TNA Unclassified 1

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319
Page 3.
signalled "FEASABLE" my intention to tow her in lashed alongside "BEN & LUCY". While attempting to do this the tow rope was picked up by a length of sweep wire which apparently had been foul of our propeller since leaving Portsmouth. Our propeller became hopelessly fouled so we were both obliged to anchor. I signalled
Pierhead that I had 100 troops, including two wounded and that I was disabled. A launch came off and took the troops ashore. We remained at anchor until Monday morning having made unsuccessful attempts to obtain a tow into harbour to clear the screw.
At 1000 on Monday, June 3rd we were towed in by drifter "RENASCENT" and at low tide succeeded in clearing our screw by acetylene cutter. While this operation was on hand I succeeded in contacting the skipper of "DORIENTA". He reported to me that his engines had been damaged by the explosion of a shell but that he had managed to return at reduced speed (the boiler had moved and broken the joints in several steam pipes causing flooding in the engine room which in turn blocked up the bilge pumps with ashes). I reported to Captain Wharton R.N.
who instructed me to return to Portsmouth and take "DORIENTA's"
crew with me as "DORIENTA" was "wrecked", but on the assurance of her skipper that he was confident he could bring her back to Portsmouth I returned to Captain Wharton and sought permission to bring "DORIENTA" back, as, if it proved necessary, I could have taken her in tow. This permission was granted and at 0600 on Tuesday, June 4th we weighed anchor and made passage to Portsmouth, arriving at 2100.
I wish to place on record and draw attention to, the perfect discipline and devotion to duty of all members of both crews, with particular mention of Skipper
W.A. Whatling R.N.R., Skipper.F.Reynolds R.N.R, and the engine room staff of H.M.D. "DORIENTA" whose coolness in maintaining way on the ship in most arduous conditions undoubtedly prevented the abandonment of this ship.
I have the honour to be,
CAPT H.M.S. -7- "VERNON" AIN 1940
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
LM.Shs
Acting Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
Unit Officer.

339
SHEERNESS
REPORTS
RENASCENT
MONARDA.
ARONIA,
STRATHELLIOT
ALOUETTE 2
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OFFICERS SMEN
LIST or OFFICERS DESIERVING SPIECIAL MENTION
MOVEMENTS OF OFFICERS.

Dynamo 143
372
H.M.D. "RENASCENT"
-
349
6th June, 1940.
Sirs,
I have the honour to put before you a report of our action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk.
We sailed on orders on Thursday evening May 30th at
8.45 p.m. and proceeded to Ramsgate. Arrived at Ramsgate in the early morning 5.0 a.m. and received orders to go to Dunkirk and take off soldiers.
We arrived at Dunkink and hailed a destroyer, asking him where they were getting the troops from. He asked us what and T replied about 11 feet. He then told
2.
About 1,000 men stood to attention 4 deep about half way along the pier, the General and his staff about 30 feet away and after having faced the troops;
whose faces were indescernable in the dawn light, the flames behind them showing up their steel helmets, the Officers clicked their heels, saluted and then turned about and came down to the boat with me and we left at 0320.
"Go stranger, tell the Spartans that here we lie, having been obedient to their commands!".
Commander, R.N.

Dynams 143.
TLE
-
H.M.D. "RENASCENT"
349
6th June, 1940.
Sirs,
I have the honour to put before you a report of our action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk.
We sailed on orders on Thursday evening May 30th at
8.45 p.m. and proceeded to Remsgate. Arrived at Ramsgate in the early morning 5.0 a.m. and received orders to go to Dunkirk and take off soldiers.
We arrived at Dunkirk and hailed a destroyer, asking him where they were getting the troops from. He asked us what water we were drawing and I replied about 11 feet. He then told us to proceed 8 miles to the Eastward and get troops off the beach.
We proceeded on our way and as soon as we got there, hailed some small boats and told them to bring us some men.
raid.
Dynamo 143.
bombs
348A
'S from to the
From:
Captain M/S, Sheerness.
roraft
During all
Date:
6th June, 1940.
Eagle
To:
Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.
. When we to smother did. We
80 I ran he boat
In forwarding the attached, I have hen we
$ at nothing but praise for the Skipper and Crew of
"Renascent". Thelis officer carried out his very coming in unusual duties in a prompt and seamanlike and them courageous manner.
hing to
He had no Unit Officer on board to assist ving a and the
1 Della and him.
The hanging e put the
PBHartful CAPTAIN M/S
bit to kirk harbour
SHEERNESS.
would
UNMODORE-IN-CHARGE -7 JUN 1940
day June ashore return
*
CHEERNESS

Dynams 143
372
H.M.D. "RENASCENT"
349
6th June, 1940.
Sirs,
I have the honour to put before you a report of our action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk.
We sailed on orders on Thursday evening May 30th at
8.45 p.m. and proceeded to Ramsgate. Arrived at Ramsgate in the early morning 5.0 a.m. and received orders to go to Dunkirk and take off soldiers.
We arrived at Dunkirk and hailed a destroyer, asking him where they were getting the troops from. He asked us what water we were drawing and I replied about 11 feet. He then told us to proceed 8 miles to the Eastward and get troops off the beach.
We proceeded on our way and as soon as we got there, hailed some small boats and told them to bring us some men.
We were waiting for them when we had an air raid.
There were about 80 planes over and they were dropping bombs for about three quarters of an hour. We then had orders from a destroyer to go back to the Westward. We then went to the
Westward as ordered, with wave after wave of enemy aircraft continually coming over and trying to get some of us. During all this they started shelling from ashore.
While on our way back, we were hailed by an Eagle paddle steamer and told to put our troops on board him. When we did that, we were told to take the Commodore from him to snother paddle boat - about a mile back to the East - which we did. We then came to the West again and it was a rising tide, so I ran my ship up on the beach and started to get troops in the boat by any means I could. We had one hundred and eighty when we were floating again, so I came away with them - leaving at approximately 8. 30.
We were subjected to one more air raid while coming out. It lasted for about twenty minutes. We arrived in
Ramsgate 8 A.M. Saturday 1st June with first load, put them ashore and laid off at anchor.
Set sail for Dunkirk 5.40 Saturday palla Nothing to yacht disappeared - he had been mined. The time WAS The Dalla and large steam yacht when there was a terrible explosion 11 and the report until we got into Dunkirk Roads. We were following a visibility was very poor and the smoke from ashore was hanging
I ordered full speed and the boat's crew to stand by.
on the water, but we got as near as we could.
hear men shouting in the water, 30 70 put bit to the boat I and could picked up four survivors. I waited could for not. a see if away we could get any more of them, but we
I then board eighty British. The French Sunday proceeded on my way and went into men Dunkirk would harbour where we took on started back for Ramsgate at 2 a.m. them ashore June not come, so I in Ramsgate about 7 a.m. I put to return
2nd. and went We arrived off and laid at anchor until we had orders back to Sheerness.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) R.E. HANNAPORD
Skipper R.N.R.

Dynom. INJ.
375
H.M.Y. "ARONIA".
352
6th June, 1940.
sir,
I have the honour to submit the following. At 1910
30th May received orders to proceed to Ramsgate for routeing to
Dunkirk. Got under weigh and cleared harbour at 1919. 2210
anchored off the Foreland due to darkness and poor visibility.
0400 31st May commenced to weigh, windlass broken down.
0500 windlass repaired, weighed and proceeded to Ramsgate. 0800
received route orders from N.C.S.O. and proceeded to Dunkirk.
Dynama
-
H.M.D. "MONARDA"
350
5th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following. At
2000 on Thursday 30th May, "Monarda", in company with H.N.D.
"Renascent", sailed for Ramsgate in accordance with Sailing
Orders received. On arrival there at 0500 on 31st May we were given orders to proceed to Dunkerque to take off members of the B.E.F.
Dunkerque was reached at 1330 and we were attacked by enemy bombing aircraft; to which attack we replied vigourously. One of our Hurricane fighters was shot down and fell into the sea. Her pilot, Squadron Leader McGregor, was picked up.
Later, a Service cutter with forty soldiers aboard was picked up and we then entered the harbour, took off twenty-five men and returned to Ramsgate.
The following day, Saturday 1st June, we again left Ramsgate at 0630 and arrived at Dunkerque about noon. We entered the harbour and took on board one hundred and twenty
British soldiers. During this time there was a heavy bombing attack - aerial torpedoes were dropped and "Monarda" was shaken by explosions.
We sailed at 1400 and a little while later picked up five French sailors from the water. A French trawler came alongside and took on board fifteen of the wounded.
Later we met another French trawler which had been damaged, took aboard her crew and towed her back to
Sheerness, where we arrived at 1430, Sunday June 2nd.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Pearce T. Lovelock
Lieutenant R.N.V.R.

From
CAPTAIN M/S SHEERNESS.
Deproms 142.
387
- 364
Date
7th.June 1940
To
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
Subject
Recommendations of officers and men engaged in operation 'Dynamo!
Dynamo 216. Amlopers
SECRET
362
commanding officer off
No.
-
rage in face of attack and vation of his ship.
REPORTS ON "DYNAMO" RE.2/014
1st Lieutenant of
OPERATION
ire and devotion to duty in ringing off members of the
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
.N.V.R. LD9/X.4930 of
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief, The Nore)
signalling during the whole
The enclosed report and renompson R.N.P.S. LT. N.K. of commendation is forwarded with es crew and for his fine reference to Nore General Order
448 and supplementary to my No.
M.I.1/14/015 of 8th June, 1940.
I.K. for well controlled and
, of ammunition.
See III, p551
984, Skipper of H.M.D.
ing of his ship under enemy
: attacks, and for his set a fine example to the
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
* R.N.V.R. Unit officer in
SHEERNESS
taking axammher off members the fine spirit he showed
9th June, 1940
L52 O.N./N.K. of H.M.D.
VICE ADMIRAL
erfulness at all times under
1 everything possible for
11 JUN 1940
1 fax his coolness, even
*
piration to the men.
DOVER
{.5111 of H.M.D. Monardd, his efforts, steam was
3 to be found looking to the
10. Seaman John Henry Williams LT/JX 173534. 14112 of H.M.D. be
Monarda devotion to duty. As Gunner he was always to found for his post whenever danger threatened the ship. replied He showed remarkable whenever opportunity presented itself. He be took at coolness under enemy bombing attacks and also great vigourously care to see that all arms were ready, and is to especially praised for his pride in his work.
11. Skipper courageous manner in which he and for
RichardHannaford W.S. 2940f H.M.D. directed Renascent his for ship the seamanlike and off members of the B.E.F. from Dunkerque Grieve which his and prompt brought action in receiving the crew of steam yacht was mined.

From
CAPTAIN M/S SHEERNESS.
Deproms 142.
387
- 364
Date
7th.June 1940
To.
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
Subject
Recommendations of officers and men engaged in operation 'Dynamo!
Submitted:
1. Lieutenant John Stanley Roe R.N.V.R. commanding officer off
H.M.Y. Aronia for devotion to duty, courage in face of attack and for his excellent mavigation and preservation of his ship.
2. Sub. Lieutenant John Gwyn Llewelyn. 1st Lieutenant of
H.M.Y. Aronia for his coolness under fire and devotion to duty in taking charge of the ship's boat and bringing off members of the
B.E.F.
3. Ordinary Signalman John L. Wells R.N.V.R. LD9/X.4930 of
H.M.Y. Aronia for quick and efficient signalling during the whole operation.
4. Coxswain Francis Richard Overdon Thompson R.N.P.S. LT. N.K. of
H.M.T. Aronia for his leadership of the crew and for his fine example.
5. Lewis Gunner Rodney Matthews O.N./N.K. for well controlled and accurate fire, with most economical use of ammunition.
6. Robert Herbert Soanes R.N.R. W.S. 2984, Skipper of H.M.D.
Monarda, for the cool and skilful handling of his ship under enemy artillery fire and during heavy bombing attacks, and for his untiring work in embarking troops. He set a fine example to the men.
7. Lieutenant Pearce Trewhella Lovelock R.N.V.R. Unit officer in
H.M.D.Monarda for zeal and courage in taking axamber off members of the B.E.F. under heavy fire and for the fine spirit he showed throughout.
8. 2nd Hand William Joseph Kingston 1152 O.N./N.K. of H.M.D.
Monarda for his untiring energy and cheerfulness at all times under extremely trying circumstances. He did everything possible for the welfare of the troops on board, and fax his coolness, even during heavy bombing attacks was an inspiration to the men.
9. Stoker P.O. Herbert Ralph Helps D.K.5111 of H.M.D. Monarda, for devotion to duty. Mainly through his efforts, steam was always ready, and when off watch he was to be found looking to the welfare of the troops.
10. Seaman John Henry Williams LT/JX 173534. 14112 of H.M.D. be
Monarda devotion to duty. As Gunner he was always to He found at for his post whenever danger threatened the ship. showed remarkable coolness under enemy bombing attacks and replied also vigourously great care to see that all arms were ready, and is to especially whenever opportunity presented itself. He be took praised for his pride in his work.
11, Skipper courageous manner in which he directed and for
RichardHannaford W.S. 2940f H.M.D. Renascent his for ship the seamanlike and off members of the B.E.F. from Dunkerque Grieve which his prompt and brought action in receiving the crew of steam yacht was mined.

- 2 -
388
12. 2nd Hand James Cowie X.57 S.C.
Ord. Sea Ernest Mc.Kay H.O.
à
Ord. Sea.Ronald Labb. H.O.
365
zuar of H.M.D. yacht Renascent Grieve who showed great bravery in rescuing survivors heavy smoke.
of the under difficult conditions of darkness and
13. Leonard S. Brown H.O. of H.M.D. Renascent for steering the 260/m ship safely throughout the operation during enemy attacks.
14. Sub. Lieutenant Walter Edward Mercer R.N.V.R of Strathelliot for his courage and devotion to duty in face of attack whilst zbih taking off soldiers from Dunkerque.
15. Skipper Charles Percy Smith Chaplin of H.M.T. Strathelliot for his coolness under fire and for his careful handling of his ship.
16. Ordinary Seaman Ernest Lloyd Hoare H.O. of H.M.T. Strathelliot for his bravery under fire and cheerful example to the rest of the crew.
17. 1st Engineer William James Mc.Leod LT/KX. 102473 of H.M.T.
Strathelliot for his devotion to duty in keeping his engines in a state of complete efficiency during the whole operation.
18. Sub. Lt. Reginald Edward Lee Unit officer in H.M.Y. Alouette II
for his courage and devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy fire.
19. Arthur E. Nessling Engineman H.O. of H.M.Y. Alouette II for his unfailing care and hard work. He was greatly responsible for the continued efficient running of the ship.
20. John M. Fenwick 2nd Hand LT/KX 188753 who kept continous watch and was indefatigable in the execution of his duties under extremely difficult conditions.
SBHartfund.
21
form Frederite a Ensy Hertule Bomber WYATT 5 Lewi RNVR. gentro AB. 13/9/1806 CAPTAIN. for within unr his Thank trigs"
R.N.
OMMODORE-IN-CHARGE
-7 JUN 1940
*
CHEERNESS

3953
372
FROM:
Captain M/S, Sheerness.
DATE:
28th June, 1940
TO:
Commodore in Charge
SUBJECT:
Operation Dynamo see vol III 655,
Submitted:
With reference to the report on Operation
Dynamo (Dover despatch A.14/0/876/40 that Appendix I
is misleading in that no mention is made of:-
H.M. Yacht "Aronia"
H.M. Yacht "Alouette" *
H
H.M. D. "Renascent"
H.M.D. "Monardo"
H.M.D. "Strathelliot"
dan layer all of which vessels were under my operational command at the time. This despite the fact that in AppendixVI
"Aronia" is reported as having destroyed enemy aircraft at
18:30 on 31st May and at 0500 on 1st June, and "Alouette"
as having destroyed one enemy aircraft at 1700 on 1st June.
2.
The note at the end of Appendix I which reads
"In addition some 23 of H.M. Trawlers and Drifters and
Yachts of the Nore Command, assisted by taking one or more tows of boats to the coast". is misleading in that all the vessels above mentioned actually carried troops from
Dunkirk to this country, making several trips during the operation and bringing off some 1,000 men.
3.
As I have already forwarded a list of recommendations for officers and men concerned, it is requested that the necessary corrections may be made to this report.
GBHarlfood Captain, M/SY
being recommended for menhan in but is for officers an salings from all of there such are