TNA ADM 234 360

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. IV
from the St. Seiriol and Queen of the Channel, in addition to the drifters'
beaches during the night dinghies, enabled these drifters of the to 27th/28th lift some May. 2,000 troops from Malo and Bray own
Results of S.N.O. Dunkirk's 2005/27
assembling off the beaches on 1 cruiser, 27th/28th May the Wolfhound,
As a result of the action taken the on night S.N.O. of Dunkirk's signals, there
3 Channel skoots and (the the Lena, St. Hebe Seiriol). other II and All small Oranje) these ships boats, were ordered to use Queen of thers, their own
Wolsey and 6 other destroyers¹, a pulling boats, were yet available.
boats for ferrying, as no power cutters, whalers or other
S.N.O. Dunkirk's signals had therefore a big result; but owing to the difficulty of passing orders at night in a shattered harbour his decision to divert vessels to the beaches had unforeseen repercussions, and it was associated with a false report that Dunkirk had fallen, and the failure of one personnel vessel and 7 skoots to reach the beaches that night. The circumstances are described below.
The P/V Canterbury, which had entered Dunkirk harbour at 2000, left at
2058 with 457 troops, including 140 stretcher cases. Before leaving, she was ordered by the Sea Transport Officer to turn back ships attempting to enter Dunkirk the order, evidently intended to divert ships to the beaches, was misunderstood. In the Dunkirk road, the Canterbury passed the order to the P/V Maid of Orleans and to the H/C's Isle of Thanet and Worthing, and those vessels thereupon turned back to Dover. Later the order became definitely garbled, for the skoot Tilly (which was in company with the 4 skoots
Hondsrug, Jutland, Patria and Brandaris) met the Canterbury (in company with the 2 hospital carriers) 8 or 9 miles from Dunkirk, and received from her the signal "Dunkirk is in enemy hands. Keep clear." This signal was variously recorded by some of the other skoots, as Dunkirk has fallen. Return"; and all five of them, as well as the skoots Bornrif and Twente, did in fact return to the Downs, although the Jutland and the Patria first closed
Nieuport Bank buoy in an unsuccessful endeavour to obtain more definite information. Some of the skoots, in turn, promulgated this false report to other ships, notably to the P/V Dorrien Rose; this ship, which received the signal, unsafe to approach Dunkirk," did at first alter course to the northward, but, shortly after, again set course for Dunkirk. It was subsequently thought by some of the vessels concerned that the false information had been passed by fifth columnists," though there is very little proof of this.³
Chronic shortage' of beaching boats
Such was the beginning of the great build-up of ships4 and of the inauguration of beach evacuation. The successful development of the latter was necessarily good in into I the The of northern situation the dependent chronic having sector shortage changed on between the by continuation the south-west of beaching and of boats⁵. fine north-east weather, A wind would and and of any Wakeful the have strength making made went from Dunkirk. The Windsor remained time they arrived, Anthony the Gallant had not yet returned
2 Portsmouth whither she had escorted on the patrol. S.S. Kyno. The
Canterbury's report.
4 3 See Appendices H.30 and H.32.
5 Appendices D, E and F.
D.R. page 3, para. 11.
24

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
had all come under fire from the shore guns at Calais and Gravelines. At
0415 on the 28th May the Queen of the Channel, loaded with 904. troops, was attacked by one aircraft; 3 or 4 bombs were dropped, which straddled the ship abaft the mainmast and broke her back, the starboard propeller shaft and the rudder. By good fortune the Dorrien Rose, en route for Dunkirk, was in the vicinity and rescued the troops: the Queen of the Channel sank about 1/2 hour later. The St. Seiriol, which left Dunkirk at about 0415 with 494 troops, reached Folkestone in safety.
Civilian crews feel the strain
Some 45 personnel vessels were used during operation "Dynamo"
Of these eight were sunk, at least six were so damaged by bombing or gunfire as to render them unfit for further use during the operation, and two were damaged in collision. Nine of the largest of these personnel vessels had been engaged prior to "Dynamo" in operations at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne, and their Captains and crews were beginning to feel the strain when Operation
"Dynamo" started.
Thus it was that the Master of the Canterbury, which had already completed
2 round trips to Dunkirk in operation "Dynamo", reported, on the 28th May, that he was too worn out to make a third trip. The P.S.T.O. went on board and explained the gravity of the situation to the Master, and the Canterbury sailed at 0930 the next day. On her return voyage from Dunkirk she was bombed and damaged, and after landing her 1960 troops went into dock for repairs. In the 3 trips she made the Canterbury brought back 4,416 troops;
her Master, Captain C. A. Hancock, was awarded the D.S.C.
Personnel vessels not to be employed during full daylight
On the 28th May, however, it had become apparent that development of the German air threat over the evacuation area, and the increasing artillery fire from shore batteries covering the sea approaches to Dunkirk, prohibited the employment of personnel and similar vessels during daylight, until the position was restored, and that evacuation from Dunkirk by day must for the moment be confined to warships and small vessels².
It was not, therefore, until later in the day, that the P/V Royal Daffodil sailed for Dunkirk, and eight other personnel vessels and a hospital carrier³
received their sailing orders during the afternoon and evening.
The northern Route Y was by this time in general use⁴, but ships proceeding from Dover to Dunkirk were ordered to use the southern and shorter Route Z, if the passage from Calais Bell buoy to Dunkirk could be made in darkness.
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate responsible for servicing skoots
In these circumstances some 20 skoots reached Dunkirk, or arrived off the beaches during the day and evening of the 28th May; others were on the way.
Their speed varied, but most of them were very slow. Eight of them went into Dunkirk harbour⁵, and four to Bray beach⁶. The Abel Tasman, loaded with ammunition, the Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with food, and three
I This number includes 3 store ships, 3 motor vessels and a few freighters, coasters and tramps.
2 D.R. p. 4, para. 13.
3 The Scotia, Malines, Prague, Manxman, Royal Sovereign, Tynwald, Lochgarry, Killarney and the H.C. Paris.
4 Appendix K.1.
5 The Caribia, Fredanja, Friso, Jutland, Tilly, Patria, Sursum-Corda, and Twente.
6 The Amazone, Doggersbank, Hilda, and Oranje.
29

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
out because of the men in the water. By the time the Lydd had picked up
10 survivors, the destroyer Grafton, loaded with about 800 troops from Bray beach, also arrived and ordered the Lydd to circle round her. The Gossamer went on to Dover.
In the meantime, the Comfort had reached the stern portion of the wreck of the Wakeful, and finding that it had fallen over¹, went alongside the Grafton to warn her of the danger of torpedoes. It was then about 0240, and the
Grafton having first sighted a small darkened vessel about 3 cables on the port quarter, signalled it to pick up survivors. Almost at once a torpedo hit the
Grafton's port side and exploded; a second explosion followed, thought to be a shell or grenade hit, which wrecked the Grafton's bridge killing her Captain,
Cdr. C. E. C. Robinson, R.N., and 3 others. The torpedo blew off. the Grafton's stern, abaft the after magazine bulkhead, and broke her back, but she still floated on an even keel. A German submarine, U.69 had fired the torpedo.
The torpedo explosion almost swamped the Comfort; she rose, and Cdr.
Fisher was washed overboard. He seized a rope's end, but with the Comfort going full speed ahead soon had to let go. The Comfort came round in a wide circle until within about 50 yards of the stricken Grafton, whereupon the
Grafton and Lydd, mistaking her in the darkness for an E-boat, opened a heavy raking fire with 4-inch and Lewis guns.²
Comfort cut in half
When the firing ceased Cdr. Fisher, who had reached the bow of the Comfort, endeavoured to get abord; but the Lydd, having circled round to finish off the supposed E-boat, bore down at full speed and, ramming the Comfort amidships (it was then about 0307), cut her in half. Some of the Comfort's crew attempted to spring aboard the Lydd, but the Lydd, mistaking them for boarders, opened up with rifle fire. Two men were, however, taken off the rammed vessel and it was then discovered that she was the Comfort. Altogether, the number saved from this most tragic occurrence, shrouded in the darkness of the night, were only 5, of which 4 were survivors from the Wakeful. As the Grafton then appeared able to look after herself, the Lydd set course for Ramsgate.
When the Comfort went down Cdr. Fisher again sank, but he came to the surface and, after swimming about until 0515, was picked up by a boat lowered from the Norwegian S.S. Hird, which was en route from Dunkirk to England with about 3,500 troops and refugees on board.
Grafton sunk
In the meantime, at 0400, the personnel ship Malines, which was returning empty from Dunkirk, heard S OS signals; she placed herself alongside the torpedoed Grafton and transferred the destroyer's 800 troops. "The Master handled his ship with extreme skill," reported the acting Captain of the Grafton,
Lieut. H. C. J. McRea, R.N.
It was now 0430, just before sunrise, and the destroyers Javelin, Icarus,
Vanquisher, Intrepid and Ivanhoe, en route from Dover to Dunkirk, sighted the sinking Grafton. The Ivanhoe went to her assistance and embarked the
I On the 30th May the corvette Sheldrake was ordered to destroy the Wakeful's asdic apparatus. She found the Wakeful completely capsized with her stern resting on the bottom. As, by then, information was received that the area had been mined, the Sheldrake, to minimise the risk, sank the wreck by gunfire and a pattern of depth charges.
2 Later the Grafton's fire was shifted to another vessel further away on the port quarter, which was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the E-boat.
37

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
More Personnel ships feel the strain personnel vessels (manned to by Dunkirk harbour in crews) the
In the early hours of 29th May Mercantile information Marine was received at Dover difficulties caused encountered by the heavy en route to, and off, the entrance and the the in making the entrance pall of smoke over unable to sail and an On her return the ship R.N.R.) took one round trip during officer, (Lt. A. R. MacKewn, of the St.
ing and shelling the previous 24 hours, the Captain and and did sailed not at sail 1100. again. voyage was bombed and the damaged!
a hospital carrier² and boats.3
Parties to supplement to ships' various crews drifters were and lent motor to three personnel vessels and port Officer at Dover during of Officers in says on two occasions Sea Trans-
Commodore E. G. de S. Jukes-Hughes, "Dynamo," R.N., that who was Principal Sea Transport Officers took the place personnel ships and proceeded to in them. "The effect of the carried personality his of the Master," he says, was sea noticeable. A strong Master crew with him and imbued them with very his spirit. A weak Master only succeeded in disturbing his crew."4
Surf. More ships sent to Dunkirk
S.N.O., Dunkirk, and other Senior Officers on the French coast reported during the early hours of 29th May that surf on the beaches was retarding boatwork⁵. At 0709 S.N.O., Dunkirk, reported that embarkation from Dunkirk was going on at the rate of 2,000 an hour and asked for all ships to go to Dunkirk harbour⁶. An increased number of H.M. ships was therefore sent to the harbour, in spite of the danger that an accumulation of ships alongside the east pier at Dunkirk by day might well invite an intensive air attack - and, as has been seen, it actually did so. In view, however, of the military situation the limitations of Dunkirk harbour (with its narrow gangway along the east pier), and the probability of the surf reducing as the tide rose, the Vice-Admiral,
Dover, continued to send a proportion of ships to the beaches.⁷
Route Y under gunfire
Meanwhile, at 1100, enemy troops were reported north-east of Nieuport, and shortly after noon enemy shore batteries near Nieuport brought the
Zuydcoote Pass (on Route Y) under spasmodic gunfire. The southern Route
Z was already under fire from the guns at Calais and Gravelines, so that Route
X would soon be the only practicable daylight approach to Dunkirk and the beaches. By 1606 Route X was fully swept, and all ships were ordered to use it; ships from Dover, however, were instructed to use Route Z, provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and Dunkirk could be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the south-west of the extreme north-east point of Route Y, the locality in which E-boat attack threatened, and the
I Authority for this is V. A. Dover's M011882/40. No apparently p.213, did not sail again because her crew Seiriol were mentions in an overwrought that report by the officers or owners of the St. Report on Personnel Vessels, she was state, (R.O.III,
219).
$ Lady of Mann, Princess Maud St.Julien.
ROJIII, p.564. in charge of No. 3 Party (R.O.III, and the p.416). H/C
6 See Appendix 0.1.
Appendix 0.2.
D.R., p.s, para. 24.
48

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
More Personnel ships feel the strain
In the early hours of 29th May Mercantile information Marine was received at personnel vessels (manned to by Dunkirk harbour in crews) the difficulties caused encountered by en route to, and off, in making the entrance the heavy pall of smoke over a the one round sail trip and during an officer, the (Lt. A. R. MacKewn, R.N.R.) of the ing and shelling previous 24 hours, the Captain and and sailed did not at sail 1100. again. On her return voyage was unable to the ship a hospital Parties to carrier² supplement and to ships' various crews drifters were and lent motor to three boats. personnel vessels and port Officer at took Dover the during place of Officers in says on two occasions Sea Trans-
Commodore E. G. de S. Jukes-Hughes, "Dynamo," R.N., that who was Principal Sea port Officers 'The effect of the personality personnel of the ships and proceeded Trans- to noticeable. in them. A strong Master carried succeeded his crew with Master," him and he imbued says, them was with very sea his spirit. A weak Master only in disturbing his crew."4
Surf. More ships sent to Dunkirk work⁵. during At early 0709 May that surf on the beaches was retarding reported boat-
S.N.O., the Dunkirk, hours and of 29th other Senior Officers on the French coast was going on at the rate of 2,000 an hour and asked for all ships to go to Dun-
S.N.O., Dunkirk, reported that embarkation from Dunkirk kirk harbour⁶. An increased number of H.M. ships was therefore sent to harbour, in spite of the danger that an accumulation of ships alongside the the pier at Dunkirk by day might well invite an intensive air attack and, east been seen, it actually did so. In view, however, of the military situation as has limitations and the of Dunkirk harbour (with its narrow gangway along the east the
Dover, continued to send a proportion of ships to the beaches.⁷
probability of the surf reducing as the tide rose, the Vice-Admiral, pier),
Route Y under gunfire and shortly after noon enemy shore batteries near Nieuport brought the
Meanwhile, at 1100, enemy troops were reported north-east of Nieuport,
Zuydcoote Z Pass (on Route Y) under spasmodic gunfire. The southern Route
X was already under fire from the guns at Calais and that Route beaches. would soon be the only practicable daylight Gravelines, to Dunkirk so and the it; By 1606 Route X was fully swept, and approach all ordered to use passage ships from Dover, however, were instructed to use ships Route were Z, provided the between Calais Bell Buoy and Dunkirk could made in darkness.
point Route Y, the locality in which south-west E-boat attack of the threatened, extreme and the
Route of X passed some 26 miles to the be north-east report I Authority by the officers for this or is V. A. Dover's Report on Personnel No apparently did not sail owners of the St. Seiriol Vessels, M011882/40. She p.213, 2 219). again because her crew were mentions in an overwrought that she was state. damaged. (R.O.III,
3 5 R.O.III, See P.564. Lady in charge of Mann, of No. Princess 3 Party Maud (R.O.III, and the p.416). H/C St.Julien.
6 Appendix 0.1.
Appendix 0.2.
7 D.R., p.6, para. 24.
48

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
were the 8 assault which landing had been craft loaded (A.L.C.'s), into, and under brought the command of
Cassidi, R.N., were A.L.C.'s 3, 4, 5, 8, 15, 16, 17 over by,Whe S.S. R. A.
Macalister. They off No. 6 W buoy, at about and 18. Clan was being hoisted causing out, the Clan Macalister to roll passed at speed, and both craft were rendered unfit down on A.L.C.18 did valuable work ferrying ing from six the A.L.C.'s beaches. however, some troops
French troops rush A.L.C.5.
Cdr. Cassidi, who was in A.L.C.5 proceeded some way up the coast and soldiers, SO many of them got on the boat was grounded. French carried on inshore; his craft was board immediately that rushed on all sides by then
The second attempt to embark troops failed, SO A.L.C.5 proceeded of the troops had to be forced off the French boat before she could be got off the beach. Some at the rate of about 3 trips an hour, air 50 men per trip, throughout the day, to La Panne beach¹. Thence, British troops were ferried to off-lying ships except for interruptions by frequent attacks. The A.L.C.5 made 15 trips.
A.L.C.16 is sunk
The A.L.C.16 (S/Lt. R.O. Wilcoxon, R.N.V.R.) made 7 trips, after which
"she was boarded by French soldiers, who overwhelmed the boat to such an extent that she became partially swamped, the starboard battery was flooded and both engines failed. Eventually sufficient French were evicted to enable
A.L.C.16 to be floated off and the port engine started"². In going astern, however, the port stern tube was damaged and water poured into the boat;
nevertheless, continually pumping and bailing, A.L.C.16 continued ferrying for a further 11 hours. She then went alongside the sloop Bideford to transfer a load of troops. S/Lt. Wilcoxon went on board the Bideford to arrange for a tow back to England. Then came the dive-bomb attack in which the
Bideford's stern was blown off. S/Lt. Wilcoxon was mortally wounded.
A.L.C.16 was heavily damaged, and sank in a few minutes; she had ferried about 600 troops.
French troops rush A.L.C.17
A.L.C.17 followed A.L.C.5 up the coast towards Bray beach. "On approaching the beach she was promptly boarded by a crowd of French troops who SO overloaded the boat that she grounded"³. With a falling tide she remained stranded for 3 hours. As the tide rose, the French. again attempted to rush the boat [but] the cox'n of A.L.C.17 procured the assistance of some
British troops, who, drove off the French "3. Ferrying was continued all day and throughout the night from La Panne, until the A.L.C.17's engines broke down; she was towed by a drifter to England next day for repairs.
A.L.C.'s 3, and 8 also ferried troops, and transported 20 and 10 troops respectively to Dover, where they arrived at 0400 next day.
M/B Minikoi sunk was the Minikoi. Unfortunately, at 0015/29, while still in the Downs, she
One of the earliest of the privately owned M/B's to start for the beaches was rammed and sunk by the M.A./S.B.6, which picked up her crew of three.
3 Report by A.L.C.16.
I 2 Report by A.L.C.5.
Report by A.L.C.17.
52

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
In pursuance of this decision, during although the forenoon later in and the early afternoon seven them, the Vanquisher, Malcolm, Vimy a second trip to the of destroyers went to Dunkirk¹, and Wolsey made afternoon four only east pier.
There was delay in the sailing of personnel vessels, in while enquiries about harbour were being made, and this resulted the forenoon. only one The of them-the Royal the
Daffodil-reaching Dunkirk during of the store ship Dorrien
Rose arrived there at 0650, and unloaded part provisions she was carrying;
with 590 and sailed. The Dorrien brought any of the much up then, in view of the number of troops Rose awaiting had not transport, she was filled needed fresh water, but some was obtained from the destroyers.
the drifters Girl Gladys, Golden Sunbeam and Yorkshire Lass².
The only other ships arriving at Dunkirk harbour during the forenoon were
It was this restricted service of ships during a day of quiet (because of mist and low visibility) and a night of little enemy activity during which only
4 drifters and a yacht had entered Dunkirk3, that called forth the reproachful comment from the harassed Naval Staff, in their dug-out at the shore end of the east pier⁴, a great opportunity again lost".
At 1257 the P/V Princess Maud, en route for Dunkirk, was fired on when
3 miles west of Gravelines, by a shore battery and received 3 hits, one being six inches above the water line. Three of the crew were killed and three wounded, and the ship had to return to Dover for repairs.
French ships arrive in larger numbers. Bourrasque sunk
The contribution of French ships had SO far been negligible. On Friday
(May 30th), however, some 15 ships went to Dunkirk harbour, including 2
destroyers and 3 torpedo boats⁶, the minesweepers Arras and L'Impétueuse,
4 trawlers⁷ the tug Lutteur, and 3 motor fishing vessels⁸.
The participation in "Dynamo" of one of these French reinforcements was unfortunately very short-lived, for an enemy battery at Nieuport was instrumental in sinking the torpedo boat Bourrasque. She had sailed from Dunkirk at 1530 loaded with over 600 French troops of all descriptions-officers without troops, a mixture of artillerymen, Moroccan troops, air force personnel, sailors from ships, barracks, fleet air arm personnel, naval recruiting officers, crews of sunken
Capitaine be de Frégate R. Fouque, or she would have been of the first to etc. even one woman ("I did not notice her presence until at sea," says saved"). The troops had few arms on the other hand one the decks were encumbered make with baggage and there were even some bicycles. An to the an approximate count of the passengers had to be given up, attempt because of congestion in the gangways and spaces.
the intervals. a battery at Nieuport, the salvoes falling Bourrasque came minute
At fire about of 1600, after passing Nieuport buoy, the under course was To open the range more rapidly and regularly at about bombardment, 31/2
was increased. set closely to the edge of an adjacent so avoid this
I The crowded decks made it dangerous French to return minefield the and fire of speed the
2 3 4 The Reports See Section Vanquisher, by Captain 139, footnote Vimy, A/P, Malcolm, Dover, Wolsey, and S.N.O., Sabre, Dunkirk. Express and Scimitar.
M.017978/40, p.7.
5 6 S.N.O. Dunkirk's report.
7 8 Louise The
Louis. Bouclier, Marie and Siroco. Jeune France.
62

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
CHAP. VII
German battery. When the Bourrasque was about 5 miles north of Nieuport buoy a shock was felt, followed by one more violent; smoke rose from the torpedo firing platform and there was a big escape of steam. The ship stopped and the electricity failed. It was difficult to say if the ship was seriously damaged; there was a breach in the deck and water was entering some compartments, but it was not possible to get to the engine room toassess the damage there. During this time, not unnaturally, a certain degree of panic, which had to be controlled, reigned among this mixed crowd of passengers; some of them threw themselves into the water, while others lowered the boats and threw themselves into them in such numbers that they sank, even the rafts. Order was, however, restored. The Branlebas was approaching. It soon became evident, however, that the Bourrasque was doomed, and abandon ship" was ordered¹.
At 1625 the French torpedo boat Branlebas, which had been 4 cables astern of the Bourrasque, saw a heavy explosion take place in the Bourrasque which disappeared from view in a column of smoke and water. When the column subsided the Bourrasque appeared to have broken in two and was sinking rapidly. She had apparently struck a French mine. The Branlebas, which had already embarked 300 troops from Dunkirk picked up 100 survivors, the drifter Ut Prosim 250, and the drifter Yorkshire Lass (assisted by an English motor launch) 194. At 0530 next morning the motor vessel Bat, en route for
Dunkirk, took off 15 naked and oil-covered survivors from the capsized wreck of the Bourrasque.
It is officially considered by the French Admiralty that the Bourrasque was sunk by a mine, but her Captain was of the opinion that her sinking was the result of one or more shell hits.
Troops embark at the double
Following the disastrous air attacks on massed shipping on the 29th May
S.N.O., Dunkirk, decided on the 30th May that only one destroyer at a time should enter Dunkirk and secure alongside the east pier. This policy was adhered to throughout the forenoon and early afternoon.
At about 1700 Captain Tennant turned over the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk, to Commander G. O. Maund, R.N., and went by car to G.H.Q. at La Panne
"to confer with Lord Gort.
Cdr. Maund says: "Towards the close of the day [i.e. the 30th] a great number of ships had arrived, and I accordingly decided to accept the risk of further losses, and ordered the vessels waiting in the roads to proceed alongside and embark troops. Strong air attacks were launched by the enemy, but fortunately they were mostly concentrated against wrecks in the roads. Time and again they sent waves of bombers and directed their attack, not against our ships loading troops, but only against these wrecks in the roads. We got a great deal of amusement and satisfaction from this, for loading was proceeding apace with no casualties. At the same time, I decided that the rate of embarkation must in some way be speeded up as the capacity of the ships now alongside was more than adequate for the rate of the flow of troops. This laid our vessels open to attack from the air. I therefore went down to the Eastern Arm and rigged up a loud speaker2 and addressed the troops in the following terms
Remember your pals, boys. The quicker you get on board, the more of them will be saved.' This", continues Cdr. Maund, worked like a miracle. The
I Report by Capitaine de Frégate R. Fouque (French Admiralty Record, Folio 4).
2 A portable loud speaker equipment had been brought to Dunkirk on 30th May.
63

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
Typical of the urge which characterised sailed from Ramsgate this movement at 0205 of small craft was escorting the trawler motor Strathelliot, boats, 8 which of which were disabled and in tow of on various the 31st May the M/B Skylark, disabled, was in tow of Strathelliot. At 0640 the Skylark's vessels towing bollard tore away and she was taken the in tow stern first. Then the M/B
embarked the Skylark in also the in became Strathelliot. tow-and damaged, later Shortly taken after in tow this stern the first-and M/B Malden crew Annie Lad ber, IV
crew were transferred to the Strathelliot and she and was Mary sunk after Rose was her sunk. Her
Mary Rose, which had been in tow of M/B the Rapid I, was damaged.
had to be taken she arrived water fast, and dritting on to the was She
Dunkirk beaches with her pumps beach choked, she bilge abandoned. full of rubbish fund making off useful purpose, however, by being used as a pier.
It is impossible to give the story of every ship, although each ship has its which went over on the 31st May in company with the lighters X. 217 (S/Lt.
story. Here, for instance, is the unvarnished history of the M/B Marsayru
R.A. W. Pool, R.N.) X. 213 and X. 149. They arrived off Malo beach at about
1600. During an air attack X. 213 and X. 149 were sunk. The Z. 217 was beached and, assisted by the dinghy, embarked 95 troops which were transferred to the yacht Llanthony. The X. 217 continued to embark troops using the
Marsayru and a cutter. At about 2100 that evening, with the Marsayru's skipper and crew and about 200 British and French troops on board, the X. 217
left for home towing the Marsayru and a cutter.
Shortly after sailing the Marsayru broke adrift, and in darkness could not be found. Next day, the 1st June, however, at 1400, S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
in a Naval steam pinnace, off La Panne, sighted the Marsayru drifting with the tide and unoccupied. She was found to be in working order; the engine was started up and Sub-Lieut. Godman took an A.B. and a soldier as crew. He left Petty Officer Morrison in charge of the steam pinnace with orders to lay off and wait for the return of the Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow the Marsayru proceeded to the western end of the beach capacity. and anchored; the dinghy ferried 19 troops to her, which filled her to
In the meantime the crew of the steam pinnace had embarked in the skoot
Doggersbank and had left the steam pinnace anchored near Dunkirk harbour.
Sub-Lieut. Godman decided to leave her there and sailed in the Marsayru for
England; from her. he overtook the Doggersbank on the way and obtained some fuel and in tow waited for daylight. At 0430 on the 2nd June a trawler a took the Marsayru
At 2330 on the Ist June the Marsayru made fast to conical flashing buoy embarked. to Ramsgate, which was reached at 0800, and the 19 troops were disthe Queen's pleasure launches Enterprise and Wave Queen), the Foremost Southborough,
White Heather,Westeriey,A Lansdowne, hopper barge.26. The M/B's. Marsayru, and the 101, Lady Minotaur,
The motor coaster Hythe. M/B, the Dolphin's Balquhain, power Tigris boat, I, Rapid the Nelson's I, picket the motor X lighters launch 95, 149, 209 (towing a boat), 213, Sherfield, motor launches Grouse, Nanette II the lighter Y.C.63. The and War 217. The motor barge seven 30 knot eighth, The skoot the Pigeon, Hilda went Haig, over on Kestrel, 1st June. Marlborough, Swallow, Department's Wolfe and Vulture an
Gipsy Three King, more Golden of towed Spray over II the and motor two life-boats. boats Moss Rose, Rose Marie, Lady Haig, Britannic and the M.F.H. Pickford & Co. Ltd.'s motor vessels went over, viz the Chamois, Hound
72

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XIII
the The factors variations recorded in the in the daily following figures paragraphs. are believed to have been influenced by average waiting time normal. This probably norm, due the number of the
28TH MAY. Beaches. corresponded Although the to rate the estimated of lift was average (1: 1), and ing boats. Destroyers, 356 were new to the lifted per trip was below which made 8 was of the 13 trips, to shortage of beach- men and their lift per trip was only Calcutta's as lift against reduced a destroyer aveage of 504 work wounded (cot cases) which she the whole operation. The embarked. was by the large number over of
HARBOUR. Although the average lift was the above normal, the long waiting
The figures of waiting time are not, however, entirely satisfactory only 10
time reduced the men: minutes ratio to estimated norm for the operation.
ships provided data, three of which waited for periods greatly in excess of the average.
HARBOUR. The increase in average lift without corresponding rise in waiting time is accounted for by the great increase in the number of personnel ships employed and the average lifts made by them on this day. The average lift per personnel ship, which on the 28th May was only 552, rose to 1,520 today.
30TH MAY. Beaches. The increase of 25 per cent in the figure for average lift without corresponding rise in waiting time, resulting in the highest men minutes ratio achieved at the beaches during the operation, is believed to have been due to:-
(a) better organisation consequent upon the arrival of R.A. Dover as
S.N.O. on the French coast and of Captain Howson as N.O.I.C. Beaches, together with the employment of two Commodores to take charge off shore at La Panne and Bray; (b) better discipline amongst the troops on the beaches; (c) employment as beaching craft of the A.L.Cs. which began to arrive on the 29th, and the arrival of 12 motor boats for retrieving abandoned pulling boats; (d) absence of enemy air attacks.
Harbour. Although the rate of lift deviated little from the average, both lift and waiting time declined. This was probably the effect of the disastrous air attacks of the previous day on shipping, which resulted in only one destroyer at a time being allowed to enter Dunkırk during the forenoon and early afternoon and perhaps engendered a feeling of insecurity and a wish to get the ships away as quickly as possible.
31ST MAY. Beaches. A considerable reduction in average waiting time and a normal. boats slight rise This above was normal due probably in average to the lift fact gave that a rate greater of lift numbers slightly of better beaching than were available. Although during the forenoon conditions on the beaches were very bad they improved greatly during the afternoon and evening. On the beaches, after 1600, the piers of pontoons were largely responsible for the rapid evacuation of troops.
Harbour. minutes Lift was average, but waiting time high and reduced the men be rate of lift. No valid reason was discovered, and it should noted that all the figures agree closely for this with can the be estimated norm.
" 0943 I This The belief moment is based on the final sentence in Situation Report by S.N.O. Dunkirk at 0950 timed the If single this weather destroyer persists allowed bombing I want to enter starts a ship would all every must remain half shove hour," alongside off "; which and for would only on the half seem signal an to hour. imply that
126

LIST OF BRITISH SHIPS
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
TRANSPORTED
LIFE BOATS (contd.)
49
Louise Stephens
-
Lucy Lavers
(S/Lt. T. W. Betts, R.N.V.R.)
—
Mary Scott
Michael Stephens
52
(S/Lt. M. J. R. Yeatman, R.N.V.R.)
17
Prudential (H. P. C. Knight, Coxswain)
Rosa Wood & Phyllis Lunn
-
The Viscountess Wakefield
-
Thomas Kirk Wright
-
(L/Sea. H. Huntington)
Total
323
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS.
Total 202, of which 78 were lost.
-
Advance
(C. P. Dick, Owner, Skipper)
85
Adventuress
-
Albatross1
-
Aljanor'
-
Aloha-Oe1
-
Ambleve' 2
(S/Lt. R.E. Blows, R.N.V.R.)
-
23
Andova
(L/Sea. H. Cook, Coxswain) (S/Lt. E. T. Garside, R.N.V.R.)
Anglev II
Not known
-
Anne
-
Aura'
(S/Lt. M. A. Chodzko, R.N.V.R.)
Balquhain
54
(S/Lt. B. D. O. MacIntyre, R.N.)
Bat
116
(J. T. Butchers, Capt.)
Bee
15
(W. C. Trowbridge, Capt.)
Belfast
61
Black Arrow¹
-
Blackpool
250
Bluebird
-
(S/Lt. G. B. Eyre, R.N.V.R.)
Bobeli
—
(S/Lt. W.G. H. Bonham, R.N.)
Bonnibell'
I
(Sto. 1st Cl. G. H. Rose)
Bonny Heather
420
(Lieut. C. W. Read, D.S.C., R.N.R.)
Britannia
-
(S/Lt. S.D. Ward, R.N.V.R.)
Brittanic
65
Bullpup not known
Cairngorm not known
Canvey Queen
-
Chamois
-
(A. E. Brown, Capt.) (L. Church, Engr.)
Chantecler
30
(S/Lt. T. K. Edge-Partington, R.N.)
Commodore
(S/Lt. Thompson, R.N.R.)
I Lost.
2 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
147

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
M.F.H. (W. H. Smith, Capt.)
87
Minikoil (S/Lt. R. E. Blows, R.N.V.R.)
/
Minoru II'
/
Minotaur (T. Towndrow, Skipper)
/
Minwood
51
Mirasol
/
Moss Rose1
/
Murious
/
Naiad Errant
8
(A. B.S. Palmer, i/c)
Nanette II
30
Nayland
83
Nemo IV'
/
New Britannic
83
(W. Matthews, Cox.)
New Prince of Wales'
-
(S/Lt. P. H. E. Bennett, R.N.)
New White Heather
-
Offemia
50
Patricia (T.H.V.)
/
Pauleter
400
(Sto. D. T. Banks)
Peggy IV:
-
(S. H. Hughes, Skipper)
Pioneer¹
-
Princess Freda
-
(S/Lt. E.S. Forman, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Lily
-
(Prob. Ty. S/Lt. K. E.A. Bayley, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Maud
-
Provider
Not known
(F. Hannaford, Skipper)
Queen Boadicea II
-
(Lieut. J.S. Seal, R.N.R.) (Capt. J. Whittaker)
Queen of England'
-
Quest
-
Quicksilver
20
(S/Lt. D.L. Satterford. R.N.) (L/Sea. T. Phillips)
18
Quisisana
(S/Lt. A. J. Weaver, R.N.V.R.)
28
Rapid I
(S/Lt. J.C. Clarke, R.N.V.R.)
Reda
44
Reliance (S/Lt. P. Snow, R.N.) (P.O. R. W. Rawlings, Motorman)
80
(Skpr. A. Legget)
Renown'
-
Resolute (Skpr. W.H. Noakes)
40
Roberta (Skpr. H.D. Osborne)
-
Rocinante
-
Rosabelle
-
Rose Marie
Not known
St. Patrick1
-
Sambrez
Not known
Santosy
-
Saviour (Actg. S/Lt. J.M. Chappell, R.N.)
22
I Lost.
2 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
150

INDEX
Discipline. See British Expeditionary Force and French troops.
Disembarkation ports, 25.
Docksey, Capt. T. E., 21.
Doggersbank, 20, 29n, 32, 45, 47n, 64, 72, 107n.
Dolphin's power boats, 72n.
Donald, Lt. Cdr. C. G. W. Died of wounds, 10.
Dorienta, 71n.
Doris, 71n, 94 (sunk).
Dorrien Rose, 24, 29, 62.
Dove, Cdr. J. S., 50n (reports Dunkirk blocked), 59.
Dover, mined, 38.
Dowling, Lt. Cdr. D. B., 82.
Drifters, 23, 24 (flare burning).
Drogou, Lt. de V., 73.
Duchess, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Duchess of Fife, 28n, 54n, 101, 107n, 109.
Du Guesclin, 62n, 73n.
Dundalk, 86, 107я, 109.
Dunkirk, S.N.O. See Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Dunkirk: water supply destroyed, 8; demolitions, 8, 19, 106; inundations, 12; bridgeeasier, munications 27, 30; limitations, 48; reported blocked, 50; ships not to close, 51; comhead, 15, 18, 35; damaged, 15, 18; out of action, 23; reported fallen, 24; conditions established with Dover, 51; reduced number of ships sent, 61-2 bombarded, 70; harbour deserted, 87; harbour full of ships, 88; growing number of wrecks described, off, 117. 94; pier damaged, 97; blocking of inner harbour, 111-112, 119-20 piers
Duperre, 73.
Dwarf, 60.
Eastbourne Queen, 74.
E-boats, activity). 27-8, 36, 37n, 49 (fail to discover change of route), 68-9, 85 (recrudescence of
Edmond René, rams Kingfisher, 116.
Edvard Nissen, 111-12.
Edward Z. Dresden, 114n.
Eggington, Ldg. Sea., 119.
Eileen Emma, 23n, 83n (damaged), 95 (sunk).
Eilla II, 71n, 74.
Elizabeth Green, 53, 114n.
Ellwood, Cdr. M. 0. D. (i/c Communications), 67.
Emerald Wings, breaks down, 111.
Emile Deschamps, sunk, 119.
Emma, 73.
Emperor of India, 28n, 47n, 54n, 100.
Empire Henchman, 7In.
Endeavour, 73n.
Enterprise, 72n, 75n.
Epervier, 99.
Escaut, 60.
Esk, 28n, 49, 79 (takes across R.A. Dover and Beach parties), 54n, 55, 58, 64n, 92, 97,
102, 107n.
Ethel Everard, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Evans, W. L., 110.
Excellent's A/A M.B., 72n, 75n.
Excellent's 35 ft. M.B., 71n, 75n.
Exhaustion of ships' crews, 29, 113.
Express, back 28n, 41-2, 54n, 55, 59 (flag of R.A. Dover), 62n, 83 (slightly damaged), 109 (sent empty), 112n, 114n, 118.
Fagalde, General, 12, 68, 85.
Fairplay I, 71n.
Fair Breeze, 60, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Feasible, 71n, 73 (disabled).
Fenella, 34, 43 (sunk), 46.
Fidget, 32n, 51n.
"Fifth Column", 24, 100.
198

INDEX
Lord Southborough, 60, 69, 83.
Lorina, sunk, 45.
Louise-Irene, 73n.
Louise Marie, 62n.
Lucian Gougy, 107n.
Lusyne, Capt. P., 116.
Lutteur, 62.
Lydd, 28n, 36-7, 44, 52, 100-1, 103.
Lydie-Susanne, 73.
M.41, 73n.
McClelland, Lt. Cdr. J. W., 59n, 75-7 (work at La Panne).
McCullough, Lt. Cdr., 59n.
Mackay, 20n, 27, 35-6 (put out of action).
MacKewn, Lt. A. R., R.N.R., takes over St. Seriol, 48.
McRea, Lt. H. C. J., 37.
Maid of Orleans, 16-17, 22n, 24, 31n, 54n, 87 (damaged), 127.
Mainwaring, Lt. A. H., killed, 93.
Ma Joie, 60n.
Malabar, 85.
Malcolm, 28n, 54n, 55, 62 (makes two trips on 30th May), 83 (collides with Dunkirk pier),
109 (sent back empty), 112n, 114n, 116, 118.
Malden Annie IV, abandoned, 72.
Malet, Pilote, 73.
Malines, 29n, 37.
Mallard, 34, 99, 104.
Mallow, 88.
Malo, see Beaches.
Manxman, 29n, 54n, 102, 114n.
March, Mr. F. J., 47.
Maréchal Foch, sunk, 116.
Maretta, damaged, 13.
Margaux, 73.
Marie, 74.
Marlborough, 72n.
Marmion, 28n, 54n, 100-1, 107n, 109.
Marrack, Capt. H. R., 74.
Marsayru, adventures of, 72-3.
Mary Rose, sunk, 72.
Mary Scott, 100.
M.A./S.B.6, 52 (sinks Minikoi), 66-7 (takes Lord Gort to Dover), 75.
M.A./S.B.7, 111-112 (in operation CK.).
LA./S.B,10, 101-2, 108, 119.
Massey Shaw, 119.
Maund, Cdr. G. O., speeds up embarkation, 63-64; leads ships into Dunkirk, 101.
Medical Parties, sent across, 49.
Medway Queen, 23n, 27, 31, 100-1, 105, 107n, 109, 114n.
Merchant Navy, see Civilians.
Mermaiden, 72n.
Meuse, 114n.
M.F.H., 72n.
Michael Stevens, 107n.
Midas, 23n, 107n.
Mines and mining, British, 34; German, 38, 93, 110; French, 62-3.
Minikoi, sunk 52.
Ministry of Sea Transport, 21.
Ministry of Shipping, 5.
Minotaur, 72n.
Mirasol, 53.
Mistral, 39, 40n, 41 (damaged), 43.
Monarda, 71n.
Mona's Isle, 16, 19.
Mona's Queen, 16, 28, 31n, 38 (sunk).
Montgomery, Maj.-Gen. B. L., 2, 75, 77 (embarks).
Morrison, P. O., 72.
Montrose, 20n, 27, 32n, 36 (put out of action).
202

INDEX
Phillips, Vice-Admiral T.S. V., 16.
Phipps, L/St. M., 81.
Pickford & Co., 72n.
Pierre, set on fire, 74.
Pierre et Marie, 73.
Piers (beach) built at La Panne, 47, 60, 76; of barges impracticable, 49; built at Bray,
59, 82.
Pigeon, 72n, 114n.
Pim, Capt. R., R.N.V.R., 78.
Playmates, 13n.
Polly Johnson, 13n, 39, 40 (damaged), 43, 44 (sunk).
Pool, S/Lt. R. A. W., 72.
Port of London Authority, 32.
Porter, Col., 47.
Portsdown, 100, 103.
Portsmouth, C. in C.: sends destroyers, 20; provision of boats, 51 Inner Patrol yachts,
71 A.S.'s. barge, 117 (abandoned).
Pownall, Lt. Gen. H. R., 4.
Prague, 29n, 54n, 64n, 91 (damaged).
Président Briand, 93.
Preston, Vice-Adm. Sir L. (D.S.V.P.), 21.
Princess Elizabeth, 47n, 89, 114n.
Princess Lily, 75n.
Princess Maud, 48n, 53 (goes aground), 62 (damaged), 114n, 118.
Prudential, 60.
Pudge, 71s.
Queen of England, sunk, 53.
Queen of Thanet, 91, 114m.
Queen of the Channel, 22, 24, 29 (sunk).
Queen's Channel, 72n.
Racia, 71n, 114я, 117.
R.A. Dover, see Wake-Walker, Rear Admiral W.F.
Ramsay, Vice-Adm. Sir B. (V.A. Dover): to control evacuation, 4; to arrange air cover,
5; asks for more destroyers, 20; driving force, 23, 33; promulgates disembarkation ports, 25; efforts to increase supply of small craft, 23, 32; plan for night 29/30th
May, 50; orders all ships to beaches, 51; concern at losses of destroyers, 94; calls for volunteers, 105; reports exhaustion of crews, 113.
Ramsgate, N.O.I.C. Administers in shore flotilla, 21, 94; services skoots, 30.
Raphael-Raymonde, 73n.
Rapid I, 72, 92.
Reda, 53, 60n.
Reed, 7ln.
Refugees, 37, 100-1, 119.
Reiger, 32, 47m, 64, 101-2, 116.
Reine des Flots, 102, 107n, 109.
Reliance, 73n.
Renascent, 71n.
Renown, 73, 93 (sunk).
Resolute, 73n.
Revoir, Capt. de, 115.
Rewga, 71n.
Reynaud, M., 10, 11.
Richardson, Cdr. H. du P., 80n, 82, 83n.
Riggs, Mr. H. C., 21.
Rika, 41.
Rina, 117.
Robinson, Cdr. C. E. C., killed, 37.
Roebuck, in collision, 83.
Rope for towing, 61.
Rose Marie, 72n.
Ross, 28n, 44, 97.
Rouen, 94, 107n, 108 (goes aground), 109, 112n, 120 (aground).
Route, X prepared, 20; mined, 38; tested by destroyers, 39 taken into use, 48; last route to come under fire, 96-7; traffic suspended, 98.
Route, Y adopted, 20, 29; under fire, 48; E-boats, on 85; in use, 93; mines on, 110.
Route, Z under fire, 20, 48; to be used in darkness, 29, 48.
204