TNA ADM 199 795

SECRET
536
512
Dyram 232.
APPENDIX 4.
RAMSGATE & MARGATE: DYNAMO OPERATION.
Reports from Base Departments:-
(a) N.C.S.O.
(b) Medical
(c) Engineer
(a) Accountant
(e) Maintenance
(f) D.E.M.S.
Service Officer it was obvious that much work and and
Control required from Naval Officer-in-Charge; Royal
MAYEX00
organisation personal contact was was made with Captain W.R. Phillimore,
Nawy, at earliest opportunity.
849
the were planned and it was agreed Naval that Control the
Rough details of craft to be allocated to the be: 3 Tugs, minimum number to the Downs should of fact only
Service 3 Drifters Drifters for were and communications then 3 fast available, Motor-boats. view but of this In the point diminution urgency of of considered 2
necessities Stress was has accepted been laid in on for the importance the reason of that sufficient reduced during the situation. to an and the communications R/T is efficient Air-raid warning sea "Red", "silence" outward is W/T not and imposed, and the difficulties minimum, if indeed of communications proportionately instesizi -
in a long line Air-raid occurred conference).
mens
(In abortive this connection, -- within an an hour of the
3. Apart from/

SECRET13
atd
536
Operation "DYNAMO" and the functioning of the Naval Control
Service, Ramsgate.
From
8/30/72.
Naval Control Service Officer,
Ramsgate, Kent.
Commander-in-Chief,
8th June, 1940.
The Nore,
Sir,
I have the Honour to submit the conduct of operations as carried out by the Naval Control Service Ramsgate during the "Dynamo" period of 28th May to 4th June,
2.
At 0900 on 28th May instructions were received from
Dover to send every available small craft to arrive off
Dunkerque by 2200 that evening. Though addressed to Naval
Control Service Officer it was obvious that much work and organisation was required from Naval Officer=in=Charge; and personal contact was made with Captain W.R. Phillimore, Royal
Nawy, at the earliest opportunity.
Rough details were planned and it was agreed that the minimum number of craft to be allocated to the Naval Control
Service communications to the Downs should be: 3 Tugs, for 3 fast Motor-boats. In point of fact only 2
3 Drifters and then available, but this diminution of thesituation. considered
Drifters necessities were accepted in view of the urgency of and was been laid on the importance of sufficient an efficient sea outward W/T and R/T is reduced the
Stress has communications for the reason that during to
Air-raid minimum, in a warning if line indeed of "Red", communications "silence" is not proportionately imposed, - and fortunately the increased. difficulties
(In abortive this -- within an hour of the conference).
long connection, an Air-raid occurred
3. Apart from/

51gm
- 2 -
Operation "DYNAMO" and the functioning of the Naval Control
Service, Ramsgate.
3.
Apart from maintaining the normal flow of Trade traffic, the other factors to be borne in mind were:-
(i) Assistance by every means to the "DYNAMO" operation.
(ii) Additional supplies of Routeing Instructions and supplies of Charts to vessels arriving without them.
With these objectives in view the Naval Control Service Staff was temporarily re-organised.
4.
There was no delay in the constitution, formation or sailing of any Convoy or individual ship, and this proceeded without interruption, the number of ships handled (1.e. exclusive of all vessels engaged in "Dynamo") during the period: daylight
26th May to nightfall 3rd June, being 505.
(ii) An Officer with Charts and Routes was despatched to Margate as occasion required. A sub-routeing office and chart depot was set up at the end of the Eastern
Pier. One officer was lent to take command of a vessel proceeding to Dunkerque, and two officers were lent to the Naval Officer-in-6harge for any services for which they might be required.
(1ii) Large amounts of additional Routeing instructions were made out at once and demands sent in for additional supplies of appropriate charts, which arrived with the utmost promptitude.
Approximately 1000 charts were issued to the various vessels taking part, some 600 of which had the routes laid off on them for those Commanding Officers who had meither parallel rulers nor dividers and in scme of cases no pencils together with approximately 500 sets
Routeing Instructions:
The above/

- 3 -
51538
eration "DYNAMO" and the functioning of the Naval Control rvice, Ramsgate.
The above was done by the Routeing Office under the supervision of Lieutenant-Commander George Raymond
Grandage, Royal Naval Reserve, who was indefatigable:
and there was never hold-up or delay.
5.
Lack of adequate communication in The Downs was an occasional source of anxiety. There was a considerable number of QZ messages to be dealt with, which might affect not only
Trade Traffic but also "DYNAMO" operations. There is a natural reluctance to break W/T or R/T silence during an Air-raid warning, and there ware occasions when, through circumstances beyond control, all three fast Motor-boats were away and the
Inspection Tugs off theirstation for such duties as rendering necessary assistance, watering small craft etc., thus suspending sea communications from the Naval Control Office for the time being.
The number of QZ messages during the period was 55, and the number of Air-raid warnings (Red) was 3, (leaving out of account the innumerable "Yellows"); but there was no instance when they coincided with the times at which there was no means of communication.
6.
All Departments worked untiringly and selflessly, and with a complete team spirit.
I have the Honour to Remain
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
N.M.C. THURSTAN.
(N.M.C. Thurstan)
D.T.D. Admty.. (3)
Captain R.N.
C-in-C.Nore...(3)
N.C.S.O.
F.O.C.D.S....(3)
RAMSGATE.
N.O.i/c
R'gate......(2)

516 539
om:-
The Accountant Officer, R. N. Base, Ramsgate.
te:-
7th June 1940.
The Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
WORK OF THE ACCOUNTANT BRANCH, RAMSGATE, IN CONNECTION WITH
THE DUNKIRK OPERATION.
PROVISIONS.
With the commencement of the operation on May the 28th, a large number of ssels began to arrive at Ramsgate, and it was found necessary to establish a ovision Store in the Pier Head offices for the provisioning of all classes of ips and boats at short notice. A Supply staff of two Supply Ratings and 8
rking party were on duty night and day for 7 days, and it is estimated that
0 separate parcels of provisions were put up during this period. Bulk supplies re sent out from the Base several times daily as required. During daylight urs a motor boat was available for the provisioning of ships unable to berth ongside in the Harbour. From the Base, supplies were also sent two or three mes daily to maintain the provisioning of ships at Margate.
Three lorry loads of provisions were sent from Deptford during the period the operation in order to maintain adequate stocks at the Base.
GENERAL MESS.
The following figures show the rapid rise in the numbers vistualled the in the se, and the feeding of these large numbers imposed a severe strain on lley staff:-
June 3rd. 1029
May 29th. 140
4th.
924
30th. 272
5th.
634
31st. 670
6th.
517
June 1st. 885
7th.
160
2nd. 985
CLOTHING.
were received in the Base, and complete during or the part three
Large numbers of survivors 328 Ratings were kitted up with be obtained from ys (W kits June by 1st, the 2nd Supply and 3rd, staff. Large extra stocks had to ptford at short notice.
PAYMENTS.
to be ovided least A number with 200 payments advances of Officers were of pay and made men in during order who were the to enable period Landed them of from the to ships operation. return lost to had their homes, and
NAVAL STORES.
Heavy calls were made upon the Naval Stores particularly for cordage.
GENERAL response of the Royal greatly, Victoria and Yard, is worthy Deptrord,
) P.O. rked urgent recognition. Great It J. is requests Chadwick, credit considered is for who due that Provisions to the the prompt Base Supply and intervals Clothing staff, to for assisted all meals in calls particular and made sleep. upon to them, and who day and night
PAYMASTER staint LIEUT-COMMANDER R.M.R.

501470
1 Sick Quarters at Ramsgate 4 SION HILL
June 7th
19 40
To NAVAL OF FICER IN CHARGE
RAMSGATE
Submitted
Report on the Medical Organisation at Ramsgate Naval
Base during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the
French coast.
In such an emergency a basis of procedure had to be rapidly improvised and modified according to circumstances. Collaboration between the Naval. medical personnel and the RAMC was essential and after the first day was found to be working smoothly and efficiently.
The suggestion that the floor of the Merrie England base should be used as & Clearing Station was supported by the NOIC, and traffic from the eastern pier head
ATO
was so organised. Very little delay was found in rapidly clearing the wounded from ships as they berthed.
tels
Smaller boats were dealt with at the Dover steps further down. A naval and military doctor was always available at the pier head for some time before and after high led tide at which time many of the larger vessels entered the harbour. A pier head rallying point was established for medical personnel, and here stocks of dressings, stretchers and medical essentials were kept.
Transport in the form of ambulances Military, ARP, and
St.John's was always available and ample. I would
RILEA
United
JUTLAND
FREDANJA
TYCAP
CRASTS
JAJA
FOAM QUEEN
PACIFIC
BORNRIO
PASCHOLL
REIGER
SUN IV
LINIRED STAR
PATRIA
QUEEN
BRANDARIS
TANIA
RUJA
RESTREL
DELFUSE
SUN XV
HOPPER-
HANDBRUG
BARGE 24
(INO GEORGE y
SWALLOW
DWARP
CAVA
GROUSE
BOURNRIFT
ROYAL DAFFODIL
FABIA
PRINCE OF WALES
CARISTA
BAN
CELLETT
BOX FRED
ROYAL SOVERSION
LENA
VIRINO
SALVINA
DUCHESS OF FIFE ORIOLE

51854
il Sick Quarters at Ramsgate
4 SION HILL
June 7th
19 40
Contd. 2.
like to place on record the excellent work of the Ramsgate
ARP personnel and St. John's ambulance brigade, who worked untiringly. The superintendent of the ARP
organisation was most helpful and never refused any request in rooviding adequate transport at any time.
Vessels on being berthed were cleared of troops before the wounded were attended to
Stretchers of the army pattern were plentiful, but under the exceptional circumstances it was found that the need for the Naval pattern stretchers Neil Robertsons in greater numbers was urgent.
I have been particularly concerned with the severe nature of wounds from bomb and gun blast especially at the number of bone fractures of the thigh and leg, both simple and compound, and I would suggest the provision of Thomas splints as a first aid necessity. Many cases of this nature have been encountered and the shock of moving such cases from confined areas of ships was very great, accompanied as it has been in many asses by the effects of prolonged immersion in the water. Many other severe mutilations were met with. At the height of the emergency the P M 0 Dover sent two Naval
Surgeons to the Base, one was despatched to Margate,
RILSA

519
al Sick Quarters at Ramsgate
4 SION HILL
June 7th 1 19 40
Contd. 3.
with stores and first aid material. The presence of these two officers was a great help as it enabled a medical officer to proceed to sea, and make nearer contact with wounded in ships which hadbroken down or which could not make the harbour owing to various contingencies.
Large numbers of military wounded were dealt with at the base and were removed direct by military ambulance to unascertained destinations.
With regard to naval and mercantile marine personnel. Two naval ambulances carried approximately
TO
32 cases to R N H Chatham. amongst these were the wounded from H M S Gula. Twenty sailors R N, 4 French sailors and 7 unknown were sent to Ramsgate Hospital. Six sailors R N, 2 MM and 1 French sailor were sent to the
Holy Cross Hospital, Ramsele. Fourteen cases of a ed minor nature were admitted to the R N Sick quarters,
Ramsgate. Approximately 50 more naval ratings were treated for minor injuries, i.e. were fit to travel and forwarded with their drafts to home ports.
Owing to the necessity of keeping the local hospitals clear of patients not too ill to be transferred inland these cases mentioned were moved to various
RILNA
GRANTS

54
520
al Sick Quarters at Ramsgate 4 SION HILL
June 7th 19 40
Contd 4
hospitals viz Tunbridge Wells Preston Hall Maid stone Dartford Canterbury and Farnborough. Many
Officers and men and civillians who had been engaged in transporting the force were seen by the Medical
Officers for effects of nervouststrain and loss of sleep -
At the peak period of the evacuation approximately
I70 wounded were dealt with in 24 hours.
About I2 wounded enemy soldiers and airmen were seen and dressed on the oier.
As far as I am aware no undue delay was experienced in dealing with the wounded and in transporting them to hospital.
Your obedient servant
Bittlaner.
Surz Lieut REVE' 3
1ed

544
521
FROM:-
Engineer Captain, Naval Base, Ramsgate
DATE:-
10th June 1940.
TO:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
REPAIRS TO VESSELS: EMPLOYED IN "DYNAMO".
During the period 26th May to 4th June inclusive, the number of vessels dealt with for defects of all kinds, including hull, engine, and electrical, was 170. Included in this number were Dutch Schoots, tugs, trawlers, drifters, motor lighters, fire floats, car ferries, and motor boats of every conceivable type.
2.
Engine defects were numerous for two reasons:-
(1) Many boats had been laid up for some time and were in a poor condition.
(2) Inexperienced drivers, in some cases second Although class willing, these drivers were responsible stokers, were pitch forked into boats. for many breakdowns.
3. The local service, and dealt with 45 vessels. also did two
Engineering Firm, Messrs Clarton and Co. The rendered small shipwright admirable firms, Bailey & Stone, and Holladay, their utmost.
Officers, 11 Chief E.R.A's and and 3.3.A's, 5 Stokers
1 4. were Chatham, Mechanician, lent and Four to the Engineer 19 Base Motor for This was 1 style. Stoker although this and great
The following quantities of fuel and oil were supplied
5.
during DYNAMO:-
Petrol
8,500 gallons #
Gas Oil
5,730
IS
Paraffin 2,025
Lubricating
Oils
605
Coal
450 A Tons large quantity.
3
Water
Thousan
ENGINEER CAPTAIN, AID IN R.N.

Report on DYNAMO OPERATION in Merrie England. Base,
522
loyment of ratings
On commencement of the operation the base personnel working party consisted of 45 ratings, mostly pensioners and some H.O.
ratings. These were divided up between Ramsgate and Margate and were employed on berthing duties for all ships entering the harbour, working day and night and not leaving the pier for the week during the operation.
During the fol lowing three days drafts were sent from Bevonport,
Bortsmouth, Lowestoft and Chatham, amounting to about 950 men.
These were mostly without bedding or clean clothes and were accomodated on the floors of the ball room and buildings adjacen t Merrie England. They were mostly Hostility Ratings with little or no training. Any rating with training or any volunteers were detailed for the vatious ships and motor boats going to Dunkirk.
the remainder being used fr base duties, sandbags, carting of ladders, anchors, roae, etc to the ships.
rrie England.
The base was used as a clearing station for wounded from the
Army and Navy, the supplying of clothing for all survivors Tomens and the feeding of them, this duty being carried out by the
Volunteer Service to whom the highest praise is due.
Routine duties commenced generally about 0300 and continued to
2400. was supplied by the people of Ramsgate, in overwhelming. answer to &
Clothing braadcast appeal, and the reply to the appeal was shir
LC(m)

sa
548
) 2 (
DYNAMO OPERATION - DISTRIBUTION OF LEWIS GUIS
JANE HANNAH
SUN VIII
ROSE
BETTY
NARCISSA
ACE
WINSTON
MATILDA
CLACTON LIFE-
RACIA
ADMIRALS BARGE
LURNILYNE
BOAT
MERMAID
MADAME SANGENE
ELIZABETH GREEN EN
MISS MING
HALCYONE
N.B. 1711
M.B. 37270
LETITIA
PIGEON
M.B. 74
WOEP
HAIG.
4. available duo to the vessels previously fitted being In
Other smaller craft were also fitted with guns when these no addition longer magazines were refilled and spare ammunition became required or unable to continue the operation. was supplied as It became necessary.
to number of Lewis guns were transferred from their ship to ship commands, and of these we have no
5. A by the various officers when record. they changed
II
for overhauling, and twelve above ratings work. were
8
6. sent Four from Chatham Q.0's and they assisted in the
OF
I
LEWIS GUNNERS.
8
All the 23 Lewis gunners together sent from with London those were from
7. embarked for the of operation them making several their crossings, duties. and all
Ramagate, showed great most keenness in performing
All have returned to Ramsgate with the exception of
S.C.
8.
Cyril Head
This "SUN IV" (sent to Dover)
J.S. Parker
)
Tug "SUN XV (sent to London)
R. Jowitt
Leslie Reed
)
C.Olichards.
Portanant,
Ramagate.

Lynam 303.
CONFIDENTIAL
52555
Dynamo303 Blu/o/- 549 1251
8/30/72 of 8th June 1940, he Naval Control Service, une
2 3
3/31/72
ROM ** NAVAL CONTROL SERVICE OFFICER
RAMSGATE
ATE 13th June 1940
0.0000 DIRECTOR 07 TRADE DIVISION
ADMIRALTY.
Copy to:-
Commander-in-Chief Nore
Flag Officer Commanding
Dover
Naval officer-in-charge
Ramsgate.
The attached copies of Appendix
30/72 of 8th June 1940, *Operation to Ramsgate N.C.S. Memorandum, Ref.
дупато! aval and the functioning of ibmitted Control Service Ramsgate" are the for your information.
OF ADMIRA
15 JUN 1940
*
0/3
DOV
(A.V.
acs/3
RANSGATE
NG "DYNAMO" PERIOD.
I SHOWING OPERATION -
=
Independently Routed ships.
=
Il
Daily Ships passed average through of of ditto ditto. in (caloulated on the six Convoy charts working each
=
Daily days, average "nil" days oraft aupplied with set of three and dealt
=
for Daily DYNAMO. average of of DYNAMO charts (sets Office. of 3) received
=
Daily with by average Ramsgate N.C.S. Routeing
N.C.S.O.
RAMSGATE.

SECRET
Dyram. 148.
552
527
487
39
FROM.....The Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness.
DATE.....7th June 1940.
TO
The Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.
SUBJECT..Thames Local Defence Flotilla - operation Dynamo.
Reports and Recommendations.
551
Dynam 148.
526
- -SECRET-
hang
REPORTS ON "DYNAMO" OPERATION.
see VdI, p 395
No.. M.I.1/14/015.
ICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
(Copy to:- COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, THE NORE).
Reports and recommendations on Operation "Dynamo"
re forwarded with reference to Nore General Order 448.
Summary of Reports enclosed.
From Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness, concerning the following vessels:-
H.M.S. "ROYAL EAGLE"
H.M.S. "GOLDEN EAGLE"
m
N.B. With reference also to Ky
No: M.I.1/14/015 of 2nd June,
1940, to Commander-in-Chief,
The Nore. Copy to Vice-Admiral,
Dover.
H.M.Y. "CHRISTABEL II"
H.M.Y. "CALETA"
H.M.Y. "GLALA"
H.M.Y. "AMULREE"
From Captain M/S, Sheerness, concerning the following ressels:-
H.M.D. "MONARDA"
H.M.D. "RENASCENT"
H.M.Y. "ARONIA"
H.M.T. "STRATHELLIOT"
From Commander of Dockyard, Sheerness, concerning H.M. Tug
"ST. CLEARS".
I.Y. "AMULREE" With reference dated 8th June, 1940), it the to the report of the Commanding would Officer, appear y valuable for regret she performing in towing administrative out pontoons be a matter (my P.A.7/02 that this vessel was diverted from in the work which was seemingly minor by y which beaches indirectly to carry resulted out a in her being rammed and sunk at tish destroyer in the Downs.
the report forwarded by Commander that H.M. of kyard, With reference 7th to June, 1940, it is observed Yard craft crew.
"ST. CLEARS" Sheerness, is manned dated entirely by a civilian
VICE AD MIRAL 1940
.
Whansch-
June, 1940. OVER
COMMODORE - IN - CHARGE,
SHEERNESS.
officer will not be overlooked. night

SECRET
Dyram 148.
5537
487
39
FROM.
The Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness.
DATE
7th June 1940.
TO
The Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.
SUBJECT. Thames Local Defence Flotilla operation Dynamo.
Reports and Recommendations,
The undermentioned reports are forwarded:-
SCHEDULE.
Defence of report dated 1st June covering the period 27th - 31st May)
Flotilla, May 31st - - 3rd June 1940 (in continuation
Report of Proceedings of A/A ships of Thames Local
Report of Proceedings H.M.S. ROYAL EAGLE.
ditto.
H.M.S. GOLDEN EAGLE
(The 1940 has been submitted by
Report of Proceedings and Loss of H.M.S.CRESTED the
EAGLE Commanding dated Officer 31st May direct to Commodore, R.N.Barracks, Chatham.)
Narative of Events H.M.S. CHRISTOBEL II
Report of Proceedings H.M.S. CALETA
H.M.S. GLALA
ditto.
H.M.S. AMULREE
ditto.
RECOMMENDATIONS. Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence Flotilla
For H.M.Ships ROYAL RAGLE, GOLDEN RAGLE,
CRESTED EAGLE.
For H.M.Yachts CHRISTOBEL KRinake II, CALETA, GLALA
and AMULREE.
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
CAPTAIN, he nen
1th June 1940 COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
SHEERNESS.
for that me son have happened. I do sincerely hist, hope when names under in for your fot is officer consideration Command will are not that sent be this overlooked. said night at

553
No.. R.E.2/014
VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
(Copy to:- COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, NORE).
With reference to your
1147/10/6, recommendations of personnel taking part in Operation
"Dynamo" under my orders were forwarded in my Nos. M.I.1/14/015 and
R.E.2/014 of 8th and 9th June, 1940, respectively.
It is presumed that no further recommendations are required.
ADMIRAL
5 JUN 1940
+
Mhanails
AT and D
June 1940 E

VAM
55529
Cdr Martineau hereby
CSO
Dear Sir.
Being an officer in
He In. Forces and recently returned from Dunkerk.
I do feel it is a duty work, that has, and is, being is to inform you of the wonderful done by the B.D.O who under your Command
It has that the said Officer not only been brought to my notice carries out his own most dangerous work. with loyalty. ready, and skill, but is ever to to do all in his power help others.
myself many things that
Having seen for have happened. I do sincerely hope are sent in for when names under your
Command that this overlosked. said
Officer consideration will not be

531
CENTRAL
12 JUN1940
he accompanying REGISTRY
Colon is transmitted with compliments of the cetary to the Ministry
Agriculture, and Fisheries
The secretary admiralty whose Department the subct appears to appertain
The writer has been informed cordingly.
my
NISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
r
23-25 AND Solo PLACE, Square
FISHERIES, in
10, WHITEHALL
me
LONDON, S.W.1. S.
N
on 11 6 1940
my
4
ORM No. 580/S.E.
2/d 4005 u/so 88

Mi jkadove
556
Haven bottage th
Newton by X Lea
June 8 1940
thrick
Captam Morgan
Please consider of return to me in due chine.
R.Gleadave
Northol
23.6.40.
Admissity his it is about through my son is terrible ordeal and nights, they but gh T a Wright, line to who you has at funkish the ole time 12 hrs days in a rest camp, untill they ve him 48 few hours back, was only in volunteers a last to of go the traps with he ain seeking and to burthough the had worn gone out back, through
≤ way, worry rest of he what went he death to go but he w men he as d ( no back was he certain engain with to do 180 for me ame cld the BEF, it through what I wh Lee you that honours my son list,
1 is y not hnow name overlooked has are will, been becamaged then, home this as years gas his I thought W wight boat is worwould have budy

roll ne)
1151 Tomo 665 morthing grams: "TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
phone: ABBEY 7711.
B
Any further communication on this
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ubject should be addressed to:-
The Director of Sea Transport.
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
(address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE, and the following number quoted:-
LONDON, W.I.
SEILE
ind
CONFIDENTIAL
29th June, 1940.
own
Vice Admiral, in
DOVER.
Although Sea control Transport of Officers the Director normally of of Sea operation come Transport, di ind under the direct Flag Officer in control the attached
Dynamo letter you from may Commodore E.G. Officer, de Jukes Dover, during this period.
I feel that as prefer the to take action Hughes upon who was acting
Ln
Principal
Sea
Transport sl to
VIOE ADMIRAL
Director of Sea Transport.
Naval Addmirel, to the new
-Nu
- -2 JUL 1940
*
Need
DOVER
of the
731
me

Дулаш 379.
558
534
SEA TRANSPORT OFFICE, rams: Divisional Transports,
Southampton.
) Tel. No.: Southampton 3678 & 5746.
$ Tel. No.: Southampton 4241.
THE
SOUTHAMPTON.
Extns. 531 & 730.
01A/JH/PA.
27th June, 1940
ly quote
CONFIDENTIAL
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the attached reports on the services rendered by the undermentioned Officers in the hope that some recognition of these services can be made.
The Officers names are given in what in my opinion is the order of relative merit:-
Lieutenant Allen Raymond Mackewn R.N.R.
Lieut-Comdr. Ralph William Vernon Soper.R.N.R.
Lieutenant Charles Edward Stocker.R.N.R.
Major Lionel Steele Wilkinson,R.M.
I have the honour to be
Your Sir, obedient Servant.
OFFICER.
The Director of Sea Transport
Ministry Berkeley W.l.
is

ENCLOSURE NOIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER, to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE, SOUTHAMPTON 1940 FROM
bes
535
LIEUTENANT ALLEN RAYMOND MACKEWN,R.N.R
the sent Lieutenant Mackewn to take Command and 6
Master On of the "ST SERIOL" had refused to also
29th May, 1940, it was reported to me sail. that
I an armed party consisting of 1 P.O. and
Ratings sent together with 1 Sto.P.O. and 6 Stokers onboard to help in the engine room.
endeavoured to get alongside. As this manned was
Lieutenant Mackewn took the ship to Dunkirk and impossible, the two remaining boats were by
Naval Ratings.
The and survivors of H.M.S. "GRENADE" which had been of of the "CRESTED EAGLE" which sunk, was were whom were picked badly wounded were brought off the on fire, up. About 200 soldiers, many from beach.
Lieutenant Mackewn successfully brought the ship back.
This Officer has been untiring in his devotion to duty.
when I
He had the was
Norwegian he was for some time in had occasion to call confidence on him for in special Whenever effort, I have he has fully repaid my him.
Southampton
PRINCIPAL OFFICER.
SEMILTRANSPORT
27th June, 1940
509

ENCLOSURE NO.2. to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE, 1940 FROM
560
THE PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER SOUTHAMPTON
536
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RALPH WILLIAM SOPER,R.N.R
On 29th May, 1940 the Chief Officer of H.T.
"CANTERBURY" had to be removed owing to nervous exhaustion due to enemy action.
As it was important to get the ship to sea and there was no relief available, I called for volunteers from my own staff.
Lieut-Commander Soper offered to go, and took over the duties of Chief Officer for the trip.
He carried out these duties satisfactorily, and was instrumental in assisting in the rescue of a number of troops under fire.
Southampton
27th June,1940
PRINCIPAL COMMODORE, SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER.

ENCLOSURE NO.3. to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE, 1940 FROM
561
THE PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER, SOUTHAMPTON.
037
MAJOR LIONEL STEELE WILKINSON, R.M.
This Officer came under my orders when I assumed charge as Principal Sea Transport Officer, Dover on
23rd May, 1940 for operation "Dynamo".
I was very greatly assisted by this Officer's local knowledge and devotion to duty.
During the period 23rd May to 4th June, 1940 he was and was only absent for very brief periods for sleep.
in almost constant attendance at the Office,
His hard work was of the greatest value.
Southampton
PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER.
COMMODORE,
27th June, 1940
of the ges

ENCLOSURE NO.4 to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE, 1940 FROM
THE PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER,SOUTHAMPTON.
562
533
Lieutenant Charles Edward Stoker,R.N.R.
This Officer was in charge at Folkestone, under my orders, during operation "Dynamo".
He showed marked ability and was untiring in carrying out his duties.
His able assistance relieved me of 8 good deal of work as regards Folkestone.
PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER.
COMMODORE,
Southampton
27th June, 1940
rements THE

8/4/01
Telegrams Divisional Transport,
Southampton.
G.P.O. Tel. No.: Southampton 3678.
SEA TRANSPORT OFFICE,
Docks Tel. No.: Southampton 4241.
539
Extn. 531.
SOUTHAMPTON.
reply quote 26D/HW/RM.
28th. June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following brief report on the operation "DYNAMO", as far as it affected the Sea
Transport Department.
On the afternoon of 22nd. May I received orders to proceed from the Clyde to Dover to act as Principal See
Transport Officer for the operation.
On arrival there on the morning of 23rd. Officers IN
detailed by me to proceed to various ports in the area.
During the operation the arrangements for berthing (H.M.
ships as well as Merchant ships), fuelling, disamberking etc.
were made by my Officers.
On the final morning as many as eleven craft 1920 berthed abreast one another.
The difficulties of keeping berths going and of fulling commercially port at from tanks on trucks which could only ships in a where only one ship could be fuelled be moved at certain a time, periods owing to other realised rolling in Dynamo stock being on unknown when report ready, facilities given room. asked, and that the their All not by was why lines, and factor. Often personnel required the requirements made when at this Naval the was enquiries not to could this for disposal apparently ships the Authorities being could H.M. not Director ascertained. were were met.- be ships, of not given. made not net the as be This of fully by but See regards given, as Sea turned a to In Transport this Every Pransport See when this H.M.ships the placing Transport was out assistance shing question connection naturally to Department to the be also will the officer Havel wold W affect were & an be N
being erroneous ships met, as were and not States ships but 1020
Supply Officer, of the sea ascertained and This, whilst no part matters.
Transpor arrangements to were made. naturally done to help duties, was ges took in the them. place of
Officers On two in personnel occasions
/the affect
1

564
540
The effect of the personality of the Master was very noticeable. A strongMaster carried his crew with him and them with his spirit. A weak Master only succeeded in disturbing imbued his crew. A list of ships that did well has already been forwarded to you.
duties In with the utmost energy and I have nothing but praise conclusion - all Officers on my Staff carried out their for the way they endured the long hours.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
PRINCIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER.
The Vice Admiral Commanding,
Dover.
VISA
*
2

P.A./62 542
CENTRAL
Ministry of Shipping Announcement n
21 JUN1940
Not to be published or broadcast offire
REGISTRY
Friday morning, June 21,
3124
19407
The following letter has been sent by the Minister of Shipping to the masters of 91 ships of the Merchant Navy which took part in the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk:-
"17th June, 1940.
I write on behalf of the Government to convey to you and to the members of your Ship's Company the gratitude and admiration felt for the help freely given and the courage and endurance displayed by you all in the evacuation from Dunkirk,
This operation, in which the Merchant Navy joined as partner of the fighting services, was carried to a successful conclusion in the face of difficulties never before experienced in war.
I am proud to pay tribute to your share and that of your Ship's
Company in a great and humane adventure destined to occupy a place of honour in the pages of history.
(signed) RONALD CROSS.
Minister of Shipping. #
or the 91 ships, 57 were passenger and store ships, and 34 were tugs.
In addition to these, the Ministry of Shipping has the names of over 600
smaller eraft which went to take part in the operation, and the list is not yet complete.