TNA Unclassified 1

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

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

Думамо 243.
H.M.S."GUILLENCH."
259
11th,June,1940.
H.M.S. "DYNAMO" "GUILLEMOT" BETWEEN MAY REPORT 29th. OF and PROCEEDINGS JUNE 24th. DURING OPERATIONS
On Wednesday 29th. May "GUILLEMOT" received orders to proceed to SHEERNESS, and arrived there at 0700. On arrival she was ordered to embark fuel and stores and proceed to
MARGATE and act as base ship. She arrived at MARGATE at 2030, and at
2200 H.M. Schoot HORST came alongside for stores and lubricating oil.
She cast off at 2300.
On 30th. May H.M.S. "GOLDEN EAGLE" came alongside for fuel and water at 0625. At 0950 "GUILLEMOT" cast off from
"GOLDEN EAGLE", weighed anchor and proceeded alongside "ROYAL EAGLE"
to supply stores, water, and oil fuel to her. At 1100 we cast off from
"ROYAL EAGLE" and anchored. At 1840 "MEDWEY QUEEN" came alongside for oil fuel and water, and at 1950 H.M. Schoot DELTA came alongdide for diesel oil. "MEDWEY QUEEN" cast off at 2000 and "DELTA" at 2115.
At 2345 "GOLDEN EAGLE" came alongside for oil fuel and water and cast off at 0425 the following morning. During the day a supply of victualling stores was landed on MARGATE PIER for supply to ships'
companies of ships going alongside pending the arrival of stores from RAMSGATE. Signalman ALLEN was landed to assist the Signal staff ashore, which duty he performed until the ship sailed for DUNKIRK.
At 1110 on 31st.May oil lighter BRENDOR came alongside for orders as it had been arranged with N.O.I.C.MARGATE
that GUILLEMOT would take charge of all fuelling. BRENDOR carried about 30 tons of diesel oil and was extremely useful fuelling Schoots and other Diesel engined craft. Hopper W24 came alongside for oil and stores during the forenoon. At 1135 H.M. Schoot HORST secured alongside and Lieutenant SARGENT R.N.R., lst. Lieutenant of GUILLEMOT, took over command of her from Lieutenant Commander FARDELL R.N. Her crew was relieved by a volunteer crew from GUILLEMOT as her Officers and men had been three days and nights without sleep. HORST sailed at 1315.
Lieutenant SARGENT'S narrative is attached.

2.
271
During the the afternoon of the 1st.June four coal 260 barges were brought down river by a tug and secured alongside.The were later towed to RAMSGATE by H.M.Tug "SPRITE".
On lst. June "QUEEN OF THANET" came alongside for fuel and water at 0820 and "WESTWARD HO" at 0845. Lieutenant SARGENT and temporary crew of HORST returned to the ship at 0900 and the original grew of HORST were discharged to shore. "WESTWARD HO" cast off at 1040
and "QUEEN OF THANET" at 1100. As GUILLEMOT'S oil fuel was running low an oil fuel lighter was asked for from SHEERNESS. "GOLDEN EAGLE" came alongside for oil fuel and water at 1145 and cast off at 1420. During
X
the afternoon 40 rounds of 4inch H.E. ammunition were supplied to
H.M. S. "KINGFISHER".
On 2nd. June oil lighter PHERO secured at 0805 and
GUILLEMOT oiled from her. She remained alongside all day and supplied oil fuel to various ships. H.M.S. "KINGFISHER" oiled from PHERO at
1215 and cast off at 1530, when "QUEEN OF THANET" came alongside for fuel and water. At 1600 H.M.S. ORIOLE, a coal burning paddle steamer, came alongside for water and requested the loan of some stokers to assist in trimming her bunkers. Six stokers from GUILLEMOT volunteered but it was decided that only two could be spared, and lots were drawn and stokers S. HIORNS and C.SAWYER were sent. At 1700 "DUCHESS OF FIFE"
secured alongside "QUEEN OF THANET" and at 2020 "ORIOLE", "DUCHESS OF
FIFE", and "QUEEN OF THANET" cast off and proceeded. At 2135 oiler
PHERO cast off and anchored astern.
On 3rd. June orders were received to proceed to DUNKIRK
in company with KINGFISHER escorting LADY OF MAN and AUTO CARRIER
across, then to embark troops from DUNKIRK Pier and return to MARGATE.
At 1630 beef and bread for 250 men were embarked. Lieutenant
R.C. NORWOOD R.N. and Sub Lieutenant W.G.H.T. BONHAM R.N. came on board at 1800. These Officers had obtained permission of N.O.I.C. MARGATE
to accompany us as they had both had previous experience of DUNKIRK
and its approaches. They both proved of great assistance, Sub Lieutenant
BONHAM'S acurate navigation being particularly valuable.

gLT
One Wholer capsized along side from "Royal actually Begle" and elthough able to keep one of the men hims. during the sinking I I
that I the unable to revive round her to in the water I endoavoured Officer after a time 40
only two motor boats got e line to clear 100 and propeller and one of th of who Joined no it WAS conc. Unfortunately as a result "Royel 02 mon efficient help of the Second Engineer of the with immersion for over on hour I had G temporary collapse and the hand over command to Licutenant Commander Farrow Commanding had of H.M.S. "Royal Bagle" who carried on in D. \ my cool and manuer for about four hours until I was fit to take over able
During this time two more air reids Cook place and fr. DERIA
nollected 1 believe that "Royal Regle" accounted for One evidens
HER pompons, I very much regret to state that H.M.S. "Crested plano
Bagle" 1003 hit by a bomb and set on fire. I understand that
Commanding Officer tree able to beach her but she was completely gutted. I very much regret the 1030 of this ship and part of complemento H.M.S. "Crested Engle" had on excellent record EN
from. several weeks from personal contact with her officers and company, complete confidence in the ship in whatever dutyes called upon to performo I have not yet had a detailed report her casualties but am afraid that a number of valuable lives lost on board hero
On cosuming command at about 8.30 I signalled to the V1co
Admiral, Dover that I propoded remaining at anchor for the night and continuing the embarkation at down - I reported also the of power boats and the necessity for fighter aircraft defence dawns Just before dark however a minesweeper passed me and me to return, with the men I had evacuated, to Dover - I asket the authority and was told that it was from Captain Ao I order
May
"Royel Engle" to proceed to Margate as I considered that from point of view this was the best point for disembarkation. on arriving there at about 0500 on Wednesday 29th I found "Golden dutio who had apparently also been sent out for disemburication and
"Golden Regle" proceeded alongside Margate Pier before everythin me
"Royal Eagle" followed shortly before 0600. I found troops
30
had been hurriedly but most efficiently organisedo the aid disembarked and the casualties evacuated by first Lieute partied. About emoothly 700 had been carried a
General troops representations
Officer and (when staff, I I made strong Chief of Staff the power Chief) boats every and that means adequate should air protection should be that gethered was be taken to provide with provisions and water H.M.3. from who Pierothen had been as she was rather to provide 012 and was view
"Royal Engle" was supplied short of 012 enchored by engaged oiling "Golden Bagle". About 1000 "Golden Eagle"
sent to Margate I considered that should sailed urgent need and I ofor ships allowed the "Royal beaches Segle" sufficient boll
5 a second tons which trip WB only to the Just const. enough I to proceeded give her at B. Ergin signal about 1100 saying and by the
When near the West Hinder Buoy I received proceed a by "X" information BUD
were Bagle" not to proceed by "y" but were that to she had been At the him the route who WAS shond of no told me of shell fireo telling
15
30
however I was intercepted dangerous on account to on unknown unit embarked proceed I decided thet La Panno where from men field were batteries was not Englon on to a signal miting to be likely to subjected to accurate fire off La to dangerous DO proceeded firing at full speed. H.M.S. "Royal from Parme shore a prolonged but not very ship
I gun which did not coase until definitely the Separent merchant on the beach shipa at On arrival at 40 Panne W1 of considered that the, fire would be withing
Dunkirk and enchowed all BO at I proceeded about 1530 further opposite B

SECRET
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
Dynamo 132. 282
DATE
5th June, 1940.
267
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF A/A SHIPS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
MAY 31st - JUNE 3rd.
On completing discharge of the Military Units at Sheerness on May 31st H.M.S. "Royal Eagle" proceeded to a buoy and reported ready to proceed.
On June 1st at 0800 a signal was received from V.A. Dover, that all naddle minesweepers and minesweepers were to proceed
CONFIDENTIAL
Deproms. 140.
279
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
te
DATE
6th June, 1940.
7
266
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHE RNESS.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR H.M. SHIPS "ROYAL" "GOLDEN" AND "CRESTED EAGLE".
"ROYAL EAGLE". (1). Lieut. Comdr. Farrow R.N.R. Commanding Officer for coolness and ability in handling and directing his ship under difficult conditions.
(2). Lieutenant Dunkerley R.N.R. For coolness and ability in handling the ship and for inexhaustive energy and skill in organising the ship and personally assisting in the evacuation of Military Units under fire.
(3). Lieutenant (E) Helyer R.N.R. Chief Engineer.
For exceptional work outside his normal duties in organising the ship for the reception of casualties and troops and for the personal example of coolness and ability in embarkation and rescue work under. fire.
(4). C.P.O. Percy S.T. Munn C/J10033 Torpedo
Coxswain (Pensioner). For exceptional qualities of leadership and devotion to duty. The excellent morale of the ship's company and the smooth and efficient working of the whole organisation was due to a very great extent to the personal influence of this elderly. Chief Petty Officer.
(Pensioner). For coolness and good qualities of leadership
(5). C.P.O. William J. Jones C/J2950 D.S.M.
during the evacuation of troops.
ast
(6). Ordinary Seaman Miller C/JX170070. For
120
untiring care and devotion to the wounded.
"GOLDEN Lieutenant Newman O.B.E. R.N.V.R. (though On the not indisposition of his Officer) assumed command of successful
EAGLE". (1). Commanding Officer, Lieut. Newman the ship and the Senior remaining example and leadership was bombing and in evacuating through his a personal large number of years troops of under age heavy and has little real shell sea fire. This officer personal is 54 example and initiative take was undoubtedly experience, the but reason his that "Golden Eagle" was able to an om
FG"
active part in the evacuation.

- -SECRET- -
had been put were at full the disposal and all officers of the troops cabins - 1+11 all and as an bunks example the Captain's who abin had was occupied by dozen completely naked men carried swam 1700 on board.
Eagle" this
Officers assisted most I would THE the STATE
THE 1pl ne
Second Lieutena to Wilson 201 Company,
Engineers who was indefatigablein his
It is almost impossible to mention any officers ratings who were outstanding when all were excellent but or consider that the efficiency of the ship is due to a grea extent to her Commanding Officer whose to cool whom and balanced
T
was able
280
"GOLDEN EAGLE" continued.
889
(2). Lieutenant Lucas R.N.R. This officer supported Lieutenant Newman and by his handling of the shi personal efforts in berthing and securing carried out inva work under dangerous and very difficult conditions.
(3). C.P.O. James S. Seaman C/J3192 Torped
Coxswain (Pensioner). For exceptional work in organising leading the ship's company in difficult and dangerous work elderly Chief Petty Officer led every form of work and act and his untiring efforts resulted in the rescue of a very number of men.
(4). Seaman E.C. Utton R.N.R. X19617a. Thi seaman went ashore from H.M.S. "Golden Eagle" with a line organised a ferry service between the ship and shore. He exceptional coolness and ability under fire and his individual work throughout the whole proceedings was exceptional.
R.N.V.R. C/WRX84. For exceptionally good work and devoti
(5). F.J. Shirley, Acting Leading Telegrap duty.
LIIB
(6). Able Seaman Scott S.T. T.D./X1406.
coolness and ability whilst at the helm under fire.
his ship and after presence she had been set on fire by severe coolness of mind in the manner in which bombing
"CRESTED EAGLE". (1). Lieutenant Commander B.R. Booth he continuously (2). the Sub. Lieut. of R.M. Robertactions shoberts.
series of keeping attacks guns and maintaining until SI
although the severe ship bombing was on fire and out of nottenbeve control finally to be abandoned.
F
Able Seaman G. Friend C/J95190.
excellent work in (3). assisting to fire from the ship be aban face of severe air attacks until she had last to orid (4). Chief Steward Cooch (1) J.F. (T.124). CO
air extreme attack care and and with devotion the ship to finally the wounded disabled whilstand on
BBW
order of asw odg Cordeau
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL

SECRET
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
Dynamo 132. 282
DATE
5th June, 1940.
267
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF A/A SHIPS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
MAY 31st - JUNE 3rd.
On completing discharge of the Military Units at Sheerness on May 31st H.M.S. "Royal Eagle" proceeded to a buoy and reported ready to proceed.
On June 1st at 0800 a signal was received from V.A. Dover, that all paddle minesweepers and minesweepers were to proceed forthwith to the beaches and I at once went on board "Royal Eagle"
and after having embarked extra lifebelts and some rafts from the
North Wall at Sheerness the ship proceeded to the beaches via route
"X" at full speed.
When half way across a signal was received from V.A. Dover ordering "Royal Eagle" to Ramsgate to await instructions so the ship was turned and anchored off Ramsgate. No instructions were received but an Examination Vessel called alongside with a set of directions to minesweepers and paddle minesweepers to proceed to a point 1½ miles East of Dunkirk at 2200 to embark troops. I
that "Royal Eagle" was meant to htaining this I signalled that
CONFIDENTIAL
281
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR "ROYAL " "GOLDEN"
to arrive off the beaches
AND "CRESTED EAGLE".
Officer to anchor a full 1½
(s.o. T.D.D.F.'s Letter of 6th June, 1940
ve room for the ships coming ench drifter with some French arked them but by 2320 I had
II.
then some six or more al to V.A. Dover to this
COMMODORE IN CHARGE,
SHEERNESS.
weepers were to be underway resumed that this was on
-ly continuous, though in the
Forwarded, concurring with the recommendations of the Senior Officer,
Thames Local Defence Flotilla.
gistèred on a wreck a few as most of the shells fell
E just around the wreck.
1 splinters and I kept the
S much as possible.
CAPTAIN.
0" commenced to weigh but
7/6/40.
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
0 ship near them and they were as well as two seriously h was manned by naval ratings.
ches about 0330 being the last absence of boats only some 120
h had been embarked.
ess and owing to a boiler
13 steam for half speed only.
to 1320 and I at once
Commanding Officer was in a in leave and assumed command received for "Golden Eagle"
00/3 and take off troops from crossing by route "X" near"FG"
hich, after passing at some

SECRET
mánoeuvring.ne near the slightly wall fairly heavy shelling progress58.
284
outside round the bearing the port paddle had arriving the harbour was I found wounded by a splinter. was On in hemp the entrance - so as soon as I was just many clear fathoms of wreck at on with knives to to the port, I stopped and got a of the of hands and I was able to clear it. The bearing was practically number cleared light proceed though only at half speed. In the increasing of the ship was shelled from a gun position coast I picked up a Service motor launch and also a lifeboat and to the west Dunkirk, but was not hit. Soon after leaving the towed them back to the North Goodwin.
H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE" I have not yet seen the report from the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. "Crested Eagle" but from the evidence of a survivor it appears that, after I had ordered her to Dunkirk on May 29th, she proceeded alongside the eastern side of the East Mole at Dunkirk and embarked troops and casualties including many from H.M.S. "Grafton" and a transport which had both been sunk alongside by bombs. Heavy bombing and shell fire was experienced but "Crested Eagle" was unhit until the evening when she had just left the Mole to proceed home with her load of troops and casualties and was hit by a bomb in the engine room. A fire was started and it appeared that as the engines were still working slowly the Commanding Officer decided to beach the ship. Before or after she was beached it is believed she was hit again by two bombs. It is thought that only a small proportion of the ship's company were casualties but that many of the stretcher cases who were accommodated in the wardroom and after part of the ship were lost in the fire.
H.M.S. "GOLDEN" EAGLE". 1 I would like to add the following remarks in respect of th report of proceedings forwarded by Lieutenants
Newman and Lucas. Although technically Lieut. Lucas is second in command of the ship (as an R.N.R. Officer - Lieut Newman being an
R.N.V.R. Officer), Lieut. Newman has carried out the duties of
First Lieutenant and there is no doubt that the initiative and good work done by the ship during the absence of her Commanding
Officer was due almost entirely to Lieutenant Newman who took upon himself the command and was loyally supported by the two
R.N.R. Officers-Lieutenants Lucas and Dent, who did excellent work once Lieutenant Newman had decided what was to be done. Lieut. J.
C. Newman is 54 years of age and quite inexperienced in Naval matters - but I consider that the part he played in these operations is worthy of the highest commendation and I am convinced that had it not been for his leadership and initiative "Golden Eagle" would not have taken any active part in the proceedings.
I would like also to mention the goods work done by Lieut.
Lucas R.N.R. who handled the ship with great skill, and on the occasion on which the ship was in Dunkirk harbour at night. I
consider that the fact that she got out safetly was in a great measure due to his personal efforts on the springs, etc, as well as his handling of the ship.
To the list of men recommended I would like to add Fredk.
J. Shirley, Acting Leading Telegraphist R.N.V.R. C/WRX84, whose assistance of to me as Senior Officer of the flotilla and also that efficiency and extreme devotion to duty has been of the utmost rely Able Seaman Scott S.T. TD/X1406, who was the only man I could the upon to take the wheel with degree of competency during given to C.P.O. Seaman and Utton, I thoroughly Seaman R.N.R.
night visit to Dunkirk. any endorse the recommendations

T
Dyram
Copy.
nd, H.M.S. GOLDEN EAGLE through 275
iames Local Defence Flotilla.
R.N. Barracks,
Chatham.
Officer, Sheerness.
31st May, 1940.
Golden Eagle. May 29 -
940.
Sir,
On
45 ship received orders
I have the honour to report
East of Dunkirk and embark on the conduct of Tilbury A.B.
on his coolness and courage during and arrived position South of Quint intensive bombardment in evacuatingmber of men were seen troops while the ship was ablaze. EAGLE picked up all that
) and it was realised that am, Sir, picking up men. A French
Your obedient servantwithout taking any part in the hat these survivors (British
D.J.P.Davies.
RLEY who had been sunk by
Lt. R.N.R.
Ship then proceeded chored at 0035, May 30th.
de and disembarked survivors.
om Margate by route "Y"
1322 when a signal was to use route "X". Ship was about
X" route to 11" buoy, when
Commanding seem sure of his position returned en finally returned to at.21.37.
er had previously made a signal say he ival was seen by a medical t ashore.
oved off and proceeded alongside lled up with oil.
absence of any orders it was
31
decided to leave for Dunkirk.
Proceedings were then as follows:-
0742. Passed close to Dunkirk harbour entrance.
Tried to get in touch with pierhead but failed.
0807. Anchored in position 2z miles N.E. of harbour. Dunkirk High Lighthouse bearing 224 deg. 2.4 miles.
Lowered two boats and embarked about 40 troops from the beach.
Received information that more troops were further East and owing to great number of boats and facilities in present position decided that GOLDEN EAGLE would be of greater assistance further East.
1005. Weig/hed and proceeded.
1035. Observed large number of troops waiting by
Zuidcoote Sanaterium and no boats or ships in immediate vicinity.
1040 Anchored in 2/2/2 fathoms in position
Dunkirk High lighthouse bearing 237 deg. 3.25 miles.
Established communication ashore by using ship's ropea 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 aceial 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.

SECRET
Dyram
FROM
The The Senior Officers in Command, H.M.S. GOLDEN EAGLE through 275
Officer, Thames Local Defence Flotilla.
DATE
4th June 1940.
TO
gunds
The Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness.
SUBJECT.
Report of Proceedings - Golden Eagle. May 29 -
June 2nd 1940.
Submitted
On May 29th about 1045 ship received orders tp proceed to position 9 miles East of Dunkirk and embark troops.
Ship sailed at 1140 and arrived inj position south of Quint
Bank buoy about 1820 where a number of men were seen swimming in the water. GOLDEN EAGLE picked up all that remained in the water (some 285) and it was realised that two trawlers were also present picking up men.
A
French destroyer was present but left without taking any part in the rescue work.
It was ascertained that these survivors (British soldiers) were from H.M.S. WAVERLEY who had been sunk by bombs about an hour previously.
Ship then proceeded straight back to Margate and anchored at 0035, May 30th.
At 0445 went alongside and disembarked survivors.
At 1000 proceeded from Margate by route "Y"
and arrived at the Dyck buoy at 1322 when a signal was
30
received saying that ships were to use route "X". Ship was turned about and proceeded by "X" route to "W" buoy, when the Commanding Officer did not seem sure of his position and returned to "R" buoy and then finally returned to
Margate where ship was berthed at 2137.
The Commanding Officer had previously made a signal to say he was unwell and on arrival was seen by a medical officer on the pier and was sent ashore.
GOLDEN EAGLE then shoved off and proceeded alongside
H.M.S. GUILLEMOT at 2359 and filled up with oil.
At 0430 in the absence of any orders it was decided to leave for Dunkirk. Proceedings were then as follows:-
0742. Passed close to Dunkirk harbour entrance.
Tried to get in touch with pierhead but failed.
0807. Anchored in position 2± miles N.E. of harbour. Dunkirk High Lighthouse bearing 224 deg. 2.4 miles.
Lowered two boats and embarked about 40 troops from the beach.
Received information that more troops were further East and owing to great number of boats and facilities in present position decided that GOLDEN EAGLE would be of greater assistance further East.
1005. Weig/hed and proceeded.
1035. Observed large number of troops waiting by
Zuidcoote Sanaterium and no boats or ships in immediate vicinity.
1040 Anchored in 2₂ 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.