TNA ADM 199 792

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

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

34
-2-
29
which between GRENADE'S Port the water dropped
About hit X four gun minutes shield, bounced later a third into bomb was both. exploded Details of the damage done Side and the pier, where it
MAY in appendix. by these bombs are damagi give an
6.
Experiences of and action taken by Bridge personn take orders for I did not and engaged gave
As fire soon to as be I opened heard the attack.commencing I
When hit all the that they were getting but
I realised cover. from their noise actually see the bombs falling, to force they of the Bridge personnel were lying down. very clo
I personaly noticed that I was level with the top of the explosion blew everyone 3 - 4 feet into the Th ai screen at the back of the bridge before I commenced to fall
Almost immediately a large quantity of water and oil fuel commenced to fall on the Bridge until it was 1/2 feet deep.
No further bombs were dropped for a minute or so and everyon on the Bridge commenced to think about the amount of damage done, when more bombs were heard, one of which hit X gun shield.
This was the final serious raid and as I saw several men in the water close to the ship I ordered them to swim back. I sent for the Engineer Officer and asked him if we could move the engines, as by this time GRENADE'S stern had commenced to swing out away from the pier right across the harbour. He informed me that the engines were out of action and that there was a serious fire in No. I Boiler Room. I
sent the First Lieutenant to find out our condition forrard and he informed me that the after end of the Upper Mess
Deck and the Canteen Flat were ablaze. The destroyer mentioned in para. 3 proceeded out of harbour and I shouted to her captain as she passed US to report the damage to
GRENADE by signal.
29/5
I then decided to give the order to Abandon Ship. In the meantime GRENADE had swung still further round and many
POLLY JOHNSON. When I had seen that everyone was away Deck from officer and men were able to step on board the trawler
Port Side, intending to charge by the Asdic Dome could the the ship I see for myself the damage forrard in left the bridge and went down to the Iron fore store, but owi g I consider that it was it and to try and fire the to depth the fire in the Canteen Flat just I as not well make that my this way charge forrard. was not now exploded at this time the as would have undoubtedly then walked caused aft and RENADE tried to to sink get into in the was after fairway. I Books. While I as I
doing this more bombs were dropped the clips in off the doors, lobby, I
lobb to see about my Confidential the vicinity and which had found that I could not bottle get the fire in the after walked been decided hammered that I up could to do no more up good on into board. the water I from and was the deck which board was the only remaining trawler. It forrard on the now Port practically Side and stepped level with the water, had wires. bridge hauled originally us clear prevented on but I been ordered this my anyone was the intention rendered trawler getting to impossible to forrard order take this me to as to let trawler him the the go for pier fire the to a bow by tow the with
I tug, met which Commander and was for in Clouston. depth the charges vicinity, I arranged to to be pust placed GRENADE near clear the Asic fire had channel found necessary when and died my out. cabin, I then should proceeded it be on board the CRESTED

217
215
-3-
GRENADE
2915
7.
The following report of what happened at the after end of the ship is compiled from reports of Mr. Clare,
Gunner T, and Mr. Crews, Schoolmaster. When the raid started they were standing near the door of the after lobby and the former gave orders for all those not manning the guns to take cover. When the bombs hit GRENADE forrard there was a large concussion and vibration aft, all the lights went out and clouds of dense smoke and steam appeared forrard of the Bridge, giving the impression that the fuel was burning furiously. All compartments except the magazine and shell rooms were then closed down.
There was then a lull in the bombing and several ratings ran aft from the Canteen Flat; a number of these ratings were burnt and injured and were all covered with oil fuel. In two cases the fuel on their clothes was alight.
These latter were guided to the door of the after lobby where they were stripped of their clothes and attended by Leading
Stoker Stables.
A certain number of ratings had jumped over the side but on being ordered to return, they did so. Mr. Clare then ordered the ready-use lockers to be closed. On hearing the order from the Bridge to take cover he got as many men as possible into the after lobby, telling those remaining on the Quarter Deck to lie down. Then came the bomb which hit X gun and burst in the water alongside the ship. The concussion was very severe; it parted all the stern wires and gave the impression that the stern was under water. Many of the ratings on the Quarter Deck, especially those who had been injured, were either blown or washed over the side.
Mr. Clare then gave orders for all magazines and shell rooms' hatches to be Closed. It was then reported to him that the ship was on fire in the vicinity of the Ward Room and he ordered the magazine to be flooded. This was eventually done in his presence by Leading Stoker Stables. He then heard the order to abandon ship. He superintended getting out Carley Floats and then went forrard to try and blow up the Asdic Dome. He could not get past the fire in the Canteen Flat. By this time GRENADE had drifted alongside the POLLY JOHNSON and he transferred to her.
8.
Before the order to abandon ship was given the signal books from the Bridge were transfered in a bag to the trawler FIDHEA, Lieutenant Ward, R.N.V.R. The books from the wireless office were not removed but were doubtless burnt in the fire which raged all round the Bridge structure.
Lieutenant Horne placed two rockets in the chart house and fired two Verry's lights into it to destroy the charts. He also tried to get down by way of the ladder outside the Sick
Bay to blow up the Dome, but was prevented by the fire. The current Challenges and Replies were in a safe in the wheel house; this safe could not be opened owing to damage butthe fire was 80 intense that it is considered that they were destroyed. As stated before, arrangements were made with
Commander Clouston to destroy the Dome and Confidental Books should it be necessary. All other signal books had been landed previously in accordance with your instructions.
The loss of signal books and failure to destroy the Dome was reported by Lieutenant Horne!on arrival at Dover.
9.
I consider that the behaviour of all officers and men under my command in GRENADE was admirable; the Engine
Room Department stood to their posts until the last minute and those men who were in the water immediately returned to

Dyram. #9
G.D.
No. 5d.
To: Commander Dover. M/S
31st May, 1940.
245
Sir,
Polly 247 JOHNSON
I beg to report the following:-
On the 29th May I proceeded in company to Dunkirk.
arriving about 1500.
About 1600 the fleet laying alongside the pier were heavily bombed by air attack, The "Polly Johnson" laying outside berth, in my opinion, got the full weight. Bombs were exploding within 10 yards; she shook and trembled.
I had six casualties.
65
With great difficulty, also with half of my crew wiped out, I managed to get my ship clear of Dunkirk harbour with survivors from a. Destroyer, and also soldiers.
About half an hour after leaving Dunkirk, my chief reported that the ship was making water fast. Water was over the stoke hole floors. I signalled to H.M. Trawler "Arley"
(next ahead) "ship making water rapidly, keep close to me". About five minutes afterwards I received a signal "have orders to take survivors and crew and sink "Polly Johnson". About ten minutes after this was carried out. The "Arley" fired two rounds then left "Polly Johnson". She was still afloat when I
last saw her. Position Middlekerke Bank Buoy (midway) Nieuport
Bank Buoy.
In my opinion that was the best way out, the "Polly
Johnson" being badly bombed and would not have been fit for further service. Her port side was simply riddled along the water line and I am sure she would not have reached the nearest port.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, g. Lake
Skipper Lieutenant R.D., R.N.R.
a
S, cannt.
In
ADMIR
CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATRO
VICE JUN 1940 1-
DOV
(Continued over).

Present
Ex.
Location (17/7/40
Name
Appointment
KING ORRY PEMBROKE addl.
Tempy.Lieut.J.
Not to join;
Lee, R.N.R.
Home address:
59, Cambridge Avenue,
Great Crosby,
Liverpool, 23.
GRIVE
R.N.Hospital,
Tempy.Sub-
Chatham.
Lieut.J.K.B.
Miles, R.N.V.R.
Proby.Sub-Lieut.
MOSQUITO
Sick Leave.
E.S.Flint.R.N.R.
(is a nominee for
Submarine Course)
Attached "Victory."
(Home address S2 Preston Road.
Newport, Mon.).
Tic.Skeat for HEAD OF C.W.
22nd July, 1940.
The following information as to Skipper Class officers is forwarded as requested:-
Name.
ex.
Present appointment.
Tempy. Skipper
THOMAS
EUROPA for VELMONT
J.J.Tomlinson, R.N.R.
BARTLETT.
3144 W.S.
Tempy. Skipper
CALVI
EUROPA.
B.D.Spindler, R.N.R.,
3170 W.S.
Skipper Lt. (retd)
POLLY
L.Lake, R.N.R., 2347 W.S. JOHNSTON
WATCHFUL for
BERVIE BRAES.
Skipper W. Martin, R.N.R., BLACKBURN
2645 W.S.
RACER for VICTRIX.
ROVERS
Chief Skipper A.Gove, R.N.R., WESTELLA
2345 W.S.
EUROPA.
Skipper C.E. Chaney, RNR.,
2952 W.S.
-do-
EUROPA.
Tempy. Skipper
A.M.Lovis, R.N.R.,
PAXTON.
LYNX for GOLDEN
Tempy. Skipper
SUNBEAM.
E.F.Dettman, R.N.R.,
BOY ROY.
3306 W.S.
LYNX for BILEEN
EMMA
Tempy. Skipper
C. Sanson, R.N.R.,
3394 W.S.
GIRL PAMELA
LYNX for YOUNG MON.
Tempy. Skipper
J.Solewidge,
R.N.R.,
LORD CAVAN.
CLIO for GAVA
Skipper R.A. MacLean

in
NED СУДИИ
3'8"
J.Con
INVIDOR LOI
ASSERITY
=
REVAEB LOZ
DETOMENON RSITS
TV" OURS B'WA'E'
FX
Leah* yourse
BOMLING 2°
NAMELE
V'II"
B'M'
cyMoTa
HYHATON YWD INVOICE
D'H'D'
IVent* E'E'
ORRGIN EVOTE
B'N'E'
5'5" Booth* 5'W'5"
LOA PV*
БЕНЬКОКИ 4,
GEVOTE MIRITS
E 20062
Jsmb*
AIIDLINE
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP.
RANK
SHIP
LOWESTOFT AND YARMOUTH
LARKE
A.C. Weeks
Temp. Lieutenant,
SAND
GRACIE FIELDS
R.N.R. R.N.R.
LOVERS
L. Lake
Chief Skipper,
MINO
POLLY JOHNSON
R.N.R.
B.D. Spindler
Temp. Skipper,
EUROI
CALVIE
R.N.R.
A. Gove,
Chief Skipper,
EUROI
WESTELLA
R.N.R.
Ideal,
E.W.Y.B.
LIVERPOOL
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
Temp. Sub-Lieut.,
CAROI
ARGYLLSHIRE
R.N.V.R.
E. Richardson
Temp. Lieutenant,
PATRO
SKIPJACK
R.N.R.
Combon
M.S.R.
BARROW
S.F. Harmer-Elliott,
Temp. Lieut,,
CLIO
WAVERLEY
R.N.V.R.
R.B.V.D.
R.W. English,
Commander, R.N.
Gurne
BLACKBURN BOVERS
Texas

CONFIDENTIAL
i
22
/ august July, 1940.
2
N.L. 6245/40.
on the outside of the envelope as well as in the text.
Sir,
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that they have appointed you to enquire into the circumstances of the loss of Ships engaged in the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force and Allied
Forces from Dunkirk.
I attach a list of these ships, with the dates upon which they were lost, the names of their senior surviving
Officers, and of the present appointments and locations of these officers BO far as they are at present known. Plag
Officers and Naval Officers in charge at the ports concerned have been informed in the sense of the enclosed copy of a letter that you are to conduct this enquiry.
You are requested to make the necessary arrangements with the Flag Officers and others to whom that letter has been circulated.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) H. EASTWOOD
CRED
Vice Admiral A.E.F. Bedford, C.B., C.S.I.,
Priory Cottage,
Boxgrove,
Near Chichester,
E S P 6 A, AUG 1940 CRIMA * BRANCH
Sussex.
The follow:
Date
30th
1st J
1st J
2nd Jt
BO far as can be asc complete accuracy cal
POLLY JOHNSTON
STELLA DORADO
ARGELLSHIRE
WESTELLA H E D 2nd Ju
#
COPYING BRANCH
1940 AUG 4.
CENTRAL
BLACKBURN ROVERS
*
AS
Ship
DESPA

I
23
The following information as to Skipper Class fficers is forwarded as requested:-
ame.
ex.
Present appointment.
empy. Skipper
THOMAS
UROPA for VELMONT
J.J. Tomlinson, R.N.R.
BARTLETT.
3144 U.S.
Tempy. Skipper
ALVI
EUROPA.
B.D.Spindler, R.N.R.,
3170 7.8.
Skipper Lt. (retd)
POLLY
WATCHFUL for
L.Lake, R.N.R., 2347 W.S. JOHNSTON
BERVIE BRAES.
Skipper W. Martin, R.N.R. BLACKBURN
RACER for VICTRIX.
2645 W.S.
ROVERS
Chief Skipper A.Gove, R.N.R., WESTELLA
EUROPA.
2345 7.S.
Skipper C.E. Chaney, RNR.,
-do-
EUORPA.
2952 W.S.
Tempy. Skipper
PAXTON.
LYNX for GOLDEN
SUNB AM.
A. M.Lóvis, R.N.R.,
BOY ROY.
LYNX for EILEEN
Terpy. Skipper
EMMA
E.F. Dettman, R.N.R.,
3306 W.S.
GIRL PAMELA
LYNX for YOUNG MON.
Tempy. Skipper
C.Sanson, R.N.R.,
5394 W.S.
LORD CAVAN
CLIO for GAVA.
Tempy. Skipper
J.H. Mugridge, R.N.R.,
Skipper R.A.MacLean *****
3018 V.S.
The followi
Date
30th If
1st Ju
1st Jui
BO far as can be asce complete accuracy can
2nd Jun
2nd June
*
COPYING BRANCH
a
E
AUG 1940
CENTRAL
POLLY JOHNSTON
STELLA DORADO
ARGELLSHIRE
BLACKBURN ROVERS
CH
*
DSPART
A
Ship
E
a
WESTELLA

arou
Amc
ONIGINVINGO 2574
LAURENCE if 'N ('ps)
when required. latest inserted, in which which
JOJ UT XALXT ship the Dood the you pue 19TT for BUTAI quesed
6245/40.
OF DUNKIRK.
The following are the names of the senior and next senior surviving officers of the ships in question, so far as can be ascertained from information available in C.W. In view of numerous local changes in personnel, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed, but the list which follows is believed to be substantially correct.
Ship
Date Lost
Senior surviving officers
Present Appointment
Location
Destroyers
GRAFTON
29th May
Lieutenant H.C.J. McRea, R.N.
BRANLEBRAS in command.
Lieutenant L.E. Blackmore, R.N.
WHADDON for duty with A.S.C.B.S. etc.
WAKEFUL
29th May
Commander R.L. Fisher, R.N.
PRESIDENT addl. for duty inside Admiralty.
Lieutenant W. Scott, R.N.
JERVIS as 1st. Lieutenant.
GRENADE
30th May
Commander R.C. Boyle, R.N.
PRESIDENT addl. for duty inside Admiralty.
Lieutenant E.C. Peake, R.N.
HORNET addl. for command of 10th.M.T.B. Flotilla.
KEITH
1st June
Captain E.L. Berthon, R.N.
VICTORY addl. for full pay sick leave.
Lieutenant G.J.A. Lumsden, R.N.
PHOEBE and for duty with A.S.C.B.S. etc.
HAVANT
1st June
Lieutenant-Commander A.F.
Burnell-Nugent, R.N.
HOSTILE in command.
Lieutenant A.H. Terry, R.N.
GANGES addl. for Battalion duties.
BASILISK
1st June
Commander M. Richmond, R.N.
LE TRIOMPHANT in command.
Lieutenant-Commander W.G.
Boaks, R.N.
RODNEY.
Paddle Minesweepers.
BRIGHTON BELLE
28th May
Temporary Lieutenant L.K.
BADGER addl. for G.
Harwich
Perrin, R.N.V.R.
of A.P.
Temporary Lieutenant W.J.C.
MEDWAY QUEEN (No.1)
Dover
Fuller, R.N.V.R.
30th May
ORIOLE in command
Lowestoft
BRACIE FIELDS
Temporary Lieutenant
A.C. Weeks, R.N.V.R.
Temporary Lieutenant
LYNX addl. for
Port Edgar
H. Jones, R.N.V.R
AMBASSADOR
WAVERLEY
Temporary Lieutenant S.F.
VICTORY addl. for
Hamble River
30th May
Harmer-Elliott, R.N.V.R.
A.P. Duties.
Temporary Lieutenent
BOSCAWEN addl. for
Portland
F.P. Tattersall, R.N.V.R.
A.P. Base Officer.
31st May
Temporary Lieutenant
Southsea in command
SOUTHAMPTON
DEVONIA
J. Brotchie, R.N.V.R.
Lieutenant A.P. Cox, R.N.V.R.
VERNON addl. for
Portsmouth
M/S Course.
Trawlers.
28th May
Temporary Skipper
EUROPA for VELMONT
THOMAS BARTLETT
J.J. Tomlinson, R.N.R.
Sub-Lieutenant D.J. Hutton,
On sick leave until
R.N.V.R.
8th July.
Temporary Lieutenant
BACCHANTE for LEICESTER
28th May
Scapa
THURINGIA
A.R. Cornish, R.N.R.
CITY. in command.
Probationary Temporary Sub-
BACCHANTE addl. for
Lieut. A.G. slemeck,R.N.V.R.
Scapa
LEICESTER CITY.
Temporary Skipper
EUROPA
30th May
B.D. Spindler, R.N.R.
CALVI
Chief Skipper L. Lake, R.N.R.
WATCHFUL for BERVIE BRAES.
POLLY JOHNSTON
30th May
STELLA DORADO
1st June
None
1st June
Sub-Lieutenant J.S. Weddle,
CALLIOPE for ANEMONE
Blyth
ARGELLSHIRE
R.N.R.
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant
CAROLINE addl. for
Belfast till
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
MALLOW (building)
complete, then
R.N.V.R.
Portland.
2nd June
Commander R.W. English, R.N.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
(severely wounded)
Skipper W. Martin, R.N.R.
RACER for VICTRIX.
WESTELLA
E
2nd June
Chief Skipper A. Gove, R.N.R.
EUROPA
Skipper E. Chaney, R.N.R.
EUROPA
BRANCH
COPYING
CENTRAL

Any further communication
CONFIDENTIAL.
NL
d be addressed to:-
Secretary of the Admiralty,
11798
London, S.W.I.
110
quoting " 29/28 A.B/40
1940
Admiralty, S.W.1.
1 the outside of the velope as well as in
4th October, 1940
e text.
Report of Enquiry into the loss of H.M. M/S Trawler POLLY JOHNSON
MILITARY
BRAN
in operation "Dynamo".
6F OCT 1940
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L. 6245/40
dated 1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the following report arising from an enquiry into the loss of
H.M. M/S Trawler POLLY JOHNSON on 29th May, 1940.
2.
Skipper Lieutenant L. Lake, R.N.R. who was in command of POLLY JOHNSON was examined on 1st October, 1940.
3.
At about 1500 on 29th May when POLLY JOHNSON was secured to CALVI which was alongside the pier at Dunkirk and astern of GRENADE, she was subjected to a heavy bombing attack.
Splinters from near misses perforated the ship's port side with small holes just above the water line and put the 12 pdr. gun out of action.
4.
The ship was subjected to further bombing attacks during the next two hours but at 1700, with about 50 troops and some survivors from GRENADE on board, she proceeded out of harbour, being able to make only very slow speed.
5.
Engine and Boiler rooms were making water steadily and ship's pumps were unable to cope with the rate of flooding.
6.
At about 1830 midway between Middlekerk and Nieuport
Buoys when it was obvious that POLLY JOHNSON would not remain afloat much longer, Trawler ARLEY came alongside and took all hands on board.
7.
ARLEY then endeavoured to destroy POLLY JOHNSON by gunfire but failed and left her in a sinking condition in about
7/8 fathoms. It is considered, however, that she was unlikely to remain afloat for long.
8.
Although it was not possible to elicit full particulars of the damage sustained by this ship it seems, from the evidence, in view of the fact that water was fast entering the Engine and Boiler room that this compartment was flooding below the waterline as result of heavy underwater explosions.
The flooding was accentuated when draught increased to admit water through holes already made above the waterline.
9.
Secret Charts were burnt in the stokehold before ship was abandoned and all S.P's and C.B's were transferred to ARLEY
and landed at Dover.
10, is the desirability of these craft carrying a number of varying
The only point brought out in the loss of this vessel size wooden plugs for stopping shot holes.
11./
Secretary of the Admiralty.

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

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

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.