TNA ADM 199 795

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.

Dynam. #35.
58
H.M.S. MONA'S ISLE. A.B.V. Report of events covering pperiod
B14/
Sun, 26th May to 28th May. To Dunkirk and back.
52
###########
26th May.
2000. anchored off Deal.
2116. proceeded towards Dunkirk via route past Calais. fine and clear.
27th May.
0115. off entrance to Dunkirk. signalled, no response. Being ignorant of conditions and harbour, attempted to enter slowly. Star engine failed owing to wire round propellor. Considered entrance might be fouled so backed out. Propellor cleared itself.
0130. Proceeded down channel to interrogate several French craft as to position inside harbour, pilots etc. No satisfaction.
0250. Signalled V.A.D. for instructions. HM.S. KING CRRY in similar position.
0321. Orders to enter at daylight.
0416. Entered and made contact with S.T.O. No tugs available, so swang ship and berthed at Quai Felix Faure, with all guns firing on enemy aircraft.
0530 Alongside. commenced embarking. about 1500 men, approx.
0704. Proceeded out of harbour.
Off Gravelines, observed several British small craft and Hospital
0730
ship being shelled some distance ahead.
0750. Heavily shelled and straddled by several? guns, approx 12ydr, firing shrapnell. Several hits of sorts and casualities.
0805. Considered it worth the risk of turning to N.W, being at the moment ogf
Dunkirk A.W. buoy. Apparently got out of range.
0825. Six Messerschmitt appeared. Opened fire with 4" and 2 lewis guns. 12par boago) Airoraft carried out about four attacks, from the sun, invisible to us.
from astern. "errific machine gun fire, a great deal of which missed ahead, but many direct hits with cannon, especially around after 12 pdr, whose crew under Sub Lt A.B. Neave R.N.R. stood up to it extremely wall, but sustained casualties, including the sub
The packed troopa on the open deck suffered badly; had the shooting been acurate the losses would have been very much greater.
0835. Aircraft apparently out of ammunition and sheared off.
9. gear W/T sat; 10" signal lamp; stearing gear; out of action. speed maintained. Steered Test to Outer Ruytingen Buoy No 7. by engines.
0900. Called H.M.S. WINDSOR. ( well to S.W. of us.) asked her to report our condition to V.A.D.
Steered W.N.W. approx.

6
89
from so the town and docks were pouring into the and the
As we left Dunkirk, night was falling
P.G.O's 1700 & 1723. VESSELS TAKING PART CO. IN OPERATION LTD. STEAM DYNAMO.
TILBURY CONTRACTING & DREDGING
Germans tragic, it would have been a wonderful sight. sky. Were
HOPPER "FOREMOST 102"
REPORT OF MASTER.
astern of sent us. a shell screaming over our stern and several As it
The eventful voyage to Dunkirk and back.
During the passage back to Dover we were was Wednesday May 29th at 4 o'clock we were tied up several taking place detours nearly to avoid overhead. enemy ships and aircraft, an forced It of the Dredgwell under repair, board with no and water told in us the alongside when the company's agent came on and also that asked the
At 5.55 a.m. 1st June we arrived at Dover and naval authority of the crew would volunteer willingly, to go, I and in less than boiler, needed the ship for important made work, it my duty to disembarked again sent to and Ramsgate the crew arriving had a sleep at 10.25, which where our troopask how many each man, and each man in boiler responded water, and raising steam, we also was sorely neejone hour we were pipe on taking shore being repaired, which for would same, not so be
3rd 1 p.m. June told We were to make instructed for Portsmouth to await which orders, we proceeded and on Monda provisioned finished ship 11.20 for 1 a.m. week we and left got Portsmouth steam pipe towing on three motor a.m. had had a steam before the morning, so we had to wait board by 10 we
May 30th and 12 at naval ratings in charge of a Sub-Lieutenant, we decided we not
During the passage home, enemy aircraft were heat boats fine with at Folkestone at 10.30 p.m. till 3 a.m. on two occasions, and bursts of shellfire seen quite close.
weather arriving until morning, so we anchored there at 6 a.m.
Friday small craft anchored, orders, and to enter and the then gateway proceeded to Ramsgate arriving so we did the same,
We made ortsmouth at 6.50 a.m. on 4th June, 194
There were on dozens shore of to interview the naval authorities on board as for many troops then went Dunkirk and take board two
During this time, we had no navigator aboard nor which we got and to proceed bring them to to Ramsgate, we ammunition, also took on we gun, which was regrettable as I am confident we could have a good account of ourselves.
as gunners we could with three of bren an errand guns and we rifle were and on by the terrible not long sights at sea of some of the vessels see the we smoke from burning Dunkirk, bearings, as from guessed what sort were passing. We were we were a
In conclusion, I should like to say all of the happy and proud that they were able to assist in even so SI
before approaching we could Gravelines, we were picking same up our at that very minute, way.
we church on shore when German a bomb despatch struck riders the dashing Roads along things the beach began on motor bicycles. aerial dog fight was time fighting, and could also see When we arrived in Dunkirk taking place overhead
(Sd.) W.E.Llewellyn to get a bit hot, an as as 50 planes at a us orders to proceed
Master.
bombing. to A naval officer east of the breakwater, and and on the beach.
and we could count many came to us and gave get to work,
(sa.) H. Longman
We he told us we would find we could see four of could and dropped
Braye beach 5 miles the troops in the water our hoppers already arrived at 5.30 p.m. to the shore as we and with the
Mate.
motor assistance boats of gave had the already fireman left manned in charge both they the THE THE THE
anchor. there, so we I got as orders close to lower both when they had loaded up with troops ply between us the set loading beach messengers, again, which so our the causing Germans
P.T.O.
up in quick time.
During

101
102
90
6
and bombing the beach, which was terrible to see, boat drowned and kibled. Aircraft was active all the time, upset duri
VESSELS
TAKING
PART
IN
OPERATION
DYNAMO.
all ships with guns and shore batteries never ceased firing,
P.G.O's
1700 TILBURY & 1.723. CONTRACTING & DREDGING CO. LTD.
STEAM
planes were brought down on land and sea and we could see
HOPPER "JAMES 67"
REPORT OF MASTER.
dropping by parachute, one dropped near to us his parachute the open. We never had much time to look round and see what
Re voyage from Portsmouth to Ramsgate and return from we had our work cut out lugging half drowned men out of the was
Ramsgate to Portsmouth - 30th May to June 1st.
safety if luch was with us, which it was in the end. We
300 on board, I put one wounded man in my cabin and the next had
Left Portsmouth in convoy with four other steam hoppers
I went to the cabin there was two in my bunk, clothes and boot
Our long before reaching Beachy Head. My problem could find in to get the speed averaged seven knots, so I lost sight of the was other wet through, and six on the floor, they were in every bunk an in the ship dead beat. It was nine o'clock so I decided we 1
vessels ship to her destination. The only chart I had old get them as it was getting like hell, so we helped to load 800
the was one of Christchurch to the Owers. I back a very to 1922.
the other ships that did not have many on board and at ten 0'1
chart included all the English Channel and was of a very set to ship of my own, which was cancelled and dating small we left for Ramsgate towing two motor boats, and leaving one
It With a parallel rule and pair of dividers I work, that for another ship to use. The journey through Dúnkirk Roads and scale. plotted the courses of as far as the Downs, as I expected dangerous owing to the darkness and sunken ships, as we appros all the distance we could make by dark.
Gravelines the German searchlight was in action, and we expect would get us in the ray at any minute, and shell us but luck the same courses as the others until losing of us, aircraft was over us at all times of the night, so we only
Royal Sovereign thence to Folkestone, expecting mile sight of them, Light Vessel to the south, then to Dungeness to find pass-
I followed then I checked my course to pass half a mile our lights when it was absolutely necessary. During the night lost one motor boat, her towing bollards pulled out. We arri
Ramsgate at 5 a.m. June 1st and got orders to proceed to Marge ing two miles there. off, Altered course to pass Dover one and off, put off our troops, where we had to wait out turn, we eventuall examination and again to the South Goodwin Lt.V. thence to the Down alongside of the pier at 2 p.m. discharged troops, took in foot anchored at 8.35 p.m.
water, and went off to anchor and await orders, all expecting willing to go over again, but we got orders on Tuesday 4th July vessel came alongside, and ordered scaled us to sail for Portsmouth at 4 a.m. on June 5th. While we were lap
The examination there with the other hoppers. My small I made
Margate one of our planes crashed into the sea close to our
Ramsgate and anchor for this part of the journey Ramsgate so chart was not any good I made my way towards far as at pilot baled out by parachute and went drifting over the land.
left Margate leading four more hoppers but could not make the in the specified time so we decided to go into Seaford Roads
Pegwell Bay, got Underweigh Friday morning a reduced speed in a sounding the of three and a half 4.45 and enquiries how to get there. inside channel, but only fathoms got as and night, on our way in we picked up one of the Cowes and Portsmon whilst
Car ferry Steamers out of control, and took her in tow, arrived anchored Ramsgate 10.10 p.m. about six anchoring off the entrance awaiting the other ships went ahead, and by the time we anchored at orders.
so, dark and we did not see them any more. We hove up anchor after to our home They port. did not Everyone on board trip were on the greatly mission disappointed.re we come until 5 p.m. which were to return
June 6th and arrived with our tow at Portsmouth at 4 p.m.
pathetic voyage.
as well as myself not making one for.
(sa.) W.C. Attwaters.
I followed the same route back to Portsmouth.
The following are the times and distance off:
P.T.O.
the beach, which was terrible kibled. Aircraft was active
OS with guns and shore batteriiore bat vere brought down on land and on land and by parachute, one dropie, one dropped near
We never had much timead much time to look our work cut out luggiit out lugging half dr if luch was with us, as with us, which it Vth.
oard, I put one was put one wounded man in to the cabin there cabin there was two in my ough, and six on tand six on the floor, they ship dead beat. ead beat. It was nine 0'

-2-
SOUTHERN RAILWAY
(1561)
Temporary repairs carried out.
29th May.
MARINE DEPARTMENT.
"
"
"
"
30th May 07.15 Southampton Cleared Granville Dock, and proceeded to
19
S.S. BIARRITZ
Dock, Southampton 19.40.
to complete repairs, docked Inner
Date
Report on:
Conduct of Personnel while under fire off Gravelin
1-4 June Under repair at Southampton.
Monday, May 27th, 1940.
While passing Gravelines en route to Dunkir we engaged the attention of enemy artillery on shore.
The first shell entered the forward boiler room, pierci
N.B. This vessel with the "Maid of Orleans" was under first a large diameter oil fuel vapour and overflow pir heavy enemy shell fire when off Boulogne on 23rd
May, but sustained no damage.
and then the auxilliary steam pipe to forward. The no passed through the further side of the hull on the wate line while various minor damage was done by fragments, mttbaker entering the starboard wing fuel tank and another passi master through the left thigh of Fireman A. Phillips severing main artery, and causing great loss of blood.
Steam at full boiler pressure was entering boiler room in great quantities. Further shells were hitting the region of the first hit and danger of sever scalding and of an outbreak of fire were the conditions under which Fireman Phillips then found himself. Notw standing, he made efforts to close the oil fuel supply
That he 19
of the two forward boilers.
unable the furnaces to do so will occasion no surprise. As It was sufficient strength to climb two flights or lad retained out of the boiler room where he was met by myself and he reported that he had been unable to shut off the fires.
then collapsed.
Fireman A. Phillips died on the night of May result of his wound. In this connection it as a direct that 4th Engineer Terry, who was in charge o be forward stated boiler had left the room in pursuance of his dut only a minute or two previous to the event.
Meanwhile in the after boiler room Mr. Crook charge, on hearing the explosion of the shells and th subsequent in escape of steam, sent Signature his two firemen on deok

Dynamne 256.
154
H.M.T. "Malines",
SOUTHAMPTON.
138
11th June, 1940.
The Principal Sea Transport Officer,
DOVER.
Sir,
Replying to your letter of June 5th., I submit the following account of the operations as experienced in this ship:-
Ordered from Southampton, #6 proceeded to Dovor and received instructions to go to Dunkirk by the Northern route from the North
Goodwin Light Vessel. As events proved, it would have been better if my instructions had boon more detailed and if I had been supplied with the large scale charts. These latter had been promised but not delivered.
However, the necessary daylight to navigate the shouls remained, and I had had some experience of the locality, 30 "Malines" proceeded at
16 knots to arrive off Dunkirk just after dark.
To my astonishment, the whole port seemed to be in flames, and, although it could not be exactly determined, the work of destruction appeared still to be going on. The mate and funnels of ships could be distinguished by the light of the flames, but whether suniters or afloat
I did not know.
Morse signals were ignored, and an attempt to inter the harbour was mot by gunfire from the Western breakmater, 30, determined to find out the true condition of affairs, 1 patrolled along towards
Gravelines, where & Pilot station was supposed to be established.
Dunkirk. I An attempt: to enter by our consort, Hellet. "Scotia", use also
Although hailed several craft, I could get no replice, and returned to greeted with gunfire, 80 that I decided to go Enstwards to meet friendly co-operation.
The dim shapes of vessels inshore could be determined, healtated but to my draught than 13 foot, and no chart to hand, 1
deviate being more Channel. Hare my lack of information 1a now apparent,
10% from from later the events, I judge that these ships were attention removing were parties of y
of extreme the beaches. annoyance No to them, who proforred to be unobserved by from doubt by signals to attract the enemy. source of the One and large I was on the point of returning to question be vossel, recognised later as it Clan liner, him, moved when out vaa attacked port, and aunt completely across the fairway.
cont.a ot, Therefore, and encountered I & destroyer, who signalled Turning reauned the patrol to the Restward, "Follow aeaking 26 batter

(2)
191
171
May 31st Continued.
Spennos
2210 anchored off Pontoon Pier at Dunkirk. 2240 ordered by H.M.
Ship to La Panne, hove up and proceeded. 2315 anchored off La define
Panne.
June 1st. 0220, troops on board, terrific bombarding and shelling of beach taking place so hove up and proceeded. 0615, anchored off Margate roads. 0745, have up and proceeded to Pier.
0830 at anchor under 1 hours notice. 1315, left for Dunkirk.
Devision
1520, attacked and bombed by enemy aircraft, three bombs dropped, avoiding action taken. 1552, attacked and bombed by aircraft three bombs being dropped, again took avoiding action, and by doing so definately saved ship. Now came under heavy fire from enemy position at Gravelines Pier, and as two ships appeared to be blocking channel returned to Margate for instructions. 1730,
90
arrived Margate Roads. 1900 vessel under 1 hour's notice.
June 2nd 0115 received orders to sail. 0140 received orders not to sail.
1800 left anchorage. 2000 passed Hospital ship
Paris, having been bombed and ship's company in lifeboats, but all very cheerful and proceeded to Dunkirk. 2100 Heavy firing from b
shore batteries. 2130 arrived at Dunkirk and commenced embarking
French troops from middle pier in harbour. 2205 cleared harbour with more than complement of troops.
Monday June 3rd. 0155 arrived at Margate Pier and commenced disembarking troops. 0203, anchored off Pier. 1200 returned to
Pier. 1400, four seamen and two catering staff leave ship.
2015 left for Dunkirk. 2055, dense fog, visibility reduced to nil, but continue towards Dunkirk.
Tuesday June 4th. 0115, had slight collision with unknown steamer off No. 3 Dunkirk buoy. 0220 arrived at middle pier in harbour. 0255, overladen with troops and left pier, cutting our
G
own forward ropes. Heavy gun fire continuously; leaving harbour saw crew of unknown vessel being rescued by small boats. 0600, arrived Margate after 1 hours dense fog, and disembarked troops and at 0700 departed to anchorage. 2000 have up and proceeded to
Southampton. 2355 "Royal Sovereign" light vessel abeam.

Dynam
198
"St Anderw" Hospital Carrier No. 24.
181
Narrative of events, May 95th., to June 5th., 1940.
ay 25/1940.
1617. Left Newhaven and proceeded full speed to Dover for orders.
2020. Received orders at Dover to anchor at Downs.
2107. Anchored.
ay 26/1940.
0325. Anchor aweigh and proceed towards Dover for orders, and when off South Foreland was orddred to roturn to anchorage at Downs.
1054. Hove up and in company with H.C. "St Julien" proceeded to
Dunkirk via Calais and Gravelines. When in buoyed channel abreast of Gravelines at 1320 was heavily shelled by shore batteries, and mmorous shells fell on bothsides of the vessel. Continued on course for some time, but the shelling increased in intensity and I was forced off shore, and puttung the vessels head to the Northward I had no alternative but to cross the minefield to enable me to pick up the Channel route and return to Dover.
1810. Received orders at Dover to 30 to anchorage.
1835. Anchored at Downs.
ay 27/1940.
1110. Hove up and proceeded towards Dunkirk (N.about passage)
in convoy of two destroyers-H.M.S. "Anthony and "Vority",
/vimy and H.N.Transports-"st.Helier" "Royal Daffodil" and eastward of N.Goodwin L.V., H.ll.Transport"Kyno" in
"Kyno", and "St. Julien".
When a for miles to the company of one destroyer returned, the remainder of the
When in Lat.50-224' N. Long.2-39' E. an enery plane convoy continuing on course to Dunkirk.
crossing from starboard to port of convoy's course, dropped four bombs very close to the vessel's port Dow, and "St.Julien"s" starboard quartor. The plane then continued circling around dropped another four near the
1620. Arrived on off Dunkirk during continual heavy air raids.
its course towards the Bolgian coast.
The ordered out, signalling this vessel and the"st.Julion"
two leading ships entered port and were immediately falling to fast all around the ships in the harbour and the remain outside. During this manouyers bombs were
1744. Convoy reformed and returned to Dover in company of one ships outside.
destroyer.
9239. Anchored at Downs.
May 28/1940.
1100. plane attackedand four bombs were dropped, ship.Plane and seen
Enemy fall midway between S.Goodwin.L.V.and vicinity. this
1500. was Received kept orders to proceed Southampton. Arrived Netley to off by gunfire of destroyers in
May 29/1940. At Anchorage Southampton at 2359. under immediate orders.Ordinary ship's repairs being dealt with during stay.
May 30/1940.
1705. Left Southampton for Dover for orders, Nothing eventful during passage.
May 31/1940.
0035. Arrived off Dover.Receiving no orders dropped anchor off

277
255
H.M.Y.
From:- Sub. Lt. R.E. Lee, R.N.V.R.
Alauette
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Report that on 1st June we brought down a
Messerschmidt 109 dive bomber near Gravelines Point.
We had run in alongside D.15 at the Mole and were embarking troops when we were attacked by several squadrons of bombers; one bomb falling very close astern lifted us out of the water, causing engine trouble.
We loaded troops to our capacity and on clearing the Dunkirk Channel D. 15 passed us and ne were again attacked by dive bombers. One Messerschmidt, after dropping his bombs, circled and dived to within 100
ft of our deck and machine-gunned us. Our helm was put to starboard as soon as he was on our fore and aft line so that only two bullets came aboard causing no casualties. We held our fire until our aim was certain and then let him have everything.
Fabric was ripped off his wings, dense smoke started issuing from his engine and he crashed on the beach near Gravelines Point. The Admiral's barge from Ramagate no doubt witnessed this.
During this and other engagements the crew stood unflinchingly at their posts and I cannot speak too highly of their behaviour.

315
291
French officer olinging to bows of wreck informed us that he saw an empty boat about 6 miles off in the direction of Gravelines. Asked permission of Commander
Cluston to try to reach same, and he and I decided to go off together. Commander
Cluston, however, shortly abandoned the swim and returned to cling to the remains of the wreck. As the water was slightly rough, it was impossible to see the open boat, and only the shore occasionally, but at 2230 I sighted a large empty destroyer outter No.2., which may or may not have been the original I set out for.
Reached same but was unable to climb aboard, as sides were too high, and was suffering slightly from exhaustion.
2300. Decided to swim for German shore but fortunately before abondoning boat swam to other side where I found a fender hanging down. With the aid of the fender and the remains of my kit used as a ladder, I was able to get aboard. Lashed helm hard over, and attempted to row outter with one oar in direction I imagined the survivors might be. After approximately one hour I abandoned the attempt, as cutter was too large, distance too far, and it was already dark.
0000. Tide changed and open boat instead of drifting towards the Corman shore, between Dunkirk and Calais, started to drift towards the Green flashing buoys of
Dunkirk Channel. Destroyed all personal belongings and identifications, and threw remainder of kit overboard, as I did not want to be identified should capture be effected by the enemy.
3.6.40.
unable to attract them, as they could not hear my shouts. Decided to shout
0130. Destroyers and other ships started passing by, about 25 yards away, but in was
French and English, and was finally picked up by & French fishing boat, Stella where Mavis.
Crew "wined" me and put me in their bunks, dressed in French sailor's uniform,
0280. passed of Stella Mavis informed me that he was unable to make Dunkirk his speed as he
I out for a while, suffering from exhaustion.
had Skipper and had lost his convoy whilst picking no up. I enquired Dunkirk and he no charts "6 knots". I estimated by the fires that the distance from could have was reached of this and speed into unnecessary danger if he proceeded back to to Dover, approximately Dunkirk. 15 Pointed out to Skipper that, in by opinion, it Dynkirk in replied miles. Therefore it would have been 0580 before would ship leading &
daylight. As Skipper we were no run down by Torpedo Boat S. 27, but vas not dressed damaged. in &
ship type had charts I helped in navigating ship badly and at 0730 approximately, Mavis closed French Escort Vessel and as I held
French Matelot uniform, "Il prétent detre Anglais, mais not je by the French
Arriving Dover, Stella and by story sounded far-fetched, the Commander crois qu'il no eat on
Commander. parcequil Finally parle however, le I persuaded them to let no be out ashore allemand suspicion as a Garman spy. français trop bien" was the remark passed arrested by 1030. British Successfully authorities. arrested by a Naval Lieutenant Commander and reported to Commander
Goodenugh 1400. Sent and to Admiral Chatham Ramsey. Hospital in ambulance for treatment to leg.
GENERAL REMARKS.
I feel mention should be made of the exemplary conduct of the givilian crews of
As the far cockle All as of I bawley know, them were boats. none manned of them by had volunteers ever been who under were gun rushed fire through before, in and one certainly day. none which of them These had ships, ever leave been the it should Estuary, under be Naval remembered, and discipline. only one were of their Thanes crew Estuary had been Cookle further fishing affeld boats, than
Ramsgate. In never spite of these facts, and although they the day had neither and night, charts and not all equipment, orders were perfect carried formation with great was maintained diligence, throughout even under actual shall fire and aircraft attack.
I have out overheard some reports critising illusions the conduct should be of quickly the French diamissed, on the beach as and any and
Mole, such opinion and feel was most the strongly result of that the such slight lack of understanding between and French elsewhere,
British did their On conduct all authorities. occasions was to embark excellent. I came as a in complete If contact anything, regiment with their the or French discipline other on Army the was unit, jetty too being good, most as they disappointed their best if they were forced to separate.

347
299
321
Colit
Tennant air action was slight due to our air protection but there was some shelling from the same point as during the day.
the
There were a good number of ships throughout the night and at times they exceeded the inflow of troops.
The port was now undergoing bombardment and situation report was sent at 2245/28 as follows
"French General appreciation is that situation in port tomorrow will continue as for today.
Provided aircraft fighters adequate embarkation can proceed full speed. French General assures me no German guns at Gravelines or Gravelines
Beacon and that area is clear of Germans.
Possibly you will consider further tests of the
West
Channel. French have taken over Belgian line in the vicinity of Nieuport. German guns to Southeast are now shelling Dunkirk but so far of little
Fighter matter. protection has been invaluable and
C. in C. B.R.F. total number of nen now evacuated.
bombing only sporadic. Please inform me for
Rear personnel, 3 corps, now reaching the beach.
Please pass to War Office."
Day of Wednesday, 29th May.
0630 Transport MONA QUEEN mined and sunk two miles East of Dunkirk pier. Very heavy explosion.
Situation Report 0709/29 from S.N.O. Dunkirk 1-
'No enemy interference at present. Embarkation up provided use of beach. All ships to Maximum going supply transport is maintained. Dunkirk. Swell at 2000 an hour. This can be kept prevents air attack would be disastrous.
Enemy protection essential. Passenger fighter transport mined and aunk about 2 miles East of
Dunkirk Pier Light."
At 1001 made Situation Report as follows:-
*Embarkation is going on well. Enemy obscure is leaving and us ominous. alone. I have sent Captain Bush by
The situation ashore is N.T.B.
with an appreciation.
18 little food or water in Dunkirk. These staid should for control of traffic. Armies are sending
There be sent as soon as possible, also a unable force or organise anything. Keep on A good
Medical any Officer with Staff should be despatched to help ship! Cannot West Channel be used?
Army unable to provide."

444
succession of British shipping as motley in its larger form as were the motor-boats themselves. Tramps, cargo ships, barges, drifters, tugs, Dutch schoots, British warships, even river ferry-boats such as carry one's car across the Thames at
Woolwich and elsewhere.
Of individual acts only a few can be given; every crew, every man almost, experienced some incident or another. some adventure that could fill a whole small volume on its own. And yet what can a writer do when such men report such events in the tersest of language such as "heavily shelled whilst at work";
A few reminiscenses may be given here in the hope that some idea of the work may be gathered by anyone who cares to piece them together. Here are some extracts from a letter written by Sub. Lt..Williams, R.N. which serve to illustrate that merry sangfroid which has been referred to earlier:-
"So I proceeded by compass (error 20°) to the Calais out. -
Gravelines sands and anchored & few hundred yards while about I 8 quarter of a mile I saw two men silhouetted to
I was walked inland in search of Allied pulled ashore in the boat, which waited soldiers. for me
After against the glow of a distant blaze. them. I approached within a few yards of them and say hailed "Lieber Gott!" and they time turned I
I heard and one commenced to shoot at me. By this territory, so had around to the conclusion that I was in enemy
I come behind a dune and shot back.
Fortunately see me properly, while I could see twice outhid it was a very dark night and the their Germans could not quite well. I shot the one on other the right one screamed lines and he fired fell without two bullets a sound. at him, The and he dropped By whatever this when I and then fell and lay discretion still. to be he was carrying nearby shouts so, deeming back to the the boat better and my ship was under way at her mots time I heard part of valour, I ran at top speed full six within less than five minutes."
the soldiers dusk bombing and shelling. greatly lot
"I proceeded at Ramagate and arrived just There was a back to Dunkirk as soon as in I had time landed to of shrapnel by the Tommies and Poilus who the boats. into catch the falling on the beach and I was waded out impressed and helped the sailors with anything Nowhere but did the sea Isee any signs of cracking morale or cheerfulness. back for the last time the same in evening. the "Swallow" Dunicirk
"I went flaming ruin. I again went with a and proceeded motor-boat. While in there I shortly was by now a to the inner harbour in company saw another War slower power boat which was, Ibelieve, of after- the
Department wards sunk. I had been ordered to take off some
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