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TNA Unclassified 1

TNA Unclassified 1
Collection details

TNA Unclassified 1

A working collection of Operation Dynamo source material whose definitive National Archives catalogue reference is still being identified.

Holding archive
TNA
Collection reference
Unclassified 1

Source: The National Archives, Kew, Unclassified 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Showing only pages tagged with the vessel name JOHN CATTLING. Tags are exact matches from this collection’s OCR tag index. Clear vessel filter ×

10 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 1 of 1 Showing document pages 327–612 of this collection
Page ImageOCR textOCR tags
327 Page 327 Log in to enlarge

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
X3+30
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 107. 447
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 68 405
M.T.B. 67, 443
M.T.B. 16,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
CHICO
D.C.M.B., 484
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 476
M.A.S.M. No.7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8.V487
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
493
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
WEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
TARANSAY

580 Page 580 Log in to enlarge

Department 38. G.D.309/58
SECRET.
-
46496
467
5th June, 1940.
To: The Dover. Vice Admiral,
Report of Operations Carried out by Ships
Under the Command of Commander M/S, Dover during the period 26th May to 3rd June in accordance with V.A.D's 2050/4.
I have the honour to report the following operations carried out by M/S Vessels under my command during the period
26th May to 4th June, 1940.
The list of vessels employed in these operations is as follows:-
LL TRAWLERS.
Thomas Bartlett."
Inverforthx
Lord Inchcape.⁴
Our Bairnsk
Lord Grey x
Clythness.x
Relonzo. *
Restrivo.
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
Botanic. Dankink
Marettax FyldeaX not of Dunkisk
Arleyx
Polly Johnson.
Brocks
CalviX
John Cattling.
DANLAYERS.
Gulsar.*
Grey Mist.)
Sargasso.r
Comfort.*
Nautilus
Starlight Rays
Thomsons.
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
Conidaw.
Chico. X
(Continued over).

585 Page 585 Log in to enlarge

5th June, 1940.
G.D.
501
-
formander W.V.H. Harris
C.M.S.
Command and organisation of 472 all
M/S Forces ashore and afloat.
;ieutenant R. Bill.
Asst. to C.M.S. 2 Andresselles. 1 Dunkirk
(6 ships).
Lieut. G. St. C. Rideal.
Operations Staff. 1 off Boulogne and
Calais W/T Link.
Lieut. C.L. Lambert.
Operations Staff. 1 Dunkerque (Medway Queen)
3ub. Lieut. D.G. Rattle. /
Operations Staff. Chico. Off Dunkirk for
Life saving duties
Pay. Sub. Lieut. Matthews.
Operations Staff. Conidaw.
ditto
Lieut. Cmdr. A.A.Martin.
Gp.Cmdr. "LL" 2 Dunkirk Roads "LL".
Continuous "LL" off Dover.
tieut. Cmdr. P.F.Cammiade.
Gp.Cmdr "Oropesa". 1 Calais (Botanic &
(Maretta.
}
Lieut. W.E. Gelling.
Gp.Cmdr. "Skids". 1 Dunkirk (Comfort &)
(Nautilus )
Lieut. L.J. Wyatt.
D.Y. Officer.
Lieut. H.S. Warren.
Pier Master.P. O.W. 1 Medway Queen - - Dunkirk.
Lieut. J.K.M. Warde.
1 Buoy laying operation. / to DUNKERQUE AND
/ To BEACHES.
Lieut. W.R. Hutcheson.
2 Trips - Starlight Rays - Dunkirk.
Lieut. C.B. Sharp.
Sick.
Sub. Lieut. M.R. Mills.
1 trip Calais - Maretta, 2 Dunkirk - Sargasso
Sub. Lieut. J.C. Fegen.
1 trip Gulzar, 1 Conidaw, 1 Conidaw (Lifesaving).
Sub. Lieut. K.H.G.Roberts.
1 off Calais 26th - Brock. 1 Dunkirk and beaches.
Sub. Lieut. F.L. Perkins.
2 Sargasso Dunkirk.
Sub. Lieut. R.L. Hippisley.
1 Sargasso, and also with Captain A/P.
Lieut. M. Eynon.
Gulzar.
Sub. Lieut. W.G. Lloyd.
Dunkirk in John Cattling.
Sub. Lieut.AEveritt.
1 off Calais, 1 Dunkirk - blown up - wounded.
Sub. Lieut. M.Thompson.
1 Calais - Conidaw.
Sub. Lieut. R.E. Weale.
2 off Calais = Grey Mist.
Sub. Lieut. R.E. Evans.
Gulzar then sick.
Lieut. C.V. Brammall.
5 Dunkirk, 1 Andresselles, 2 Calais.
Lieut. C.C.L. Gaussen.
3 Dunkirk.
Sub. Lieut. W.V. Liddall.
1 Boukogne W/T link. 1 off Calais.
Sub, Lieut. J. Mason.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper R. Snelgrove.
1 Calais, 1 Dunkirk, 1 lifesaving party.
(Contd over).

587 Page 587 Log in to enlarge

-3-
adpper Lieut.
Robinson.
503
Arley.
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
;kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brook.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
$kipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
Ekipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
skipper
S.Bindler,
B.D. spindler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
pipper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunicipit.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais ID.
Skipper.
Stather.
Playmates.
1 off Calais.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
w of individual Officers.
Thompson.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Skipper.
Willing Boys.
1 Plushing, Calais,
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

590 Page 590 Log in to enlarge

-2-
347/58.
506
Name.
Ship.
Rank or Rating.
508
SARGASSO.
30-1/6
Charles L. Gaussen. Licutenant R.N.V.R. (Commanding 477 Officer)
For constant devotion to duty under
1011
Dunkirk and beaches, returning on each conditions whilst operating three trips trying to/
Trup occasion with a full load of troops.
LORD GREY.
J
John A. Simson.
William Tiller.
Lieutenant R.N.V.R. (Unit Commander).
2nd Skipper R.H.R.
Malcolm McLeod.
2nd hand.
20ap
Ivan Lennox.
Chief Engineman.
northisp
William Palmer.
Ord. Seaman.
For gallantry and devotion to duty under very trying circumstances experienced whilst embarking troops at Dunkirk Harbour.
JOHN CATTLING
/
Following extracted from Skipper G. Aldan's report:-
"I have the honour to submit the following ratings names, as deserving recognition for conspicuous misli dark when she gallantry displayed" (See Lieutenant Robert Bill's report No. 5a).
wnt huther for the mat
Charles Adams.
2nd hand. LT/JX 173276.
William W.Jefferies. Chief Engineman. H.O.
Arthur Baul.
Stoker P.O. (Pens.D/K 737 Pen.No.26717
in
Ernest RichardA Emery. Wireman.
BROCK.
William A. Moss.
A.B. (Gunlayer). R.F.R. J86490.
Herbert C. Bidle.
2nd Hand. 46SD.
Francis Greenhill.
Sto. P.O. C/K14122.
Behaved with great gallantry under hazardous and trying conditions in Dunkirk Harbour.
30-1/6

591 Page 591 Log in to enlarge

347/58.
-2-
506
Ship.
Name.
Rank or Rating.
477
SARGASSO.
/
Charles L. Gaussen. Licutenant R.N.V.R. (Commanding Officer
3 Kip 30-1/6
For constant devotion to duty under trying conditions whilst operating three trips to/
Dunkirk and beaches, returning on each occasion with a full load of troops.
LORD GREY.
J
John A. Simson.
Lieutenant R.N.V.R. (Unit Connander).
William Tiller.
2nd Skipper R.N.R.
Malcolm McLeod.
2nd hand.
hip 20ap
Ivan Lennox.
Chief Engineman.
400 hap
William Palmer.
Ord. Seanan.
For gallantry and devotion to duty under very trying circumstances experienced whilst embarking troops at Dunkirk Harbour.
JOHN CATTLING
/
mate gark when Dumarks she there rip - mymenterin
Following extracted from Skipper G. Aldan's report:-
"I have the honour to submit the following ratings names, as deserving recognition for conspicuous gallantry displayed" (See Lieutenant Robert Bill's report No. 5a).
what further til the for mat hig, /
Charles Adams.
2nd hand. LT/JX 173276.
William W.Jefferies.
Chief Engineman. H.O.
Arthur Baul.
Stoker P.O. (Pens.D/X 737 Pen.No.26717
m
Ernest RichardA Emery. Wireman.
William A. Moss.
A.B. (Gunlayer). R.F.R. J86490.
BROCK.
Herbert C. Bidle.
2nd Hand. 46SD.
Francis Greenhill.
Sto. P.O. C/K14122.
Behaved with great gallantry under hazardous and trying conditions in Dunkirk Harbour.
Ship.
hip 28ap
400 thorp 400

608 Page 608 Log in to enlarge

-4-,
520
-
491
heavy type. They could be quite easily seen as they fell and
The bombs dropped during the raids appeared to be of a
7
waves of about two or three, releasing two bombs at a time, which looked about the size of a 15" shell. The bombers attacked in prolonged the period and disorganised the embarking and tended to cause panic. Most of these bombs fell within 70 yards of the trawlers. The ships were also attacked with "cannon". This was not noticed at the time due to the intensity of the bombing, but
1/2 inch iron shells were picked up afterwards.
The behaviour of all Officers and men was at all times exemplary, and at no time did I notice any man shew any disinclination to do his utmost or shew any sign of panic even when others were paniding. I would like to mention Skipper Lieutenant Lake, whose ship was badly damaged. He retained complete control of his men and assured me that he would take his ship back to port if it was possible. This afterwards proved to be impossible, and her crew were taken off by "Arley", who fired two rounds into her and left her to sink.clear of the channel. "Arley" was not able to fire again as she was attacked by bombs.
Lieutenant Warde and Sub. Lieutenant Roberts R.N.V.R.
were also of the greatest assistance. They supervised the placing of the ladders of the foremost group and throughout the whole period remained cheerful, and encouraged their men.
I subsequently discovered that the "John Cattling" vas detained in Dunkerque by the Piermaster and remained there until dark, where, inspite of further bombing, she carried out the most useful work.
I authorised provisions and rum to be issued in moderation to survivors and troops, and morphia to the seriously wounded, at the discretion of Commanding Officers.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Lieutenant R.N.

609 Page 609 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 609
FROM: GROUP OFFICER "LL" TRAVLERS. Depairs G.D. 522
DATE: 28TH MAY, 1940. No: 3 3.493
TO: COMMANDER M/S.
OCR table 2 from document page 609
Grenade tlett" stern, close
Jaguar (Left after 1st raid) 1st OOTO Fynella. ed her e picked
A - Polly Johnson Channel gunfire
B Brock. :000 Crested Eagle
c Fyldea. (borthed after ⑇⑉ raid)
D Calvi E John cattling F - Arzey. 000 inst our
e owing for
Canterbury bury. (left after 2ⁿᵈ raid) lett's"
French Destroyer (Laft after 1st raid)
610 Page 610 Log in to enlarge
OCR table 1 from document page 610
FROM: GROUP OFFICER "LL" TRAWLERS. Dyrams G.D. 522
DATE: 28TH MAY, 1940. No: 3.493 3
TO: COMMANDER M/S.
612 Page 612 Log in to enlarge

Dynamo ME
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. $404
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May proceed 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday head to seaward Garry" I in tow out of harbour. After transport steamer up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the then was ordered to tow transport out, turning had gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre. as I
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and while towing the her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead steamer came astern with engines.
This operation would have taken the vessel harbour cannot all clear stern first, but for some reason, which out of the explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing I
towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by wiring the lengthened of which towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to us go full
I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying both speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I re-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troops coming along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).