TNA ADM 234 360

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
should take charge Rear-Admiral off La Panne Wake-Walker, and Commodore that Hallett the off Bray. It
hardly go on for more than a he had or very little idea of what was expected to be could
then thought, says day two, and each day embarkation was
last. At this time, he says, about it.4 it was going to the be
possible to do, or how to set
and Dover Forces," and to Captain Bush, Nore
As early as 1321 V.A. S.N.O., Dover Dunkirk, had informed that all "Ships vessels and Authorities,
were the Admiralty's to report for appointment orders of Rear-Admiral
Dover sent a further signal, at 1943, informing the Hebe and Hebe
S.N.O., Dunkirk, in charge of all embarkation the arrangements². of
R. A. Wake-Walker was proceeding to to carry out the duties that
day, the 30th May, presumably to clarify authorities situation, the On the Admiral
Dover sent the following signal³ to all concerned:
"
Authority for Operation Dynamo under V.A. Dover is as follows:
R.A. Wake-Walker has been appointed as R.A. Dover, for command of seagoing
ships and vessels off the Belgian coast.
R.A. Dover has hoisted his flag in Hebe. Captain Tennant has been appointed
as S.N.O. Dunkirk, and is responsible under R.A. Dover for all shore organisation.
T.O.O. 1328/30."
Plan for the night 29th/30th May
Meanwhile, at 1906, the Vice-Admiral, Dover promulgated the plan for the
night by signal⁴ as follows
"Evacuation of British troops to continue at maximum speed during the night.
If adequate supply of personnel vessels cannot be maintained craft to Dunkirk east
pier embark from beach which is extended from one to one
destroyers will be sent there as well. All other mile east except of hospital Dunkirk carriers
to mile east of La Panne. Whole length is divided into 3 equal parts referred each to as La
Panne, Bray, Malo, from east to west with a mile gap between in part. Malo La at
Panne and Bray have troop concentration points each end and middle; this
each end. These points should be tended by inshore craft. Pass message
by V/S to ships not equipped W/T as opportunity offers. 1906".
Dunkirk harbour reported blocked
Almost at the same time he received (through the War Office and the the effect Ad-
miralty) that Dunkirk harbour was blocked by damaged ships, and that
a telephone message from La Panne military headquarters all to evacuation
must therefore be effected from the beaches.⁵
" Pier undamaged", but impossible.
embark.
troops'
time this telephone message came through a bombing, corrupt
message sinking, one transport with troops on board damaged
About from the same S.N.O., Dunkirk, as was received, stating: continuous and im-
one possible destroyer at present to embark more troops, though pier undamaged".
2 M.017978/41, It was not until p.3. 0100/30 that Admiral Wake-Walker found the Hebe, and he took over
from Captain Bush at 0400. (Report by Admiral Wake-Walker).
3 Appendix O.5.
Appendix 0.11. Dunkirk harbour had p.350). been
telephoned 4 5 D.R. Apparently p.10, by para. Cdr. incorrect Dove 33. The from information destroyer La Panne." as was to presumably the (S.N.O. blocking Dunkirk's the of report, R.O.III,
Note:
S.N.O. did p.394). not Dunkirk return The corrupt to went Dunkirk to La until Panne referred about by motor 2100 to by (Report boat V.A. at Dover by was therefore
message
his absence.
50