TNA Unclassified 1

Adminalty Pier
I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside
After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered
23
H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Doms at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940
cort
23
"RUJA"
B
H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirk from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the
Downs. The ship was towed back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.H.S. Pascholl.
Signed H.R.Webber (Lieut R.N.)
"FRISO"
A
This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under
Sun. Lieut. G.V.Ward R.N.V.R. made two successful trips to Dunkirk beach and was able to evacuate 1008 officers and men. Although under continual fire from shore batteries and dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel or crew.
Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.)
"DESPATCH II"
B.
May 29th & 30th.
To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with ships boats only until 04.00
At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft or water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ransgate
19.00 30th.
May 31st. June 1st.
Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment with ships boats only until midnight.
Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked ship sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1.
Ships Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention
L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505
A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504
A.B. H.B.Ketchley PJ109346
O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093
Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr.
"PASCHOLL"
B.
This ship was only taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having returned to his proper duties at Ramagate. I proceeded to Ramagate arriving there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond flying his flag in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty at
23.00 and embarked ap roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 Tuesday
June 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions sailed at 05.30
Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having taken
N.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday
6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. June entered Poole Harbour.
Signed J.N.Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R.
"ZEUS"
I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation
Dynamo in diary form.
25th. May Joined at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 p.m. approx cast off and proceeded to anchor off Portsmouth. 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Yarmouth.
26th. May, 5.10 a.m. ordered to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship
3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth.
6.0 Arrived Portsmo th. Recive fuel water and stores and ordered to proceed broken
Spithead p.m. to swing for deviation. Dischar ed Dutch engineer. Note compass and steering compass damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable deviation card
10.30 27th. May Proceed Dawn in arrived company off for Newhaven Newhaven. and anchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec gear stores rope etc. Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship
9.0 p.m. approx. Dawn arrived off Dover 9.30 approx berthed alongside "Ruja" at so West bad Quay, as
Proceeded in company for Dover.
Enemy render air independance p.m. of navigation impossible we follow rest ahead. gunfire
28th. May raid 1.0 approx. Proceed in company for Dunking. Compass Considerable to etc. all night.

I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside
Adminalty Pier
23
After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered to escort
H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Downs at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940
23
"RUJA"
B
H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirl from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the
Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.M.S. Pascholl.
Signed Webber (Lieut R.N.)
"FRISO"
A
This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under
Sun. Lieut. R.N.V.R. made two Although successful under trips continual to Dunkirk fire beach from and shore was able batteries to evacuate and 1008 dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel officers and men.
or crew.
Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Licut. R.N.V.R.)
"DESPATCH II"
May 29th & 30th.
To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with
At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft oz water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air ships boats only until 04.00
compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ramsgate
19.00 30th.
May Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles with
31st. June 1st.
to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment
Ships ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked boats only until midnight.
Ships ship Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1.
L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505
A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504
A.B..B.Ketchley PJ109346
O.S. Greenwood P/JX 130093
Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr.
This "PASCHOLL" ship was only B. taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain Hammond at anchor returned to his proper duties at Ramsgate. I proceeded to Ramsgate arriving further there orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Jetty at flying his flag embarked roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at at 05.30 Tuesday until in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour 00.30
June 23.00 4th, and arriving Ramsgate approximately 08-30 On instructions taken sailed
Wednesday in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 21.00.7th. Thursday June
5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having
H.M.S.Ruja 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately entered Poole Harbour.
Signed Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R.
"ZEUS" I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation
Dynamo in diary Joined form. at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 Palla approx cast Yarmouth. off and
25th. May 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Hands
26th. proceeded May. to 5.10 anchor a.m. off ordered Portsmouth. to remain at anchor until further orders. cleaning shij
3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth. Recived fuel water and stores and ordered to broken proceed
6.0 p.m. Arrived Portsmo for deviation. th. Discharged Dutch engineer. unreliable Note compass deviation
Spithead and steering to swing compass damaged. Results of swinging give very card
10.30 Proceed in company for Newhaven. and enchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec. gear stores
27th. rope etc. May Hands Dawn arrived employed off rope Newhaven etc. Mands employed Dover. cleaning ship
9.0 Enemy 28th. p.m. May air approx. Dawn raid arrived 1.0 Proceeded p.m. off navigation approx. Dover in company Proceed 9.30 impossible approx for in company WG berthed follow for alongside rest unicint. "Ruja" Compass Considerable at so West bad Quay. as gunfire to render independance of etc. all night.
msianole

74
73
-2-
6. I approached a number of trawlers and other small vessels which seemed to be getting under way for Great Britain and asked them to remain until I could fill them up with troops. It seemed to me that the orders which they said they had received to return to Great Britain were not bona fide.
7. I proceeded ashore and interviewed various military officers at as many of the beaches as possible. At the request of a senior military officer I agreed to assume the duties of Beach Master and arranged to continue the organisation until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told them that if anything went wrong during the night we would return at dawn. I learned that some of the men had been in the dunes for two or three days awaiting embarkation, and they were obviously much cheered up to learn that they would get out that night. The flat-bottomed boats which the military had been using themselves were extremely dangerous in the surf which, although not very great, was sufficient to capsize these boats.
8. I found from experience that it was much quicker to run a load of troops in a single motor boat rather than to fill up one or more lifeboats and tow the greater number. The dangers of controlling boats in tow when they were crowded both near the shore and alongside H.M. ships were considerable. During the night I acquired in one way or another five additional lifeboats, and in many cases the military themselves acted as crews.
9. The pontoon bridges which had been built by the military the previous day were extremely useful, and were largely responsible for the rapid evacuation of troops. It is interesting to note that a few moments after the last men had been taken off one of these bridges it was hit by enemy artillery.
10. All the troops that I could find were embarked by midnight and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before midnight I went along certain of the beaches to look for stragglers. A Staff Officer informed me that no more troops would embark from these beaches but that they would march to
Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be shelled and would probably be in German hands the following day. This, as it turned out, was a correct forecast.
11. I estimate that from pontoon bridges and beaches approximately 5,000 troops were probably embarked.
12. The soldiers, though obviously extremely tired, made no complaints of the delay or of the wettings which they got in wading out in the surf to get into the motor boats, and were more than thankful for the kindnesses which were shown them in the various ships. One could not but be impressed by the amount of friendly cheering which occurred when H.M. ships passed the troop ships at sea. The great majority of the troops were carrying their rifles and side-arms, and I insisted that in no case must they be thrown away. I was impressed to notice that the military padres were always amongst the last to leave the beach in their respective parties.
13./

90
(2)
89
before daybreak and arrived back in the Downs by 1000
May 28th.
At 1730 we again received orders to proceed to
Dunkirk, this time by the shorter route 15X and this time
28/5
with the knowledge that we were engaged in the evacuation of the B. E. F. from the eight miles of beaches from Dunkirk to La Panne.
Of the dynamo ships that left the Downs at the same time, we were the first to arrive off Dunkirk and seeing that the harbour was being used by bigger ships, I decided that me might only obstruct the bigger ships by going in and that our proper function was to contact the beaches where bigger ships could not go.
I therefore proceeded past Dunkirk in an Easterly direction.
The light of burning Dunkirk was now nearly astern of us and the heavy smoke cloud over the beaches intensified the darkness. Thinking here to contact other ships or boats
I proceeded at half speed.
Presently another dynamo ship passed us in the opposite direction and informed us that she had come all the way from La Panne and had seen nothing.
I therefore steered in more closely to the beaches.
At a point about 4 miles East of Dunkirk, I came between a destroyer and another dynamo ship. I asked the dynamo ship if she was at anchor and she replied that she was aground. There appeared to be two others aground also.
There were no boats visible, but as I was preparing to lower my boat, I received information from a motor boat which came out from the shore. that she had brought off the last of the troops that were there. the remainder having started back into the hills preparatory for dawn.
I noticed also that the destroyer was preparing to leave and as this seemed the only thing left to do I set course for returning to Ramsgate. That was at 0250 on the morning of May 29th and I arrived at Ramsgate Road at 0830.
from - Hum SRot Who was dropping ashin, and Pacific beary Kishi then luch of
Vein was &: belowed about the has
Proceded at How spend has the White 4 truy stent of this party 0 anin 4 ha Pause.
hail, C/C Guld has India dircust for the beach were is anount an
Ill aituition are is line is Ret 9
Here Me Form was a Perius

CONFIDENTIAL
page
98
97
ORANJE'S R.O.D./1 dated 10th June 1940 (cont)
commandeered.
It was now about an hour after high water and ORANJE proceeded/
as close inshore as possible, anchored, and then beached stern first, drawings of the ship showing that this would not damage the screw or rudder. A line, consisting of two 120
fathom lengths of 2" manila, was then run inshore and hauled as tau a.s possible and ORANJE's dinghy was run along this, as no other boats were then availabbe; the disembarkation of provisions was then started about 5 packages at as time.
10. Two large boats were obtained about noon, and at
1700 the Royal Engineers provided 6 bridge building pontoons.
with this number of boats available It was possible to disembark the provisions with reasonable celerity.
Intermittent Air Raids took place throughout the day, but although a number of bom bs fell close to the ship, no damage was done nor were there any casuals
By midnight when about 150 tons had been disembarked and were still on the beach, it was decided between the embarkation officer and mygelf that it would be better to stop disembark ing provisions and embark troops, sailing as soon as the tide rose sufficiently to float the ship.
11. Thursday May 30th. ORANJE weighed at 0415 with over
500 troops on board and proceeded for the Downs via the
Kwinte Bank and West Hinder buoys. On sporoaching the Kwinte
Bank buoy 8 wreck was observed about half 8 mile westward of the buoy, which gave the appearance of being the bows of destroyer protruding about 20 feet out of the water.
On arrival in The Downes ORANJE was ordered by the examination steamer to proceed to Margate where we went alongside the pier at 1720 and disembarked troops. 1 A.B. was discharged sick.
ORANJE completed with fuel, water, and provisions, embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition, took two boats in tow, and sailed for Dunkirk again at 2230. Owing to too short a tow,
ORANJE having no more hawsers on board, the boats broke adrift in the vicinity of the Elbow buoy, and as they could not be immediately located they were abandoned. There were no crews on board.
12. Friday 31st Mey. ORANJE arrived off No. West buoy, Dunkirk Channel at dawn and proceeded towards Le Panne.
There was considerable air activity along the coast but.
ORANJE was unmolested. Off Dunkirk Harbour ORANJE was closed by a destroyer believed to be EXPRESS, and told to close destroyer H 11 (BASILISK) and work under his orders: ORANJE
anchored off Le Panne in the same position as the previous day. As ORANJE had no boats, embarkation was very slow until
BASILISK
pan - slum Skud Who are aripping ashin, and Pacitic benif Kishi than with A
Vein are & 1 belowed about the has
Proceded at the spend has White & they skoot of this party 0 amin it the ha Pance.
hail, are Guild was Ideas straight for the beach were is awouns an
Il within was is line is Ret 9 Auch n.
Here the Ipen was a

Dynami but
105
SUBJECT: REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS DURING EVACUATION.
FROM:
LIEUTENANT T. JOHNSTON, R.N.
COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. PASCHOLL.
DATE:
6th June 1940.
TO:
VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
I have the honour to report that I sailed from Portsmouth at approximately 3200 27th May 1940, in command of the Dutch skoot PASCHOLL, arriving at
Dover about 0900 28th May 1940.
2. I left Dover at 1400 28th May, for the beach off Le Panne via route Y with orders to arrive about
2200 to take off troops from the beaches and transfer them to Destroyers, endeavouring to return to the Downs by dawn.
3. As the PASCHOLL was SO much slower than other ships in the Convoy, I was obliged to leave the route given and proceed across the Banks, by SO doing arriving of Ia Panne at 2230, 28th May.
4. Approximately 300 troops were embarked and transferred to the WOLSEY(?), by this time it was 0400
29th May, so I returned as ordered to the Downs. On arrival at the Downs I was ordered by an examination steamer to proceed to Deal where I arrived about 1200
29th May.
5. Having received no further orders I proceeded to Dover where after storing ship I was ordered to return to Le Panne.
6. I sailed from Dover at 1900 29th May, and proceeded to IQ Panne arriving about 0230 30th May where I embarked 400 British and French troops and sailed for Ramsgate at 1030 30th May. During the embarkation only two enemy aircraft were sighted and they did not bomb in the vicinity of the PASCHOLL.
7. On entering the main channel of Le Panne,
I was shelled for half an hour by shore batteries at
Nieuport, and was obliged to steam across the sendbanks to get out of range. About 1400 I was attacked by a
Dornier bomber which bombed and machine-gunned without more success than two slight casualties. I arrived at
Ramsgate about 2000 30th May.
8. At approximately 2200 30th May, the whole crew of the PASCHOLL were relieved and Lieutenant Donaldson,
R.N.R., took command.
9. At 0700 on 1st June, I took command of Drifter
JACKEVE and proceeded to Dunkirk. During the outward passage, I was bombed several times and on arrival off the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at about 1250 1st June, was attacked heavily by dive bombers. The MOSQUITO
who was quite close at the time was hit and abandoned,
80 I proceeded to pick up survivors.

115
112
secure one on embark atim.
The flow of hoops ceased at about 0200 a despite ever effect to obtain more men, I was unable to Burbark have than c few odd parties. Dawn being due bettern moments, ch was decided to Cast off as no more men were Juth coming heat. Commanded
Clements RN.R. "f"Tilly" informed me that he not was unable to have as his S Crew was shill fine. I apread to low him ont of hanbur, T, of necessary, back to Ingland.
I lashed him almpide with fore Mbach spring sworking on a double bach.
spring mandwred both issues against the wind 1 clear of the getter rfinally out of harbons
Here "Tilly" reversed engines & cleaning her propellor, was able to proced under her Uhn power.
I shined like to place on record here the lach of assistance fiven by military officers of all Tanks from Imajr downwards, in controlling twops during enbarkation full brunt coming on the lender.
officered a manned havel may 29th arrived D owns at 0845 9
n was instructed to pureed Marfate to disemberd the 280 men about I was able to do this at 1430. after watering, stining, fulling, sailed at 1530 for Ramsjali, to embark en
Lewis funs, wires for kedge Is, v uplace my
Caxswain Ldq Leaman Haffai was embached in this capacity I subsuently made a uport n this hands conduct w.n.o.i.e Rainsfate /
uconmended him you some recognition, which I
hope will be futh coming

2
139 /
133
41
conditions quiet.
:h a.m.
Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked troops. Sailed immediately for La Panne beaches via West Hinder Buoy.
, th afternoon. When several miles from coast many German bombers were encountered. Bombs were dropped but missed. Ships two Lewis @ guns in constant action. Although plan ineffective in fact, this gunfire probably kept them apr machines up. Many ships in vicinity being bombed. Some
British fighters sighted. When nearer to shore the
Paddle Steamer "Gracie Fields" was sighted homeward bound packed with approximately 800 troops. Witnessed de a bomb attack on her during which a direct hit was
300
secured amidships. Went to render assistance. "Gracie
Fields" was unable to stop her engines. Upper deck enveloped in clouds of steam. Operation of going an alongside had to be performed whilst both ships were proceeding ahead. Secured alongside. Terrible
1.
mortality and shambles on board. Transferred as many like injured and others as "Twente" would hold. During
00
operation another scoot secured alongside opposite side sike of "Gracie Fields" and took off remainder. Cast off and proceeded full speed to Famsgate. Arrived dawn, ak
May 30th. Disembarked wounded and other troops.
teh
I
as
ICE IOE ADMIRAL
Ell day light an air
JUN 1940
be developing at
Vo
*
DOVER
- disaubar had two ps, promium stares.

Dynam. 209 BIWO/ 233
c/o The Standard Bank of South Africa, 1462
9 Northumberland Avenue,
S.W.1.
7th June 1940.
Sir,
ACTIVITY OF EX DUTCH COASTER "ZEUS" UNDER OPERATION "DYNAMO"
I have been instructed by the Commodore's Secretary at
Portsmouth to submit a report to yourself with reference to the above, together with my suggestions.
27th May 1940.
Dawn - Arrived in company with others off Dover. This vessel has been equipped with 360 life belts in addition to those for the crew.
9 A.M. - Entered Dover. Berthed alongside West Quay, topped up with fresh water, stores etc.,
BIG
13:00 - Proceeded in company for Dunkirk. Considerable gun fire heard during crossing.
29th May 1940.
00:00 - Approaching Dunkirk experienced considerable difficulty in finding out where to go to be of most value.
01:00 - Entered Dunkirk harbour and berthed alongside the quay.
Commenced receiving troops.
(NOTE: Only one vertical shore ladder was available).
01:30 - SAN ANTONIO berthed alongside this vessel. Troops crossed our deck to board SAN ANTONIO.
03:00 - SAN ANTONIO cast off. This vessel continued embarking troops.
04:00 - Breeze freshening and we have received approximately 230
troops, as the supply of troops appears to have stopped for the time being we decide to cast off.
At times troops were so numerous on the quay that the one shore ladder was quite inadequate to deal with the numbers.
At others, as much as quarter of an hour went by without at single man boarding our vessels. It had been discovered that two ladies in soldiers overcoats and steel helmets boarded with troops. Best possible arrangements were made for their comfort.
Vice-Admiral,
Dover.
As/...

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

170
174
We weighed and proceeded out a 15 bomb: yards astern and
Yacht "15" but on fall our way caused the fell to
The angle of its she had one man killed majority and strike her and but undamaged and was severely shaken her. She we in close contact had with previously reported reported
No. 1 and as I Captain to return for my defect to se ordered as she was by unarmed. the repairs and accompany at 2130. I immediately not be required asked for repairs Rams
The return was safetly reported accomplished and and we entered
31/5
told that we would and the again. The but we awaited returned further to Sheerness orders. repairs having complete
At 1430 on Sunday 2nd June of we again. proceeded this time conveying 1845 and a group I reported launches and motor
R.N. and to Captain orders. I was told Tayle arrived about Wharton R.N. for our arrival to Admiral small boats which were willing were to make an. attempt to that
Dunkirk Mole.
1000 British troops on a small portion of the beach just West eve
The majority of the craft going over to this point were fast motor boats of over 15 knots and had been ordered to les the beach no matter what the position was at 0230. We sailed from Ramsgate at 2045 and followed the same course as previous as far as "W" Buoy 5 miles from the coast. This was reachei
0020. I shaped a course for the next mark but our port engine lost revolution and became useless. I decided to carry on il under one engine, but we were met by three Yachts returning,
They had been close to the beach which they said was under a continuously heavy fire from large guns and dive bombing and machine gunaattacks. Either there had not been any troops 8.11
they thought the faster boats in front had got them away or the troops could not reach the beach because of the barrage.
They had been told to wait at "V" until dawn and see if any the assistance.
we Dn had and were would these ships our dóne. While draught facts only coming cruising have I would out considered ten in had not minutes this been allow my vicinity damaged best near us to policy the numerous and approach shore needed was with parachute as to join close our their speed them as fib
Two tugs dropped about around 1/4 of us a mile and we from spent us the our time dodging but could not see the plane: Aerial were extremely lucky not to be attacked.
breaking and ships were coming home, my port engine was
SURBITON.
HOOK,
'FO92
THE VICARAGE,
ROUTE:-65.
INSURANCE STATION

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

179
difficult as the beach is very into flat the and there was a and as soon as a few assistance men got of some of Whaler the she surf my crew with the managed to get her afloat troops two up to their armpits and two of my crew on board in to and float two of with my 15 crew men in there the were dinghy, only the three whaler was got a great struggle got as board I sent the whaler oars in it, alongside these another men load, were the dinghy on arrived back with 1 and dinghy soon ashore getting her off the beach these men she were capsized being in got the surf but wortunate she was righted, as out to sea to wait for on board bombed so I stood out bombing us but a lull, one mark, as soon as out to steamed back for of us and followed us I deemed it advisable they I fell very wide
I saw the whaler heading only. bring us-they nine had had great fficult the getting off and could men off, as it was by
2115 and the bombing had restarted I thought it advisable now underway; I had been afraid to stop engines all day as SI knew to would be almost impossible to re-start as our air compressor had given out; one engine actually stopped but was got going after a short while,- I had the whaler cast adrift as I knew it drfft ashore and some more men would be able to get off to the that were waiting to take them off, my only regret was being to embark the remaining 14 men from this party.
I got underway at 2145 with my own dinghy in tow as I did want to waste time getting her hoisted, as soon as we were clea of the bombing outside Dunkirk roads I stopped the ship and the dinghy which was by now almost full of water.
When in position approximately 51 degrees 15' N. 1 degreep at 2300 a bomber flew very low over us I did not open fire as not want to give away our position, soón after this I reduced so as not to close the North Goodwin Light Vessel much before dawn, not wish to anchor as my windlass would not work, also I had to engines running, at 0430 I got away from the North Goodwin Light
Vessel and proceeded to the Nore and closed B.V. 10 tolreport to
Sheerness, just about this time my engineman reported that he have to stop the Starboard engine as it had water in the oil was afraid it would seize up, also that the Port engine was not running too well. We tied up in Sheerness at 0825.
The whole of my crew behaved in an exemplary manner, they continually on duty during the whole period, gave over their accommodation to the soldiers and fitted them out in dry clothe did what they could for them.
I should like to mention O.S. John Philip Chable the
Mead, for his unfailing help during specially the whole period and and efficient way in which he embarked the troops.
S.V.G.L. Cyril George Dunley for the cool manner in which engaged the German aeroplanes which attacked us.
from the time we left William the North Damerell, for Light not Vessel back
Engineman James the to eng and in managing to keep the engines Goodwin running.
Commissioned I should like to recommend O.S. Charles Mead for promoti and Ocean navigated rank, his own he has 18 ton a lot of and has Racing Club, has had cutter
Somerset. had a public school several education
I am te sure he would make splendid leader of men.
SGD. HUBERT E. WIGFUND.
Lieutenant R.N. V.R.

206
123
would be able to assist us if necessary and realised that we were the last English boat leaving harbour. Could not get engine of LADY CABLE to start but after a short while
W.D. boat came nearly alongside her engines were running and making considerable noise. Their action then appeared to me suspicious she appeared to be undamaged in the half light.
By now dawn was nearly breaking. When W.D. boat came close to us I ordered one of my crew Cadet Rating Price -
to board her. He managed to jump aboard but the two boats drifted apart. Price shouted that there was nobody aboard.
Yet her engines were going in neutral of course. Displaying great initiative and resourcefulness, Price was able to make
HAIG go slow ahead and was able to steer her close enough to LADY CABLE for me to jump aboard. Our first efforts to get a line between the two boats were unsuccessful.
The operation was made difficult by the LADY CABLE being full of French soldiers who did not of course appreciate what was happening and were therefore unable to be of much assistance however willing they might be. After some time the two boats were secured but in order to pass a line it had been necessary for Price to swim from the HAIG to the
LADY CABLE with it. Price did this on his own initiative and displayed great courage and efficiency.
By the time the two boats were secure it was almost broad daylight and we were still very close to Dunkirk
Harbour and appeared to have drifted inshore to the S.W. and were very close to the pall of smoke which shrouded the coast to the West of Dunkirk.
On inspecting condition of HAIG found that she had a fair amount of water forward and was damaged extensively on the port bow. However, I got French poilus to work the pump in relays and towing LADY CABLE and going very slow ahead were able to make progress and prevent the water forward from rising.
For some time we did not discover that each engine had a separate control lever and had been going ahead on one engine only. For several hours we made slow progress.
Worsall was trying to get LADY CABLE's engine to start again and Smith was steering her. I left most of the French in
LADY CABLE.
I saw a submarine half surface about half a mile ahead on one occasion and also a number of German aircraft passed close ahead of us. Luckily we were either not seen or not deemed of sufficient importance to attack. A French destroyer came and had a look at us but I did not signal to her as we were making fair progress. A flight of 3
Hurricanes flew low over us and later we saw Spitfires and Defiants, but luckily no German planes approached us.
The starboard engine of HAIG packed up I think about
0730. I had not time to keep a detailed log of events.
By this time Stoker Worsall had got engine of LADY CABLE
to go again and I secured her alongside HAIG as towing her astern with only our port engine going was too difficult.
For a considerable time we made very slow progress using engines of both boats. LADY CABLE's engine kept stopping, which made our progress very slow and steering difficult. At last/ French
4-funnelled light cruiser or large destroyer X 440 (I think)
with bow wave painted on her, saw us and came up to help. I
had/

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.

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.

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.

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

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
*

RECOMMENDATIONS.
313
"MARE"
air handling men picked up from the troopship "Scotia", greatly to the quick his recovery efficient of
Mr. of A.H.W. the ship Pendle, which Skipper contributed R.N.R. is recommended for without loss is also of time keen in the basin at Boulogne where and to there getting alongaide passage and West Swins to the Mouse Light Vessel.
room. He through the East on navigation and was of good help was in the not night much
"SARAH HIDE"
Lieutenant in Cruickshank, R.N.V.R. states that Skipper Meen out his duties a cool and efficient manner during the whole operations. carried
"STRIVE"
R.N.R. who "after all other ships in the section, including the ship of
Lieutenant Cruickshank, R.N.V.R.recommends Skipper H.A. Catchpole, the Commander acting as Beachmaster, had retired owing to bombing and shelling, stayed off the beach at La Panne all night. At dawn he made fast all warps and wires which were on board "Strive" to the large lifeboat which had been towed across and a destroyer's pinnace towed it ashore. When fully loaded the boat was hauled back by means of the
"Strive's" winch.
"THREE KINGS"
Mr. J.A. Smith, R.N.R. did good work as he made two trips across and is handicapped by being short of his Second Hand and two men.
D.T. Bowen, First Engineman and his Second Engineman, S. Lawson, were able to effect temporary repairs when the SThree Kings" engines were badly shaken by a bomb explosion.
The Skipper specially recommends S.G. Burroughs, Acting Leading
Seaman, without whose work and encouragement the boat work on the beaches would not have been effective, and who took the place of Second Hand throughout the two trips in place of Second Hand, left behind on sailing.
"RIG"
The Skipper, Mr. E. Beckham, states that his whole crew worked well and that there is/one that he specially wishes to recommend, no
"JACKEVE"
All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others.
"TWEENWAYS"
All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others.
"UNICITY"
All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others,
Sheet 2 attached.

Dynamo 143
372
H.M.D. "RENASCENT"
-
349
6th June, 1940.
Sirs,
I have the honour to put before you a report of our action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk.
We sailed on orders on Thursday evening May 30th at
8.45 p.m. and proceeded to Ramsgate. Arrived at Ramsgate in the early morning 5.0 a.m. and received orders to go to Dunkirk and take off soldiers.
We arrived at Dunkink and hailed a destroyer, asking him where they were getting the troops from. He asked us what and T replied about 11 feet. He then told
2.
About 1,000 men stood to attention 4 deep about half way along the pier, the General and his staff about 30 feet away and after having faced the troops;
whose faces were indescernable in the dawn light, the flames behind them showing up their steel helmets, the Officers clicked their heels, saluted and then turned about and came down to the boat with me and we left at 0320.
"Go stranger, tell the Spartans that here we lie, having been obedient to their commands!".
Commander, R.N.

Dynams so. O.D.
526
TO:
COMMANDER M/S.
497
DATE: 6TH JUNE, 1940.
7
FROM: LIEUTENANT J.A. SIMSON R.N.V.R., H.M.S. "LORD GREY".
29th/30th May, 1940, at Dunkirk.
carried out ships under my command during the night of
I have by the the honour to report as follows on the operations
H.M.T's "Lord Grey" and "Clythness" left Dover at for Dunkirk with orders to report on arrival to Captain Tennant. 1615
instead. signalled S. Foreland P.W.S.S. to use route "X" both ways, were
Instructions from were to proceed by route "Y", but we
We therefore proceeded by route "X" and arrived off
Dunkirk at 2300. The harbour was found on entering to be congested as a number of drifters were manoeuvring in the fair- very way and it was decided to lay off the entrance until it was clear to proceed alongside the quay.
side the Eastern Jetty. Sub. Lieutenant Heckstall-Smith (Clythness)
At 2330 we again entered the harbour and tied up alongand myself went along the quay in an effort to ascertain the whereabouts of Captain Tennant, and the state of affairs inside condition of the jetty and we therefore returned.
the harbour. It was impossible to get far owing to the damaged going on over the town, which was ablaze.
Considerable air activity and continuous bombing was
It was decided to keep the ships moored alongside in such before going further in to the harbour.
a way that they could slip at a moment's notice, and to await dawn put aboard "Lord Grey".
A number of rifles and a Bren gun found on the quay were
At 0210 on the 30th May, cries for help were heard outside the harbour and both ships instantly left to investigate. It was found that H.M.S. "King Orry" had sunk on leaving the harbour.
Ships' boats were launched and "Lord Grey" rescued ten men,
"Clythness" four. "Lord Grey" transferred her survivors to H.M.S.
"Vivacious", and was ordered by the Commander to return to harbour, and if possible embark troops for transfer to his ship. "Clythness"
was signalled accordingly and both ships proceeded back to Dunkirk harbour, and as it was now light it was possible to reach the
Southern end of the quay.
On arrival 0410 - I reported to S.N.O - Captain Tennant was not then available - and was ordered to embark troops for transfer to a destroyer and then to carry out "LL" sweep in a
N. Easterly direction from the harbour.
were accordingly embarked - "Clythness" 300 (approx)
350 - and were transferred at 0515 to the destroyer
At 0605 "Clythness" signalled that her dynamo was not working and her D/G gear was consequently useless. In these circumstances requested. a signal was passed to S.N.O. and fresh orders
(Contd. over).

here
M.T.B.
which said all craft were being to be well clear before dawn, so we had ordered to turn to back.
to Dunkirk The because next wrecks day, Monday, and I was ordered to hours borrowed without the harbour was help. from Navigation only and a about wooden the transports 200 on ship, the yards, way and might while across consequently not a was a not THE to m
On arrival at Dunkirk local squall 1
to getting stand in by. and I out requested of harbour quickly I duly under reported. their own The tran was refused permission to enter harbour power the operation as was it might have and impeded the transports. to on Tuesday morning, ending the 4th was then ordered back to I th I
the same evening June, to Captain Wharton Ramsg
I was ordered to report back to H.M.S. and "KI Co
(rd) T Lawine
Proby. Temp. Sub. Lieut,

536
506
9.6.40.
The Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
To. N.O. i/c Ramsgate.
From. Captn. Wharton. S.V.P.
Vinsia
Operation "DYNAMO".
Report on Officers.
Whilst working under your command during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunlirk, the work of the following officer. was SO outstanding, that I wish to draw
512
their names to your special attention. Though I had no opportunity of seeing their work at Dunkirk itself, my duties in turning boats round, and all which that involved, gave me a clear indication of the sterling merits of these officers.
Lt. Cmdr. J. I. Miller, D.S.O., R.N.B. This officer was indefatigable in his efforts to got his boats ready to return to operations. The minimum of time was required by him for rest, the maximum time humanly possible being spent at Dunkirk, his first consideration being to get ready to return. His cheerful bearing and keenness infused all with whom he came in contact and 1
consider his example is worthy of consideration.
I have no doubt that his conduct on the
Dunkirk side was in keeping with that of the Base end.
Lt. Van Hemel. Royal Dutch Navy. This remarkable officer appeared to flourish on hard work with little or no sleep.
He had his own motor boat which he brought from Fortsmouth on Thursday 30th May. He left Ramsgate at dawn on 31st May, and remained at Dunkirk four days working off the beaches, and at Dunkirk ferrying troops. de found fuel and food over there and so avoided delay in returning to the Base.
On his return he got his boat ready, had five hours sleep, and returned to Dunkirk. His stays in Ramsgate were of the minimum duration thereafter. I was greatly impressed by his manner and bearing and consider that his example was inspiring and the work done by him of very great value.
.
Contd., suc.Lleutenant noyal NAVY.
The Captain's Secretary.
H.M.S. FERVENT.
RAMSGATE.

522
C.B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. are the S. Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Duskin at
2.45pm.
544
2
514
This operation of holding the bifeboats end on to the beach, combined with the continuous bombing from the air, proved too difficult a task for the crews. After doing it twice
I had only one lifeboat remaining, the others having broached to and swamped themselves. Also, there was continuous shelling from the batteries from the Western side. So the only alternative left to me was to ferry troops from the piers to the trawler.
Atlantic
With the trawler filled we set out for home but we had not been under way long before the trawler struck a wreck. I sent out an S-0-S on the siren. It was quickly answered by a Dutch 'scoot' which came to our rescue, took off our troops and leaving the trawler "FAIRBREEZE" to sink, landed us back at Ramsgate at about 7.30am.
That night I comandeered a fast motorboat
"VERNON 1" and set out again for Dunkirk to ferry troops off the piers out to the Destroyers and waiting transports.
I continued this operation until dawn when the starboard engine or the launch fell to peices and I had to be towed home to Ramsgate rull of troops.
The next boat I got was the "PIGEON" one of the
War Dept. boats which continued to run magnificently for the remainder of the operations. From now on I did not try the beaches any more but ferried troops from the piers to the waiting transports outside Dunkirk. This seemed my best

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
C. B.O.
522
Sir,
7
6n I mday the 31" M May. we the S.Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Dunkich at
2.45 2.45pm.
545
-
3
515
courseas, for one thing, I was now aquainted with the majority of the wrecks in the vicinity of the piers and the entrance of the harbour and was able to quide in the arriving transports on each of my return journeys.
The "PIGEON" carried approx. 25 troops. Between midnight and dawn each night I made on an average 20 trips, arriving at Ramsgate usually at 7.30 a.m. on the last lap with the PIGEON full of troops.
I continued this every night until Monday when
3.4 having ferried all night Monday when having forried all night, and the last transport had sailed with approx.
3,500 troops aboard I waited alongside the pier for
Commander Troupe (8 spelling) who was on the pier embarking the men into the ships. Eventually he came aboard with the French General and his staff (very relieved at the coming I was to, for having heard the Jerries had arrived in the town, the wait and the time they took to get down the ladder from the pier(being low tide) seemed interminable. It was about 3.45 a.m. when we finally cast off and made for theentrance of the harbour. With such &
important personages abound, my one mortal fear, considering there was not another craft to come to my assistance in the harbour or outside, all having left previously, was losing the three propellers in the tremendous amount of wreckage and floating baulks of timberete. which had now spread out

Statement of the S.S. Hareulan
554
524
C.B.O.
Sir.
On Thursday the 6". 4 June. see left Ramegato about at 12.45 for duties on the Month Patrat
6n our way out. we saw a ship mained the s Harcula. in deffeculties, a being towed by the 1. Jaga ma. fava, of Fabia
We, the S.J. Vincia, went to the ship, of wes mediately engaged.
Wea passed and lawing have abound X was made last on the S.S. Hancula part how. d by 13.25 4
une towing full speed in company with the other upo as 13.55 the tug Lady Brancy arrived, & he he was engaged of made fast - the "If Harcula
20ml quarter. cL assested in the tawing from the awns Channel to the n. Brake bands. where the lb grounded at 14.15 p in a sunking condition, meny to being mined in the Farway
Due to the prompt executance given by the up. I think we saved the its. Harcula from being a wreck in the Dawn Channel & a danger to navigation your a.V.Hails Chedianthy (Wanto of ft Ymair

PLAGE OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Vatchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Tarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo",
30.5.40. 2345. Flotilla sailed Tarmouth for Ramagate,
Good
46
567
From:- Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N.
Mm
537
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate.
30th May. Arrived Ramsgate from Portsmouth with lighter. X.209
Ordered to sands between Gravelines and Calais.
Compass error 20°. Fixed green Bight buoy appeared to be missing.
Anchored off sands; landed in boat and searched inland. Encountered enemy, engaged two and believe
I shot both; returned to my ship.
31st May. Followed tug to East beach at dawn. Took aboard
500 men from my boats. One boat destroyed by bomb, two struck submerged lorries.
Left for Ramagate.
1715
Landed soldiers at Ramagate and returned Dunicipe.
led
2150
Arrived Dunkirk at dusk, heavy bombing and shelling.
Soldiers very steady and cheerful.
1st June. Landed soldiers at Ramagate at noon. Ship had been n
in collision off Dunkirk; left her in Ramagate us inner harbour. Took command of a tug whose
Master refused to go to Dunkirk again and left of for Dunkirk. Arrived evening: very few soldiers on beaches. Went alongside small pier at back or harbour. Went ashore to look for troops; found no English so loaded up with French.
2nd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate 0730. Obtained Captain Duka's
Mann, permission to arm and command Power Boat "Swallow". xi
Arrived Dunkirk in "Swallow" at dusk. Entered inner harbour; took off 15 men and towed & full cutter in addition.
3rd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate in morning with loaded cutter in tow. Left for Dunkink in afternoon; entered inner harbour. Ordered to embark some French staff but could find none; loaded with English and French troops. Purthest end of harbour now in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.

PLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate, to good
Yes a
B.
544
From:- Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
dd
28th May.
1430 Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in the tug JAVA with the following ships in company:-
Drifters. Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood and Lord St. Vincent.
Motor Launches. Walker I, Walker II, New Brittanic,
29th May.
Nayland and Angler II.
0100
2
Arrived off Bray dunes and anchored in 3 fthms water illed and sent Walker I and Walker II in to the beach to ng try to find men; all troops seemed to be hiding in on the sands. Walker I and Walker II then proceeded then up to Dunkirk Harbour.
hout
As dawn came I lowered all small boats from the Java in all and all drifters and worked with them right into its to the beach filling motor boats and transferring from motor boats to bigger ships lying off shore.
1000
Ordered by a destroyer to take all ships to Dunkirk pier, On arrival there I received orders to fill up as much as possible and return, leaving Walker I
i. Mann, and Walker II for the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, Dunkirk.
ived
On leaving Tuydercoot Pass I was ordered by H.M.S.
Calcutta to transfer all troops on board herand return to the beaches. We worked all afternoon on the beaches, towing army collapsible boats off the
At this time there were no more ships lying off to fill beaches and filling larger ships lying off shore.
1900
up, so filled all craft possible and returned to
30th 0930 May.
Ramsgate.
Arrived Ramsgate.
During the daylight operations the boats attacks, crews were subjected worked on with a good heart, until all to continuous dive-bombing without but all men of a meal from p.m. May 30th. 28th arrival the chance in harbour at 1100 on May