TNA Unclassified 1

-
299
in
278
2
PORTSMOUTH
INNER
PATROL
ANKH
BOUNTY
CARYANDA
LAHLOO
THELE
SERIOLA
EILA II.
AHOLA
NONETA

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY (Contd).
295
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
of, Petty Officer,Jones throughout operations.
The following officers, Lieut. Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, on the following day if required.
on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the pin and shelling from the land.
Diframs 298
300 B14/0/
REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314
BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS FROM
DUNKIRK.
Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA",
"LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at
Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from
Dover at 1930 on the 30th. May and to proceed to the beaches at
Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and, during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P.
Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as possible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission.
Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches were available over the other side and had been assured that there were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600, thousands more troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the
Yachts that were damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the others remained until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "SERIOLA", "AHOLA", "THELE", damage "EILA by course on reported "LAHLOO", sent the the The over II" 4th. but they and fact & "BOUNTY" again. only "CARYANDA" June all were that reported one two and The told & all casualties "NONETA" those Yachts ultimately to the at stand Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsgate to Dover by Ramsgate. returned returned for having were on orders; Officers the was sustained ordered to On 5th. Dover; none, only arrival, June. back and made however considerable Ratings to they possible In Hamble due were all concerned, great and, coolness bearing and in resource mind that of many all of them had never been under fire before, I consider that their conduct under almost continuous bombing and shelling deserves the highest praise.
Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R.
VICE AUMIRAL
Senior Officer, Inner Patrol.
6th. June 1940.
15 JUN 1940
*

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of Petty throughout operations.
I should Officer like to T.Jones draw special attention to the magnificent work 295
2
The following officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
308
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "SERIOLA"
COmmanding Officer, Lieut. D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R.
- 287
29. 1800. Left Hamble in formation for Dover, my division consisting of "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA" & "NONETA".
30. 0930. Arrived Dover, and seet into submarine basin, S.O.I.P
and myself went to report to S.N.O. Dover and received final orders for our departure.
2200. Left Dover.
31 0500. Arrived off Bray, leading my division, when we received signal to commence embarking troops from beach to destroyers lying farther out. This lasted until about 1000, when I received a signal from a destroyer to proceed to
La Panne and carry on with the same routine there.
1200. Suggestion made to run a grass rope from "SERIOLA" to the shore, which would enable the troops to pull themselves out by the aid of this warp in boats etc. Sub.Lt.Godman, r.n.v.r left "SERIOLA" in a whaler with a Lt., R.N.V.R. off
H.M.S. "Hebe2 to operate the shore end. Unfortunately, a lorry was driven into the sea and turned over, fouling the line, so this idea had to be abandoned. With great difficulty we were able to get Sub. Lt. Godman aboard again as the whaler which took him off, left the shore without him, with a full load of troops. A severe bombardment was going on at the time and, consequently, most small craft had withdrawn to seawards but in spite of a big sea running at the time, we managed to lower our dinghy and got him aboard in an exhausted condition. We then prodeeded to continue disembarking troops.
1500. Received signals from H.M.S.Keith to go and collect two whalers and crews foroperations off La Panne during the
1530. evening. Received signal from C.O. "NONETA" to say that she had a dead man on board and her P.O. badly wounded. Closed her and the C.O. suggested that he should take Sub.Lt. Godman with him. This I agreed to and advised him to return to
Ramsgate as the "NONETA" was holed above the water line.
1630. Collected two whalers and crews and set off for La
Panne. Beached the whalers and their respective crews.
1800. Received signal from "BOUNTY" which was flying the flag of Commodore Stephenson WMMXXXXX ordering us to close.
The Commodore told me and my crew that the houes 2100 on that day to 0400 the following morning were to be considered the
"Zero Hour" and eh hoped we would do our utmost to get as many men off as possible. We then returned to La Panne and continued transporting troops throughout the night.
(Continued).

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
I should like to draw T.Jones special attention to the magnificent work 295
of, Petty Officer throughout operations.
2
The following officers, D.A. Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and from the land.
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd).
309
288
ne 1 0700. Signal from destroyer to collect all boats lying in the channel between La Panne and Dunkirk and to take them in tow to the latter place so that they could then drift ashore. This had been carried out by 0830. We then collected several boathloads of troops who boarded us and we took them to a destroyer lying off Dunkirk. The Captain of this destroyer asked me if I could tow the "BOUNTY" back to
Ramsgate as her port engine had been put out of action.
This I agreed to.
0845. Closed "BOUNTY" which was lying on the other side of the destroyer and took off Commodore Stephenson and Lt.
Lundy, R.N.V.R. (C.O. of "BOUNTY"). We then took "BOUNTY"
in tow. the Commodore gave me orders to leave the vicinity immediately and set course for Ramsgate. "LAHLOO" was in company with is. We were attacked by aircraft machine gunning us but the damage done was slight.
1430. Arrived Ramsgate. Reported to S.N.O., Ramsgate,
S.O.I.P. at Hamble and to Flag Lieut. to C. in C., Portsmouth.
The following officers reported with me to S.N.O., Ramsgate:-
Lieut. Lundy of "BOUNTY",
Sub.Lt. Godman (with me on "SERIOLA")
Sub.Lt. Potter Irwin, C.O. of "NONETA".
We offered our services for anything that might be required and the S.N.O. accordingly put our names down on the volunteerM
list, and asked us to report next day to him, which we did.
ne 2. When we reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that no craft with a speed of less than 15 knots was of any use, so we went in search of a suitable craft. We found M.T.B.101
not being used, so suggested that we manned her ourselves and took her accross. This unfortunately was not permitted as it belonged to the R.A.F.
ne 4 Received orders from S.N.O. to sail at 0800 on the 5th. and to collect charts and routes.
ne 5 0830. "SERIOLA", with "BOUNTY" in tow, followed by "LAHLOO" &
"NONETA" left Ramsgate. I realised that at the rate we were
Nab during the hours of darkness, so thought it would going we would be in the vicinity of the minefields off be the advisable to make for Newhaven.
1800. Arrived at Examination anchorage, Newhaven. Exam Ship
2030. Tied us entry, at Southwick Canal, Shoreham. Reported to S.N.O., refused instructing us to go to Shoreham.
Shoreham, SOIP up at Hamble and Flag Lieut., Portsmouth.
ne 6. With of S.N.O., Shoreham, sailed at 1030. at As we were permission leaving, received signal ordering us to return once as all sailings for Portsmouth were cancelled.
(Continued).

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of I should Petty Officer like to draw T.Jones special throughout attention operations. to the magnificent work 295
2
The following officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate,
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
310
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd.)
i
289
e 6. 1500. Receive d orders from S.N.O., Shoreham to sail at
0400 the next morning.
e 7. 0400. Left Canal with division and set course for Hamble.
1030. Arrived Hamble.
I estimate that, in all, approximately 900 soldiers were taken off.
Sgd. D.A.Dawson, Lieut., R.N.V.R.
Commanding Officer of "SERIOLA" (and S.O. of Div. a of Expedition).
Note. I wish to make special mention of Sub. Lieut. T.E.Godman,
R.N.V.R., who while serving with me on "SERIOLA", showed great coolness and devotion to duty under heavy fire and in extremely dangerous conditions. He showed jone great bravery and initiative when, arriving in Ramsgate in "NONETA", he at once volunteered and took another ship back to the beaches.
D.a.Jamsa
Luid RNV.R

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
I should Officer like to draw T.Jones special attention to the magnificent work 295
of Petty throughout operations.
2
officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Remsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air and shelling from the land.
Good
290
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "LAHLOO". C.O., Lieut.J.V.Ould, R.N.V.R.
y 29. 1740. Slipped and proceeded to sea from Hamble.
Took station with yachts of Inner Patrol on course for Dover.
y 30 Made fast on arrival in Dover Harbour. Depth Charges removed,
1050 hours.
1940. Cast off and, proceeding from Harbour, took station with yachts. Crossed Channel in station with yachts.
7.81 0610. Arrived off Zuydcoote. Destroyer signalled to lay off close to beach and tow boat loads of soldiers as they pulled out from beach to destroyers. Carried on with this work for some hours taking many boat loads in tow.
In the course of this operation was told that a boat had overturned in seas which had now got up somewhat considerably.
Hurried round stern of a destroyer and found quantities of men struggling in the water. Managed to save seven of them and put them aboard a destroyer. (In point of fact I believe only one of the boat load was lost.) Carried on towing as before while being bombed at frequent intervals, by enemy aircraft.
During the afternoon, Commodore Stephenson in "BOUNTY"
ordered me to proceed to La Panne and close destroyers off shore.
Went alongside H.M.S.HEBE who gave me a boat with three ratings and told me to lay off La Panne and put this boat ashore to take off General Lord Gort.
1700. Lay off La panne as ordered and, while waiting for Lord
Gort, took several boat loads of soldiers who had rowed out from shore and put them aboard destroyers.
1830. Boat brought out General Lord Gort and his Aide de
Camp out to me. He came aboard and I took him over and put him aboard H.M.S.HEBE. It appeared to me that the enemy knew of his departureas they shelled the beach and bombed it as he left and a very large enemy formation flew over
Continued to lay off La Panne as instructed, taking off and bombed as I put him aboard the HEBE.
out at intervals with about two men per boat. Had had shell no soldiers until nightfall, by which time they were only coming further except that the flaet were going to
La Panne orders in the early morning and the destroyer KEITH further who had told to lay alongside him told me to lay with him in the him dark. With first daylight I found myself had near away from me in consequence of which I lost touch instructions. Yacht Found he had not so toad him we would remain
I.P. "SERIOLA" and closed to see if he had any around there until further orders.
(Continued).

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of The I should Petty following Officer like officers, to T.Jones draw special throughout attention Dawson, operations. to Sub.Lieuts. the magnificent Godman work 295
2
and Potter-Irwin ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate,
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air. and shelling from the land.
2
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "LAHLOO" (Contd).
201
ne 1 0400 (about). Destroyer signalled us to collect various empty boats which were drifting about and tow them inshore
While doing this we were bombed and continually shot at by enemy fighter aircraft. It occurred to me as poetic justice that I who had been on night bombing duty at
Dunkirk in the last war should now be well bombed myself in this war.
It should here be mentioned that my crew behaved splendidly throughout. None of them had been properly under fire before and they took the almost continuous bombing, shelling and shooting up without a trace of nerves. My
Engr., D. Brewer was invaluable in sending and receiving signals under these circumstances.
Collected several boats as ordered and also picked up several boat loads of soldiers from shore again, putting them aboard a sloop. While putting the last of these aboard a bomb fell right alongside and a splinter broke the fore skylight and hit one of my crew on his steel helmet. This ship seemed to bear a charmed life and though we had several bombs alongside I can only think that they were so close as to be ineffective.
While carrying on the work I have mentioned, we were closed by BOUNTY with the Commodore aboard who was good enough to express pleasure at finding that we were still carrying on. He told SERIOLA to take BOUNTY in tow and ordered me to slip the boats I was towing and to lead him back to Ramagate.
0815. Set course over Route X for Ramsgate. On the way back we were again attacked, being bombed, and shot up by fighter aircraft. Off the North Goodwin Light a launch came alongside and bold me to return to Dunkirk, but I
had the Commodore's orders to precede him to Ramsgate and, in point of fact, my crew and I were almost all in for we had had no sleep for five nights, as before we left Hamble we had been on patrol under special circumstances which had made us do without sleep for two nights.
1500. Made fast at Ramsgate.
ine 2 Refuelled at Ramsgate. We were told that our boats were not fast enough for further duty. I stayed aboard my boat as leg was so swollen with what I am told was
BOUNTY that I volunteered and put my name down with theirs shock, my could not walk, but the 00.'s of SERIOLA, to take AND a fast NONETA boat over to Dunkirks but none was available.
une 3 & 4. In Ramsgate awaiting orders.
(Continued).

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY (Contd).
I should like to T.Jones draw special attention to the magnificent work 295
of Petty Officer throughout operations.
2
officers, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, services on the following day if required.
Our names entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air. and shelling from the land.
Dyrams.35.
315
REPORT OF "BOUNTY" (Lieut.C.A.Lundy, R.N.V.R.) on Evacuation of
DUNKIRK:
a
294
May 29. 1800 Left Hamble in company with Inner Patrol Yachts for
Dover.
May 30. 0930 Arrived Dover. Ordered into Submarine Basin.
2200 Left Dover for La Panne.
e.
graino
314
ard and informed me he
Deprover 351.
Proceeded alongside a re Stevenson boarded longside H.M.S.Keith and
S close inshore as
TO
COMMANDER-IN-
CHIEF'S
OFFICE
After approximately
STEUTENANT JUN 1940
Admiral back to H.M.S.
CHIEF
to board the paddleaground, was taken
FLAG
)fficer T,Jones since
PORTSMOUTH
bring "Bounty" alongreceived signal from H.M.S.
R.N. from H.M.S.Keith to
Outstanding reputs rs for Dunkirk
, obtain receipt and nkirk and return rom officirs of the
S. On returning from venson.
ison sent signal for other me Patrol Patrmonth
:lose. "Seriola" and son then informed us that ild take place between no took part in and wished us luck.
ops from beach to destroyers.
lebe to H.M.S.Keith.
om beach to destroyers.
Imams on board, fouled port ent signal to destroyer oyer, was informed that as she
The delay is repetted dangerous for her to thereupon undertook to of due the the officers n and self boarded
"Bounty" in tow.
avery been resuired
CE
Cycle.
(Continued).
*
O.E.

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
295
of Petty Officer T.Jones throughout operations.
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the air. and shelling from the land.
Dyrams.351.
315
REPORT OF "BOUNTY" (Lieut.C.A.Lundy, R.N.V.R.) on Evacuation of
DUNKIRK:
.
204
May 29. 1800 Left Hamble in company with Inner Patrol Yachts for
Dover.
May 30. 0930 Arrived Dover. Ordered into Submarine Basin.
2200 Left Dover for La Panne.
y 31. 0530 Arrived at beach off La Panne.
0600 Commodore Stevenson came aboard and informed me he wished to use my ship as Flagship. Proceeded alongside a paddle-mine-sweeper, which Commodore Stevenson boarded for interview. Subsequently went alongside H.M.S.Keith and embarked the Admiral, taking him as close inshore as possible in order to inspect beach. After approximately three quarters of an hour took the Admiral back to H.M.S.
Kieth. Commodore Stevenson wishing to board the paddle- Devonia minesweeper, which appeared to be aground, was taken alongside in the launch by Petty Officer Jones since it was apparently too dengerousto bring "Bounty" alongside. Soon after return of launch, received signal from H.M.S.
Keith to close her. Took Captain R.N. from.S.Keith to
H.M.S. Hebe. Received written orders for S.N.O.Dunkirk with instructions to deliver them, obtain receipt and return to H.M.S.Hebe.
Time taken to proceed to Dunkirk and return approximately two and a half hours. On returning from
Dunkirk re-embarked Commodore Stevenson.
About 1800 Commodore Stevenson sent signal for other patrol boats in the vicinity to close. "Seriola" and
"Ahola" closed. Commodore Stevenson then informed us that the final effort of operation would take place between
2100 May 31st and 0400 June 1st and wished us luck.
From 2100 to 2400 took troops from beach to destroyers.
2400 Took Lord Gort from H.M.S.Hebe to M.S.Keith.
June 1. From 0100 to 0830 took troops from beach to destroyers.
0830 While carrying 150 troops on board, fouled port propeller. Commodore Stevenson sent signal to destroyer requesting tow. On closing destroyer, was informed that as she was full to capacity, it was too dangerous for her to take "Bounty" in tow. "Seriola" thereupon undertook to tow "Bounty".
At 6845 Commodore Stevenson and self boarded
"Seriola" and proceeded to take "Bounty" in tow.
Berthed in Ramsgate 1430.
(Continued).

BORT FROM SUB.LIEUT.T.E.GODMAN, R.N.V.R. ON EVACUATION OF
LIE/
NKIRK ON FRIDAY, MAY 31st. AND SATURDAY, JUNE 1st.
R
1 times approximate.
296 12
29.
Transferred to "SERIOLA" as assistant officer to Lieut.
D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R. A report on the actions taken by
"SERIOLA" is being submitted by the C.O., Lieut, Dawson, up to 1600 31st. May, when I was transferred to "NONETA"
at the request of Sub. Lieut. A.J.Potter Irwin, R.N.V.R.,
C.O.Of "NONETA". The latter boat had been damaged by a bomb, one soldier being killed and the Petty Officer of "NONETA" badly wounded.
A report on "NONETA's" return journey to Ramsgate is being submitted by the C.O.
31
2200. Arrived Ramsgate, landed soldiers and wounded
Petty Officer for medical attention and berthed ship.
e
1 0530. Reported to naval authorities on East Pier and received orders to take command of steam naval pinnace and carry out similar operations at La Panne and Bray to those undertaken on "SERIOLA" the previous day.
The crew consisted of P.O. Morrison, one engineer, one stoker and two A.B.'s. The pinnace was provosioned, fuelled for six hours' steaming at six knots and one chart provided with the route to be followed plotted on it.
0600. Cast off.
0830. The firebox fan broke down and it was no longer possible to keep a sufficient head of steam to maintain full speed. The engineer of a passing trawler effected a temporary repair, gave us three further sacks of coal to replenish our supply and took the boat in tow.
1030. The tow rope having parted for the third time, the trawler signalled us to request to be taken in tow by another trawler a short distance behind. This was done and consequently our fuel reserves were maintained for the work to be carried out at Dunkirk.
1200. Slipped the tow line outside the harbour which the trawler entered, and proceeded towards La Panne in the wake of a trawler which had several small craft in tow and which started embarkation operations from the beach near the harbour.
Bombers had been active from about 1100 but no direct hits had been observed. Now, many enemy dive bombers appeared and attacked a sloop off the harbour entrance which had opened rapid A.A. fire but, after three or four salvos of bombs had been dropped, the sloop half submerged and ceased fire. Owing to the number of available craft already on that vicinity to take off survivors, we proceeded on our course.
(Continued).

EPORT OF SUB.LIEUT.T.E.GODMAN, R.N.V.R. (Contd).
3.4
208
"MARSAYRU" was then anchored off the Western end of the beach
12
he information had been fre information had been received that there were more British oldiers at found the coaster was already at anchor.
t that this latter ship had also gone aground and fill the ship had already been taken on
24 men were then ferried to the motor oat and there was insufficient room to take any more. Remaining oldiers ashore were told to make for Dunkirk Harbour where
;roop carriers were still coming in, although few of the troops ippeared to know of this. No assistance could be rendered to the
Paster which was waiting for the tide to float her and at 1700
e weighed anchor, cast the dinghy adrift and proceeded eastwards to pick up the pinnace. This was found to be anchored near the harbour, but had been deserted, together with the chart and several items of gear. It was decidied to leave the pinnace there in case it might be of use for further evacuation parties and we started for Ramsgate.
A merchant vessel came out of the harbour astern of us and was bombed but no hits were made on either of us. A deserted motor boat was passed but as we were being bombed at the time it was decided not to investigate. At 19.00 we closed the 'Dogger Bank'
a Dutch coaster flying the white ensign who gave us some fuel and the courses required to reach Ramsgate. It was also observed that the pinnace's crew were on board and the C.O. was requested to detained the P.O. for questionong on arrival but as he was making for Margate he did not consider it advisable to do this and the matter was consequently dropped.
We then proceeded on our course but by 23.00 had not picked up the.Goodwin light vessel. A Belgian fishing fleet was closed to enquire our position but they could not understand English, also a passing vessel was called up by flashing the deckhouse light but he evidently did not observe us as he did not stop.
A course was then set for a red, conical flashing bouy (R) S.E.
of us and at 23.30 we made fast to it and watches were detailed till the morning.
June 2
04.00. A sloop sighted us and informed a trawler close by of our position. 04.30. The trawler closed us and took us in tow to Ramsgate.
08.00. The soldiers were landed at the Town steps and the boat was berthed. Later the previous crew took the boat over again on instructions from N.O.i/C., the A.B. returned to his former ship which was in the harbour and I reported back to H.M.Y.Seriola.
(Continued).

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

REPORT OF "NONETA" (Contd).
322
Sub.Lieut.Godman reported that joined me about 1640 and the engineer N. 301
having I got under we were leaking and making water very slightly, way at once.
12
We left Bray at 1650. Arrived at Ramsgate at about 2200, when I reported to N.O.i/C. and arrangements were made to remove the wounded.
June 1. At 0500 Sub.Lieut.Godmen took over a naval pinnace and sailed for Dunkirk.
At 1500 "Seriola", "Bounty", and "Lahloo" arrived at Ramsgate. I reported to my C.O. Lieut. Dawson and sailed, in company, to Hamble.
I would like to recommend very highly,
E.C. Hallet, Engineer T.124
B.P. Whitehouse, A.B. S.T.
C.Wilyman, A.B. S.T., for all their calm and brilliant work.
Under very difficult circumstances they set about their task cheerfully and without a thought for themselves.
I consider myself particularly fortunate to have had these men with me.
Petty Officer Lock was with me in the wheel-house until he was wounded and although in great pain cheered and encouraged the others and kept up the morale of the ship.
(Sgd) a.g Potter Irain
Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R.