TNA Unclassified 1

a
188
At this time a terrific aerial battle was on, shells from shore batteries were falling around and bombs dropping all over the place in close proximity. As I was towing this boat I saw a bomb hit the pleasure steamer "PRINCE OF WALES". I closed her and took aboard two badly wounded Officers and two ratings.
I offered to go aboard as she was sinking slowly, but was told only two dead remained on board.
Just before this, ordinary seaman Purbrick fell overboard from exhaustion and I picked him up somehow.
My Cox. was sleeping on his feet on and off and the two others lay down and stood up as strength permitted. The C.O. of the "PRINCE OF WALES", although covered in blood, offered to try and steer the boat.
I then saw a man swimming naked in the water.
Stopped and got him.
Next a heavily loaded boat of soldiers turned right over close inshore, and left the men struggling in the water. I
got down to them and rescued the lot personally hauling them aboard with my crews feeble assistance.
While doing this, I got a rope round my Starboard screw and fouled the rudder. I now had a full load of soldiers on board (six wounded) a full boat load towing and soldiers clinging to the stern.
With what I thought was the last of my strength, I got my launch alongside a lifeboat and from there hauled her hand over hand, by means of a grass rope, up to the sloop "MOSQUITO". I then discovered the lifeboat's propeller was also fouled.
Neither
I
nor my crew could clear the propeller, so I boarded "MOSQUITO" and asked the 1st Lieutenant to send someone to do so.
Meanwhile,
I
went below for a cup of tea. I came on deck in fifteen minutes, but the rope could not be cleared I was told.
Air battle still in progress with bombs dropping all around.
I then with difficulty closed the yacht "GALETA" and asked her to take me in tow. The C.O.'s ship was in a very bad position with regard to German shore batteries, nevertheless, he wanted another boat load of troops before leaving and asked me to try and close the beach and get one.
I said I would, but asked him to watch out for me in case
I got ashore.
I proceeded towards the beach just then coincident with an explosion of some kind.
The launch seemed to rise from the water, fall back, rise again and fall back.
I could only move slowly now and I saw the yacht was drawing the fire from shore. One of the crew called out that the yacht was signalling me. I looked round and saw she was signalling me.
With great difficulty I got alongside and made her fast for towing, then slumped on the yacht's deck, stupified with exhaustion, want of sleep and food, I suppose.
Unfortunately the tow rope parted a few minutes later.
The C.O. of yacht objected and rightly so to going back to the shealed area with his ships and troops on board.
So the "TRITON" was left afloat with a rope round her screw and a badly damaged stem and stern.
I regret exceedingly that I did not get her home again for various reasons.
It was about 1840 31st May, 1940, when my activities ceased.
I had been on my feet from 0700 29th May, to 1840 31st May, 1940, in a small craft, without sleep and the only food eaten from 2000 29th
May to that time was one tin of herrings, ont tin of bully beef and between five and two slices of bread each also four cups of tea without sugar.
We simply had not time to eat.
A few more remarks and I finish.
I was the only
Commissioned Officer (excluding Commodore Skippers) who was constantly in the boats at La Panne.
I took off more troops than I can remember there - scores and scores of boat loads and I venture to say if my boat had not remained there to the last, hundreds would never have got away.

_203
LAUNCH "TRITON"
à
190
Lieutenant R.H. INVING, R.N.R.
3, KNITH. Sea. Cox.
J.STEPHENS. Ord.Sea.
D. STMPSON. B.R.A. (uttorly useless)
0. GLYNN. Ord.Sea.
F.G. PURBRICK. Ord.Sea. (fell overboard and had to put him on "MOSQUITO"
suffering from cold and shook).
I was at Sheerness as No.1 of Dutch Scoot "PRINCESS JULIANA"
Wednesday 20th May 1940, was instructed to proceed from Sheamess to
Ramsgate in charge of 13 Launches, various kinds and speeds - handed over
12. Left Sheerness about noon Wednesday, 29th May.
Arrived Remagate about 1930
Left Remagate about 2150
for Cuploa near La Panne with 9 Launches.
Very vague instructions about La Panne and was not definitely informed whether British troops were actually there. Had bad visibility and did not know exact position but made Cuploa 0500, Thursday norning only 5 launches arrived in company, others broke down and returned to
Ransgate. Launch "SILVER QUEEN" was of great assistance.
From 0500, Thursday, 30th May to about 1700 Friday, 31st May
I towed or picked up hundreds of troops and transferred them to destroyers, scoots etc. Launches not equipped with proper towing topes and crew very unsemanlike. Had to steer and make fast myself. Commodore Stephens used my launch and participated in taking off troops, no one at Cuplos to give to instructions.
I worked all Thursday night and carried on until 1330 when ship was shelled heavily and all ships proceeded towards Dunquarque and I was last to leave Cuploa under heavy shell fire.
I proceeded towards Dunquerque along the beach and on arriving at extreme west end of Dunquerque beach a heavy air attack and fire from shore batteries was falling all round. I took the most westerly boat in tow and when looking round to find a near ship, saw the large launch "PRINCE
OF WALES" struck by a bomb, I proceeded with the boat I had in tow towards her and found 4 survivors very bedly wounded ready to take off. Two others were dead on board. On the way to the sloop "MOSQUXTO" with survivors I
resoued soldiers from drowing whose boat had sunic close ashore. While doing this my starbcard propeller get fouled and I had a terrible job to get to the sloop "MOSQUITO" with troops and wounded from "PRINCE OF MALZES".
All this time bombing and shelling was going on. I landed all on the
"HOSQUITO" and then asked the "MOSQUITO" to tay and clear ay propeller, they tried but could not do so. I them consulted the Piret Lieutenant and he suggested that I get a tow home. I spproached the yacht "CALNTA", the C.O. immediately asked me to get him troops but I told him I would attempt it with one engine although I could not handle her. I got near the west beach and immediately came under shore fire and no boats being ready to come off "CALETA" signelled me to return as he was being shelled and had to get out of it. I got back and made the launch fast for towingunder fire, but the tow rope broke and the Launch being still in the hotly peppered area and close to the surf the C.O. of "CALETA" and myself thought it would endanger his vessel to remain there to try and pick up again so chose inshore.
Neither I or the arew had any sleep or proper food from Wednesday morning until the launch was abandoned at 1640 Friday. All of us were stupid with exhaustion.
I took off more troops at Cuploa than anyone else.
I have lost my voice meantime through constant hailing of boats and giving orders. The "TRITON" was damaged badly in the stern and bow through going alongaide ships so frequently in a very heavy swell. I have lost my uniform cap and raincoat, rasor and other items.
My information on sailing from Ramsgate was - "No troops east of
La Panne or west of Braye Duns", the first item was correct byrb the second quite wrong.

Dynams 232
205
192
LOG of H.M. Motor Boat LADY CABLE of Torquay during operations carried out June 2md and 3rd, 1940.
In command: Acting Sub-Lieutenant G.A. Cadell, R.N.
Cadet Rating G.R. Price
Stoke Worsall
Able Seaman or Ordinary Seaman Smith from Newfoundland,
Sunday, June 2nd, 1940.
Took over boat during forenoon from Mr. Gooding who operates boat for owner at Torquay. She had done one trip to the beaches near Dunkirk. Took on provisions, water, petrol, etc. Mr. Gooding showed Stoker Worsall the working of the engines Cylinder Atlantic running on petrol.
At about 1500 went over to Prince of Wales Pier and was then taken in tow by SUN VI, together with two life-boats and one other craft. Started for Dunkirk at approximately
1530, having been handed previously copy of Sailing
Instructions to Drifters, together with rough sketch map of course to follow. After uneventful trip arrived off
Dunkirk harbour at about 2230 and received orders to proceed in harbour and go a long way up the Mole to embark soldiers - fill up and return to tug, then go in for further loads. At times had difficulty in persuading
French troops to embark in LADY CABLE, the reason apparently being reluctance to break their units or to act without definite orders from their officer who was probably still in the town of Dunkirk. However, we took four boat loads off - each load containing between 40 and 50 soldiers.
Three loads I took to tugs and one to H.M.S. WISHART when tug was not in usual position. Spoke to tug after fourth trip and was informed that it would soon be light and that she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible and if tug could not wait, would return to England under own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting for us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped again. Noticed we were close to W.D. craft (later found to be HAIG) who I imagined from her position was watching us and would/

218
*
206
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 4.
SHIP: Motor Boat "Britannia".
Officer/
Rating
Reporting: S/L S.D. WARD.
1030 31 May 1940.
Proceeded from Submarine Basin and made fast to
H.M.T. "Fyldea" at buoy.
1355 31 May. Left in tow.
1150 1 June 1940. Arrive off Dunkirk. (Delay on passage due to Samson posts, cleats, etc. carrying away.)
Cast off and proceed to Beach 1 mile East of harbour under heavy enemy bombing. Attempted to warp off 2 launches aground by making fast line to sunken French destroyer "L'Adroit".
1300
Existing conditions of shoal water and falling tide made it impossible to load the launch directly from the beach three without going aground so "acquired" their dinghies and made launch fast to two sailing barges which were used throughout as a landing stage, the dinghies bringing men to the barges and the launch taking them out to "Fyldea" and other vessels.
(Approximately 200 men were carried in the dinghies.)
1815
Returned to "Fyldea" now aground. Ran out kite wires to anchored barge and laid out trawlers Kedge.
1845
"Fyldea" floated and proceeded in tow towards Dover.
0255 2nd June. Secured alongside Admiralty Pier to disembark troops.
0415
Secured alongside Prince of Wales Pier.
Drew Savage
Hillier
Tester

CONFIDENTIAL
Binlohage
222
220
25
Subject. REPORT ON DEATH OF LIEUT. R.H.MEAD, R.N.V.R.
From The CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT. Portsmouth.
Date.... 20th June 1940.
No. 554/07026.
To
.... THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
(COPY TO:-
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, PORTSMOUTH).
The attached report by Lieutenant E.F. Hamilton-
Meikle, R.N. the Commanding Officer of the D/C Motor Boat
Unit, on the behaviour of Lieutenant R.H.Mead, R.N.V.R., during Operation Dynamo, is forwarded in accordance with
Confidential Portsmouth General Order, 1700.
LB.
VICE ADMIRA
CAPTAIN.
an
24 JUN 1940
*
age
DOVER
tian led ced ops it.
ant ps,
Lynami ide
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia 18. was working with Sport engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

FROM
The Commanding Officer, D/C Unit.
233
DATE
15th June 1940.
25
TO
The Captain, H.M.S. EXCELLENT.
Lieutenant R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
I regret who to report the death of Lieutenant R.H.
Mead, R.N.V.R. 1940, at 2108, was killed in action at Dunkirk on Saturday,
1st June or was wounded and died later.
2.
H.M. D/C to the M.B. had been reported out of action
31st May 1940, and Duty Staff Officer, Staff of Flag p.m. Officer commanding Dover, the Commanding Officer and Lieutenant
Mead were ordered to find themselves boats if possible, and to assume command.
3. Lieutenant Mead had assumed command of R.N.L.B.
WALTON AND FRINTON, and having been towed across to near Dun-
I.B.
kirk with other small boats, had pressed on to Dunkirk, unaccompanied except by one other boat, the remainder of the small boats having turned back. This can be clearly seen from the extracts of the log kept in the boat, a copy of which has already been forwarded to the Flag Officer-in-Charge, Dover, through the Officer Commanding Rescue Boats.
an
4. While in the harbour itself, a shrapnel shell burst on the water nearby, killing Lieutenant Mead. The remainder ope of the life-boat's crew, under a Lieutenant R.N.R. from the
Tug SUN IV continued ferrying soldiers to larger ships until clan
0423, when Tug SUN IV towed the boat back to Ramsgate.
5.
The two members of my crew who accompanied Lieutenant led
Mead, Petty Officer Telegraphist Cooley and Able Seaman MacManus, have informed me that the "determination and guts" of Lieutenant
Mead in persisting in his efforts to rally the smaller boats and to push on to Dunkirk, were outstanding. This was reported by me to the Staff Officer of the Rescue boats at Dover, who interviewed the crew, and has a copy of the log of the life-boat.
ced
6.
I understand that the boat underwent many air attacks ops from the time that the tow came within about 20 miles of the coast.
it.
7.
This report is submitted in order to confirm that the ant gallantry of Lieutenant R.H. Mead, (as previously reported by me, ps, ade
P.T.O.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia was working with Sport engine only which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

Farm Hotes. 225
237
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25
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Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia was working with "port engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
1145) batteries.
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

Dynam 19 237
223 23
FROM
Senior Medical Officer, Dover.
DATE
7th May 1940.
TO
Flag Officer, Commanding.
Report of the death of Lieut Mead. R.N.V.R. H.M.S.Niger.
Submitted,
I.B.
The attached report received from
Medical Officer H.M.S. Niger is forwarded for information.
VIDEADMISTER 1940 *
an
O.
M
ope
DOVER
Surgeon Captain.
ja
Senior Medical Officer.
led
Dover.
ced ops it.
ant ps, side the above operations the Cordella to being was
Note:- During with Sport engine only - which, owing troops were working seized up. Estimated that 300 beach.
overworked, carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 1145) Entered batteries. Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

238
S. 546. (Revised-January, 1925).
D 398.
COMMUNICATION SHEET.
25
221
FROM The Medical Officer, H.M.S.Niger.
DATE 4th. June. 1940.
TO The Senior Medical Officer,
Ref. No.
Sick Quarters, Dover.
FORMER
Report of the Death of Lieut. Mead. R.N.V.R.
WALTON& FRINTON L.A
L.B.
This Officer was in Command of a Lifeboat embarking troops of the B.E.F. off Dunkirk on the night of thelst-2nd June.
Whilst coming alongside the Niger,a shell from a shore battery exploded near and he was struck by shrapnel, sustaining chest wounds from which he died within 15 minutes.
an age
2.9. hunt gomeine clan surgeon Lieutenant. R.N.
led ced ope
E
ant
Sta. 186/24.
M.861/8363. 914M. 7/37. C.B.&S.Ltd. 076/71.
1
pa,
1045 Starboard propeler fouled by rope net a.longaide destroyer while disembarking troops.
Further operations impossible.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia being #: was working with "port engine only - which, owing to were overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by shore
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
1145) batteries.
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

239
225
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 15.
SHIP: "GORDELIA". MOTOR BOAT.
OFFICER REPORTING: SUB. LIEUT. C.A. THOMPSON, R.N.V.R.
ROUGH LOG (ALL TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE).
CREW: S.A. WADE
A.J. WHALE
in
Ratings
J. JARVIE
divilian
Wednesday 29.5.40.
1100 Took over from civilian who brought the above M.B.
round from Sheerness.
1400) Stand by. Fuelling and
1700)
provision.
1705 Proceeded to submarine base to collect three
Belgian vessels (Yser, Sambre and another).
1745 Returned to Prince of Wales Pier.
1800 Proceeded out of Dover in rear of above 3 Belgian boats which were being towed by the drifter
G.R.1740, one whaler in tow.
1815 Propellers of one Belgian boat fouled by tow rose
(this vessel returned to Dover).
1830 Proceeded in company with G.R.1740 and two Belgian boats.
2000 Destroyer takes one Belgian boat in tow.
2010 Tied up astern of remaining pontoon and proceeded *
towed by G.R.1740.
2330 Machine gun fire in proximity.
Thursday 30.5.40.
0530 Nearing the beach to the west of La Fanne.
0545 Commodore Fergusson came on board and commenced directing operations for the evacuation of troops from beach to waiting destroyers etc.
0800 Commodore Ferguason transferred to another craft.
0800- Occupied in ferrying boats containing troops
1030 between the beach and waiting vessels. Attendant whaler manned by two stokers and civilian was occupied in going inshore to load up with troops, then taking them out to waiting vessels.
1045 Starboard propeler fouled by rope net alongaide destroyer while disembarking troops.
Further operations impossible.
Note:- During the above operations the "Cordelia #: was working with Sport engine only - which, owing to being overworked, seized up. Estimated that 300 troops were carried by "Cordelia" and whaler from the beach.
1100 Taken in tow by the G.R.1740 (drifter) and proceeded towards Dover.
1130) Shelled by share
1145) batteries.
2030 Entered Dover Harbour and tied up at Prince of
Wales Pier (Inner Harbour).
2100 Reported to LYNX office.
Friday/

REPORT FROM OFFICER IN CHARGE OF DRIFTERS
321
"KINDRED STAR" & "THRIFTY" during DUNKIRK OPERATIONS -
29th May to 5th June 1940.
May
29th.
Having received orders to proceed to Dover on special duty, all M/S gear was landed, the ships were coaled and provisioned and left Portland Harbour at 1900
May 30th. Arrived off Dover at 1730. Reported arrival to off breakwater and await instructions.
examination vessel and was told to anchor about 19 mile
May 31st.
Having waited outside Dover Harbour all night We finally received instructions to enter harbour and berth alongside Prince of Wales Pier at 1400.
I reported in person to Vice Admiral Dover and was instructed to stand by for sailing orders.
June 1st. At 0430 orders were received to report to H.M.S. "Lynx"
for final instructions. We were then given orders to take in tow 6 Lifeboats or similar craft with each ship and to proceed to the beach 1 mile east of Dunkirk by route "Y".
We left Dover Harbour with boats in tow at 07 00 for
Dunkirk via North Goodwin Light Vessel.
113 O.
Passed "W" Buoy Saw floating Mine destroyed by gun fire from another vessel.
1330.
Passed several vessels returning from direction of
Dunkirk - some with a few troops on deck, others apparently empty.
1400.
Passed """ Buoy. Speed made good approximately 4 knots.
1430g
Saw large Ship on her side on fire and boat blazing in the water. Shells falling very near from shore batteries.
1530.
Attacked by dive hombers. Sent oui message " attacked by aircraft" on R/T. Our lewis guns in action.
Several vessels were seen trying 10 enter Dunkirk Roads but all were driven back by action of enemy aircraft and shore batteries. We altered course to bring us outside range of shore guns.
1610.
Again attacked by dive bombers. R/Teall sent and Lewis
Guns were again inaction.
One salvo of 4 bombs struck the water just ahead of the
"Kindred Star" scorching the paint and scattering small fragments on the deck but. doing no aparent damage.
There was another salvo of 6 bombs dripped - 3 each side of the "Thrifty". These bonbs birst under water throwing up great columns of water and flooding the top bridge and decks to a depth of several feet.
Two hands were washed overboard ut these were picked up
The tows were slipped for greater safety.
by lifeboats.
One Trawler was seen to be badly it by & bomb - afterwards
We did not stop as there were oth- ships nearer to these sinking. Another unknown vessel as blown to pieces.
1620.
Engineer vessels. on "Kindred Star"reported:hat the boiler was losing water rapidly also the mainiteam and feed pipes were Returned to collect tow which had attered, all except cracked.
1730.
3 R/T signal to Dover asking nstructions re these lifeboats having returned indepently. for
1800.
Sent lifeboats but no reply was received.
1830.
Tow attacked by dive bombing aircra two near attacks "V" buoy. by was slipped attheir request.
Lewis bombing aircraft, but no amage was sustained.
Again Guns again in action, also further her high Entered Ramsgate Harbour and blew downoiler on "Kindred
Star" in order to effect repairs.

3.
365
Eventually a motor yacht got us in tow and took us to
Dover.
Commander Troup went with the fast boats to the outer
- 343
port. He made himself piermaster on the western mole and conducted the embarkation of about 10,000 French troops. He also had some anxious moments, as the boat which was to fetch him broke down. Another turned up in which he embarked with a French General Lucas and many StafffOfficers and men; and thus had the honour of being the last man to leave Dunkirk.
12. As Officers and Coxswains pass through Sheerness, endeavour is being made to extract full accounts of their adventures. N.O.I.C. Ramsgate is doing the same. These reports are being forwarded to Vice Admiral, Dover, but copies of those obtained here are attached. Even so it will be impossible to do justice to the services of these young Officers, ratings and volunteers, most of whom were acting independently, without anyone to see how they conducted themselves. A list of those who came under my personal observation is attached.
13. Until all reports have been compared and lists of
Officers, men, and volunteers going out and returning have been checked, the number of casualties remains unscertain. Many boats have had to be abandoned owing to grounding, collision or fouled' propellers, but in most cases the crews transferred to other craft,
One craft is known to have been sunk by bomb.
"New Prince of Wales". Large motor craft. Officer in command, Sub Lieut.P.L.H. Bennett, R.N., now in R.N.
S.P.H.E.
Hospital, Chatham. Two ratings are believed to have been killed, but I have not been able to get this confirmed.
Several motor boats sailed direct from Southend for the beaches with volunteer crews who had not signed on.
There may be others, of which there will be no record.
Considering the heavy bombing, shelling and machine gun fire experienced by many of the boats, the casualties seem to be lighter than might well have been expected.
14. It would be impossible to speak too highly of the spirit which has animated all those who have been concerned in "Dynamo". Everyone tried to do their best for the Armies at Dunkirk, and those whose fortunes it was to get across and bring some of them off, will always look back on it with deep satisfaction. Some of the crews got their boats as far as Ramsgate, only to find that owing to the shortcomings of their vessels, they could get no further, but many of them succeeded in finding another boat with room for them.
A young Able Seaman, whose boat sank after bringing off 1,000 men, did much, by his sheerful talk and bearing, to bring about this happy result. His name is
Here at Sheerness the Commodore and his staff, H.M.S.
"Wildfire", and the dockyard did all that man could do to hasten the preparation and sailing of the varied fleet of craft which arrived here, some of them needing much attention.
With the exception of the Thames steamers, which could not run in salt water, though they had a good try at it, very few craft failed to achieve at least one trip to the French coast. Many men from the "Wildfire" offered their services, though only a few could be allowed to go, and more would have done so had it been possible to spare their services

- 2 -
39375
and troops owing owing to to the fact that the weather ship was conditions almost full, for small and boats, to 31/5
At the 1100, adverse I decided to discontinue embarking proceed to Dover.
and at 1120, "Olvina" was under way.
"Sabre's" motorboat was handed over to "Vivacious"
Vessel, the "Viking", a diesel engined Thames barge, with 70
When between Dunkirk and North Goodwin Light troops aboard, was taken in tow from "Dwarf" and brought into
Dover. Owing to delay outside the harbour, the troops were not disembarked until 2200.
"Olvina" was revictualled and berthed alongside
Prince of Wales Pier by 0100/1 June.
On proceeding to the office of Captain Auxiliary
Patrol, I was informed that "Olvina" should not have gone to
Dunkirk, but should have been on A/S patrol. Accordingly, at
0820/1 June, "Olvina" proceeded to a patrol station 17 miles
NNW of Dunkirk, which was reached at 1125. At 1500, 70
survivors from "Basilisk" came alongside in a French fishing boat, and at 1917 we went alongside "Whitehall" in Dover harbour and disembarked them.
"Olvina" was in harbour during 2nd and 3rd June, and on 4th June escorted "Bideford" to Portsmouth without incident.
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your obedient servant
Sub Lt. R.N.V.R.
-II-
No. 1594/07.
Vice Admiral, Dover.
Forwarded.
P.R.T.S.
VICE ADMIRAL.
Portland.
FLAG OFFICER-IN-CHARGE.
18th June, 1940
VICE ADMIRAL
20 JUN 1940
*
DOVER

Page 2.
SECRET
378
and as the "OUR BAIRNS" leaving,I waited until attack,
At all 1915 the the vessels port underwent were then a particularly heavy air which time I then slipped and had taken the remaining soldiers 1930, by off the quay. proceeded to sea.
shore all day, no hits were registered or damage done from
Both vessels but were under continuous bombardment from air and this source.
however, a certain amount of damage was done to the D.G. Band
Owing to the incessant ranging up and down against the pier, proceeded at slow speed, through the Downs and at 0400/1 troops on the "OUR BAIRNS". Dover was reached at 0300/1, vessels having were disembarked at the Admiralty Pier, Dover.
Both vessels then berthed at Prince of Wales Pier, Dover, and at 0700/1 "LORD INCHCAPE" resumed sweeping off Dover.
Still of
0040.
COMMANDER-IN
DEFARE
(Signed) S.J..Longsdon,
*
17JUN1940
*
0125. WESTERN APPROACHES
Sub.Lt. R.N.V.R. Hingsdon close
Port heard
II.
D/O. No. 959/1.
no FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
for
E
Buoy and observed rapidly ece Admiralty Message 1652/6th June, 1940.
Forwarded, in accordance with
Lewis Guns, couldn't Pom to too close.
M.T.B's enginee
'on'
again enemy of
19 JUN 1940
0430.
Joined
The whol was either who
DO
suryivers or dead.
Carried on Patrol, no made, notivity both German and tously overhead, no attacks made.
31st,
Received instructions from to under further notice dropped out of group and
0615.
Instructions received to on nothing to there seemed to
Investigated of Achilleum contact, to track increased,
All up, activity N.T.B.
place, and T
was being area track.

FLAG AG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
Good
571
Yes
541
From:- Sub. Lt. D.L. Satterford, R.N.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
1d
28th May.
.ip
1800 Left Sheerness in Thames Pleasure Craft "Viscount" for
Ramsgate. Followed M.Y. "Prince of Wales" as ordered. "Viscount's" engine stopped on the way.
After repairs continued on course until 2330; having
29th May.
no compass we anchored till 0400 Wednesday.
1000
Arrived Ramsgate. Boiler pump defective; I asked for another boat.
lled
30th May.
g
1030
Took command M.Y. "Rygate II" with crew of 4 civilians.
in
Left for Dunkirk keeping station on the schoot ien
"Horst".
"Rygate II" broke down and was towed by out
"Horst". Found impossible to effect repairs.
1 all
Anchored "Rygate II" and boarded "Horst" with crew.
to to
1600
Arrived Dunkirk in "Horst" (Lt. Sarjent R.N.R.) *
worked 3 pulling boats with 2 men in each. Operation rendered difficult by bombing and heavy surf. One
A.B. wounded in groin by machine-gun bullet. One boat capsized but was righted.
Mann,
2300
Lieut. Sarjent decided to move closer inshore. Found ved anchor fouled by another cable. Donkey broke down.
Cut cable. Chief E.R.A. reported engine failure.
31st May.
400 troops aboard taken off by another boat.
0900
Arrived Ramsgate. Found M.Y. "Quicksilver" with crew of naval ratings. Obtained permission to take
"Quicksilver" across.
2000
Left for Dunkirk at 20 knots.
2400
1st June.
Arrived Dunkirk; ferried troops to transports.
0600
Fuel running short; left for Ramsgate.
1030
2nd June.
Arrived Ramsgate.
1930
3rd June.
Left Ramsgate; followed schoot "Hilda" out.
0100
Dunkirk and searched for British troops whalers according to
Arrived order. Beach being shelled. Sent direct continue to search. One whaler blown up by hit.

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m., towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend, thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to di go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them as they had been left on the beach with 8 in for the Frenchmer to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

I William Watson am Master of the auxiliary barge "PUDGE".
We were requisitioned on the 29th May whilst lying outside the
581
6
Millwall Dock, towed to Tilbury, given three days rations, and then to Southend. The "OCEAN COCK" towed us to Ramsgate and subsequently to Dover with the barges "DORIS" "ENA" and "TOLSBURY".
We arrived at Dover at about 2.30 on the 30th May. We lay alongside the Prince of Wales Pier for the rest of that day and were told we should probably load in the morning.
On May 31st at about 8.30 a Naval Officer called the Captains ashore and asked for Volunteers to go over to Dunkirk and said that nodody could be forced to go but he would be very grateful for any volunteers and preferred the auxiliary barges.
There were about 17 barges lying at Dover and all volunteered.
Six barges were selected, three auxiliaries and three sailing barges,
"PUDGE" "LADY ROSEBERRY" "DORIS" "H.A.C." "DUCHESS" and "THYRA".
The three auxiliary barges "THYRA" "LADY ROSEBERRY" AND "PUDGE"
each proceeded forthwith out of the harbour with the other three
-
barges in tow and were picked up by a. big tug. The tug which picked us up was the "ST. FABIAN" and the "PUDGE" was on the hook with the
"DORIS" next and the "LADY ROSEBERRY" third.
The tug which had just arrived from the South Coast gave us as big
7" wire which was made fast round the mast case, under the windlass and through the fairlead in the bowboard, and we arrived under the shore close to Dunkirk during the hours of darkness that night ( I
am not sure of the time).
We had some trouble in locating the inshore channel as the Captain of the tug did not seem to know the locality and apprently had no chart. By the time of daybreak on Saturday, we were about