TNA ADM 199 795

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Controller
434 461
Small Vessels Pool.
8th June 1940.
In connection with the recent operations at
Dunkirk, I desire to bring to your notice the excellent
work of the following officers.
S.V.P. found itself forced to act in an operational
capacity in this emergency.
1. Among the many officers and civilians who offered
to
their services to fill the emergency of taking boats over, an
outstanding case was one particular officer Lieut.Col.R.L.
Dover
Hutchins, M.C., Grenadier Guards. This officer had a day off
from a certain Department, and asked my permission to be
allowed to proceed with my Deputy, Captain 3.7. Wharton, to
Ramsgate, where he was given charge of 8 motor boat. On the way
over the boat hit submerged wreckage which rendered one engine
useless. Continuing under one engine, on arrival off Dunkirk
he found a steamer ashore with her boats at the davits. He
went to a destroyer, asked for the loan of four hands, and with
these men he lowered the boats, which he used to evacuate
soldiers from the beach to the destroyer. I understand some
700 men were thus evacuated. He returned to London in time
to go on duty the following morning.
2. Captain E.F. Wharton, R.N. This officer under
Daves
S.N.O., him the detailed organisation of "ferrying" Phillimore,
Ramsgate acted as Pier Master for four days with at the Ramsgate.
Upon boats from Ramsgate devolved. Captain on the
S.N.O., valuable Ramsgate services rendered by this officer, and
smaller made a special report by telephone has been asked very
to report it officially in due course.
Paymaster Lieutenant Commander H. tireless Garrett, work, R.N.V.R.
my Secretary. on the He was own
3. He showed immense capacity for using his
and was practically three in the
responsible initiative evening, himself, and putting throughout for Sheerness; for obtaining them petrol in arranging Admiralty yachtsmen from - garages special cars on from his to and the bring own forms, sending initiative. down which them over he down late 100 In to
boats been Ramsgate various situation, signed to accept responsible from other responsibility which the ways Upper is he deserving Thames offers displayed large was most of of again additional motor a much praiseworthy. grasp boats praise. of organisation the received urgency 418 He His readiness here has methodical of of also in the
accordance those collecting indexing boats of some with requisitioned these Statute 2,500 boats by No. by areas 718 S.V.P. of allowed May officers 10th the 1940. being great majority. in service of
within & few hours.
Director Small Admiral. Vessels Pool.