TNA Unclassified 1

217
205
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 3
B
SHIP:-
M.D.
AURA
OFFICER:- SUB. LIEUT. M.A. CHODZKO, R.N.V.R.
REPORT I.
1st
On Saturday, June 3rd, I received instructions to take charge of the Motor Launch AURA and proceed to a beach East of Dunkirk Harbour.
Left Dover Harbour towed by drifter GIRL GLADYS at 15.30.
Before leaving it had been reported to me that the AURA'S engine was not operating successfully, in as much that she would not come astern. As the weather appeared to be favourable there seemed no reason why the operation could not be carried out.
X
We shipped from GIRL GLADYS in the proximity of 5W Buoy and proceeded Eastwards. I was able to tow cutters from one of the Paddle
Steamers to the beach on this first trip inwards. The time was 0100 -
About 100 British troops were transferred from the shore to various vessels. The engine was giving considerable trouble so that shortly after 0215, June 4th, it failed completely.
The launch was then manoeuvred towards some Thames Sailing
Barges, and we endeavoured to repair the engine. On examination we found that a defective dynamo was causing the trouble, and as operations were ordered to cease at 0300, I decided to abandon AURA at 0245. I
transferred the crew to a dinghy which we found, and then managed to get aboard a "paddle steamer" which was getting under way. All members of my crew behaved excellently throughout the twelve hours.
REPORT II.
2nd
On Sunday, June 4th, I repaired aboard the drifter YORKSHIRE
LASS in the capacity of Skipper. I received orders to proceed to Dunkirk
Harbour. Leaving Dover at about 1515, we arrived off Dunkirk at 0000.
Off the S. Foreland Lieutenant Commander Prior, Royal Navy, was transferred from the drifter U.UTPROSIM aboard the YORKSHIRE LASS.
There was little delay in arriving alongside and we started embarking French troops before 0030. Another drifter arrived alongside our vessel so we transferred our troops and carried on loading. By 00115
we seemed to be practically full. There appeared to be no more troops on our portion of the jetty and I dispatched a soldier to see if we could collect another 50 men. Other ships were arriving alongside, so by 0130
we were steaming out of the Harbour.
During the whole operation, and during the passage, the troops behaved in an orderly manner. During the homeward passage the vessel developed a hot bearing, and as it was just daybreak, I signalled SUN XI
to take us in tow until repairs were effected. Within three quarters of an hour we proceeded under our own power and arrived in Harbour at 0830
Monday, June 5th.
The whole ships company were highly efficient in their duty, and on investigation 100 French troops and 3 British Tommies had been transported.
The British Tommies reported as having lost their division, and had only arrived in Dunkirk on Saturday.
Report ends.

348
- 325
Flare Burning Drifters under command of Caplain Cusiliary Patrol Dover.
Eileen Emma
Forecast
Gervais Rental
Girl gladys.
girl Pamela
Golden Gift golden Sumbern
Lord Howard
Lord Howe
Midas
Netsukis
Paxton
Roy Day
/ to
Shirmates lit Prosime
The Boys.
Tosbay II
yorkshire Lass.
young Mun.

Confidential.
Dynam rx"
113
From:- Captain Auxiliary Patrol, Dover.
- 326
Date:- 4th. June, 1940.
To:-
Vice Admiral, Dover.
Submitted:-
Tabulated list of F/B Drifters employed between 36th. May and 4th. June 1940.
Paxton,
Roy Boy,
/Trs
Netsukis
Eileen Emma
Gervais Rentoul
Lord Howe
Golden Sunbeam
UtProsim
Yorkshire Lass
Forecast
Girl Gladys
Torbay II
Young Mun
Lord Howard
Shipmates
Golden Gift
Midas
The Boys
Girl Pamela (sunk.)
Damaged by bombing (near misses) sinking and beached:-
Paxton,
Roy Boy.
kis Burh
VICE ADMIRAL
Captain Auxiliary Patrol.
5- JUN 1940
.
*
DOVER DO

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- 329
Malo-les-Bains, towing three Liege lake boats. Drifters of to the had been sunk by an escort vessel at
"Netsukis", "Girl Pamela" and "Lord which Howard" returned from Dunkirk with the crew
Dover Wednesday morning, landing 1600 men.
damaged transport to the Downs from "S" Buoy. Drifters returned a to entrance harbour. A/S Trawler "Kingston Olivine" towed the
"Golden Sunbeam" and "Girl Gladys" sailed for Dunkirk, three vessels
8. On Wednesday night Drifters "Yorkshire Lass", "Ut Prosim", towing motor-boats.
Thursday, 30th May.
9. 800 troops were landed at Dover during the forenoon from
Drifters returning from Dunkirk. A/S Trawler "Kingston Andalusite"
reported what was considered a successful attack on a submarine off
"T" Buoy. Drifters "Yorkshire Lass", "Golden Sunbeam", and "Girl
Gladys" filled up with troops alongside Eastern Arm, Dunkirk, and sailed for Dover. Drifter "Ut Prosim" rescued 250 men from a French
Destroyer "Barasque" sunk by shell fire. The three other Drifters landed 700 men at Dover.
Friday, 31st May.
10. A/S Trawler "Stella Dorado" reached Margate with survivors from French Destroyer "Sirocco", torpedoed off "I" Buoy.
Lieutenant T.P. Graham, R.N.R., on return in Drifter "Forecast"
reported difficult conditions, owing to swell and weather for boatwork on the Dunkirk beaches, a large number of boats being wrecked and broken down.
Saturday, 1st June.
11. A/S Trawler "Stella Dorado" was torpedoed off "T" Buoy, survivors being brought in by "Kingston Galena", as reported in my submission No.DL/250/11/AP dated 1st June 1940. All available
Drifters were ordered to sail for Dunkirk. "Netsukis", "Lord Howard",
"Lord Howe", "Golden Sunbeam", "Midas", "Golden Gift", "Girl Gladys",
"Forecast", "Yorkshire Lass", sailed. A/S Trawlers "Lady Philomena"
and "Olvina" arrived with survivors from S.S. "Prague" and H.M.S.
"Basilisk". Two Drifters, "Gervais Rentoul" and "Eileen Emma"
returned damaged and unseaworthy after collisions with other craft.
Sunday, 2nd June.
12. Drifters returned to Dover landing 1800 men. They were all brought to immediate notice for a further trip to Dunkirk.
"Shipmates", "Lord Howard", "Lord Howe", "Golden Sunbeam", "Midas",
"Golden Gift", "Girl Gladys", "Forecast", "Yorkshire Lass", sailed.
Drifters went alongside Eastern quay, filled up with troops and returned to Dover. Practically all the troops evacuated were French.
A/S Trawlers "Blackburn Rovers" and "Westella" were sunk by enemy action between "S" and "I" Buoys, as reported in my submission
No. DL/259/33/AP dated 5th June 1940. "Blackburn Rovers" had obtained a contact which was subsequently attacked by A/S Trawler
"Saon", it is considered successfully. A/S Trawler "Grimsby Town"
screened and stood by a damaged transport off North Goodwin Light
Vessel.
Monday, 3rd June.
13. Drifters returned with French troops from Dunkirk, landing at Dover roughly 1600 men. Drifters "Lord Howe", "Shipmates",
"Girl Gladys", "Midas", "Golden Gift", "Golden Sunbeam", "Forecast",
"Ut Prosim", 'Lord Howard", sailed for Dunkirk. A/S Trawler
(Par.13. "Cayton Wyke"

- 2 -
sbq
1st.
0030
(approx) Sailed for gone over to Keith. Returned to Keith.
he Crossed had just to Hebe to collect Lord Gort. On arrival - 441 found
0304
0547
Arrived Dover.
Dover with Lord Gort and General Leese.
Fueled and carried out repairs to starboard bow.
2nd.
1201
reported broken down 7 mines east of Dunkirk and
Sailed from Dover to search for drifter "Girl Gladys"
aircraft. soldiers in open boat 3 miles off Dunkirk reported by
1330
Collected occupants of two open boats off Dunkirk.
(approx) Left 1st Lieut. to sail Thames barge with approximately
240 soldiers to Dover.
1530
Picked up 18 soliders in open boat. Carried out
(approx) unsuccessful search for course drifter "Girl Gladys".
1700
Abandoned search. Set search to intercept Thames barge.
1720
Dive-bombing attack by six or eight planes.
1730
Set course for Dover as now had wounded on board.
1922
Arrived Dover.
3rd.
Refueled. Carried out repairs to bullet holes andengines.
Fuel tanks and hull seams leaking.
4th. 1255
Sailed for Portland.
2057
Arrived Portland for docking.
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.

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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.

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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.