← Document collections
TNA / Unclassified 1

TNA Unclassified 1

TNA Unclassified 1
Collection details

TNA Unclassified 1

A working collection of Operation Dynamo source material whose definitive National Archives catalogue reference is still being identified.

Holding archive
TNA
Collection reference
Unclassified 1

Source: The National Archives, Kew, Unclassified 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Showing only pages tagged with the vessel name Ahola. Tags are exact matches from this collection’s OCR tag index. Clear vessel filter ×

7 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 1 of 1 Showing document pages 326–399 of this collection
Page ImageOCR textOCR tags
326 Page 326 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 326
GUNBOATS 257 H.M. DRIFTERS.
LOCUST 258 DORIENTA 339
MOSQUITOV BEN & LUCY 2339
263 KINDRED STAR 344
CORVETTES. THRIFTY 344
SHELDRAKE 263 FLARE BURNING DRIFTERS. 319
KINGFISHER 265
GUILLEMOT 270 [X] EILEEN EMMA
FORECAST
THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE 273 GERVAIS RENTOUL
FLOTILLA. [X] GIRL GLADYS
[X] GIRL PAMELA
ROYAL EAGLE 282 [X] GOLDEN GIFT
GOLDEN EAGLE /291 GOLDEN SUNBEAM 351
CRESTED EAGLE 293 LORD HOWARD
LORD HOUSE
PORTSMOUTH INNER 299 PATROL. MIDAS NETSUKIS PAXTON
[X] ANKH ,305 BOY ROY
315 SHIPMATES
BOUNTY UT PROSIM
CARYANDA 303 THE BOYS
LAHLOO 311 TORBAY II.
THELE 301 YORKSHIRE LASS
SERIOLA 1308, 306 YOUNG NUN
[X] EILA II. [X] MUN
[ ] [X] AHOLA 1304 SHEERNESS REPORTS.
[X] [ ] NONETA 1321
323 HARWICH FORCE. RENASCENT MONARDA
PADDLE M/S. ARONIA STRATHELLIOT
[X] WAVERLEY ALOUETTE 2. & men.
ORIOLE Recommendations for officers special
[X] DUCHESS OF FIFE List of officers deserving
MARMION mention.
M/S TRAWLERS. Movements of officers.
LORD MELCHETT 1329 330 "A/S" & "LL" TRAWLERS.
STELLA RIGEL LORD INCHCAPE
DRIFTERS. OUR BAIRNS OLVINA
MARE / 331 CAPE ARGONA
SARAH HIDE TWEENWAYS 335 TUGS.
UNICITY SUN IV. J
JACKEVE 106 [ ] C.11
THREE KINGS 0.9
RIG J FORMIDABLE
[X] STRIVE
ST CLEARS/
383 Page 383 Log in to enlarge

-
299
in
278
2
PORTSMOUTH
INNER
PATROL
ANKH
BOUNTY
CARYANDA
LAHLOO
THELE
SERIOLA
EILA II.
AHOLA
NONETA

385 Page 385 Log in to enlarge

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY (Contd).
295
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
of, Petty Officer,Jones throughout operations.
The following officers, Lieut. Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, on the following day if required.
on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the pin and shelling from the land.
Diframs 298
300 B14/0/
REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314
BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS FROM
DUNKIRK.
Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA",
"LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at
Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from
Dover at 1930 on the 30th. May and to proceed to the beaches at
Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and, during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P.
Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as possible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission.
Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches were available over the other side and had been assured that there were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600, thousands more troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the
Yachts that were damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the others remained until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "SERIOLA", "AHOLA", "THELE", damage "EILA by course on reported "LAHLOO", sent the the The over II" 4th. but they and fact & "BOUNTY" again. only "CARYANDA" June all were that reported one two and The told & all casualties "NONETA" those Yachts ultimately to the at stand Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsgate to Dover by Ramsgate. returned returned for having were on orders; Officers the was sustained ordered to On 5th. Dover; none, only arrival, June. back and made however considerable Ratings to they possible In Hamble due were all concerned, great and, coolness bearing and in resource mind that of many all of them had never been under fire before, I consider that their conduct under almost continuous bombing and shelling deserves the highest praise.
Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R.
VICE AUMIRAL
Senior Officer, Inner Patrol.
6th. June 1940.
15 JUN 1940
*

387 Page 387 Log in to enlarge

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
295
of, Petty Officer Jones throughout operations.
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
The following officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
2.
it
281
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "THELE" (cotnd).
1830. (May 31). Dinghy returned with Lt. Crosswell, R.N., N.L.O.
to Lord Gort. Lord Gort was taken off by a destroyer's launch.
Went to Bray to try and contact "HEBE", but on the way was ordered by Admiral to go in to beach with whale r and take off a General. At beach "AHOLA" arrived and transferred to me Lord
Gort's baggage, valet and driver. Requested "AHOLA" to attend to
General and went off again to find "HEBE" Ordered by Admiral to proceed to sea and collect boats drifting about. Went about 2
miles out and collected three boats and brought these back to
Bray. Closed "HEBE" and put Lord Gort's gear and servants aboard.
Lt. Crosswell remained with me.
he Lay off La Panne ferrying soldiers to destroyers until 0200, when no more troops could be found.
Proceeded in direction of Pray and was ordered by M.T.B.102 to lay off H.M.S."KEITH" as we might be wanted. Didithis until
0300 when shelling of water started. "KEITH" weighed and went off without giving me any orders.
Informed by Lt. Crosswell that everything had to be gone by 0400
and, as no ships could be seen at 0325, left beaches and proceeded to Ramsgate, arriving off Ramsgate 0900, June 1st.
Proceeded to Dover and arrived 1100.
It is estimated that about 250 soldiers were taken off in course of the day.
A.H.H. Gutsell, P/J 28475, remained by the dinghy, in spite of heavy shelling of the Pier, until G.H.Q./arrived.
Sgd. H.M.Glassborow, Lieut, R.N.V.R.
Commanding Officer.
6th. June 1940
VICE ADMIRAL
JUN 1940
*
DOVER

389 Page 389 Log in to enlarge

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
I should like to T.Jones draw special attention to the magnificent work 295
of, Petty Officer throughout operations.
The following officers, Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
- 2834
Report of Inner Patrol Yacht "AHOLA". C.O. Lt..F.Alexander, RNVR.
May 29th. 1740. Left Hamble.
May 30th. 0840. Arrived Dover.
2150. Left Dover.
May 31st. 0600. Arrived off beach at Bray.
Hailed by destroyer and told to proceed 5 miles to Eastward and assist embarkation from beach. As we were leaving, hailed by somebody else and todd to stay where we were and assist embarkation from beach by towing boats off to destroyers.
Until 1700 approx., stood by beach taking whalers, army pontoons and various craft in tow to destroyers and other larger craft. During this period was able to rescue several men flung into the water from a capsized pontoon.
About 1700 ordered by sloop lying off La Panne to collect whaler if possible and return. Obtained whaler from destroyer off Bray.
Hailed by Commodore about "BOUNTY" and told to get off as many men as possible between 2100 &0400.
Returned to sloop off La Panne. Ordered to take whaler inshore and bring off G.H.Q.Staff. Towed whaler close inshore and slipped. Subsequently whaler returned with C.in C's kit and valet. Closed "BOUNTY" for orders and told to take whaler to "THELE". Handed over whaler to
"THELE". 1900 to 2200. Meeting boats rowing off from pontoon at
La Panne, taking their troops aboard and transhipping one occasion when no soldiers would take a boat back, two to sloop. These boats were rowed back by soldiers. On members of my crew, Hollands, Petty Officer, J.20594
and F.H.Finch, Able Seaman, SSX.23237 volunteered to take this boat back. This they accomplished and subsequently returned safely. During this period I took off approximately 300 men, mostly between 2100 and 2200. After dark, no more troops came off.
I estimate that I took off about 00 soldiers, in all, from the beaches.
June 1st. Closed beach and found troops lining off the and shore, with 0300. some wading into the water. Five swam were pulled aboard.
0400. Closed "BOUNTY" and was ordered to return.
1150. Arrived Dover.
June 2nd. & 3rd. Lying Dover.
June 4th. Left Dover for Hamble 1200
June 5th. Arrived Hamble 1200.
Sgd. J.F. Alexander, Lt., R.N.VR
5th. June 1940.

393 Page 393 Log in to enlarge

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of Petty throughout operations.
I should Officer like to T.Jones draw special attention to the magnificent work 295
2
The following officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
308
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "SERIOLA"
COmmanding Officer, Lieut. D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R.
- 287
29. 1800. Left Hamble in formation for Dover, my division consisting of "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA" & "NONETA".
30. 0930. Arrived Dover, and seet into submarine basin, S.O.I.P
and myself went to report to S.N.O. Dover and received final orders for our departure.
2200. Left Dover.
31 0500. Arrived off Bray, leading my division, when we received signal to commence embarking troops from beach to destroyers lying farther out. This lasted until about 1000, when I received a signal from a destroyer to proceed to
La Panne and carry on with the same routine there.
1200. Suggestion made to run a grass rope from "SERIOLA" to the shore, which would enable the troops to pull themselves out by the aid of this warp in boats etc. Sub.Lt.Godman, r.n.v.r left "SERIOLA" in a whaler with a Lt., R.N.V.R. off
H.M.S. "Hebe2 to operate the shore end. Unfortunately, a lorry was driven into the sea and turned over, fouling the line, so this idea had to be abandoned. With great difficulty we were able to get Sub. Lt. Godman aboard again as the whaler which took him off, left the shore without him, with a full load of troops. A severe bombardment was going on at the time and, consequently, most small craft had withdrawn to seawards but in spite of a big sea running at the time, we managed to lower our dinghy and got him aboard in an exhausted condition. We then prodeeded to continue disembarking troops.
1500. Received signals from H.M.S.Keith to go and collect two whalers and crews foroperations off La Panne during the
1530. evening. Received signal from C.O. "NONETA" to say that she had a dead man on board and her P.O. badly wounded. Closed her and the C.O. suggested that he should take Sub.Lt. Godman with him. This I agreed to and advised him to return to
Ramsgate as the "NONETA" was holed above the water line.
1630. Collected two whalers and crews and set off for La
Panne. Beached the whalers and their respective crews.
1800. Received signal from "BOUNTY" which was flying the flag of Commodore Stephenson WMMXXXXX ordering us to close.
The Commodore told me and my crew that the houes 2100 on that day to 0400 the following morning were to be considered the
"Zero Hour" and eh hoped we would do our utmost to get as many men off as possible. We then returned to La Panne and continued transporting troops throughout the night.
(Continued).

399 Page 399 Log in to enlarge

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
295
of Petty Officer T.Jones throughout operations.
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air. and shelling from the land.
Dyrams.351.
315
REPORT OF "BOUNTY" (Lieut.C.A.Lundy, R.N.V.R.) on Evacuation of
DUNKIRK:
.
204
May 29. 1800 Left Hamble in company with Inner Patrol Yachts for
Dover.
May 30. 0930 Arrived Dover. Ordered into Submarine Basin.
2200 Left Dover for La Panne.
y 31. 0530 Arrived at beach off La Panne.
0600 Commodore Stevenson came aboard and informed me he wished to use my ship as Flagship. Proceeded alongside a paddle-mine-sweeper, which Commodore Stevenson boarded for interview. Subsequently went alongside H.M.S.Keith and embarked the Admiral, taking him as close inshore as possible in order to inspect beach. After approximately three quarters of an hour took the Admiral back to H.M.S.
Kieth. Commodore Stevenson wishing to board the paddle- Devonia minesweeper, which appeared to be aground, was taken alongside in the launch by Petty Officer Jones since it was apparently too dengerousto bring "Bounty" alongside. Soon after return of launch, received signal from H.M.S.
Keith to close her. Took Captain R.N. from.S.Keith to
H.M.S. Hebe. Received written orders for S.N.O.Dunkirk with instructions to deliver them, obtain receipt and return to H.M.S.Hebe.
Time taken to proceed to Dunkirk and return approximately two and a half hours. On returning from
Dunkirk re-embarked Commodore Stevenson.
About 1800 Commodore Stevenson sent signal for other patrol boats in the vicinity to close. "Seriola" and
"Ahola" closed. Commodore Stevenson then informed us that the final effort of operation would take place between
2100 May 31st and 0400 June 1st and wished us luck.
From 2100 to 2400 took troops from beach to destroyers.
2400 Took Lord Gort from H.M.S.Hebe to M.S.Keith.
June 1. From 0100 to 0830 took troops from beach to destroyers.
0830 While carrying 150 troops on board, fouled port propeller. Commodore Stevenson sent signal to destroyer requesting tow. On closing destroyer, was informed that as she was full to capacity, it was too dangerous for her to take "Bounty" in tow. "Seriola" thereupon undertook to tow "Bounty".
At 6845 Commodore Stevenson and self boarded
"Seriola" and proceeded to take "Bounty" in tow.
Berthed in Ramsgate 1430.
(Continued).