TNA ADM 199 792

Personal and Secret.
Admiralty,
Whitehall.
1940
1940.
August, 1940.
B.E.
Dear Admiral Ramsay,
3
nd
;
1
We have been as quick as we can with your Dunkirk recommendations, and the First Lord's Humble Duty form or is now with the King. There are one or two difficult cases which call for a special letter to you.
The first is that of Vice Admiral Somerville, who by is already a Knight Commander of the Bath and a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. For his services in the Dunkirk operation the only possible Honour would be appointment as a Knight Commander of the British
Cion
Empire. Such an appointment of one who is already a
K.C.B. would be unusual, and perhaps hardly appropriate.
For this reason, feeling sure that he and you will understand the difficulty, it has been approved that Vice
Admiral Somerville should be awarded a Mention in Despatches.
The second difficult case is that of Captain Llewellyn
Vaughan Morgan, your Chief of Staff. His case is harder still, especially as some officers have already been decorated for Dynamo's staff work at Dover. The correct appointment for his services would be that of Commander of lyn the British Empire, which he already has. It is fully realised by Their Lordships that the ability, energy, tact and leadership of Captain Morgan were essential to the success of this operation, and there is no doubt that he has earned further Decoration. As his services were not in action he cannot immediately be appointed a Companion of the Bath or of the Distinguished Service Order. He could, however, be made a Companion of the Bath in the New Year
Honours List, and the suggestion is that you should be invited to include his name in your next half-yearly recommendations, in the hope, that a C.B, at the New Year may be available for him' In the meantime I am afraid that he/
Vice Admiral B.H. Ramsay.
HaR acready received didit know oncerning the the difficulties what He auswer could be hur
Admiral Somerville eady received the when a KeMa was afficable unless a K.C.M.G.
gan might be unfortunate that
J thought that Lossibles
I will certainly
List.

C.W./40.
5th October,
40.
Sir, addressed to the Relatives of Officers Information
In reply to your letter of the 25th September
Bureau, I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the award of a posthumous Mention in Despatches to the Admiralty to inform you that the King approved your son, the late Sub. Lieutenant Humphreys, R.N.,
"for good services in the withdrawal of the Allied
Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk". This award was published in the Second Supplement to the London
Gazette of Friday, 16th August, 1940, Number 34925, p.5068, of which I enclose a copy.
It is His Majesty's desire that in due course all officers and men who have been mentioned in despatches should receive a certificate to that effect, the design of which is now under consideration. In the case of deceased officers this certificate will be sent to their next of kin.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Birkenhead.

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.
St. James's Palace, S.W.1.
August, 1940.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following Appeintments to the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire, for good services in orgainising the withdrawal to England, under fire and in the face of many and great difficulties, of
335, 335,490 Officers and Men of the Allied Armies, in about one thousand of His Majesty's Shipa and other craft between the 27th of May and the 4th of June, 1940:-
said
To be Additional Commanders of the Military Division of the/Most
Excellent Order:
Captain william Raigersfield Phillimore, Royal Navy / (Retired).
Commodore Edward Glyn de Styrap Jukes-Hughes, Royal Navy, (Retired).
To be an Additional Officer of the Military Division of the said
Most Excellent Order:4
0
Commander Robert Gordon Hood Linzee, Royal Navy / (Retired).
To be an Additional Member of the Military Division of the Said
Most Excellent Order:-
ing Inspector of Shipwrights Frederick Hercules Harvey.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for good services in the thdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk:-
The Medal of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for Meritorious Service:
Acting Master-at-Arms Sidney Welfare, C/M.36212.
Chief 6XXXXXXXX Petty Officer Telegraphist Alexander Arthur
Lee, C/J.96386.
Chief Shipwright Joseph William Heathcote, P/M.23064
Chief Chief Sick Stoker Ingine Hoom Herbert Artificer John Baxter, Reginald C/K.2659. Francis Fox, P/M.5545.
Berth Petty Officer CEcil Ernest Jelley, C/M.39618.

whith
Admiralty, on.
whitehall.
August, 1940.
Order for good services in the withdrawal of the Allied for the following Appointments to the Distinguished Service
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders
Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk:-
To be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order:
Captain Jack Grant Bickford, D.S.C., Royal Navy, H.M.S. Express.
Captain Eric Wheler Bush, D.S.C., Royal Navy.
hanspos
Commander captain Edward Cawdron Cordeaux, M.B., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.,
Commander Michael Oliver Dundas Ellwood, Royal Navy, (Retired).
Royal Navy (Retired) H.M.S. Royal Eags.
Shapling
Commander Reginald Wastell English, Royal Navy, (Retired).
Commander Eric Perceval Hinton, M.V.O., Royal Naty.
e
Commander Edward Reginald Lewis, Royal Navy, (Retired).
Commander Hector du Plessis Richardson, Royal Navy.
Commander John Charles Keith Dowding, R.D., R.N.R., H.M.S. Mona's
(RD)
Isle.
Commander Jeffery Elliott R.N.R., H.M.S. King Orry.
Acting Commander Grenville Mathias Temple, Royal Navy, H.M.S.
Sutton.
Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Salamander.
Lieutenant-Commander Humphrey Gilbert Boys-Smith, R.N.R.,
H.M.Skoot Twente.
Lieutenant Robert Bill, Royal Navy.
Lieutenant Archibald Gray, Royal Navy, H.M.Skoot Hilda.
Surgeon Lieutenant John Jordan, M.B., B.Ch., Royal Bideford. Navy, H.M.S.
His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like good services:-
The Distinghished Service Cross.
Acting
Commander Michael Anthony Ormus Biddulph, Royal Glengower. Navy, H.M.S.
0/1
Lieutenant -Commander Colin Henry Corbet-Singleton, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Albury.
Lieutenant-Commander Ackroyd Norman Palliser Costobadie, Royal
Navy, H.M.S. Locust.
Lieutenant-Commander Richard John Hullis Couch, Royal Esk. Navy, H.M.S.
Lieutenant-Commander Stratford Hercules Dennis, Royal Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Winchelsea.
Lieutenant-Commander John Hugh Lewes, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Bideford.
Lieutenant-Commander Hugh Nicholas Aubyn Richardson, Royal Navy,
H.M.S. Shikari.
well

7432 50M 10/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
base'beservi
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
X
Temporary Skipper Alfred Manning Lovis, R.N.R., W.S.3397,
H.M.Drifter PAXTON.
x
Captain Gordon Dyer Walter, Master, MAID OF ORLEANS.
Captain George Johnson, Master, ROYAL DAFFODIL.
Captain Thomas Aldis, Master, ROYAL SOVEREIGN.
Distinguished Service Medal
Petty Officer Thomas A. Topley, C/J.112800.
Yeoman of Signals Geoffrey Piper, C/JX.132686.
Able Seaman Alexander C. Moore, C/JX.129026.
Able Seaman James G. Owen, R.F.R., B.20977.
Able Seaman Joseph L. Turner, C/SS.X.24037.
Able Seaman Walter F. Cox, R.F.R., B.22716.
Able Seaman Gilbert Rose, C/J.X151776.
Able Seaman Francis H. McLaughlin, C/J. X146012.
Ordinary Seaman Andrew McKay H. Miller, C/JX.174079.
Ordinary Seaman William J. Edward Burrows, C/JX.154411.
Ordinary Seaman Sydney V. Genner, C/JX.150954.
A special note would be put in the Gazette making it clear that circumstances had made it possible for these recommendations to be made in advance of the general body of recommendations and that they have not been in any sense specially selected.
*
The Distinguished Service Cross may, at the discretion of the Admiralty, be awarded to Officers of the Merchant
Navy, and the Committee think that the award of the
D.S.C. to these three Masters would be both correct and unobjectionable.
R.Gleadowe for HEAD OF COMMISSION AND WARRANT BRANCH
5th June, 1940.
The King has 1 been pleased to apparer

Propose to accept the Awards Committee's recommendations generally and to concur in a note being added in the Gazette to the effect that this is a first list.
Obviously there will be some more junior officers and to decorations will take a little time to ratings who have distinguished themselves but whosigs entitlement
It is noted that the Awards Committee propose awarding the "Military" decoration of the D.S.C. to three
Masters of merchant ships, presumably flying the Red Ensign.
This is contrary to the principle which we have followed up to date, namely, that officers and men of the Merchant Navy should be considered as civilians and awarded civil decorations of the of the Order of the British Empire. It is understood that the three ships in question were carrying troops: therefore, in order to regularise the position, it is suggested that these ships be described in the Gazette as Transports, observing that they were in fact proper targets for the enemy in view of their particular duty at the moment. Previous papers in regard to awards to
Marcantile personmel are altached
Ch.
5th June, 1940.
I agree with 2.S.L.: Propar &
appone area diagly
69.6
approved
AVA
b/b.
The king has been pleased to appre the awards shown in Head of low's Mank of 5ᵗʰ June, 1940, including the award of 2 OBEs (Military) to the Army offies
Shown at X, which whose were named inserted with the incurrence of the War Office.
included in the Submission to The king but has have pm
The name of Mr J.L. Kaih (Y) was not forward Separately by the Prine mayfet Ministic
Sagutte June 1940
Naval Secretary.
7.6.40.

CONFIDENTIAL.
WEC.
Charl
S3.
FROM
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
Macclesfuld.
DATE
4th. JUNE 1940.
No. B23/862/40.
TO
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
Be pleased to inform Their Lordships that in accordance with their directions I am forwarding, herewith, an advanced list containing the names of certain officers whose services in connection with the recent evacuation of the Allied Armies from Dunkerque I consider to be worthy of submission to His Majesty The King for immediate recognition.
2.-
I am unfortunately unable at this stage to forward the names of those Naval ratings who displayed valour, gallantry, or exemplary conduct since it has not been practicable in the time available to obtain particulars from the many officers under whom they were serving.
It has, however, been possible to obtain the names of those men who specially distinguished themselves while serving on shore in Dunkerque or on the beaches since these men were under one control, and I submit them in Enclosure
No. 5 so that, if desired, the list of immediate awards may contain names of both officers and men.
3.-
It is intended that the main list of recommendations for officers and men shall form the subject of a separate letter.
4.-
I have not referred in any detail to the arduous and exacting conditions under which the evacuation took place as this will also form the subject of a separate report.
VICE ADMIRAL.

With the
Compliments of the
29685/40.
Under Secretary Affairs of State admiralty Esq.,
12.
for Foreign FOREIGN OFFICE,
DATE
19
Dec. 23 1940. 21st S.W.1. December,
1940.
- July 1940
7106/6374/372)
(Ref: EO. letter eldey ho: T7106/6374/372
Sir, of Dec. m
19
The King has informally approved award of decorations and medals the of to the the Order officers of and the British men of the Empire
Belgian Merchant Navy, whose names,
HONOURS AND
together with details of their valuable services in connexion with the evacuation of Allied troops from
Dunkirk, are given in the annexed that, without revealing has been approached these proposals, and inform so as shother the awards be agreeable to
These Belgian Boats based on Dartmouth and manned with volunteers, braved every danger in transferring troops from Dunkirk. The "JULIA" embarked 1007, the
"GUIDO GAZELLE" 403. the "COR JESU" 274. The last named boat made one trip, the others two.
The "MARECHAL FOCH" went alongside the quay at
Dunkirk but on a falling tide the weight of the soldiers jumping on board grounded her. The Master and his one assistant returned to Dover in another trawler and went back again the next day, embarked 300 men in the
"MARECHAL FOCH" and set out for England. Off the Goodwin
Light the vessel was run down by a Warship, which took on board these two brave Belgians and some 150 of the troops.
Mr. Gooding of the Torquay Motor Boat "LADY CABLE" -
with two Naval Ratings,- carried some 560 men in seven trips between Dunkirk beach and two transports. His seamanship was of a high order and his voluntary service of great value.
The bravery, seamanship, high enthusiasm and pertinacity of these volunteer Rescuers effected the saving of some 2,500 men of the Allied Troops and are worth of the highest traditions of the sea.
;inued)

with the of Compliments the R.M.Gleadorse,
29685/40.
2.
Under Secretary Affairs of State admiralty Esq., for Foreign FOREIGN OFFICE,
1940.
DATE
Dec. 23ʳᵈ, 1940. 21st S.W.1. December,
1940.
- July 1940
7106/6374/372)
Sir, od your odd of Dec. 7)
(Ref: EO. letter ho: T7106/6374/372
i, 1940
The King has informally approved the of to the the award Order officers of decorations of the and men British of and the Empire medals
Belgian Merchant Navy, whose names,
HONOURS AND
together with details of their valuable services in connexion with the evacuation of Allied troops from
Dunkirk, are given in the annexed statement.
2. I request that, without revealing get His Majesty has been approached is connexion with these proposals, you will ascertain and inform me as
NOTATION ONLY
soon as possible whether the awards
Referred to contemplated will be agreeable to
Date the
A.F. Aveling, Esq., C.M.G., C.B.E.
etc., etc., etc.

Page 99.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.Yacht H. BYSTANDER (Echo Sounding Yacht). - Lieutenant Henry
John Beresford Barge, R.N.V.R.
Recommendations.
RATING:
Able Seaman (Cook) J. H. Elton, LT/JX,180250 180250 (R.N. Patrol Service)
off Dunkirk, this ship proceeded to remove the
Employed as Cook in this yacht. At 0200/30/5 when dinghy, with Elton and one other as crew, launched to the KING ORRY, then sinking in the fairway. The crew 8 of ft.
effect a rescue. Most of the KING ORRY's personnel attempted to swim to the yacht, but they were in such a weak state owing to the arduous service they had done that it was obvious many would drown. Elton thereupon dived into the water and assisted and supported as many of the swimmers as he could find for more than half an hour whilst the dinghy, rowed by the other rating, with loads of men, returned to the BYSTANDER. Whilst in the water Elton put many men on to life-rafts and towed them by swimming. The last men he brought back to the yacht on a life-raft, were towed by Elton in the water acting as a tow-rope with one hand on the raft and one hand on the dinghy - a remarkable feat of endurance. He was responsible for rescuing about 25 Officers and men. In addition to the above, Elton, in his capacity as Cook, supplied hot tea and food to all the 97 men on board within half an hour of leaving the scene of the wreck, the cooking utensils, etc. normally sufficing for 7.
He provided dry clothes and blankets and generally tended the rescued, many 01° whom were suffering from shock. This rating was unsparing in his efforts and
CGM
acted with great gallantry without regard to his own safety.
luring stered
Recommended for decoration.
ivors was whom
Motor Boat CONSTANT NYMPH: - Chargehand B.A. Smith, Little Ship Club,
(Owner of Motor Boat).
Recommendation.
Chargehand B. A. Smith, Little Ship Club.
D.S.M.
Chargehand Smith proceeded with a crew of 2 Naval
Stokers who had never been to sea, in tow p.m. 30th May for the beaches. Took in a whaler and cutter, and during the night ferried off about 800 men to 2 skoots the JUTLAND and LAUDANIA, who were thus filled up.
CONSTANT NYMPH then collected a number of odd boats trying to row off to ships filled with soldiers, and collected them and towed them to offshore vessels.
During thiss time fairly continuous bombing and shelling were encountered. Chargehand Smith remarks that being deaf and with a lot to do prevented him noticing these annoyances. Continued work until all fuel was exhausted, and the boat was sent to a supply drifter ordered back to Margate This civilian showed great for repair and refuelling, Chargehand Smith being

Page 39
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
I.M.S. WINCHELSEA (Continued).
C.E.R.A. Cecil John Rhodes, P/M. 28822.
Page 38
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. WINCHELSEA - Lieutenant Commander William Alan Frank
Hawkins. R.N.
Completed 6 trips to the Beaches and Dunkirk, lifting in all a total of over 4,300 troops. Whilst off the beaches embarking troops from her own boats, she was attacked and dive-bombed by enemy aircraft. In addition,
Danc bombing attacks were made on her whilst in the Dunkirk
Roads and in Dunkirk Harbour.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander William Alan Frank Hawkins. R.N.
Throughout the operation displayed great zeal, initiative and great devotion to duty under extremely trying circumstances. By his able seamanship and avoiding actions whilst under way, no real damage was sustained by this ship.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
Leading Seaman Walter George Harold Last, P/JX.132139.
Whilst in a whaler working off the beach, showed great gallantry whilst under fire and in a considerable tideway dived overboard and rescued survivors from the
KING ORRY and thereafter continued showing seamanship
Drun in preventing capsize of whaler on beach and rescuing survivors.
Recommended for decoration.
E.R.A. 4th Class, Joseph Edwin Whitenstall, P/MX.57728.
Took charge of motor boat after ship had left;
showed great gallantry in continuing to carry out
DSM
embarkation of troops whilst under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Petty Officer Rupert Armstrong, P/J.104917.
For untiring zeal and devotion to duty in evacuating troops at Dunkirk and also embarking troops from beaches in a cutter.
Recommended for mention.

Operation BYSTANDER "DYNAMO" (Echo Sounding - Recommendations of Personnel. Page
99.
Yacht
Recommendations. John Beresford Yacht) Barge, - Sub R.N.V.R. Lieutenant Henry
RATING:
Able Seaman (Cook) Employed J. H. as Elton, Cook LT/JX. 180250 (R.N. Patrol Service)
ed off the Dunkirk, KING ORRY, this then kind At when dinghy, effect a with rescue. Elton Most and one other as The 8 of ft.
attempted to swim of the KING crew, launched to that it was obvious the arduous they were in such a weak state owing to to the yacht, but ORRY's personnel dived into the water many and would assisted drown. service hour of the whilst swimmers the as he could find for and supported thereupony loads of men, returned dinghy, rowed by the more other an water Elton put to the BYSTANDER. rating, with by swimming. The many last men on to life-rafts and Whilst in the on a tow-rope were towed by Elton in the to the yacht life-raft, men he brought back towed them responsible a remarkable feat of endurance. one hand the as a dinghy - with one hand on the raft and water acting on supplied hot above, Elton, in his capacity as men.
addition to the for rescuing about 25 Officers and He was In within tea and food to all the 97 men Cook, the half an hour of leaving the scene of on the board
He cooking utensils, etc. normally sufficing for wreck, 7.
provided dry clothes and blankets and shock. This rating was unsparing in his efforts and tended the rescued, many of whom were suffering generally from safety. acted with great gallantry without regard to his own
Recommended for decoration.
C&M
Motor Boat CONSTANT NYMPH: - Chargehand B.A. Smith. Little Ship Club,
(Owner of Motor Boat).
Recommendation.
Chargehand B. A. Smith, Little Ship Club.
Stokers who had never been to sea, in tow p.m. 30th and May
Chargehand Smith proceeded with a crew of 2 Naval during the ferried off about 800 men to 2 skoots for the beaches. Took in a whaler and cutter,
CONSTANT the JUTLAND NYMPH night and then LAUDANIA, collected who were a number thus of soldiers, filled odd boats up. and
During and continuous bombing that being collected them towed them to offshore and shelling trying to row off to ships filled with vessels.
Dsm were thiss time fairly Smith remarks these deaf encountered. and with a lot Chargehand to do prevented him fuel noticing was annoyances. exhausted, and Continued the boat work was until to all a supply drifter ordered for repair back and to refuelling, Margate.