TNA ADM 199 792

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148
CONFIDENTIAL.
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Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
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Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
ly armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful.'
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June,
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, waser shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunki
1
that/
inary/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships - Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk that/

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 29
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Sunday, 2nd June (continued).
85. At 1700 movement towards Dunkirk commenced. The
Armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers, 5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters, 6 skoots, 2
armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc., formed either in organised tows or free lance, The composition of the French contingent was unknown it was thought to consist of 6 small destroyers, 4 avisos and about 120
fishing craft.
86. At 1538 the S.N.O. Dunkirk, made the following situation report:-
"French still maintain front line except for area east of Bergues where the Germans have penetrated two miles on a two-mile front. Counter attack being made at
1500. In port no movement. Present situation hopeful."
87. At 2145 it was learned that the ROYAL DAFFODIL, the first of the personnel vessels, had been bombed near the North
Goodwin Light Vessel on the outward passage whence she returned to Ramsgate. At 2200 it was learned that loaded vessels were leaving Dunkirk.
88. At 2330 S.N.O. Dunkirk, reported "B.E.P. evacuated".
89. Casualties to H.M. Ships Sunday 2nd June.
Hospital Carrier PARIS, whilst proceeding to Dunkirk by X Route near W. Buoy, was shelled when off the French coast.
The engines were put out of action. Ship was eventually abandoned. No wounded on board. The crew and medical staff were taken off by other vessels. Prior to this the Hospital
Carrier WORTHING had been fired at but returned to the Downs with slight damage.
A/S Trawlers BLACKBURN ROVER and WESTELLA both sunk by mines.
A/S Trawler CAPE ARGONA damaged by near misses whilst on patrol and returned to Harwich.
A.A.Cruiser CALCUTTA had many near misses whilst out on patrol off the beaches, which shook ship and did minor damage.
Personnel Vessel ROYAL DAFFODIL bombed whilst off
Dunkirk and damaged, but returned under her own steam.
Destroyer SABRE attacked by enemy aircraft and received damage. Able to return to harbour under own steam.
Monday, 3rd June.
90. The hopes that a large number of French troops would be lifted following the completion of B.E.F. embarkation, was shaken when at 0030 Rear Admiral, Dover, reported from Dunkirk that/