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TNA / ADM 199 795

TNA ADM 199 795

TNA ADM 199 795
Collection details

TNA ADM 199 795

Admiralty reports on naval operations off the Dutch, Belgian and French coasts during 1940.

Holding archive
TNA
Collection reference
ADM 199 795
View the archive catalogue entry ↗

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199/795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

731 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 5 of 15 Showing document pages 201–250 of this collection
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- 9
On receiving General MARSHALL-CORNWALL's report I
ordered Air Commodore COLE-HAMILTON - Commanding the Air
Component - to move with two fighter squadrons and his one flight of reconnaissance aircraft to the Channel Islands whence he was to co-operate with NORMAN Force by carrying out reconnaissance tasks and by protecting the embarkation of that Force at CHERBOURG. As soon as he had completed these tasks he was to proceed to the United Kingdom. The remaining Fighter Squadron was to operate from BREST to give close protection to that port during the embarkation of the
B.E.F.
31. At 1130 hours, I spoke to Air Marshal BARRATT, and explained my plan to him. I also discussed with him the arrangements for the withdrawal from LA ROCHELLE of his party, which was defending NANTES and ST. NAZAIRE during the evacuation. He expressed himself as satisfied with the arrangements that were being made.
32. At 1300 hours, the C.I.G.S. telephonedand informed me that the B.B.C. had reported that the PETAIN Covernment had asked the Germans for an Armistice (this was subsequently confirmed by Capitaine MERIC of the French Mission). He directed to getting personnel away and afterwards, if the agreed that, in view of this, all efforts should now be situation allowed it, as much material as possible. He
United Kingdom that evening. I said that I would ring up further agreed that I should leave with my staff for the again about 3 to see if there were any final orders and that, if I p.m. should be unable to communicate owing to the cable being out, I would embark as arranged.
Officer (Captain ALLEN, R.N.) explained the situation and
I then saw General de FONBLANQUE and the Senior Naval ordered them to make every effort to get all personnel away, and also as many guns and vehiclesas possible.
33. hours I rang up the C.I.G.S. as arranged, hours but I
he had At 1445 returned to the War Office. At 1530 all communications up again, with LONDON had been cut with at RENNES, any port and except that rang not but was informed by Signals that
NANTES. did it was at also 1615 I, hours impossible therefore, - and Senior to proceeded decided get Naval in with to touch Officer leave my staff REDON to a and - point which the G.O.C. about I
H.M.S. hours. for 4 L. 34. miles of At C. outside Area and ST. the NAZAIRE. ST. NAZAIRE There Western I in remained which the Approaches armed in had until carrying been trawler 2045 was not sent enemy time, survivors remained my available aircraft in from the that raids harbour afternoon. took during place, the which The but night. "CAMERIDGESHIRE" no had damage been During sunk was that done, by although three enemy a few air bombs were dropped ashore.
/ 18 JUNE

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or 1 I
18 JUNE
0300 hours. The "CAMBRIDGESHIRE" sailed as escort to a slow convoy.
19 JUNE
1800 hours. The "CAMBRIDGESHIRE" reach PLYMOUTH.
I went up to the Commander-in-Chief's house where I rang up the C.I.G.S. and reported my arrival in the United
Kingdom.
That evening, with my staff, I caught the midnight train to LONDON and reported to the C.I.C.S. at 0900 hours on 20 June.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) Am F. BROOKE.

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APPENDIX 'B'
SURMARY OF OPERATIONS ON B.E.F. IN FRANCE
FROM 1ST TO 18TH JUNE 1940
1. After the evacuation of the main British Expeditionary
Force from Flanders in the first week of June the only
British troops remaining in France were the 51st Division, which had been holding 3 sector of the Sarre Front, and the incomplete 1st Armoured Division, which had begun its disembarkation on 20th May and had been rushed up piscemeal in a desperate effort to relieve the sorely tried right flank of the B.E.F. By the 1st June this attenuated
Division, which was incomplete when disanbarked and had lost heavily in its first engagement on the Somme, could only muster roughly one third of its quota of tanks.
2. These two formations, the 51st Division and the 1st
Armoured Division, the only British fighting formations
General Altmayer, commanding Tenth French Army, which held remaining in France, were placed under the orders of the left sector of the Some front from Amiens to the S88.
The handling of the British troops, which had been delegated to General Altmayer by General leygand, was co-ordinated and supervisied by a British ilitary Mission at Tenth Army
Headquarters.
Somme sector was sixteen miles in-extent, an excessive
3. The frontage allotted to the 51st Division on the
Fre ch divisions were holding at the time owing to amount, but probably not much greater than that which their many action the Sarre front, and had had & long and arduous On depleted resources. The Division had already been in
4th June the 51st Division Commander was ordered which to carry journey on from the Eastern frontier to its new sector.
out the Abbeville bridgshead, for operation an attack the newly on arrived French 31st Division and was 8 placed under as well PS 160 French tanks of was effective co-operation between British notice, however, considerable not a success, ainly owing to the and his orders, reinforcement of French artillery. difficulty The attack,
French arranging guns and tanks at such casualties... short and the 51st infantry, Division suffered fairly heavy
4. On the following against the whole front to the day (5th June) the Garmang held launched by the
Seventh a powerful and offensive Tenth French Armies, from in an St. exhausted uentin condition, sea.
Tenth The The after from too Division 51st wide the Army 12 a days Division front, Commander, front fought of replied to continual was bravely, be when by able that widely this asked movement to but he time resist scattered had was to no relieve and forced effectively. reserves battle, posts. back the available. Division and by Owing German was The holding to infiltration the extent between of its frontago its the division had no depth
/in its

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in its defences, had had no time to organize rearward defences, nor any reserves with which to counter-attack.
It was forced back to the line of the river Bresle, the next natural obstacle, 15 miles in rear.
5. Meanwhile the 1st Armoured Division was refitting south of the Seine. Its tanks were in poor mechanical condition, owing not only to battle casualties but also to the long road distances they had been forced to cover, and to the lack of opportunity for adequate maintenance.
It was in fact in no condition for offensive operations.
6. On the 7th June the Garmans out in & smashing attack with their 5th and 7th Amoured Divisions on the point of junction between the two Corps of the Tenth French Army.
This drive was directed from west of Amiens on Rouen and the lower Seine, with the object of splitting the Tenth
Army and cutting off its IX Corps between the Saina
Estuary and Dieppe. The IX French Corps than comprised the British 51st Division on the extrema left, and then further east the 31st and 40th French Divisions and the
2nd and 5th Light Cavalry Divisions. The wh le of this force was completely sundered from the X Corps on its right by the penetration of the German tanks.
British base at Rouen, General Sir Henry Karslake, 0.0.0.
7. Meanwhile, owing to the threat developing to the the Lines of Communication, had scraped together an improvised force for its local defence. This force comprised nine infantry battalions of a sort; they out to France for pioneer duties and partly of composite consisted partly of second line Territorial units sent base. They had no war equipment except rifles and &
units made up from miscellaneous reinforcements at the never fired before. guns They were without artillery, wans few odd Bren and enti-tank weapons, which they had
District, units were of the formation, this transport command heterogeneous thus was Lines misled given complete of and Brigadier the of signal into Communication. collection with t tile thinking equipment. artillery Besuman, of had of Division; that untrained been in and Vary it They charge given was ancillary unfortunately were The $ and the of righting French the placed task ill-aquipped services. orth of under
Beauman's holding back so-called line along Division the Rivers Bethung and Andella the covering a Rouen, and had done good work in organizing defence of this position.
on While the Cerman of the 7th June, General Weygand personally impressed
8. armoured attack was at its height visited the afternoon Headquarters east of Rouen and the on Tenth Army and on General Evans commanding holding the
German attack Armoured on the Seine at all costs as this
British General Altmayer, Division, the necessity for was "the decisive battle of the war.
/It

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It was now becoming obvious that to enable the IX Corps to fall back in good order to the line of the Lower Seine, a cover position would have to be held along. the River
Andelle, some 12 miles east of Rouen. General Evans, therefore, at once ordered his 3rd Armoured Brigade (in fact reduced to some four weak squadrons of 30 tanks in all)
to stiffen up the right flank of Beauman's defensive line.
9. On the 8th June the German amoured drive continued on the Axis Amiens - Rouen, and succeeded in penetrating the weak British defences on the watershed butween the
Rivers Andelle and Bethune, west of Forges-Les-Baux.
Beauman's ill-equipped units, with the British tanks supporting them, fell back to the line of the Soino.
That night German armoured units penstrated into Rouen, and the French Tenth Army lost all touch from then onward with its IX Corps in the Pouen - Dieppe cul-de-sac.
10. The 51st Division was thus completely cut off from its proper line of retirement via Rouen. This was mainly due to the failure or inability of the French High Command to withdraw their left wing while there was still time and space for this manoeuvre. Throughout all these operations it was becoming clear that the French High
Command was issuing "die in the last ditch orders, which their troops had no intention of carrying out. From this time onwards, until the final evacuation of the B.E.F. on was crushed and that it had little Intention of offering the 18th, it was obvious that the spirit of the French Aray serious resistance. This spirit was also shared by the
Headquarters literally ceased to function for 48 hrs; It higher commanders; on the 8th June the Tenth French Army had lost all touch, and its X Corps was broken and in full retreat.
11. The had on the 9th June reached the line of
The 3rd Armoured and Brigada and Beauman's fragmentary units the Seine Germans had ustablished bridgeheads at several points.
which had been refitting at Louviers, was put in to support were withdrawn to reorganize, and the 2nd Amounted Brigade,
General hold de la Laurencie's south III Corps of Rouen. which was It was trying now to being apparent to the 12. drive Tenth the It employed was Seine Laurie, that south-west French at sent an the elsewhere, this crossings able was out Army German critical towards and rushed to from France. cool-headed armoured while the up On Alencon juncture and the Armee three Its units ni placed with commander, de leading ht that Army Paris. and of & under Corps the view 12th/13th air brigade, 52nd Brigadier the to force were separating Division orders June were detached the or it the Tenth Freuch right Army. sector of the III Corps frontenst of 8 miles of
Conches, took over the very exposed position, with & battalions gap on on its right, in a and two newly arrived French its left west of Evreux.
/AS

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AS none of the 52nd Divisional Artillery had yet arrived, the 157th Brigade was given the support of some French batteries.
13. On 14th June the Gurmans renewed their pressure on the Tenth French Army front, but most of their tanks and aircraft appeared to have been diverted on & south easterly axis towards Paris. A fairly sharp infantry attack developed on the left flank of the 157th Infantry
Brigade, which suffored some 50 casualties, and the French infantry on their left, P.S. well as the Fronch artillery supporting thom, retired hastily, leaving the brignds in the lurch. As & result of this prossure the Tonth French
Army withdrew south-west & distance of 30 miles to the wooded area north-west of Mortagne. AS the Armao de
Paris was retiring almost dua south on the Loiro, this divergence of the lines of retreat of the two armies created & gap of some 30 miles on the right flank of the
Tenth Army.
14. In conformity with this withdrawal the 157th Brigada moved back and took up a front of 8 miles astrido the
Mortagne - Vorneuil road, with the French Cavalry Corps on its right. On the night of the 14th/15th I WS placed by General Brooke in command of all the British troops operating with the Tenth French Army, and was ordered to withdraw them towards Charbourg for re-embarkation, whilst still co-operating, SQ far as possible, with the
French withdrawal. It had been my intention to leave the
157th Brigade in the line until mid-day on the 19th before withdrawting it, in order to allow General Althayer to readjust his front. I notified General Altmayer of this intention on the 16th, and no appreciated the respita granted him.
15. On the 16th Juni, however, the Garman motorized columns had already followed up swiftly the French
The French units on its right end laft retired without withdrewal, and the 157th Brigade WES attacked all day.
making any serious resistance, and the British Brigade was exposed to serious danger by both its flanks buing turned. As a result of this enemy pressure, the Tenth
Army issued orders for a general retirement on the axis
Alencon - Rennos, with a view to withdrawing into Brittery.
As co-operation with such a movement would have been contrary to s my Forco, the 3rd Armoured Brigade (which had own instructions, I at once issued orders and the 157th Infantry north-westwards to Charbourg.
16. To of Boauman's Porce and the 3rd Amount
Bri
3rd were in 0 stact with the energy. it
Bri 16. 2nd nger across the stultaneous simple operation, although this viliporps or the Tunth Any. The ill engagad with the anamy, tend the been handling and tactical h-wastward
/ability
Usued orders
Plane (which med
57th Infantry de to Charbou

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ability of its Brigadier that it was extricated from its dangerous situation, embussed by midnight* on the
16/17th, moved 200 miles by roads, encumbered by columns of troops and refugees, and enbarked 24 hours later at Cherbourg.
17. In order to protect the embarkation at Cherbourg,
I had asked for a fresh battalion of the 52nd Division to be left to occupy & covering position some 20 miles to the south., This, combined with the five French battalions of the Cherbourg garrison, ought to have provided ample security, and I had hoped to continue the embarkation until the 21st in order to remove all the stores and mechanized vehicles. The enemy, however, again upset our calculations by the speed with which he followed up our rapid withdrawal. At 9 a.m. on the 18th, & column of 60 lorries, carrying motorized
German infantry, reached the covering position near
St. Sauveur. Finding resistance there, they turned.
west to the sector held by French troops, and succeeded
French made little attempt to resist, and I had to make the in penetrating the position by the coast road. The decision at 11.30 to complete the avacuation by 3 p.m.
The covering battalion (5th En K.O.S.B.) was withdrawn between 12 noon and 3 D.M., and the last boat left at
4 All weapons were removed, except one 3.7" And gun, p.m. which broke down and was rendered unserviceable, the and one static Bofors gun which could not be removed in time. the withdrawal. Then the last troopship left, the Germans
Tell Anti-Tank guns also had to be abandoned during had penetrated to within three miles of the harbour.
(sgd) Lieutenent-General J.H. MARSHALL-CORNYALL
20th June 1940

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0 4 S 3 IIII X XII
YAR SISTORL
Specition e VIXAO &
Institution of Proope from Dovide
XX a -
Dee Telms B/G
RETURN TO
R.O.

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CASE 7711 Vol III
CONTENTS
Paper No.
Page
TD/DEMS/139/326
M.017606/40
313/1 122 20/8
C.W. 18550/40.
438
M.3124/40
4/40
541

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CASE 5458
VOL. III. 1
W.H.S. 7711
RETURN TO
R.O.
62
Evacuation of Troops from
Dunkirk- - may 4 June
1940
See Volume I

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- 2
W.H.S 4711
base 5458 5
VoL. III

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,
3
61
6
/

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Summary of Reports concerning the Evacuation of Trooss.
from the Dunkirk Area - May 27th - June 4th, 1940.
4
6.
ODD SHIPS.
rage
BIDEFORD
CALCUTTA.
9
H.M.S. DOLPHIN'S POWER BOAT.
13
16
DORIEN ROSE.
35
DWARF
40
LORMONT
16
MASSEY SHAW
NS4
-
MONA'S ISLE.
NEW PRINCE OF WALES.
63
66
PORTSDOWN.
-
SCOTTISH CO-OPERATOR.
70
SIROCCO.
73
WHIPPINGHAM.
75
a
EX LIGHTER X.209.
PORTSMOUTH BARGES TAKING PART. 88

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Dynamo 128.
Alu/o/19
SECRET
3.
-
6
Subject.. H.M.S. BIDEFORD. Report of Proceedings for the period May 29th - May 30th. 1940.
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. Bideford.
Date
June 6th. 1940. No
C.O.
1.
To
The Vice Admiral Commanding Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward a narrative of the proceedings of H.M.S. "Bideford," under my command, on May 29t-
30th, and 31st. 1940.
B. H.M.S. Bidefird was ordered to sail at noon on
May 29th, to proceed via The Downs and the South Rutyngen
Buoy to Dunkirk Roads, and to bring off from Bray Beaches as many as possible of the soldiers there; and to report on the situation.
3. H.M.S. Bideford entered the Rade de Dunkeerke at
No. buoy at 1645 and zig-zagged up the channel at thirteen knots.
4. At about 1700 fire was opened on a squadron of one enemy bombers who passed overhead at a height of about 6000
feet. One hit was observed and a bomber fell into the sea about two miles distant.
During the next three hours fire was opened at tre frequent intervals as enemy aircraft came over, but no further hit, were observed. The tendency of all fire appeared to be
" low and behind."
5. At about 1710 "Bideford" was attacked with bombs for the first time. The attack was carried out by one of a squadron of bombers flying at about 8000 feet. The pattern of four bombs fell in a line along the port side at a range of about fifty yards. The ship was sprayed with splinters and there was one casualty at No.2 Gun.
6. Immediately after this the ship was machine gunmed by a single low flying aircraft, which passed down close one side and a few minutes later turned and repassed.
The order was given to"take cover" and there were no casualties. ( No.1 Gun's crew lay flat on deck only, which gives some indication of how low the aircraft was flying).
7. H.M.S. Bideford arrived off Bray at about 1730
and hove to. The ship remained hove to, except for manoeuvering as requisite on the approach of enemy aircraft, for the next three hours.
8. At 1750 the first boat loads of troops, the majority of whom were French, came alongside. Confuston was evident. The boats were dangerously overcrowded and several swamped on the way off from shore. On arrivalalongside the men would all jump onboard and let their boats drift off on the tide. Paddles were lost overboard rendering the boats useless. "Bideford's" motor boat was lowered and ordered to collect and tow inshore any empty boats. The whaler was was lowered.

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7
endoavour afterushed the $
left the
1t again.
cinity; one up nade on the about deved no again casailties attack the pettom twenty an fourth
From right ared that tion of the
Tards toon orty feet rty feet pct out searchapper by ren, 4
odnork seteck).
later half a
basel
There broken rer review
Aline the
Esci the
700

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5
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Page 3.
had embarked.
17. At about 2130 H.M.Tug St. Clears endeavoured to take the ship in tow, but it was found that the vessel was held fast aground aft, and at about 2215 the tow parted, and the tu:
abandoned the attempt.
18. At about 2300 H.M.S. Havant endeavoured to take us in tow but without success.
19. During the night a further 350 French and 50
English troops were embarked, and these were brought to England.
20. At 0300 on the 30th. H.M.S.Locust was ordered to take us in tow, and by 9400 the ship was waterborne and in tow of Locust:
21. Between 9400 and 0700 the tow parted three times, and we had progressed only three miles. But after 0700 the tow was satisfactory and H.M.S. Locust towed us across to the
English coast, arriving at the North Goodwin Light Tessel at
2100. Speed made good since 0700 2.4 knots.
22. A single Junker bomber appeared for a moment above the fog near the North Goodwin, but made off eastwards.
23. Shaped course to pass eastward of the Goodwins.
At 2245 a French soldier, fully equipped, was seen to jump over the sideby two of Bidefords shipscompany. The tow was stopped.
Although a buoy was dropped and a boat lowered to search, it 1
is regretted the man was not recovered. The sea was calm and the visibility at that time was good. The man's name is not known.
24. At 2315 we proceeded. The tow parted again at
0330/31st, but after that no further trouble was experienced a and we arrived at Dover at 1130 on 31st May.
25. The casualties to personnel were:-
(a) Bideford's ships company
(1) Killed. Three officers and nine nen.
(11) Missing, believed killed. Four nen.
(111) Dangerously wounded. Two men.
(iv) Seriously wounded. Ten nen.
(v) Slightly wounded. One officer & six nen.
Total ship's company casualties. Four officers and thirty one men.
(b) Passengers.
(1) Killed. Swo officers & ten other ranks.
(11) Wounded. Two officers (one dangerously).
Total passenger casualties. Four officers and ten men.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
VICE AUNIRAL 1940
*
DOVER
Lieutenant Commander in Command.

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SECRET
9
6
Subject.. Personnel. Recommendations for Services in Action.
From.....
The Committing Officer. B.M.S.BIDEFORD.
Date.....
June 6th. 1940. No.
To
The Vice Admiral Communiting. Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on the conduct of my officers and ships company during the period May 29th - May 31st. 1940.
2. The general behaviour of the personnel vas excellent. There ISS % feeling of great satisfaction throughout the ship men the orders to proceed to Dinkirs rere reclaved,
3. The behaviour of the sen under fire 138 exemplary.
There were no signs of panio OF car; orders were passed and received clearly, and were executed ragidly and correctly. All 414 their duty calaly and efficiently.
4. Great credit for the general organisation of the ship to neet mergencies is the to the late Lieutenant PAUL
ALISTAIN STEWART falley the Executive officer and Cunnery officer of the ship.
5. No acts of exceptional gallantry vere observed, but I wish to bring to your special notice the the following cases of very great devotion to duty:-
I. Surgeon Lientement JOHN JORDAN. 12. 10. LL
This officer by his conduct, real and inswerving devotion to daty throughout the period May 20th 16. May 31st.
was an outstanding example to 15 all, His St.ck Birth Attendant serioualy wounded; with limited resources, be competed with 2019
fifty casualties, many horribly miliated or tangerously wounded. Be performed several sajor operations; De organised his limited resources to their throughout the period he attended his patients continuously, and at all times displayed great ability, patience and understanding. to affort was too such for his, 30 call was laft managered; 30 vas completely selfless. Be upheld the traditions of the Royal Navy and of his profession in a noat worthy nanner. It is considered that be NO
would be the very worthy recipient of a lecoration in recognition.
of his services.
GEORGE
II. No.7354480. Private/WILLTIM CROWDER.
8th. Piaid Anbulance. 1BA Chapany.
This an wassabarked from tray Beach for passage to
England, After the ship vas struck by homba be volunteered imadiately to austst the Surgeon in tending the wounded, About in hour later H.M.S.Kellett saus alongatile to take off all troops embarked, because this was considered nost advisable, Crowder promptly said he would reads in and continue tending the wounded. He did this knowing fall well thath.M.S.
Bideford was very severly imaged and aground; that at that time it was considered highly improdable the ship would England. reach

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would reach England;
yet he was prepared to give up his chance of getting away in order to tend his wounded comrades. He remained in
H.M.S.Bideford after H.M. S.Kellett had proceeded, and was of the greatest possible help to our Surgeon. Crowder carried out his voluntary duties for all but forty eight hours continuously, in a most efficient manner. I consider this man showed a great sense of duty and displayed great personal courage in his decision to remain onboard. I wish to recommend him as being worthy of consideration for a decoration.
6.The following men of this ship are recommended for their services. They are placed in order of merit.
I.S.P.O. Charles William Donnelly. D/K.59925.
A/Ck. Albert Victor HOCKING. D/MX.58549.
When the ship was bombed everyone aft was killed or badly wounded, except these two men. S.P.O.
Donnelly's duty was "in charge of the after fire and repair party". Hocking formed one of the "First Aid Party".
The fire main aft wasblown away, and fire brue out in the cabin flat immediately above the after magazine.
These two men working entirely on their own, ran hoses aft from the first sound connection, and succeeded in getting the fire under sontrol, and hoses down the after magazine hatch to flood the magazine, (the magazine flooding arrangements were destroyed) and partly flooded it before assistance came, I consider their very prompt and efficient action probably saved the ship, and I consider them both worthy of consideration for the Distinguished Service Medal.
II. Iconsider the following three nen worthy of being
"mentioned in despatches" for the services set forth against their names.
(a) Signalman Charles Raymond CRAIG.D/JX.141848.
He was landed with Lieutenant Davey, when that officer landesto organise the embarkation on the beach. Craig joined one of the embarkation posts, took charge of the signalling apparatus and got into communication with several ships. When the station was destroyed by bombing, Craig improvised a signal lamp out of the head light of a lorry, and used this till the battery ran down. He remained ashore all night and was eventually sent off by the embarkation officer.
On arrival at Dover he volunteered immediately to go over to
Dunkirk Pier, where signalmen were required, and spent another night there.
(b) P.O.Tel. Frederick PERRY. D/JX. 127240.
After the main mast and all aerials were destroyed this man succeeded in rigging a jury aerial and getting through an importatnt signal to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
(c) AB. Leslie Kenneth FOSTER. D/J.108109.
This man was quartermaster throughout the time the ship was in Dunkeerke Rade. He performed his duties in a most efficient manner. After the stern was blown off and there was

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and there was no further use for a quartermaster, he acted as my personal messenger. He took a number of important verbal messages to various officers and ratings in the ship, and brought the replies. No message had to be repeated to him and he got all questions and replies correctly.
7. I would- wish also to bring to your notice the general conduct of LieutenantJOHN ARTHUR STANLEY DAVEY R.N.
This officer was.lavigating officer of the ship. Whilst embarking troops his fluent knowledge of French was of the greatest possible assistance. He also landed and succeeded in getting some order amongst the troops getting into the boats, in ensuring that boats were not overcrowded and SO on.
On return to the ship he took charge and reorganised the ships company to carry out all the work of the ship. He was tireless in the performance of his duties and was avery great help to ne. Many of the tasks he was called upon to perform were extremely unpleasant.
When the ship arrived at Dover he volunteered his services as an interpriter and to go over to Dunkirk to assist in the final evacuations. The fact that his services were not accepted is no fault of his.
I consider that he is worthy of being "mentioned in despatches".
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
J.
Lieutenant Commander in Command.
VICE ADMIRAL
10JUN 1940
2

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Dynam 130.
I
12
Subject ** Report on Operations in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area.
From
** The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutta".
Date
** 6th June 1940.
No. 061/28
To
** The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
The Plag Officer, 20th Cruiser Squadren
The following report on the minor part played by H.M.S. "Caloutta" in the evacuation of the 3.2.7. from the Dunkirk area is submitted.
2.
In view of the vast number of reports which you will receive, It has been made as orief as possible in the form of & chronological time table of events with covering remarks at the and.
Monday 27th May
2310
Sailed from Trinity Bay, The Downs for La Panne.
Tuesday 28th May
0115
Loud explosion about 5 cables on starboard bean probably from torpedo fired by etherty submarine or N.T.B.
0125
Torpedo track crossing from part to starboard missed ship about 100 yards astern.
0135
N.T.B. heard and vaguely sighted bearing Green 60°.
Ship manosuvred under large haim, No subsequent torpedo tracks or explosions seen or heard.
0248
Anchored in position 005 La Panne, air light, 310
Motor Cutter and both whalers sent in to beach to commence evacuation into paddle about mine sweepers "Sandown" and *Gracio Fields" who were much closer inshore. "Grafton" "Greyhound"
and "Impulsive" also avacuating from this beach.
0500
Opened fire on one Heinkel.
0523
Opened fire on one J U 39,
0615
Impulsive ordered to proceed to Dunistrk and go alongside East pier.
0621
Opened fire on 3 Heikals,
0625
Evacuation of beach completed. "Grafton" and
"Grayhound" proceeded. Padale Minesweepers
"Sandown" and "Gracia Halds* ordered alongside to disembark their 700 troops into "Calcutis".
0641
Opened fire on 1 Heinkel.
0715
Weighed and proceeded to Shearness,
1315
Arrived Shearness, disembarked 700 troops and completed with all fual and provisions.
1710
Slipped from buoy and proceeded to La Panne.
2157
Ancijored in position 0145° La Panne Air Light 2ª
Boats sent in to the same beach as had been used previously. Heavy surf running and conditions for embarking troops extremely difficult. Only one Schoot to assist in embarkation of about 70
wounded,
Wednesday 29th May

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SECRET
Dynam. 130.
B14/0/1179
9
-
12
Subject.. Report on Operations in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area.
From
.. The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutta".
Date
** 6th June 1940.
No. 061/28
To
.. The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
The Flag Officer, 20th Cruiser Squadron
The following report on the minor part played by H.M.S. "Calcutta" in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area is submitted.
2.
In view of the vast number of reports which you will receive, it has been made as brief as possible in the form of a chronological time table of events with covering remarks at the end.
Monday 27th May
23L0
Sailed from Trinity Bay, The Downs for La Panne.
Tuesday 28th May
0115
Loud explosion about 5 cables on starboard beam probably from torpedo fired by ehemy submarine or M.T.B.
0125
Torpedo track crossing from port to starboard missed ship about 100 yards astern.
0135
M.T.B. heard and vaguely sighted bearing Green 60°.
Ship manoeuvred under large helm. No subsequent torpedo tracks or explosions seen or heard.
0248
Anchored in position 005° La Panne, air light, 310
Motor Cutter and both whalers sent in to beach to commence evacuation into paddle aboumer's mine sweepers "Sandown" and "Gracie Fields" who were much closer inshore. "Grafton, "Greyhound"
and "Impulsive" also evacuating from. this beach.
0500
Opened fire on one Heinkel.
0523
Opened fire on one J U 88.
0615
Impulsive ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and go alongside East pier.
0621
Opened fire on 3 Heikels.
0625
Evacuation of beach completed. "Grafton" and
"Greyhound" proceeded. Paddle Minesweepers
"Sandown" and "Gracie Fields" ordered alongside to disembark their 700 troops into "Calcutta".
0641
Opened fire on 1 Heinkel.
0715
Weighed and proceeded to Sheerness.
1215
Arrived Sheerness, disembarked 700 troops and completed with oil fuel and provisions.
1710
2157
Anchored in position 01410 La Panne Air Light 2'.6
Slipped from buoy and proceeded to La Panne.
Boats sent in to the same beach as had been used previously. Heavy surf running and conditions for embarking troops extremely difficult. Only one Schoot to assist in embarkation of about 70
wounded.
Wednesday 29th May

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10
SECRET
13
2.
Report on operations in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area. (Continued).
Wednesday 29th May.
0300
All wounded that could be moved evacuated into
Schoot or ships boats all of which returned to
"Calcutta".
Schoot, with a certain number of wounded, sent back to England as she was nearly unmanageable with her steering gear in a precarious state.
0345
Boats sent in again to collect more troops as they arrived and if possible to connect with Lord Gort in view of your message 0127/29th May.
Officer in charge of "Calcutta's" boats, Mr F.J. March
Gunner, made personal contact with Lord Gort about
8 miles inland, and placed "Calcutta" at his disposal for his or his staff's evacuation. Lord
Gort courteously refused to be evacuated at this
0430
One stage, of "Calcutta's If whalers lost.
0520
Opened fire on one Dornier.
0710
"Calcutta's" boats returned with more troops and sent in again to La Panne with relief crews.
0735
"Sutton" alongside to disembark her troops into
"Calcutta" and return close inshore opposite La
0810
Panne. "Salamander alongside and as for "Sutton" above,
1210
Party of tugs and drifters towing own boats sighted, proceeding homewards full of troops. All ordered alongside "Calcutta" to disembarktheir troops and return to La Panne for more.
1227
"Java" towing launch alongside.
1228
"Golden Sunbeam" towing launch alongside.
1230
"Lord Rodney" alongside.
1237
"Lord Keith" towing launch alongaide.
1247
"Lord St Vincent" alongside.
1250
"Lord Collingwood" alongside.
1335
Captain (D) 1st D/F, who was senior officer at La
Panne at this time, informed that tugs and drifters were being sent in to load up again.
1350
"Calcutta's" boats returned to ship.
1357
1900
Weighed. Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 1000 troops and completed with oil fuel and ammunition.
Friday 31st May.
1940
Slipped from buoy at Sheerness.
2130
Anchored off East Margate buoy with "Mallard" and
"Sheerwater" in company.
Saturday 1st June.
0315
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "Shearwater"
0500
Commenced patrolling on X route between and Y
buoys.
0938
Ordered to return to Sheerness.
1015
Opened fire on one Heinkel who had attacked and damaged "Mosquito". Heinkel shot down.
1018
Opened fire on two more Heinkels diving from broken clouds.
1024
Detached "Shearwater" to stand by "Mosquito".
1312

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SECRET
14
3.
Report on operations in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area. (Continued)
1312
Anchored off Nore Light Vessel.
2015
Weighed.
2140
Anchored off East Margate Buoy, "Mallard" and
"Sheerwater" in company.
Sunday 2nd June 1940.
0245
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "Sheerwater".
0430
Commenced patrolling in vicinity of.W buoy.
French destroyers "Epervier" and "Leopard" at U and
V buoys respectively.
0710
Last homeward bound ship passed W buoy.
1035
Attacked by 3 J U 88 diving from out of the sun.
4 bombs very close on port beam.
4 bombles very close on port bow.
4 bombs missed well ahead.
French destroyers left patrol.
1050
Attacked by 1 Heinkel dive bombing. 4 bombs missed well out on starboard beam.
1140
Attacked by 1 Heinkel with machine gun from 4,000 ft.
1155
Attacked by 1 J U 88 who would not come through
"Calcutta's" barrage and dropped 4 bombs well astern.
1350
Orders received to return to Sheerness.
1459
"Mallard" detached to stand by Hospital Ship
"Worthing" who had been bombed and damaged.
1644
Anchored off Nore Light vessel to make good condenser trouble and slight damage from near misses.
Monday 3rd June
0510
0550
Weighed. Secured to buoy at Sheerness. Discovered further condenser trouble and serious cloud in all reserve feed tanks.
All defects made good by 1400 on Tuesday 4th June.
3. During the period at La Panne, "Calcutta" had to lie too far from the beach to be of any use for direct embarkation of troops so the principle adopted was to order any small ships alongside when they were full, disembark their troops into "Calcutta" and return close inshore for another load.
4.
In the two salvoes each of 4 bombs which fell very close to "Calcutta" on Sunday 2nd June it appeared that one bomb in each salvo had at delay action and burst some way under the water whereas the other three burst on impact.
5. The conduct and behaviour of my ship's company and of the military forces evacuated has been exemplary throughout.
VIOE ADMIRA
D.M.dees D.rr.
10JUN 1940
*
POVER
CAPTAIN

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CONFIDENTIAL
Dynams 110t.
12
13
Blu/e/
15"
Subject Recommendations for an award or decoration in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F.
from the Dunkirk area.
From
The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Calcutta",
Date
6th June 1940.
No. 062/28
To
The Vice-Admiral, Dover.
(Copies to:- The Commander in Chief, Nore.
DO
The Flag Officer, 20th Cruiser
Squadron.)
ble d
It is desired to recommend the following for consideration for a decoration or award in connection with the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area:-
Mr. Frederick James March, Gunner, Roayl Navy.
For his initiative and resource in charge of trol
"Calcutta's" boats and for his untiring example and energy tty, in working up to his waist in heavy surf for hours on end.
S
Signalman Harry Guy O.N. C/JX 150713
n's
For his untiring energy and devotion to duty in holding the whaler's bows to a heavy surf for hours on end and whilst being continuously drenched with water rts up to the shoulders.
e
VICE ADMIRAL
D.M. Lees D.M.
:-
10JUN 1940
*
DOVER
CAP P P A I N
Cash to the value of 1,000 Francs was extracted from the Deed
DX at the D.S.T.O's Office, which was subsequently handed to the scretary to the P.S.T.O. at Dover, whose receipt is attached.
T.S.S. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
During the early hours of the May, I was angaged in embarking troops from the beach at the astern side of the Harbour entrance in this vessel's five lifeboats.
200 men were brought alongside in this manner and others were aken to other craft In the vicinity.
During these perations one boat was lost.

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16
13
Dynams 224
-
H.M.S. Dolphin,
16
Gosport.
June 6th.1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of the proceedings of HM.S.Dolphin's Power Boat.
2.
The boat sailed from Gosport at 1915 on Wednesday 29th.
May with orders to proceed to Ramsgate with all despatch, remaining overnight at Newhaven, or if it should not be possible to reach there before dark, to make Littlehampton. Owing to delay in sailing and to adverse weather conditions it was only possible to make the latter port at 2200. The Dutch motor launch M73 had arrived about 15 minutes previously.
3.
80 gallons of petrol were embarked from Peregrine and the motor boat proceeded to Ramsgate in company with M 73.
On arrival off Dover at 1400, owing to shortage of petrol combined with the uncertainty of navigation by the boat's compass in the prevailing fog, it was decided to enter the harbour to refuel. Considerable delay was necessary at the contraband control ship before entering and also before fuelling at the petrol jetty, and it was not before 1900 that orders were received from the
Naval Base that the boat was not to proceed to Ramsgate but was to be held in readiness to proceed to sea at short notice.
4.
Orders were given at 0030 on 31st. May for S.Dolphin's boat to proceed with a similar boat from Excellent to La
Panne and Bray Dunes, respectively, the two boats to remain in company until within a short distance of the French coast. Charts and the route were supplied to each boat and information was obtained that if there was a shortage of petrol on reaching the destination it could be obtained from H.M.S.Hebe.
5.
Shortly after passing the North Goodwin Light Vessel it was found that more petrol was being consumed than had been estimated, mainly due to yawing caused by a considerable stern sea and swell, and "Excellent's" boat found it necessary to reduce speed to about 8 knots.
6.
Some 8 miles North Weat of Bray an enemy floating mine was seen
Cash to the value of 1,000 Francs was extracted from the Deed
XX at the D.S.T.O's Office, which was subsequently handed to the cretary to the P.S.T.O. at Dover, whose receipt is attached.
T.S.S. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
During the early hours of theMay, I was engaged in embarking troops from the beach at the istern side of the Harbour entrance in this vessel's five lifeboats.
200 men were brought alongside in this manner and others were ücen to other craft In the vicinity.
During these erations one boat was lost.

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Dynamo
16
in
Dynams 224
-
H.M.S. Dolphin,
16
Gosport.
June 6th.I940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of the proceedings of HM.S.Dolphin's Power Boat.
2.
The boat sailed from Gosport at 1915 on Wednesday 29th.
May with orders to proceed to Ramsgate with all despatch, remaining overnight at Newhaven, or if it should not be possible to reach there before dark, to make Littlehampton. Owing to delay in sailing and to adverse weather conditions it was only possible to make the latter port at 2200. The Dutch motor launch M73 had arrived about 15 minutes previously.
3.
80 gallons of petrol were embarked from H.M.S.Peregrine and the motor boat proceeded to Ramsgate in company with M 73.
On arrival off Dover at 1400, owing to shortage of petrol combined with the uncertainty of navigation by the boat's compass in the prevailing fog, it was decided to enter the harbour to refuel. Considerable delay was necessary at the contraband control ship before entering and also before fuelling at the petrol jetty, and it was not before 1900 that orders were received from the
Naval Base that the boat was not to proceed to Ramsgate but was to be held in readiness to proceed to sea at short notice.
4.
Orders were given at 0030 on 31st. May for H.M.S.Dolphin's boat to proceed with a similar boat from Excellent to La
Panne and Bray Dunes, respectively, the two boats to remain in company until within a short distance of the French coast. Charts and the route were supplied to each boat and information was obtained that if there was a shortage of petrol on reaching the destination it could be obtained from H.M.S.Hebe.
5.
Shortly after passing the North Goodwin Light Vessel it was found that more petrol was being consumed than had been estimated, mainly due to yawing caused by a considerable stern sea and swell, and "Excellent's" boat found it necessary to reduce speed to about 8 knots.
6.
Some 8 miles North Weat of Bray an enemy floating mine was seen
Cash to the value of 1,000 Francs was extracted from the Deed
Box at the D.S.T.O's Office, which was subsequently handed to the
Secretary to the P.S.T.O. at Dover, whose receipt is attached.
T.S.S. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
During the early hours of eastern side of the Harbour entrance in this vessel's five lifeboats.
Sth.May, I was engaged in embarking troops from the beach at the
200 men were brought alongside in this manner and others were taken to other craft In the vicinity.
During these perations one boat was lost.

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Dynamo
16
17 14
was seen and an attempt was made to sink it by rifle fire but this was impracticable owing to the unsteadiness of the boat. The approximate position of the mine was later reported.
7.
At 1115 the boat arrived off La Panne, and, being short of petrol, closed H.M.S.Hebe but was unable to obtain any from her. As there were no other ships carrying petrol off La Panne, it was thought desirable to return to Bray in order to have a reasonably safe margin of petrol before conveying troops. On arrival at Bray, "Excellent's" boat signalled that she had struck a submerged object and required assistance. As I had been told by a destroyer that the depth of water in that position was 3 feet and had also been told by the Senior Officer at Bray to be extremely careful not to get into shallow water, it was not considered advisable owing to the state of the sea to risk the loss of a second boat. Another shallower draughted boat did, in fact try to assist but ran aground.
8.
20 gallons of petrol were obtained at Bray and the boat proceeded back to La Panne. Before reaching there, however, all ships weighed and left under shell fire from shore batteries from the town which was shortly afterwards OCC-
upied by the enemy. In consequence the motor boat returned to Bray.
9.
Enquiries were made at destroyers and other vessels present as to whether "Dolphin's" boat could be of any assistance, but again,owing to the shallowness of the water and state of the sea it was not possible to go alongside the improvised pier from which all troops were being embarked
(no troops were at this time wading out to boats), nor was there a demand for a boat for towing purposes.
10.
After consultation with the senior officer present as to the usefulness of this boat under the circumstances, it was decided to obtain a tow back to Dover to refuel, and there it was hoped that another tow could be obtained back to Dunkirk, where, it was believed the boat could be more usefully employed. A tow was obtained from Sargossa at 1415
Cash to the value of 1,000 Francs was extracted from the Deed
Box at the D.S.T.O's Office, which was subsequently handed to the
Secretary to the P.S.T.O. at Dover, whose receipt is attached.
T.S.S. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
During the early hours of
28th,May, I was angaged in embarking troops from the beach at the eastern side of the Harbour entrance in this vessel's five lifeboats.
200 men were brought alongside in this manner and others were taken to other craft In the vicinity.
During these operations one boat was lost.

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Dynamo
16
18 /5
has nesa
SGV
at 1415 and a return was made to Dover, where,after fuelling aaw strit
Jud the boat's return was reported to the Operations Room.
.Jeod ods
Instructions were given to stand by for further orders which were to be given at 0400 next morning. These instructions were cancelled and no movement was made on Saturday 1st.June.
IN
to Jade
11.
On 2nd. June "Dolphin's" boat was attached to the mont
VIIA
officer in charge of small boats for towing and despatch as
120
purposes in Dover harbour. She was so employed until noon тейто on June 4th.
of bellergia
12.
The crew of the boat were keen to return to Dunkirk
Berth if a tow could be obtained, but after several enquiries it to drugs add appeared that the boat was considered unsuitable for the blot used workand the boat had, unfortunatly, to remain employed in
Jon
Dover harbour. On 4th. June Able Seaman Stephans was lent eIdsalvis as coxswain of the Walmer lifeboat at his request, but shortly brocess
S
afterwards all operations were cancelled.
of
VII
13.
The motor boat sailed from Dover at 1315 on June 4th.
OS
in for Littlehampton, arriving there at 2115. The following mornbeenorg
Jsod ing 50 gallons of petrol were taken in and at 0915 the boat sailed for Portsmouth. A certain amount of engine trouble was experienced of a minor nature. The boat arrived at Fort
Belqu
Blockhouse at 1245.
of
14.
Considerable credit is due to Ldg. Morris who was in charge of the engines and also to Lag. Saunders, both of them working tirelessly to keep the motors in the best of condition, especially as the outward journey to Dover was made to
Date at maximum revolutions and no engine trduble was experienced edada until the return journey. Credit is also due to Ldg. Sea.
agoost ost)
Cobley, the coxswain of the boat.
8
I have the honour to be,
.01
Sir, add
07
8.6W
#1
your obedient servant
#1
Captain (St, of
H.M.S. Dolphin, viluteau
Gosport.
CAPTAIN (S)
S
R.N.
$616
8JUN1940
12 JUN 1940
SUBMARINE
2198/199
FLOTIL
DOVER
Cash to the value of 1,000 Francs was extracted from the Deed
Box at the D.S.T.O's Office, which was subsequently handed to the
Secretary to the P.S.T.O. at Dover, whose receipt is attached.
T.S.S. "QUEEN OF THE CHAINEL".
During the early hours of
Bth.May, 1 was angaged in embarking troops from the beach at the eastern side of the Harbour entrance in this vessel's five lifeboats.
200 men were brought alongside in this manner and others were taken to other craft In the vicinity.
During these perations one boat was lost.

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16
B14/0/
CC FIDENTIAL
Sea Transport Office, shorlw trevell of 8 Date
NAVAL ASSISTANT
19
.moor 9dd of
Fowey, Cornwall.
doldw втебто TOT vd bited's 0J
3 JUN1940
caedT to nevig 90 of
*
6th, June 1940.
no on Dr.s beliecass of
Sir,
9dd at REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. "DOLPHIN"
noon Ilfm(Sub-Lieutenant Cornish-Bowden' S) Minute I dated dotsqaeb brts POWER BOAT. egrado
I have the honour to report that, in company with Lieutenants
6th June, 1940.)
MacKewan & Nettle, RNR and Lieutenant Blandy, RIVR, I proceeded at 1150 hours, 26th.May 1940 from Dover to Dunkirk in S.S. MAID
OF ORLEANS".
.SI
At 1300 hours the vessel was shelled by shore guns from Calais of at to
JI Isreves II. wod II
but although several shots fell close and the superstructure was splintered, no direct hits were registered.
ent TOT e.Idstivanu ni bevolams nismer of
Throughout the night of 26th.May and during the 27th.May I was
No.2198/199.
VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER. JB to engaged in supervising the embarkation of troops from the Monitor
(Gopies to:-
Quay, despatching the vessels as soon as loaded.
During the
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, PORTSMOUTH.
whole of this time, the operations were subjected to incendiary
VICE-ADMIRAL (s) )
and high explosive bombing by enemy planes at about 10 minutes'
900L no 8181 Js Tevol rotom
.EI
intervals.
edT
JBOD edd areo JB Forwarded. To
During the forenoon of 27th.May, the adjacent buildings to the enigne to
D.S.T.O.'s Office were set on fire by incendiary bombs followed by ts
To
RBDanke heavy bombs,
All official documents and property in this
Office were collected and placed in a Military van, ready for
CAPTAIN (s), removal.
Commander Lewis and myself approached the Police
H.M.S. "DOLPHIN".
10th June, 1940.
FIFTH SUBMARINE FLOTILLA.
de Navigation and maraged to obtain temporary accomodation near the Semaphore but it was subsequently found impossible to get the bits To to van to this location owing to intense enemy fire and heavy bombing, rtf of rendering the roads impassable.
OF
of
During the early evening of 27th.May I contacted with Commander
VI98
Lewis at the Caisson and arranged for the destruction of all codes tsod orfit
VICE ADMIRA
to niawaxoo and secret documents.
Eventually, Lieutenant Commander
Seymour, RNVR reached the Base by diverse routes and in my presence,
12JUN 1940
extracted and destroyed the secret documents, opened the Deed Box
*
and destroyed its contents, anid heavy bombing by enemy planes.
DOVER
The Office was then abandoned and members of the D.S.T.O.'s staff removed but it was not possible to save any personal belongings
(a)
or kit.
All personnel proceeded to the Caisson in three conveyances and parties were formed to superintend the evacuation and embarkation of the troops.
In this connection, Destroyers had previously landed about 160
nen with Officers for Beach Grouping and embarkation of troops.by boats which were sent off to the ships.
for Officers to be distributed among the various ships and to proceed
Commander Lewis then issued orders for imediate evacuation and
H.
10
Jurro
18 ready.
Box at the D.S.T.O's Office, which was subsequently handed to the
Cash to the value of 1,000 Francs was extracted from the Deed
Secretary to the P.S.T.O. at Dover, whose receipt is attached.
T.S.S. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
During the early hours of
28th.May, in embarking troops from the beach at the eastern side I was of the engaged Harbour entrance in this vessel's five lifeboats. were
200 men were brought alongside in this manner and others
:aken to other craft In the vicinity.
During these heat last,

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THAT3188A
(2)
1
20
17
WEAL
e
"Queen of the Channel" then proceeded to the east entrance ier, outer end and embarked a further 800 troops, after which she as hauled off to allow a destroyer to berth alongide and embark the smainder from this point.
At 0425 hours on 28th. Lay in Lat.51° 17' 30" N, Long. 2° 41' E
pprox. the vessel was attacked by an enemy plane which dropped a ich explosive bomb or aerial torpedo on the stern.
The vessel commenced to settle by the stern and I ordered all roops to be pressed forward from this area.
There were no asualties.
The explosion wrecked the vessel's wireless ear but a temporary aerial was rigged and distress signals were ent out.
A foreign vessel of about 200 tons, which appeared to be of Dutch ationality approached but sheered off as the enemy plane was still n the vicinity.
At 0505 hours, the S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" (Owners, Richard Hughes & Co, iverpool) of about 530 tons register, same alongside and all troops nd ship's personnel were transferred by 0525 hours.
Prior to the arrival of S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE". and immediately following pon the explosion, the lifeboats were lowered and filled with troops ho were transferred as soon as the vessel approached.
Three men jumped overboard to swim to "Dorrien Rose" and I therefore nstructed the other S.T.O.s to stop any further attempts.
he ship from stem to stern and transferred all remaining rifles
After all troops had left the "Queen of the Channel" I inspected ound on board.
hat abandonment was the only course as the water was at deck
Prior to leaving the "Queen of the Channel" the Master assured level me t the after end of the vessel.
We both left after I had satisfied myself that no one remained on he sinking vessel.
hem ncouraged considerably pack as she was loaded on deck, fore and aft, remained in
Owing to as tightly as possible in the vessel which with petrol to the limited deck space of the "Dorrien Rose" the men cramped were
With very fow exceptions, they n
he attempts to smoke were made by any of standing frail tins, position for over nine hours and owing to them. the nature of
In cargo, spite no of these disadvantages, the troops bore out the best raditions of the Service.
At one period we were attacked by an enemy plane which was driven ff by machine gun and rifle fire.
A speed of 71-8 wireless, a destroyer was signalled by escort arrived flags knots was maintained towards Dover and hand as the t t 0700 about hours 0900 hours and an and remained with us until about Noon.
essel carried no escort requested. This
At 1425 hours the "Dorrien Rose" moored at No.2 Berth, Dover and isembarkation of troops commenced.
ioutenant ho Sea all Transport gave Commander able Officers assistance Lieutenants Seymour concerned in RNVR, Swinco the Lieutenants rescue in and these work Blandy operations Swinco at took the and beach charge were Blandy, and of RNVR, pier t Dunkirk.
wo boats.
At the time and subsequent to the bombing of the "Queen of the

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(3)
18
(3)
Jane odd od nons 011 to
21
record ODB = Bita
DATE of #
hannel" all troops behaved splendidly by giving full co-operation
:0 orders issued by myself and the other Officers, thus preventing anic and loss of life and making our work in transferring them to tal 'ID OS.71 "08 'YI Practed at VALL 1388 no
:he rescue ship comparatively easy.
N Worming VISIO w GSW
Credit is due to the Master, Officers and Crew of S.S. "Dorrien
Tricks abequot latron TO
Rose" for all their assistance, particularly the Master, who handled
[1]
бетерто of is ship with skill in getting alongside the "Queen of the Channel".
OR DTOW onedy
$20.00
und
Interview
No time was lost in coming to our rescue.
'Lassev add Socioon bill alamyia by daw Lilves
From the time of boarding S.S. "Dorrien Rose" at 0525 hours, I
emained on the bridge with the Master until arrival at Dover.
Modina 10 ed of (alxo) 002 to Jouney
LINES any 220 Jud
On arrival at Dover, the P.S.T.O. French Ports, gave 48 hours'
eave to all the Sea Transport Officers concerned, which was ubsequently extended.
code "Haux 1810
I have the honour to be, Sir, account I'm We and oca frode a
US80 of
Your obedient servant,
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Commander R.N.R. S.T.O.I.
"Isrmado 013 TO edd 2701 Eas
80/2/1 TCc bren mede of
The Naval Assistant to the Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House, on TOTAL orig "Loumbia and To London.
W.1.
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JEVIS
10

233 Page 233 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 233
rodort R.N.
Transport office
Lord Wanden Hotel
Dover
ear hiv; On the 26 May I was Chief officer on the
named ship, I am now master of the above named chip
her over from Captain Thompson on H gual
t say that every man onbourd this ships done his duty
the was no one alwomed or exited, every and was all the assistance he could to get the troops
l and I must say that and hadent much Room re got 950 troops and Caew of the lues of channel
re lit of carn my you will find these details in order
E ADMIRAL I remain 17 JUN 1940 your respectfully * Terence O'Hanlon E R Master <
234 Page 234 Log in to enlarge

24
S.S Dourin Rose ellay 26th 26
A.M ship Anchoved in the Downs
P.M Hove up anchor X proceeded towards Dover
P.M Anchored off Dover waiting brders
P.M Received baders to Anchor in Downs
P.M Anchoned in Downs waiting orders
P.M Received brders to proceed to Dunbirk chay 17th
P.M How up anchor and proceeded towards Dunkish
P.M North goodwin L.L aboum
P.M West Hinder Broy alm ight Anchored off Newfort Buoy

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2F
S.S Doroin Rost
28 May
A.M Have up unchor and bept ship
Dodging about one ship signaled that Dunkink was in Flames
A.M Attached by enemy air couft we reflied with our tewiss gun and best
A.M Noticed lucen of the channel bombed him off so we went alongride her and took off 950 troops also her Crew
A.M Cast off from Lucen of the channel and proceeded towards Dover
The lucen of the channel was disabled and While in taken a linking the troops condition an hound the enemy air craft attach again and so we reflied with our Lewiss your
P.M Arrived Dover of discharged troops he disappeared

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23
26
S.S Dorrin Rost
29th May
A.M Laying alongside getty at pover
P.M Left Dover for Dunkirh
P.M southforeland about
P.M ship stouch submerged ureck
P.M Anchored ship off Elbow Ruoy
P.M Have up anchor + frocuded
Chief enginer doing refairs to pump towards Dunkinh
P.M North goodwin 1.2 abm
P.M Hindue Buoy abm

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25
28
S.S Dorrin Rost
31 + May
Anchored off y albstone waiting orders
1st / it junt
5 P.M brders received Hove up anchor &
3
proceeded towards Newhaven
P.M Dungness alm
P.M Anchored off Nershaven
A.M Hove up anchor towards Newhaven
2nd june
A.M Moored alongside getty at Newhaven
3 gunt
A.M Commenced discharging enogo
P.M Ceased work for the day
4 junt
A.M Resumed discharging lango
P.M y inished discharging cargo

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26
B14/0/1509
rams: " TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
hone: ABBEY 7711.
Any further communication on this
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
- 29
bject should be addressed to J.
The Director of Sea Transport,
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE.
(address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE, d the following number quoted:-
LONDON, W.1.
2nd July, 1940.
Vice Admiral,
DOVER.
With reference to my communication of the
29th June enclosing the report from Commander Musson,
R.N.R., I forward herewi th the report of
Mr. William Thompson, the Master of the
8.8. "Dorrien Rose".
y
1.00
VICE ADMIRAL
ti
-
-3 JUL 1940
Rear-Admiral,
*
Naval Assistant to the
0
Director of Sea Transport.
DOVER
OF

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COPY.
27
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
30
G.P.O.
LONDON.
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
DOVER.
Dear Sir,
Your communication of the 5th inst., requesting narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on leave.
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders.
At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
DUNKIRK.
At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames.
vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to approach DUNKIRK" Three SO reversed my course and proceeded to West Hinder buoy.
approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
hours as dawn was breaking I decided to in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 3. enemy to us. aircraft suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels close
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At 04.30 hours sinking by the stern 80 I the proceeded C.O. to it was observed that the N.V.
immediately "QUEEN OF THE to CHANNEL" her assistance, was and was requested by take off troops.
of troops enemy aircraft and well repeatedly timed bursts attempted from During to renew machine transference attack guns but prevented alertness further of gunners damage.
the of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness much to facilitate the operation.
hours all troops and ships crew safely "QUEEN on board. OF
THE CHANNEL"). Commander At 05.25 joined Musson me on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to Dover, and arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 hours. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge was enemy of planes, great and control of troops.
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

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COPY.
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
30
G.P.O.
LONDON.
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
DOVER.
Dear Sir,
Your communication of the 5th inst,, requesting narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on leave.
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders.
At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
DUNKIRK.
At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames.
Three vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe to approach DUNKIRK" SO reversed my course and proceeded outwards to West Hinder buoy.
approach DUNKIRK At in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
03.00 hours as dawn was breaking I decided to
04.20 in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 B. enemy to us. aircraft suddenly attacked, At dropping bombs near vessels close
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At 04.30 CHANNEL" was sinking by the stern so the proceeded C.O. to hours it was observed that the N.V. I
immediately "QUEEN OF THE to her assistance, and was requested by take off troops.
transference of troops enery aircraft and well repeatedly timed
During attack but alertness further of gunners damage.
bursts attempted from to the renew machine guns prevented of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness much to facilitate the operation.
05.25 hours all troops and ships crew safely on board. OF
At Musson and Captain and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to "QUEEN Dover,
THE CHANNEL"). Commander joined me on the bridge arriving there at 12.45 hours.
Commander Musson remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and
During assistance passage to me troops. in attending was enemy of planes, great and control of
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

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DUPLICATE.
28
COPY.
29
H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE"
21
G.P.O.
30/5/40. 03.00 hours. Position ship one spraying mile west of
Buoy: Two bullets, and we returned suffered no casualties, Lewi enemy motor craft circled their fire with us
LONDON.
they gun tracer then disappeared astern. We
The Principal Transport Officer F.P.
06.50 hours made fast to East food Mole stuffs at DUNKIRK
DOVER
ordered At by S.T.O. to discharge as much as for use of rearguard troops.
At 12.20 hours left DUNKIRK with 590 troops on boe Dear of the 5th inst., requesting and disembarked
Your communication
20.45
arrived
Folkstone
At hours narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret
Boilers leaking unable to proceed further.
delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on
1/6/40 ordered to NEWHAVEN for repairs.
leave.
I
I remain,
26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at
Your obedient servam anchor in "DOWNS awaiting orders.
(Sgd)
.Thompson
14.50 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to
(Master
DUNKIRK, At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass
DUNKIRK was observed to be in Plames.
vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to approach DUNKIRK" Three so reversed my course and proceeded to West Hinder buoy.
as dawn was breaking I decided to e
approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in hours daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy.
in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 E. close enemy to aircraft us.
suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels nj
.U
During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns.
At hours It sinking was observed by the that stern the so by N.V. I the proceeded C.O. to immediately "QUEEN OF THE to OH her assistance, was and was requested take off troops.
During transference attack but alertness of troops further of enemy gunners aircraft damage. and repeatedly well timed
20
bursts attempted from to renew machine guns prevented to the of troops was carried and out efficiency under the direction did much to facilitate the operation.
of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness hours all troops and ship crew safely N.V. on "QUEEN board. OF
THE CHANNEL"). At Commander 05.25 joined Musson me hours. on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master to Dover, arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 to troops. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and was enemy of planes, great and control of
29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.

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30
32
"даоя ИЛТЯНОФ" M.M.N
31
IS
grams TRANSPORTS, WESDO, LONDON."
Blatoliseq
30/5/40.,0,9.0 03.00 hours. Position one mile west of phone ABBEY communication 7711.
32
33
onemy motor craft circled ship spraying us with Any further on this
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
Buoy. tracer Two bullets, and we returned their fire with Letubject should be of addressed Sea Transport, to they gun then disappeared astern. TOOLITO We suffered no Legically casualties The Director (address as opposite)
BERKELEY SQUARE HOUSE,
BERKELEY SQUARE, ordered by S.T.O. to discharge as much food stuffs as for use of rearguard troops,
At 06.50 hours made fast to East Mole at DUNKIRE CONFIDENTIAL nd the following number quoted
LONDON, W.1.
At 12.20 hours left DUNKIRK with 590 troops
29th June, 1940.
At 20.45 hours arrived Folkston and disembarked
Vice Admiral,
Jonger DATE Boilers leaking unable to proceed
DOVER.
no enreade 1/6/40 ordered to NEWHAVEN for repairs.
The attached report from Commander Musson, R.N.R., is forwarded.
I remain, as VITRA dow leasev evocA #0001 vali RJOS
As the S.S. "Dorrien Rose" was presumably under your
Your obedient orders you may wish to bring to notice the conduct of the Master, who is understood to be Mr. William Thompson, of Doocord of atebro Devieber.04/2/58 STUD (Sgd) W.Thompson with a view to his services being suitably recognised.
east stoobles rignomits 02/2/88 award 00.10 JA (Master
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Aroud тевяти
Rear-Admiral,
Naval Assistant to the of hobineb E subtord B.W level as strai 00.80 JA
Director of Sea Transport.
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VICE ADMIRAL
JUL 1940
STOW Isseev mwo VAN bren gide Teritons antdhod orid antrod amus extrios cit tw ed# 110 eats,
DOVER
V.M 610 Devisede BRW $1, BINOR OE,HO JA
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LO
proceed for odt stattitust as ready.
.Dusod no visine WOTD aqide Date agoost Is arved 28.20 #A
Cash to the value Office, of 1,000 with was extracted handed from attached. the to Deed the
TO THRUO" redaem) Lieu'o nigageo has of OW Das odd
Secretary Box at the to D.S.T.O's the P.S.T.O. at Dover, hours
CHANNEL". During the the early beach at the of bree ogolzd odd no Doninmor поварм enganed gatura
28th.May, T.S.S. 1 "QUEEN was engaged OF THE in embarking entrance troops in this from vessel's others five lifeboats. were
Rt our of commistees 300%
eastern side of the brought Harbour alongside in this manner During and these to fortnoo has
200 men were in the vicinity.

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32
CONFIDENTIAL
(2)
Sea Transport Office,
NAVAL ASSIS TANT
Fowey, Cornwall.
33
*
8 JUN1940
6th. June 1940.
*
Sir, of
I have the honour to report that, in company with Lieutenants
MacKewan & Nettle, RNR and Lieutenant Blandy, RNVR, I proceeded at 1150 hours, 26th. May 1940 from Dover to Dunkirk in S.S. "MAID
OF ORLEANS".
At 1300 hours the vessel was shelled by shore guns from Calais but although several shots fell close and the superstructure was splintered, no direct hits were registered.
Throughout the night of 26th.May and during the 27th.May I was engaged in supervising the embarkation of troops from the Monitor
Quay, despatching the vessels as soon as loaded.
During the
3, whole of this time, the operations were subjected to incendiary and high explosive bombing by enemy planes at about 10 minutes'
intervals.
D.S.T.O. Office were set on fire by incendiary bombs followed by
During the forenoon of 27th.May, the adjacent buildings to the heavy bombs.
All official documents and property in this
Office were collected and placed in a Military van, ready for
Commander Lewis and myself approached the Police de removal. Navigation and manged to obtain temporary accommodation near van to this location owing to intense enemy fire and heavy bombing, the Semaphore but it was subsequently found impossible to get the rendering the roads impassable.
the early evening of 27th.May I contacted with all Commander codes
Lewis During at the Caisson and arranged for the destruction of and secret documents.
Eventually, Lieutenant Commander
Seymour, RNVR and destroyed the secret documents, opened planes.
reached the Base by diverse routes and the in my Deed presence, Box and extracted its contents, amid heavy bombing by enemy D.S.T.O.'s staff The removed Office but was it was not possible to save any personal in belongings three destroyed then abandoned and members of the or conveyances kit. and parties All were formed to superintend the personnel proceeded to the Caisson evacuation and the troops.
embarkation of Destroyers had previously landed about 160 by men with In this Officers connection, for Beach Grouping and embarkation of troops.
boats which were sent off to the ships.
issued orders for immediate evacuation to proceed and for Commander Officers to Lewis be distributed then among the various ships and as ready.
Cash to the value which was subsequently attached.
of 1,000 Francs was extracted handed from the to Deed the
Secretary Box at the to D.S.T.O's the P.S.T.O. Office, at Dover, whose receipt is
28th.May, eastern T.S.S. 1 was the engaged Harbour in embarking entrance in troops this this manner from vessel's and others five lifeboats. were
"QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL".
During the early beach hours at the of the side were of brought alongside in During these taken 200 to men other craft in the vicinity.
operations one boat was lost.

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33
(2)
34
The "Queen of the Channel" then proceeded to the east entrance pier uter end and embarked-a further 800 troops, after which she was hauled off to allow a destroyer to berth alongide and embark the remainder from this point.
At 0425 hours on 28th. May in Lat. 17' 30" N, Long. 2° 41' E
approx. the vessel was attacked by an enemy plane which dropped &
high explosive bomb or aerial torpedo on the stern.
The vessel commenced to settle by the stern and I ordered all troops to be pressed forward from this area.
There were no gear casualties. but a temporary aerial was rigged and distress signals were
The explosion wrecked the vessel's wireless sent out.
A foreign vessel of about 200 tons, which appeared to be of Dutch nationality approached but sheered off as the enemy plane was still in the vicinity.
At 0505 hours, the S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" (Owners, Richard Hughes & Co,
B,
Liverpool) of about 530 tons register, same alongside and all troops and ship's personnel were transferred by 0525 hours.
Prior to the arrival of S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" and immediately following ipon the explosion, the lifeboats were lowered and filled with troops who transferred as soon as the vessel approached.
Three were men jumped overboard to swim to "Dorrien Rose" and I therefore instructed the other S.T.O.s to stop any further attempts.
After all troops had left the "Queen of the Channel" I rifles inspected the ship from stem to stern and transferred all remaining found on board.
the "Queen of the Channel" the Master deck assured level me that Prior abandonment to leaving was the-only course as the water was at at end of the vessel.
We the both after left after I had satisfied myself that no one remained on nj the sinking vessel.
limited deck space of the "Dorrien vessel-which Rose" the men cramped were them encouraged considerably pack as she was loaded very on few deck, exceptions, they remained of in
Owing to to the as tightly as possible in fore the and aft, with petrol at in frail tins, for over With nine hours and owing of to them. the nature the standing In cargo, spite no position of attempts these disadvantages, to smoke were the made troops by any bore out the best traditions of the Service.
At one period we were attacked by an enemy plane which was driven off by machine gun and rifle fire.
A speed carried of 71-8 no wireless, knots was as maintained destroyer was towards signalled Dover This by and escort hand as the flags arrived vessel at at 0700 hours hours and an and escort remained requested. with us until about Noon.
about 0900 hours the "Dorrien Rose" moored at No.2 Berth, Dover and disembarkation At 1425 of troeps commenced.
Officers concerned Lieutenant in these operations Swinco/and were Blandy,
RNVR,
Lieutenant who Sea all Transport gave Commander able assistance Lieutenants Seymour RNVR, in Swinco the resoue and work Blandy at took the beach charge and of pier at Dunkirk.
two
At boats. the time and subsequent to the bombing of the "Queen of the

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(3)
34
35
43
"Channel" all troops behaved splendidly by giving full co-operation to et ers issued by myself and the other Officers, thus preventing panic and loss of life and making our work in transferring them to the rescue ship comparatively easy.
Credit is due to the Master, Officers and Crew of S.S. "Dorrien
Rose" for all their assistance, particularly the Master, who handled his ship with skill in getting alongside the "Queen of the Channel".
No time was lost in coming to our rescue.-
From the time of boarding S.S. "Dorrien Rose" at 0525 hours, I
remained on the bridge with the Master until arrival at Dover.
On arrival at Dover, the P.S.T.O. French Ports, gave 48 hours'
Leave to all the Sea Transport Officers concerned, which was subsequently extended.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
8,
Your obedient servant,
MLMusson.
Commander R.N.R. S.T.O.1.
The Naval Assistant to the Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
London. W.1.
nj
0080

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35
Dynami 118.
1182
36
H.M.S."Dolphin"
Gosport,
Hants.
6th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report the following proceedings of H.M.S. "Dwarf" inconnection with evacuation of the
B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
2) H.M.S. "Dwarf" 'sailed from Portsmouthuat 2100 on
Wednesday 29th May. 1940. for Ramsgate. During the passage there was nothing of interest to note, and "Dwarf" arrived at 1700 on Thursday 30th May.
3) After provisioning, coaling and embarking two Lewis guns, "Dwarf" sailed for Dunkirk at 2000 using route "X"
4) At about 0030 on Friday "Dwarf "was some 6 miles
North West of Dunkirk, SO waited till daylight before attempting to enter the buoyed channel to Dunkirk.
During the passage up the channel a formation of
German recfonnaissaice aeroplanes appeared overhead.
Every ship in the vicinity, as well as the soldiers Lewis an registered several tracer bullets in one of the beach, opened fire. "Dwarf's 'starboard gunner which turned away to the South.
the machines reaching Donkirk "Dwarf" was ordered by for a destruyer
5) On to La Panne,However, after "hailed steaming for to proceed motor barge "Viking about 1 mile the board, and in attempting assistance. now to 6) get only At off the go She the time in beach, had the there astern 150 burnt was soldiers direction. a out fresh her on North clutches. wrecks West and She wind ships could at well as several her in and anchor, rising which tide, made as operations in order to get tow very difficult.

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36
(2)
37
7) "Dwarf" got alongside "Viking and took off 34
soldiers to relieve the cogestion. "Dwarf" then towed
"Viking" closer to the beach with a view to lying alongside her while at anchor and embark more soldiers.
The tow rope parted before this object could be achieved.
She drifted towards the beach SO 1 told her to anchor.
The water under her was too shallow for "Dwarf to go
8) alongside. Due to the danger both vessels were facing
I decided to take "Viking in tow and make for Ransgate.
During the proceedings of taking her in tow. the tow fouled my rudder and could not be cleared. 1
rope About half way back on the return journey in signalled as I was only making good about 21 knots. then
9) the A/S Trawler "Olvina" to take her "Dwarf" tow proceeded other alone boats towards were Ransgate. entering Ramsgate at the the rest time
10) No state of the tide, SD 1 followed "Dwarf"
due to the to Dover, arriving at 20001 proceeded of the shipping the harbour intil 2130, then disembark the to the anchored North off end of the Military Jetty to soldiers. had to wait until dawn ammunition. to clear by "Dwarf" rudder sailed 11) and 12) I take At now 1500, again to on more when for provisions Dunkirk 2 miles shore North batteries at 0800 and West on until at Baturday of Gravelines the dark booyed 1st before June.
channel later opened attempting fire.1 to go a split up a and formation dived on of the small t armada.13 wards "Dwarf" of which on missed the starboard bombed by feet.
13) side They Two surned the ship and a second time.

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37
(3)
38
P.O Consine
14) During this machinegun attack,my Coxswain, was shot in both legs by a bullet which richehetted off the t temporary protection rigged over the bridge before sailing from Portsmouth.This second bomb attack damaged the steering engine.I now took over the wheel and zig-zagged towards a group of small boats, which had been sunk, to pick up survivers.
15) Before I could reach them one Heinkel bomber dived down and drop. ed a large bomb,or possibly several smaller ones, which exploded very close to the starboard quarter.
This explosion "lifted the ship right out of the water".
The of impact on returning to the water cracked the force circulator, damaged both engines, and the the starboard boiler Room The Stoker on watch lashed the circulator Room up main which was due to the escape of steam in with Engine a piece of rope and got out of the Engine on account of the were steam. now only just goving a and few making more a
16) TheeEngines they would only move for in tow.The minutes, deafening SO noise. I hailed a Drifter to drawn. take me
Main Stop was shut towed and we the were fires once again just attacked missed. and
17) While being previous occasions, disappeared the hombs, before as on dusk the when the bombers ship to see if there the
Chief Mechanician leaks. there were two minor Flat.
18) Just went round the leaks-one in the were Engine any Room, the other anchored, in with the Capstan "Dwarf" stern, tide about The 41 drifter miles
E.N.E.of 19) The Drifter a THE THE to wait for the not get her 2nd in way touch June a with small motor boat

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38
(4)
33
into Ramsgate with a full load of soldiers.1 hailed her to send for medical assistance on reaching harbour.
At abo it 0400 a Doctor arrived and took my Coxswain with him.
20) The Drifter proceeded towards the harbour at 0500
with "Dwarf"in tow.The tow was cast off and "Dwarf"
laid alongside a French Trawler until a tug was sent out to take the ship into Ransgate inner harbour.
21) On Monday forenoon I handed H.M.S. "Dwarf" over to the Naval Officer-in-Charge at Ransgate, and proceeded with the crew to Portsmouth.
1 have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
MIN (S)
DAOHar
.
*
Sub-bientenant.
5th SUBMARINE 2191/220 PLOTILLA
8 JUN 1940
Royal Navy.
Captain (s),
H.M.S. "Dolphin"
Gosport,
Hants.
ADMIRAL 1940 *
of R

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. Tevol J.B Isviate 9113
to raise steam for full speed and to proceed.to Dunkirk to e
8A 9VSS Полоти 10.1.8.9 edd teral to a.sw froquest sea
40
From:- Lt. Commdr. A.R.W. Sayle, R.N.R.
II.
Date:- 9th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
No. 2191/220.
GALLANTRY IN ACTION - DUNKIRK EVACUATION.
VICE-ADMIRAL DOVER.
(Copies to:-
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, PORTSMOUTH.
THE VICE ADMIRAL (s) )
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that it was reported to me by the Sub-Lieutenant R.N. (name
Forwarded.
unknown) in command of H.M.S. "Dwari" tender to the
2.
It is suggested for consideration that Sub
R.N, the Coxswain George Albert
Submarine Depot, Portsmouth, that the coxswain of the
45 years, and Chief Mechanicism
John Henry WALDRON, P/KX.87333 45 years should be
"Dwarf", although shot through both knees when under included in the list of recommendations for recognity vesi of their service in this slow and almost unarmed heavy machine gun fire, remained at his post of duty refusing to be relieved and later refusing "morphine"
R13Day although in considerable pain. I understand this
H.M.S. "DOLPHIN".
coxswain is now in Ramsgate Hospital; the Sub-
8th June, 1940.
CAPTAIN (s),
FIFTH SUBMARINE FLOTH
Lieutenant has now returned to Fort Blockhouse.
I regret that I am unable to supply the name either of the Coxswain * or the Sub-Lieutenant.
I have the honour to be, Sir, why the Hapital?
Your obedient Servant,
(sgd) A.R.W. SAYLE.
Lt. Cumdr. R.N.R.