TNA ADM 199 792

VERY SECRET
928
WAR REFUGEES
6
While nothing in this memorandum should be taken as indicating that
H.M. Government has any special reason to suppose that the possibilities with which it deals are imminent, considerations of humanity and prudence have led the Departments concerned to consider what steps would have to be taken to deal with an influx of refugees from Belgium or Holland in the event of a German invasion of those countries.
During the last war nearly 250,000 Belgian refugees were accommodated here without insuperable difficulty, but it is estimated that at least
500,000 might be expected to escape on this occasion.,In addition to this great increase in numbers, the problem of accommodation has been very greatly complicated by the danger of large scale air raids and the necessities of existing evacuation schemes.
The French Government has indicated that although it would be prepared to do all in its power to assist in the evacuation of refugees from Belgium, it could not undertake to retain any substantial number owing to the grave problems arising from the evacuation of the population of Northern France and the presence in that country of the British Expeditionary Force as well as the French Army.
For obvious reasons, any appeal to the public is impossible at present but energetic steps are being taken to prepare emergency schemes for accommodation in public buildings etc., in neutral areas. The resources of reception areas are already fully taxed and it would be undesirable to send large numbers of refugees - especially women and children - to evacuation areas, where they might be expected to be subjected to severe air raids.
It is doubted, however, whether this course can be avoided if the total should prove to be as large as is now feared.
H.M. Government is therefore anxious to explore all the possibilities of accommodation outside Great Britain and semi-official approaches have already been made to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and Northern Ireland.
The advantages to the unfortunate people concerned of being placed in an area free from enemy attack will at once be apparent.
The purpose of this note is to bring the problem to the notice of
/the

Statement of the operations of Commander
Dove's party at Dunkirk.
Prefatory Note.
The party consisted of Commander Dove, b.Lieutenant
Field, and Sub.Lieutenant Addis, R.N.V.R. The object was to erect a lethal kite barrage round the port of Dunkirk. Commander Dove sailed with "Boy Roy" and "Natsuki" on May 2004 with 200
sets of lethal kite gear. Sub,Lieut,Field and Sub.Lieut Addis left Daver with H.M.D. "Gervais Rentaul". On instructions from
Captain A/P took command of the Drifter
(skipper Mr.Burgess,R.N.R)
Report.
Sub.Lieut Field and Addis, sailed from Dover 6345 Friday
May 25th with 9 tons high explosives for the demolition party, 4
tons of medical stores, 1 Medical officer Major Russell, 1 Army liaison officer Captain Hill, and 3 signal ratings. After an uneventful passage, we arrived off Dunkirk 0930 to find a large scale air attack by the enemy in progress. We noted then, and for the whole time we were in Dunkirk that in spite of the courage and persistence of the shore A.A.units the great majority of their salvoe were well astern of their targets. We immediately entered the harbour and made fast alongside the South Quay.
Army Officers and signal ratings, we reported to Cdr.
Henderson B.N.L.O. who order "Gervais Rentaul" to keep clear of the harbour to avoid the aerial bombardment which had recommenced. We then reported to Cdr. Banks of the demolition party that we had brought his explosives, and shortly afterwards made contact with
Cdr. Dove who had taken charge of a portion of a demolition party.
Cdr.Dove now signalled the G.R. to re-enter the harbour and took in tow two sinking tugs which were threatening to block completely the South Quay. If this had not been done at once it would have been difficulty if not impossible for the hospital and personnel ships to make fast to the South Quay. The, "Gervaise" was maneeuvred to a small lock on the south side to avoid the risk of her being hit and exploding the ammunition in the fairway. Ammunition medical stores were then unloaded and handed over to Cdr. Banks who up to that time had not received any primersor detonators for the depth charges.
Cdr.Dove then signalled in two hospital ships which were in the offing and the work of loading these was just put in hand inmediately. As there was no. labour dock available at any time during our stay in Dunkirk Commander Dove himself and with help of his officers organised and carried out the necessary work. Now the
South Quay was cleared it was possible for further hospital and personnel ships to enter and load. During these operations Cdr.
Dove reached the conclusion that the situation in Dunkirk was so grave that we should have neither the opportunity nor the facilitie to erect a kite barrage round Dunkirk. Furthermore there was a regrettable lack of wind and no low or dive bombing until Monday 27th
At midday dr.Henderson told Cdr. Dove that there was no water in Dunkirk and we therefore commandeered a car and bought sufficient vichy and perier water from estaminets which were still open in Malo form H.Q.staff. We made tour of inspection and found that up to date the damage done to property and personnel was surprisingly little, although the oil tanks on the south side of th town were blazing flercely and threatening the railway and timber yards. There was a light uir from S. to S.W. which blew a pall of smoke over the harbour and made the scene appear far worse than reality. During the afternoon and evening the work of loading shi went on smoothly but there were already a large number of noncombatant forces crowded into the harbour besides an increasing number*
of ambulances lined up on the south quay. The night was quiet except for one air-raid when German planes circledthe town for over
(ca hour before dropping a comparatively small mimber of bombs. Early next morning May 26th, r.Burgess who had been instructed by Cdr.
Dove to anchor outside the harbour for safety, reported that magnet mines had been laid near the entrance and that a French merchantmen had been blown up.
dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'

3
ried us four hours to do scale normally bombardment 20 minutes. This ide to fly another work which takes (made in Germany)
which was entirely kite deserted from a except large floating for Bank's crane party. We
THE decided There so cases similar to key this that our uninterrupted and large to wind which continued
Owing to return a contrary to H.Q. We found our the efforts proved of
IM
car presumably the result of about 2 miles and our were of fifth many column activity. We made way times on the way, especially on the We reported leading that H.Q. it it was back to H.Q. on foot, a distance road to were bombed several H.Q. the position seemed extremely from grave. the South Quay. Cdr. was
Henderson hardly informed us that G.H.Q. intended taking to be over evacuation bastion
At practicable to embark troops the and the extreme shortage of supplies. We were and to sail as soon as that all superfluous personnel would have therefore ordered owing by to Dove to go aboard the "Gervaise Rentual" most of the bombardment permitted. The air force personnel, onboard. We demolition the party were, we were informed, already and QZS.60. were On arrival also at the ship we found we had no charts and to the our given a new route order via Zuydcoote Passage therefore made way bastion. At the bastion we found that a number of soldiers, the obviously a back as quickly as we could through the bombardment unnerved by the relentless attack, were approaching H.Q. in went out in the midst of the bombardment, without steel helmets, destroy- or fire threatening manner with their rifles. Cdr.Dove and Cdr. Henderson arms which had just entered harbour, arrived. The situation control and and parleyed with them until a naval landing party from which a might
"
have er developed seriously was immediately brought under take we informed that the evacuation of the town of Dunkirk was to were forthwith. We were therefore given new orders by Cdr.Dove. found We place able to collect a chart and return to the ship where we were Cdr. Bankes. He told us to collect as many small craft as possible and take them and the drifter round to the beaches on the north side of the town to pick up soldiers. We tried to commandeer two Belgian tugs and manage to secure two launches byt on investigation both were too badly a picket boat but the French naval commander objected strongly. We did damaged to be serviceable. One had its steering gear rendered useless one by bombs, and the other, a diesel engine, had no fuel, and no knew how to work it. We now had onboard four air force officers, 10
re moment four drifters arrived in the entrance, two of which were in a soldiers, the majority of the demolition party and Cdr. Bankes. At this sinking condition owing to bombing and machine-gunning, These two the
"Bola Roy" and the "Paxton" were sunk by gun-fire from the "Gervaise
Bentual", clear of the fairway, after all personnel had been taken onboard, the drifters "Playmates" and "Gervaise Rentual." The remaining
2 drifters were ordered by Cdr. Bankes to tie off the beaches and they proceeded thereforthwith.
We were now helded from the South Quay and on crossing there found Cdr. Dove who was the last person to leave the South Quay. We took him aboard and landed him and Cdr. Bankes on the North Jetty, where they met Captain Tenant, Cdr. Dove insisted on returning to the bastion to the end of the pier, within hail for an hour. Captain Tenant then told find out if there were anyone left there and instructed us, to be off us to extend those orders until midnight. It was now about dark and air activity was intense. Huge fires light up the town and later numerbelieved we heard artillery. After standing off for about 1 hour, ous parachute flares were dropped by the enemy. For the first time we gun us, we received enemy a morse message from the beach, to come alongside in which time the enemy dropped magnetic mines and attempting to machine the North Jetty, There we found Naval Commander whose name was not ascertained, other Captain drifter and tell any personnel ships to come alongfrom Tenant's party, who ordered us to make conside the North We spoke to the Queen of the Channel (?)
to this effect Jetty. drifters who were Lying some way to the north and were difficult and to the locate. Another morse message asked us to use and found all possible a despatch. to After this we?) returned ship alongside to the North and fully Jetty loaded. were
We took personnel (Queen of Channel and children and some soldiers, and hound aboard which written) was was destroyer, continuing "Unless and complete W/T dubies. fighter The protection gist of this can be message provided (which only to proceed a home to Dover also an urgent despatch to H.M.S. "Wolfordered aboard about 30 women after delivering women and children before dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'

Page 83
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.Drifter SHIPMATES.- - Temporary Skipper Herbert Edward Ward, W.S. 3195.
Herbert Cuthbertson, Mate, 1858584.
his and leadership were at all times operations of the conduct In the absence of a Skipper during the highest order.
DSM
:
Recommended for decoration.
Drifter YORKSHIRE LASS - Temporary Lieutenant Edward Henry
Godfrey Hope. R.N.V.R.
Stoker John J. Collins, LT/KX.105201.
Displayed great coolness under fire and willingness to help others apart from his own duty. His conduct at Dunkirk was exemplary.
D.S.M.
Recommended for decoration.
Seaman Samuel William George Bauldry, LT/JX.181750. (Acting 2nd e n t
DSM
Engineman.)
Was outstanding down in the engine room on occasions when YORKSHIRE LASS was under fire. He was warmly praised by his crew for his courage, and his conduct at Calais and Dunkirk was magnificent,
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Joseph Cox, R.N.R.
DSC
Lieutenant T. P. Graham, R.N.R.
D.S.O.
DSC
Commended for service in action as Unit Officers of Drifters. Both these officers completed several trips to Dunkirk, and in addition did good work at Calais and
Boulogne. Their conduct throughout operations was exemplary and they set a very good example to Skippers and their crews.
ASO
Recommended for decoration.
Commander Reginald Wastell English. R.N. D.S.O
Commander English was severely injured by explosion of depth charges when swimming in the water after his ship was sunk. Picked up by WESTELLA, he used his utmost exertion to save the lives of both crews by getting out boats when WESTELLA was sunk subsequently. Later, after being the for WESTELLA being sunk to prevent her falling internal into rescued for the second time, by SAON, insisted on the need of the enemy and then collapsed, due to injuries. hands He is now in hospital and his condition gives cause for grave anxiety.

Page 100.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.B. CONSTANT NYMPH (continued).
performed gallant and meritorious service.
courage and disregard of danger, and undoubtedly
Recommended for decoration.
Motor Boat LADY CABLE: - Acting Sub. -Lieutenant a. A. Cadell. R.N.
Recommendations.
(Retired).
OFFICERS:
X
Acting Sub. Lieutenant G. A. Cadell, R.N.
D.S
on the night of June 2nd ferried about 200 French troops from Dunkirk Inner Harbour off to tugs and
WISHART. Finally, when all ships were leaving, embarked
24 French soldiers, having searched the Quay to see if any British remained. Then encountered a series of mishaps with his engines, and on the voyage home attempted to salve W. D. craft HAIG, all his crew and himself at one time or another falling overboard.
Finally broke down at mid-day on the 3rd, close to the
Coast, and was in grave peril of falling into enemy hands
Southwest of Dunkirk. LADY CABLE drifted helplessly about the Channel for many hours before being rescued.
Sub. Lieutenant Cadell, suffering from a weak heart, underwent considerable physical strain, and there is no doubt that he and his crew displayed remarkable courage, coolness and effic) ency.
M.
Recommended for mention.
Cadet Rating G. R. Price.
Acted as first lieutenant to Sub. -Lieutenant Cadell, whom he ably assisted. He had previously been in command of the Motor Boat SKYLARK.
turing stered ivors
Recommended for early promotion, was whom
Motor Yacht MASAYRU: - Skipper G. D. Olivier.
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Skipper G. D. Olivier.
3
D.S.M.
With a civilian crew of 3 and one Leading Seaman,
R. N. sailed from Sheerness 0400/31 in convoy. On arriving off the beaches spent more than 48 hours on ferrying work, and in salving craft; and in towing off ships aground. Underwent the common experience of being stormed by French troops and having to repel these boarders in order to save his ship. When isolated, attacked by 4 Messerschmitts with machine-guns for about half an hour, and at other times was under sporadic gunfire. Ferried off a total of about 400 French troops.
This civilian displayed a complete disregard of danger and showed a high order of seamanship.
Recommended for decoration.

Page 83
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.Drifter SHIPMATES. - Temporary Skipper Herbert Edward Ward, 3195.
Herbert Cuthbertson, Mate, LT/JX.1858584.
In the absence of a Skipper during the operations his conduct and leadership were at all times of the highest order.
Recommended for decoration.
H.M. Drifter YORKSHIRE LASS - Temporary Lieutenant Edward Henry
Godfrey Hope, R.N.V.R.
Stoker John J. Collins, LT/KX.105201.
Displayed great coolness under fire and willingness to help others apart from his own duty. His conduct at Dunkirk was exemplary.
Recommended for decoration.
Seaman Samuel William George Bauldry, LT/JX.181750. (Acting 2nd
Engineman.)
Was outstanding down in the engine room on occasions when YORKSHIRE LASS was under fire. He was warmly praised by his crew for his courage, and his conduct at Calais and Dunkirk was magnificent,
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Joseph Cox, R.N.R.
Lieutenant T. P. Graham, R.N.R.
Commended for service in action as Unit Officers of Drifters. Both these officers completed several trips to Dunkirk, and in addition did good work at Calais and
Boulogne. Their conduct throughout operations was exemplary and they set a very good example to Skippers and their crews.
Recommended for decoration.
Commander Reginald Wastell English. R.N.
Commander English was severely injured by explosion of depth charges when swimming in the water after his ship was sunk. Picked up by WESTELLA, he used his utmost exertion to save the lives of both crews by getting out boats when WESTELLA was sunk subsequently. Later, after being the for WESTELLA being sunk to prevent her to falling internal into rescued for the second time, by SAON, insisted on the injuries. hands He is now in hospital and his need of the enemy and then collapsed, condition due gives cause for grave anxiety.

Page 100.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
CONSTANT NYMPH (continued).
performed gallant and meritorious service.
courage and disregard of danger, and undoubtedly
Recommended for decoration.
Motor Boat LADY CABLE: - Acting Sub. -Lieutenant G. A. Cadell. (Retired). R.N.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Acting Sub. Lieutenant G. A. Cadell, R.N.
On the night of June 2nd ferried about 200 French troops from Dunkirk Inner Harbour off to tugs and
WISHART. Finally, when all ships were leaving, embarked
24 French soldiers, having searched the Quay to see if any British remained. Then encountered a series of mishaps with his engines, and on the voyage home attempted to salve W. D. craft HAIG, all his crew and himself at one time or another falling overboard.
Finally broke down at mid-day on the 3rd, close to the
Coast, and was in grave peril of falling into enemy hands
Southwest of Dunkirk. LADY CABLE drifted helplessly about the Channel for many hours before being rescued.
Sub. Lieutenant Cadell, suffering from a weak heart, underwent considerable physical strain, and there is no doubt that he and his crew displayed remarkable courage, coolness and efficiency.
Recommended for mention.
Cadet Rating G. R. Price,
Acted as first lieutenant to Sub. -Lieutenant Cadell, whom he ably assisted, He had previously been in command of the Motor Boat SKYLARK.
Recommended for early promotion.
Motor Yacht MASAYRU: - Skipper G. D. Olivier.
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Skipper G. D. Olivier.
R. N. sailed off the beaches spent more than and 48 in hours towing on
With a from Sheerness 0400/31 in convoy.
civilian crew of 3 and one Leading Seaman, On arriving ships ferrying boarders half stormed attacked aground. by work, by in THE and Underwent troops in salving and the of having craft; common to 400 under When experience repel French sporadic isolated, these for danger troops. of about gun- being off
This fire. Forried off a total disregard of and
Recommended for decoration.