be WAKEFUL. A small darkened vessel, thought be a drifter, was signalled and told to pick up survivors.
Within a few seconds of this, GRAFTON was torpedoed, The bridge was also hit, either by a shell or grenade, and the
Captain killed instantly. LYDD then tried to come alongside but after hitting starboard side sheered off, and appeared to ram a vessel on port quarter. This was COMFORT. GRAFTON
opened fire under the impression LYDD had rammed the M.T.B.
Target was then shifted to another vessel further away on port quarter, and vessel was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the enemy M.T.B.
29. During the forenoon JAGUAR, GALLANT and GRENADE
were dispatched via the new Middle Route X to test the opposition by shore batteries prior to introducing this route as an alternative to the long Northern route. GRENADE arrived
Dunkirk, reported no fire from shore batteries, but that she had experienced heavy bombing. These three destroyers were attacked by dive bombers when approaching Dunkirk at about noon, and GALLANT was damaged. At least six attacks were carried out, one enemy aircraft was brought down by gunfire and others by fighters. An hour later MALCOLM reported
Dunkirk heavily bombed with a large number of aircraft and during the afternoon this bombing extended up the coast to ships off Bray. During the afternoon the Middle Route X was brought into use for destroyers, but small ships were still routed round the Northern route to Zuydecoote Pass. LOCUST
and MOSQUITO joined Dover Command and were despatched to work on the beaches during the afternoon. Shortly after noon enemy shore batteries near Nieuport began to bring Zuydecoote
Pass under spasmodic gunfire and the state was being reached whereby the new Middle Route would become the only practicable daylight approach to Dunkirk and the beaches. At noon,
CALCUTTA, who was able to get across to La Panne beach to receive troops by small boats, embarked 1200 troops from the minesweepers and then sailed for Sheerness, the minesweepers remaining to load up again. At 1606 the New Route X having been fully swept, all ships were ordered by the Vice Admiral to use Route X, exercising navigational caution, and those from Dover were instructed to proceed by Route Z, the South route/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12,
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft, either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY (Personnel Vessel)
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned eventually under own steam,
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May
!

APPENDIX I.
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
RUISER:
CALCUTTA
YERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VILY
BIDEFORD
TS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
EEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
EL
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WESTWARD HO
ESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SARGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
AL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
LS:
ROYAL EAGLE
TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
RAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WISTELLA
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
ERS:
SILVER DAWN
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 60
H.M.S. PRINCESS ELIZABETH. four - Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, stopping Did for four on the R.N.V.R. go without the Ship boats was attacked when working from the on beach. many over occasions 1,600 and troops. also
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
duty brought the operation a large body devotion of troops to
By throughout his skill, seamanship and great were damage to back to England without any serious his ship.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Sub.-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R.
under ceaseless shell fire and bombing was outstanding the beaches. His ingenuity, courage and gallantry
Was in charge of boats during the operation off and his tenacity and leadership in getting his boats loaded created a great impression.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX.127274.
Showed great initiative and leadership during the operation. His general bearing, conduct and ability, coolness and devotion to duty under fire whilst towing large numbers of boats from the beach ring was an example to all.
tered
DSM
vors
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Ernest Baker, T. 124.
as hom
Showed great zeal and initiative apart from his ordinary work in volunteering for boatwork in which he was thereafter employed. Further, he took charge of the loaned motor-boat.
D.S.M
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Ernest Savidge, R.N.V.R.
Did very valuable work as a volunteer in boat's crew. Although crushed and badly bruised between two boats he continued his work with a cheerfulness and total disregard for his own comfort.
DSM
Recommended for mention.

Page 123
Operation "DYNAMO" Recommendations of Personnel,
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HONDSRUG (Continued), let
Recommendations.
40
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.R.
DSC
Displayed exceptional endurance, initiative and d determination during 9 days of continuous operation, during which his vessel was frequently under air attack. Handled his vessel with great skill and judgment, consequently succeeding in avoiding the navigational dangers which brought so many other skoots to grief. Beached his vessel with good judgment as necessary to embark troops.
Recommended for decoration.
be me]
RATING.
sh
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92816.
Acted as coxswain and displayed high qualities of leadership with his inexperienced crew. Showed great coolness under fire when the unarmed HONDSRUG
was machine gunned and bombed, and was a tower of strength throughout the operation.
D S M
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. LENA - Lieutenant-Commander Richard Purnell
Caesar Hawkins, R.N. (Ret.).
Recommendation.
RATING.
Leading Seaman Lauchan McLean Watt Gibb, D/J.64311.
Coxswain of this vessel. During 3 round trips was conspicuous for his untiring work during embarkation and attending to the comfort of those troops embarked as far as was possible. His conduct under bombing attack when the ship was damaged was exemplary.
ber
Recommended for mention.
N.1
Dutch/
nd high

Page 60
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. PRINCESS ELIZABETH. - Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
Did four trips, being continuously on the go without stopping for four days, bringing back over 1,600 troops.
Ship was attacked by aircraft on many occasions and also the boats when working from the beach.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
By his skill, seamanship and great devotion to duty throughout the operation a large body of troops were brought back to England without any serious damage to his ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Sub.-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R.
Was in charge of boats during the operation off the beaches. His ingenuity, courage and gallantry under ceaseless shell fire and bombing was outstanding and his tenacity and leadership in getting his boats loaded created a great impression.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX. 127274.
Showed great initiative and leadership during the operation. His general bearing, conduct and ability, coolness and devotion to duty under fire whilst towing large numbers of boats from the beach was an example to all.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Ernest Baker, T.124.
Showed great zeal and initiative apart from his ordinary work in volunteering for boatwork in which he was thereafter employed. Further, he took charge of the loaned motor-boat.
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Ernest Savidge, R.N.V.R.
Did very valuable work as a volunteer in boat's crew. Although crushed and badly bruised between two boats he continued his work with a cheerfulness and total disregard for his own comfort.
Recommended for mention.