TNA ADM 199 792

2
291
.017978/41.
9.11.41.
(R.A., 1st C.S. 461/K.16)
Rear-Admiral 29th May to 4th Wake-Walker's June, 1940. account of the evacuation from Dunkerque, 200
29th May.
293
1445
Asked there. by VCNS to go to Dunkerque to organise embarkation
Title:- R.-A., Dover. Not to supersede Captain Tennant
(SNO, Dunkerque), but to be i/c offshore at Dunkerque.
5
70,000 men already embarked.
Accompanied by Cdr. Norfolk, Lieut. -Cdr. Wynne-Edwards.
Own Flag-Lieut. then at Newcastle, so one lent from among the signal officers at Dover (Viscount Kelburn) with some signal ratings.
Told by ISL that the French were not thought to be pulling their weight:? to refuse them embarkation if British troops were ready to embark. (On 31st May, signal to say
Government policy was for equal opportunities to British and French troops.)
(2)
1600 Left for Dover by car. Arrived at 1800.
General idea:-
3 beaches, each in 3 sections, for British troops at
La Panne, Braye & St.Malo. French were using other beaches between St. Malo & Dunkerque.
Dunkerque had been heavily bombed: GRENADE and other ships sunk there. One Eastern approach to Dunkerque could not be used at night as E-boats had sunk a destroyer there: Western one being shelled from shore in daylight:
centre one difficult for navigational reasons.
Captain Bush (HEBE) i/c offshore until my arrival.
Arrangements:-
2 destroyers ready to sail from Dover to Dunkerque to take over 2 lots of beach parties. One of 80 officers and men
(G. & T. Long Courses) was for disciplinary purposes on the beaches. In the earlier stages the troops were completely disorganised, discarding their rifles, lying down on the beaches and refusing to get into the boats:
it was intended that men would not be taken off unless they had their rifles. By the time I arrived things had improved very considerably in this respect.
(3)
Another party of 200 were intended to act as beach parties to assist the embarkation, but these never materialised.
I
Commodores Stevenson and Hallett arrived at Dover by train after I did - thought they were already at Dunkerque.
2000
Sailed in ESK with all the above, except the 200 men of the beach parties. Stevenson to take charge off La Panne
Hallett off Braye. Intended myself to be off St. Malo and
Dunkerque, or to put Bush i/c there.
ore
Warned officers of beach parties not to get caught, and that it møght be impossible to give them any order as to when to come off.
Had no clear idea of what might be possible or how to set about it, nor any idea of local conditions, communications, I
General etc. plan was to put an officer in some small ship i/c hit offshore at each of the main beaches and try to organise ore the flow of ships to beaches myself from some central and position.
que al
(4)
Dark
0
isi

311-308
or 3 -
MAY29
The Vice Admiral, Dover, stressed that those Navol Ratings must be got away and must not run the risk of getting caught schore at the ond. I met the signal officer, Viscount Kelburn, who had been lont to me, and arranged that he should collect a party of Signal Ratings to accompany me.
I was also much surprised to meet Commodores Stevenson and Hallett, who arrived at Dover by train after I did; I thought they were already at Dunkirk.
I finally sailed in the "ESK" at 2000 with these two Officers, the disciplinary beach parties and my signalmen and staff. There was no news of the 200 men of the beach parties and I do not know to this day what became of them.
On the way over I arranged that Commodore Stevenson would take charge off La Panne, and Commodore Hallett off Braye, and at that time
I intended to be off St. Malo and Dunkirk myself or to put Captain Bush in charge there. I also spoke to the officers in charge of the disciplinary parties and warned them not to get caught but said that it would probably be impossible to give them any order as to when to come off,
It was thought that the embarkation could hardly go on for 1201'C than a day or two and each day we expected to be the last.
At this time I must confess that I had very little idea of what it was going to be possible to do or how to set about it. I knew that large numbers of craft of all sorts, Destroyers Sloops and Minesweepers were fetching troops back, but I had no idea at all of local conditions -
where they could borth, the possibilities of using the harbour - boat facilities for off shore transport - or what communications oxisted.
My general plan was to put an officer in some amall ship in charge off shore at each of the main beaches and to try and organise the flow of ships to the beaches myself from some central position.
In the "ESK" we were kindly given some sandwiches, and after a short talk we made ourselves as comfortable as we could in the Captain's cabin and tried to sleep. I...

&
C.W.22953
THE SECRETARY,
ADMIRALTY,
1940
LONDON, S.W.l.
Reference attached copy of a letter received from the General Officer Commanding,
1st Division.
General the Viscount Gort, V.C., G.C.B.,
C.B.E., D.S.O., M.V.O., M.C., wishes me to convey his thanks and appreciation for the gallant aid given by all ranks of H.M.S.WORCESTER.
C.A. Jondane to
58 Cadogan Square,
Brigadier,
London, S.W.1.
Military Secretary,
British Expeditionary Force.
17th July 1940.
YTT anougha crm9 TTAUS non TOO OTTM SMOTO arm? am TO
spite of suffering continual casualties among the crews was the admiration of all. The Army owes a debt to this gallant ship's company for the large number of lives saved and brought safely into the home port.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(signed) J.C. Currio, Lt.Col. R.A.

The Secretary,
Admiralty,
London, S.W.1.
General the Viscount Gort, V.C., G.C.B.,
C.B.E., D.S.O., M.V.O., M.C., wishes to bring to the notice of the Lords of the Admiralty, the following officers of the Royal Navy, and to convey his thanks for their services:-
OMIT.
COMMODORE W.P. GANDELL, R.N., who was P.S.T.O. with the B.E.F. from its inception. The greatest
PSTO
assistance was given by this officer throughout,
Clyde and it is due to his loyal co-operation that arrangements in regard to naval transport worked
79 Newanks with such efficiency.
Greense
CAPTAIN H.A.B. DIGBY-BESTE, C.I.E., O.B.E., R.I.N.
to who was assistant to the P.S.T.O., and to whom the B.E.F. are greatly indebted for his
H.M.S. Victory Fore unfailing co-operation and help, especially in respect of the embarkation of the B.E.F. from
France.
Divisional Luwich Sea Transport
CAPTAIN TENNENT, R.N. and the Naval Officers and ratings under his Command. The Royal Navy assisting the Army in the evacuation of the troops from Dunkirke displayed throughout
A
77n this very difficult operation, skill, determination, and devotion to duty worthy
2684
of the highest tradition of the Royal Navy.
COMMANDER LEWIS, R.N. who, in conjunction with other officers, organised the docks and the shipping and unloading of ships and was always to be found in the docks area - the most unpleasant and dangerous area in Dunkirke.
C.J.X.154411, ABLE SEAMAN BURROWS, R.N., H.M.S." PEMBROKE"
(ex "ESQUIMO"), whose name was forwarded under cover of my letter dated 1st July 1940.
C A Jandane
58 Cadogan Square,
Brigadier,
London, S.W.1.
Military Secretary,
British Expeditionary Force.
17th July 1940.

30th July, 40.
C.W.22953/40.
H.M.S. WORCESTER: Aid given to the Royal
Artillery at Dunkerque,
Tune
Copies sent to the five names mentiohedoin the ext.
the Secretary,
Admiralty, London, S.W.1.
General the Viscount Gort, V.C., G.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O.,M.V.O.
M.C., wishes to bring to the notice of the Lords of the Admiralty, the following officers of the Royal Navy, and to convey his thanks for their services:-
COMMODORE W.P.GANDELL. R.N., who was P.S.T.O. with the B.E.F. from its inception. The greatest assistance was given by this officer throughout, and it is due to his loyal co-operation that arrangements in regard to naval transport worked with such efficiency.
CAPTAIN H.A.B. DIGBY-BESTE. C.I.E., O.B.E. R.I.N. who was msistant to the P.S.T.O., and to whom the B.E.F. are greatly indebted for his unfailing co-operation and help, especially in respect of the embarkation of the B.E.F. from France.
CALTAIN TENNENT. R.N. and the Naval Officers and ratings under his
Command. The Royal Navy assisting the Army in the evacuation of the troops from Dunkirke displayed throughout this very difficult operation, skill, determination, and devotion to duty worthy of the highest tradition of the Royal Navy.
COMMANDER LEWIS. R.N. who, in conjunction with other officers, organised the docks and the shipping and unloading most of ships and was always to be found in the docks area - the unpleasant and dangerous area in Dunkirke.
C.J.X. 154411, ABLE SEAMAN BURROWS, R.N., H.M.S. letter PEMBROKE (ex ESQUIMO)
whose name was forwarded under cover of my dated 1st July,
1940.
(signed) C.A. Jardine,
Brigadier,
Military Secretary,
58 Cadogan Square,
British Expeditionary Force.
London, S.W.1.
17th July, 1940.
51-6446

30th July, 40.
C.W.22953/40.
H.M.S. WORCESTER: Aid given to the Royal
Artillery at Dunkerque,
June lst.
Commander-in-Chier,
H. M. Ships and Vessels, Nore.
I am to inform you that General the Viscount Gort has requested that an expression of his thanks and appreciation may be conveyed to the Commanding Officer, the Officers and men of H.M. WORCESTER for the gallant assistance rendered by them on June 1st, when a number of Officers and men of the
2nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, was embarked at Dunkerque and brought to England. to the at
Lord Gort has expressed warm admiration of the cool and skilful handling of WORCESTER during and after enemy air attacks; he has emphasized the calmness and efficiency with which the troops were assisted during the embarkation and he has drawn attention to the bravery and persistence of the guns' crews who served their guns throughout in spite of casualties.
Their Lordships cordialls endorse Lord Gort's appreciation and 1 am to request you to cause it to be conveyed to WORCESTER accordingly.
by lat, BY COMMAND OF THRIR LORDSHIPS, the erque to
Angland, of hir he has the ith the he has to What sweet crows who casualties.
Their Lordships cordially endorse Lord Gort's appreciation and I am to request you to cause it to be conveyed to WORCESTER accordingly.
BY COMMAND OF THEIR LORDGHIPS,
51-6446

23187
20th August
0
22953/40.
40
DATE
)
18.7.40
è
The Flag Belfast. Officer-in-Charge,
3/40
I am to enclose a copy of a letter from the Military Secretary, B.E.F., and to wester".
request that you will bring it to the notice
Croswell of
C. Gesowell. R.N.
Commander F
A
30th July, 40.
C.W.22953/40.
to
H.M.S. WORCESTER: Aid given to the Royal
Artillery at Dunkerque,
June lst.
Commander-in-Chief,
H. M. Ships and Vessels, Nore.
I am to inform you that General the Viscount Gort has requested that an expression of his thanks and appreciation
4
may be conveyed to the Commanding Officer, the Officers and men of H.M.S. WORCESTER for the gollant assistance rendered by them on June lst, when a number of Officers and men of the
2nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, was embarked at Dunkerque and brought to England.
Lord Gort has expressed warm admiration of the cool and skilful handling of WORCESTER during and after enemy air attacks; he has emphasized the calmness and efficiency with which the troops were assisted during the embarkation and he has drawn attention to the bravery and persistence of the guns' crews who served their guns throu hout in spite of casualties.
Their Lordships cordially endorse Lord Gort's appreciation and I am to request you to cause it to be conveyed to WORCESTER accordingly.
BY COMMAND OF THEIR LORDGHIPS,
51-6446

7413
Page 135
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 135
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. 4).
BEACH PARTIES, PIER PARTIES, CONTROL OF EVACUATION
OFF THE COAST AND IN DUNKIRK HARBOUR.
About 35 Naval Officers and 330 Naval ratings were employed for varying periods on these duties. A great number worked unseasingly without relief or rest, exposed to consistent air attacks, and periodical bombardments from artillery, for up to 7 days. The work of these
Officers and men was of the greatest value, and contributed largely to the success of the operation.
(of the above, 6 officers and 11 ratings were decorated in the London Gazette of 7th June, 1940 for this operation).
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Captain Eric Wheler Bush, D.S.C. R.N.
Acted as Senior Naval Officer (afloat) off the
DSO
beaches until the arrival of Rear Admiral Wake-Walker, thereafter continued as assistant in control of sea traffic and distribution of evacuation craft,
Displayed exceptional energy, and devotion to duty under fire.
DSO
Commander Edward Reginald Lewis, R.No
DSO
Commander Michael Oliver Dundas Ellwood (R.N. Retired).
DSO
Commander Hector du Plessis Richardson. R.N.
These Officers performed outstanding work under fire in charge of various sections of the beach organisation, working unceasingly for 5 days.
Displayed conspicuous devotion to duty.
Recommended for decoration.
M
Commodore Gilbert Owen Stephenson, C.B., C.M.G. (Vice Admiral
Commodore Theodore John Hallett, R.N. (Vice Admiral Retired). Retired).
28
Captain John Montagu Howson, R.N.
Commander Harold Pitcairn Henderson, R.N.
Commander Robert Jocelyn Oliver Otway Ruthven, R.N.
Commander Harold Robson Conway. R.N.
Commander Herbert Jemes Buchanan, R.A.N.
Lieutenant-Commander Bruce Balfour Junor. R.N.
Lieutenant-Commander James Whaley McClelland, R.N.
Lieutenant Viscount Kelburn. R.N.
Paymaster Lieutenant Frank Neil Brockett, R.N.R.
These officers were suployed on various duties in the Dunkirk area, and carried out their duties with conspicuous success.
LS
1
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS/

on "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. 135
Page
PARTIES, PIER PARTIES, CONTROL OF EVACUATION
OFF THE COAST AND IN DUNKIRK HARBOUR.
out ed for 35 Naval varying Officers and 330 Naval ratings worked periods on these duties. A were sistent for attacks, and periodical bombardments unseasingly air without relief or rest, great exposed rtillery, up to 7 days. The work of these ers and men was of the greatest value, and contributed y to the success of the operation.
of the above, 6 officers and 11 ratings were decorated e London Gazette of 7th June, 1940 for this operation).
Recommendations.
n Eric Wheler Bush, D.S.C. R.N.
Acted as Senior Naval Officer (afloat) off the beaches until the arrival of Rear Admiral Wake-Walker, thereafter continued as assistant in control of sea traffic and distribution of evacuation craft.
5
Displayed exceptional energy, and devotion to duty
86
under fire.
nder Edward Reginald Lewis, R.N.
nder Michael Oliver Dundas Ellwood (R.N. Retired).
ander Hector du Plessis Richardson, R.N.
These Officers performed outstanding work under fire in charge of various sections of the beach organisation, working unceasingly for 5 days.
Displayed conspicuous devotion to duty.
Recommended for decoration.
odore Gilbert Owen Stephenson, C.B., C.M.G. (Vice Retired). Admiral hodore Theodore John Hallett, R.N. (Vice Admiral Retired), tain John Montagu Howson, R.N.
mander mander Harold Robert Jocelyn Oliver Otway Ruthven, R.N.
Pitcairn Henderson, R.N.
utenant-Commander utenant-Commander mander Herbert Bruce James Whaley Balfour McClelland, Junor, R.N. R.N.
mander James Buchanan, R.A.N.
Harold Robson Conway, R.N.
master utenant Lieutenant Viscount Frank Neil Brockett, R.N.R.
Kelburn, R.N.
These Dunkirk officers area, were and employed carried on out various their duties duties with in the conspicuous success.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS/