TNA ADM 199 792

CONFIDENTIAL
118
Report on Oneration "DYNAMO".
Page 7.
116
CONFIDENTIAL
115
Report on Operation "DYNAMO".
Page 6.
re
117
fighting formations were encountered. French troops handl ist were either demoralised and had to be controlled by force or n by the use of fire-arms, or were so rigidly bound by disciplin and tradition that they would not embark except by complete formation under their own unit officers. In either case, the rate of embarkation was much slower than with British troops.
12.
INITIATIVE SHOWN BY COMMANDING OFFICERS AND
last
SUBORDINATE PERSONNEL.
A most satisfactory feature of the operation was the high degree of initiative shown by Commanding and
Subordinate Officers of units operating off the coast, ranging from H.M. Destroyers to comandeered motor boats. The majority of officers and ratings in command were in situations requiring independent action in extrenely difficult
S
conditions. Often the easiest course was to be satisfied with work already achieved' and to return to the United
Kingdom with a final load of troops. The reverse action was invariably executed, namely, continued operation off the 1
coast as long as there were both troops ashore to be n.
evacuated and vessels off shore to receive them. If the craft in use was damaged or sunk the crew invariably seized some other boat to continue their efforts.
gh
Unaware of the military situation ashore and ofter forced to move westward by bombardment from German artillery or even by rifle fire from advancing German forces, the majority of these boats, commanded often by stokers or ure hostility only seamen, had only one object in view, to lif from the beach any, and all troops, British or Allied, with sight of the water's edge.
e
On their return to the United Kingdom when asked report their proceedings it was only in answer to direct enquiry that it would transpire that these young men had subjected, in many cases, to an unparalleled bombardment an the air. They appeared to consider that this was part of day's work requiring no comment.
ork
13.
LOSSES OF TROOPS AFTER EMBARKATION.
It is a distressing fact that many ships were or damaged on the return voyage when laden with troops.
is fortunate that in most of such cases the majority of troops were saved owing to the large volume of traffic t)
was coming and going between Dunkirk and the United King
Exceptions to this were due to the rapidity with which ce cer ships sank after having been bombed or torpedoed, Such cases"
are as follows:-
loat
WAKEFUL torpedoed. Ship broke in half and only those on hore, the upper deck were saved. About 600 troops were belostaff
CRESTED EAGLE. Was bombed and then beached in a burning ven condition. Only about 300 saved out of 600 on board ence to
SKIPJACK. 250 - 300 troops on board, most of whom,
Chi unfor tunately, went down with the ship when sh sank. aff,
Bombed

131
1?9
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9, 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
128
7/5
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing, which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray.
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000, not only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end of x Route. These attacks were to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers ahead of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them with the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer ahead of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of the Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
GRENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
In addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour but further inside. This presented a very good target and the ships were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the time being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in leaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed part of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
CANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops but was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again in these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying alongside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
GRENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and the trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire had to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the fairway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY, who witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by bombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having ceased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and trawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a sunk drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived to find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships, was with no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in thantly harbour uld little
36

132
130
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve the high rate of evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

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

2
(4)
291
Dark oil tanks when we arrived near Dunkerque. burnin above. lighted up the sky, with Flames from smoke at anchor Saw a ship (CLAN MACALLISTER) a black pall of provided a off Braye: burning until the on fire offshore but plight. Another deserted merchant ship was in similar and guns. useful diversion for German bombers end, deserted, shore
0400 30th May. time, parties in destroyer's boats. South, All landing the We approached beach Dunkerque beaches from the
Cdr. and it was not until 0400 that we found HEBE this took (Lieut.-
the John Temple) off Braye and transferred to her. At
Flat same time the 2 Commodores were put into drifters.
to boats off the beaches. Bush (who was in HEBE) seemed and calm: difficult to see in dark; many ships, drifters be rather despondent, having seen the shore black with men standing up to their waists in water; embarkation process being extremely slow.
Dawn
Arrived ahead. in HEBE off La Panne and got some idea of the task
(5)
Physical description of the beach. Long stretch of sand dunes rising fairly steeply in places from a gently shelving beach which dries for 200 yards or more at L.W.
Offshore the water deepens very gradually and a destroyer cannot get nearer than half a mile, etc.
Large groups of men all over the beaches and a dark line of men at the water's edge. Off Braye BIDEFORD was ashore with her stern completely blown off by a bomb: LOCUST -
river g.b. - trying to tow her off, which she eventually did and got her back to England. Farther towards Dunkerque another ship (CRESTED EAGLE?) was high and dry and burnt out; also many boats broached to on the beach. Lying off were destroyers, sloops, drifters, etc., and men making their way off in whalers, motor boats and pontoon craft.
A slight swell made landing difficult, and many boats broached to and were stranded on a falling tide. The visibility was not good, with low-lying clouds: very thankful for this, a blessing we were not always to enjoy.
Daylight
Could now get a clearer idea of situation and conditions.
Beaches were packed with troops, but they appeared to be orderly and under proper control. A few ships were lying as close in as possible and were being slowly filled up by their own boats and a few local craft. Ships' motor boats were towing off the whalers assisted by motor launchen but these could not get very close in; pontoon craft were being paddled off by soldiers, but it was not easy to get them back ashore again and often they were left to float away empty. As soon as a sloop or destroyer was full up
I
she left and took her boats with her - the boats' crews were guns' crews and no one wanted to be without them.
To anyone with the appreciation of the practical difficult-l ies of embarking in small boats with a long pull to seaward'
the sight of that beach black with troops was dismaying.
The number steadily increased and at back of our minds all ore the time was question and fear of how long the defence line could hold and the weather remain fair.
(6) 0630
Crux of matter was boats, boats' crews and towage; and at
0630 I signalled the urgent need of these. By about 0730
0730
most of the ships had loaded up and were leaving: I asked r for more ships and again stressed need of boats.
I now moved down to Dunkerque to get in communication with hit.
Tennant and went alongside pier in response to a signal.
nore
Description of Dunkerque (see plan). Outer harbour is formed by 2 breakwaters approx at right angles, leaving a and narrow entrance between. Western Arm of solid stone:
que
Eastern Arm (called here East Pier) only solid for short al part of inshore end, the rest being built of concrete piles.o wide enough for 4 men walking abreast. Alongside short through which tide flows and on which is a narrow pathway East isi
Pier is channel to inner harbour and docks. A
length

313
310
- 5
30/5
at 1017 water. Off shore the water deopons very gradually and a destroyer connot get nosrer than half a mile. At intervals along the coast there ore small towns, seaside resorts, which apposr perched on the top of the dunos which slope there more gently to the beach. Such are La Panno, Braye and
St. Malo - red brick houses, protentious villes and the typical modern seaside architecture. But now the growing light showed a different picture -
at the water' S câge was a dark line of men and there were large groups of mon all over the beaches. Off Brayo the "BIDEFORD" was ashore with her storn completely blown off by a bomb; the "LOCUST" - a shallow draft river-gunboat -
was trying to take her in tow and eventually did BO and got her off and back to England. Further down towards Dunkirk another ship was high and dry and burnt out on the beach - this, I think, was the "CRESTED EAGLE" and there were also many boats of one sort and another broached to on the beach.
Lying off the beaches were Destroyers and Sloops, Drifters and other
X
craft, and men were making their way off in whalers, motor boats and portoon craft.
There was a slight swell which made landing difficult and many boats broached to and were stranded by the tide. The visibility was not good and overhead there were low lying clouds - a blossing for which tye were preatly thankful, and which we were not always to enjoy. As soon as it Was light
I was able to get some clearer idea of the situation and conditions. The beaches were packed with troops, but they appeared to be orderly and under
X
proper control. Off the beaches were a few ships as close as they could got and these were being slowly filled up by their own boats and a fow local craft. Ships' motor boats were towing off the whalers assisted by NOVOR
launches, but these could not get very close in. Pontoon craft were being paddled off by soldiers but it was not easy to got them back inshere again, often they were left to float away empty. All soon as a Sloop 02'
D. Destroyer was full up she left and took her boats with her - the boate'
crews were guns' crews and no-one wanted to be without thom.
To anyone with an appreciation of the practical difficultion of embarking in small Boats with a long pull to seaverd, the sight of that beach black with troops was dismaying. The musibers increased stoudily as more men filed down the sand dunes and at the back of our minds all the

CASE 3711
31-1
35
28
28a
91Gon
91-7
H.M. SHIPS LOST DURING EVACUATION OF TROOPS FROM
11-2
DUNKIRK (Operation "DYNAMO")
Index(31)
WHS
& as below
28
Vice Admiral A. Bedford appointed to conduct informal enquiries
28a into losses, to learn lessons for general application and to ascertain the behaviour of material etc.
Reports.
List of ships and officers concerned.
X
Special remarks re:-
91Gen
Design Generally
91-7
Watertight Doors.
9147
Steering Gear. Wire Hauser connection of "Crested Eagle"
continued to function after heavy explosions, whereas usual chain and rod connection would probably have been fractured.
Protection of Steering Gear. Stores in after storing C
compartment should be as stowed as not to interfere with steering gear if displaced by explosion etc.
(Also see D.710/41)
31-5
Scuttles for Escape of Personnel. More and larger scuttles necessary. Aluminium scuttle frames too weak to withstand heavy shocks.
Deck Protection. Experiments with Bitumastic and other materials. Excellent resistance of decks of "Westward Ho"
to machine gún bullets.
X
11-2
Older Destroyers
"Whip" af ship excessive, following blow from explosion or near miss. Reference to investigations into possible modification of structures to avoid buckling etc.
11,11-2
Armament of Smaller War Vessels, including Minesweepers.
597a 59-42
2,31-5
Firefighting Equipment in H.M. Ships
X
5-3,19-2
Destruction of C.B's in Emergency. Particular reference to smaller vessels operating in shallow waters.
Various incendiary etc. proposals.
Skipper MacLean of H.M. S. Nautilus praised by Vice Admiral
Bedford for special action taken to destroy confidential publications.
11-2
Destroyers lost at Dunkirk.
11
Minor War Vessels lost at Dunkirk.
59 7.00
Behaviour of material. Special reports by Vice Admiral Bedford,
91Gen x
with remarks by Controller's Departments etc.
9
Motor Boat, property of Lt. Tattersall, lost with H.M. Waverley,
Reference to claim for compensation
1940

4/7/88) (1709) Wt. 22622/4313 50M 9/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
6
Register No. N.L. 6245/40.
Minute Sheet No.2.
Shin
Date lost
Senior surviving
Officers.
Miscellaneous.
CRESTED EAGLE (con'd) 30th May
Probationary Temporary
Lieutenant
D.J.R.Davies,R.N.R.
-
VKING ORRY
11528
30th May
Commander J.Elliott,
R.N.R.
Temporary Lieutenant J. Lee, R.N.R.
-
"GRIVE
10168
1st June
Temporary Sub-Lieutenan
J.K.B.Miles, R.N.V.R.
"MOSQUITO 10932
1st June
Lieutenant
D.H.D. Gardiner, R.N.
Probationary Sub-Lieut.
E.S. Flint, R.N.R.
T.C.Skeat for HEAD OF C.W.
22nd June, 1940.
Would Cw and ACR please stal the present addresses of these affecirs.
C. Wallworth for Ho. ML
13.7.40
R.o.mote:
also dear Lerein
-
Sr. Jagan (H.m. Ing) 10932
-
Pellag II (H.M. armed Jush) 11387
Vessels marked 0 1 covered in reports

NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP
RANK
SHIP IN WHICH NOW SER
PORTSMOUTH
H.C.J. McRae,
Lieutenant, R.N.
BRANLEBRAS
GRAFTON
Temp, Montesset,
WILDFIRE
R.E.Y.R.
D.J.R. Davies.
Pby. Temp.
VICTORY For Boom Defer es
CRESTED EAGLE
Lt, Cmdr. Cedra,
PERMISE for EMPEROR -
R.N.R.
J. Elliott
Cmdr. R.N.R.
VICTORY Additional
KING ORRY
warm STEAGAN
LACW RN
R.W.
HUSSAR breatlent the
PORTLAND
F.P. Tattersall
Temp. Lieut.
BOSCAMEN
WAVERLEY
Lieutenent, R.R.
GANGES
PLYMOUTH
Texp. Acting
BURTING B.O. A/P.
M. Richmond
BELLE
Comunder, R.N.V.R.
TRIOMPHANT
BASILISK
Exppor, J.N.R.
BEAVER for DRANGEY
DOVER
A.M. Lovis
Temp. Skipper,
LYNX For GOLDEN SUNBE
PAXTON
R.N.R.1pper,
BADDER for GAYA
C. Sanson,
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For YOUNG MON
GIRL PAMELA
R.N.R.
R. Maclean
Acting Skipper
LYNX For WILLING BOYS
NAUTILUS
R.N.R.
E.F. Dettman (WHITSTABLE)
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For EILEEN EMMA BCA
BOY ROY
R.N.E.

NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP
RANK
SHIP IN WHICH NOW SERV
PORTSMOUTH
H.C.J. McRae,
Lieutenant, R.N.
BRANLEBRAS
GRAFTON
D.J.R. Davies.
Pby. Temp.
VICTORY For Boom Defen
CRESTED EAGLE
Lt, Cmdr.
J. Elliott
Cmdr. R.N.R.
VICTORY Additional
KING ORRY
G.H when STEAGAN
LACW RN
Excellent -ma
PORTLAND
F.P. Tattersall
Temp. Lieut.
BOSCAREN
WAVERLEY
PLYMOUTH
M. Richmond
Comunder, R.N.
TRIOMPHANT
BASILISK
DOVER
A.M. Lovis
Temp. Skipper,
LYNX For GOLDEN SUNBE
PAXTON
R.N.R.
C. Sanson,
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For YOUNG MON
GIRL PAMELA
R.N.R.
R. Maclean
Acting Skipper
LYNX For WILLING BOYS
NAUTILUS
R.N.R.
E.F. Dettman (WHITSTABLE)
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For EILEEN EMMA
BOY ROY
R.N.E.

BOX BOX
TX Decease (mm/dd/yyyy)
Denib*
Γox ROL RITER
INVESTITION
E project
FREE
youret Dicrober,
PARX box STATE
OTHER LIMITY
of
8'N'S"
-
TXMX ходио
EYJGIOR
TW DOATH
***X FOR corner
DOASB
SVRITTER
at
Comergex. Brut
#VASETRX
1'5"
Lemo* ITems
BOROVERN
HOLITED
what
MARATE
KIND OSBX
-M
"I"
E'WE'
ALCJORI
CHECKED EVCTS
I'f'
D'I'S" DEATES*
102. Josh
AICJOBI hor. Boom
GSVLIOR
FOT House'
5'W
REVERESEVE
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP.
RANK
SHIP IN WHICH N
SHEERNESS
AND
YAEMOUTH
H. Jones
Temp. Lieutenant,
WILDFIRE
GRACIE FIELDS
R.N.V.R.
B.R. Booth, R.N.R.
Pby. Lt. Cmdr.,
PEMBROKE for EMI
CRESTED EAGLE
R.N.R.
BUROPA
D.H.D. Gardiner,
Lieut,, R.N.
HUSSAR
MOSQUITO
Chief Sicippor,
EUROPA
HARWICH AND IPSWICH
R.N.S.
A.H. Terry
Lieutenant, R.N.
GANGES
HAVANT
Team,
CAROLINE
L.K. Perrin,
Temp. Acting
BUNTING S.O. A/P
BRIGHTON BELLE
Lt. Cmdr. R,N.V,R.
Lientepant,
PATROCLUS
E. Chaney,
Skipper, R.N.R.
BEAVER for DRANG
WESTELLA
J.H. Mugridge
Temp. Skipper,
BADGER for GAVA
LORD CAVAN
Visable
OLIO for
R.K.T.E.
Commider, B.B.
Curney How

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.

P. NL 9530/40
84
CONFIDENTIAL.
Harwich.
10932
4th September, 1940.
No. 19/18 AB/40.
1940
Report of Enquiry into loss of H.M.Paddle A.A.
Ship "Crested Eagle" in operation "Dynamo".
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L 6245/40 dated
1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before their Lordships the following report resulting from an Enquiry held into the loss of H.M. Paddle A.A. Ship "Crested Eagle" on 29th
May, 1940.
2. Temporary Lieutenant Commander B.R. Booth, R.N.R, who was in command of "Crested Eagle", was examined on 4th
September, 1940.
3. At about 1800 on 31st May, "Crested Eagle" was leaving
Dunkirk with troops on board when enemy dive bombers attacked her. One bomb passed through the engine room to generator flat where it exploded, fractured oil drums and started a severe fire.
(ii) At the same time a second bomb struck the ship a little further aft and a third and fourth still further aft.
4. The shock of the explosions lifted the ship well out of the water and in a few minutes she was burning furiously from the engine room to stern.
5. The ship was beached and abandoned, whilst further bombing attacks were being made on her.
6. Before beaching the ship, the Commanding Officer had thrown the steel chest containing S.Ps and C.Bs. and Charts overboard in about 12 fathoms of water, 2 to 3 miles from the shore.
7. When last seen at about 1845 the ship was almost completely gutted by fire.
8. There is in the circumstances no criticism of material.
The severe bombing caused fires with which it was quite impossible to cope. She had no W.T. bulkheads and excepting for the hull was entirely constructed of wood.
9. With reference to paragraph 4 above, although the ship was badly shaken by the explosion the steering gear continued to function. This is attributed to the fact that instead of the usual chain and rod connections, liable to fracture, from the bridge to the tiller, she was fitted with a heavy wire hawser which gave to the movement of the ship.
10. I was assisted in my enquiry by Lieutenant Commander (E)
W.G.H. Nicholson, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient aBeatord Servant,
Vice Admiral.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.

28811
9. The damage was sustained bound by to GRACIE FIELDS
a ship of this type arise in points, namely:- however, of to
(i) Had the main and auxiliary stop valves been in a more accessible position it would have been possible to shut off steam and thus gain access damage. to Engine Room to inspect, and possibly repair, of constates
(ii) It Tod is considered that steel wire is preferable to and chain connection to steering gear
(vide paragraph 9 of report on loss of CRESTED
EAGLE No 19/18AB/40 dated 4th September 1940).
To
10. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander G. St.
Lewellyn, R.N. and Engineer Commander Thomas Arnold, R.N.
vjintaiv nt no
5030
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Jurie alBertory
This
Vice Admiral.
10 tug notsolqxe two W

H.M.A.B.V.S. Paddle Minesweepers and A.A. Vessels, M/S Trawlers, etc.
Name of Ship and Date and No.
Item of report
Existing Arrangements or
Recommendations
Fittings - Damage etc.
Paddle A.A. Ship CRESTED EAGLE
(1) Steering Gear
No.19/18 AB/40 of 4th September,
(1) Wire Hawser connection between
(1) Although Ship was very wheel on bridge and tiller.
1940
badly shaken by explosions, wire connections did not fracture as so often happens with rod and chain connection
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS
(i) Main Stop Valve
No. 25/24 AB/40 of 21st September,
(i) Situated in funnel casing on
(i) Valve should be in a upper deck above boiler. Owing
1940
position more easily to excessive heat valve would not accessible.
be closed. In trying to do so so
Chief Engineer was badly burnt.
(11) Steering Gear
(11) Rod and chain connection
(ii) Wire hawsers considered between bridge and tiller fractured preferable - vide (1) above by shock of bomb explosions.
for CRESTED EAGLE.
Harbour Defence Vessel AMULREE
(1) Watertight
(1) Deck openings not fitted with
(1) W.T. hatches would make
No.3/3 AB/46 of 10th August, 1940
compartment
W.T. covers.
ship less liable to sink in the event of collision or other damage
M.S. Trawler ARGYLLSHIRE
(1) Watertight
(1) Engines and Boilers in same
(1) Considered desirable to
No.22/21 AB/40 of 17th September, compartment compartment.
divide these by a W.T.
1940
Bulkhead.
(i) Auxiliary Steam
(1) No isolating valves.
(1) Isolating valves
A.B.V. KING ORRY
No.24/23 AB/40 of 20th September,
System
Escaping steam in after Steering considered necessary, also
1940
compartment prevented access to providing for shutting off enable hand wheel to be connected.
steam to after steering compartment.
(11) Scuttles near
(ii) Renders ship more liable to
(ii) Considered that water line.
flooding when side is holed.
scuttles at or near water line should be permanently plated in.
M.S. Trawler POLLY JOHNSON
(1) Hull
(1) Splinter holes near water
(i) Considered necessary line.
that these craft should
No.29/28 AB/40 of 4th October,
1940
carry a number of varying size wooden plugs for stopping shot or splinter holes.
Small craft generally
C.B's and S.P's
Books kept in steel chests in
To ensure destruction when cabin between decks.
as frequently occurs, access to cabin is not possible, it is preferable that books be kept in lockers on bridge and a weighted bag available in which they can be quickly placed for burning or throwing overboard.

CONFIDENTIAL
Report on Operati on "DYNAMO".
Page 6.
fighting formations were encountered. French troops handled were either demoralised and had to be controlled by force or by the use of fire-arms, or were so rigidly bound by discipline and tradition that they would not embark except by complete formation under their own unit officers. In either case, the rate of embarkation was much slower than with British troops.
12. INITIATIVE SHOWN BY COMMANDING OFFICERS AND
SUBORDINATE PERSONNEL.
A most satisfactory feature of the operation was the high degree of initiative shown by Commanding and
Subordinate Officers of units operating off the coast, ranging from H.M. Destroyers to comandeered motor boats. The majority of officers and ratings in command were in situations requiring independent action in extrenely difficult conditions. Often the easiest course was to be satisfied with work already achieved and to return to the United
Kingdom with a final load of troops. The reverse action was invariably executed, namely, continued operation off the coast as long as there were both troops ashore to be evacuated and vessels off shore to receive them. If the craft in use was damaged or sunk the crew invariably seized some other boat to continue their efforts.
Unaware of the military situation ashore and often forced to move westward by bombardment from German artillery or even by rifle fire from advancing German forces, the majority of these boats, commanded often by stokers or hostility only seamen, had only one object in view, to lift from the beach any, and all troops, British or Allied, within sight of the water's edge.
On their return to the United Kingdom when asked to report their proceedings it was only in answer to direct enquiry that it would transpire that these young men had been subjected, in many cases, to an unparalleled bombardment from the air. They appeared to consider that this was part of the day's work requiring no comment.
13. LOSSES OF TROOPS AFTER EMBARKATION.
It is a distressing fact that many ships were sunk or damaged on the return voyage when laden with troops. It is fortunate that in most of such cases the majority of such troops were saved owing to the large volume of traffic that was coming and going between Dunkirk and the United Kingdom.
Exceptions to this were due to the rapidity with which certain ships sank after having been bombed or torpedoed. Such cases are as follows:-
WAKEFUL torpedoed. Ship broke in half and only those on the upper deck were saved. About 600 troops were below.
CRESTED EAGLE. Was bombed and then beached in a burning condition. Only about 300 saved out of 600 on board.
SKIPJACK. 250 - 300 troops on board, most of whom, unfortunately, went down with the ship when she sank.
WAVERLEY/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing, which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray,
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000, nt only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end or X Route. These attacks vere to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers head of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them vith the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer head of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of
;he Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
RENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
in addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour ut further inside. This presented a very good target and the hips were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the ime being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in eaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed art of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
ANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops ut was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again n these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying longside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
RENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and he trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire ad to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the airway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY, no witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by ombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having eased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and rawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a ink drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived o find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships, th no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in the harbour/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve the high rate of evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve the high rate of evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

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

17.
'Dell
Leonard Travers,
Able Seaman a D/JX.133219, H.MS. Glengowe
Able Seaman James Wallis, C/SSX.27313, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Edwin George Webster, C/JX.142167, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Able Seaman George John Woodger, C/J.45802, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Frederick William Jacobs, C/J.100758, R.F.R., B.23901,
H.M.S. Malcolm.
Able Seaman James Kidd, R.F.R., D/SSX.13321, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J.93546, R.F.R., B.21781, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Seaman George Tilbury, c/ss.7850, R.F.R., B.17336, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Peaman Richard Philip Smith, R.N.V.R., БЕЗДХХЗЛАЙ MD/X.1950,
H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman Harold Oscar Carter, C/SSX.17317, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Charles Raymond Craig, D/JX.141848, H.M.S. Bideford.
Signalman Harry Guy, C/JX.150713, H.M.S. Calcutta.
Signalman Eric Ernest Roden, C/J.103654, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Stanley Thompson, C/JX.133505, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Signalman Leslie David Ball, R.M.V.R.? LD5/X.3548, H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman James Stanley Duffy, R.N.N.R.A,C/TDX.1412,
Signalman Ronald Henry Walters, R.N.V.R., C/LDX.4178.
queen of Thanet.
Signalman John Albert Williamson, R.NV.R., LD/X.4036, H.M.S. Glenaven
Stoker First Class Jack Chadwick, D/KX.81834, HLM.S. Jaguar.
Stoker First Class Samuel Comben, P/K.62179, H.M.S. Vimy.
Stoker First Class Charles Irvine, C/KX.86537, H.M.S. Sabre.
Stoker First Class William Reginald Gordon Jones, C/KX.92890, H.M.S.
Wolsey.
Stoker First Class Percy William Spray, P/KX.87052, Newhaven Rosa Life Boa
Sick Berth Attendant Eric James Littlewood Gibson, D/MX.56025, Ivanhoe. H.M.S.
Sick Berth Attendant (R) Alfred Bassford, c/x.8080, R.N.A.S.B.R.
Sick Berth Attendant Albert William Keller, R.N.A.S.B.R., D/X.6785,
H.M.S. Havant.
Sick Berth Attendant James Timothy Tomlinson, R.N.A.S.B.R.? P/X.6941.
H.M.S. Vivacious.
Sick Berth Attendant Edward Welch, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/SBR/X.7341, H.M.S. Esk.
Sick Berth Attendant John Yeoman, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/X.7093, H.M.S. Express.
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry, D/JX.158456, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Ordinary Seaman Arthur Thomas Burton, P/JX.182142, H.M.S. Portsdown.
Ordinary Seaman Dominic Kenny, D/SSX.30221, H.M.S. Shikari.
Shaw
Ordinary Seaman William Lyons, D/SSX.30211, H.M.S. Shikari. are
Brigana aire

Page 87
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
"M" DRIFTERS attached to H.M.S. WATCHFUL - Lieutenant Alexander Harper-
Turner N. Group Officer troops from Dunkirk Harbour and off the beaches. They were
Thirteen Drifters were used in the operation, taking continually being bombed and also shelled by shore batteries. Three ships of the flotilla were put out of action by near misses. The remainder all received superficial damage from splinters and concussion.
k
Recommendations.
Page 35
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
e
R.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE. - Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth, R.N.R.
t
During the aerial bombardment of the pier, and the subsequent bombing, beaching and burning of CRESTED EAGLE
off Dunkirk on 29th May, the following officers and men displayed great gallantry, devotion to duty and were n
conspicuous amongst a gallant ship's company.
Remaining steady at their posts when overtaken by disaster, their effort resulted in the rescue of a large number of survivors.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
iring stere
M
Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth, R.N.R.
ivors
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones, T.124.
was whom
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
DS
M Able Seaman George Frend, C/J.95190.
M Chief Steward John Gooch, T.124.
MY Able Seaman George Tilleny, 0/88.7050, R.F.R. B.17336.
M
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J 93546.R.F.R. B.21781.
M
Ordinary Seaman Frank A.V. Patrick, C/JK.171302.
Recommended for mention.

Page 54
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. LYDD (Continued).
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Rodolph Cecil Drummond Haig, R.N.
Showed great skill and determination and seamanship in the operations in which he was concerned over at the beaches, and also in Dunkirk Harbour, and succeeded in rescuing a large number of troops from m
the CRESTED EAGLE, which had been bombed.
Recommended for mention.

Page as
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE. - Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth.R.N.R.
During the aerial bombardment of the pier, and the subsequent bombing, beaching and burning of CRESTED EAGLE
off Dunkirk on 29th May, the following officers and men displayed great gallantry, devotion to duty and were conspicuous amongst a gallant ship's company.
Remaining steady at their posts when overtaken by disaster, their effort resulted in the rescue of a large number of survivors.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth. R.N.R.
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones, T.124.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Able Seaman George Frend, C/J.95190.
M
Chief Steward John Gooch, T.124.
Able Seaman George Tilleny, C/SS.7050, R.F.R. B.17336.
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J 93546 R.F.R. B.21781.
Ordinary Seaman Frank A.V. Patrick, C/JK.171302.
Recommended for mention.