TNA Unclassified 1

226
214
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 11
SHIP: "SKYLARK" 6.
RATING REPORTING: CADET RATING G.R. PRICE
Crew: Cadet Rating A.I. Foster and Stoker Roberts.
The "Skylark" was towed over by H.M.D. "FYLDEA" and eventually arrived at Dunkirk at about 0700 on Saturday June
1st. The boats were sent to the beaches. "Skylark" towed in the "Eastbourne Belle" whose motor had broken down. The
"Eastbourne Belle" ran onto a submerged car and the towing line became entangled around the screw of the "Skylark". C.R.Foster went over the side and cut this rope free. We then proceeded to the beach and picked up about 70 British Tommies and one officer. These were taken aboard the "Fyldea".
2.
Second trip we picked up the crew of the Ferry "Nymph"
(motor boat) and about 60 British Tommies. These were taken aboard the "Fyldea".
3.
Third trip, picked up about 70 French troops. We returned to the "Fyldea" but found she was aground. After an unsuccessful attempt to tow the "Fyldea" off I decided to try and get the French I had away - we were being bombed.
4.
I left the harbour and met H.M.S. WORCESTER outside.
I put the troops aboard her and started to return to the "Fyldea"
for the others but the "Skylark's" motor stezedup. We therefore abandoned the "Skylark" which was slightly on fike and embarked on the WORCESTER. The WORCESTER was seriously bombed and Cadet
Rating Foster slightly injured by a machine gun bullet - he was the only casualty.

292
aft in very It few is minutes difficult she to was on fire fore and aft.
embarked, men on board, I should under say the round conditions about estimate 600. that they the number were of
After ties from beaching the As bomb I the a dvised explosions lower all decks must were filled their only chance, and hands to sighted as at one time in the probably water. 200 I men could the be water they were then badly machine gunned. regret to say that being furiously all fore wood, In less and with than the half exception an hour of owing the to the ship that aft, and I feel that I hull, she was withstand any gear the heat or instruments and can
The crew be
I the specially guns were commend kept going right up wonderfully well,
Q.O. R.N.R., and Able Seaman Frend who was Lieutenant acting a
R.M. Roberts, the Gunnery for which were alleviating so wounded which was a terrific nobly in the Chief Steward Cooch (T124) worked have been to single out, they were all so these it is difficult many in such a small place. Apart from job. There thank them. served better in the hour of trial, good, for no which one could I
concur, are attached.
R.N.R., and Sub-Lieutenant R.M. Roberts, R.N.R., with D.J.P. which Davies
Additional reports from Lieutenant
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
BOOTH
Lieutenant Commander, R.N,R.
The Commodore,
R.N. Barracks,
Chatham.
C.in.C. Nore.
Copy to Commodore, Sheerness. )
II
No:3019/187.P/40.
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copy to:-Commodore, in Charge, Sheerness.
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover. )
Their
Lordships. 2. Forwarded. Enquiries are for being the information made to good service of the full names of the ratings brought to notice for their and these will be reported later.
Bernard Ralph Booth, appears Commending to have Officer, behaved Lith great
The DIvoda Command credit to. be deserving. of recognition.
VICE 6- JUN 1940
bonten
R.P.E.E.Drax,
#
The Nore.
5th June, 1940.
DOVOR
ADMIRAL.

293
274
0
Copy.
R.N. Chatham. Barracks,
The Commanding Officer,
H.M.S. "Crested Eagle".
Sir,
I have the honour to report that during the intense aerial bombardment of the pier, and the subsequent bombing, beaching, and burning of the vessel, all men under my control remained steady at their posts and carried out their duties with great coolness. I should like especially to report on the following men:
1e
Tilbury A.B.
Frend. A.B.
Plack, A.B.
Patrick. 0.S.
for their work in keeping the vessel alongside the quay and for assisting the wounded men to board the vessel. I have to report that an unknown A.B. or O.S. a survivor from the
"Grenade" suffering from severe facial injuries, requested that he should assist to men the A.A. guns. Being shorthanded I posted him as gunlayer and Captain of the Gun at
No.2 Pom pom. This Gun he kept in action for 20 minutes after the bombing of the vessel.
Four German Prisoners on board were of great al assistance in rescuing wounded from the damaged compartments, these men were handed over to a French N.C.O. on reaching shore.
side
Engineer Sub.Lieut. Turnbull, R.N.R. was placed in hospital in a large hotel about 2 miles East of Dunkirk.
He was badly burnt about the hands and face and suffering slightly from shock. Owing to the congested state of the beaches it was impossible to collect all survivors. All men seen were instructed to return to England by the earliest availableboat.
1.
in.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R.M. Roberts,
Lieut. R.N.R.
1035. Observed large number of troops waiting by
Zuidcoote Sanaterium and no boats or ships in immediate vicinity.
1040 Anchored in 2½ fathoms in position
Dunkirk High lighthouse bearing 237 deg. 3.25 miles.
Established communication ashore by using ship's ropes secured ashore and by using two ship's boats and two small boats salved from beach, ferried troops from beach to ship.
Owing to falling tide, shallow water and inshore swell operations were difficult and troops had to wade into 3 feet of water to keep boats afloat but by changing the boats creews for every trip - about 60 troops per hour were embarked.
During this time bombing, shelling and aerial and machine gunning took place, and gun's crews were continually on the alert and in action and embarking operations continued without a break.
Embarked about 340 troops.

CONFIDENTIAL
114/0/392
FROM. EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER,
SHEERNESS.
295
DATE. 18th June, 1940.
24d/m/8
276
Local Defence Flotills.
7
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
¥
er, Sheerness.
"CRESTED EAGLE" - ACTION OFF DUNKIRK.
DUNKIRK.
The attached letter from
Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence
Flotilla, is forwarded for information with a copy of "Crested Eagle's" report utenant Commander of proceedings.
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE, he loss of the ship
I should like to endorse Commander
Cordeaux's views of the behaviour of the
Commanding Officers, Lieut. Comdr B.R.
al account Lieutenant
Booth R.N.R. and Sub. Lieut. R.M. Roberts tice to the splended
R.N.R.
fficers and ship's ed on her way into g and machine gun fire
CAPTAIN.
1 also later whilst
/ler
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
being made to rescue at
-II-
No.. D.Y.1/01.
STAMODORE- 18 ADMI
IN-CHARGE
VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
ssed by his account of
(Copy to:-
Roberts RNR who
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, up to their guns
THE NORE).
ombing attacks - the ely unprotected -
Forwarded.
ed fire until ition was exhausted.
th considers that the
S. COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE, ily the reason that the
SHEERNESS.
appears to me also that the behaviour of
20
urned to and situation is deserving of great praise.
P.O. TeCommander Booth himself, in his general handling le
Meal given
COMMANDER R.N.
ERNERNES
S.O. T.L.D.F.
is
0. Telegraphist. or of the P.O. Telegraphist.
ed to the beach wieshould turned to the beach where she brought up sometime ined ground and with theaey gained ground and with the wind aft in very few re fore and aft.
on fire fore and aft.
to estimate the number snult to estimate the number of men on board, under hey were embarked, I anceeat they were embarked, I should say round about 600.
ks were filled first, ceachdecks were filled first, casualties from the bomb been severe. After bechaneve been severe. After beaching I advised all water as their only chitroone water as their only chance, and probably 200
at one time in the wachen and at one time in the water. I regret to say that ne gunned.
seachine gunned.
alf an hour owing to the ship being all wood, of the hull, she was blazing furiously fore and
± I can safetly say that any gear or instruments

FROM
The Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence 10/14/19 Flotills.
7
DATE
16th June 1940.
y
TO
The Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness.
SUBJECT. CRESTED EAGLE - ACTION OFF DUNKIRK.
Submitted-
I have now interviewed Lieutenant Commander
B.R. Booth the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE, in and have had a personal account of the loss of the ship at Dunkirk.
I feel that in his original account Lieutenant
Commander Booth has hardly done justice to the splended work company. accomplished by himself, his officers and ship's
The ship was machine gunned on her way into
Dunkirk and under continuous bombing and machine gun fire for many hours before being hit and also later whilst
/lers on fire and whilst endeavours were being made to rescue ist the wounded.
I was particularly impressed by his account of the behaviour of Sub. Lieutenant M.Roberts RNR who
2.
encouraged his gun's crews to keep up to their guns under continuous machine gun and bombing attacks - the guns and gun positions being entirely unprotected -
and continued careful and controlled fire until practically the whole of the ammunition was exhausted.
Lieutenant Commander Booth considers that the accurate pom-pom fire was undoubtedly the reason that the ship remained unhit for so long.
It appears to me also that the behaviour of
Lieutenant Commander Booth himself, in his general handling le of the ship and situation is deserving of great praise.
general
B
COMMANDER R.N.
S.O. T.L.D.F.
da steel chest by the P.O. Telegraphist.
Ship's head turned to the beach where she brought up sometime later.
Fire steadily gained ground and with the wind aft in very few minutes she was on fire fore and aft.
It is difficult to estimate the number of men on board, under the conditions that they were embarked, I should say round about 600.
As the lower decks were filled first, casualties from the bomb hands to take to the water as their only chance, and probably 200
explosions must have been severe. After beaching I advised all men could be sighted at one time in the water. I regret to say that they were badly machine gunned.
with the exception of the hull, she was blazing furiously fore and
In less than half an hour owing to the ship being all wood, aft and I feel that I can safetly say that any gear or instruments

298
recognisable left The on board crew afterwards. would throughout never behaved withstand the heat and be were kept going right up to wonderfully specially guns commend and Able the Gunnery
Roberts, Chief R.N.R., Steward Cooch Seaman (T.124)
the in such a small place. a Apart job. There acting alle wounded which was terrific worked nobly to single better out, in they the were all so from good, these no it were is 80, served hour of trial, for which one. could I diffis attached. and R.N.R. with which I Davies concur
Sub. Additional Lieut. R.M. reports Roberts from Lieutenant D.J.P. thank
I have the honour to be Sir,
Your obedient servant.
SGD. B.R. BOOTH.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER R.N.R.
The Commodore,
Royal Naval Barracks.
CHATHAM.
of
OCT
I
only orig of
Total

-3-
498
88
28th Inverforth May. Instructions were issued to these
46g previous misunderstanding, the sweeping war channel - but with to
(Our Bairns, programme - i.e. and Thomas Bartlett) to carry on vessels a the M/S Group Commander, who had only owing joined Roads. command, proceeded to carry out the just
7
Dunkirk whilst Vessels were shelled off Calais, and' sweep Thomas in
Bartlett", shallow endeavouring to get out of range, apparently ran on our mine and minefields, in vicinity of Dunkirk A.W. Buoy, struck a sank. Report of Lieutenant Commander A.A.
Martin R.N.R. attached (No. 3). page 122
"Nautilus" and "Comfort" sailed for Dunkirk Beach under the direction of Lieutenant W.E. Gelling R.N.R. Report of Lieutenant Gelling R.N.R. attached (No. 4). "Nautilus"
was damaged by bombs, and as far as is known "Comfort" was rammed and sunk. No report has been received.
29th May - 0100. Six M/S Trawlers under the command of Lieutenant R. Bill R.N. sailed for Dunkirk - embarking ladders at Ramsgate en route. Reports of Lieutenant R. Bill R.N.,
Skipper Lieutenant G.W. Robinson R.N.R., and Skipper Lieutenant
L. Lake R.N.R. are attached (Nos. 5a, 5b, and 5c). pages 517, 523
29th May. "Lord Grey" and "Clythness" to Dunkirk.
Report of Lieutenant J. Simson R.N.V.R. attached (No.
30th May. "Sargasso", "Gulzar", "Conidaw", "Chico", and "Starlight Rays" sailed for Dunkirk, embarked troops, and returned.
"Chico" did especially good work in bringing back
217 troops. This vessel is only 70' long. All ships returned safely with troops.
31st May. "Sargasso", "Gulzar", and "Chico" to Dunkirk.
"Chico" employed ferrying, and was responsible for nearly a 1,000
troops being embarked. All returned safely with troops.
"Fyldea" and "Brock" to beaches with motor boat. "Brock"
damaged by bombs, and ordered to return. Report of Sub. Lieutenant
K.H.G. Roberts R.N.V,R. attached (No. 7). "Fyldea" returned with troops.
lageors
"Lord Inchcape" and "Our Bairns" ordered to Dunkirk.
Sweeping proved impossible due to shell fire and bombing. Ordered to return.
1st June. "Sargasso", "Gulzar" and "Starlight Rays" to
Dunkirk for troops.
All returned safely.
"Starlight Rays", "Gulzar", and "Sargasso"
to Dunkirk 2nd for June. troops. "Conidaw" and "Chico" standing by for life saving duties on route "X". All returned safely.
3rd June. "Starlight Rays", and "Gulzar" to Dunkirk for troops. Both returned safely.
this period constant sweeping with "LL" without and skids was During + and 13 magnetic mines were detonated, vicinity of carried out,* ship. One mine detonated in and "LL" a hospital ship, probably, 3/4 cables away. Report (No. C.L. 7).
the loss of a single by combined fields of herself of Lieutenant
Lambert Trawlers, R.N.V.R. which were who visited the hospital ship attached?
+ in many DOWNS and Entrance of Dover Harbour.
(Continued over).

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

340/58.
505
Name.
50
ship.
Anthony Brooke
Rank or Rating.
476
CLYTHNESS
Heckstall Smith.
300 lins to
Walter Fredk.Salenius.
Skipper. Sub. Lt. R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
George S. Day.
shalls Yook 150
Smauel B. Sussans
Mate. Chief Engineman. LT/RX 102500.
John A. Cargill.
Seaman.
LT/JX 175090.
For devotion to duty under very trying circumstances (See report No. 6.
POLLY JOHNSON.
Bonter, b
Skipper Lieut. Leonard Lake extricated his ship in a
Sunk.
sinking condition from Dunkirk in a heavy bombardment. Was eventually forced to abandon ship, and transferred his crew and himself to "Arley".
(See report Nos. 5b and c). 38 mg
FYLDEA.
29/5 2/31/5
Liewt. John.K.M. Warde R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
has misses.
Thomas Owens,D.S.M.
Chief Engineer. X257EU.
Recommended for coolness and devotion to duty during heavy bombing at Dunkirk.
(See report No. la).
38 of
BROCK.
Kenneth Henry G.Roberts.Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.
no brooks
Behaved with great coolness and devotion became he saw no mole to duty in assisting his Group Officer suspected his shipto
(Lieutenant Robert Bill R.N.) to extricate
Keng water.
his ship from a perilous position).
(See report No. 7).
NAUTILUS J
Richard McLean.
Skipper (No.WS 3159).
b
For displaying great gallantry in going strop "Grey tisunt over the side to save a seaman whilst destroyer and "Nautilus" were being bombed.
mb sunk. each Deslige
George Addison.
2nd Engineman.
Andrew Strachan.
Cook.
Worked hard in small boats all day during
Lieutenant V.E. Gelling R.N.R).
trying conditions (See report No.4 by
GULZAR
Edward S. Woodhead.
Coxswain.
Charles H. Baldry.
Seaman.
trips (30/5
Cook.
George Cliefe.
Greaser.
Peter Blake.
Arthur L. Shallis.
Signalman.
to duty in very made trying to
THE to 4th June,
THE been 26th May

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