TNA Unclassified 1

SECRET
4
2.
......and as there were only 4 Officers for the three ships only two of the ships sailed. I consåder that this was a proper decision having regard to the circumstances. The inexperience of the crew and the strangeness of the ships and also the locality made a passage an extremely arduous affair.
The close proximity of the German army made it imperative to return to England as soon as possible.
Accordingly I was put on board H.M.S. "Calcutta" early to-day en route for Chatham Hospital.
4.
During the time ashore at La Panne I was beseiged with requests for a passage to England or France from French and Belgian Officers. These Officers all stated that their desire was to reform and fight again.
I informed them all sympathetically that I
could not give them a passage without the approval of
General Adam. As this was not forthcoming in the majority of cases, about 20 of them got & Diesel engined boat from the beach and requested that they might come across to
England in company with me. I readily acceded to this request and was prepared to tow them if necessary.
5.
I understand that the Admiralty were informed by the Military that my 1st Lieutenant and myself had become casualties.
6.
I regret that I am unable to inform you of the present whereabouts of the three ships.
7.
As routeing and instructions were received from Dover I considered it proper that this report should be submitted to you. If this is not correct it is requested that this report may be forwarded to the proper authority.
VIOEADMIS
7.5.8.a.
T
DOV
Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.

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to the westward and anchried opposite the
French battery until daylisht. During the might I shifted borth further to the westward to avoid "oras" from the
Perman batteries shelling the French fort.
June 1ˢᵗ
1/6
At darr [ closed the beach ajain where some troops were seen marching lowards Dushisk. They should no particular clesse Is come off and only about 100 straggles were embarled, the main body antioning along the beach.
At about 0800 therefore [ closed the "Kith flying the flag of hear Admiral wake-walhor. Captain Pin reported the situation and was andered IS close the beaches close castward of Danhih, and if there were no troops there to proceed
Is England.
Shortly often this stung formating of enemy chise bonkers appeared and Kith was aepeatedly attached until put out of action and chandmed ship. During this period E remained under way
3ig zagging as apart from Keith and Skipjack there appeared the

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little else for the arrift 5 cittach.
I about proceedure to the aid of "Huths survivors and with the heep of mater bouts recovered a large mumber, including two British Brigadies and a
French seneral. while this was taking place enemy chise bonhare appeared your and Sanh "Skipsack about half mile from n2. As soon as possible i proceded K their and and piched up all the Survivors except ⑆ but 12 of were recovered by a they. They were in a rong pitcous state being conced in oil fact, and in some uses service wounded. By the time this was completed E had Are then a full load, emadering their condition, and maraded for England. Dive bombus appeared your and finished off the "Kith but by some oversight child not attack Hilda althnish she appeared to the only craft left eflout in the roads.
I passed Dunkish breakwah chat
1130.
Shortly after passing No bbuy

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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./

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13. Several of the motor boats had now broken down and between midnight and 3 a.m. complete repairs were done to these boats, which was most creditable to the R.N.R. and
R.N.V.R. officers and ratings sent from EXCELLENT and KING
ALFRED to man them.
14. I found it necessary to shift my anchorage to the west during the night, as shells meant for the beaches were ricocheting over H.M.S. HILDA.
15. In accordance with my undertaking to the troops, I sent off all boats again at 3.15 a.m. to search the beaches, starting from the western end of Bray-Dunnes. During the next three hours approximately only 250 men were taken off the beaches, and these in small parties; they were apparently stragglers.
A large rearguard party marching along the beach decided to continue to Dunkirk.
June.
16. At 7.30 a.m. approximately I closed H.M.S. KEITH and reported the position to Admiral Wake-Walker. He told me to continue my search of the beaches and if possible transfer my troops to another ship, subsequently returning to England.
17. Unfortunately, with the exception of KEITH, SKIPJACK, one destroyer a considerable distance away and an Admiralty tug, there were no vessels to whom I could transfer these troops, besides which, with the dive bombing and shelling, it would, as it turned out, have been impossible.
18. At approximately 8 a.m. H.M.S. KEITH received a direct hit from a dive bomber and was abandoned shortly afterwards.
I closed KEITH and picked up some 50 survivors out of the water, including the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F. and other Staff Officers.
At this stage I jettisoned all my spare petrol. The Admiralty tug went alongside KEITH before she sank and took off the majority of the survivors. I then proceeded to the east to make a final inspection of the beaches and to see that no motorboats had been left behind.
19. Half an hour later SKIPJACK received a direct hit from a dive bomber and sank immediately. I closed SKIPJACK and picked up some 60 or 70 survivors.
20. Dive bombing had been more or less continuous since early morning and the attacks went on while HILDA proceeded towards
Dunkirk on passage home. British fighters were seen on two or three occasions, but during the greater part of the day the
Germans seemed to be in complete control of the air.
21. At 10.30 approximately I sailed for England, being narrowly missed on several occasions by bomba, and after an hour's steaming, while in the vicinity of two of H.M. transports
I saw the latter struckby dive bombers and sink.
22./

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22. As I now had some 530 troops on board my small vessel, many of whom were in an extremely critical condition or badly wounded, and as there were some 15 ships standing by to pick up the survivors from these transports I thought it better to continue my course to England, but succeeded in picking up a number of French survivors. I was impressed by the splendid action of one British army officer, who several times went overboard to tie lines round those in the water. I did not ascertain his name.
23. I passed a signal to V.A. Dover through a destroyer giving E.T.A. for Ramsgate and asking for ambulances.
24. I arrived at Ramsgate at 5.30 p.m. and landed all my
British and French troops together with survivors from H.M. ships.
One man had died and two others were in an extremely critical condition.
25. I telephoned a full report of the operations and of the final evacuation of the beaches to an officer on the Staff of
V.A. Dover, and at 7.30 sailed for Dover. While on passage home I passed a number of motor boats being towed to Dunkirk, and after consultation with the Q.M.G. advised them to continue their journey and ask for instructions on arrival, as they might be of use to the Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation at
Dunkirk beach. The only boats brought home by me were two which were completely out of order. The other lifeboats, whalers etc. were left at Dunkirk for further use.
26. HILDA arrived at Dover at 10 o'clock but was not permitted to enter. While at anchor outside at approximately 11 o'clock a magnetic mine was dropped 50 yards south-east of the ship, and this was duly reported to the Examination Officer and sweeping operations carried out next morning.
June.
27. Reported at the office of V.A. Dover the results of the operation which I had been ordered to carry out, and was told to submit a full report in writing.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
28. The evacuation was carried out without injury to any of the troops, but a number were killed on the beaches by shrapnel while standing by or moving along.
29. I found that the crews of the motor boats, all young officers and ratings, were very steady both under shell fire and while close to dive bombing.
30. The great majority of the troops were carrying their rifles and equipment, and I was particularly struck by the fact that I heard no complaint at any time from these tired men, even when up to their shoulders in water in the surf. They appreciated to the full the efforts we were making.
31./

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22. As I now had some 530 troops on board my small vessel, many of whom were in an extremely critical condition or badly wounded, and as there were some 15 ships standing by to pick up the survivors from these transports I thought it better to continue my course to England, but succeeded in picking up a number of French survivors. I was impressed by the splendid action of one British army officer, who several times went overboard to tie lines round those in the water. I did not ascertain his name.
25. I passed a signal to V.A. Dover through B destroyer giving E.T.A. for Ramsgate and asking for ambulances.
24. I arrived at Ramogate at 5.30 p.m. and landed all my
British and French troops together with survivors from H.M. ships.
One man had died and two others were in an extremely critical condition.
25. I telephoned a full report of the operations and of the final evacuation of the beaches to an officer on the Staff of
V.A. Dover, and at 7.30 sailed for Dover. While on passage home I passed a number of motor boats being towed to Dunkirk, and after consultation with the Q.M.O. advised them to continue their journey and ask for instructions on arrival, as they might be of use to the Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation at
Dunkirk beach. The only boats brought home by me were two which were completely out of order. The other lifeboats, whalers etc. were left at Dunkirk for further use.
26. HILDA arrived at Dover at 10 o'clock but was not permitted to enter. While at anchor outside at approximately 11 o'clock a magnetic mine was dropped 50 yards south-east of the ship, and this was duly reported to the Examination Officer and sweeping operations carried out next morning.
June.
27. Reported at the office of V.A. Dover the results of the operation which I had been ordered to carry out, and was told to submit a full report in writing.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
28. The evacuation was carried out without injury to any of the troops, but 8 number were killed on the beaches by shrapnel while standing by or moving along.
29. I found that the crews of the motor boats, all young officers and ratings, were very steady both under shell fire and while close to dive bombing.
30. The great majority of the troops were carrying their rifles and equipment, and I was perticularly struck by the fact that I heard no complaint at any time from these tired men, even when up to their shoulders in water in the surf. They appreciated to the full the efforts we were making.
S1./

CONFIDENTIAL
97
96
ORANJE's dated 10th June 1940 (cont)
communicate.
At this time a Blenheim bomber -1th British markings, flew overhead. towards the beach where st dropped all number of small bombs and was fired at with mechine runs and rifles. It was then presumed that the beach was held by German troops, but it was later ascertained that the Germans had obtained and were using a number of aircraft with British markings.
Alongside the Barrage vessel we were informed by el number of soldiers wearin British and French uniforms that the B.E.F.
was being evacuated, and that they had been told to find their own way back to England as best they could, all their officers having already left them. They also stated that they had nothing to eat and asked us to provide them with bread.
I informedthem that I was proceeding to Dunkirk, but would consider pickin them on the return journey. ORANJE then proceeded on her way.
7. On approaching Dunkirk ORANJE met snother scoot coming away who informed us that we were too small to be of use alongside, nor could we land stores there, and should return home. ORANJE turned about, recovered 5 soldiers from the barrage vessel after insuring that they were genuine, supplied the remaining Frenchmen with bread, and sailed for in hom_e. A number of rafts, boats and lifebuoys were observed on the way home, all of which were investigated, but no survivors were found nor were any names found on any of the
ORANJE wreckage. arrived off the North Goodwin Light Vessel at 1500 and was ordered to Ramsgate, proceeding alongside about 1630. The majority of the bomb dam_age was made good, and ORANJE sailed at 1930. with orders to disembark provisions at Le Panne, about 10 miles east of Dunkirk.
8. Wednesday 29th May. ORANJE arrived off Le Panne at 0430 and picked up one man off a raft in an exhausted sond condition. An attempt was then made to beach the ship after streaming a kedge anchor, but the kedge would not hold, and so the bower anchor was let go and the ship allowed to swing round with the tide. In view of the fact that the ship was drawing eight feet of water and that the beach shelves very gradually it was not possible to get closer in than è of 8
mile.
I then proceeded ashore personmally to interview the military 9. authorities and returned on board at 0730 to move the ship to a more convenient place. An arrangement had been made for one working party to come on board to unload the holds, ano ther to muster on the beach to unload the boats, and as many large boats as pos ible would be commandeered.
It was now.
- slum Skut who We arbbiny lud ashin, of pan Pacific beauty Kasi then hor and of: belowed, about he the Pause.
steat Vein was this party 5 anim at the White of at Here spend have in ausurs & trey our
Proceded the beach Ildius were directed C/C for Guild was But &
hail In nituition we is line is Cuch or.
Here Me Guamanding offer a Inimo

Dynamic 376
8/4/0/139
126
J.6633, c/o Messrs. J.S. White & Co.
Cowes, Isle of White,
20th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of proceedings during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. 0.
1700/6/6/40.
In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief,
Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Majesty's Ship "SURSUM_
CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.M. Friday 24th May, 1940, sailing for Portsmouth at 1600, arriving at 2130.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained in company with other Skoots under the ordera of Lieutenant Commander Stuart in H.M.S
"FREDANJA" until P.M. 28th May, 1940, when ship was sailed for
Dunkirk from Dover at 1400 by order of Vice Admiral Dover, for islbe the evacuation of troops via North Goodwin and Middle Kirke.
On arrival off beaches at Dunkirk at approximately
2230, decided to enter harbour straight away having sighted large number of soldiers on mole, but apparently no other ships in the harbour, though a transport and other skoots were lying off, and two ships just leaving. The western side of the harbour was ablaze.
Having evacuated British troops, approximate number three hundred and seventy, ship sailed for Dover at 0330; &
hospital ship and six or seven other skoots having entered and secured to the mole were also embarking troops by this time.
Ship arrived off Dover 1130/29, no incidents of
30/5?
importance occurring on passage.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained at Dover, storing and provisioning until orders were received to sail again for Dunkirk at 2100.
Short routevia Calais was taken; ship proceeding independently as visibility was decreasing and all skoots were not ready.
On arrival off Western beaches of Dunkirk, a wreck was sighted approximately half a mile to West of Harbour
31/5
entrance in the approach channel, and cries of & man in the water were heard, a boat was lowered, but the rescue work was
Priso)
left finally to a Sloop's whaler the Sloop itself being on her return passage to England. "SURSUM-CORDA" proceeded and arrived off beaches Eastern side of Dunkirk at 0430/30.
Many men were sighted waiting on the beach approximately two or three miles east of the mole, and on closing H.M.S. "FITZROY"
lying approximately three quarters of a mile off the beach, was asked to assist in ferrying troops from small craft to ITZROY"
and "VANQUISHER", three to four cables to Westward.
For approximately half an hour my Ship remained stopped three cables from the beach embarking as many troops as possible.
This process I considered far tooslow as the number of small boats employed in that area amounted only to four or five and these appeared to be in danger of being swamped by excessive loads, so decided to close the beach while the tide was flooding and endeavour to embark troops over my bows.

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This method was found successful and two trips were carried out in same manner. For the third endeavour,
"VANQUISHER" and"FITZROY" having left for England, and no other larger craft being in the vicinity, my intentions were to close again, fill to capacity and proceed towards La Panne, to transfer troops if requested, or return to England.
It is regretted that this effort failed in that
"SURSUM"CORDA" was beached too securely and no efforts ot my part were successful in re-floating.
Thiswwas due to an error in judgement on my part in allowing too many men on board at the time and my incorrect appreciation of the time of the tide turning, no tide tables being carried.
H.M.S. "HEBE" came to my assistance, but unfortunately though a tow was passed, her lack of power and manoeuvreability were strong handicaps, and she herself grounded two cables to
Eastward.
At 0800/30 it was realised there was no chance of the ship moving until the following High Water.
During the period of waiting until High Water that evening, I assisted where possible on the Beach in the vicinity of the Ship, and during periods where there were no small craft operating, took aboard soldiers for shelter and distributed what food remained aboard "SURSUM-CORDA".
All members of my crew worked magnificently under somewhat strained conditions, and with no consideration for themselves.
Further endeavours to re-float were made between 1800
and 2030 using kedge anchor with soldiers onboard assisting.
At 1840 a shell from an enemy shore battery burst & few yards ahead of the ship and four soldiers were hit by splinters. I ordered these and one officer hit whilst on the beach to be placed below and with the assistance of a stretcher bearer my First
Lieutenant, Lieutenant Brooks rendered first aid and made them as comfortable as conditions allowed.
I then cleared the ship of soldiers and continued my efforts to re-float, but with no success, delay being caused by an influx of soldiers somewhat naturally seeking shelter after the shell fire, whom Lordered to stand by to board "HEBE" who
I could see appeared to shew hopeful signs of clearing the beach. The majority of them carried out these orders and
"HEBE" was re-floated at approximately 1945. On receiving report of my engines being temporarily out of action and on point of "seizing-up") decided further efforts were fruitless, and retaining only wounded and completely exhausted men onboard for shelter, until small craft or ambulances could be commandeered to take them off, decided to land and assist on beach where possible.
(continued

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The situation was unchanged during the night;a guard being placed on board and making repeated attempts to signal larger craft passing close to send assistance for bine wounded, who were not in a fit state to be moved to the beach.
Lieutenant Brooks was despatched with two seamen on a raft to commandeer small boats seen drifting down channel approximately half & mile to seaward, but was caught by the tide and eventually picked up by & destroyer and retained onboard as a watchkeeper. This officer had been of the greatest assistance during the operations.
At 0430 an ambulance was procured and three of the wounded transfered to & field station, and at 0520, & motorboat was at last successfully hailed and the remaining wounded were embarked,
Shortly afterwards & whaler and motorboat from H.M.S.
"KINGFISHER" which was endeavouring to work from the beach close to the ship came alongside and took off parties of twenty to thirty. Use was made of "SURSUM-CORDA" in such & manner during the remainder of the forenoon, parties of men embarking onboard and being transferred to Whalers or Motorboats from the stern.
I had reported the situation to the Commanding Officer
H.M.S. "KINGFISHER" and asked him if he would take my men onboard, as I had no further use for them.
At approximately 1230 I was informed that the mole was to be used again and ships were alongside waiting and that all British troops were to proceed there, but I continued taking off stragglers where necessary. Orders were then received from "KINGFISHER" that myself and crew were to repair onboard.
In reporting to the Commanding Officer, I was informed he was returning straight to Ramsgate.
My crew were discharged to Ramsgate and ordered to report to Naval Officer-in-Charge.
I returned myself in "KINGFISHER"to assist where necessary.
Two members of my crew, Leading Seaman Whalley and Sto.
Hobbs, volunteered to return with me, but considered that they should remain for some rest and if necessary would be required for other craft later.
These two ratings were of very great assistance to me during the operation and had no consideration for themselves whatever.
"KINGFISHER" secured alongside the mole at approximately
1930, and I reported to the S.N.O. at Dunkirk informing him of the grounding of "SURSUM-CORDA" and offering to assist where required.
I was ordered to return to England again in the
"VANQUISHER" arriving in Dover approximately 0200 Saturday,
1st June.

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147
132
11
From Lieut.-Commander H.G.Boys-Smith, R.N.R.
To
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Date June 7th, 1940.
plain
Subjet:- Summarized report of part taken by ships and craft under my command during the evacuation of
Dunkirk.
th a.m.
Joined Dutch Scoot "Ewente" at Tilbury in command.
Sailed p.m. for Sheerness where vessel was prepared for ded operations.
th p.m.
Sailed from Sheerness direct for Dunkirk beaches
300.
via West Hinder Buoy in company with other "scoots".
3th 6330
When approaching Beaches was turned back by ans
Naval M.L. with orders to return to Ramsgate. Half an hour later was attacked by one salvo of bombs and machine gun fire by a German bomber which appeared to
T
be returning from the direction of England. Arrived lik
Ramsgate a.m. same day.
00
8th p.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk via Buoys U, V, #, and 6 West.
situal
Dunkirk harbour entrance was reached just before midnight.
A full load of British troops was ferried off in drifters k.
(380). Ship sailed immediately by same route. Fierce
Leh fires were blazing all over Dunkirk, lighting up the sea. Continuous distant firing was heard. Local
I
4R
ICE ADMIRAL
Ell day light an air
9- JUN 1940
the durlsping at
*
DOVER
- disauber bed toops, promium stares.

Dyram 162
158
153
The Commanding Officer,
HMS "Vernon".
From Commanding Office,
HMS "Bystander."
Isv. June 1940.
Report upon the action of seaman cook J.H.H. Elton (RM.
Patrol Service) in reseuring survivors from Hims King
Orry on 30st cllay 1940.
"
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report upon the action of man cook J.H.H. Elton. a member of the of this ship, when this ship was engaged in reseuring survivors
HMS "King Orly: when she foundared off Dunkirk at about
+5 30 th ellay, 1940.
This ship. an echo-sounding vessel was in the process refitting at Ramsgate when she was given route orders for unkink to assist in transporting troops to England.
During this operation. I arrived at Dumkink at
30 of 29th ellay 1940 I was instructed to proceed to HMS
ing Pry" and take off her arew as she was in danger of bundering as a result of a bombing raid earlier in the day.
the Commanding officer of King Drry: however, decided to attempt

159
154
beach thank her outside the harbow and I therefore left and proceeded to take on board my ship 72 soldiers
Dunkirk for transporting to england
I left Dumkirk hasbour at 0130, 30sh ellay 1940 and ountered "King Qry smiking in the fairway. The ship turned
S and pundered in about fifteen minutes, but I was le to approach her and launch the 8 ft boat with a w of two - seaman cook Elton and seaman R. Scott.
These men found that the crew of King Only were impting to swim to my ship but that they were in a ak state owing to the effects of the bombing vaids they had enienced and toof the very cold water. Elton thereupon ed into the water and supported as many of the survivors he could find while Scott rowed boatboads of men back
"Bystander: In my estimation Elton remained in the water a half-hour at first supporting swimmers and then swimming and endeavouring to recover chose who could be heard roning. On the last trip back to "Bystander, eight 02 ten were recoured as Elton was able to put survivors on
-rafts and tow them across.
I regret there was not more time at my disposal to over more men and I was aware of at least two presons

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I
187
made for the coast.
All five of us had so far crossed safely.
At 0500 arrived at beach near La Panne, and recognised it as Cupola, hundreds upon hundreds of troops waiting to be taken off. I proceeded, stopped just out off the surf and commenced towing boatloads of soldiers to Destroyers and Trawlers.
I continued without stopping for any reason until about
1200 30/5/40, when alongside a Destroyer, a voice hailed me, saying,
"Well done, motor boat, wait for me".
An
Officer wearing a
lambskin coat came on board.
He was wet through, however, he said he wanted me to carry on as I was doing and that then he would have one or two other jobs for me.
So I carried on taking off troops to ships. In the late afternoon the Officer above mentioned, whose name I then leanred was Commodore Stephens or Stevens, asked me to run him down to a certain position on the beach, and he instructed me not to do anything until he returned as he was going ashore to look for Lord
Gort, and, if he got him, I was to take him straight to England.
Enemy shore batteries were now on and off dropping heavy shells quite close. Commodore Stephens waded ashore through the surf, up to the neck in water. In an hour's time he returned, waded out again, but did not mention Lord Gort's name, and I did not ask him why he had not come.
I made a good guess.
The Commodore then ordered me to close a destroyer, and I had the honour of receiving my Admiral on board with C.O.S. ( I can't remember his name). I closed the surf to land him ly his whaler which I was towing. However, he d&d not land and I returned him aboard his ship. shells stillfalling around.
Commodore Stephens and I then carried on taking troops to ships.
Long before this I had spoken to "SILVER QUEEN" and made sure she had distributed her petrol supplies.
She disappeared about this time and I did most of the rescue work myself,
(with one or two boats from destroyers) from now on until the following afternoon. At 0100, rescued 7 soldiers from drowning.
Continued rescue work until 0200 (approx.) 31/5/40
when, being in very close inshore, I went aground; I knew the tide was rising so didn't worry, but put out my anchor astern and tried to heave her off.
Succeeded in floating her at 0400 and carried on as before.
Now I was feeling the strain somewhat, but worse lay ahead. At about 0800 strong North wind and very heavy swell, boat rolling and pitching at every turn and going alongside ships was very difficult.
Commodore Stephens now asked me to take him out to an
M.T.B. which had come in, and he asked me to continue the good work rest, alone. too much remained to be done. I might say that the
He said I had done good work, but could not allow me to
Commodore said I was "A good fellow", and on other occasions said
I was "a bloody fool". It is not my place to pass remarks about without food, was a great example to me. He helped
Senior Officers, but this Officer, without cap, soaked through, to me steer, to pass lines, to haul drowning soldiers aboard, and very often would say, "Come on the Army".
"Where have I seen you before, you are so good looking, I'm sure I know you".
Other times he cursed the lot as stupid.
I carried on after he left me and so I come to 1330 on
31/5/40. sight, and heavy shelling was taking place, suddenly the shelling
I was heading close inshore at this time, no boats in became terrific, and my Cox. called out "For God's sake get off,
Sir, look, all the destroyers have left".
It was as he said, but a small Merchant ship remained.
I closed her and saw she too was heaving up. so I proceeded after the destroyers towards
Dunkerque. the last Naval Boat. The troops had all disappeared from the
I was the last Naval Officer to leave La Panne, and beach. to the most Easterly position from Dunkerque in which our ships
I proceeded along the beach close inshore, until I came lay.
I got a very heavy boat load of troops in tow.

Dynams 232
205
192
LOG of H.M. Motor Boat LADY CABLE of Torquay during operations carried out June 2md and 3rd, 1940.
In command: Acting Sub-Lieutenant G.A. Cadell, R.N.
Cadet Rating G.R. Price
Stoke Worsall
Able Seaman or Ordinary Seaman Smith from Newfoundland,
Sunday, June 2nd, 1940.
Took over boat during forenoon from Mr. Gooding who operates boat for owner at Torquay. She had done one trip to the beaches near Dunkirk. Took on provisions, water, petrol, etc. Mr. Gooding showed Stoker Worsall the working of the engines Cylinder Atlantic running on petrol.
At about 1500 went over to Prince of Wales Pier and was then taken in tow by SUN VI, together with two life-boats and one other craft. Started for Dunkirk at approximately
1530, having been handed previously copy of Sailing
Instructions to Drifters, together with rough sketch map of course to follow. After uneventful trip arrived off
Dunkirk harbour at about 2230 and received orders to proceed in harbour and go a long way up the Mole to embark soldiers - fill up and return to tug, then go in for further loads. At times had difficulty in persuading
French troops to embark in LADY CABLE, the reason apparently being reluctance to break their units or to act without definite orders from their officer who was probably still in the town of Dunkirk. However, we took four boat loads off - each load containing between 40 and 50 soldiers.
Three loads I took to tugs and one to H.M.S. WISHART when tug was not in usual position. Spoke to tug after fourth trip and was informed that it would soon be light and that she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible and if tug could not wait, would return to England under own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting for us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped again. Noticed we were close to W.D. craft (later found to be HAIG) who I imagined from her position was watching us and would/

208
195
my left foot.
especially as I was partially incapacitated by a wound on
As we were a long way from the French coast I decided that there was very little chance of HAIG falling into enemy hands and that no doubt help would soon be forthcoming in reply to the wireless message I had asked X440 to send.
I hauled down HAIG's ensign and took it aboard LADY CABLE and we tried to make towards the English coast. Unfortunately the engine kept stopping and we made very slow progress and finally nothing would make our engine start again. We drifted helplessly for several hours and then sighted a Bell
Buoy which I believe may have been the N.W. Goodwin Bell
Buoy, but we did not get close enough to make sure. At last we sighted a warship and waved HAIG's White Ensign to try to attract stention. We were seen and the ship altered course towards us and came up close to LADY CABLE. She was the French transport ROUEN of Dieppe and was packed with troops from Dunkirk. An officer asked what I wanted and I
told him that we were broken down and asked to be taken aboard. To my surprise my appeal was met with a blunt
"No" - with no explanation, and the ROUEN steamed away.
My crew and I felt angry at this in view of the fact that we had rescued over 200 French soldiers during the night.
No doubt the ROUEN had good reasons for not taking us aboard but no explanation was given and I would like if possible to discover why she was unable to help us.
Luckily another ship some considerable distance away had noticed the ROUEN and observed that she had not picked us up. This ship was the CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH and she came up and took us in tow to the Downs where she was bound for in ballast. On arrival in the Downs where CITY OF
CHRISTCHURCH dropped anchor, we were able to start up the engine of LADY CABLE and I decided once again to try to make for Dover. However, we broke down after a run of about
15 minutes and were picked up by a tug (Operational I
don't know her name). She had orders to proceed to Ramsgate with H.M. Drifter VIKING in tow and was about to do this when we broke down near her. She towed us to the VIKING
and I boarded the VIKING to have my injured foot attended to and get some rest. VIKING and LADY CABLE were towed round to Ramsgate where we arrived about 2100. I was landed and taken to "Merrie England" and then to Ramsgate General
Hospital.
The Commanding Officer of VIKING at my request reported the return of LADY CABLE and that one member of my crew,
Cadet Rating Price was missing but might be aboard French warship X440. He also reported direct to C. in C., Dover, about HAIG. A little later, while I was still at "Merrie
England", the Commanding Officer of VIKING arrived to tell me that he had been informed from Dover that HAIG was safe.
Unfortunately he had no news for me of Cadet Rating Price.
The behaviour of my crew throughout the operation had been magnificent. The taking off of over 200 French troops and 6 British from the Mole was conducted quickly and calmly under difficult and hazardous conditions. Later,
Cadet Rating Price's work in helping to get the HAIG alongside LADY CABLE cannot be too highly praised. Without the great initiative and efficiency he displayed the operation would not have been successful and the HAIG would have drifted ashore to the S.W. of Dunkirk.
After/

OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 14m
21%
Ship: R.N.L.B. "WALTON AND FRINTON" E.M.E.D.
Written up by Petty Officer Tel.Cooley
Officer Reporting: Commanding Officer Lt.R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
Sat. June 1st. 0400
Manned Walton Life Boat RNLB - EMIND.
0500
To sea.
0536 Made to signal Station "where are drifters that are going to tow lifeboats". From signal station "go alongside".
0550 Lay off drifters. Proceeding to make enquiries as regards intentions.
0600 Small boats informed what we are doing.
0614 Secure alongside P.O. steps; Captain ashore for enquiries.
0630
Left P.O. steps.
0645 Lay off drifters.
0715 Taken in tow by drifter "Thrifty". Ships in our tow Southend-on-Sea Lifeboat
"Abdybeauclark", lifeboat Walton E.N.E.D.
Lifeboat P.E.42 "Summer" Maid" Motor Boat
"White Bear".
0725 Left Dover.
0729 Tow slipped second from end.
0733 Tow O.K. Under way - sighted South Goodwin
Light Vessel at 0730.
0900 To passing sloop "are there many more to take off".
0901 Reply "Yes".
0910
Destroyers wash parted tow.
0928
Tow O.K. Under way.
1027 Passed E. Goodwins.
1256
Captain H-M passed.
1404 Destroyer H-15 passing broke tow on last boat in line.
1407 Tow O.K. Under way.
1502 Tow broken on last boat in line.
1516 Tow O.K. Under way.
1517 3 planes attacked around. Sloop bombed.
1522 Mine sighted floating. Mine fired at.
Result uncertain.
1537 Ybonne et Moabe of Gravelin French Flag with one English soldier with Brenn Gun onboard heading England. Turned on communicating with us and headed towards Dunkirk.
(Boat just mentioned was sunk about 1615 by bombs direct hit.)
1550 Searching around among very large wreckage.
1605 Turned back for few miles while drifter reports and await results of message by W/T
regarding ship in distress further up main
1615 channel. Bombed by (about 30) many planes - 1 trawler sunk (not in our company). Bomb dropped by our trawler and broke tow throwing men in water. Men picked up. Our planes arrived.
1624 Proceeding to investigate Trawler.
1635 Air attack still on.
1640 Departed planes.
1652 Bombs heard dropping Drifters heading home without leaving orders. Tried to communicate with drifters to ask their intentions with
Aldis but could get no reply. Tried to collect small boats and motioned life-boat to stop (scored out in log "Comd. Gunner onboard") Lifeboat went on but stopped by
Aldis.
1710/

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274
0
Copy.
R.N. Chatham. Barracks,
The Commanding Officer,
H.M.S. "Crested Eagle".
Sir,
I have the honour to report that during the intense aerial bombardment of the pier, and the subsequent bombing, beaching, and burning of the vessel, all men under my control remained steady at their posts and carried out their duties with great coolness. I should like especially to report on the following men:
1e
Tilbury A.B.
Frend. A.B.
Plack, A.B.
Patrick. 0.S.
for their work in keeping the vessel alongside the quay and for assisting the wounded men to board the vessel. I have to report that an unknown A.B. or O.S. a survivor from the
"Grenade" suffering from severe facial injuries, requested that he should assist to men the A.A. guns. Being shorthanded I posted him as gunlayer and Captain of the Gun at
No.2 Pom pom. This Gun he kept in action for 20 minutes after the bombing of the vessel.
Four German Prisoners on board were of great al assistance in rescuing wounded from the damaged compartments, these men were handed over to a French N.C.O. on reaching shore.
side
Engineer Sub.Lieut. Turnbull, R.N.R. was placed in hospital in a large hotel about 2 miles East of Dunkirk.
He was badly burnt about the hands and face and suffering slightly from shock. Owing to the congested state of the beaches it was impossible to collect all survivors. All men seen were instructed to return to England by the earliest availableboat.
1.
in.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R.M. Roberts,
Lieut. R.N.R.
1035. Observed large number of troops waiting by
Zuidcoote Sanaterium and no boats or ships in immediate vicinity.
1040 Anchored in 2½ fathoms in position
Dunkirk High lighthouse bearing 237 deg. 3.25 miles.
Established communication ashore by using ship's ropes secured ashore and by using two ship's boats and two small boats salved from beach, ferried troops from beach to ship.
Owing to falling tide, shallow water and inshore swell operations were difficult and troops had to wade into 3 feet of water to keep boats afloat but by changing the boats creews for every trip - about 60 troops per hour were embarked.
During this time bombing, shelling and aerial and machine gunning took place, and gun's crews were continually on the alert and in action and embarking operations continued without a break.
Embarked about 340 troops.

2.
364
342
Greatly to the Waster's disappointment, X 213's machinery was not in a good enough condition for her to be used.
78. Owing to a misunderstending, not here, which I have been unable to trace, the motor boats which should have hours later. Suspecting that the fifth column was at work reached Sheerness from the Thames Adid not arrive until 24 Lou 30ᵗʰ hi
I informed your Chief of Staff, D.S.V.P., V.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C.s Ramsgate and Margate of the circumstances, and of my intention to ignore any such messages. No possible harm could have been done by sending boats on, at any rate as far as Ramsgate. Had these boats not been delayed, they would have been available on the last day on which evacuation from the beaches was still going on. Some of them were employed on the last two days in the vicinity of Dunkirk.
8. The type of machinery fitted in many of the boats and its defective state, presented F.E.O. and Sheerness Dockyard with some difficult problems and a great deal of hard work, which was tackled, night and day, with great zeal and energy.
Some of the boats broke down later on, much to the disappointment of their crews, who had done their best. Most of them, I think succeeded in joining other boats and making at least one trip to the French coast.
9. The total number of craft prepared for service and sent out from Sheerness was as follows:-
100 Motor Boats
10 Lighters
7 Schuits
1 Oil tanker
6 Paddle Steamers
10. On Sunday June 2nd, having got away all the personnel and everything afloat that was sufficiently in good condition to do useful service, I went to Ramsgate with Commander Troup, arriving about 1600, in order to help N.O.I.C. and to endeavour to assist in the cooperation of motor boats with larger vessels.
I went in with a group of Schuits and slow motor boats to the beach at St. Malo les Bains, where a British Officer who had just got back reported that there were British troops who had been unable to get into Dunkirk. None were found. I
have no doubt however from later enquiries that they had got into the town. A volunteer whose name I have not yet been able to get, landed from one of the Schuits and walked along the beach to make sure there were none left. We brought him off and his boat's crew, and a number of French soldiers who were pulling for England in a small boat.
Commander Troup took the fast Army motor boats into
Dunkirk alongside the centre pier and brought off 79 French troops when his boat was rammed by a French tug and had to be abandoned.
11.
On Monday night I took a group of slow otor boats up to the Quay Felix Faure, at the top of Dunkirk harbour.
I went on ahead in the fast boat "Marlborough" to identify the quay. The motor boats were led in by the "Mermaiden",
Sub Lieut who did very well to find the place in the dark. 300 French Marines were embarked in the motor boats and a French Trawler. Their bearing was excellent.
As the quay was now clear, and machine gun fire was getting a little near, I decided not to get the motor boats back on the chance of another load of troops. At had the misfortune to scrape over some masonry that had fallen this period through no fault of the Officer at the wheel, we from the quay, losing our propellers and rudder.
Sidmonth- willing (Sea cader lical

Dynams 121.
367
St. Malo Les Bains. June 2nd - 3rd.
- 345
I reached Ramsgate with Commander Troup about 4 p.m.
on the 2nd. The operations were to be for fast craft only, but hearing from a Colonel, who had just come ashore, that
2/6
he thought there were some British troops and others near
St. Malo who had not been able to get into Dunkirk, I got permission from V.A. Dover to go there with a group of
Schuits, motor boats and life boats. Commander Troup was to take the fast boats into the Avant Port and Commandant
Anduse - Faru arranged for the French motor fishing boats to go *mto St. Malo and ferry troops to a French ship and a paddle steamer. The larger ships, however did not sail, and the fishing boats went to Avant Port instead of St.
Malo. 3 Schuits and 12 motor boats were available. They sailed between 1800 and 1900. I was expecting a M.A.S.B
from Harwich and waited as long as I could for her, as I
thought her armament might be useful during our withdrawal.
As she did not come I went in the 12 know motor boat "White
Wings", Sub Lieut. Mullins. We left about 2045 and owing
2/6
to a head sea and some trauble with the starboard engine, did not overtake the slow convoy.
2.
I found the three Schuits in the appointed place between E.12 buoy and the shore and went in to close the motor boats. They had already been in and found the beach deserted. After giving one boat which had broken down to a Schuit to tow, I ordered them all to return to Ramsgate and went back to the beach to make sure no one was left behind.
6
3.
The battery of four/inch guns near Nieuport, which had been shelling a point somewhere near La Panne, where I supposed some Allied troops to be holding out, and had been dropping an occasional shell in our neighbourhood, now started to register on the Eastern Mole.
They got the range with about four rounds, and then landed a salvo, on the mole itself, these direct hits wore just short of me. Though evidently fired at entreme range, the salvo fell well together. Another round struck and sank a transport which was entering. It was now time to leave, but as it got lighter we made out S ship's lifeboat pulling off with very tired men in her. This was a party from the Schuit "Hilda", in charge of a volunteer from one of the yachting associations. I Ashou hope it will be possible to get his name. He had been and along the beach to make sure therewas no one there.
4.
There were hundreds of troops lined up on the
Mole, but it was clearly impossible for us to do anything but report. We also discovered a motor boat ashore (The
"Singapore") at the foot of the mole. The lifeboat went ashore and our volunteer waded along the beach to help her off. The boats's crew decided to wait till the tide lifted them, keeping under cover so that aircraft should think the boat deserted. As my boat drew too much to get anywhere near her, I decided to withdraw. The "Singapore" got away and returned to Ramsgate in company with the motor boat "Kitcat", which had been into Dunkirk.
who 4. were pulling for England in a small fishing boat. I
Off Dunkirk we picked up 6 French soldiers saw in the distance another of my boats towing a life boat full of troops, but I do not know her name. 8 German bombers flew out of the smoke cloud, but turned off to the westward, ignoring us. Many British aircraft were seen on the return voyage.

Dynam 195. 369
HR
Car. Troup's report
347
I left Ramsgate on the night 2nd - 3rd June in
War Ministry fast motor boat "Haig" with three other fast
W.M.M.B's. I took with me the French Naval Attache Captain de Revoir who came over to see how the embarkation was going on on the pier. I gave instructions to the Officers in charge of boats to act independently and ferry troops to ships taking a final boat load back to Ramsgate.
I entered Dunkirk harbour and proceeded alongside the centre pier and with great difficulty persuaded 40
French soldiers to come aboard. These I took to 8 big ship outside and returned for more. After loading 39
I again proceeded out and just in the entrance was rammed by a French tug on the prto beam; as the hole was a good foot above the water line I went on. I had not gone more than 200 yards when another French tug altered course and rammed me in the forecastle, cutting halfway through the upper deck and right up to the keel.
I managed to get clear quickly and took the boat alongside the "Westward ho" and got the soldiers out, one of whom got his shoulder smashed in the collision. A destroyer coming across the bow of the "Westward ho" caused her to go astern and the wash from her paddle filled the boat up with water and washed her away from the ship. Asx soon as the ship stopped I again got alongside and as it was now three oclock and the Captain had been ordered to clear out everyone else having gone, I decided to abandon the boat and get on board the ship with my crew and return to
Margate. On the way over Captain de Revoir told me there was some difficulty on the pier and suggested he should go there the following night and help. I therefore arranged to take him.
On night on 3rd- 4th I left Rangsate in the
W.M.M.B. "Swallow" at 2000, but I left without Captain de Revoir who missed the boat, arriving at Dunkirk at
2230 going straight alongside the centre pier where I
landed and sent the boat off ferrying, with orders to come back at 0330 for me.
I found I could be usef as was suggested by
Captain de Revoir in making ships fast, finding out the number of men they could take and then getting the French
Officers to help me embark the troops quickly, So I
decided to make myself Piermaster and everything else combined. The French soldiers were very loath to be separated from each other, their companies or their
Officers but by promising them they would only be separated for two hours and would meet again in England they moved quicker. I embarked at least 10,000 troops.
The French ficer Captain le Comte leChartier de Sedouy on the staff of General Lucas of the 32nd Division was very helpful and I arranged with him to take the general and a staff off with me not later than 0330, I had some qualms about the boat returning for me as her engines were somewhat groggy I instructed the Officer in the boat if he was in any doubt to close one of the other boats and order him to come in by 0300 at the latest. It so happened that he broke down altogether and told no one and it was into harbour about 0305 just at the time I was beginning
Just by luck that the motor boat which took me off came to wonder.
I would like to put on record the wonderful discipline of the French troops when the last ship left about 0300.

1594/07
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO:
Flag Officer 1/c Portland.
Dynam 353
-397
371
In accordance with your Memo No. 2912 of narrative. 6th June, 1940, I have the honour to submit the following
On Wednesday, 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina"
proceeded to Dover in company with "Topaze". During the night she became detached and reached Dover independently at 1045/30 May. The Examination Vessel was hailed for instructions, and at 1230 orders were received to proceed to the Downs, where the Examination Vessel would have our sailing orders. This ship, which was engaged in towing a steamer off the Goodwins, directed us to the Examination
Tug at the North Goodwin Light Vessel, where we anchored at 1545 to await instructions from the shore, since the
Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders were received to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of Dunkirk, to pick up troops.
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to east of Dunkirk, when visibility was very low owing to smoke clouds. Orders were then received from a destroyer to investigate a reported enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward.
Anchor was weighed at 2221, and we steamed to Bray beaches without encountering the M.T.B. Pilotage was somewhat hazardous in the intense darkness, owing to wrecks obstructing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was dropped as close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after midnight, and brought off two loads of troops totalling
32, including one stretcher case, which was put aboard a destroyer. Owing to deterioration of conditions, no more troops were embarked until daylight, when the boat was pulled ashore on two more occasions.
At about 0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of troops and ready to proceed to England, so it was arranged that "Olvina" should provide a crew for "Sabre"s" motorboat and use it for embarking troops. Accordingly, after I'm filling with petrol from "Icarus", the motorboat was manned and proceeded to tow off ships' boats and Royal Engineer's pontoon floats from the pier to vessels anchored off. The pier consisted of motor lorries driven into the sea at low water, having planks lashed to the roofs. Owing to a northwesterly breeze, which freshened to force 3/4 at 1100, only the eastern side of the pier could be used, and some difficulty was experienced in handling the boats. Probably about 300 to 350 troops were removed in this manner, of which 240 were put aboard "Olvina".
No interference by enemy action was experienced during the embarkation, although enemy aircraft were being dunes. fired at, and shrapnel was observed to burst on the sand

- 3 -
a
471
with far engines greater stopped range when than boats and planes could be detected 443 by at a that this course might profitably visibility be employed permitted. during patrols. It is submitted sound
May 31st. 1940. 1140 to June 1st. 1940. 0547.
Instructions were received to proceed to Ramsgate, rendezvous and escort small boat convoy to Dunkirk. The Convoy sailed at 1453
approximately 3 hours after scheduled time. Opportunity was taken at Ramsgate to off-load all depth charges as it was considered inadvisable to continue carrying these. The convoy consisted of
5 tugs and 5 drifters each towing between three and fifteen small boats.
The convoy straggled somewhat on the way over and when the Reutigen bouy was reached the leaders were eased down to enable the convoy to arrive together. At this time a large force of
German bombers and fighters were seen approaching. There were inumerable ships of all shapes and sizes in the vicinity and $
general bombing raid was commenced. British fighters arrived at this time and the attack became disorganised, - The bombers eventually disappearing inland.
The convoy arrived off Dunkirk at approximately 2110, S.0.6. embarked Lieut.Comdr.Nynns-Edwardes from Keith who directed the convoy to the various beaches as required.
At approximately 2315 when returning to the Keith a collision occurred with what appeared to be a medium-sized yacht.
S.0.6. was put into astern but the yacht's stern ankaing swinging round as she altered course to port stove in S.0.6. on the starboard bow fracturing several ribs and making a large out in the planking above waterline. While the damage was being inspected by the aid of a shaded torch fire was opened on S.0.6. from a German aeroplane.
On arrival at Keith General Leese was emvbarked and instructions were given to collect Lord Gort from Hebe, and to return to England dropping General Leese in Dunkirk if Lord Gort approved.
On arrival at Hebe it was discovered that Lord Gort had crossed to
Keith. S.0.6. returned to Keith and approximatly three-quarters of NK an hour later Lord Gort also arrived there. He was embarked forthwith and he and General Leese taken direct to Dover.
Considering the fact that it was the first time any of the crew had been under fire their behaviour left nothing to be desired.
June 2nd. 1940. 1201 to 1922.
Instructions were received to carry out a search for drift "Girl
Gladys" reported broken down 7 miles east of Dunkirk and for approximately 30 soldiers in an open boat about 3 miles off Dunkirk to reported aircraft. Course was set from Dover direct the Reutigen. for the open boat, subsequently to put out sea the outer by It was then intended to proceed slowly towardds to clear coast to search make another approach to the coast approximately the
10 miles of land and Dunkirk to allow for the get of the tide from and time the east of was received. Air escort had been promised causion had report to be exercised as no ships were operating off Dunkrik on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.

- 4
472
an open with soldiers was off hailed. He reported having picked with during daylight. boat in tow About half-way across a French trawler boat up for h ich Dunkirk and it was thought this might the be the boat we were searching. To make sure we barge with set were found approximately three miles from proceeded to sail Dunkirk where хихария two open boats and a Thames the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards, the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at approximately 1330.
This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charts on board. The air compressor motor was made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my lst.Lieut., SublLieut. Dehammel with instructions to sail the barge to Dover,and proceeded along the coast having opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course was set to intercept the Thames barge.
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attacked by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bombs were dropped and fell at distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
The bombers appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and having released their bombs continued their dive firing machineguns.
Course was altered frequently in an endeavour to miss the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water, some on striking the surface and a certain appeared not to explode at all.
One exploded under the bow right ahead and the ship passed through the splash. A certain amount of discomfort was experienced by myself and members of the crew who were exposed. to the splash in the x eyes for the next twelve hours or 30.
Able-Seaman Power was wounded in the leg when manning the port turrett also one of the soldiers in the fore peak. As I now had wounded on board I considered it advisable to return to Dover forthwith and to ask for assistance for the barge. A tug was sent out at approximately 2100 and found the barge sailing well about 10 miles from Dover. I consider Sub Lieut, DeHammel performed a very creditable operation. The bombing to which the ship had been subjected had caused leaks to the hull and the petrol tank and the ship was not used again for that night's operation.
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.

left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Duskinh vug. at
Vinee
2.45 2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandethe Bany, odn
550
good Yes o
-
520
From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. MacIntyre.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
28th May.
2000
Reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate.
2200
Left in Silver Moon for beaches three miles to eastward of Dunkirk.
29th May.
0800
Arrived at beaches - bombed.
Ferried soldiers to ships at anchor.
1400
No ships left. Departed for England. No charts or compass.
1800
Off Calais; shelled for twenty minutes.
2230
Arrived Ramsgate.
30th May.
?312r
0900
Took over Balaquain.
0930
Proceeded for beaches.
1300
Arrived off beaches; ferried soldiers during continued shelling.
1700
Rope round port screw.
1710
Given tow by drifter.
1730
Arrived Dunkirk; loaded up with soldiers.
1740
Left for Ramsgate.
2230
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May.
0900
Reported to Lt. Cdr. Wilson.
1600
Left in "Encore" with him for Dunkirk.
2000
Picked up soldiers in lifeboat.
2200
Arrived Dunkirk. Filled up with soldiers.
2215
Proceeded for Ramsgate.
1st June.
0545
Arrived Ramsgate.
2nd June.
1900
Took out "Santosy"; broke down; returned 2000.
3rd June.
0945
Took over "Letitia".
1630
2300
Arrived off Dunkirk; proceeded inside harbour and 9 took
Left in tow with tugs.
off troops under the orders of Commodore --
2400
Arrived alongside gunboat and embarked demolition party.
(presumably Rear-Admiral Taylor).

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m., towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend, thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to di go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them as they had been left on the beach with 8 in for the Frenchmer to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.