TNA ADM 199 792

APPENDIX
to
1st June
Page 7
Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events.
DESTROYERS
PERSONNEL SHIPS
MINESWEEPERS
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS
SKOOTS
FRENCH DESTROYERS
VANQUISHER (I)
640
ST. HELIER
659
GOSSAMER
845
QUEEN OF THANET 850
DEMOK
114
FLORE
351
HAVANT
882
LADY OF MANN
870
NIGER
310
SANDOWN
800
ORANJE
100
BOUCLIER
300
WHITEHALL (I)
871
MAID OF ORLEANS 1856
FITZROY
67
ORIOLE
470
HEBE
365
SCIMITAR (I)
584
TYNWALD
2000
LYDD
252
PRINCESS ELIZABETH 510
AEGIR
130
WOLSEY
533
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
47
LEDA
650
MEDWAY QUEEN
700
ANTJE
150
MALCOLM
1200
KING GEORGE V
700
DUCHESS OF
WESTWARD HO
918
PACIFICO
414
WORCESTER (I)
661
BEN-MY-CHREE
2080
FIFE
535
WIPPINGHAM
2500
AMAZONE
111
WINDSOR
493
ST. HELIER
1250
HALCYON
243
QUEEN OF THANET 1500
HILDA
530
VIVACIOUS
427
ROUEN
800
SALAMANDER
479
WESTWARD Ho
900
RIKA
200
Total 58,4
VANQUISHER (II)
1200
COTE D'ARGENT 1000
SPEEDWELL
972
FRISO
648
HARVESTER
576
SALTASH
400
ICARUS
1114
QUEEN OF THE
ROSS
260
CODRINGTON
746
CHANNEL
52
DUNDALK
280
SABRE
451
HALCYON
508
SHIKARI
623
SALTASH
400
DRIFTERS
MISCELLANEOUS
453
HOSPITAL SHIPS
FOREIGN VESSELS
WINCHELSEA
1150
SUTTON
SCIMITAR (II)
376
KELLETT
40
Miscellaneous 1110
FOREMOST
200
ESK (I)
979
WESTWARD Ho
900
ST. ANDREW 130
INCENIEUR CACHIN
1
GOLDEN GIFT
123
VINCIA
108
PATRIE
WHITEHALL
(II)
34
157
GRIEVE (F.A.A.
GASTON RIVER
120
WORCESTER
(II)
900
OCEAN BREEZE
TRAWLERS
Trg. vessel)
374
MISCELLANEOUS (Cont.)
MONIQUE CAMILLE
302
JACKETA
564.
MOSQUITO (Gunboat) 610
REINE DE FLOTS
62
LORD INCHCAPE 240
LOCUST
"
620
LADY
ANDRE LOUIS
317
17.97
SATURN
307
NEPHRITE
500
SOUTHBORO
350
CHALUTIER
100
D. TRAWLER
100
ESKBURNE
27
RAPID
25
CHASSEUR MARIE
117
GRIEVE (Yacht)
411
MAYSPEAR
15
NORMANVILLE
500
647
UNNAMED M.B.
23
TENIAS
100
ONDERS ONS
95
II's CHANNEL
108
GALLEON
FRANSAH
500
KINGFISHER (A/S Exp.
REACH
123
Ship) (I)
180
HOPPER 24
580
KINGFISHER
-do-
(II)210
LLANTHONY
90
IOLANTHE
35
(ex serv.vessel)
10593
173171
THREE KINGS
59
GOLDEN EAGLE
KINGSGATE
910
(sp.serv.) 1250
CHRISTOBEL II
33
ROYAL EAGLE
10503
OLIVIA
103
(AA Ships)1250
ATHOLA
6
ROEBUCK (Coastal steamer)408
Lifeboat
35
MINWOOD
=
51
509
MONA'S ISLE
(A.B.V.)
1500
FL
TB
S
3
e
S
d it

224
"
Page 5.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
Junel
51. As the ship was getting lower the order to abandon ship was given and the majority of men, who were able to find some timber to hold on to or to find a place in the floats, left the ship. At this moment the enemy launched a further dive bombing attack and a bomb struck our exposed starboard side in the engine room, making a large hole. Several bombs fell very close to and one fell among the men who had abandoned ship. The aircraft were engaged by pom poms and lewis guns.
52. Some twnety minutes later the tug "St. Abbe" was sighted and eventually came alongside to take men off the ship.
This she did with the exception of volunteers who remained or.
board. She was ordered to go and pick up "Keith's" men in the water.
In this she was assisted by the tug "Vincia" which took back to Margate: Lieutenant Beauchamp, 83 ratings from
"Keith" and about ten of the General Headquarters Staff, together with six seriously injured ratings.
A grey scoob also assisted and recovered Lieutenant
Verney, Pay. Sub. Lieutenant Craig-Waller, P.N.V.R., and about four of "Keith's" men. Having a full load of soldiers, she returned to England.
53. "Keith" was again bombed by dive bombers at this time.
54. After an interval, in which a search was made for wounded and any confidential matter remaining, the tug "St.
Abbs" returned and, the ship now being not only immoveable but without H.A. ammunition and sinking slowly, the remaining men left the ship in her at about 0840.
1/6
55. Signals were made to "Salamander" and to "Basilisk"
asking them to sink "Keith" finally but both replied that they were out of control and required tug assistance. The minesweep er however proceeded westwardsand shelled "Keith" in vicinity of Asdic cabinet.
ed
56. "St. Abbs" proceed/to the recovery of a number of men in the water and on a wreck of the "Skipjack"
which had been sunk during, it 1s believed, the last attack on
"Keith".
57. After recovering all these men and a number of soldiers from a ship's lifeboat, the "St. Abbe" was attacked by part of a large formation of enemy aircraft but without result.
58. However, somewhat later, another extremely large formation was sighted consisting mainly of high level bombers.
These did not attack the "St. Abbs" but proceeded to destroy the "Keith" and attacked "Basilisk" some miles to the East.
"Keith" sank in a heavy salvo of bombs at about 0915.
59. A single, high flying twin-engined bomber was then seen returning from Dunkirk. Again the "St. Abbs" circled as fast as she could but this time a single bomb hit her amidships and she sank very rapidly in about 30 seconds and with her many wounded survivors at about 1000.

225
223
Page 6
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
59 continued.
All who had reached the water swam for the shore and a
1/6
number reached the wreck of the "Clan MacAlister" which was resting on her stern after being sunk in one the of the above raids. They were later taken off by a lighter and transferred to Sheerness Yard Craft No.63 then loaded with troops from the beach.
60. Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his Staff by M.T.B.
1 Officer and 88 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. Staff.
2 Officers and 4 ratings by a scoot.
Captain, 3 Officers and 13 men, some of whom were wounded, in Yard Craft 63.
1 Officer and an II.A.S.B. from Dunkirk, after swimming ashore from "St. Abbs".
7 ratings by "Salanander".
D.Jon. Barthan D.jon.
CAPTAIN.
P.S. In continuation of paragraph 40:-
Lord Gort came onboard "Keith", had about 25
minutes conference with Rear Admiral Dover, and then proceeded in a British M.T.B., accompanied by his Chief
Staff Officer, for Dover.
VICE AD MIRAL
#
DO
O
Tu
O
S

SECRET
PAGE 7.
22?
H.M.S. "KEITH" - FINAL REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS 30th MAY - 1st
229
JUNE, 1940, WITH HER EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION.
(Captain Berthon's No.31 of 1st July, 1940 to V.A. Dover.)
62. At about 0950 a single high flying twin-engine bomber was seen returning from Dunkirk. Again"St. Abbs"
circled as fast as she could but this time a single bomb hit her amidships and she sank very rapidly, (in about 30
seconds), with her many wounded survivors. The "Keith's"
medical officer Surgeon Lieutenant R.H.A.Turner Royal Navy,
Ret'd, who was attending to wounded below and the Gunner (T)
Mr.Gedric James Brown Rpyal Navy, were both lost.
63.
All who had reached the surface of the water swam to the shore and a number reached the wreck of the "Clan
MacAlister", which was now resting on her step off Braye after being sunk in one of the above raids. They were later taken off by a motor lighter and transferred to Yard Craft 63 which with a full load of soldiers proceeded for England and after further trials by bombing on passage landed at Dover at 0800 Sunday,
2nd June. One officer swam to the shore and returned via
Dunkirk in a M.A.S.B.
64.
Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
Following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his staff by M.T.B.
Captain, 3 officers and 13 men by yard craft 63.
1 officer and 83 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. staff.
2 officers and 20 ratings by scoot "Hilda"
About 7 ratings by "Salamander"
1 officer by M.A.S.B. from Dunkirk after swimming ashore.
There are 3 officers and 33 men lost.
65.
The discipline and cheerfulness of the ship's company was most marked and I consider was due to the personality of my predecessor the late Captain David Simpson R.N. who lost his life while in command of "Keith" about ten days previously, and to all the officers. No credit for this high morale can be attributed to myself as my active command of "Keith" amounted to 48 hours only.
66.
The cause of "Keith's" loss was the heavy enemy dive bombing attacks carried out when the ship's movements were very restricted owing to shoals, magnetic mines and wrecks and to the lack of effective A.A. fire owing to H.A. ammunition having been expended. The conduct of all officers and men was exempliary but it is desired to bring certain officers and men to your notice who from my personal observations were outstandingly forward in the execution of their duty in action under very trying conditions. Recommendations of these officers and ratings are being made in a separate letter.
VICE ADMIRAL
JUL 1940
D
CAPTAIN.
for Dover uy zuyuevote rass and North channel. The night was

(Revised
Page 21B
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Able Seaman George E. Davis C/J 86552 (wounded)
Able Seaman George J. Woodger, C/J 45802. P.N. 22573.
Both these ratings fought their Lewis Guns courageously until the ship sank.
Recommended for decoration.
Leading Telegraphist Ernest J. N. Beeley C/JX 141015
By his devotion to duty repaired main aerials three times whilst ship was being bombed. Later he manned the
Lewis Guns in the St. Abbs although he had never fired one before.
Recommended for decoration.
Able Seaman Daniel Fossey. C/JX 148554.
Sick Berth Attendant Robert Brown, S.R. 16465
Both these ratings did valuable work to the numerous wounded in the Tug Vincia.
Recommended for mention
Leading Seaman Elric I.J.A.G. Joplin C/JX1 38400
Although wounded showed great courage and was forward in every duty including the destruction of secret matter.
After the order "Abandon Ship" volunteered to remain on board sustained. in order to make a careful investigation of the damage
Recommended for decoration.
Able Seaman Thoman F. Osprey. C/J 114945,
Showed great courage in manning Pom-Pom Guns until finally ordered to leave.
Recommended for mention
(Is being recommended for decoration on account of service at Boulogne on 23rd May, just prior to
Operation "Dynamo")

Page 22,
Page 21B
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Able Able Seaman Seaman George George E. Davis C/J 86552 (wounded)
J. Woodger, C/J 45802. P.N. 22573.
until
Both the these ship ratings sank. fought their Lewis Guns courageously
Recommended for decoration.
Leading Telegraphist Ernest J. N. Beeley C/JX 141015
By his devotion to duty repaired main aerials
M.
times whilst ship was being bombed. Later he manned three before. Lewis Guns in the St. Abbs although he had never fired the one
Recommended for decoration.
Able Seaman Daniel Fossey. C/JX 148554.
Sick Berth Attendant Robert Brown, S.R. 16465
Both these ratings did valuable work to the numerous wounded in the Tug Vincia.
Recommended for mention
Leading Seaman Elric I.J.A.G. Joplin C/JX1 38400
Although wounded showed great courage and was forward in every duty including the destruction of secret matter.
After the order 'Abandon Ship" volunteered to remain on board in order to make a careful investigation of the damage sustained.
Recommended for decoration.
Able Seaman Thoman F. Osprey. C/J 114945.
S
Showed great courage in manning Pom-Pom Guns until finally ordered to leave.
Recommended for mention
(Is being recommended for decoration on account of service at Boulogne on 23rd May, just prior to
Operation "Dynamo")
OF