TNA ADM 199 795

SECRET
0114.M.
H.M.S. "Vivacious"
c/o. G.P.O.
18th June 1940
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the report of proceedings of H.M.Ship under my command for the period 15th June to 18th
June 1940.
2.-
In accordance with instructions from the Commander in Chief, Portsmouth, H.M.S. "Vivaclous" slipped and proceeded to sea from Portsmouth at 1610 on 15th June 1940.A/S patrol was carried out on the Cherbourg - - St Catherines route for the evacuation of the British Expeditionery Force. About twenty
Northbound transports were sighted during the period 15th to 17th June. Three single Junkers aircraft were sighted in the Channel. NO bombs were dropped, but searchlights and a heavy explosion were observed in the direction of Portsmouth.
3.-
The ship was relieved on patrol by H.M.S. swild Swan"
at 1745 on Monday 17th June and proceeded to Sheerness.
4.-
The following-is the sequense of events of the night
17th - 18th June.
2349 When 210° 8 miles from Dungeness Low Light House sighted Motor Torpedo Boat on Starboard Bow about 11 miles.
2350 Sighted torpedo running on the surface. Altered course to starboard and went full astern on both engines. The torpedo passed about 15 - - 20 yards ahead of the ship.
Proceeded to chase the E-Boat which retired at high speed and touch was lost.
0105/18 Signted E.BOat and pursued.
0115 Opened fire with 4" 9. 12pounder, and pon-pon.
E-Boat retired under cover of smoke.
0135
H.M.S. "Vesper" joined and took charge of operations.
0137
Both ships opened 1 Heavy fire on an E-Boat, which again retired under smoke and was lost from view at 0150.
0155
Carried out search under the orders of "Vesper".
0355 Parted company with "Vesper "and proceeded to
Sheerness.
0805 Secured alongside oiler "Alheganny" at Sheereess.
5.- Remarks.

Fire was opened and was effective in preventing further
On arrival at Dunkirk It was low water and only the outer
Other fighters approached later and were identified as Spi at at the east pior could be used. That nearest the shore was alroady occupied by "ICARUS", and "VANQUISHER" was berthed ue alongaide her. Shortly afterwards "WINDSOR" berthed outside
"VANQUISHER". Mess tables were rigged across "B" Gundecks 0
inside ships and troops were hurried across to outside ship all despatch. "VANQUISHER*s" electrical hailing equipment great value here, as all the troops were French and variou exhortations in that language backed by ample powerz produc a marked effect. The pier was crowded and every effort was 18
to embark the greatest possible number which is believed to been not less than 1200,
During the proceedings onemy aircraft were such in evidence
5/44
Bombs were dropped to the eastward of the pier, apparently
"ane simed at one of the numerous wrecks. Both barrage and close five were frequently opened, and one bomber, despite heavy 12
pressed home his attack and dropped a salvo of 4 bombs which fell near "VIVACIOUS" port how.
The sky was cloudy and bombers were several times seen dimly through the oloud directly overhead at 1500 to 2000 feet.
Fortunately they dropped no bombs. "VANQUISHER"S" aerials wer
10
shot away by "ICARDS" 0.5" machine gan.
Troops were disembarked on return to Dover and samunition to
Date complete was requested.
de
Meanwhile it was clear that "VANQUISHER*s" Ship's Company had reached a state of exhaustion which made it most undesirable take them to sea again without rest. This was reported to the
Vice Admiral's Office and the ship accordingly reverted to 2
hours notice.
The following day Sunday and June, orders were received at 043
to raise steam for full speed with all despatch, but later reverted to * hours notice.
I had now decided that there was no longer any reason to
Lieutenant Harbottle in "VANQUISHER". Be vas anxious not 1
leave while operations were still not complete, but he wast need of leave and 1 also falt 1t desirable that he should 3
available to handle "WITERN's" refit in case By absence been protracted. I therefore discharged him Selle Sunday 2nd June requested the Vice Admiral's Staff that 1f not urgently regil elsewhere he might be sent on leave. & for hours later the
Commanding Officer of "VANQUISHER" rejoined and took over
I reported to Vice Admiral Dover and vas instructed to proceed
Folkstone with 1 Leading hand and 8 1,3's and 80 on Soard the transport "TYNTALD". It was emphasised that 1 was not to sons myself in command or the ship but to employ all possible mean get her to sail for Dunkirk as a number of the officers and 0
were apparantly unwilling to do 30. Owing to the efforts of 18
company which owne the ship, and their agent in Folkestone, 1
presented no difficulty whatsoever.
The Chief Officer - Ne Thiteaway - had been recalled from les and relieved the Master: the Second Officer because the Chief
Officer with & now Second, the Chief Engineer and several
Ingineers were relieved, and all sen unwilling to sail had bear replaced by others sent down from London by bus. These were no only willing but sager to sail.
Naval and Wilitary Lewis and Bren and grown were barried, were in charge of the Military Liason Officer, Captain
Hicholson, who was of the greatest assistance throughout.
The ship left Folkestone at 2115/2nd June and borthed at he outer and of Dunkirk east pier at about 0100/3rd June, This presented some difficulty as the Master was clearly new to ship handling and there WILD no one on the pier to take lines. This WV
done by Captain Nicholson and a rating who jumped for it.
Another transport was struck once and the pior twice before borthing was completed.