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TNA / ADM 199 792

TNA ADM 199 792

TNA ADM 199 792
Collection details

TNA ADM 199 792

Admiralty records concerning Operation Dynamo and the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk, covering 1940–1941.

Holding archive
TNA
Collection reference
ADM 199 792
View the archive catalogue entry ↗

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199/792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Showing only pages tagged with the vessel name Nautilus. Tags are exact matches from this collection’s OCR tag index. Clear vessel filter ×

24 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 1 of 1 Showing document pages 72–713 of this collection
Page ImageOCR textOCR tags
72 Page 72 Log in to enlarge

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

101 Page 101 Log in to enlarge

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

103 Page 103 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 103
Date Lost. Manning Port.
DESTROYERS.
GRAFTON 29th May Devonport
WAKEFUL 29th May Chatham
GRENADE 29th May Chatham
KEITH 1st June Chatham
HAVANT 1st June Devonport
BASILISK 1st June Devenport
MINESWEEPERS.
SKIPJACK 1st June Chatham
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS.
BRIGHTON BELLE 28th May Chatham
GRACIE FIELDS 28th May Portsmouth
WAVERLEY 29th May Chatham
DEVONIA 31st May Devonport
TRAWLERS.
THOMAS BARTLETT 28th May Lowestoft
THURINGIA 29th May Lowestoft
CALVI 29th May Lowestoft
POLLY JOHNSON St. Achinem 29th May Lowestoft
STELLA DORADO 1st June Lowestoft
ARGYLESHIRE 1st June Lowestoft
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2nd June Lowestoft
WESTELLA 2nd June Lowestoft
DRIFTERS.
PAXTON 28th May Lowestoft
BOY ROY 28th May Lowestoft
GIRL PAMELA 29th May Lowestoft
LORD CAVIN /10.446 1st June Lowestoft
DANLAYING VESSEL.
COMFORT 29th May Lowestoft
NAUTILUS 29th May Lowestoft
HARBOUR DEFENCE PATROL CRAFT.
AMULREE 1st June Lowestoft
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 28th May
NORMANIA 29th May
LORINA 29th May
FENELLA 29th May
MONA'S QUEEN 29th May
SCOTIA 1st June
HOSPITAL CARRIER.
PARIS 2nd June
MISCELLANEOUS.
CRESTED EAGLE (Special Service Vassel) 29th May Sheerness
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding Vessel) 30th May Portsmouth
GRIVE (F.A.A. Training Ya it) 1st June Chatham
MOSQUITO (Gunboat) 1st June Chatham
127 Page 127 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 127
DESTROYERS Date of report
BASILISK X 65 2nd June, 1940.
GRENADE \ 11th June 1940
KEITH + 15th June and 1st July, 1940.
WAKEFUL x 30th May, 1940.
MINESWEEPERS
SKIPJACK. x 4th June 1940.
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS
BRIGHTON BELLE + 28th May 1940
WAVERLEY 2nd June 1940
GRACIE FIELDS 5th July 1940.
Brighton Oncen TRAWLERS pignne
THOMAS BARTLETT X 28th May 1940
POLLY JOHNSON x 31st May 1940
STELLA DORADO x 1st June 1940
CALVI ( & Danlaying vessel X Comfort) 5th September 1940
Sr. Achilleus DANLAYING VESSEL 12 gune gune
NAUTILUS 31st May 1940.
ARMED BOARDING VESSEL
KING ORRY 4th June 1940.
F.A.A. TRAINING YACHT
GRIVE ¥ 6th June 1940.
GUNBOAT
MOSQUITO 7th June 1940.
FLARE BURNING DRIFTERS
PAXTON / 3rd September 1940
GIRL PAMELA 3rd September 1940
BOY ROY 3rd September 1940
TUG
ST ABBS 15th June 1940.
SKOOTS
HORST 1st June 1940
LENA 6th June 1940.
182 Page 182 Log in to enlarge

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

201 Page 201 Log in to enlarge

1/33)
Wt 27446/5770. 15,000M. 9/39 C.B.&S.Ltd. (51-4819)
247
NAVAL MESSAGE.
S. 1320d.
(Established- May. 1930.)
(Revised-January, 1933.)
FROM:
249
A A R CAP.
Most MEDIATE
Kingston Jalma
STELLA DORANO towedord ©
ked AD 5 survers / baill used
@
Enscreding to Dover
= 0430
jup
700
+502
TOR 0530
multany a
ing t
.na.mfm дало allo TO 27TAM.RTTDODT attatt and SNITINEN...
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
Skipper, 2nd engineer, and the cook.
(Continued over).

202 Page 202 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 202
Hand P/C 1300 car your 1-6-40
203 Page 203 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 203
FROM: COMMANDER M/S.
DATE: 5TH SEPTEMBER, 1940.
TO: FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
204 Page 204 Log in to enlarge

250 53
252
FROM: LIEUTENANT R. BILL R.N.
DATE: 5TH SEPTEMBER, 1940.
CALVI
TO:
COMMANDER M/S.
Sir,
70
ort"
I have the honour to submit the following report on the sinking of H.M.T. "CALVI", while under my command, as Senior Officer of M/S Trawlers.
Whilst alongside the pier at Dunkerque on the
29th May, 1940, she was struck by a heavy enemy bomb and sank immediately.
ivors.
Due to the intensity of the bombing all ships were ordered to leave the harbour by the Pier Master -
Commander Clouston, and further investigation was not possible.
to
On entering the port of Dunkerque all ships were ordered to lock up all secret and confidential books and documents in the steel chests which were to be placedin the Skippers' cabin under lock and key. It is presumed
1
that these sank with the ship in the position ordered.
Confirmation of this was not obtained due to the fact that Skipper and Unit Officer were both seriously
1e wounded and were landed at other ports.
el
I have the honour to be, Sir,
VICE 55P 1940 1940
Your obedient John Servant,
L"
:eed
Licutenant R.N.
#
DOVER
ing
Lt
"Nautitus
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).

205 Page 205 Log in to enlarge

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).

206 Page 206 Log in to enlarge

-2-
252
254
The Skipper went over the side between "Nautilus" and
"Greyhound" to rescue seaman who had fallen into the ditch.
The "Greyhound" had to be taken in tow by a Polish
Destroyer and we arrived back in Dover at 0430 on Thursday the
30th May, 1940.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Drfelling
Lieutenant R.N.R.
my.ked hilitary
:- 4 then killed / Office a nt men mounded.
tamage to the ship was rus tained as foll
/. 55. coils severed
2. wo life loats badly holed
3- Boat back hiered Partside
4. are quetilator holed and Duady minor defects a wining etc

324 Page 324 Log in to enlarge

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

329 Page 329 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 329
Ship Date lost Senior surviving Officers
Trawlers. THOMAS BARTLETT 28th May Temporary Skipper J.J.Tomlinson. R.N.R. Sub-Lieutenanti A Hutton. R.N.V.R.
THURINGIA 28th May Temporary Lieutenant A.R. Cornish, R.N.R. Probationary Sub-Lieutenant Temporary A.G.Slemeck,R.N.V.R.
[X] CALVI 10932 30th May Temporary Skipper B.D.Spindler, R.N.R.
[ ] POLLY OHNSTON 11798 30th May Chief Skipper L.Lake, R.N.R.
ø STELLA DORADO 1st June None
[ ] ARGYLLSHIRE 11131 1st June Sub-Lieutenant J.S. Weddle, R.N.R. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant M.F.Villiers-Stuart, R.N.V.R.
BLACKBUR ROVERS 11797 2nd June Commander R.W. English, R.N.
[ ] WESTELLA 11166 2nd June (severely wounded) Skipper W.Martin,R.N.R. Chief Skipper A. Gove,
[X] Drifter R.N.R. Skipper E.Chaney,R.N.R.
[X] PAXTON 10141 29th May Probationary Temporary Skipper A.M. Lovis, R.N.R.
BOY RO 10932 GIRL 29th May Probationary Temporary Skipper E.F. Dettman R.N.R.
[X] RAMELA 10142 LORD CAVAN 10932 29th May Temporary Skinner C. Sanson, R.N.R.
[X] Danlayers 1st June Temporary Skipper J. H. Mugridge, R.N.R.
[ ] COMPORT NAUTILUS 29th May None
[X] 10167 Harbour Defence Patrol 29th May Craft. Acting Skipper R.Maclean,R.N.R.
[X] AMULREE 9339 Miscellaneous 1st June Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenant G.P. Probert, R. N. V.R.
[ ] CRESTED EAGLE 10932
[X] (continued 30th May on next sheet) Probationary Temporary Ideutenant-Commander B.R.Booth,R.N.R.
333 Page 333 Log in to enlarge

0/4/87) (1228) Wt. 14976/6959 40M 6/37 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
8
Register No. N.L. 6245/40.
Minute Sheet No.
Skipper
NAUTILUS.
LYNX for WILLING BOYS.
R.A.MacLean, R.N.R.,
3159 W.S.
2. The present locations of the ships in which these officers are serving have not been inserted, in view of their frequent movements, and the latest locations can be obtained from the Red List when required.
N.7.Laurence
ADMIRAL COMMANDING RESERVES.
25th July 1940.

334 Page 334 Log in to enlarge

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.

336 Page 336 Log in to enlarge

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.

353 Page 353 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 353
Date lost. Manning Port.
DESTROYERS.
"Grafton" 29th May Devonport
"Wakeful" 29th May Chatham
"Grenade" 30th May Chatham
"Keith" 1st June Chatham
"Havant" 1st June Devonport
"Basilisk" 1st June Devonport
MINESWEEPERS.
"Skipjack" 1st June Chatham
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS.
"Brighton Belle" 28th May Chatham
"Gracie Fields" 30th May Portsmouth
"Waverley" 30th May Chatham
"Devonia" 31st May Devonport
TRAWLERS.
"Thomas Bartlett" 28th May Lowestoft
"Thuringia" 28th May If
"Calvi" 30th May If
"Polly Johnson" 30th May If
"Stella Dorado" 1st June If
"Argyleshire" 1st June If
"Blackburn Rovers" 2nd June If
"Westella" 2nd June If
DRIFTERS.
"Paxton" 29th May Lowestoft
"Boy Roy" 29th May If
"Girl Pamela" 29th May "
"Lord Cavan" 1st June If
DANLAYING VESSELS.
"Comfort" 29th May Lowestoft
"Nautilus" 29th May "
HARBOUR DEFENCE BATROL CRAFT.
"Amulree" 1st June ?
MISCELLANEOUS.
"Crested Eagle" (Special Service Vessel) 30th May Sheerness.
"King Orry" (Armed Boarding Vessel) 30th May Portsmouth
"Grive" (F.A.A.Training Yacht) 1st June Chatham.
"Mosquito" (Gunboat) 1st June Chatham.
361 Page 361 Log in to enlarge

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.

373 Page 373 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 373
Ship
Name and rank of Officer. Late Present Date Time
Temporary Skipper A.M.Lovis, R.N.R. PAXTON GOLDEN SUNBEAM 27th August 1000
Temporary Skipper C.Sanson, R.N.R. GIRL PAMELA YOUNG MON 27th August 1430
Acting Skipper R.Maclean, R.N.R. NAUTILUS WILLING BOYS 28th August 1000
Temporary Skipper E.F.Dettman, R.N.R. (up) BOY ROY EILEEN EMMA 28th August 1430
Boatswain R.B. Henderson, R.N. STABBS LYNX 28th August *1530
427 Page 427 Log in to enlarge

CENTRA
AUG 194
74
CONFIDENTIAL.
c/o OFFICE OF
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING
DOVER.
N.L.
10167
28th August, 1940.
No. 13/12.AB/40
1940
Sir,
Enquiry into Loss of H.M. Danlayer "Nautilus"
in Operation "Dynamo".
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 into the loss of H.M. Danlayer "Nautilus" on 29th May, 1940.
2.- Acting Skipper R. MacLean, R.N.R. the senior surviving officer who was in command of the vessel was examined on
28th August, 1940.
3.- Whilst going alongside "Greyhound" during heavy bombing attack to transfer soldiers an explosion from a near miss about 6 feet off caused "Nautilus" to lift out of the water. Engine was put out of action, steering gear jambed and ship started making water rapidly.
4.- Soldiers and crew were transferred to "Greyhound"
and by the time this operation was completed she was about
6 feet down in the water and sinking.
Later "Sandown"
fired a few rounds to ensure her sinking as soon as possible and to clear the fairway.
5.- S.P's and confidential matter on board were destroyed by fire. In this connection I would like to draw attention to the very commendable action taken by Skipper MacLean.
After transfer of all personnel to "Greyhound" and when water had risen nearly to the level of his bunk he remained on board, and in order to prevent the books sinking in shallow water he made a pile on his bunk, soaked it in petrol and set fire to it thus ensuring their destruction.
6.- The loss of this vessel reveals, in the circumstances, no information of value as to material.
7.- I was assisted in my Enquiry by Lieutenant Commander
(E) Weston Smith, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant, aBedford
VICE ADMIRAL.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.

524 Page 524 Log in to enlarge

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
!

554 Page 554 Log in to enlarge

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

557 Page 557 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 557
Date Lost. Manning Port.
DESTROYERS.
GRAFTON 29th May Devenport
WAKEFUL 29th May Chatham
GRENADE 29th May Chatham
KEITH 1st June Chatham
HAVANT 1st June Devenport
BASILISK 1st June Devenport
MINESWEEPERS.
SKIPJACK 1st June Chatham
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS.
BRIGHTON BELLE 28th May Chatham
GRACIE FIELDS 28th May Portsmouth
WAVERLEY 29th May Chatham
DEVONIA 31st May Devonport
TRAWLERS.
THOMAS BARTLETT 28th May Lowestoft
THURINGIA 29th May Lowestoft
CALVI 29th May Lowestort
POLLY JOHNSON 29th May Lowestoft
STELLA DORADO 1st June Lowestoft
ARGYLESHIRE 1st June Lowestoft
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2nd June Lowestoft
WESTELLA 2nd June Lowestoft
DRIFTERS.
PAXTON 28th May Lowestoft
BOY ROY 28th May Lowestoft
GIRL PAMELA 29th May Lowestoft
LORD CAVIN 1st June Lowestoft
DANLAYING VESSEL.
COMFORT 29th May Lowestoft
NAUTILUS 29th May Lowestoft
HARBOUR DEFENCE PATROL CRAFT.
AMULREE 1st June Lowestoft
PERSONNEL VESSELS.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL 28th May
NORMANIA 29th May
LORINA 29th May
FENELLA 29th May
MONA'S QUEEN 29th May
SCOTIA 1st June
HOSPITAL CARRIER.
PARIS 2nd June
MISCELLANEOUS.
CRESTED EAGLE (Special Service Vassel) 29th May Sheerness
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding Vessel) 30th May Portsmouth
GRIVE (F.A.A. Training Yacht) 1st June Chatham
MOSQUITO (Gunboat) 1st June Chatham
713 Page 713 Log in to enlarge

Page 2.
PS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
SWEEPING CRAFT.
ARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
REED
TY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
NIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
CK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
I
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
THNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
FORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
IDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
TENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
SIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
GET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
HER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
DEA
MARE
STRIVE
NIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
A
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
ZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
VERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
CKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
CKEVE
F
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
S TRAWLERS.
GYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
ACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
PE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
YTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
IMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
INGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
HAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
RESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
.C. MOTOR-BOAT
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
A/S. B. 6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
.A/S. B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
OVER FLARE-BURNING DRIFTERS
PAXTON
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
SHIPMATES
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
THE BOYS
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
TORBAY II
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
UT PROSIM
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
YORKSHIRE LASS
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YOUNG MUN
(Continued)
Sunk.