TNA Unclassified 1

CONFIDENTIAL
Dynams 141.
FROM
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
178
DATE
7th June, 1940.
162
167
TO
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR H.M. YACHTS "CHRISTOBELLII", "CALETA", "GLALA"
AND "AMULREE".
"CHRISTOBEL II". (1). Commanding Officer Lieut. H.E. Wigfull
R.N.V.R. For his resource and skill in embarking 33 soldiers from the beach with the two boats at his disposal while being heavily bombarded.
(2). C.G. Dunley Seaman H.O.P.S. (Qual. S.V.G.L.
For the cool manner in which he engaged and apparently brought down in flames a Dornier 17, with the Lewis Gun.
(3). J.W. Damerell, Engineman H.O.P.S.
L.T./K.X.105230. For not leaving the engineroom from 1000 31st
May until 0830 1st June in order to keep the engines (which di were giving much trouble) running.
d
(4). J.P.C. Mead, Ordinary Seaman H.O.P.S.
For his unfailing help during the whole period and the cool and efficient way in which he embarked the troops.
to
"CALETA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. J.F.
he
Dunning R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in rescuing the E.L.C.
Launch under heavy gun fire, and successfully towing her from the Beach, Dunkirk to Sheerness with her load of soldiers.
irk.
"GLALA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. J.A.
Dow, R.N.V.R. For his valuable services in towing boats from grees st the beach under heavy bombing attacks.
to
"AMULREE"
he
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. G.P.
Probert R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in towing from the beach 11 pontoons (with about 300 soldiers in all) to awaiting
?
vessels under heavy gun fire, and with only 4 deck hands in his vessel.
of see surf
Kannake and that hat
CAPTAIN.
out
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
men, d
art ut
GILIS time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last 00m0 railing about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, derinitely., as were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them
As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very was to continued over

CONFIDENTIAL
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
Dynamo 141.
FROM
178.
DATE
7th June, 1940.
162
167
TO
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR H.M. YACHTS "CHRISTOBELLII", "CALETA", "GLALA"
AND "AMULREE".
"CHRISTOBEL II". (1). Commanding Officer Lieut. H.E. Wigfull
R.N.V.R. For his resource and skill in embarking 33 soldiers from the beach with the two boats at his disposal while being heavily bombarded.
(2). C.G. Dunley Seaman H.O.P.S. (Qual. S.V.G.L)
For the cool manner in which he engaged and apparently brought down in flames a Dornier 17, with the Lewis Gun.
(3). J.W. Damerell, Engineman H.O.P.S.
L.T./K.X.105230. For not leaving the engineroom from 1000 31st
May until 0830 1st June in order to keep the engines (which a
were giving much trouble) running.
d
(4). J.P.C. Mead, Ordinary Seaman H.O.P.S.
For his unfailing help during the whole period and the cool and efficient way in which he embarked the troops.
to
"CALETA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub.Lieut. J.F.
he
Dunning R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in rescuing the E.L.C.
Launch under heavy gun fire, and successfully towing her from the Beach, Dunkirk to Sheerness with her load of soldiers.
irk.
"GLALA".
(1). The Commanding Officer, Lieut. J.A.
grees
Dow, R.N.V.R. For his valuable services in towing boats from st the beach under heavy bombing attacks.
to he
"AMULREE"
(1). The Commanding Officer, Sub. Lieut. G.P.
Probert R.N.V.R. For his excellent work in towing from the beach 11 pontoons (with about 300 soldiers in all) to awaiting vessels under heavy gun fire, and with only 4 deck hands in his of vessel.
see surf and that hat
CAPTAIN.
out
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
men, d
art ut
GILLS time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last oomo railing about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, derinitelyships as were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane
As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very continued over

SECRET Dynams 137.
EXTENDED
DEFENCES
OFFICER
H.M.Y. COMMANDING OFFICER,
173
ADMIRALITY
HOUSE,
GLALA.
164
178
SHEERNESS
June, 1940.
167
sir,
I have from the Sheerness honour to report that, having received orders, I
proceeded in conjunction with three other Yachts
Thursday 30th May, 1940.
\
Shortly after midnight we were in the vicinity of the North
Goodwin Light Vessel, and as we were unable. to contact the
Examination to Tug anchor., the Yacht "ChristobelkII", the senior ship ordered us
At dawn I received a signal from the Senior Officer that he d
was unable to proceed owing to engine trouble, SO I weighed and closed the Tug. Having received orders from her I delivered them to "Amulree" and "Caleta" and we proceeded by route "X".
Shortly before eleven the French Coast was sighted and we my entered Dunkirk 'Roads' about 1130. We steamed along the coast d
and at about 1230, "Golden Eagle" anchored off the beach 3 miles
East of Dunkirk, signalled to us to close. She asked us to tow d
two whalers which were full of soldiers alongside and when this was completed we asked if we could be of assistance, but she replied that she was alright and that we could be of more use to further along.
he
Off La Panne H.M.S. "Venomous" called us up and informed us her motor boat had broken down inshore. We went close to the
S
pier, which was constructed of Army transports, and having irk.
contacted the boat took it in tow and returned to the destroyer.
We then went back to the beach and this time took out her whaler.
grees
As she was now getting underway we closed H.M.S. "Vivacious" and st securing alongside were informed that she had three boats which to were ready to go inshore. We took them as close as possible, he allowed them to drift to the beach and anchored with the intention of towing them back when filled. At this point our steering ropes all but gave way and we were left with a single strand. It was impossible to repair it without completely new wire and at that of
Homent the bombing and shelling which had been going on see continuously became intense. A Captain R.N. in Yacht No.1 of the surf
Solent Patrol ordered us to make for the open sea and all the and smaller power craft followed him out.
that hat out men, d
art ut fell across our stern the last DOMO railing few feet about this time 30 ft a salvo of the bombs only effect was to drag our stern down a heavy a bomber the water. We opened we registered a direct hit with OUD into the gun in away, fire on this aeroplane which was Lewis and his type Dornier 17 burst into flames and he crashed aeroplane sea, as other Starboard ships were engine also firing I cannot claim this definitely.
steamed back at all possible in finding a Whaler adrift two boats ashore
As I had promised speed hoping to find a which boat we to magaged bring them to to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
off, pick we were fortunate I immediately sent these this was and started up with to our embark dinghy, troops at approximately at 1750, very continued over

SECRET
FROM.
COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. "CALETA". 136 176 178
DATE.
3rd June, 1940.
166
TO.
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
167
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS.
May 30th, 0830. Underway in company with "Christobel II",
"Amulree", and "Glala" for North Goodwin by Oaze Deep, Knob
Channel, South Edinburgh Channel and Foreland Buoy. Anchored off N. Goodwin, 0100 May 31st.
0645. Instructions from Examination Vessel to proceed to La
Panne by route X15. "Christobel" signalled one engine not working and was proceeding to Ramsgate for repair.
id
0715. Underway. Had a defect in steering which delayed start, finally got underway at 0800. Arrived Dunkirk 1145, went on to
La Panne, reached at 1245. Very few small boats to bring troops off, and decided to anchor and send in Launch. Lowered launch my which broke down almost at beach. Conditions on beach very id difficult owing to, its flat nature and a fresh on shore breeze.
This combined with low water considerably hampered embarkation.
Launch towed back to ship was hoisted in board to effect repairs. ed
On the way back was attacked by low flying Messerschmitt.
Shortly after this, a considerable dog fight took place
1 to between Hurricanes and Messerschmitts, two of our planes being shot down, the pilots landing by parachute. Fighters were at he followed by bombers who bombed destroyers round us. Got underway, made towards seaward side of channel, where the water was cuction found to be very shallow. By this time it was about 1500. Went drk.
back towards the shore launched boat again, and it again broke down. Hauled in board to resume attempt at repairs.
agrees est
The Commanding Officer and crew of "Amulree" which had gone is to on shore, were brought aboard, and shortly afterwards we were
C he rammed on our starboard side aft of the beam by large motor boat
(Commodore Stephens on board) attempting to come alongside.
"Amulree", at 1700 approx. was floating, and Commanding of
Officer and crew returned in small boat which took them off.
see
Shortly afterwards, German Batteries opened fire with considerable surf accuracy, and shells burst under our counter on both sides, and
2 and under the port bow.
that that bout men, ed gart out
GILLS time a salvo or bombs fell across our stern the last DOMO ralling about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, as definitely. other ships were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane
As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very continued over

SECRET
Dynams 135.
FROM
COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.Y. "CHRISTOBELLI".
178.
DATE
June 2nd 1940.
167
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FROM FIRST SIGNAL TO ARRIVING AT SHEERNESS.
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report:-
On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Caleta" I
proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Caleta", "Amulree", and
"Glala", I was handed your letter by "Glala" instructing me to take these yachts to the North Goodwin Light Vessel, there to close the
Examination Vessel for further instructions, we proceeded in line ahead led by "Caleta" as Sub. Lieutenant Dunning knew the channel, owing to non appearance of Examination Vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the night, at 0400 I ordered my engines to be started and to go and see if I could findthe Examination Vessel, as it was now dawn, at 0500 my engineman reported a defect, I gave orders for remainder. of yachts to close Examination Vesselsat 0600 and proceed according to instructions received.
We eventually got one engine running and I decided to proceed to
Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the Examination Vessel, just before arriving at Ramsgate at 1000 my engineman reported that he had the Port engine running, I anchored off Ramsgate Pier and immediately proceeded ashore in ship's dinghy for my routing instruction these I was given without delay and at 1015 were underway for Dunkirk.
When we were in position approximately 51 degrees 12' N. 2 degrees
28' E we were attacked by a Junkers 87 and machine gunned, his burst of fire fell all. round the ship, I gave orders to my gun layer not to open fire on him until he was well within range as I did not think he would be able to see our Lewis gun at his height, immediately we opened fire he sheered off.
I anchored off the Casino at Dunkirk at 1530, as I saw a lot of troops waiting to be embarked, I went off in the ship's dinghy to see how Iscould get some of these troops on board, there was too much surf running tolland, I was also informed that these troops were French and would crowd the boat so much, that she would be swamped, I learnt that a party of about 50 British troops would arrive at about 1700 at that part of the beach, I returned to the ship and decided to cruise about to see I could find a boat of some description to embabk these men,
I went as far as La Panne and was there spoken by a sloop who asked me to take his boat and try and get troops off to him, from that part of the beach, we were being continually shelled and bombed, at about this time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last bomb falling about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, asriniter ships were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane
As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I
steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very continued over

Dynamo 185.
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRO"
170
6th.June 1960
B14/0/1513
II.
Leading Seaman BROWN.
No.R.E.2/014.
Vice Admiral,
Dover.
169
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief, that I took over dommand
The Nore.)
esday 29th.May 1940.
rt I tried to sort things on, regarding any particular
Forwarded.
stremely hasty. I therefore nga will suffice.
2. Reports and recommendations
Friday 31st.May 1940 at concerning the above named vessels with X217 and 2 other were forwarded by my Nos. I.1/14/015 utenant
POOL,R.N.
We and R.E. 2/014. of 8th and 9th out 3 p.m. we name in sight
June, 1940.
moke and explosions as far later we contacted the
3.
Of the vessels mentioned in the French soldiers from the above reports only the "Royal Eagle", to the beach; it was
"Golden Eagle" and "Crested Eagle"
imen and capsised at once.
are specifically named in Appendix 1, it himself from being more thdrew my ship to review
4.
In addition to the vessels
" stuff that looked like named in Minute 1 above, the Yachts
ID devil as I know that
"Christobel II" "Caleta"; "Glala"
our propellers in the way
"Amulree" and the tug "St Clears"
happen as soon as I had were mentioned in my reports, and each we managed to pick are presumed to be included in the captured and used a little note to Appendix 1.
troops appeared to be a
>-loads for some 5 hours,
'Jaba" and so on. On this
ADMIRAL 1940
am Queen" (about 2000 tons
- she had put her nose.
*
30th JULINE,
;ines of "Marsayru" and
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE, ce ghout this day and the
Dover
HEERNESS.
all a complete jumble in tant fire of various kinds, the ship was not hit by more lune I think - we were tion to -done, nearest ship being te 1 above, by 4 brave Messershimits who dived and
"
"Caleta th much vigour but exceedingly poor aim the tug our. No had a Bren and 2 rifles but did in my German pilots seemed disinolined to come reports 0 and I had given orders to hold our fire on Eagle" casA pity. After half an hour of this 3
above arcifically aght and we saw no more of the Messerschmits
2/014. of my 8th in addition of we were bombed by a large formation of arded by Nos.
40.
in Minute 1 all. At least I think it was our little stobel II" "saless it was one on the horison, in eports only the me mentioned solddimurse of these operations we took off the vessels ree" and opamony miles.
Eagle" and "C presumed tax, ocumnof 400 French soldiers. To our bitter cifically named to Appell ad tind no British, others ware luckier.
Christrisor a few hours - she was on tow -
"Amulre" stely tied up with bits of line and n addition to vive MI
were men tisard. The tow rope broke and we n Minute 1 a had a are presfroit cast about for a time. However obel II" "( pilots Be e" and the I had give note to rises - faithruk thing. No arrived ntioned in ty. After ts, evening having called from Ramsgate sumed to be and we saw
Appendix 1.
ICEADM in We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice
IRA

_203
LAUNCH "TRITON"
à
190
Lieutenant R.H. INVING, R.N.R.
3, KNITH. Sea. Cox.
J.STEPHENS. Ord.Sea.
D. STMPSON. B.R.A. (uttorly useless)
0. GLYNN. Ord.Sea.
F.G. PURBRICK. Ord.Sea. (fell overboard and had to put him on "MOSQUITO"
suffering from cold and shook).
I was at Sheerness as No.1 of Dutch Scoot "PRINCESS JULIANA"
Wednesday 20th May 1940, was instructed to proceed from Sheamess to
Ramsgate in charge of 13 Launches, various kinds and speeds - handed over
12. Left Sheerness about noon Wednesday, 29th May.
Arrived Remagate about 1930
Left Remagate about 2150
for Cuploa near La Panne with 9 Launches.
Very vague instructions about La Panne and was not definitely informed whether British troops were actually there. Had bad visibility and did not know exact position but made Cuploa 0500, Thursday norning only 5 launches arrived in company, others broke down and returned to
Ransgate. Launch "SILVER QUEEN" was of great assistance.
From 0500, Thursday, 30th May to about 1700 Friday, 31st May
I towed or picked up hundreds of troops and transferred them to destroyers, scoots etc. Launches not equipped with proper towing topes and crew very unsemanlike. Had to steer and make fast myself. Commodore Stephens used my launch and participated in taking off troops, no one at Cuplos to give to instructions.
I worked all Thursday night and carried on until 1330 when ship was shelled heavily and all ships proceeded towards Dunquarque and I was last to leave Cuploa under heavy shell fire.
I proceeded towards Dunquerque along the beach and on arriving at extreme west end of Dunquerque beach a heavy air attack and fire from shore batteries was falling all round. I took the most westerly boat in tow and when looking round to find a near ship, saw the large launch "PRINCE
OF WALES" struck by a bomb, I proceeded with the boat I had in tow towards her and found 4 survivors very bedly wounded ready to take off. Two others were dead on board. On the way to the sloop "MOSQUXTO" with survivors I
resoued soldiers from drowing whose boat had sunic close ashore. While doing this my starbcard propeller get fouled and I had a terrible job to get to the sloop "MOSQUITO" with troops and wounded from "PRINCE OF MALZES".
All this time bombing and shelling was going on. I landed all on the
"HOSQUITO" and then asked the "MOSQUITO" to tay and clear ay propeller, they tried but could not do so. I them consulted the Piret Lieutenant and he suggested that I get a tow home. I spproached the yacht "CALNTA", the C.O. immediately asked me to get him troops but I told him I would attempt it with one engine although I could not handle her. I got near the west beach and immediately came under shore fire and no boats being ready to come off "CALETA" signelled me to return as he was being shelled and had to get out of it. I got back and made the launch fast for towingunder fire, but the tow rope broke and the Launch being still in the hotly peppered area and close to the surf the C.O. of "CALETA" and myself thought it would endanger his vessel to remain there to try and pick up again so chose inshore.
Neither I or the arew had any sleep or proper food from Wednesday morning until the launch was abandoned at 1640 Friday. All of us were stupid with exhaustion.
I took off more troops at Cuploa than anyone else.
I have lost my voice meantime through constant hailing of boats and giving orders. The "TRITON" was damaged badly in the stern and bow through going alongaide ships so frequently in a very heavy swell. I have lost my uniform cap and raincoat, rasor and other items.
My information on sailing from Ramsgate was - "No troops east of
La Panne or west of Braye Duns", the first item was correct byrb the second quite wrong.