TNA ADM 199 xxx

d
5
TION "DYNAMO"
H.M.D.B. "DESPATCH II"
June pam. Commissioned at Poole. 1600 sailed from Poole for
Portsmouth. 2100 Berthed at Portsmouth Dockyard.
Ship "Wipped" during the night.
the
0430 Left Dockyard for Spithead, Adjusted Compasses. Returned to Dockyard 1700 with defects.
0400 Engines failed to start. 0420 Sailed from Portsmouth for
Newhaven. 1400 Berthed at Mewhaven
1130 Engines failed to start. Air Compressor broken down;
Temporary repairs executed by Southern Rly by 21.45.
0600 Ingines failed to start. 0630 Sailed from Newhaven for Dover. 1740 Arrived off Dover. 2115 Anchored
0410 Started to weigh Anchor; anchor foul of Sub. Cable;
0620 Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Downs for Route Orders.
0930 Left Downs for La Panne by Route "Y"
Ship was not attacked by any of the lar number of enemy aircraft seen being engaged by Naval Patrol vessels hear
.Hinder and Kwinte Bic Buoys, or by Aircraft seen engaged by H.A.F. Fighters off La Janne; none of the bad shots simed?
by Nisuport Battery at 2 Destroyers North of Nieuport Bk Buoy fell neares than a cable to this ves
2000 Anchored 2 miles west of La Panne, and com enced embarking French troops.
0400 Weighed and Proceeded 0405 Engines broke down, reanchore
Contact was made by Semaphore with a Destroyer close, who promissed a tow when ne had filled-up with troops, but temporary repairs were eff/ected by 1030, and ship proceeded under own power. Course was set to eturn by Route "y", but D.B. Paschol close shead being heavily shelled by Nieuport
Battery, in company with Paschol, course was altered NW, across the banks, to Buoy "Y". About 6 miles S of "Y" Buoy a low flying aircraft lacked with 2 bombs which went well over. about 1 mile further on Lewis Gun fire was opened on another low flying enemy aircraft, who did not attack.
915 Berthed at Ramsgate.
915097 Left Ramsgate; set course by Route "X" for Dunkirke.
1640 Dunkirke abeam; air raid in progress, nearest bombs, aimed at Destroyer,* to 9 cable from this vessel.
725 Anchored 3' East of Dunkirke off Battery de Dunes;
com enced embarking Middlesex Regiment. Constant High combing Air Raids till dark; after dark low bombing and eachine gun raids. 23.50 All available Mid lesex Regiment embarked.
0002 Weighed, and set course by Route "X" for Ramsgate.
0100 Dunkirke abeam. 0900 Berthed at Ramsgate;
Reported ship unable to proceed to sea without repairs.
Dalla Operation "Dynamo" cancelled. 22.00 Proceed from
Inner
Basin to anchor in
Roads.
00 Sailed from Ramsgate for Newhaven. 2000 Berhhed Newhaven.
05 Sailed from Hewhaven for Poble. 1807 Amchored off Poole.
III - Proceeded into Poole Harbour.
Paid Off: Crew returned to R.N.B Portsmouth by train.
Lieutenant
Commander.

6
GOSPORT,
June 6th 1940.
I have the honour to submit the following report of the ceedings of H.M.S. "DOLPHIN'S" Power Hoat.
The boat sailed from Gosport at 1915 on Wednesday 29th with orders to proceed to Ramsgate with all despatch, aining overnight at Newhaven, or if it should not be possible reach there before dark, to make Littlehampton. Owing to ay in sailing and to adverse weather conditions it was only sible to make the latter port at 2200. The Dutch motor mch M.73 had arrived about 15 minutes previously.
80 gallons of petrol were embarked from H.M.S. Peregrine the motor boat proceeded to Ramsgate in company with M.73.
arrival off Dover at 1400, owing to shortage of petrol comed with the uncertainty of navigation by the boat's compass the prevailing fog, it was decided to enter the harbour to uel. Considerable delay was necessary at the contraband control
R before entering and also before fuelling at the petrol y, and it was not before 1900 that orders were received n the Naval Base that the boat was not to proceed to Ramsgate was to be held in readiness to proceed to sea at short notice.
Orders were given at 0030 on 31st May for H.M.S. "DOLPHIN'S"
to proceed with a similar boat from H.M.S. "EXCELLENT" to La
18 and Bray Dunes, respectively, the two boats to remain in any until within a short distance of the French coast.
ts and the route were supplied to each boat and information obtained that if there was a shortage of petrol on reaching destination if could be obtained from H.M.S. "HEBE".
Shortly after passing the North Goodwin Light Vessel it found that more petrol was being consumed than had been mated, mainly due to yawing caused by a considerable stern and swell, and "EXCELLENT'S" boat found it necessary to ce speed to about 8 knots.
Some 8 miles North West of Bray an ememy floating mine was and an attempt was made to sink it by rifle fire but this imprecticable owing to the unsteadiness of the boat. The oximate position of the mine was later reported.
At 1115 the boat arrived off La Panne, and, being short of ol, closed H.M.S. "HEBE" but was unable to obtain any from
As there were no other ships carrying petrol off La Panne, as thought desirable to return to Bray in order to have a onably safe margin of petrol before conveying troops.
rrival at Bray "EXCELLENT'S" boat signalled that she had ck a submerged object and required assistance. As I had told by a destroyer that the depth of water in that position
3 feet and had also been told by the Senior Officer at Bray e extremely careful not to get into shallow water, it was not idered advisable owing to the state of the sea to risk the los:
second boat. Another shallower draughted boat did, in fact to assist but ran aground.
20 gallons of petrol were obtained at Bray and the proceeded back to La Panne. Before reaching there, however, ships weighed and left under shell fire from shore batteries the town which was shortly afterwards occupied by the enemy.
msequence the motor boat returned to Bray.

Dynam. 297.
Confidential
144/4
H.M.S. "WCLSEY".
Yo L.P.1/12/40
12th June, 1940.
ir,
I have the honour to forward the following report of roceedings of H.M. Ship under my command during the period May 22nd
June 1st. The delay in forwarding this report is regretted ut, firstly, I did not think that reports from individual ships ould be required.f such a large operation and further, your letter
0.B.14/0/1101/40 was not seen by me until my return from leave on
IthnJune.
2. H.M.S. "WOLSEY" was ordered to proceed to Dunkirk at 1913
2nd May. Ship berthed at the FelixfFaure jetty and about 200
unded soldiers (all walking cases). Ship sailed for Dover at 2105, scured to Admiralty Pier at 0140/23 and disembarked wounded, finally ecuring to buoy at o230.
3. At 0915/23 "WOLSEY" slipped and proceeded to the Downs to struct Hospital Ships "ISLE OF THANET* and *WORTHING* to proceed to unkirk. Hospital Ships were instructed to stop at Dover for route it as they had not the necessary charts, "WCLSEY" had to lead.
hips berthed alongside at Dunkirk at 1430. "WOLSEY" embarked oproximately 180 Officers and other ranks of the Army G.P.O. and ther non-combatants. Ships sailed in company 2045 Hospital Ships ere ordered to Newhaven, "WOLSEY" secured to Admiralty Pier 2330 and isembarked troops 9 finally securing to buoy at 0415/24.
Le Havre with demolition parties. On return "WOLSEY" was ordered
4. Friday 24th May "WOLSEY" in company with *WINDSOR* proceeded ooring cable proceeded of fixed buoy of Western Entrance boom destroyed dome
WOLSEY" to buoy. On passage to buoy, "WOLSKY" and em ark ammunition for Calais. This was cancelled AM Saturday fouled and already reported).
couring and carried returning to Dover 1850. At 1930 Fog encountered was ordered alais 5. At 1445/26 out bombardment of the road to Seaward "WOLSKY"
"WOLSEY" in company with "WOLFHOUND" proceeded of the to assage proceed to Dunkirk finally secured to Felix transports to
Basin, to act as W/T link ship. Faure jetty was 2350. on
Longside. WOLSEY" shifted berth remained under way in anchorage I berthed but "WOLSEY" at 0530/27 to allow troop but finding come a ommunication ast with Shore calculated I could remain shallow, and as
Ship Signal Station difficult there until one alongside hour efore Low Water but 0930 I (reported immediately. by signal)
Pier 0700. I at 0915 I found water getting to anchorage r-Raid endeavouring began at to move decided decided at rest 1030. of the Ship day, nd ship was eventually and remained there for the with great aintained roceeded to V/S anchorage touch with the clouds Shore of Signal smoke and Station almost 70 continuous rounds ir-Raid. Ship was at claims to have brought but ificulty due to the dense Action Stations all day, over down one plane, per his un being is not fired. confirmed. *WOLSEY* was bombed on 1800 six occasions "WOLFHOUND" but no hehored rrived ombs fell and THE bringing embarked back "WOLSEY" troops. approximately subsequently Both 150 ships sailed for as Dover at roops.

2246
ENCLOSURE I. TO FORD'S NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
REPORT BY STOKER A. BENHAM. STOKER OF
MOTOR BOAT NO.275,
P.M. 29th.
Left Littlehampton and arrived Newhaven same evening, had 8 spot of bother before we were allowed to enter harbour and stay the night.
A.M. 30th.
Left Newhaven for Ramagate arriving Palle same day.
Port Stern Gland was leaking badly had to be repacked on arrival, Refuelled and ready to sail.
A.M. Slst.
Was ordered to leave Ramagate independently for Dunkirk.
C.P.O. Leighton, Cox. A.B. Strand and Stoker Benham, crew. Left harbour and picked up convoy already leaving for Dunkirk. After about 81 to 3 hours out we had trouble again with Port Stern Cland and returned to harbour and repacked and tightened up both Stern Glands.
A.M. 1st.
Was called again about 4.30 and ordered to sail and proceed to Dunkirk. Two Sub-Lieutenants R.N.V.R.
volunteered to come with us as their boat was unfit for the trip, and an extra Able Seaman came aboard with them for the trip. On the way to Dunkirk was kept busy,
Able Seaman Strand watching for aircraft and myself tending engines, had no more trouble with Stern Clands,
There was quite a considerable amount of aircraft about and our destroyers were continually repelling their attacks. Struck something below water starboard side which made the boat jump but no damage seemed to be done as the engine was running smoothly and we were not making water, so we carried on. On sighting unkirk we saw two large ships loaded with soldiers steamin down the coast and all small amot following, Bo we decided to follow as there was nothing we could do there. After minutes steaming we saw a crowd of German six about $Arcraft detached 10 in the themselves, air flying not release and at dived a great their down height. bombs at the until About two big almost on the ships, register d We sunk ships. They did hits which they were ships quite close to each other. 10 of were both travelling at full speed and picked up the the which made the boat full. As bombers were best to leave with all possible speed hour survivors still very active in the vicinity, we for decided home. it was about half to three-quarters of an we were mistaken fire on us at close range. had saw wrecked
After for German Torpedo Boat by our I own trawlers, C.P.O.
who opened leave the boat after a shell dashed forward the to wheel wheel, 1 got on to the side though and saw it one was going
Leighton house and Able Seaman Strand of the grab trawlers she was just about a seemed impossible away that I
the bearing down on us as boat's length when to ran us, into the water, for it have boat around she would to clear. I was picked up by I one dont know how jumped miss us. But Strand must swung of the boats enough swimming around for a while. boat's until long.
I did at Margate, when Able to about the affair.
after not see any one else of Seaman the Strand crew came aboard we arrived the trawler I was on and spoke me
The only....

253
ENCLOSURE II. TO FORD'S NO. 541 of 17th. JUNE, 1940.
REPORT BY ABLE SEAMAN L.F. STRAND - CREW 0F MOTOR BOAT
NO.275.
P.M. 29th. Left Littlehampton. Got permission, after much trouble to enter and stay night in Newhaven.
1.16 30th. Left Newhaven for amsgate and arrived P.M. - refuelled and awaited orders.
A.M. 31st. At 4.30 0.11. ordered to leave Ramsgate independently, for
Dunkirk. C.P.O. Leighton 1/c, Stoker Benham and Able
Seaman Strand. Outside harbour picked up convoy of small boats. 3 hours out approx. developed leak in Port
Stern Gland. C.P.O. Lighton ordered me (Strand) to turn ship and return to Ramagate. Arrived back in Ramsgate P.M.
and had Gland repacked.
A.M. 1st. 4.30 again ordered to Dunkirk. Before leaving 8 Sub-
Lieutenants (R.N.V.R. volunteered to join boat as their engine had given them trouble. Got charts etc., and got under way. No convoy. Hear Dunkirk, boat struck obstacle or shook from bomb explosion. Warships in vicinity continually repelling air attacks. Just off shore at Dunkirk we saw all small boats suddenly turn about and leave, as if ordered so our Officer 1/0 decided on own responsibility to do likewise. No ship near to give a general order.
On turning gnw 8 large ships steaming away from Dunkirk packed with soldiers. Suddenly a around of German bombers came out of the clouds, dropped their bombs and disappeared.
Direct hits were registered on both big ships which sank within 20 minutes. All small boats, including ours, naturally steamed all out to pick up survivors. Te picked
10 and as brabe fell, Officer 1/c decided to make back up to Ramagate. Large destroyer on the scene of resume was being bombed but kept raiders off.
steaming back for approx. I hour saw three trawlers,
8 on shouted to C.P.O. on wheel to stop engines not be heard
After Stb. hand and 1 on Port. I saw one making and morse asked signal for and try and answer signal, but could but still or was towards trawlers. Next thing, very the heavy firing at about torch disregarded. to Shot fired scross bows, steaming from I
fast 3 trawlers, our boat being target Officers and myself went our ensign and waved it as I trawler sent boat see they
1,800 yards. over the side. Firing could plainly think, all All hands except both eased R.N.V.R. & little so I
were our water, own got our boat alongside. wounded, 1 dead (perhaps 2)
grabbed chaps. Firing ceased, Both Officers, after C.P.O.
Lighton to crew of sunk chaps in and several survivors transport.
belonging boat in for (messed up took & bit) and into transferred Ramsgate.
Later took our which eventually ignorant us of what us to a minessweeper Pier and to being report by wire, which reports, I did,
I moored had been sent decided to N.O.i/c. Got order
2nd.
if any, again be looked after, handed
Stoker boat arrival P.M. reported to leave On to
(SIGNED) L.F. STRAND.

248,
ENCLOSURE III. TO FORD'S LETTER NO. 541 of 17th. June, 1940.
REPORT BY LEADING SKAMAN H. COOK, COXSWAIN OF MOTOR
BOAT "ANDCRILL"
h. May.
Ordered to proceed to Newhaven, left approx. 1930 in company with 275, arrived Newhaven 2130 approx. stopped by examination vessel after about 8 hours of exchange of signals allowed to enter harbour. Boat running well.
h.May.
Officer in charge of boats gave orders to leave Newhaven at 0600 for Ramsgate. Arrived Ramsgate about 1630.
Instructed to berth alongside West Wall. Filled boats with petrol, oil and water wireless and arms taken out of boats.
Officer and T.A.G. making trip returned to Littlehampton.
No further orders. Boat running well.
E. May.
Boat ready for sea, needed Officer and charts. Noticed and
Officer looking at "Andorra". I asked him if he would take us to Dunkirk and he replied that he would be pleased to.
At noon took whaler in tow and received provisions and 3
rifles and 100 rounds, left for Dunkirk. Boat running well at 1800 revs. Arrived at destination at 1630. Ran whaler alongside telling Papworth and Kettle to proceed inshore and load with soldiers. About one minute after this order a raid started all vessels were under way in view of this we decided it would not be sensible to ferry as boats would have been smashed alongside owing to big surf. The whaler returned with 12 French soldiers. Took them aboard Andorra and sent whaler inshore again, raid was still on, whaler returned with II more French soldiers. They were also taken aboard Andorra making total load of 29 men and whalers in tow decided whaler was too much for boat whaler. to tow so empty, to slip it to another boat in need of a Boat
Raid well at 1800 revs. but load had robbed S 80009 about decided had ceased. 1805 left Dunkirk for Ramsgate. her of
4 knots. close astern badly shook boat, fact all that we very had cool.
running About 18 miles out second raid started, aboard
Decided to for compass and wished to make about Ramsgate 8130 near North dark dropped increase speed owing to the before no light challenge signals. At broke down;by
Goodwin pitch dark. C.E.R.A. Wilford it running as we had Lighthouse, no starboard port engine had been working this time it was all this time and managed to to get & warning in again.
We were unable entrance lights were on. 23 French Ramsgate soldiers.
on engine to find entrance owing Arrived in harbour Ramsgate, 0300 no on the 1st. June, discharged st. June. Working on engines, filling up and cleaning boat in general.
Saw 275 leave harbour.
nd. June
Working on engines.
7d.
June.
Working on doing the proper speed.
engines A.M. Trial. P.M. C.E.R.A. engines Milford running decided well, but the boat damage not was outside the boat.
th.
discovered port screw trial badly and found damaged, to be this running was
June.
put Boat right; lifted, boat to given SmN.O. another 1/0 at 1530 told to Littlehampton. to report back at well. 1700. Reported Officer detailed to take us back Subth.
June.
Lieutenant left Ramsgate from Portsmouth. arrived Littlehampton 1900, boat running well 0900 except for bad petrol.
(SIGNED) H. COOK. L/SEA.

.0
3.0 a.m. 5th June. Proceeding to Portsmouth.
berthing. 7.0 Taking a.m. in to 18 8.30 tons a.m. of aventing and ent entering Fresh tons
8.0 p.m. Anchored outside
6th June Howhard dr.
7.0 oil. a.m. 6th June. Leaving Newhaven and proceeding to arriving and mooring Fountain Lake 4.15 p.m.
(sa) H.F. Boyce.
Master Hopper Barge 24.
7/6/40.

08S
wind. Was ordered into Seaford Roads arriving st.0'
went into Newhaven Harbour at 8.30 a.m. on June 6th in fresh water and W&B told to await instructions.
to leave on June 7th at 7.00 a.m. Left Newhaven If for Portsmouth arriving there at 4 p.m. Everyboir #
did their very best under very trying conditions.
di P
(sa.) A.M.Poole,
Master.
1ª

18S
G.O
On arrival at Margate we dropped anchor to and turn to go alongside the pier. At 10.45 we moorell pier and landed our troops. Having done this 10
to anchor and remained there until Wednesday 5.6.401
we sailed for Portsmouth.
Leaving Margate at 3.30 same we arrived at Hents
Roads and anchored at 9.30 pame the same night. #:
the following morning we hove up anchor and enterel dn
Newhaven Harbour for water and provisions.
the same afternoon we received orders to sail for M me
The following morning at 7.15 Friday 7th June, may cast off and sailed for Portsmouth arriving there di
(Sd.) J.L. Bunt
IN
Master.
h
1

SES
&
Gédnesday 5th. Left Margate 3.20 a.m. for Portsmouth G.
Stopped at 5 n.m. by Naval Control and told we could not until 7 a.m. Hove up at 7.15 a.m. and proceeded. la arrived off the Sovereign Lightship, I saw a French stam about 10 miles off, flying 'out-of-control' signals 80
off there about 10 p.m. I signalled to the shore for # to tow-rope on board and took him in tool for Newhaven, arril take the vessel in tools then I anchored for the night.
Thursday June 6th. 9 a.m. a tug came out and took the in tow. Her number was L.4058. At 10 stelle a pilot # 0
Newhaven Harbour 11 a.m. At 7 p.m. I received orders!
took us in as we were very short of water and food. a could proceed at 7 a.m.
Friday June 7th. 8 a.m. waiting for the water to flor.
left Newhaven for Portsmouth on Admiralty route, passing
Lightship at 1.15 p.m. Arrived Portsmouth 4 p.m. and to the Buoys.
(sa.) J. Mason,
Master.

3:00
OPERATION
10025
SHIP:- NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT.
STATEMENTS BY ø
Crow
Service
Coxmmin
&
A.B.
Wed.HOrris
Left Dover 0500/31/V started work on the beach
P/JX 126097.
Tried twelve places, but dreaght too great. a
Ø
Sto.1
W.Spray
FKX.87052.
various getting off ser 3 British and 4 French saved one ways of getting off, shifting veight place two and a half hours = beach. Trial
& After washed out of a boat being toweds tem
0.S.
T.R.White
2 British with lorries and time and that used all soldiers and 3 Prench. à rough pier had this
CDX 133.
&
This was all the area.
little load of troops off a large agrount more for treeps. tosts noving off in ton Date and made It was 304 way dark. M herever, SIIF
put and decided it use & DOVO
took then a on beard a treators then time - to boats noving fried to get a too. Started on at Northerly -
ocurse decided to sait till turn round there away. (compass) for 2 have Irrived as Common planes like a fast 1634 passed and light and sere dropping flares all the A
daylight they where - this with DU Come back
Something ships to Southward plated S - a over tow as to starboard see engine Trebs Joses ruey for next tripe Dushin Left Dovor hurbour 2/77
Prepared towed over. boat Told to & Shelled into hardly all the went time, alongadde about 2230g juddyn Sook - boatload off.
Told by a to & to A about treepship 6 trips run to asturn On aground the with 6th in THE trip the troops at === to that on were board. told to take tald. and up tracer too
Saved about 600 with to 800 indention treeps, of all making ma Herris up for what not he 2nd couldn't the as do before. this % boat, but had first boon experience loting Valla