TNA ADM 199 795

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
BOY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
MA J
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
MAJOE
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
MALDO
A.E. Harrison
Kamble.
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
MALVI
BEE
Murrell "
MOLLY
P. Robinson
MARE 1
MARCH
Sons,
MARGHI
Wright
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
MARINA
CAIRNGORE
MARSAY
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
MARINA
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
ARICEI
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
ARY
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
ARY HO
M.T. Henderson with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
ARY IR)
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
ARY ROS
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of missing vessels.
COMMODORE
RY SPE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
RY SPE/
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
ILDA
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
CORA-ANN
T.98. Returned to owner.
BELLE
Col. F.L. Newhouse
CARONIA
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
LOWER
W. Light (6A)
CORSTIR
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
Dr. Tiby
COURT BELLE II
Returned to owner.
c. Whatford & Son
DER
No report received from list of
CRECLE
missing vessels.
AIDEN
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
EY
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
ANT
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
LICENT I
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
OSA
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
IKOI
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
DRU II
Returned to owner.
AUR
NY
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
RASOL
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
108
A.C. Wills
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
MADGE
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
MING
R. Harvey
DESEL II
MODESTY
Dudley Stone
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
AH
NA
DEVILFISH
T.98. Returned to owner.
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
RCH
list of missing vessels.
ROSE
Motor Boe
Motor Boa
2 or Torpedo tor Ferries
SME

SECRET
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

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

Dynamo
16
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.

87
81
P.G.O's 1700 & 1723. VESSELS TAKING PART IN OPERATION DYNAMO.
C.E.in C. Dept. Tug "Prima"
Report of Master
Left Portsmouth 1.30 a.m. Thursday 30/5/40 on passage to
Ramsgate. Arrived there at 8.30 p.m. and moored alongside
H.B.95, was later ordered to proceed to No. 3 buoy and await orders. 31/5/40 waiting orders, received Arms and Ammunition to repel air attacks. 1/6/40.6.30 a.m. received orders to accompany Coaling Tug C.9 to Dunkirk. Left Ramsgate with motor Launch with 3 naval ratings on board in Tow. Nearing
French Coast, passed D.16 Destroyer Damaged and in Tow. Off
Port Hand Destroyers in Action with shore batteries, one warned away 30 proceeded in company to Dunkirk Roads, picked Taken up rescue, slipped motor boat who got under own power. Tug 0.9
damaged started sinking. Air attack commenced when going to partially disabled motor cabin cruiser Bonnie Heather.
Vessels H.M.S. Brighton Queen, S.S. Scotia, and another, and from Air bombing. Vessela hit and sinking, proceeded to resoue.
in Tow, proceeding ahead through vessels being heavily attacked
British arriving survivers, on ace was again bombed and machine gunned, with were slipped motor boar and rescued 75 French warned away by French Destroyer. Proceeded back to England at
Ramagate survivors, landed Tug wounded and survivers. To anchor and awaited
0.9 Towing Bonnie Heather, on arrival
3/6/40 received 2/6/40 sailing orders. Left Ramagate 0.9 with with Coaling orders. waiting orders to return to Portsmouth.
Launch in was joined off Dover by Tug
Arrived damaged X Portsmouth 6.45 a.m. 4/6/40 and reported
C.3 Boat Tow, 21 in tow, proceeded in Company to arrival Portamouth. to
F.W.D. Dredging Office.
Sir, by Mate, I wish Eng., to Stokers place on and crew in resoue and running vessel.
record the assistance rendered of to me
(sa.) J.R. Morran, Master.

257
From:- Temp. Lieut. A.T. Cook, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
At 2.30 a.m. on the 3rd instant saw motor cruiser under sail and abandoned off Dunkirk. Took her in tow and brought her to Ramsgate. Ship flying French
Mercantile flag, valued about £1,000 and should be open to salvage for myself and crew. Launch belongs to the Skylark Shipbuilding Co., Poole, and has
3 mile limit off Britain for cruising.

320
296
COPY.
Lynwood Court,
Totteridge Lane,
London, N.20.
23
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on the night of Tuesday 28th May, in accordance with orders received from Sheerness, I took the motor-cruiser Bobeli from Sheerness to Dover, arriving at 0300 Wednesday.
At 0815 I sailed for La Paune Beach in company with five other boats, later joined by Sub-
Lieutenant Snow in another boat off Ramsgate.
We arrived at La Paune beach at about 1730, after being machine-gunned once by enemy aircraft in the channel to Dunkirk.
I then started towing boats from the beach to the ships, and sent in my whaler with A.B. Holborn;
I towed it alongside a Destroyer which went full ahead while I was still alongside, smashing the canopy of my boat with her rat-guard, springing some of the strakes, and breaking A.B. Holborn's hand. The boat however and was sent still A.B. Holborn on board, and borrowed two men from it in running order so I went alongside as sloop to help me.
I it was & waste of time sending in & whaler then continued towing but came to the conwithout a of soldiers in 8 boat. I but clusion that crew of at least FOUR seamen, unfortunately due to the complete never did their got work under difficult conditions and incapability the names of the two men I borrowed, excellently they without complaint.
time later I lost my whaler and "Crested crew which
Eagle" to pick breaking up down, making water, and had in something taking were towed survivors; the boat at
Some of by another boat so went to this the time was continually and rudder. I succeeded fast and below Thursday to morning help I was kept by the S.N.T.O.
her alongside with the wounded. On arrival Commander 30/5
tangled in the H.M.S. screw Albury where I made her at Margate went on
Stanistreet, R.N. to assist him.
at Margate till Priday Lieutenant, afternoon when 31/5
I appointed I remained to H.M. Schoot in Horst Command. as 1st We sailed at with 1230 was Lieut. and arrived Sargent, off R.N.V.R. the beach at about 1800 where we took on troops.
time came to leave it was on found the bottom; that the
When the by another abandoned cable broke down.
cable the capstan was fouled engine and ship's diesels also taking so; off I while the want men I away was we had in away a on dinghy the board Horst to and find was found further a ship a yacht capable damaged willing of by to a do near-miss shell.
Sargent decided to abandon up. the The Horst whose auxiliaries Lieutenant were left running to seize soldiers

323
298
3
COPY.
25
To: D.M.O. Admiralty House, Sheerness.
between I
From: Lt.Cmdr. W.R.T. Clements, R.N.R.
Tabro edd modull
1982
E
JSTO
1A
to ogzado mt
The Dutch motor vessel "TILLY" was taken over tosta eill at Tilbury on 25/5/40 by Lt.Cmdr. W.R.T.Clements, R.N.R., no Dre Tister to two asw
Lt. L. Holman, R.N.V.R. and 9 naval ratings. She was duby Date eitheo cald taken to Sheerness to load stores and thence to an anchorage in the Downs where she arrived at 1035 on 27/5/40.
or ti about nolds
At 1500 orders were received to proceed to Dunkirk.
How
It is remarkable that no instructions were given regarding twods to bre Tooke The odd the reason for sailing to Dunkirk and save that we had
Belim S doods nedi7
received on board lifebelts and life-rafts sufficient for ellangia BBW I Isseev Jdgld about 450 people we had no idea what was required of
ПРТОЙ end to syreds at...И.Я
us on arrival. It was clear, however, that at that odd 8d BB7
time the operation was of a highly secret nature. We
Jail asw Date HOBIN
CHETH 008 toods DIST eredT-
namely by the West Hinder, Dyck and Middelkirk Bank proceeded on the route given to us at the time of sailing, has
8 or 9 miles from Dunkirk we observed two large hospital buoys. At about 2200 having reached a position about stoted got ald 03
Distts 887 oH.leasev ships escorted by an armed merchant cruiser coming from the direction of Dunkirk. These vessels had overtaken
Nate broo belod earlier in the day. A morse signal was therefore at mon эдо duode imaga us received from the armed merchant 0 uiser to the dycone vieied the following thereupon effect:- "Dunkirk has fallen and is in enemy with no.id I
twode to hands. Keep other small motor vessels, and at this time one R.N.R. of clear". We had set out in company exoted some five in charge of t.Barwell, R.N. and Hutchinson, the rest bruot I sToM add those about mile distant on the starboard beam and towards sloM odd anoie gatus was astern. No thereupon altered course
Delas bre offor edd osno
Lt. After consideration as to the proper I was was Barwell's further vessel and repeated to him by morse action the signal
.516 or dolde тейте bris at wholly ignorant be useless to attempt to to take in of what was required of me if proceed. I get I
received. the circumstances I considered that as could add
TO
also to Dunkirk observed it would that the armed merchant cruiser and hospital ejegament benefits ships continued on their homeward course.
near, the ship On the passage back we R.N., and the
Shortly was put about to return to came the up with for afterwards when the Nieuport Buoy Downs was
(5g8)
.I.H
"Brendaris" further orders. in charge the of Commander information Euman, we had and received. intended He stated informed he him had also received of the same information returning to the Downs for orders.
On orders 29/5/40 were received to proceed owing to to in at 1735 whilet lying at anchor Dunkirk off
Deal order information Pier to evacuate received troops. the previous report At this on evening voyage time, No. from 1) an we minutes armed thought merchant cruiser (see my hands of the enemy. Ten half dozen later we small have motor up vessels we proceeded was by on buoys our '0', IV'
that Dunkirk was in anchor the and, followed by some voyage. and other The route taken on off this Dunkirk occasion at about waited 2300 near and the observed
'W'. We arrived flames. We to entrance enter for that the the best town part was of in an hour further considering to the whether Nastward in an attempt the harbour to take or to soldiers proceed off the beach. We then proceeded
$

391
ht Can gw McClelland
365
SECRET
CHRONOLIGICAL SUMMARY OF THE EVACUATION OF
LA PANNE, 31st MAY - 1st JUNE, 1940.
my 31st May,
I. Fridan
P.M.
On Saturday afternoon, on By return from a visit to
Bray Dunes, I was instructed by Captain Tennant, R.N., to arrange for the evacuation of the Army Cormander-in-Chief and staff, and to take over his duties as S.N.O., La Panne, and to join General Montgomery, lInd Corps.
2.
At that time, an enemy 18 or 25 pounder battery near
Nieuport had been ranged by kite balloons on the beach and embarking ships, which had withdrayn. I accordingly arranged with the remaining unwanted beach officer,
Lieutenant Greatwood, R.N., and the 12th Lancers, to complete the building of a second pier of motor transport, on "A" beach, and for the repair of the eight pulling boats and pontoons still serviceable. Parties were also organised to provide all the buckets and to collect all the cars and boats that could be found. Damaged boats were made watertight as far as naval Lieutenants, who had been wounded in the hand, to embark possible with discarded clothing. I also ordered one of the in a small notor cruiser to run a ferry service off to ships.
3.
The intention at this time was to recomence the embarkation quantities of the essential boats and power boats had from the enemy's battery would be less effective. Further been of troops at 2030 with two ships, when it was hoped that the fire promised and the local situation appeared promising even had if arrived difficult. at La Panne were ordered on to Bray, to reduce the numbers
To make it easier, certain army units which waiting to be embarked.
31 4.
Admiral, 2 miles westward of La Panne at about battery near
At Dover for the evacuation of the Army Commander-in-Chief, 1800, which I
about 1630, arrangements were made direct with Vice considered from a point would be out of gun range of the enemy
Nieuport.
31 5.
At 1800, in the with cars, the had his been staff delayed in by and at change I joined General staff officer returned to say that the
6.
the the ships for boats by at the there. rendeavous, I therefore nor could the and asked flag signal, of but, went before with him these to could be sent, being "Keith", informed flying of the the situation,
R.A. Dover, arrived, and At the on same time another Commander-in- staff officer sent boats the party inshore. with the information La Panne. that The the other of the wounded Chief, joined had naval embarked Lieutenants nearer also to embarked under my orders in this boat.
During the embarkation, of a bomber few bomba squadrons were dropped attacked near motor La Panne. the ies
7.
The boats, transport, enemy and battery and a large some also number damage opened was fire done, on which the two was, piers however of repaired.

441
To present a comprehensive view of the whole of the naval operations at Dunkirk between May 27th and June 5th is as task for the historian. No man who took an active part can hope to describe anything beyond the activities of his own particular unit or section, and only with the passing of time will the expert be able to piece together the various reports of all who took part.
This is the story of the small motor-boats and the part they played, but even here a connected narrative is difficult, if not impossible. Each boat with its own tiny crew was thrown more or less upon its own resources; and upon the fortunes of war and the initiative of each boat's captain depends the story each may subsequently tell.
From all around the compass they came. Prom up the river, along the coast, from the yachting harbours, the pleasure beaches, Naval porta and fishing towns - anything that would float, move under its am power, and collect a dozen men or 80
from the beaches where they waited.
The Meat assembly to gather at Sheerness was typical of the she tlyuermads. A dozen or so of motor yachts esquipped and amartly erund a cluster of cheap itin supueur craftamen who had sng tound a ship's lifeboat a that cruiser of sorts as 1 cruioze up-river reaches.
anotell.