TNA ADM 199 795

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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)