TNA Unclassified 1

262
217
CORVETTES
SHELDRAKE.
KINGFISHER.
GUILLEMOT.
DS

Dyram 95.
CONFIDENTIAL.
263
From.
The Commanding Officer. Sheldrake.
248
Date
2nd June. 1940.
Reference.
RDA/0/37.
To
The Flag Officer in Charge. Harwich.
Subject
Meritorious Service Awards.
1.
Operations in which Sheldrake has been involved during the evacuation from Dunkirk has enabled certain officers and men to distinguish themselves in H.M.Ship under my command. The circumstances are outlined below so that the necessary action may be taken by you should you concur.
2.
Sheldrake was ordered by C-in-C. Nore. to proceed to the KWINTE BUOY
and destroy the Asdic Apparatus of one of our destroyers wrecked in the vicinity
3.
On arrival 'Wakeful' was found to be lying completely capsized with her stern resting on the bottom and only the forefoot visible, which appeared from oil marks on the waterline to be seni buoyant. A Boat under the command of my First Lieutènant, Lieutenant HUGH WILLIAM MACKENZIE ROSE, R.N.
was sent over and placed a berthing wire running from the bull ring round the keel, to the bull ring the other side. It was intended to hang depth charges on this 'necklace' and countèrmine them with other depth charges, using Bickfords fuze.
4.
For the second trip with two depth charges, it was necessary to tow the whaler to the wreck oh the end of a grass and to pump out oil fuel from Sheldrake to counteract the effects of ground swell and strong tide, which made operations difficult, particularly on the weather aide.
Good seamanship and stout hearts succeeded in placing one charge on either bow in the required spot without damage to the boat. Throughout the operation all were acutely aware that we were only 10 miles from Dunkirk with aircraft of both sides passing the ship at intervals, and that at bomb in the vicinity of a boat would have countermined the depth charges that they were placing.
5.
On the whalers return to the ship for the demolition charges,
C-in-C. Nore's signal "Cancel my 1044 area now mined" was received. It confirmed our own fears that we had been working in a mined area. It seemed a pity to leave the job half done and it was decided to sink the wreck by gunfire using D.A. fuze asnear the required area as possible, and if the ship sunk before the charges placed had been exploded, to fire them with a countermining pattern of depth charges. She sank inside ten mintes, and using the escaping bubbles from the punctured stem as an aiming mark, a pattern was dropped, of which the centre charge produced a plume that told us that the desired effect had been achieved. The only damage to Sheldrake was a few light fittings on the Stokers Messdeck caused by the capatan engine
'whipping' on the light deck above.
addition to Lieutenant Rose I wish particularly to mention
6. In Officer Albert Edward Jackson, Official No. 0/JX/125587
my Acting Chief Petty Boatswains Mate, whose energy din the whaler was largely responsible that the depth charges were placed.
second incident which I submit should receive. Trawler recognition
7. concerned The was the rescue of the survivors of H.M. dodging
ST. ACHILLEUS, with which H.M.S. Widgeon, aircraft closed and informed to me stress survivors the for those had been mined. After a night spent that M.T.B.
torpedoes bearing 340 degrees I wish particularly to the scene.
were in the waters this flight of three aircraft in leadin me continued to efficiency of the signal most expeditiously, two aircraft the ship
After circle passing over the area while one of their number flew past indicating

264
2
indicating the course to steer. This maneouvre.
continuously. As the aircraft showing to the way arrived repeated another of the flight broke away repeat the maneouvre. position,
8, and rescued by the the water. A net made in was maneouvred to to wreckage
On arrival whaler a number while Sheldrake of men were found clinging proved invaluable on one Fleetwood William Bond (no on single men in occasion Able Seaman accordance with A.F.O's.down number) Patrol Service, conspicuous a bravery. fisherman, A enlisted for official net on which was in, and hold him completely for exhaused. I 'sung only, displayed Bond standing, he was survivor was a few hostilities the for someone to jump drifted down him. up Able the few minutes it would out before the ship since that he upon was unable Seaman Bond complied and take have discovered few feet to to swim. He was however able I
move the man the rescued necessary the foot of the netting. I to respiration, subsequently on to add that the man died although board. he revived for à time with artificial regret
9.
In connection with the rescue work, I also wish to mention
Officers Steward Morris Charles Donno. Official No. C/LXW22343. who repeatedly dived to assist in the recovery of other survivorsand subsequently worked continuously for some hours without a break rendering artificial respiration to one of other of the five men being so treated while Sheldrake was returning to harbour.
10.
I wish also to draw attention to the outstanding work of
Petty Officer Albert Vincent Sears. Official No. C/J/104779. my Coxswain, hose first aid work was particularly commented upon by the Medical Staff on arrival. Of the eleven survivors rescued only two were able to walk ashore, four were cot cases and four men were found to be dead by the
Medical Officer on arrival in harbour. All those who died had shown signs of recovery, but it has been ascertained that they died, not from drowing, but from the effects of a depth charge placed to blow up the -Submarine apparatus, which exploded after the crew were in the water. This produced internal infuries and shock.
In addition to Petty Officer Sears, Able Seaman John Anderson, Official
Official No. C/JX/125676 and Able Seaman Drummond Jackson Ryder. to
No. C/SSX/18852. Were outstanding in the unflagging energy in trying that no the apparently drowned to life. It was once more demonstrated has man, set in. All apparently those who died dead, subsequently died as the result of shock water.
however men should be given up until rigor mortis and from drowning, though they were apparently lifeless when in the whaler's crew that men wearing dead,
11. inflatable lifebelts It was also reported by to the float when unconscious half or their with the only, appeared cork life belts were lifebelf back with face the submerged. Those wearing that, while the rubber distinct advan is mouth free to breathe. I feel there is a that when ideal, time permits in that it in wearing can be worn a cork whenever lifebelt at in sea, addition, and should be promulgated.
(Signed) Christie.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER IN COMMAND.
IT.
Order

corvettes.
2.
An In interesting view account of attack by E. Boats, on of the as considered 3. an Anti Further E that Boat they escort as the should best proposed for be East fitted Coast employment with of placed to turn in bows such on a to position the enemy that the the ahead. is for D.O.D. (H)
8.6.40.
Noted with interest.
2. With reference to para. 11 of the report, ships have been informed that E. Boats operate in conjunction with aircraft. (C.-in-C., Nore's signal 1754/31/5
and R.A.D. Home Fleet's 1815/31/5). It should be obvious that the tactics of the E. Boat are largely governed by those of her quarry.
3. With reference to para. 12, an alternative explanation of the flares sighted by SHELDRAKE on
2nd June is that they were flares towed by aircraft on a course giving little change of bearing.
4. The provision of a 20 inch searchlight in the
KITTIWAKE class was recommended by D.T.S.D. in M.F.
7511/39. D.T.S.D. is trying to obtain this paper and will raise this question separately.
The use of a S/L may, however, assist the attack of other E boats and it is difficult to site it so that it will bear ahead without dazzling bridge personnel.
While
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & STAFF DUTIES
DIVISION.
13.6.40. 13.
a paper all, outi bont Exprimu
Nolind with interest DAISW is to orring to dati.
2. Concern win Don (Hj: pma 3.5 some form of Saminique in is only Dur with
Mai shall may be name on our coin.
Chan anough.
13.6.40

CONFIDENTIAL.
252
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. Sheldrake.
Date
3rd. June. 1940. Reference RDA/C/38.
TO
The Commander in Chief. The Nore.
Through The Commodore in Charge. Sheerness.
boby to Senior officer. Conettes.
1.
The following re of operations carried out in accordance with C-in-C. Nore's 1121/2 is submitted.
2.
Sheldrake sailed from Sheerness at 1615 with an additional demolition party of 12, with orders to destroy the asdic gear in
Basilisk ashore off La Panne. On passage zig zagging was employed where submarine attack could (be) reasonable expected.
3.
Routed via T Buoy (2005), Oostdyck (2053), Middlekerke (2128),
Nieuport Bk. (2024) Buoys I closed the shore in stages as the light failed, and was able to identify Basilisk by 2131 andthen waited till 2230 for darkness before closing in. She was awash up to her
FX deck in position Latitude 51degs. 08mins. 20secs. North. Longitude 2degs. 34mins. 50secs. East., 2 miles off shore.
4.
The demolition party was immediately placed abcard, while
Sheldrake lay off about a cable from the wreck.. A few minutes after midnight the fuzes were lit, and the whaler hoisted at 0017. The officer in charge of demolitions has submitted a separate report as to the location of charges, which were lowered as far below water level as possible. The ship apperas to have already been pretty well gutted by fire forward, and her bridge wrecked. He was unable to make his way aft, but reports that her back had apparently been broke en by an explosion in the vicinity of the engine room. one empty
C.B. chest was found.
5.
Throughout the operation I was apparently not located though a few enemy aircraft were seen. Sever-fighting was taking place ashore up till midnight, the right 01 the enemy line t. he on the beach abreast the ship, with their gun batteries on the left and
Dunkirk illuminated by fire(as usual) to my right. This fighting died down as the repeated bombing of gun positions by the R.A.F. took effect. I regret it was not possible to close the reported position of Crested Eagle on the beach as Sheldrake would undoubtedly have been illuminated by our own parachute flares. I had also hoped by placing depth charges to complete the destruction of the ship, as had been done to Wakeful, in addition to the internal demolitions, but this was not possible: nor would a Mk. VII. charge fired from the throwers have operated in the shallow water in which she was lying.
6. Apart from tide, there were no navigational difficulties, as the buoys were lit.
continued overleaf

2.
continued.
7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained
Having re-embarked Bk. the Gp. demolition Occ. and party at 0017 I
until 0230 with the with a faint hope until R
either left patrol, or by appearing from that on their return journey able to None the half light to be not been established engage. before were met, and the dawn suff of aircraft had I was clear of the path
8.
experience with M. T. few days, in the hope own
In submitting B. the during above report the last I would like to add my methods of operating may up.
from such scraps of unexplained be built evidence a complete picture of that the
9.
During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patrol between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by M.,BS. with mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 al rocket at 0147.
10.
During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB
At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I
away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight which attacks on these small targets difficult, as they cannot be point to the in the beam of the light, and are only visible throug night guns from the bridge. At 2340 I орепед fire with small illum and turned glasses to innocent small boat which I managed to passe with of the 10" before doing navigation any lights, course west. at ram an her harm. At 0030 an aircraft At aircraft range, at 2000ft. burning N.E. At 0040 flares were seen torpedo astern tra
Widgeon turned to investigate. I more torpedoes were heard saw not returned, course followed. At 0041 a to passed At down my port side, sounded and two alarm by siren, but I 03
one 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti
At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon an course S, at 20000rning ation aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight.
11.
Points that emerge from the above are:-
(a) not made by lying in wait ahead 01
(b) attacks of the target are and always sometimes stopped. be used at the moment sb
(c) attack. small flares may been wate aircraft assisted co-operate by the marked and which gives ships away speeds.
continued

3.
SECRET
MO - 253
continued......
115)
12.
La Panne, and from 0115 to 0200/3. almost continuous flares were
On the night of Sunday June 2nd. Sheldrake was 2 miles off observed on a bearing which varied from 350degs. to 005degs. at an about 3 minutes (timed). Another was lit to replace it when it burnt estimated range of 5 to 7 miles, height 1000ft. Each flare burnt for out. The peculiarity of these flares was that they did not appear to be carried by aircraft, and they did not lose height: of this I am certain. One only did fall, and it was immediately replaced by another burning at the steady height.
MMANDER-I
4- JUN 1940
*
THE NORE
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER IN COMMAND.
II.
No. R.E. 2/010.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
H.M. SHIPS & VESSELS,
THE NORE.
Submitted in accordance with your 1121/2.
2.
With reference to Paragraph 12. These flares may possibly have been flown from local patrol vessels.
with some form of kite suspension.
(Sgd.) H.R. Marrack.
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
4th June, 1940.
SHEERNESS
III.
No. 3033/477.0.0/40
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
7 JUN 1940
(Copies to:- Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.
Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness.)
LITERY New
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordshi with reference to Nore Message 1554/5th June.
The Nore.
6th June, 1940.
for A D M I R A L.

Dynamigot Din/o/
use
1162424
CONFIDENTAL.
423 449 illa
FROM:
The Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich.
TO:
Vice Admiral, Dover.
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief, The Nore)
DATE:
7th June, 1940.
No. 207/40
Operation "DYNAMO"
In accordance with Nore General Order
No. 448, herewith are submitted such reports as I
have received so far from ships taking part in
Operation "Dynamo":-
th
Pack 95
(i)
M.T.B. No. 16's letter of 30th May.
ing
(ii)
160%
H.M. Corvette "Sheldrake's" letter of 2nd June,
(iii)
Senior Officer, 8th M/S Flotilla (H.M.S.
ere
"GLENGOWER") letter of 3rd June.
(iv)
Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "CAPE ARGONA"
edoe
2c/No
2.
Other reports are being collected and en
1/0/1124
will be forwarded as soon as possible. The writers of the enclosed reports have been directed to report was full Christian names of personnel recommended to butra assistry you at once.
lers
1640.
8/6
3.
I refrain at this stage from offering further comment on these reports except that I would draw especial attention to the excellent report rendered e
by Acting Commander Michael Anthony Ormus Biddulph leen
1
of H.M.S. "GLEN GOWER".
The operation carried out by this Officer lile and his ships company appears to have been conducted throughout with exceptional skill, determination and bolt gallantry.
fice
A
The
It yuanco e por
REAR ADMIRAL.
sent
I
e to acua-
Maund, I réturned to DUNKITK, where 1 found two small vessels of the Schuyt type. Having given them orders from the Senior Naval
Officer, I returned to Bray Dunes.
M BRAV DUNES 1600/28
Several destroyers were now anchored off the beach and whalers were embarking troops and taking them to the ships.
The two Schuyts were aground close inshore. The troops appeared in a demoralized state. They were hampering the work of the whalers, and some were attempting to swim off to the Schuyts.
I proceeded close inshore, anchored in one fathom, and succeeded in embarking many troops. This was lone under considerable