TNA Unclassified 1

1710 Only one boat in company (Abdy Beau Clark
Aldeburgh lifeboat).
1718 Life-boat "Rosa Wood" Shoreham joined company. One drifter ahead.
1726 To drifter "what are your intentions".
1730 To drifter "Stop". "Rosa Wood" and "Phyllis
Lunn" informs us he intends returning Dover.
1736 Three British planes over.
1740 Closed drifter. Hang on in position until last, most other boats and one drifter out of sight. Speed boat informs us soldiers still ashore but refuses to come aboard.
1821 Planes attacking with bombs.
1837 To trawler "Have you had any reply". From trawler "No".
1838 Planes still bombing. 1 ship damaged not our fleet. Captain decided to try on his own to reach Dunkirk. The two life-boats in company turned back. Bombs still dropping.
Being machine-gunned 1849. last and stays hit.
1854 Captain carrying on to Dunkirk single-handed.
1859 24 fighters overhead.
1908 I have been deserted please stand by no.
To Motor Boat with Liteut.Commander on board.
Put us on our course.
1926 Covered white conspicuous parts of ship with oilskins. From Cairnoorn I.E. "Steer S.558
for Dunkirk". S.S. "Sun 4" Duniciple 2012.
2023 One friendly plane overhead.
2044 Proceeding to Dunicirk beach. Arrived Dunicize with "Sun 4". Message from I.E. "Inadvisable to go in". Captain boarded "Sun 4" 2100.
2108 Proceeding to Dunkirk. Arrived Dunicive harbour 2135. No one on piers. Picked up
"Sun 4" one rowing boat to go to beach.
Lieut. Mead billed. Boats in beach taking ratings from shore all night (run aground).
0423 2nd June Sunday left Dunkirk. (Scored out in log 'believed to be last boat in Dunlefric').
Life-boat in tow of "Sun 4".
0450 0456 Under way. Rope round starboard propellor of
"Sun 4" ran aground.
life-boat.
0923 Passed S. Goodwins.
1010 Arrived Ramagate - "Sun 4ª anchored, lifeboat secured astern.
1030 (approx.) Soldiers landed.
1310 Left anchorage for Ramagate Harbour and secured alongside "Princess London" S.B.
at 1325.
1412 Left P.L. Steamboat.
1424 Arrived and secured to "Sun 4" off Ramagate.
Collected all spare ammunition laying.
2023 Left anchorage Ramagate Harbour and secured alongside H.M.S. DWARF 2035.
Monday 3rd June
0930 Reported to N.O.I.C. Ramagate for permission to sail to Dover. Permission granted. Told
Commander Cook, Piermaster prior to sailing.
by Naval Officer-in-Charge to report to
Informed Condr. Cook and asked him to inform
Dover. Sailed from Ramsgate 1026 an route
Dover.
1112 Passed Occ. fog bell.
1157 Passed South break.
1354 To examination steamer off Dover. "Walton
Life-boat. May I enter".
1355 Told to proceed. Arrived Dover and secured alongside.

CONFIDENTIAL
Binlohage
222
220
25
Subject. REPORT ON DEATH OF LIEUT. R.H.MEAD, R.N.V.R.
From The CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT. Portsmouth.
Date.... 20th June 1940.
No. 554/07026.
To
.... THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
(COPY TO:-
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, PORTSMOUTH).
The attached report by Lieutenant E.F. Hamilton-
Meikle, R.N. the Commanding Officer of the D/C Motor Boat
Unit, on the behaviour of Lieutenant R.H.Mead, R.N.V.R., during Operation Dynamo, is forwarded in accordance with
Confidential Portsmouth General Order, 1700.
LB.
VICE ADMIRA
CAPTAIN.
an
24 JUN 1940
*
age
DOVER
tian led ced ops it.
ant ps,
Lynami ide
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia 18. was working with Sport engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

FROM
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
233
DATE
15th June 1940.
25
TO
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT.
Lieutenant R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
I regret who to report the death of Lieutenant R.H.
Mead, R.N.V.R. 1940, at 2108, was killed in action at Dunkirk on Saturday,
1st June or was wounded and died later.
2.
H.M. D/C to the M.B. had been reported out of action
31st May 1940, and Duty Staff Officer, Staff of Flag p.m. Officer commanding Dover, the Commanding Officer and Lieutenant
Mead were ordered to find themselves boats if possible, and to assume command.
3. Lieutenant Mead had assumed command of R.N.L.B.
WALTON AND FRINTON, and having been towed across to near Dun-
I.B.
kirk with other small boats, had pressed on to Dunkirk, unaccompanied except by one other boat, the remainder of the small boats having turned back. This can be clearly seen from the extracts of the log kept in the boat, a copy of which has already been forwarded to the Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover, through the Officer Commanding Rescue Boats.
an
4. While in the harbour itself, a shrapnel shell burst on the water nearby, killing Lieutenant Mead. The remainder ope of the life-boat's crew, under a Lieutenant R.N.R. from the
Tug SUN IV continued ferrying soldiers to larger ships until clan
0423, when Tug SUN IV towed the boat back to Ramsgate.
5.
The two members of my crew who accompanied Lieutenant led
Mead, Petty Officer Telegraphist Cooley and Able Seaman MacManus, have informed me that the "determination and guts" of Lieutenant
Mead in persisting in his efforts to rally the smaller boats and to push on to Dunkirk, were outstanding. This was reported by me to the Staff Officer of the Rescue boats at Dover, who interviewed the crew, and has a copy of the log of the life-boat.
ced
6.
I understand that the boat underwent many air attacks ops from the time that the tow came within about 20 miles of the coast.
it.
7.
This report is submitted in order to confirm that the ant gallantry of Lieutenant R.H. Mead, (as previously reported by me, ps, ade
P.T.O.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia was working with Sport engine only which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

verbally, Commander-in-Charge together with of Rescue a well copy Boats of the at boat's Dover) log, to officially decisions of recognised, the life-boat's as crew. as the loyalty may to his be to the the
ETATE LLENTH
17 JUN1940
Vere 07026 ISLAND
LIEUTENANT. R.N.

verbally, together W
Commander-in-Charge officially recognise decisions of the lif
LLENTH
17 JUN1940
07026 E ISLAND

Farm Hotes. 225
237
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25
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The when is-came was merciply ant intentation in Than the of mr hudieal Amin pa, rich 2 hmoun m that print although Joss ide
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia was working with "port engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
1145) batteries.
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

wen hor with this him at this this
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fallant would tim have They diting
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Mary head ani whin

Dynam 19 237
223 23
FROM
Senior Medical Officer, Dover.
DATE
7th May 1940.
TO
Flag Officer, Commanding.
Report of the death of Lieut Mead. R.N.V.R. H.M.S.Niger.
Submitted,
I.B.
The attached report received from
Medical Officer H.M.S. Niger is forwarded for information.
VIDEADMISTER 1940 *
an
O.
M
ope
DOVER
Surgeon Captain.
ja
Senior Medical Officer.
led
Dover.
ced ops it.
ant ps, side the above operations the Cordella to being was
Note:- During with Sport engine only - which, owing troops were working seized up. Estimated that 300 beach.
overworked, carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 1145) Entered batteries. Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

238
S. 546. (Revised-January, 1925).
D 398.
COMMUNICATION SHEET.
25
221
FROM The Medical Officer, H.M.S.Niger.
DATE 4th. June. 1940.
TO The Senior Medical Officer,
Ref. No.
Sick Quarters, Dover.
FORMER
Report of the Death of Lieut. Mead. R.N.V.R.
WALTON& FRINTON L.A
L.B.
This Officer was in Command of a Lifeboat embarking troops of the B.E.F. off Dunkirk on the night of thelst-2nd June.
Whilst coming alongside the Niger,a shell from a shore battery exploded near and he was struck by shrapnel, sustaining chest wounds from which he died within 15 minutes.
an age
2.9. hunt gomeine clan surgeon Lieutenant. R.N.
led ced ope
E
ant
Sta. 186/24.
M.861/8363. 914M. 7/37. C.B.&S.Ltd. 076/71.
1
pa,
1045 Starboard propeler fouled by rope net a.longaide destroyer while disembarking troops.
Further operations impossible.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia being #: was working with "port engine only - which, owing to were overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

239
225
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 15.
SHIP: "GORDELIA". MOTOR BOAT.
OFFICER REPORTING: SUB. LIEUT. C.A. THOMPSON, R.N.V.R.
ROUGH LOG (ALL TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE).
CREW: S.A. WADE
A.J. WHALE
in
Ratings
J. JARVIE
divilian
Wednesday 29.5.40.
1100 Took over from civilian who brought the above M.B.
round from Sheerness.
1400) Stand by. Fuelling and
1700)
provision.
1705 Proceeded to submarine base to collect three
Belgian vessels (Yser, Sambre and another).
1745 Returned to Prince of Wales Pier.
1800 Proceeded out of Dover in rear of above 3 Belgian boats which were being towed by the drifter
G.R.1740, one whaler in tow.
1815 Propellers of one Belgian boat fouled by tow rose
(this vessel returned to Dover).
1830 Proceeded in company with G.R.1740 and two Belgian boats.
2000 Destroyer takes one Belgian boat in tow.
2010 Tied up astern of remaining pontoon and proceeded *
towed by G.R.1740.
2330 Machine gun fire in proximity.
Thursday 30.5.40.
0530 Nearing the beach to the west of La Fanne.
0545 Commodore Fergusson came on board and commenced directing operations for the evacuation of troops from beach to waiting destroyers etc.
0800 Commodore Ferguason transferred to another craft.
0800- Occupied in ferrying boats containing troops
1030 between the beach and waiting vessels. Attendant whaler manned by two stokers and civilian was occupied in going inshore to load up with troops, then taking them out to waiting vessels.
1045 Starboard propeler fouled by rope net alongaide destroyer while disembarking troops.
Further operations impossible.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia #: was working with Sport engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by share
1145) batteries.
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

240
I
226
Friday 31.5.40.
Endeavoured to have repairs done to "Cordelia" but found it impossible.
Reported to LYNX and proceeded to Submarine Base
(Western Arm).
Commenced duties as fuelling officerand remained in that capacity until Thursday June 6th 1940.

297
OPERATION DYNAMO.
ENCLOSURE NO. 16.
SHIP: H.M.S.PELLAG II. Armed Motor
Yacht.
6th June, 1940.
OFFICER REPORTING: F.R. MARTINO, Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
On the 30th May, 1940, H.M.S. PELLAG II, in company with Trawlers F.Y. and B.K., left Dover at 1400
for Dunkirk. We took the long route and made the coast about 0200 31st May. I was unable to find the beach and returned to the trawlers.
2. We then proceeded to Dunkirk and arrived about
1000 on 31st May. We were bombed going in but no damage.
3. I left the trawlers off shore and proceeded in to about 3 cables off beach. We were then attacked by two enemy planes, who bombed us for about 20 minutes. I went full speed and zig-zagged about and fired on them with our rifles (our 3 pounder gun would not elevate high enough to be of any use).
4.
I again closed the beach, lowered my only dinghy and embarked five loads of men - about 30 men and 3 officers.
On leaving the beach I found F.Y. stuck on the mud and I
tried to tow her, in doing so burnt out the clutches on my engines and broke the steering. Steered ship with engines and makeshift rudder and closed H.M.S. WORCESTER about
1½ miles off shore.
5.
I asked for a tow to Dover, but Commander Alliston of H.M.S. WORCESTER ordered me to abandon ship. Transferred all my men safely aboard destroyer and C.Bs.
6. WORCESTER took on more men off jetty and was bombed and machine gunned, also after getting under weigh.
7. The following were my crew -
Petty Officer Elgar (Engineman)
P. Eton, Seaman
A. Leece, Seaman.
F. Macrea, Leading Seaman
J. Green, Seaman.
P. Eton was wounded in the knee aboard the destroyer, and P.O. Elgar lost his memory. Both were sent to hospital on arrival in Dover. I cannot speak too highly of these men under fire.
8. C.Bs. and charts are in H.M.S. WORCESTER.

243
221
OPERATION
VO.18
SHIP:-
THOMAS KIRKWRIGHT LIFEBOAT. BOURNEMOUTH.
REPORTING:-
L.S. HUNTINGTON IN COMMAND
Date of
Date of
Name arrival
Service leaving at Dover
Boats
L.S. H.Huntington.
26th.
A.B. E.H.Bletchford. 25.V.
First trip to Dunkirk bombed
Sto. R.Gibbs.
and machine gunned by aircraft and kept off shore by gunfiro from shore latteries.
27th.
Second time over, just the same, but got troops off the beach East of Dunkirk. Tried to save survivors from 2 or
3 trawlers blown up. One
French other English.
2nd.
Third trip towed over by &
tug which alipped them 15 miles from Dunkirk. Made their own way to Dunkirk forrying troops from harbour (on own initiative as there were no troops on the beach), between 2315 and 0430.
Found a Lieutenant Commander
Higham,R.N. on board a ship in
Dunkirk Harbour the ROUEN and brought him to Pyince of Vales
Pier. While taking him off were fired at by German soldiers at
25-40 yards, no casualties.
French sailors on board. Germans had automatic guns on stands and rifles. When trying to get out found one engine completely burnt out and boat making water.
Returned to Dover on one engine.

OPERATION
230
NO. 19
SHIP:- BONNY BELLE MOTOR BOAT.
STATEMENT BY 0
Name
Service
Ø
G.H. Rose, Sto. 1st Cl.
Went away in Bonny Selle with 2 0.8. they didn't know much about steering the boat
Two ord. Sea.
so he had to drive and stoor it at the same time. 2nd June, then they arrived
Dunkirk a shell burst on the pier and sank a drifter alongside & jetty. Sto.
went astern to avoid shapnel and can on to submerged wreckage. & Sub.Lieutenant,
R.N.V.R. dame on board at and Sub.
dived over the side and took & rope to the pior. The Sub.Lioutenant got some soldiers to give him & pull off the vrook.
Enemy opened fires like daylight due to the blaze. Soldiers lot go of the rope and tookdover. The Sub.Lieutenant who vas on the plar with the soldiers told the boats crow to abandon ship and got out of # is soon as possible. The two 0.8. got on the side of the boat to get out and marly turned the boat over. Sto. had to get out after and leave kit and steaming de and everything. Sto. lose walked on the wreckage, which wan't deep, only up to waist then he Was taken off wrockage by a lifeboat thenos in & trawler thence to
Dover.

OPERATION
231
NO. 20
SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne).
STATEMENT BY $
Name
Service
Sunday 2nd
Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II.
Lifeboat "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). Cast
$
Sto. J. Strangeways off outside and told to go to & landing right
PKX 95036.
up the other and of the harbour. Found they
$
Sto. A.H. Shaw were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck
PKX 94553. E.R.PONSONBY
the tug or drifter they were going alongaide
One Sub.Lieut, R.N.V.R.
so they went on up harbour. 31g enough hote
One A.B.
in the lifeboat bows to crawl. through. Drenohed
One O.S.
with spray caused by shrapnel. Às proceeding also there.
up harbour saw a destroyer out & small rowing
All came back.
boat down with two Fyench sailors in 11. they took these to the first destroyer. Tent right up harbour: saw Fyench troops but they refused to be taken off. So they came back out of the harbour to tug anchored outside. Then they were told to collect troops from anywhere.
Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour.
Nearly every boat had gone by then. So they got up sail and tried to get out of harbour.
Several destroyers passed, they waved and destroyers waved back: one hour after dawn when they were just about giving up hopes &
M.T.B. came. Towed them out, engine started, then they were alipped and after about 4 ailes the engine began to smoke and she caught fire.
No one in sight and two M.T.B's came along to resume. Took them aboard. Lifeboat in l'lames, returned a.m. 31at.

232
OPERATION
NO.21
SHIP:- MOTOR BOAT - TENDER TO SKOOT "HILDA".
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
&
A.B.
M.J.Stallard
Detailed for small motor boats and went on board
PJX 154107.
the HILDA, a Dutch Skoot: taken round to Dgal
31/5
1100ca
19 years of age.and took two ships lifeboats and six motor boats
A
Sub.Lieut.
R.N.V.R. inntow. Stallard was transferred into & small
Motor Boat and towed across to La Panne. Passing
An o.s.
Dunkerque were mixed up with an dr raid. Then
1600
The old man from Deal he arrived at La Panne there was heavy firing mentioned in a Sunday and shells were dropping in the sea all around, paper.
firing at the destroyers. They were told to go inshore, when it was found that the propeller was foul with rope. They were towed inshore by another motor boat and were able to clear the propeller. Picked up a pontoon full of soldiers and returned to HILDA with them. Pontoon was so badly damaged that it had to be left. Found a naval cutter. Took outter in tow. Tyansforred from motor boat to cutter to help soldiers into boat. Went into beach and a passing destroyer beached them. By then motor boat and outter were full of soldiers. Breakers soon had motor boat and cutter swamped and outter full of water.
Stallard had to tell the soldiers and push and pull them out of the boat, as their equipment was caught up. Ordered them to push the boat off, doing his best with an oar, After they got the cutter off, all the soldiers got back in and
Stallard told them to get the cars. There were only 4 oars. The Officer and 0.3. abandoned the motor boat and came aboard the outter. The old man stayed in his motor boat. The cutter was
1815 ca rowed by Stallard and aix soldiers out to HILDA.
He stayed in the outter. This was after 6.0 Dalla and shelling was going on. One shell landed
2200
200 yards ahead of them inshore and wiped out &
group of 6 soldiers waiting. By about 10.0 Dalla one part of the beach had been cleared by
Stallard's party. They then moved to a jetty made of Army lorries. Took a boatload of soldiers to
"MOSQUITO". They were told by an officer in
MOSQUITO that on the next trip they would get &
bottle of bear each. This was the first drink
Saturday morning they had since leaving Deal. Could hardly see the sky for aeroplanes. One Spitfire attacked
37 German aeroplanes, brough down one and came down himself into the sea. Started bombing
0800ce: 12/gune immediately. Hit Keith; Captain Pin then ordered boat to pick up survivors. After picking these up: SKIPJACK was hit. Went down in two seconds.
Went over to pick up SKIPJACK'S survivors. There were some soldiers but veryflew of crew. Returned to HILDA. Ordered to take up tow astern. HILDA
was full of survivors in bad state, one diad.
HILDA tried to get away from the heavy bombing.
Tried to get clear. One salvo of bombs fall each side of motor boat. Finally /14000 ascaped about

OPERATION
NO.21 (Conta)
SHIP:- MOTOR BOAT - TENDER TO SKOOT "HILDA".
Crew
Service
31°
1400 after seeing two more ships go down.
Stallard had a very lucky escape. Had his fingers opened out and a bit of shrapnel went between.
Scotia
As they got past Dunkerque & sloop and troopship and a minesweeper steamed past and were later bombed and sunk.
Captain of HILDA out the two motor boats adrift -
Stallard in one - to pick up survivors. M.B. out of action: propeller fouled. Got under way in tow of the other M.B. this also broke down.
Were then picked up by HILDA and brought to
Ramsgate and proceeded to Dover after disembarking troops at Remsgate: arriving at Dover, anchored off Dover. A German minelaying plane came over
03 00 Ca and dropped mines, one landing 20 yards astern of them. It went off next norning when swept.
0800
Then he went to Deal, Ramsgate and returned to
Dover.

248
OPERATION
23!
NO.22
SHIP:-
NAME NOT KNOWN. SEA FALCON (?).
About 40 ft. open M/B, grey.
(Similar to FAIRY NYMPH)
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
$
L.S. A.Westbrook 30th. Left Dover after dark with L.S. in charge.
PJX 131401. Towed in company with about 5 others by tug - - two
O.S. Smith.
tows. Foremost boat of opposite four broke
Sto. Hardwick.
adrift, swung back, hit stern sheets and broke main feed pipe. Proceeded on reserve tank, repeatedly filling from main tank. Arrived. off beach near Gravelines and ran gauntlet of fire from beach as far as Dunkirk and on to Bray. Filled boat by grounding and pulling in soldiers - -
continued from dawn Friday to dusk Friday. Stores being swamped had nothing to eat. Only water was in few bottles filled at pier.
On last trip rising tide and wind swamped boat, carried it broadside on. Crew abandoned boat and swam ashore. Other boats could not get near enough to get a line across. About 60 carried each trip.
Continual bembing all day. Smith found a cance, floated it, paddled with piece of driftwood to
Walmer Lifeboat. Others walked along beach to pier and boarded destroyer. Beach littered with guns and equipment and fairly crowded with th soldiers, mostly French. On pier shrapnel was bursting over, marching troops several casualties.
Saw ship hit by bomb in distance in La Pame direction. Saw 5 or 6 dive bombers brought down by destroyers. A number of boats working off beach all day.

249
235
OPERATION
NO.23
SHIP:- M/B. SKYLARK
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
06
Sto.
G.Bramhall 2nd Time. Left Dover about 14.50 with an 0.5. in
PKX 88343
SKYLARK - A small open M/S. Towed across by SUN I
Ord. Sea.
with two other boats (? TCM DISDIN). Slipped tow
2ndgime gime 1530ca just outside harbour and went into pier. Shipped
French soldiers from pier ladders and took them to the SUN I, which was lying off. Some big ships alongside. 20/25 soldiers sach trip. Left under tow from SUN # about daylight. & little shrapnel, bombing over the town. Started shipping water and transferred boatload to tuge

250
231
OPERATION
NO.24
SHIP:- M/B. COMMODORE
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
Sub. Lt. Thompson,R.N.R. Left Dover in COMMODORES - open N/S.
A.B.
31st at dawn. Towed in two tows of two.
Sto.
Beach
Went to beach near Dunkirk harbour cast off
PKX 90016.
tow, collected troops from beach and forried
Ord.Sea.
them to WORCESTER. Soldiers climbed about themselves. Took about 20 a trip. About one hour for the round trip. Were machine gunned -
boat was holed and made so much water 18 had to be beached and abandoned. Joined the
EASTBOURNE QUEEN by using & rowing boat found on the beach. Troops boarded MASTBOURNES QUICKN
by wading out up to their shoulders.
EASTBOURNE QUIXTY took about 40 to the
WORCESTER which then (about 1600/1st) went alongside pier. WORDESTER was continually bombed, fragements from near misses killed 3
and wounded several nearby. Laft Dunicist in
WORCESTER about 1700/1800. Beach littered with equipment. Pier bombed, beach shelled, sheltered under dereliot boat.

251
237
OPERATION
NO.25
SHIP:- NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT.
STATEMENTS BY &
Crew
Service
Coxswain
&
A.B.
W.J.MOrris
Left Dover 0500/31/V started work on the beach.
P/JX 126097.
Tried twelve places, but draught too great. At
0
Sto.1
W.Spray one place two and a half hours on beach. Tried
PKX.87052.
various ways of getting off, shifting weight
&c. After getting off saw 3 British and 4 French
O.S.
T.E.White soldiers washed out of a boat being towed: saved
CDX 133.
2 British and 3 French. A rough pier had been
Φ
This was all the crew.
made with lorries and tins and they used this for troops. It was now very dark. They saw all little boats moving off in tow. They, however, took a load of troops off a barge aground and put them on board a trawler. Then saw more boats moving and decided it was time to move away. Tried to get a tow. Started on & Northerly course (compass) for 2½ hrs. Aprived at some light and decided to wait till dawn as German planes were dropping flares all round them.
Something like a fast M.B. passed them. At daylight they saw ships to Southward and went over to see where they were. They picked up a tow as starboard engine broke down. Came back.
Prepared boat for next trip. Left Dover 2/7:
towed over. Told to go into Dunkirk harbour.
Went alongside jetty. Shelled heavily all the time, about 2230. Took one boatload off.
Told by a Lt.Car. to go to at troopship run aground in the harbour. Made about 6 trips to troopship, one to harbour. Shrapnel and tracer bullets firing at German machines.
On the 6th trip they were told to take up tow astern with troopa on board.
Saved about 600 to 800 troops, all told.
Went 2nd time with intention of making up for what he couldn't do before. This was Morris first experience as Coxswain of any boat, but had been Acting Q.M. of a destroyer.

252
233
OPERATION
NO.26
SHIP:- M/BOAT YSER
STATEMENT BY 0
Date of
Date of
Name arrival
Service leaving at Dover
Boats.
Boat Yser
Ø Act. P.O. W.H.Achin,
CJX 149919
Belgian Canal Boat. Joined
S.P.O.
A.V.Mullans boat at Gravesend.
A.B.
W.Goodier
A.B.
K.Baily
1st Trip. to Calais was
A.B.
R.A.Stuart fired on and trawler ordered out to join trawler that towed them in. (All boats
* joined for only got 160 or so that time)
3rd trp.
2nd Trip to beach by "Nieuport"
bucy ferrying troops. On the
28 may way back to Dover rescued troops from Brighton Belle
3rd Trip to beach North of
Dunkirk. Ferried troops off till all ships had left.
Occasional bombing and shelling off shore. Told to follow boat ahead by Officer in a motor boat for they were loaded with about 160 troops.
Boat ahead in error of navigation (boat like Silver
Queen with a Sub.Lieutenant in charge) led them to Calais where they were shelled from beach, but managed to make
Ramsgate. Used a pocket compass from one of the R.E.s Boat's compass all steel round was just "locked".
4th Trip crew was split up,
S.P.O. & 1 A.B., Goodier went to Blue Bell for Dunkirk and ferried troops. Rest of crew manned Hastings Lifeboat and went to Dunkirk. Occasional bombing and shelling.

/1CT
5

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
X3+30
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 107. 447
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 68 405
M.T.B. 67, 443
M.T.B. 16,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
CHICO
D.C.M.B., 484
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 476
M.A.S.M. No.7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8.V487
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
493
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
WEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
TARANSAY

I 255
242
GUNBOATS.
Locust.
de
MOSQUITO
8

256
213
The following REPORT has been extracted from this file and is being forwarded under cover of Vice Admiral, Dover's letter concerning loss of ships during operation DYNAMO.
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REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S."LOCUST" DURING OPERATION "DYNAMO245 258
29th May 1940 to 4th June 1940.
29th May. H.M.S. "Locust" and H.M.S. "Mosquito" were ordered to sail for La Panne and Bray Dunes respectively, and proceeded at
1348.
At 1730 "Mosquito" parted company and at 1845 "Locust"
arrived in position off La Panne Beach.
Large numbers of both British and French Troops were seen to be waiting on the beach, and it was decided that a first attempt at embarkation shouldbe made by grounding the fore part of "Locust" and trying to get the soldiers to wade out and climb on board over the bow. Ladders were accordingly rigged forward and the ship steamed in to the beach.
The kedge anchor was let go over the stern and at 1900
the ship took the ground forward. After hailing the beach a few soldiers started to wade off, but gave up the attempt, and as the tide was falling the ship was got off and anchored, and embarkation started by means of the Ship's two whalers.
At 1950 engaged enemy aircraft and continued to do so intermittently until 2130. Enemy aircraft were carrying out bombing attacks on the beaches.
At 2200 "Locust" signalled Commander Cordeaux in "Royal
Eagle" for information, as embarkation was proceeding very slowly, and there appeared to beno Power boats available.
Reply from "Royal Eagle" that Commander Cordeaux was incapacitated and that "Locust" was S.N.O. La Panne.
As there were no powerboats in sight, and a number of pulling boats could be seen stranded on the beach by the receding tide I decided to land in order to organize the troops into pulling themselves off from the beach.
At 2220 S.N.O. "A" in "Hebe" approached and approved my landing. I accordingly landed at 2230 and found six R.N.
cutters and three Merchant Service (pulling) Life boats
Mut stranded on the beach about 300 yards from the water's edge.
Locust
There were about 1000 British Troops who appeared to be in charge of Non-commissioned Officers. The boats had of swung across the beach and were jambed together, half full of water and in many cases imbedded in the sand. The
3
soldiers took some little time to understand what was rethis quired of them, but eventually all the boats were emptied x
and got down to the water's edge. They were then pulled out to "Locust" and other ships present by the Soldiers.
30th May.
At midnight, 29th/30th the ships and the beach were again bombed by enemy aircraft which caused some slight delay in the embarkation, but by 0300 all the available boats were off the beach and I returned on board.
P.T.O.

259
dises
30th May
(contd)
During Signalman the E.E. time Roden, that Offl I was No. ashore C/D.360, I was accompanied courage and resource, and was who behaved by getting two boats down to the personally instrumental great party in handling the boats and water, organising the in in them. His initiative and detailing the men to example to the Soldiers, who would encouragement set a very go off ceeded in launching the two boats certainly not have fine
At 0310 having 620 British and without his leadership. sucproceeded to the assistance of French Troops on board, "Locus"
"Bideford" found to be H.M.S. "Bideford" at Bray Dune was unable to steam or steer due
V.G
having been bombed aft, and was aground. At 0330 tow was to to "Bideford" and at 0425 "Bideford" came off and ships passe promo
Sard ceeded. At 0445 and 0540 tows parted, and at 0605 "Locust"
Bidgert secured "Bideford" alongside and towed her clear of shoal water, passing tow astern again at 0930. After one stop,due to "Bideford" having a man overboard, (at 2235 ), tow parted
31st May. at 0340/31st and "Locust" again secured alongside and both ships entered Dover Harbour at 1200 on 31st May.
Troops were disembarked at 1300 and ships secured alongside,
P.M. "Locust" was ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and embark
British Troops and return.
At 1840 sailed, and entered Dunkirk Harbour at 2240. On arrin the Harbour was completely deserted and no sign of any Troops could be seen. No signals were made to "Locust" and after ships had been laid close alongside shore end of Pier and still no signs of any troops were apparent I turned and proceeded boml
MALO CENTRE Beach. As ship left Dunkirk Harbour a dive were ing attack carried out two enemy aircraft. These and engaged and was both retired, one by with both engines on fire
1st. June. mAt 2400 31st/1st Malo Centre Beach. The H.O.Carte First losing height.
anchored off and Signalman start
Lieutenant, C/SSX.17317 Lieutenant J.A. Holdsworth, reconnoitre and try to Whale embarkation. were At sent 0045 ashore embarkation to commenced in Ship's During th 0
and by 6400 about 150 had been embarked.
time the beach troops heavily bombed on several embarkat casions, and and roadway were slowness of the Lieute
Again the lack this of accounted for the seriously felt, and of tr
Holdsworth did very power well boats in hunting was for small parties to the we in the cover of the sand and conducting Harbour,and
At 0415 weighed and dunes, Dunkirk be alongside Eastern proceeded inside were embarkedive
The Mole and Ships Mole, where 500 troops heavily bombed aircraft and Mole was shelled alongside from the were Eastward. The enemy disemba repulsed by fire from the alongside. and
At 0610 proceeded, and arrived Destroyers at Dover at 1015,

260
650 Troops.
June.
246
ntd)
At 2000 received orders Dover Most Secret Memorandum No.
A.14/0/40.) to proceed to vicinity of Bray to lend support and covering fire. Owing to low visibility and necessity for oiling before starting "Locust" was one hour late in position. Took ship close inshore but coast was very misty and no targets could be seen. Heavy small arm firing was heard in Bray, which was also being shelled from apparently the village of Furnes. After some waiting "Locust" was fired at by machine guns from a position approximately half way between the foreshore and Adinkerke. This was replied to by 0.5 machine gun fire from "Locust". Further fire was directed at the ship from the direction of La Panne, and this was answered with 4" H.E.
I then attempted to silence shore batteries which were shelling
Bray from Furnes, and 30 rounds of 4" H.E were fired. This apparently achieved some result as the firing died down, and several explosions causing fires were observed.
June. 0300. Ceased firing and proceeded.
0350. Tug "Fossa" signalled she was ashore and required assistance. In attempting to close, "Locust" took the ground but same off again, and I decided it was impracticable to close "Fossa".
A Motor Landing craft was therefore hailed and brought alongside induth and her troops, 51 in mumber were transferred to "Locust", and the theathear
M.L.C was sent to rescue the crew of the Tug, and any troops she may had on board.
0450. Proceeded, and at 0545 overtook a small armed yacht in the charge of a Major R.A, who had 28 mén with him. Party was transferred to "Locust", and Major gave information that covering fire of "Locust" had been effective.
1005. Arrived Dover, and disembarked 79 Troops.
1820. Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk Harbour.
2223. Went alongside East Mole, Dunkirk and commenced embarkation of British Troops.
2302. Sailed with 650 British and 70 French Troops.
June.
0408. Arrived Dover.
1845. Slipped and proceeded.
2300. Anchored off Dunkirk Mole and commenced embarking troops from Motor boats.
June. 0015. Demolition party consisting of Lieutenant Holdsworth and
6 men left by Motor boat for wreck of "Mosquito". On arrival it was found that the wreck was submerged to the level of the battery deck, and despite repeated efforts of Lieut. Holdsworth who attempted to enter the Captain's Quarters, the forward charge had to be placed in the wheelhouse. The after charge was placed in the after magazine. The demolition party were working under great difficulties due to the movement of the wreck in the swell, and to the darkness, and great initiativewas displayed by P.T.O. Lieut.

261
4th (contd) June. Holdsworth in palcing and the charges which were heavy and difficult to handle, were somewhat dangerous.
The demolition party returned The on board at 0205 having fired the charges. explosion blew off the fore part and after part of the wreck and should have prevented anything of value falling into enemy hands.
0235. Proceeded with 200 French Troops and arrived at
Dover at 0635.
During the above operations no casualties were suffered by
"Locust", and the majority of the damage sustained was caused during the towing of H.M.S. "Bideford".
Lieutenant in Command.
DOVAR

262
217
CORVETTES
SHELDRAKE.
KINGFISHER.
GUILLEMOT.
DS

Dyram 95.
CONFIDENTIAL.
263
From.
The Commanding Officer. Sheldrake.
248
Date
2nd June. 1940.
Reference.
RDA/0/37.
To
The Flag Officer in Charge. Harwich.
Subject
Meritorious Service Awards.
1.
Operations in which Sheldrake has been involved during the evacuation from Dunkirk has enabled certain officers and men to distinguish themselves in H.M.Ship under my command. The circumstances are outlined below so that the necessary action may be taken by you should you concur.
2.
Sheldrake was ordered by C-in-C. Nore. to proceed to the KWINTE BUOY
and destroy the Asdic Apparatus of one of our destroyers wrecked in the vicinity
3.
On arrival 'Wakeful' was found to be lying completely capsized with her stern resting on the bottom and only the forefoot visible, which appeared from oil marks on the waterline to be seni buoyant. A Boat under the command of my First Lieutènant, Lieutenant HUGH WILLIAM MACKENZIE ROSE, R.N.
was sent over and placed a berthing wire running from the bull ring round the keel, to the bull ring the other side. It was intended to hang depth charges on this 'necklace' and countèrmine them with other depth charges, using Bickfords fuze.
4.
For the second trip with two depth charges, it was necessary to tow the whaler to the wreck oh the end of a grass and to pump out oil fuel from Sheldrake to counteract the effects of ground swell and strong tide, which made operations difficult, particularly on the weather aide.
Good seamanship and stout hearts succeeded in placing one charge on either bow in the required spot without damage to the boat. Throughout the operation all were acutely aware that we were only 10 miles from Dunkirk with aircraft of both sides passing the ship at intervals, and that at bomb in the vicinity of a boat would have countermined the depth charges that they were placing.
5.
On the whalers return to the ship for the demolition charges,
C-in-C. Nore's signal "Cancel my 1044 area now mined" was received. It confirmed our own fears that we had been working in a mined area. It seemed a pity to leave the job half done and it was decided to sink the wreck by gunfire using D.A. fuze asnear the required area as possible, and if the ship sunk before the charges placed had been exploded, to fire them with a countermining pattern of depth charges. She sank inside ten mintes, and using the escaping bubbles from the punctured stem as an aiming mark, a pattern was dropped, of which the centre charge produced a plume that told us that the desired effect had been achieved. The only damage to Sheldrake was a few light fittings on the Stokers Messdeck caused by the capatan engine
'whipping' on the light deck above.
addition to Lieutenant Rose I wish particularly to mention
6. In Officer Albert Edward Jackson, Official No. 0/JX/125587
my Acting Chief Petty Boatswains Mate, whose energy din the whaler was largely responsible that the depth charges were placed.
second incident which I submit should receive. Trawler recognition
7. concerned The was the rescue of the survivors of H.M. dodging
ST. ACHILLEUS, with which H.M.S. Widgeon, aircraft closed and informed to me stress survivors the for those had been mined. After a night spent that M.T.B.
torpedoes bearing 340 degrees I wish particularly to the scene.
were in the waters this flight of three aircraft in leadin me continued to efficiency of the signal most expeditiously, two aircraft the ship
After circle passing over the area while one of their number flew past indicating

264
2
indicating the course to steer. This maneouvre.
continuously. As the aircraft showing to the way arrived repeated another of the flight broke away repeat the maneouvre. position,
8, and rescued by the the water. A net made in was maneouvred to to wreckage
On arrival whaler a number while Sheldrake of men were found clinging proved invaluable on one Fleetwood William Bond (no on single men in occasion Able Seaman accordance with A.F.O's.down number) Patrol Service, conspicuous a bravery. fisherman, A enlisted for official net on which was in, and hold him completely for exhaused. I 'sung only, displayed Bond standing, he was survivor was a few hostilities the for someone to jump drifted down him. up Able the few minutes it would out before the ship since that he upon was unable Seaman Bond complied and take have discovered few feet to to swim. He was however able I
move the man the rescued necessary the foot of the netting. I to respiration, subsequently on to add that the man died although board. he revived for à time with artificial regret
9.
In connection with the rescue work, I also wish to mention
Officers Steward Morris Charles Donno. Official No. C/LXW22343. who repeatedly dived to assist in the recovery of other survivorsand subsequently worked continuously for some hours without a break rendering artificial respiration to one of other of the five men being so treated while Sheldrake was returning to harbour.
10.
I wish also to draw attention to the outstanding work of
Petty Officer Albert Vincent Sears. Official No. C/J/104779. my Coxswain, hose first aid work was particularly commented upon by the Medical Staff on arrival. Of the eleven survivors rescued only two were able to walk ashore, four were cot cases and four men were found to be dead by the
Medical Officer on arrival in harbour. All those who died had shown signs of recovery, but it has been ascertained that they died, not from drowing, but from the effects of a depth charge placed to blow up the -Submarine apparatus, which exploded after the crew were in the water. This produced internal infuries and shock.
In addition to Petty Officer Sears, Able Seaman John Anderson, Official
Official No. C/JX/125676 and Able Seaman Drummond Jackson Ryder. to
No. C/SSX/18852. Were outstanding in the unflagging energy in trying that no the apparently drowned to life. It was once more demonstrated has man, set in. All apparently those who died dead, subsequently died as the result of shock water.
however men should be given up until rigor mortis and from drowning, though they were apparently lifeless when in the whaler's crew that men wearing dead,
11. inflatable lifebelts It was also reported by to the float when unconscious half or their with the only, appeared cork life belts were lifebelf back with face the submerged. Those wearing that, while the rubber distinct advan is mouth free to breathe. I feel there is a that when ideal, time permits in that it in wearing can be worn a cork whenever lifebelt at in sea, addition, and should be promulgated.
(Signed) Christie.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER IN COMMAND.
IT.
Order

corvettes.
2.
An In interesting view account of attack by E. Boats, on of the as considered 3. an Anti Further E that Boat they escort as the should best proposed for be East fitted Coast employment with of placed to turn in bows such on a to position the enemy that the the ahead. is for D.O.D. (H)
8.6.40.
Noted with interest.
2. With reference to para. 11 of the report, ships have been informed that E. Boats operate in conjunction with aircraft. (C.-in-C., Nore's signal 1754/31/5
and R.A.D. Home Fleet's 1815/31/5). It should be obvious that the tactics of the E. Boat are largely governed by those of her quarry.
3. With reference to para. 12, an alternative explanation of the flares sighted by SHELDRAKE on
2nd June is that they were flares towed by aircraft on a course giving little change of bearing.
4. The provision of a 20 inch searchlight in the
KITTIWAKE class was recommended by D.T.S.D. in M.F.
7511/39. D.T.S.D. is trying to obtain this paper and will raise this question separately.
The use of a S/L may, however, assist the attack of other E boats and it is difficult to site it so that it will bear ahead without dazzling bridge personnel.
While
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & STAFF DUTIES
DIVISION.
13.6.40. 13.
a paper all, outi bont Exprimu
Nolind with interest DAISW is to orring to dati.
2. Concern win Don (Hj: pma 3.5 some form of Saminique in is only Dur with
Mai shall may be name on our coin.
Chan anough.
13.6.40

(3/5/39) (3190) Wt. 36485/0155 40M 12/30 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
251
Register No. M.010990/40.
Minute Sheet No. 1.
Concur in D.T.S.D's para.3. It is probable that
Coastal Command were carrying out trials of towed flares
(which burn for 21/2 minutes) on this night somewhere in this vicinity.
2. Aircraft co-operation with M.T.Bs. is to be expected in the following ways:-
(i) Reconnaissance of an area to locate suitable targets, which would be reported by W/T.
(ii) Indication of target by some pyrotechnic signal or flare.
3. There is some evidence of (i) above in the report, but no firm evidence of (11)
C.T.
I.W.Sorselyn
R.M.E.
for DIRECTOR OF NAVAL AIR DIVISION.
28th.40. 28th e

CONFIDENTIAL.
252
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. Sheldrake.
Date
3rd. June. 1940. Reference RDA/C/38.
TO
The Commander in Chief. The Nore.
Through The Commodore in Charge. Sheerness.
boby to Senior officer. Conettes.
1.
The following re of operations carried out in accordance with C-in-C. Nore's 1121/2 is submitted.
2.
Sheldrake sailed from Sheerness at 1615 with an additional demolition party of 12, with orders to destroy the asdic gear in
Basilisk ashore off La Panne. On passage zig zagging was employed where submarine attack could (be) reasonable expected.
3.
Routed via T Buoy (2005), Oostdyck (2053), Middlekerke (2128),
Nieuport Bk. (2024) Buoys I closed the shore in stages as the light failed, and was able to identify Basilisk by 2131 andthen waited till 2230 for darkness before closing in. She was awash up to her
FX deck in position Latitude 51degs. 08mins. 20secs. North. Longitude 2degs. 34mins. 50secs. East., 2 miles off shore.
4.
The demolition party was immediately placed abcard, while
Sheldrake lay off about a cable from the wreck.. A few minutes after midnight the fuzes were lit, and the whaler hoisted at 0017. The officer in charge of demolitions has submitted a separate report as to the location of charges, which were lowered as far below water level as possible. The ship apperas to have already been pretty well gutted by fire forward, and her bridge wrecked. He was unable to make his way aft, but reports that her back had apparently been broke en by an explosion in the vicinity of the engine room. one empty
C.B. chest was found.
5.
Throughout the operation I was apparently not located though a few enemy aircraft were seen. Sever-fighting was taking place ashore up till midnight, the right 01 the enemy line t. he on the beach abreast the ship, with their gun batteries on the left and
Dunkirk illuminated by fire(as usual) to my right. This fighting died down as the repeated bombing of gun positions by the R.A.F. took effect. I regret it was not possible to close the reported position of Crested Eagle on the beach as Sheldrake would undoubtedly have been illuminated by our own parachute flares. I had also hoped by placing depth charges to complete the destruction of the ship, as had been done to Wakeful, in addition to the internal demolitions, but this was not possible: nor would a Mk. VII. charge fired from the throwers have operated in the shallow water in which she was lying.
6. Apart from tide, there were no navigational difficulties, as the buoys were lit.
continued overleaf

2.
continued.
7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained
Having re-embarked Bk. the Gp. demolition Occ. and party at 0017 I
until 0230 with the with a faint hope until R
either left patrol, or by appearing from that on their return journey able to None the half light to be not been established engage. before were met, and the dawn suff of aircraft had I was clear of the path
8.
experience with M. T. few days, in the hope own
In submitting B. the during above report the last I would like to add my methods of operating may up.
from such scraps of unexplained be built evidence a complete picture of that the
9.
During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patrol between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by M.,BS. with mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 al rocket at 0147.
10.
During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB
At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I
away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight which attacks on these small targets difficult, as they cannot be point to the in the beam of the light, and are only visible throug night guns from the bridge. At 2340 I орепед fire with small illum and turned glasses to innocent small boat which I managed to passe with of the 10" before doing navigation any lights, course west. at ram an her harm. At 0030 an aircraft At aircraft range, at 2000ft. burning N.E. At 0040 flares were seen torpedo astern tra
Widgeon turned to investigate. I more torpedoes were heard saw not returned, course followed. At 0041 a to passed At down my port side, sounded and two alarm by siren, but I 03
one 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti
At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon an course S, at 20000rning ation aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight.
11.
Points that emerge from the above are:-
(a) not made by lying in wait ahead 01
(b) attacks of the target are and always sometimes stopped. be used at the moment sb
(c) attack. small flares may been wate aircraft assisted co-operate by the marked and which gives ships away speeds.
continued

3.
SECRET
MO - 253
continued......
115)
12.
La Panne, and from 0115 to 0200/3. almost continuous flares were
On the night of Sunday June 2nd. Sheldrake was 2 miles off observed on a bearing which varied from 350degs. to 005degs. at an about 3 minutes (timed). Another was lit to replace it when it burnt estimated range of 5 to 7 miles, height 1000ft. Each flare burnt for out. The peculiarity of these flares was that they did not appear to be carried by aircraft, and they did not lose height: of this I am certain. One only did fall, and it was immediately replaced by another burning at the steady height.
MMANDER-I
4- JUN 1940
*
THE NORE
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER IN COMMAND.
II.
No. R.E. 2/010.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
H.M. SHIPS & VESSELS,
THE NORE.
Submitted in accordance with your 1121/2.
2.
With reference to Paragraph 12. These flares may possibly have been flown from local patrol vessels.
with some form of kite suspension.
(Sgd.) H.R. Marrack.
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
4th June, 1940.
SHEERNESS
III.
No. 3033/477.0.0/40
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
7 JUN 1940
(Copies to:- Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.
Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness.)
LITERY New
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordshi with reference to Nore Message 1554/5th June.
The Nore.
6th June, 1940.
for A D M I R A L.

SECRET
Dyroms
B14/0/
1186
Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Kingfisher".
254 265
5th. May 1940
No. 0/1/40.
Commander in Chief, Nore. Copies to V.A. Dover, Captain A/S,Portland.
bject:-
Report of proceedings.
Submi tted.
th K.R.and A.I. 1132.
The following report of proceedings is forwarded in accordance dnesday 29th May Received orders to land Experimental gear and remove Experimental Dome, and be ready to sail for
Dover by 0600 Thursday 30th.
This operation took less time than was anticipated due to the good work of the Scientific Staff and my Midnight. Ship's Company. Reported ready to proceed at hursday 30th May
0001 Proceeded.
0900 Arrived at Dover and secured to No. 19 Buoy.
1317 Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk by Route"X" with large Motor Boat "Sambra" in tow. Speed 12 Knots.
Magnetic Mine exploded by Sweeper 1 mile ahead of
Kingfisher in swept channel 3 miles E. of Dover.
1930 Arrived at Malo Beach, Dunkirk and embarked troops using Motor Boat and Whaler and "Sambra".
2300 Proceeded with 180 British troops on board.
iday 31st May
0510 Alongside Ramsgate Pier. Troops disembarked.
Had to wait for the tide before going alongside.
0533 Proceeded back to Dunkirk.
0800
Arrived Malo Beach and embarked troops with Motor
A
boat and Whaler. No other boats were available.
1100
Had 80 troops on board One seriously wounded, and
20 French.
It was nearing low water and a small ship which had been beached and which the boats had been using as a jetty was of no further use. There was sufficient surf on the beach to make embarkation extremely difficult and produce considerable risk of losing my only means of transport, also there were no more British troops ready to come had started to shell the beach and the troops had ta off probably due to the fact that the Germans
I decided to proceed with what I had and return taken cover.
as soon as possible by which time the state of
1440 Alongside Margate Pier, disembarked troops.
the tide would be more favourable.
1835 1518 Arrived Malo Beach. Where there appeared to small be very
Proceeded back to Dunkirk.
boats few waiting off. Decided to try the Harbour but troops and a large number of Tugs and had to wait for a berth
1900 High bombing raid commenced, engaged enemy
Aircraft and considered Kingfisher shot one down

Page2
266
day (continued)
2010
possibly, already damaged by our fighters.
- 255
2105
Proceeded with 180 British troops.
Alongside Eastern Pier embarking troops.
aturday 1st. 0005 June.
Anchored off Margate.
0133
Alongside Margate Pier, disemberked troops.
0240
Ordered to anchor off Margate and await orders.
0700
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk.
1000
troops. Alongside Eastern Pier, Dunkirk Harbour, embarking
More or less continous High level Bombing in progress engaged enemy Bombers.
1130
Proceeded with 210 British troops, and 5 stretcher cases.
1235
In position 342° No.5 Buoy 1 Mile, steering 342° with
Scote two transports ahead. One being a large two funneller
Queen and the other a Paddle steamer (names not known), both carrying French troops. We were all attacked by 16
Enemy Dive Bombers which were hotly engaged. Both transports were hit, and Kingfisher near missed". The smaller ship appeared to be sinking and the larger on fire, but still under way, and under control. A
Three anys number of small Drifters proceeding to Dunkirk, were close at hand and proceeded to pick up survivors. I
Univerly commenced to turn, with the same intention but sighted two destroyerstwo miles to the Northward, one British and one French, both without troops. informed them by light and they closed at full speed. I then decided that the help Kingfisher, who was already full, could add, did not justify my risking the loss of my troops by remaining in the vicinity, so proceeded.
1442
Anchored off Margate Pier.
1555
Alongside Margate Pier disembarking troops.
1635
Proceeded and anchored in Margate Roads, ordered to remain at 1 hour's notice in case required.
Not included in Saturday Night's operations.
unday 2nd June.
No fresh orders received, took the opportunity to replenish ammunition, 113 4" H.E. H.A., return empties,
During the dark hours several Parachute flares were seel and to oil seen to drop, off North Foreland.
onday 3rd June.
1910
Weighed and proceeded, "Cuillemot" in company, to rendezvous with, and escort, Lady of Man and Auto
1955
Formed Carrier. escort on Auto Carrier, who informed me that
2130
Off'W' Buoy. Salamander firing at floating mine.
Lady of Man was still in Dover.
Mines about 12 feet apart with
2149
Went Sighted a line alongside between two floating West them. Pier, Ordered Dunkirk Guillemot were Harbour very to and well sink them.
2255
organised embarked for embarkation, and appeared much fresher
210 French troops, who
They than also still possessed practically all their any of our own.
equipment.
2319
Slipped and proceeded. There was considerable

Page 3.
267
256
day (continued)
congestion in the harbour
2331
Just cleared Harbour entrance when Kingfisher
"M" and"F" Degaussing circuits were cut. The two ships
Bow, 20 feet from the stem opened up to the water-line Port rammed by French Trawler 'Edmond Rene', and her was swung alongside one another after the collision and troops transhipped to the trawler who was undamaged esday 4th June.
0005
Received orders to return to Margate.
Kingfisher was making a little water in the Asdic
Compartment.
0010
Proceeded. Speed 7 Knots.
Ordered to proceed to Sheerness.
0505
In company with H.M.S.Lida who had been in collision and requested Kingfisher to stand by.
0540
Sighted French Destroyer with damaged bows at anchor near N. Goodwin Lt. Vessel, who had been in collision
0545
French Destroyer got under way and proceeded to the
South.
0615
Observed heavy explosion in position 51° 23' N,
1° 31' E., and unknown ship sink. Several of H.M.Ships including H.M.S. Aulbury and H.M.S. Kellet near the position picked up survivors.
0714
H.M.S. Lida and Kingfisher arrived off Margate.
Decided to anchor attempt repairs to D.G. Circuits before proceeding
0745
Thick Fog. Requistoned steamer King GeorgeV, hit
Kingfisher on the Starboard Bow when entering
Margate Road but caused practically no damage
1200
D.G. Circuits temporarily repaired. Received orders to proceed to Lowestoft at daylight on Wednesday.
During the evening M.A.S.B. No.1. came alongside and reported one engine out of action and requested a tow up the swept channel to abreast Harwich.
lednesday 5th June.
0400
Proceeded with M.A.S.B. No.1. in tow.
0926
North Knock Deep Buoy. Slipped M.A.S.B. No.1. who proceeded to Harwich.
1620
Berthed in Lowestoft Harbour.

269
SECRET.
II.
No. 477. c. c/40.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
June, 1940.
Forwarded in compliance with A.M. 1652/6th
The Nore.
10th June, 1940.
for A D
VICE ADMIRAL DOVER 1940 *
10
ILL
at enot one
'ouns 4701
>&ON out
1652/6th June, 1940.
Mossage 47TM coust Tduce UT
DOVER DVId
"II
SECRET

Думамо 243.
H.M.S. "GUILLEMOT",
259
at HARWICH.
11th,June,1940.
H.M.S. "GUILLEMOT" REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS DURING OPERATIONS
"DYNAMO" BETWEEN MAY 29th. and JUNE 24th.
On Wednesday 29th. May "GUILLEMOT" received orders to proceed to SHEERNESS, and arrived there at 0700. On arrival she was ordered to embark fuel and stores and proceed to
MARGATE and act as base ship. She arrived at MARGATE at 2030, and at
Dymanso 2H3. 8/4/0/1266
FROM
THE COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. "GUILLEMOT".
To ide
DATE
11th. June, 1940.
258
TO
THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
'om
H.M.S. "GUILLEMOT". REPORT ON OPERATION "DYNAMO".
or
The attached report is forwarded in accordance with Nore General Order No. 48.
Lieutenant Commander R.N.
in Command.
1940
ts
*
at DOYB E
nd ide r
Lynamo