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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 Lord Hood. Tags are exact matches from this collection’s OCR tag index. Clear vessel filter ×

6 matching pages. OCR may contain transcription errors.

List page 1 of 1 Showing document pages 327–664 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

418 Page 418 Log in to enlarge

332
-2-
310
British and dropped on Dunkirk anti-aircraft (one guns were in action, heavy bombs
During German the aircraft, embarkation an aerial battle was in progress between were being out), and in the basin near the paddler's stern when she was and going burnt out wreck a of large fire was seen to break out in the Docks.
The split well as a sunken a British destroyer was lying alongside the
East Pier water. as A sunken trawler with her White Engaign still flying just above the paddler and a troop ship with two large leaks in her side were lying off the entrance.
On the return passage soon after rounding No. 5 Buoy, three enemy planes were seen which dropped some bombs round the "MARE". These must have been of small size as they made very little splash.
After passing the Dyck Bank Buoy four or five heavy bombs were seen to fall round ships on the same course about two miles ahead, which included
"THREE KINGS" and "UNICITY". A salvo of seven bombs in line was dropped, and soon afterwards a pair of enemy planes appeared over the "MARE" and "TWEENWAYS"
which were chased off by a British fighter.
2100. The tow rope of the "TWEENWAYS" boat, which was being towed astern of a ship's lifeboat carried away, and as it was getting dark with fog setting in, thought it advisable not to waste time in recovering it and told the
Skipper to carry on.
June
2200. Went alongside at Ramsgate and discharged troops.
Lieutenant J.I. Cruickshank, R.N.V.R. of "SARAH HIDE" reports that he sailed at 1330, 31st May, in company with the "STRIVE" and other vessels for
Dunkirk.
"At 1920, when in the Dunkirk channel, a force of about 25 enemy bombers with screen of fighters was sean approaching from the East at a height of at least 1200 feet. When almost overhead they were attacked by a squadron of British fighters and during the fight that followed four planes crashed in the sea, of which three were identified as German.
I would estimate that 80 bombs were dropped and the only casualty observed in the large number of small craft about was that one drifter "LORD
HOOD" had a fractured steam pipe. The nearest bomb to "SARAH HIDE" was
50 yards. Four bombs were seen to give off a yellowish green vapour gas and must have been of light weight as there was very little spray.
The boats were sent away to the Malo Les Bains Beach at 2135.
Salvos of heavy shells were bursting on the beach at intervals of about
10 minutes. At 2300 the range was increased and shells fell amongat the shipping waiting off the beach. "SARAH HIDE" moved 300 yards West.
alongside At and 0015, the civilian in charge stated that he had been unable to locate
1st June, a motor boat with two lifeboats in tow came any soldiers on the beach. The boats were then made fast astern.
smacks put 5 Officers and 95 men on board at search 0145 and one Four fishing her rudder was smashed. A thorough small craft was made smack in the was vicinity, taken in but tow as as no other tugs, drifters, or other could be found it was decided to return to Ramagate.
of three bombs each were dropped astern channel. and close to
"SARAH HIDE's" Three port salvos quarter as we proceeded down Dunkirk 19 Jun
The troops were landed at Ramsgate at 0850.
Continued:

424 Page 424 Log in to enlarge

Dyram 100
339
From Actual A. 317
RNVR.
To. Captain H.M.S. Veriou
H.M.S. "VERNON",
Blulel uss
Portsmouth.
6th June 1940.
H.M.S. "VERNON,"
311
PORTSMOUTH.
8th June, 1940.
Report of Movements of "DORIENTA" and
"BEN LUCY".
unit the following ifters *HEN & LUCY" and
136/49.
a to Tuesday, June 4th.
VICE ADMIRAL,
OVER.
rs received from
(Copy to:- The Commander-in-Chief, sailed from "VERNON"
Portsmouth).
29th May aboard *300 &
nd for Ramagate.
ful, the visibility Tory
Submitted with reference to
May we passed Dover onfidential Portsmouth General Order 1700
arbour at 1645. I
ge and was told to stand en until the following a.
Maelon
May I received orders pulling boats in tow,
: small craft). No
CAPTAIN.
:eed was adjusted to the
Loh was necessarily slow.
1 of the West entrance to
VICE AD MIRAL 1940
10 of enemy bombers at high altitude; they driven off, but not ad been dropped mong the
DOVER
R
to observe that two
.D. "LORD HOOD" (this
"FAIRBREEZE" which I
this attack I angaged one guns, the destruction one of our fighters, ged and No proceeded into to the East of Dunkirk harbour at 2100, approaching the shore to a depth of three fathoms. I ordered both my vessels to ship their boats fatorment the boats in shore with instructions to return obe parent ships if possible.
when the was now dark, and when the heats were inshore
D beach smenced shelling the beach and the bay, 1
to sant my ship moving and instructed "DORIENTA"
as soon SA she N&S loaded.
sed then hailes then hailed by H.M.D. "PRASABLE", It. Turner
11, Iquested & nequested & tow as his angines had been in with shell, I racshell, I replied that I would do SQ as soon with sso shd with troops.
ps.
turning four misty four boats were returning I observed that
S were one was

425 Page 425 Log in to enlarge

Dynam. 124
339
From Acting Ar.
To. Captain H.M.S. Veriou
RNSR.
H.M.S. "VERNON",
Portsmouth.
6th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of the movements of H.M.Drifters "BIDIV & LUCY" and
"DORIENTA" from Wednesday, May 29th to Tuesday, June 4th.
In accordance with orders received from
Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, I sailed from "VERNON"
North Pier at 2400 on Wednesday, 29th May aboard "EIGN &
LUCY", "DORIENTA" in company, bound for Ramsgate.
The passage was uneventful, the visibility very bad. At 1405 on Thursday, 30th May we passed Dover arriving at anchor off Ramsgate Harbour at 1645. I
reported to Naval Officer in Charge and was told to stand by day. for orders, which were not given until the following
Friday, 3180.
At 1350 on May I received orders to proceed to Dunkirk taking four pulling boats in tow,
("DORIENTA" in company also towing small craft). We proceeded by route 15 W. Our speed was adjusted to the remainder of the large Armada' which was necessarily slow.
At 2000 we were just to the North of the West entrance to
Dunkirk channel when a large force of enemy bombers attacked us from the East flying at high altitude; they were engaged by our fighters and driven off, but not before a large number of bombs had been dropped among the assembled shipping. I was able to observe that two vessels were struck, namely, H.M.D. "LORD HOOD" (this vessel was towed back) and H.M.D. "FAIRBREEZE" which I
was informed was sunk. During this attack I engaged one dive bomber with our two machine gune, the destruction of this machine was completed by one of our fighters.
Neither of my two units was damaged and we proceeded into the channel arriving off the bay to the East of Dunkirk harbour at 2100, approaching the shore to a depth of three fathoms. I ordered both my vessels to sRip their boats and sent the boats in shore with instructions to return to their parent ships if possible.
It was now dark, and when the boats were inshore the enemy commenced shelling the beach and the bay, 1
therefore kept my ship moving and instructed "DORIENTA"
to return independently as soon as she was loaded.
I was then hailed by H.M.D. "FEASABLE", It.Turner
R.N.V.R. who requested & tow as his engines had been disabled by & shell, I replied that I would do so as soon as I had filled with troops.
As my four boats were returning I observed that one was

663 Page 663 Log in to enlarge

TLA& OFFICER IN CHARGE IN
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the employed on Operation "Dynamo".
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst
30.5.40.
2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
31.5.40. 1500.
Arrived Ramsgate and received orders to proceed to
Dunkirk forthwith to assist in evacuation of troops.
31.5.40. 1515.
Flotilla sailed for Dunkirk.
1900.
On approaching Dunkirk Roads, Flotilla vas subjected to intense bombing attack by about sixty enemy bombors.
Consequently, I gave the order to "scatter".
Drifter "Lord Hood" was severaly damaged by & "near riss",
Three casualties, one seaman being killed outright, and two wounded. I took "Feasible" alongside "Lord Hood* and removed the C.Bs, the Ship's Company having been picked up by
"Alcmaria".
After ascertaining that nothing further could be done and nobody left on board, I ordered flotilla to take up formation again and proceeded into Dunicirk. Themy bombers had in the meantime been driven off by British Pighters Sub ships coming under heavy gunfire from shore batteries.
2000.
Secured alongside North Pier, Dunkirk with twelve ships and proceeded to embark troops.
2030.
Orders were received from a Commander R.N. ashore to discontinue embarkation and proceed out of harbour to piok up troops from North Beaches.
Five ships, being already filled with troops, were ordered back to Ramagate,
The remaining ships followed me out of harbour to the Beaches,
From then onwards, ships worked independently, returning to Ramagate then full and back to Beaches for more, This continued throughout the night and the bllowing day and night of lat/2nd June when all drifters were ordered by the Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate to leave Dunkirk by 0300, 2nd June, empty or full. Plotilla anchored in Ramsgate Roads awaiting further instructions,
4.6.40.
0600.
"Alcmaria" with "Genius" in tow and "Swift Wing* with
"Feasible" in tow, under the command of Sub. Ideutenant 5. 1. Mann,
R.N.V.R., were ordered to proceed to Yarmouth. They arrived
Yarmouth, 5th June.
5.6.40.
1300.
I received orders to proceed with remaining ships to
Yarmouth, arriving Yarmouth, 6th June,
The following ships took part in the Operation:
M/S Drifter Motilla.
Skipper.
J. Finlay.
"Feasible".
G. Prosdick.
"Swift Wing".
G. Hatton.
"Reed".
J. Sims.
"John and Norah".
J. Green.
"Genius".
A. Offord.
"Alcmaria".
J. W. Lawn.
"Lord Hood".
1.

664 Page 664 Log in to enlarge

BLS
548
"Lord Barham".
Skipper.
C. Masterman.
"Overfalls".
If
D. Miller.
"Jeannie MacIntosh".
If
J. Nicholson.
"Gula".
If
A. W. West.
"Rewga".
#
J. Macauley.
"Taransay".
#
G. S. Peak.
Lieut. A. H. Turner in "Feasible" - Group Officer.
Sub. Lieut. L. W. Mann in "Genius" Unit Officer.
Casualities and damage received during the Operation 1.
"Lord Hood".
Damaged by "near miss" bomb.
Engines disabled.
"Feasible".
Near miss - shell. Engines disabled.
"Genius".
Explosion under stern - unknown. Engines disabled,
All ships received a certain amount of superficial damage due to splinters and concussion which in several instances put the deganssing circuits out of action.
Remarks.
I cannot pay too high a tribute to all the Officers and ships companies concerned. During the course of the operation, the personnel were on continuous duty for more than 36 hours during which time we vere being exposed to constant attack by enemy bombers, shore batteries, mohine guns and enemy M.T.B's. flying the White Ensign.
Navigation, especially at night, was extremely hazardous is no charts of the locallity were available at such short notice, and 1 consider a splendid example of team work, commonsense and initiative was displayed by the Skippers in bringing all ships back to Ramagate din conclusion.
It is very hard to pick out any individual for special mention where all did so well.
I regret to have to report the undermentioned casualties which occurred in "Lord Hood".
Killed:-
J. P. Reed, Seaman. Official No.JX.173103.
Severely
J. R. Purland, AB/ST.
.
wounded:-
D/J. 32592.
Wounded:-
L. Wills, Sea. cook.
#
18. H.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, a
LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
The Naval Officer in Charge,
H.M.S. "Watchful",
Great Yarmouth.