TNA ADM 199 795

1623/24 May,
SECRET.
MESSAGE.
IN.
From C. in C. Portsmouth. Date. 24. 5. 40.
Recd. 1625.
P/L BY T/P.
REGIRCULATION.
Addressed Admiralty repeated V.A.Dover.
t
760. Your 1703/22May. Following not immediately available BREN BOEKELO HEBENOBEL VIRGO
ALDO NOTTINGHAM DUURSWOLD. Following coasters at
Poole have been taken instead PACIFIC SAIT ANTONIO
?
ZEUS PASCHOLL WIGA ATLANTIC AMAZONE. First ships should be ready to sail from Portsmouth, dalla 25th May.
1623/24.
Advance copy Ops.
t
Order that four Dutch ships be sailed for
Southampton to take in military supplies.
1st S.L.
V.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S. (A).
C.S.O. to 1st S.L.
Ops. (4).
O.D. (3).
S.V.P.
D.T.D. (3).
D.T.D. Basement.
D.P.S. (2).
N.A. 2nd S.L.
68
I.S.P.S.
M. (3).
I.P. Cdre. (3). Stephenson Room 77 X B.3.
ADDITIONAL CIRCULATION BY M.

7
SECRET
MLSOAGE
1603/24 May
IN
From C. in C.Portemouth
Date 24.6.40
Reed. 1625
P/L BY I/P
Addressed Admiralty repeated V.A.Dover.
760. Your 1708/99 My following not inmediately available BRAM BONKELO HASSWOBEL VIRGO AID
NOTTINGHAM DUURSWOLD. Following consters at Poole have been Salten instead PACIFIC SAN ANTONIO ZEUS PASCHO
AMAZANE
WIGA ATLANTIC SAVERS. First ships should be ready to seil from Portamouth, Acite 26th My.
1693/24
Advance Copy sent Ope.
+ Order that four Dutch shipe be sailed for Southemp ton to take in military supplies.
lst S.L
V.C.N.S
A.C.N.S
A.C.N.S. (A)
0.8.0. to 1st 8.1
Ops.(4)
O.D.(3)
S.V.P
D.T.D. (3)
D.P.S. (2)
N.A.2nd 0.1
I.S.P.S.
Cdre M(3) Stephenson Room 77 3 8.
M36 (3)
we
68

8
78) 9/39 1,300 pads MeON Twes, Your 1703 2018 May E-APPRIDA ready for
CONFIDENTIAL
tomorrow
MESSAGE.
00/100
for
Dover.
OUT
To C.in C. Nore. 527
DATE
24.5.40.
C.in C. Portsmouth 918.
Repeated V.A. Dover 125.
P/L by T/P. of Dutch Corstors to be reported
From Admiralty.
Advance good Doe and Trade,
Operation Dynamo. Dutch Coasters taken over are to be commissioned as tenders to the appropriate barracks.
Name of ship date of commissioning and the names of the
Officers detailed should be reported as soon as possible.
2019/24.
for D.O.D.(H)
V.C.N.Smitrollor.
C.S.O. to 1st's. Proller
Ops. (4)asistant Controller. (39th)
I.P.(3) 0.0. to 10t 8.4
D.S.D.S.(4)
C.W.(2)D.(3)
N.A.2.S.L.P.(8)
D.P.S.
P.D.G., Bazagent,
D.N.L.O.
sl

SECRET.
MESSAGE 1928/24th May
IN.
From: N.O.i/c Southampton.
Date 24.5.40
Read. 2030
Naval Cypher C (10) by A.T.X.
Addressed: Admiralty, repeated C. in.Portsmouth.
*
Your 1703 22nd May KAAPFALGA ready for service tomorrow Saturday sailing for Dover.
1988/34
*
Names of Dutch Coasters to be reported when ready for service.
Advance copy Ops and Trade.
Controller.
Deputy Assistant Controller. (Bath.)
Controller.
V.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S. (A)
C.S.O. to 1st S.L.
Ops. (4)
O.D. (3)
S.V.P. (2)
D.T.D. (3)
D.T.D. Basement.
I.S.P.S.
Hydrog.
M. (15)
Cire. Stephenson.
Room 77 O.B. III
I.P. (3)
File X.
M36 18

\
3,000
Prite reason mane
MESSAGE.
SECRET.
From C.in 0. Nore.
RECEIVED:-
DATE
26.5.40
TIME
P/L By I/P.
1938
Addressed V.A. Dover Reptd. Cdre. 1/c Sheerness.
Admiralty F.O.1/c London
275. My 1254/25. Pollowing ships for operation
DYNAMO now ready for service at Sheerness.
existise Up
(a) Loaded ORANOE
(b) Unloaded PATRIA JUILAND DELTA HONSDROO ANTJE
twolfor od:
TWENTE TILLY BRONDARIS AMAIR.
Naval das to
Following at Sheerness* with engine defects LIMA
Following expected to be ready by noon to-marrow Honday W to
I.H To
Nam 5
10
relosss
(a) Loaded BART
(b) Unloaded VREDE HILDA CARIBIA RETURN DOCUMES SAME of to
Teb10
BORNRIFF
To ae\osse
All ships are bing held at four hours notice as they
To тебт0
become ready for service.
1736/26
Advance copy sent Ope. U.V.R.
1st S.L.
2nd S.L.
Controller.
Dep. Controller.
T/P for Asst. Contri.)
4th S.L.
D.of Y.
BATH
V.C.N.S.
Sub War Red.
A.C.N.S.
11.36
A.C.N.S.(A) (A)
0.8.0.10 1st B.L.
ADDITIONAL MARKING BY 5
0ps.(4).
O.D.(3).
w.o.(15).
Care. S.V.P. Stephenson Dr. 55 B.B. A.M. (Cdr.Shirlay Robbinson)
D.P.S.(2),
N.A.2 S.L.
I.S.P.S.
D.of S.T.
Hydrog,
I.P.(3).
M.(15).
of V.

28
SECRET
MESSAGE
1933/14 June.
IN.
From C. in C. Portsmouth
Date. 14.6.40.
Reod. 1946.
P/L BY T/P.
Addressed Add ralty. Repested. C. in 0. liore R.N.S. Portsmouth.
VERBON. EXCELLENT. N.O.I.G. Newhaven R.N.O. Poole.
F.O.I.C. Portland.
275.
your 3053/13 to C. in C. Portsmouth and C.in C. Nore only. It 19 intended to assemble the, Dutch Coasters commissioned by E.M.S. VICTORY at Poole and those commissioned by H.M.S.
PEABROKE at Newhaven. Ae these vessele are being kept in commission for the time being it in proposed that a RIN.R.
Lieutenant 07 Dieutenant Commander be appointed in command of each and one R.N.R. Sub Lieutenentn 56 Watch keeper. In the dase of
Portsmouth Vessels the is a number of Officers from EXCELLENT and
VERNON MAQ are wanted book 88 soon as possible. (See Compodoro
R.H.S.S. No 595/0398 of 12th June 1940 to cartain addressees only)
Propose that these 7638818 should be fitted with & Hotchkies gun and pyrotechnic signale and be employed an off Shore outrols whilst waiting far thoir noxt apployment.
6
1935/14.
Advance copy sont Ops.
1st Lord.
lst Salse
V.C.H.S.
A.C.N.S. (T)
A.C.N.S. (H)
C.S.O. to lot S.L.
Ops. (4)
0.1.0.(2)
Do of P. (3)
D.P.S. (3)
D.N.I.(4)
I.S.P.S.
O.D. (3) for action.
H.(3)
I.P. (3)
D.S.D. (2)
A.C.R.
C.W.(2)
D.
D.A.S. T,P for Assistant Controller.
(~
Bath
D.(3)
J.M.S. (2)
Male
68

OPERATION DYNAMO.
To Vahe
VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
to
ACE
E. Jarvis
To V.A. Dover.
ADA MARY
Leigh Building Co.
Returned to owner.
ADELINE
F. Perham & Mr. Forbes
A.P.S.
ADVANCE
C.P. Dick
T.98 A.P.S.
AID
Risdon Beazley
Released 1.6.40.
ALBATROSS
H.W. Copeland
Abandoned off Dunkirk
ALJANOR
J.K. Mann
No reports received from lists of missing vessels.
ALOA-OC
Mr. Bodley
No report received from lists of missing vessels.
ALSINA
Returned to Newhaven damaged.
ALOHA
J.E. Pearce
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
AMITY
W.H. Loose
Returned to owner.
ANNE
Mr. Woolworth
A.P.S.
ANTHONY
F. Winter
With H.M.S. Wildfire, Sheerness.
ANTOINNETTE
A.J. Albert
A.P.Saremation
AQUA BELLE
B. Taylor
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
ASHINGDON
Mr. Peters
Returned to owner.
AUNTIS GUS
S. Long
Returned to owner.
AURA
Lord Moyne
A.P.S.
ANGLER
Y SPE
Golding Bros.
ANEE (WHERRY)
ILDA
A. Liddle
Returned to owners (did not go).
Lost at Dunkirk.
ANTONY
W. Bates & Son, Ltd.
Did not go. Returned to owners.
BELLE
LOWER
BRIDLINGTON
DER
(25 vessels)
Fishing vessels
Prepared but did not go.
IDEN
EY
BOSTON
(22 vessels)
Prepared but did not go.
ANT
Fishing vessels
BALQUHAIN
Dr. P. Mitchell Watt
Returned to owner.
LICENT D
BARBILL II
J. Morris
Returned to owner.
BASILDON
Leigh Building Co.
Returned to owner.
BESSIE
W.R. Box
To V.A. Dover
OSA
BLACK ARROW
Mr. Wilkinson
BLUE BIRD
Lost at Dunkirk.
IKOI
C.P. Evinson
T.98 A.P.S.
BLUE BIRD
Mrs. G. Ragless
DRU II
ROBELI
Returned to owner.
A.R. Cox
BORNIBELL
C. Patey
T.98. No trace of return from Dunkirk.
AUR
BONNY HEATHER
A.R. Foccola
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
BOY BILLY
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
J. Adams
BOY BOB (RX330)
T.W. Adams
(6a) Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
RASOL
BOY BRUCE
C. Hayes
Did not go - for Dynamo.
BREAD WINNER
Returned to owner.
J.H.A. Bellhouse
108
BREAM
Returned to owner.
Golding Bros.
MADGE
BRITANNIA IV
Sayers Bros.
Prepared - did not go.
MING
BRITANNIC
H. &J. Budd
Returned to owners 5.6.40.
MODESTY
BRYWYN
Reported lost.
C. Priestley Mist
AH
BULL PUP
Mr. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners 19/6.
NA
Reported lost.
BURGONIA
RCH
G.W. Burgoine
BURTON
Leigh Building Co.
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
ROSE
BOU SAADA
Returned to owners.
E. Dreyfus
BARBARA
A.E. Johnson
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
Motor Boat
BHURANA
W.H. Grint
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
BOAT (16 ft.)
W. Robertson
Auxy. Patrol Service.
Motor Boat
Reported lost by owner.
2 or Torpedo top Ferries (
SME

RAS to stars
(585) WE42355 0384 1/40 2,000pads JC&SLtd Gp674/36
POSTACIAM MESSAGE (Delete as OUT
MESSAGE. T.H.I.
1445/20/June, 191.
III
M.
T.H.I. 1445/20.
DATE: 20/6/11.
4/9/20
FROM: Proolicas Livervool,
TLB: 1711.
P/L BY T/P.
signal to PROELICAS, turnpose
ADDRESSED: Admiralty London,
Please stato whother H.I.S. SALMENTER was engaged to the
E. Hereian operations off Dunkirk last May or June,
(Advance copies sent U.S.,O.D. & O.I.C.).
k
M.
V.C.N.S.
A.C.I.S.(F).
Rebert sent 26/8/41.
H.M. 1st S.L.
Ops. (4).
O.D. (5).
E. Hewison
D.P.D.
II. (5). for notion.
M
I.P. (3).
M36 action
C.P
W.R.
11.35(3) M.09759/41.
67

- 8 -
25. I had previously arranged that 90,000 rations, as well as ammunition, should be sent up to CHERBOURG, as this was the port on which NORMAN Force would be based. Any alterations to this plan at this stage would have caused & breakdown in the supply arrangements which were very difficult because the roads were congested and the railways working.
spasmodically.
26. During that evening I was in touch with Ma.jor-General
J.S. DREW commanding the 52nd Division. He informed me that he had embarked one of his brigades and expected to proceed to the United Kingdom with his second brigade.
get the other away the next day. I gave him orders to
) 27. Brigadier J.G. des R. SWAYNE, Head of No. 2 Mission, reported to me on his way to the United Kingdom.
I also dispatched Brigadier N.M. RITCHIE, B.G.S., 2nd
Corps to the United Kingdom that night, as there was no longer need for his services in France on account of the reduction of the number of troops.
28. Throughout the day the Germans maintained evening their pressure on received from General MARSHALL-CORNIALL in the Tenth French Army. In the &
message which he was it as his opinion that the Tenth French This Army would disintegrate gave if it were seriously attacked.
R. was R.T.R.) who called at my Headquarters front the opinion confirmed by his G.S.O.1 (Lieutenant-Colonel about
German hours continued, and the gap between the Tenth miles
2300 Briggs, that night. On the rest of the wide. Army German forces were in this gap it was impossible and
French advance and the Army of Paris was well over 50
air say, reconnaissance as no was much hampered by low to What allied fighting troops were in cloud the area and thunderstorms.
29. the previous 24 hours about 47,000 have troops been and
250 vehicles During of all kinds were reported to embarked.
17 JUNE
30. morning I received a message from French General was in full retreat troops to CHERBOURG. His own CHEREOURG. Headquarters
MARSHALL-CORNWALL on LAVAL and RENNES, and
Early that to the effect that the Tenth that he was Army withdrawing his AVRANCHES and would go next explained to the were At 1015 moving hours, to I spoke to the C.I.G.S. and situation to him.
/ On to
FOOTNOTE:
(
)
a
Operations).

219
LETTER OF 6TH JUNE 1940 FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
PARTY R.N. BARRACKS, CHATHAM, to VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
II.
8. Hospital Ship "St. Julien". It was reported that the crew of this ship were very tired and shaken and required assistance in working the ship.
A party of twenty-two hands under ub.Lieutenant Radoliffe, R.N.V.R. was sent for this purpose, half of whom were to assist in the engine-room. The crew were very willing and the Naval party lent practical and moral support. The ship proceeded to Dunkirk on May 31st, where she arrived at 0850 and went alongside the pier. She remained there until 1015 and was under heavy fire during the whole of this time. All the Naval ratings except the Stokers on watch were ashore bringing off stretcher cases. No casualties were sustained.
Licutenant Radeliffe was himself ashore carrying stretchers and was the last man on board having Seen all his men had returned.
9.
FOLKESTONE. At 0500 on Sunday 2nd June, 1940, it was reported that three ships -
"Malines" S.S. "Ben-my-Chree" S.S. "Tynewald" - were giving trouble. An armed S.S. party under Petty Officer Hollingsworth was sent over to take guard leave duties these ships. The Patty Officer had instructions that no-one was to the ships were sent out to anchorage. Nothing untoward occurred before on these ships under any circumstances. Shortly after the arrival of this party 1400
when a relief party under Leading Stoker Booth took over duties.
At 1850 8.5. "Ben-my-Chree" came alongaide the jetty. Three sentries-
A.B. the remainder being posted at intervals along the ship. As the ship was leave
Clithero, 0.Smn. Tomlinson, As Cook Blackman - were placed on the ganguay, being berthed the crew were demonstrating and shouting that they were going to their the and on the brow. being run out they attempted to do so with the brow. Rits.
Leading The crew thereupon returned on board at once, where they remained ship, Stoker Booth ordered his nen to come on guard and advance up until the relief crew arrived.
to leave the 3.8. ship, but contented themselves with shouting abuse at the sentries. then
"Tynewald" came alongside at 1910. The orew did not attempt
Relief crews leave. Complete lists of their names and addresses were ordered.
for these two ships arrived at 1950, and the old crews were taken and given allowed to to the S.T.O. Folkestone. These ships subsequently sailed as at about
9.9. "Malines", had left the harbour with no instructions
1600, and was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southempton.
rendered and sending out guards and Stoker parties with the utmost despatch, the
10. the The most invaluable service in the Transit Camp, not only by regulating
Chief Gunner's Mate of the Company - Chief Patty Officer Ward but our own also party by keeping a complete record of all Naval ratings Parties passing etc. through
Camp. These included survivors, Lewis Gun parties, U.P.
The following ratings were also outstanding - Petty officer The Harding, whole
Petty party remained in good spirits throughout and were always cheerful cager for
11. Officer Burge, Petty Officer Willook, Leading Stoker Booth - and any duties, that were to be performed.
12. Two of these were retained in Dover and I would like hour strongly of the
The party had proceeded to Dover in buses from Maidstone and District to commend night to transport our various parties, so saving valuable time, also
'Bus Company. the Drivers, who were only too willing to turn out at any and day turned or to themselves in shifting gear and stowing in the buses for transport when necessary. A report to this effect has been sent to the Proprietors.
(Sgi)
COPIES TO
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
Commodore. P.S.T.O.
Commodore. R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
PARTY.
Captain (G) R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
Battalion Commander.
Company Commander.

314
290
Note: I have since been informed that Letitia and Renown, returning fully laden, ransferred their troops to a drifter and were themselves towed to Ramsgate.
snown at the end of tow was blown to pieces.
OTAL number of troops transported by Bawley boats was over 600.
Description of a Cockle Bawley - 40' long, 12' Seam, 2'5" draft, Diesel engines
6 to 50 H.P.
(All the following times are approimate)
rriving at Ramsgate (1.6.40.) I decided that Barley beats were not fit for to further commandeer service, any craft available in Ranagate harbour and to return to when and so ordered them to porceed to Southend. Obtained permission Dunkirk
1400. ready. Commandeered tug Contess but orew deliberately put tug aground and made every possible tug Contess was afloat, engineer refused to put the ship with Skipper, to sea, as obstruction to impede the sailing of same.
volunteered I manned with one Patty Cfficer, and two Sea Scouts. (Infortunately 1 of he claimed to come instead, Commandeered tug Yeasa and Yotor lost track
1700. Although his filters would be blocked by sand. Crew of Tug Teasa, Scat Therune, which their names and addresses after I was sunk)
0000. Arrived at taking tug Foasa inside harbour. Proceeded with Tesse, whose instruct with
Dunkirk and decided that harbour use too congested with larger craft to justify and transferring soldiers to tug overheard intention of filling up same witil contacted. Conting alongaide the Jetty, Prencimen?"
Naval tions were Officer to lay on Vole off Dunkirk cry "In't there anyone here who can deal with these
2.6.40. services as Linison officer. Left Therene at in Teast charge 300 nen of Tatty had
0035. Offered my to continue loading tug Teasa with could not the 1004 Seen
Officer with and orders then to return Indon to Surgate if Seen they re-floated.
embarked, Understand - Feasa Inter to fair went knowledge aground, of Sub the may French have language Cfficer I'm in able Charge to of render the
0030 certain 0310. amount Due of sasistance to Communder Cluston, of the ombartation 198 greatly slowed embarkation a of troops on the Jetty. Satween The speed the French and - them, and and the up due to the French lack of Selieved understanding that certain ships had As Seen a result, reserved serious for congestion was Diglish. that found their The round units one were JANUARY'S on no account while other to be ships Streken. officers at the in charge end of of the the Her regisents, could in not getting: got use, however, the men aboard. able to by assist contacting to & certain the various extent in clearing WE the point, and leaving
0310. the French Understanding troops on that the nove. the destroyer WincheIsea was the list ship to So
Dunkink I returned to Dover with here to Igax and was ordered and submitted to contact chart Community with
0800. Goodenugh (on 2.6.40) Castle. Reported Reported to Commander Coodenugh 31.5.40 and 1.6.10, - etc, murked vill rough details at of state of affairs at Dunitik, on dures, and these Addral of Issued to the approximate as noted during positions these Maison of two wrecks, nighta. Officer troopa Obtained with the permission object of from again assisting in return to
Dunkirk as embarkation of French troops.
complement, plus
1500. An an advance French party officers, in two BAF 3 Naval Motor Soata Officers, with returned BAF to Dunicine under signatmen Commander and Cluston's two 4 enemy command. aircraft, Sembed & and result finally of the sunle, boubing. foundering They imediately. aircraft to
No 1855. casualties, Attacked by however, were action sustained Sombs as with an affect on side ship sixtlar seemed that of to depth be using charge delayed on a submarine.
My 1900. sustained) right Machine & leg slightly gunned Cluston in damaged water shouted by by explosion. enemy to aircraft resaining that NO (do BAR would not boat think be to letroyed parceed any casualties in to the to Dunkirk pick water word by and energy not to hombs pick Commander and up machine survivors, gun AS fire he feared if the reasining PAR Boat attempted 1235 up.

388
LETTER OF 6TH JUNE, 1940 FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE, NO.3.
PARTY:.BARRACKS, CHATHAM, to VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
III.
Leading Stoker Booth ordered his men to come on guard and advance up the brow. The crew thereupon returned on board at once, where they remained until the relief crew arrived.
S.S. "Tynewald" came alongside at 1910. The crew did not attempt to leave the ship, but contented themselves.th shouting abuse at the sentries. Relief crews for these two ships arrived at 1950, and the old crews were then allowed to leave. Complete lists of their names and addresses were taken and given to the.0.Folkestone.
These ships subsequently sailed as ordered.
S.S. "Malines" had left the harbour with no instructions at about 1600, and was subsequently found to have proceeded to Southampton.
10. The Chief Gunner's Mate of the Company - Chief
Petty Officer Ward rendered the most invaluable service in the Transit Camp, not only by regulating our own party and sending out guards and Stoker parties with the utmost despatch, but also by keeping a complete record of all Naval ratings passing through the Camp. These included survivors,
Lewis Gun parties, Parties etc.
11. The following ratings were also outstanding -
Petty Officer Harding, Petty Officer Burge, Petty Officer
Willock, Leading Stoker Booth - The whole party remained in good spirits throughout and were always cheerful and eager for any duties, that were to be performed.
12. The party had proceeded to Dover in buses from
Maidstone andDistrict 'Bus Company. Two of these were retained in Dover and I would like strongly to commend the
Drivers, who were only too willing to turn out at any hour of the day or night to transport our various parties, so saving valuable time, and also turned to themselves in shifting gear and stowing in the buses for transport when necessary. A report to this effect has been sent to the
Proprietors.
COPIES TO.
Lieutenant With Commander, R.N.
Commodore. P.S.T.O.
OFFICER IN CHARGE NO.3.
PARTY.
Commodore. R.N.Barracks.
Chatham.
Captain (G). R.N.Barracks.
Chatham.
Battalion Commander.
Company Commander.

416
10.
ordered him to return to Dover, taking with him as many troops as he could carryBe left at 0230 on the 2nd. June.
Sunday 2nd. June.
We had arranged for Commander Ellwood and myself to remain with the S.N.O. till the end, but Commander Surteeps and Commander Gotto refused to leave, as they. considered that there was yet work for them to do. The work of these two Officers the former at
Naval Headquarters and the latter controlling the troop movements on to the Eastern Arm, cannot be described by words of mine.
Suffice it to say that they were never for one moment absent from their posts,in the face of heavy bombardment and air attack and that they carried out their duties with a sense of courage and cheerfulness which must have been a fine example taxther not only to the ratings left with them but to the troops.
On returning to the Harbour I discovered that the drifter
"LORD CAVAN" - our Depot Ship had been sunk by shellfire.
Sunday June 2nd.
As it had been decided to cease evacuation of troops by daylight, there remained little to do during the daylight hours today. We were prepared to make 3 naximum effort tonight to get away the remainder of the B.S.F. There were roughly 4,300
of the rearguard troops to be embarked, which had been withdrawn, according to plan, from the front linde positions.
The position was becoming critical. The Germans were at 1000
to have penetrated important positions surrounding whether reported and it waas for see time questionable as to last
Dunkirk, to carry out the evacuation of this we would be able The hours went by and it was established ships were that the force of troops. had checked the enemy's advance. No air
French troops day, and we were subjected to very intense to move admitted attacks and by bombardment, the enemy having been able up his At artillery 2130 I took due up to my our position withdrawal. at the end of the Bestern Mole

443
Ten minutes more and the first convoy is ready for the sea - manned, victualled and fuelled - equipped in fact with all but arms. Only later, when the full peril of their task was realised and returning troops had filled the depots with sandfouled small arms, were weapons available for the crews'
protection. The first convoys sailed gaily into the inferno of Dunkirk beaches without SO much as & pistol between them.
Still the boats arrived and still the officers and men flowed into the port; "T.124's" now for the most part. Sturdy fishermen, lightermen and merchant seamen. Now, too, came in increasing numbers the civilian volunteers who played so fine a part in the operation.
In the very first flotilla to leave was one black motor launch, the "Advance", manned entirely by three bearded civilian yachtsmen. This boat and its crew stayed with the writer in convoy through the whole of the first journey across, and after the first murderous machine gun attack from the air three cheerful bearded grinning faces appeared above the fore cabin roof and three pairs of hands were clasped and shaken overhead as a signal that allwas well; only the "Jolly Roger" was lacking to complete that picture.
These men wore no uniform, were born on no ship's books but took the graver risks which attend civilians engaged in military operations as undisturbed as they would take a choppy sea on a week-end cruise.
The journey across, perhaps, afforded the individual his opportunity of assessing the magnitude of the operation best which he was playing his part. Beautiful yachting weather in the small craft could never have made the crossing otherwise), (half hardly a chop on the water; the whole vista bathed endless in summer sunshine; and, across the expanse of sea, an
From horizon ahead to horizon of laden ships.
stream spanning the whole scene from coast to coast, unloading endless astern, their human freight and hastily returning for more; an
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