TNA Unclassified 1

rt of Proceedings of M.T.B. 107
Page 3
401
kships and transferred to H:M. S"VIVACIOUS". 2020 proceeded in two tow
M.S. "VIVACIOUS". 2230 Slipped tow and embarked Captain Dangerfield R.N.
H.M.S. "VIVACIOUS" and proceeded to Dunkirk imdependently. Navigation rendered difficult by spray obscuring vision and by unknown doviation on compass which had never been swung. 2330 (approx:) Arrived off Dunkirk entered harbour and cruised there. Considerable shelling in progress, icularly in vicinity of East Pier, alongside which M.T.B. 107 secured and Captain Dangerfield. On his return left harbour and searched for kships, two only being found, the third having been sunk in collision on way. During this period M.T.B. 107 was alongside, she was crushed by e French fishing craft which were engaged in evacuating troops and were er unable or unwilling to keep clear. After closing the block ships owed first into harbour and received crew from her boat and transferred to H.M.S. "VIVACIOUS" lying outside, thereafter going in again and ing up the remainder of the crew of the second blockship. Thereafter
Dunkirk at 0345 with H.M.S. "VIVACIOUS" and 1.A/S.B 07 arriving Dover
3rd June. Considerable difficulty was experienced in manoeuvring
B. 107 in Dunkirkk harbour, of much heavy wreckage, her inability to go rnand her large turning circle.
ay, 2nd June
Left Dover 1735 and proceeded to embark Captains of blockships, sfering them to H.M. S"SHIKARI". 2030 Proceeded in the two tow of H.M.S.
KARI" to Dunkirk inz company of blockships. On arrival off Dunkirk ped tos and empboyed taking messages to blockships. On blockships hing at about 0245 attended leading blockshep S.S. Gourko to follow her nd take off crew. During watting period H.M.S. "SHIKARI" bombed without ct. Heavy shelling rifle and machine gun fire observed. As Hall.S.
rko" was proceeding to enter heavy explosion was observed on board from mine, torpedo or bomb. At once closed her to render assistance secured alongside. At about same time M.A/S.B. 10 did the same and rked part of her ship's company. XXXXXX S.S. "GOURKO" sank rapidly king one of M.T.B's 107's lines in so doing. As N.A/S.B. 10 had eeded into harbour to follow the remaining blockship N.T.B. 107
ined to rescue more of S.S. "GOURKO"S crew who had not succeeded in ing away. 8 were rescued, including the commanding officer, 3 being busly and 4 less seritously injured. Very considerable difficulty was rienced in doing this owing to much heavy wreckage, the presence of wreck of S.S. "KING ORRY" and the lack of manoeuvring power of M.T.B.
When satisfied that no-one remained in the water proceeded to search
H.M.S. "SHIKARI" to transfer survivors, as the small size of the boat and of any accommodation made this highly desirable. Aa no sign of H.M.S.
KARI" or M.A/S.B. 10 could be found, and the blowing up of the remaining ship had already been observed, and it was now practically broad dayt, the time being between 0350 and 0400, I decided to make for Dover pendently at utmost speed. On passage thick fog was encountered and, bn to regretted error in navigation, M.T.B. 107 became involved in the vins. I thereupon anchored until the weather cleared, having no faith
/ compass. The fog rapidly cleared, and I proceeded across the sands he North Goodwin buoy, thence to Dover, arriving 0730, 4th June.
lay, 4th June.
At Dover.
esday, 5th June.
Proceeded from Dover to Portsmouth in company with D/C Boat and
B. 102.
Po
DO
servacus rk closing from her boat aufter going coecond blocksu,
Sand A/S.age the sexperienn, M.T.B.
rkea Util the weat]
in king ceared, and I
eeded to Dover, arriv

52
OPERATION "DYNAMO"
H.M.D.B. "DESPATCH II"
51
1940
MAY
24th p.m. Commissioned at Poole. 1600 sailed from Poole for
Portsmouth. 2100 Berthed at Portsmouth Dockyard.
Ship "Wipped" during the night.
25th 0430 Left Dockyard for Spithead, Adjusted Compasses. Returned to Dockyard 1700 with defects.
26th 0400 Engines failed to start. 0420 Sailed from Portsmouth for
Newhaven. 1400 Berthed at Newhaven.
27th 1130 Engines failed to start. Air Compressor broken down;
Temporary repairs executed by Southern Rly by 21.45.
28th 0600 Engines failed to start. 0630 Sailed from Newhaven for Dover. 1740 Arrived off Dover. 2115 Anchored
29th 0410 Started to weigh Anchor; anchor foul of Sub. Cable;
0620 Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Downs for Route Orders.
0930 Left Downs for La Panne by Route "Y".
Ship was not attacked by any of the large number of enemy aircraft seen being engaged by Naval Patrol vessels hear
W.Hinder and Kwinte Bk Buoys, or by Aircraft seen engaged by Fighters off La Panne; none of the bad shots aimed?
by Nieuport Battery at 2 Destroyers North of Nieuport Bk Buoy fell neared than a cable to this vessel.
2000 Anchored 2 miles west of La Panne, and commenced embarking French troops.
30th 0400 Weighed and Proceeded 0405 Engines broke down, reanchore
Contact was made by Semaphore with a Destroyer close, who promissed a tow when he had filled-up with troops, but temporary repairs were eff/ected by 1030, and ship proceeded under own power. Course was set to return by Route "Y", but D.B. Paschol close ahead being heavily shelled by Nieuport
Battery, in company with Paschol, course was altered NW, across the banks, to Buoy "Y". About 6 miles S of "Y" Buoy a low flying aircraft attacked with 2 bombs which went well over. About 1 mile further on Lewis Gun fire was opened on another low flying enemy aircraft, who did not attack.
1915 Berthed at Ramsgate.
31st 0915091 Left Ramsgate; set course by Route "X" for Dunkirke.
1640 Dunkirke abeam; air raid in progress, nearest bombs, aimed at Destroyer, to for cable from this vessel.
1725 Anchored 31 East of Dunkirke off Battery de Dunes;
commenced embarking Middlesex Regiment. Constant High bombing Air Raids till dark; after dark low bombing and machine gun raids. 23.00 All available Middlesex Regiment embarked.
June 1st 0001 Weighed, and set course by Route "X" for Ramsgate.
0100 Dunkirke abeam.
0900 Berthed at Ramsgate;
Reported ship unable to proceed to sea without repairs.
June 4th p.m. Operation "Dynamo" cancelled. 22.00 Proceed from
Inner Basin to anchor in Roads.
5th 0400 Sailed from Ramsgate for Newhaven. 2000 Berhhed Newhaven.
6th 0705 Sailed from Newhaven for Poole. 1807 Amchored off Poole.
7th a.m. Proceeded into Poole Harbour.
p.m. Paid Off: Crew returned to R.N.B Portsmouth by train.
HWilmot-Sitwell
Lieutenant Commander.

289.
-
83
NARRATIVE OF DUTCH BOAT "JAVA"
26th May - 4th June, 1940.
0645, 27th May, the crew of D.B.22 under the command of
Lieut-Commander Drake, RND left Chatham Barracks and travelled via
Portsmouth to Southampton, joining "Java" that evening. The vessel was then under repair, with orders on completion to load ammunition in the River.
On the afternoon of 29th May those orders were cancelled and we were instructed to fuel and proceed light to Dover.
Accordingly about 1700 with Main and Auxilliary machinery persuaded to function by Diesel experts from the shore "Java" left dock and proceeded down the Solent to Hamble.
At 0400 on 30th May our troubles started. Our final air pressure started the Main Engine and we left with the handicap of being able neither to stop or go astern as the belt driving our
Auxilliarys parted immediately. Eventually our Auxilliary
Diesel was started and ran all day for light and air with the result that shortly before arrival at Dover our E.R.A. collapsed owing to fumes. As our Windlass gear was already out of action the ship was allowed alongside and on the morning of 31st May
"Sandhurst" was notified of our defects. By this time our
Auxilliary engine also had ceased running.
The Main belt was renewed, but as regards the other and major defects, notably our Ballast Pump, it was pointed out that as they would take several hours to complete and we were under
1 hours' notice for sea, it was not worth starting on them.
On Saturday morning, 1st June Lieut-Commander Drake was taken ill and detained sick in "Sandhurst".
I received orders that afternoon to proceed to Dunkirk to arrive at 0200 on 2nd June and left at 1945, steaming 10 knots with neither Auxilliary nor Anchor gear working. My confidence in our new belt was apparently misplaced as being too slack it failed to drive the Compressor. This lack of air and consequent inability, if stopped, to restart, either ahead or astern, might have led to complications if, at midnight, 16 miles off Dunkirk,
No.3 Cylinder had not commenced to seize, shedding bolts from the Crankcase which my Engineroom staff eventually held in place with wedges. But our speed was down to 5 knots making an 0200
arrival impossible and I had no choice but to put about, but a for minuteslater however presumably with the Engine cooling, some higher revolutions were obtained, and I receeded another 5 miles towards the shore. Again however the Engine failed and it was only at slow speed and with great care that it could be kept moving at all. Considering further progress unwise I cruised in the neighbourhood until daylight and then made the best of my way home, berthing in Dover about 1015, 2nd June. Here repairs were considered impossible and on Tuesday, 4th June I was towed by "Gorecht" to Sheerness and on the following day by "Bornrif"
to Tilbury, thence the following morning to Surrey Commercial Docks
ADNIRAL
Havri
DOVER 14JUN 1940
ft. R.N.V.R.

"VREDE"
Page 3
151
145
wound' I5. As only in her enough air the for one start was available the was
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ berth, operation being carried out ship comments willing cooperation of our passengers, with whose the were most instructive.
I6. Outside the harbour entrance I closed a French pilot for instructions and was boarded by a French pilot who remained vessel
Dover. on board until he was discharged to the Customs Authorities at
I7. No other ships being available into which our troops could be embarked, and the first intensive bombing attack having started, I proceeded for Ramsgate, but made the entrance too late to catch the light or the tide, so proceeded to Dover.
I8. At Dover an air raid appeared to be in progress and I was unable to enter until daybreak on Thursday 30th.May when the party was disembarked at Admiralty pier.
I9. Fresh victualling stores were embarked and I was informed by Captain the Hon. George Fraser that I would be required to sail with a tow of motor boats for the beaches. Stores and provisions for the tow were embarked and the party sailed at IIOO.
20. About two miles off Dover the three forward main engine bearings statrted to run so I sent the tow back to report to
Captain Fraser and came to an anchor. I was later towed alongside Admiralty pier by the schoot "RIKA".
2I. I reported "Vrede" to be out of action, and myself and the company to be available for other duties, to the Vice-Admiral,
Dover and to the Captain, H.M.S. "Lynx". I and the Ist.Lieut:,
Lieut. Hamilton, were employed on various duties, during which time the ship remained in charge of the coxswain.
22. On Tuesday 4th. June I was instructed by Captain Hallifax R.N
to report with Lieut, Hamilton to Rex House for leave and return for to previous duty, leaving "Vrede" in charge of the coxswain disposal.
I have the honour to be,
Sir, your obedient servant ce-Admiral over.
Rampand Lieutenant Commander
0
mander in Chief
Royal Navy.
the Nore
VICE ADMIRAL
26 JUN 1940
*
DOVER

153
147
As considerable enemy air activity was in progress
I ordered troops accommodated on the upper deck to load their rifles and stand by to protect this vessel.
Course as requisite for Downs.
14:00 - Arrived off Downs.
14:30 - Pilot boarded with orders to take us to Margate.
17:00 - Arrived Margate. Discharged troops and two ladies, received two ladders, fresh water and stores.
20:00 - Proceeded in company with others for Braye. Crew employed cleaning hold and decks, rigging ladders and replacing life belts.
30th May 1940.
05:00 - Anchored in 21 FMS. off Braye beach. Troops commence boarding from ladders rigged on both sides of the ship.
The service rendered by shore boats and others was excellent. Between 05:00 and 09:00 vessel was shifted five times owing to falling tide.
07:00 - Enemy's shore guns commenced firing at ships loading troops along the beach.
09:00 - We have loaded approximately 420 troops. No more space on board is available. Weighed anchor and proceeded for
Downs. Course as requisite to avoid enemy's shells.
Troops on upper deck standing by to repel enemy air attack.
17:00 - Berthed alongside in Ramsgate Harbour. Discharged troops.
Received fresh water and stores. Crew of this ship entirely fatigued. Borrowed two Naval Ratings from
Naval authorities ashore. Proceeded outside harbour and anchored for the night. Crew clean hold and deck. All crew turn in for the night. Look out kept by borrowed
Naval Ratings.
31st May 1940.
Forenoon Crew employed overhauling Brenn Gun and rifles left on board with /troops. These were placed in positions to protect vessel against attack from the air.
16:00 - Ordered to proceed to Portsmouth. Proceeded accordingly.
1st June 1940
13:30 - opposite King's Stairs. Instructed concerned. operation
Secured "Dynamo" has concluded where this ship is
NOTE:/...

MOTOR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
Motor Barge Sherfield
1
M
185
Ex-idghter Y.O. 63.
Ex-Lighter X.95.
Sub Dr. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
Motor Launch Nanette II.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
we were under way heading out to sea.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was Just as well. brought us to a buny round which was painted -"Ostend". This
Dyroms 188 181
REPORT.
SUB LIEUT. P. SNOW. R,N.
Motor Boat "REDA" - 12 ton - speed 8 knots.
Left Sheerness at approx. 1900 on Tuesday
28th. Made first crossing to Dunkirk on Wednesday 29th
Ity leaving Ramsgate at 1000. Arrived in company with five other small boats at 1700. Whilst proceeding up Dunkirk roads towards the beaches we were machine-gunned by Low flying aircraft. Bullet stuck in deck-head having failed to penetrate. Embarked soldiers on destroyers and sloops for 3 hours under continual bombardment from the air.
Headed for Ramsgate at 2200 with a party of 21 English soldiers on board. Whilst leaving were deliberately bomhed one salvo falling within 30 yards of the boat.
Loosened several planks but no material damage sustained.
Arrived Ramsgate approx. 0600 Thursday.
Left on second trip at 1100 on Friday 31st, arriving at Dunkirk at 1730. Took off about 50 Frenchmen to waiting ships and left for Ramsgate with 23 Frenchmen on board. Heavy bombers were bombing the beaches when we left at 2015.
Anchored off N. Goodwin for the night and proceeded into harbour at 0530.
Crew for 1st trip:-
R.W. Rawlings (P.O Motorman)
1 Civilian Volunteer
Crew for 2nd trip:-
R.W. Rawlings
1. Leading Seaman
1. A.B.
All times are approximate.
(Signed) P.Snow
Sub. Lieut, R,N.

MOTOR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
Motor Barge Sherfield
1 # 185
Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63.
Ex-Lighter X.95.
Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
Motor Launch Nanette II.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Fist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
we were under way heading out to sea.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, panic! Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was Just as well. brought us to a busy round which was painted -"Ostend". This
*
182
19t.
REPORT OF "SKYLARK" - S/L. MARES R.N.V.B.
Abandoned in Mid Channel and crew taken on board
Ity
"Strathelliott". S/L Mares was left behind at Dunkirk.
2
(Crew came back on Trawler).

MOTOR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynams 188.
Motor Barge Sherfield
1
# 185
Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63.
Ex-Lighter X.95.
Motor Launch Nanette II.
Sub it J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
we were under way heading out to sea.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniol Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted - -"Ostend". This
Dynam 193 " 183 196
:
REPORT OF "MARY ROSE" - S/I H. Mc.Clelland R.N.V.B.
Ity
Engines failed on way over. Ship taken in cow, began
2
making water fast and became unmanageable and was abandoned in Mid Channel where she sank. Crew taken on board the Trawler "Strathelliott" where they helped to take off troops from the beach at Dunkirk.
Journey back made in trawler. No injuries to anyone.
8
dng if
-

MOTOR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
Notor Barge Sherfield
&
Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63.
185
Ex-Lighter X.95.
Motor Launch Nanette II.
Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, we received command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops we were under way heading out to sea.
from the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
although we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniol Where were we? The one and decidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never knew, which perhaps was just as well, brought us to a busy round which was painted -"Ostend". This
Synamotique
184
REPORT OF "SINGAPORE" B/L.F.E. R.N.V.R.
Ity
No personal injury to self or crew. Engine failed in North Sea and return had to take tow, Owing to heavy swell sudden strain was put on to tow and the winch was torn taking with it part of the fore deck, the anchor, cable and all ropes.
Managed to repair ngine temporarily and returned to
Remagate.
e our a too du the

OR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
or Barge Sherfield
M
185
Lighter Y.O. 63.
Lighter X.95.
Sub Dr. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
or Launch Nanette II.
On arriving at Sheerness Motor Boat Dook on Friday, Sist May, 1940, -
ceived command of the above convoy with instructions to pick up British Troops om the shores round Dunkirk as soon as possible. This was at 2 p.m; by 2.15 p.m.
were under way heading out to sea.
Good progress was made until later that night we lost contact with lighter X.95
though we spent some time in trying to locate her without success.
At 11 a.m. 1st June land was sighted, peniot Where were we? The one and cidedly irregular compass, the Deviation of which we never know, which perhaps
B just as well, brought us to a buny round which was painted - -"Ostend". This a a most salutary effect on us and putting the wheel to starboard we headed for e battle. The succession of sunken ships with the oil saturated water covered.
th junk and garbage of all sorts began to have a dampening effect on everybody.
wever, we fortified ourselves with large helpings of Mr. Machonicie's Irish Stew.
Continuing on passed Nieuport we found ourselves between two destroyers and shore battery in action;during this one of the destroyers was hit and the supertructure burst into flames. On closing in it was obvious that there was no one board and we drew away a magazine explosion. Shells then began to drop round us rom the remaining destroyer and to further our consternation at this moment a orpedo passed under the "Sherfield", disappearing up the beach; whether fired by submarine or the other destroyer is not known.
Next thing on the programs was the finding of a whole lot of chaps who had een in the oil-covered water for a considerable time and we experienced dirfi ulty n getting them aboard as there were several wounded amongst them. These - were ostly off destroyers sunk during the day. During this interlule soldiers were een gathering on the foreshore, and owing to ebbing tide it was impossible to each the lighters and the motor boat. commenced to collect the soldiers and take them to the lighters at twenty at a time. One young Army officer to whom great redit is due came along with a motor boat full of wounded, and after putting them board helped with the embarkation.
In the meantime one lighter continued to fish people out of the water and the ther went alongside the wrecked "Clan MacAlister" and took off 15 wounded survivors of the "Keith" and other ships.
All was going well when a number of enemy planes started to machine gun the beach and bombard the vicinity. It would be as well to mention that there were no other British ships or planes in sight, and being completely unarmed except for one Boer War rifle, we couldn't do much against them. As the last load was being gathered it appeared that the enemy were using Trench Mortars and machine guns from begind the Dunes.
During a lull the second lighter and motor boat made for the open sea; while the motor barge was receiving her last load of wounded enemy planes started paying further attention to her. She stopped all movement and drifted about for the next three quarters of an hour, hoping to be taken for a derelect, which thank God she wast At length the planes eased off and she made a dash (at 6 knots) for the open sea, large quantities of tea being consumed. Peace reigned, but not for long;
the familiar whine of a power bomber was heard, followed by a pattern of bombo exploding round the barge and a nice little machine gun attack followed.
The remainder of the trip was quite uneventful, entering Dover at 7 a.m. on
Sunday morning.
Too much praise cannot be given to the Civilian members of the crews, all being volunteers and the youngest being 17. A fine example was set by the fortitude of the Troops waiting on the shore and in the water. All Naval members of the orews acted as expected.
On returning to Sheerness we found the third member of our convoy, whan - had missed during the first night, had managed to get to Dunkirk and had had her full share of excitement.

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.

206
123
would be able to assist us if necessary and realised that we were the last English boat leaving harbour. Could not get engine of LADY CABLE to start but after a short while
W.D. boat came nearly alongside her engines were running and making considerable noise. Their action then appeared to me suspicious she appeared to be undamaged in the half light.
By now dawn was nearly breaking. When W.D. boat came close to us I ordered one of my crew Cadet Rating Price -
to board her. He managed to jump aboard but the two boats drifted apart. Price shouted that there was nobody aboard.
Yet her engines were going in neutral of course. Displaying great initiative and resourcefulness, Price was able to make
HAIG go slow ahead and was able to steer her close enough to LADY CABLE for me to jump aboard. Our first efforts to get a line between the two boats were unsuccessful.
The operation was made difficult by the LADY CABLE being full of French soldiers who did not of course appreciate what was happening and were therefore unable to be of much assistance however willing they might be. After some time the two boats were secured but in order to pass a line it had been necessary for Price to swim from the HAIG to the
LADY CABLE with it. Price did this on his own initiative and displayed great courage and efficiency.
By the time the two boats were secure it was almost broad daylight and we were still very close to Dunkirk
Harbour and appeared to have drifted inshore to the S.W. and were very close to the pall of smoke which shrouded the coast to the West of Dunkirk.
On inspecting condition of HAIG found that she had a fair amount of water forward and was damaged extensively on the port bow. However, I got French poilus to work the pump in relays and towing LADY CABLE and going very slow ahead were able to make progress and prevent the water forward from rising.
For some time we did not discover that each engine had a separate control lever and had been going ahead on one engine only. For several hours we made slow progress.
Worsall was trying to get LADY CABLE's engine to start again and Smith was steering her. I left most of the French in
LADY CABLE.
I saw a submarine half surface about half a mile ahead on one occasion and also a number of German aircraft passed close ahead of us. Luckily we were either not seen or not deemed of sufficient importance to attack. A French destroyer came and had a look at us but I did not signal to her as we were making fair progress. A flight of 3
Hurricanes flew low over us and later we saw Spitfires and Defiants, but luckily no German planes approached us.
The starboard engine of HAIG packed up I think about
0730. I had not time to keep a detailed log of events.
By this time Stoker Worsall had got engine of LADY CABLE
to go again and I secured her alongside HAIG as towing her astern with only our port engine going was too difficult.
For a considerable time we made very slow progress using engines of both boats. LADY CABLE's engine kept stopping, which made our progress very slow and steering difficult. At last/ French
4-funnelled light cruiser or large destroyer X 440 (I think)
with bow wave painted on her, saw us and came up to help. I
had/

207
194
I had great difficulty in manoeuvring alongside and this difficulty was made worse by the attitude of a few of the
French soldiers who had become panicky and kept shouting
"Au Secours" and shouting at me to hurry up and get them alongside! Only a small section of the soldiers took this attitude which was formulated by a soldier (Heaven knows what rank or capacity) who looked at least sixty, having a pointed grey beard! I found it so difficult to get the boats alongside while we were secured together that I decided to cast off the HAIG and left Cadet Rating Price on board her with orders that I would come back to the HAIG as soon as the French soldiers were on board the cruiser.
We were very close to X440 and I was alongside her in about two minutes. The French troops scrambled aboard her and I spoke to a French Naval Officer and asked him to wireless Dover that I had the W.D. craft in tow, that we were in difficulties and needed assistance. He promised to do this and also told me the course we should follow from our present position. I noticed that while the French troops were boarding X440, the HAIG had drifted alongside
X440 further aft and I noticed Price talking to the French sailors but do not recall seeing him go aboard X440.
As soon as the troops were aboard I shoved off and
X440 went ahead. HAIG was now astern of X440 and I went alongside her at once. To my amazement there was no sign of Price, who must either have fallen overboard or else boarded the X440 and had not been able to get back aboard
HAIG before X440 went ahead. There was no sign of anyone in the water.
I was now left with Worsall and Smith to manage both the HAIG and LADY CABLE. There was no chance of the HAIG
towing the LADY CABLE owing to the fact that only HAIG's port engine was working and this would have made steering very difficult and also it would not have been possible to prevent the water from rising forward as there were no spare hands to pump. I decided then to try and tow HAIG alongside
LADY CABLE. First I stopped HAIG's engine there was no object in leaving it running. It took us quite & while to discover how to stop the engine!
Efforts at towing alongside were unsuccessful - the lines kept parting and the bollard aft in LADY CABLE was not up to the strain. The only possible chance left of towing
HAIG was astern but this meant that the tow rope would have to be secured forward around the mast of LADY CABLE and led aft along the deck. We could not secure the tow rope aft efforts at towing HAIG alongside.
owing to the bollards having been carried away by our previous
I realised that there was a considerable risk towing from forward that the tow rope might jump over the engine room cabin housing and I took every care to watch for this happening. We managed to make a little progress but several times the tow rope nearly jumped the cabin and unfortunately this finally happened when our engine had almost stopped and the HAIG yawed away to port. I went overboard like a shot from a gun and felt the screw of LADY CABLE touch my left foot. Luckily I caught hold of a fender alongside
HAIG. Worsall quickly got on board HAIG and he and Smith
(who was already abord HAIG) were able to pull me out of the water. After this episode I decided reluctantly that any further efforts at towing HAIG were impossible, especially/

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my left foot.
especially as I was partially incapacitated by a wound on
As we were a long way from the French coast I decided that there was very little chance of HAIG falling into enemy hands and that no doubt help would soon be forthcoming in reply to the wireless message I had asked X440 to send.
I hauled down HAIG's ensign and took it aboard LADY CABLE and we tried to make towards the English coast. Unfortunately the engine kept stopping and we made very slow progress and finally nothing would make our engine start again. We drifted helplessly for several hours and then sighted a Bell
Buoy which I believe may have been the N.W. Goodwin Bell
Buoy, but we did not get close enough to make sure. At last we sighted a warship and waved HAIG's White Ensign to try to attract stention. We were seen and the ship altered course towards us and came up close to LADY CABLE. She was the French transport ROUEN of Dieppe and was packed with troops from Dunkirk. An officer asked what I wanted and I
told him that we were broken down and asked to be taken aboard. To my surprise my appeal was met with a blunt
"No" - with no explanation, and the ROUEN steamed away.
My crew and I felt angry at this in view of the fact that we had rescued over 200 French soldiers during the night.
No doubt the ROUEN had good reasons for not taking us aboard but no explanation was given and I would like if possible to discover why she was unable to help us.
Luckily another ship some considerable distance away had noticed the ROUEN and observed that she had not picked us up. This ship was the CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH and she came up and took us in tow to the Downs where she was bound for in ballast. On arrival in the Downs where CITY OF
CHRISTCHURCH dropped anchor, we were able to start up the engine of LADY CABLE and I decided once again to try to make for Dover. However, we broke down after a run of about
15 minutes and were picked up by a tug (Operational I
don't know her name). She had orders to proceed to Ramsgate with H.M. Drifter VIKING in tow and was about to do this when we broke down near her. She towed us to the VIKING
and I boarded the VIKING to have my injured foot attended to and get some rest. VIKING and LADY CABLE were towed round to Ramsgate where we arrived about 2100. I was landed and taken to "Merrie England" and then to Ramsgate General
Hospital.
The Commanding Officer of VIKING at my request reported the return of LADY CABLE and that one member of my crew,
Cadet Rating Price was missing but might be aboard French warship X440. He also reported direct to C. in C., Dover, about HAIG. A little later, while I was still at "Merrie
England", the Commanding Officer of VIKING arrived to tell me that he had been informed from Dover that HAIG was safe.
Unfortunately he had no news for me of Cadet Rating Price.
The behaviour of my crew throughout the operation had been magnificent. The taking off of over 200 French troops and 6 British from the Mole was conducted quickly and calmly under difficult and hazardous conditions. Later,
Cadet Rating Price's work in helping to get the HAIG alongside LADY CABLE cannot be too highly praised. Without the great initiative and efficiency he displayed the operation would not have been successful and the HAIG would have drifted ashore to the S.W. of Dunkirk.
After/

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OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 7.
SHIP: EMPRESS, RIVER LAUNCH. LUCY LAVERS 4/B.
OFFICER REPORTING: SUB-LIEUTENANT T.W. BETTS, R.N.V.R.
Leaving H.M.S. KING ALFRED on Friday, May 31st, I
proceeded to Sheerness, to await the arrival of Motor Boats for the purpose of evacuating troops from Dunkirk. On Saturday, 1st
June, I was placed in command of the River Launch EMPRESS with a crew of 6. The clutch of the starboard engine had been giving trouble before I left, but I decided that, at any rate,
I could make Ramsgate. In this assumption I was wrong, as I
broke down when about half the distance was covered.
The trawler escorting the motor boats took me in tow to
Ramsgate, and thence to Dunkirk, where, having had my engineer repairing his engines on the journey over, I left the trawler and prepared to pick up troops. Nearing the beach West of
Dunkirk, and judging the water too shallow for further progress inshore, I rang down "Hard Astern" to the engine room, in order to take the way off my ship.
The starboard engine, then, not only refused to go astern, but refused to assume the neutral position, with the consequence that the ship was carried high and dry on to the beach. Upon examination I found that it would be quite impossible to salvage the ship until between 9 and 10 a.m. on the next day.
After having placed an anchor out well astern, I and my crew swam out to deep water where we were soon picked up by a launch and put aboard a drifter.
The drifter proceeded to Dunkirk Harbour, and I and my crew assisted in the embarkation of troops, after which we returned with the drifter to Dover and reported to H.M.S. LYNX.
2nd June, 1940 at 1400 approximately, I was placed in charge of the R.N.L.I. Motor Lifeboat LUCY LAVER and proceeded to Dunkirk under tow with the Drifter GOLDEN SUNSHINE.
After/

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day (continued)
2010
possibly, already damaged by our fighters.
- 255
2105
Proceeded with 180 British troops.
Alongside Eastern Pier embarking troops.
aturday 1st. 0005 June.
Anchored off Margate.
0133
Alongside Margate Pier, disemberked troops.
0240
Ordered to anchor off Margate and await orders.
0700
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk.
1000
troops. Alongside Eastern Pier, Dunkirk Harbour, embarking
More or less continous High level Bombing in progress engaged enemy Bombers.
1130
Proceeded with 210 British troops, and 5 stretcher cases.
1235
In position 342° No.5 Buoy 1 Mile, steering 342° with
Scote two transports ahead. One being a large two funneller
Queen and the other a Paddle steamer (names not known), both carrying French troops. We were all attacked by 16
Enemy Dive Bombers which were hotly engaged. Both transports were hit, and Kingfisher near missed". The smaller ship appeared to be sinking and the larger on fire, but still under way, and under control. A
Three anys number of small Drifters proceeding to Dunkirk, were close at hand and proceeded to pick up survivors. I
Univerly commenced to turn, with the same intention but sighted two destroyerstwo miles to the Northward, one British and one French, both without troops. informed them by light and they closed at full speed. I then decided that the help Kingfisher, who was already full, could add, did not justify my risking the loss of my troops by remaining in the vicinity, so proceeded.
1442
Anchored off Margate Pier.
1555
Alongside Margate Pier disembarking troops.
1635
Proceeded and anchored in Margate Roads, ordered to remain at 1 hour's notice in case required.
Not included in Saturday Night's operations.
unday 2nd June.
No fresh orders received, took the opportunity to replenish ammunition, 113 4" H.E. H.A., return empties,
During the dark hours several Parachute flares were seel and to oil seen to drop, off North Foreland.
onday 3rd June.
1910
Weighed and proceeded, "Cuillemot" in company, to rendezvous with, and escort, Lady of Man and Auto
1955
Formed Carrier. escort on Auto Carrier, who informed me that
2130
Off'W' Buoy. Salamander firing at floating mine.
Lady of Man was still in Dover.
Mines about 12 feet apart with
2149
Went Sighted a line alongside between two floating West them. Pier, Ordered Dunkirk Guillemot were Harbour very to and well sink them.
2255
organised embarked for embarkation, and appeared much fresher
210 French troops, who
They than also still possessed practically all their any of our own.
equipment.
2319
Slipped and proceeded. There was considerable

REPORT OF "NONETA" Lieut. Potter-Irwin, R.N.V.R.) ON
321
EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK
- 300
All times approximate.
12
May 31. 0400 Upon arrival at Bray the beaches were thronged with men and a number of floats and boats which had been brought off to the waiting ships and not taken inshore again. We collected as many of these as possible and took them close to the shore, letting them drift in on the tide.
The shallow water made approach to the shore difficult, and so we got under way and went to Destroyer
H.42. The Commander of this ship had by then got four of his ship's boats down and we found that our best method of getting the men off was to tow the boats in to the shore, all tied together, stand off until they were full and then take them in tow back to the destroyer.
We carried out this operation, repeatedly, from day-break until after mid-day when the destroyer was full and recalled her boats. I estimate that in this way we got
700 men off. From mid-day onwards we picked up boats or troops and took them to bigger ships.
At 1620 a large wave of enemy bombers attacked.
We were then just embarking troops from a float which was sinking---it was impossible to get under way until they were embarked and by that time a full scale air-raid was in progress. As we moved away from the shore one bomb fell very near to us on the starboard quarter. In consequence of this one man was killed and four wounded.
Damage and casualties summarised:-
One soldier killed.
Petty Officer Lock wounded in the thigh in two places.
Four soldiers wounded.
The damage to the ship was not extensive.
Upon consideration and in view of the fact that there was a heavy sea running I decided it was out of the question to move the wounded men. Owing to the fact that my Petty Officer was incapacitated, leaving me
Lieut. Dawson, in "Seriola", to request that Sub.Lieut.
single-handed, I signalled the C.O. of my Division,
Godman should join me, and that I had decided to leave for Ramsgate.
two p.Bnued).
times aces.
May 31. 0400
May
31.
400
men men and ct bi.
brought g me again.
ision, took th at Sub.Lieut.
ided to leave the
N OF DUNKIRK
di

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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:

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376
A
353
aircraft which for the quickly made off and we were not again directly attacked rest of the night. The sea surface was extremely phosphorescent and I believe the aircraft detected us by our water.
At 2256 a M.T.B. proceeding very fast struck us a glancing blow on the Starboard quarter. This craft did not stop or answer any signals but appeared to carry a green light shining skywards. He was quickly lost in the darkness - marks and splinters left behind showed that he was painted a dark grey.
At Dunkirk itself the offing was lit by the burning oil tanks making ship very conspicuous and as the beaches were at this time obliterated by heavy smoke from these fires, I
anchored to the Westward at 0110 1st June and waited daybreak.
0350 weighed anchor and entered Dunkirk harbour. At OLUIO, in company with H.M.S. "Locust". 0500 berthed alongside and commenced embarking troops - severe air raids in progress all the time. Two raiders shot down by A.A. fire.
0620 let go and cleared harbour having embarked about
70 soldiers, mostly E. Yorks Regiment. 0750 attacked by enemy bomber, opened fire and hit him with bursts from Lewis gun. No received great assistance in this attack from the troops who mounted their Bren guns on deck. Observed one aircraft shot down by gunfire from H.M. Ships.
We were now compelled to go slow as our main engine circulating pump was damaged and engines getting extremely overheated.
1000 took in tow for Ramsgate a disabled motor launch.
1300 entered Ramsgate harbour and disembarked troops. 1315
left Ramsgate for Sheerness going dead slow owing to condition of engines. 1547 passed W/T signal to C. in C. for H.N.S.
"Ivanhoe" (in tow). 1916 entered Sheerness hargour and secured to buoy.
During the whole of the operation, I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of the ship's company. Without exception they were calm and cool carrying out their duties with ourge and zeal under most trying conditions.
I wish to specially mention Sub Lieut J.G. Llewellyn
R.N.V.R. for his devotion to duty and coolness; Coxswain F.
R. Matthews R.N.P.S. Lewis Gunner for well controlled
Signalman J.L. Wells R.N.V.R. for quick and efficient and signalling;
Thompson R.N.P.S. for his leadership of the crew; Ordinary accurate fire with most economical use of unminition. Also,
Engineman Macallister, R.N.P.S. for keeping the engines running and controlling
D. Seaman R.N.P.S. (Helmsman) and H. Topte, leaks.
I have the 'honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) J.S. ROE
Lieutenant R.N.V.R.
4th June, 1940.

ort of Proceedings of M.T.B. 107
Page
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429
to H&M. SM"VIVACIOUS". 2020 proceeded in tru tow om M. S. proceeded to Dunkirk imdependently. Navigation
H. "VIVACIOUS" and Slipped tow and embarked Captain Dangerfield R.N.
rendered difficult by spray obscuring vision and by unknown deviation on compass which had never been swung. 2330 (approx:) Arrived off Dunkirk entered harbour and cruised there. Considerable shelling in progress, rticularly in vicinity of East Pier, alongside which M.T.B. 107 secured land Captain Dangerfield. On his return left harbour and searched for ockships, two only being found, the third having been sunk in collision on way. During this period M.T.B. 107 was alongside, she was crushed by rge 0 French fishing craft which were engaged in evacuating troops and were ther unable or unwilling to keep clear. After closing the block ships llowed first into harbour and received crew from her boat and transferred em to H.M.S. "VIVACIOUS" lying outside, thereafter going in again and cking up the remainder of the crew of the second blockship. Thereafter ft Dunkirk at 0345 with H.M.S. "VIVACIOUS" and M. A/S.B 07 arriving Dover
30 3rd June. Considerable difficulty was experienced in manoeuvring
T.B. 107 in Dunkirkk harbour of much heavy wreckage, her inability to go
Fornand her large turning circle.
onday, 2nd June
Left Dover 1735 and proceeded to embark Captains of blockships, ransfering them to H.M. S"SHIKARI". 2030 Proceeded in two two tow of H.M.S.
SHIKARI" to Dunkirk inz company of blockships. On arrival off Dunkirk lipped tos and employed taking messages to blockships. On blockships eighing at about 0245 attended leading blockship Gourko to follow her n and take off crew. During waiting period H.M.S. "SHIKARI" bombed without
Gourko" ffect. was proceeding to enter heavy explosion was observed on board
H avy shelling rifle and machine gun fire observed. As HmM.S.
er from mine, torpedo or bomb. At once closed her to render assistance ns secured alongside. At about same time M.A/S.B. 10 did the same and mbarked part of her ship's company. MXMXXX S.S. "GOURKO" sank rapidly reaking one of M.T.B's 107's lines in so doing. As M.A/S.B. 10 had roceeded into harbour to follow the remaining blockship M.T.B. 107
emained to rescue more of S.S. "GOURKO"s crew who had not succeeded in etting 8 were rescued, including the commanding officer, 3 being eriously away. and 4 less seriously injured. Very considerable difficulty was of xperienced in this owing to much heavy wreckage, the presence he wreck doing "KING ORRY" and the lack of manoeuvring power of M.T.B.
or When satisfied to transfer survivors, as the small size of the boat H.M.S. and
07. of S.S. that no-one remained in the water proceeded to search ack H.M.S. of "SHIKARI" accommodation made this highly desirable. As no sign of remaining lockship or M.A/S.B. been observed, and it was now practically for Dover
SHIKARI" any 10 could be found, and the blowing up of the broad dayight, had already between 0350 and 0400, I decided to encountered make and, ndependently wing to at utmost error in navigation, M.T.B. 107 became having no faith the time being speed. On passage thick fog was involved in the oodwins. regretted anchored until the weather cleared, the sands namy I thereupon rapidly cleared, and I proceeded across 4th June.
the compass. North Goodwin The fog buoy, thence to Dover, arriving 0730, uesday, 4th June.
At Dover.
ednesday, 5th June.
Proceeded from Dover to Portsmouth in company with D/C Boat and
.T.B. 102.