TNA Unclassified 1

From:- Resident Naval Officer, Poole,
Dynam 241.
To:- F.O.I.C. Portland.
22
Copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portsmouth.
REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISTIONED
DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO"
"SAN ANTONIO"
B
people. On first trip 270 people were taken off Dunkirk Breakwater and on Second trip 330
On second trip a dive bombing attack was made on the vossel from ahead by a Junkers
89 plane and two bombs just missed astern. The first of these was a delay action bomb. The ship experienced heavy bombardment by 5.9 inch shells whilst embarking the second time.
A
"HEBE" ( Report as written by commanding Officer)
The Dútch Coastal vessel "Hebe" was takon over by a Naval Crew on Friday 24th. May 1940
H.M.S. Hebe was commissioned on Saturday 25th. May 1940, Commanding Officer, Lieut.
A. H. Rowlandson R.N., First Licut. Lieut R.N., and a crew of 1 P.O.
1 E.R.A. 2 Stokers 1 A.B. and 4. Ordinary Seaman.
The first O eration carried out was on Monday 27th. May when TO sailed in
Company with the rest of the group with orders to evacuate troops from the Beach between Dunkirk and Ia Panne or from Dunkirk.
Hebe arrived off Dunicirk at about 0030 and I approached the beach twice but found no troops and no opposition. I turned West along the beach towards
Dunkirk, entered and went alongside the east fetty in shore, I loaded with troops all that remained there, and returned to Dover on completion with about 150 on board. No opposition was encountered.
The only casuality was & slight wound in the foot of the commanding officer H.M.S. Hebe from a bullet accidentally fired by a British Soldier on board.
The second operation began on Tednesday 29th. leaving Dover at 20.00. I
went to Dunkirk by the Calais route and although constantly searched by searchlights no batteries opened fire on the Calais coast.
Off Dunkirk I came up to H.N.S. Sursun Corda lowering a boat near the wreckage of a vessel apparently mined. One voice was heard and a mineaveeper arrived and sent over a boat I continued my course.
I passed close to the entrance to Dunkirk, the jetties and piers were deserted so I inued eastward and went ashore near & large body of British troops
I lowered the only boat and carly left and began embariting these troops. This proved to be very slow so I approached the beach and bown to the shore enabled nen to wade out and climb on board. About 300 were taken on board and ferried out to a destroyer.
I repeated this operation and took operation and took over another 300
to 350 men to the minesweeper Fitaroy. The Captain let me have two large type life
G.1
saving nets to put over the bows which assisted embaticing troops after I returned to shore.
No other large ships were lying off Dunkirk. H.M.S. Friso was embarizing troops and H.M.S. Sursum Corda was aground close in shore. I attempted to tow her
Yoff but failed and was driven onto a small Bank close to her and remained aground until 18.30
At 18.00 Geramn Artillery began sholling the sand dunes and beach, although shapnel fell over us and wounded men aboard Sursum Corda We got afloat without difficulty and oaded about 250 troops and went down towards La Panne to ass them to a destroyer there.
I remaine a there resouing men from the water embarking men from boats and pontoons the majority of these were passed to & destroyer and were suffering from exposure.
At 23. I found no more men to embark and returned to Dover without further incident with about 250 people on board.
The ship was without ater and fuel and I arrived at Dover at about 11.00
on Friday 31st. May. Wa er and provisions were embarked and I was sent to Remagate
In company with H.M.S. Fiso whose compass WILB useless owing to banbing attack.
On Sunday June 2nd. 1940 while under WAY to the fuellingJetty In
Ransgate Herbour I was ordered alongside the Pier to enbark 249 Corman prisoners to take them to Dover.
The hold was filled and about a dosen wounded were left lying on dock. The uard consiste of 36 frenc security Police and 6 cades of the O.T.C. under the
Command of a 2nd. Licut,

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

Dynam 156.
NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S.FRISO DURING
60
OPERATION DYNAMO
H.M.S. OSPREY
PORTLAND.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of
"Dynamo". events whilst in command of the Skoot "FRISO" during Operation
Sunday 26th May. At Portsmouth - ship was being wiped, swung and generally prepared for service.
Monday 27th May. Sailed fr om Portsmouth at 0500. Arrived Newhaven at 1315.
Tuesday 28th May. Repairs were effected to for'ard Capstan.
2100. Sailed for Dover.
Wednesday 29th May. 0900. Secured alongside Submarine Basin Dover.
Watered and provisioned ship.
1230. Sailed for Dunkirk towing a pulling
Boat. During the passage every endeavour was made for receiving and embarking troops. My crew worked continuously at improving ladders and guest warps, and preparing the holds.
2330 Entered Dunkirk Roads. I steamed as close to the Beach as possible from about 6 miles to the East of
Dunkirk right up to Dunkirk, but was unable to see any signs of troops. It appeared that FRISO was the first skoot to arrive in the Roads.
0030 Entered Dunkirk and secured alongside the
Mole. I then started embarking troops until the skoot "SURSOM
CORDA" secured alongside me when I transferred them across. At about 0130 I decided to commence filling my ship alternately with
SURSOM CORDA. Between 0130 and 0300 several skoots endeavoured to come alongside SURSOM CORDA, I instructed the Commanding Officer of SURSOM CORDA to tell them to berth further up the Mole. I
left the Mole at about 0315 having got onboard about 350 men and
4 officers. I arrived at Dover after an uneventful trip at about
1500 Thursday 30th May.
Having provioned and embarked water tins
I sailed again for Dunkirk at about 2100. This time I proceeded by the Calais Channel. My crew worked extraordinarily well clearing up the hold and preparing it again for more troops.
Although we were in the Beam of the Calais Searchlights for about
2 hours it appeared that we remained undetected.
Friday 31st May. At about 0245 I observed what appeared to be a fairly large derelict two funnelled ship with a slight list to port. As I approached her avoice shouted for Help, and at to the be same time the ship took up a violent list to port and appeared the but I might well have endangered the Boat and Boats crew, both The sinking. I considered lowering a boat and searching for man, urgently sunk just after I had passed her. I understand as required for the evacuation I regretfully proceeded. that SURSOM
ship who some way astern of me did lower a boat but was the unable
CORDA the was Shortly afterwards I observed a flare afterwards on water some about 250 yards on my starboard bow. At to find 400 man. yards ahead of me, almost immediately about 0415
I entered being shelled I left hurriedly. I the beach a bomb fell Dunkirk Harbour but as the Mole was completely then proceeded deserted and the the place coast was until I saw dense columns of troops cable on as necessary where I not to ground, I lowered my Boats and started to ships up.
along anchored and then then veered as much to load
An so Air as just Raid occurred at about 0630 but no damage was done in my immediate vicinity.

II.
62
(NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S. FRISO DURING
61
OPERATION DYNAMO)
Friday 31st May (contd) During the moráing one of the Beachmasters came off to me and endeavoured to persuade me to beach the ship so as to lead quicker, pointing out that two other smaller skoots
(HEBE & SURSOM CORDA) were doing so very successfully. As it was now a falling tide with an onshore wind I refused. For this I
was later very glad as both other skoots shor tly afterwards became stuck on the beach and were unable to get off. (HEBE came off at the next high water. During the forenoon I hailed a large motor driven pleasure boat, got him alongside me and transferred
250 men to him. By about 1230 I had onboard 648 men and space was extremely cramped. I had delayed my departure hoping that a destryyer or other fast craft would appear and take my load from me so that I could fill up again. However as another skoot appeared
I slipped my anchor (the capstan being again defective) and sailed.
Just as I was about to leave Dunkirk Roads I was hailed by a Fleet
Minesweeper and ordered to tow a Drifter full of troops to Dover.
By 1330 the Drifter was in tow and we were proceeding at about
5 knots. At approximately 1400 a Heinkel appeared out of the low cloud and at a height of 350 feet released a large bomb, probably
500 lbs, and as he passed over he opened fire with machine guns.
The bomb fell on my Port quarter between me and the Drifser.
Luckily the Bomb exploded below the surface and beyond violently shaking both ships no xjer major damage was done. The force of the explosion caused my compass to jump out of its gimbals.
Certain damage was dome to Auxiliary Machinery in the Engine Room.
After we had been proceeding for about half an hour we were shelled by the Nieuport Battery. As the third salvo straddled us I decided to risck the navigational dangers and cut across the snadbanks so as to present the minimum target and to open the range as fast as possible. Luckily the Enemy never found the range again. Thick fog was encountered at about 1830.
On making the North Goodwin Light Vessel I discovered that the Shaking up had caused a 30 dgree error in the compass.
During the oassage through the Downs the tow parted on several occasions due to the wash of fast moving vessels.
At about 0100 on Saturday 1st June I was about 1
cable from the entrance to Dover Harbour when I was bombed again.
This time it was only a very small bomb, which although a very near miss only wetted the troops on the port side aft. There were no casualties from machine gun fire. At 0130 I secured alongside Admiralty Pier Dover. At 0230 we shifted billet and secured for the night for which I was very grateful as we had been running continuously for over three days and I had had no to the Engine and provisions and water were embarked. At sleep for 90 hours. On Saturday temporary repairs were effected 1700
I proceeded to Ramsgate with HEBE in company arriving Harbour. at 2000, where as I could not anchor I secured in the Inner
On Sunday and Monday 2nd & 3rd June respectively permanent repairs were effected to the Engine and Capatan. were When all skoots were brought to immediate notice in case they required again it was decided that FRISO was not sufficiently reliable and so was left in the Inner Harbour.
I cannot speak too highly of my crew who worked without break. The 0 nly men being onboard at the were continuously, and on Friday were in the Boats for 7½ time hours my First a Lieutenant one seamen and the E.R.A. and myself.
I have the honour to be,
VICE ADMIRAL
Sir,
0JUN1940
Your obedient servant,
*
*
DOVER
B
Gene Lymmus.
Lieutenant.
To the Vice Adminal
Royal Navy.
Dorn.