TNA Unclassified 1

28th May. (continued).
- 123
- 117
Several schoots were anchored in the Downs when we arrived and
I was ordered to anchor as convenient, as my anchor had to be weighed by hand and it was a lengthy process, I decided to proceed alongside
"Vrede", After consultation with the Commanding Officer "Vrede", we decided to weigh and to proceed to Dankirk in the hope of gleaning further information on the way, "Vrede" reducing speed to keep me company.
Off the North Goodwin Lt. Vess. we encountered a schoot returing full, who said that they were asking for us on the beaches East of Dunkirk. This was the first definate information that we were required to evacuate troops that we had received. "Vrede", and
"Reiger" then proceeded independently towards Dunkirk.
2300 Arrived off Zuyderoote buoy, sighted one Cruiser at anchor( afterwards identified as the "Calcutta") I closed the
"Calcutta", and asked where I could embark troops. "Calcutta"
ordered me to steer 140° to where her boats were operating. Contacted "Calcutta's" boats on the beach, and they brought off about
70 cot cases.
I cannot speak toohighly of the work done by "Calcutta's"
boats during this operation. There was a fresh breeze and choppy sea running with a considerable tide, but they continued throughout the night without let up. During this operation "Reiger's" starboard anchor chain parted and ship grounded without damage.
0300 Proceeded alongside "Calcutta". Transferred all cot cases from upper deck to "Calcutta" and proceeded with remainder.
29th May.
Arrived at Sheerness.
30th May.
0400 Sailed for Dunkirk, anchored off East Cant buoy owing to for, 0930 weighed and proceeded.
During the passage from North Goodwin to Dunkirk roads we were subjected to periodical machine gun fire from aircraft, none of which hit the ship, no plane coming below 4000 ft.
2000 Entered Dunkirk harbour, proceeded alongside quay emabrked 250 (approx) B.E.F.
While in Dunkirk the harbour was being subjected to fire from an enemy battery of about 6 in. calibore
2100 Sailed from Dunkirk.
( 31st May 1100 Arrived
Sheerness).

127
121
NARRATIVE OF M.V. "RIKA" DURING THE PERIOD 27TH MAY TO
5TH JUNE, 1940, ENGAGED IN EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
(Page 2 of Commanding Officer, M.V. "Rika's" letter No.1/12
dated 6th June, 1940.)
30th May, 1940.
That
0830
Arrived at Dover and secured to Admiralty Wharf and disembarked survivors. Reported to Captain Halifax-In at Lord Warden Hotel and was instructed to await further orders.
31st May, 1940.
1430.
Instructed by Captain Fraser to proceed outside
Dover Harbour to tow M.V. "Vrede" who had developed engine trouble.
1700.
Embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition and 6 Lewis
Gunners.
1st June, 1940.
0630.
Transferred 7 days stores and petrol for four launches from M.V. "Vrede" and received instructions to proceed to Dunkirk and report to Captain Pim, R.N.V.R.
in M.V. "Hilda".
0700.
Left Dover with launches in tow.
1300.
Contacted M.V. "Hilda" on approaching Dunkirk Roads and received instructions from Captain Pim to return to the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall.
1340.
Intercepted by French destroyer T.113, and was requested to embark 80 French and 9 British survivors, several of whom were badly wounded.
1400.
Proceeded to Ramagate, having instructed launches to return to Dover under their own power.
1800.
Disembarked survivors at Ramagate and received instructions from Captain Wharton R.N., to anchor in the Roads.
2nd June, 1940.
2000.
Under orders from Captain Wharton, proceeded with launch and one boat in tow, under command of
Lieutenant Commander Miller, R.N.R., to rendezvous with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier.
3rd June, 1940.
0115.
Arrived off Dunkirk Entrance and, as M.V. "Rika" was unable to approach the beach, launch and boat were
Owing to the heavy bombardment of the beach unable by the to sent inshore to bring off B.E.F.
from the eastwards, the launch was contact enemy the B.E.F. and returned at 0200. Launch the was then sent to the Pier to endeavour to contact
B.E.F. there.
0215

Dutch Skoot "VREDE." Dynam. 105.
147
I
141
ed, R.T. Lampard R.N.
Ex. Exmoor Building
J.K. Hamilton R.N.
at Tyne.
th nday 26. S: 40.
Tooh one from Dutch enw. Captain was NOT the owner.
the nday. 27. I
Stand at Sheemess.
it usday 28. in
Proceeded from themess k diemburk troops at Impair and grounded at end of Schydshoot Channel at 2300.
Biner 140 and embarked
2 beach by means
: COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. "LYNX".
146
3: 7th June, 1940 5553/14
ships bon ts.
: FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
. to Sunhik during ded do
DUTCH SKOOT "VREDE"
ad a further 300
Eastem am without
Report on the above is forwarded ewith.
ded for Rumsgak to too late 10 Catch to Dorn.
about 2300 was
CAPTAIN, R.N.
missweepors that 45
ICE ADMIRAL
u day light an air
JUN 1940
be durlsping at
Vo
*
DOVER
of disausanted twoops, bromin stares.

Dutch Skort "VREDE." Dynam. 105.
147
141
J. can R.T. Lampard R.N.
J., J.K. Hamilton R.N.
Ex. Exmoor Building at Tyne.
th unday 26. 5: 40.
Tooh one from Dutch exw. Captain was NOT the owner.
th londay. 27. -
Stord at Sheemess.
th usday 28. i
Proceeded from themess k troops as Impaik and grounded at end of Schydshost Channel at 2300.
Edwesday 29th
Houted off and embarked
150 British 1 troops from no. 2 beach by ts. means launches and ships bon of was ordend to Sunhik during
Launches 1100 So proceded do 300
about Embarked a further without
Brilish mysslf. troops from Eastem am nicident procuded for Rumsgak catch amired off Ramsgate too late to
Tide Jo proceeded to Dorn.
animal off form about 2300 that was 45
informed On by entir two lill day developing light an air at could raid appeared not to lay 30th the Time. Putured Down and disaurban had two ps, embarked fuel promium

VREDE
page 2.
I 148
iday 31ˢᵗ May, Embarked Luois gun am 142 amount thaval gummers and saited will a tow of motor bonts organised by Capt. mushin
About 2:0 unites off Dom lubrication &
forms the main bearnings failed of bearnings pist failed K run. order tow $ 15 tum * form y auchard Undi".
has lowed in Administry Pin by
Dutch Skort KIKA.
inday 1ˢᵗ them
I
Assisted when possible ashm.
day 2... S.
onday 3. formed part of pier puly on
Enstem am Junkuta, under order of
Commande Buchanan R.N. and
Blumed will him by C.M.B.
Embarkation was without incident.
emarks. VREDE is quits unsuitible for these Spha Time as she has no clutch.
Each manasmore of main enquies entails slopping - The subse Quart start inp up requires air from the memoris which is ex handlid after about form momments.
the anrihary compresor likes at least 1%
homs to scharge the knownis.
in
The ship is at least 7 years Sld, all machiney mains extensive mhane.

Dynams 373,
B14/0/
1453
J.4099
1439
Messrs Vickers Armstrong Ltd
Wallsend on Tyne
20th. June I940
Sir,
In compliance with Nore General Order No.448 I have the honour to forward the following amplifying report of proceedings of H.M.S. "VREDE", under my command from 26th.May to 4th. June.
The original report was left with the Captain's Secretary,
H.M.S."LYNX".
2. I assumed command of H.M.S. "Vrede" at Tilbury at noon on
26th. May, having been sent from R.N. Barracks, Chatham that morning with a crew consisting of I Lieutenant, I PEtty Officer
5 Seamen, I E.R.A. and 2 Stokers.
The Dutch crew were landed under the charge of the Immigration Authorities and I gave the
Captain a statement to the effect that 45 worth of stores had been left on board and that the ship and her papers had been taken over in apparently sound condition.
3. The main engines, a six cylinder diesel type, were geared direct to the shaft and the engine had to be stopped, and restarted with starting air, for each movement of the screw.
The E.R.A. was unfamiliar with diesels but it was considered 108
that, with the experience of one of the stokers, a submarine rating, the ship could be handled with safety. It was eventually found that about four engine movements exhausted the air bottles and that the auxilliary compressor took some 45 minutes to provide enough air for one start. The auxilliary diesel which drove the capstan and forward derrick was also old and temperamental.
4. "Wiping" was completed by 0400 27th. May when a pilot was embarked and "Vrede" sailed for Sheerness, being swung for adjustment of compasses by a compass adjuster off Southend.
Whilst attempting to lay the ship alongside at Sheerness the main engines failed, owing to lack of air, and the movement had to be completed by tug.
5. During the remainder of the day charts and stores were embarked according to an excellent establishment compiled by
N.S.O. in conjunction with the First Lieutenant. The assistance of the storing and victualling departments was most efficient and much appreciated.
6. At I800 "Vrede" was ready for sea but starting air became exhausted before the engines would start. On starting up the auxilliary compressor a breakdown occurred on the water circulating pump.
7. Representatives from M.E.D. worked throughout the night and at 0400 pronounced the machinery to be serviceable. At 0430
Tuesday 28th. "Vrede" sailed from Sheerness.
8. On closing. FRom

"VREDE"
Page 8.
150
144
From
8. On-closing the Naval Control Service cutter off Southend
Route Instructions and Sailing Orders were received to arrive off Marte les Bains, 5 miles East of Dunkirk, not before 2300.
As there was time in hand "Vrede" was anchored in the Downs in company with several other commandeered schoots at 1830.
9. I was informed by the Commanding Officer of "REIGER" that the
N.C.S. trawler off the North Goodwin Light Vessel had told him to turn back, the trawler having been told by another schoot that Dunkirk was in enemy hands. The B.B.C. news bulletin gave no guidance, nor could I get any information from other ships present, so I eventually sailed with "Reiger" at 1400
with the idea of complying with sailing orders if the situation permitted.
IO. Owing to the darkness and to the failure of several light buoys "Vrede" took the ground at the inshore end of the
ZUYDECOOTE PASS. Attempts to refloat her proving abortive it was decided to wait for the flood tide.
II. During this time many ships were seen entering and leaving within two cables of where "Vrede" lay aground and at 0030 &
large merchant ship was seen to encounter two ships leaving.
This first ship blew three short blasts and went astern. Shortly afterwards there was a dull explosion, without any flame,and when the resultant water and spray subsided nothing could be seen of the ship. As it was impossible to assist from where
"Vrede" lay aground, and as other vessels were in the vicinity, no action was taken.
I2. At 0400 "Vrede" was refloated by the tide and allowed to drift to a safe anchorage where the air bottles might be recharged. While at anchor an unidentified destroyer approached and hailed an order to proceed inshore to the beach as soon as possible and embark troops.
IS. At 0500 "Vrede" was anchored as close inshore as the shelving nature of the beach permitted. Both dinghies were lowered and sent to cooperate with several motor launches which proved to be
Margate pleasure boats manned by their Margate crews. These men were absolutely tireless and cheerful under the most trying conditions, receiving troops from the dinghies and ferrying them to the ships. In thes manner some 150 officers tiredbut cheerful officers and men were embarked, including a Belgian major with whom we had some difficulty owing to the impossibility of drying his corsets. The motor launches were withdrawn by other authority at about 0930 and as one of the dinghies had been wrecked and it was impossible to get nearer to the beach than about 3/4 mile I decided the operation could best be served by embarking troops from Dunkirk, whence many other ships were proceeding.
I4. I entered Dunkirk harbour at I030 Wednesday 29th. May and secured alongside the eastern breakwater. Approximately 500
troops, our full capacity, were embarked during which operation several minor bombing attacks took place, none of which obtained hits nearer than the central pier.
I5. As only

"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

224
OPERATION DYNAMO
212
ENCLOSURE No.9.
SHIP: Motor Boat SOUTHERN QUEEN.
Officer Reporting: SUB.-LIEUT. DEMATTOS.
Went with Sun XI. Picked up about 200. All
French and women and children. 2 Loads from East Mole,
2 from small West Mole. Back 10 miles under own power, then tow by Sun X.
Suggest Officers speaking French to send Frenchmen into boats, as they refuse to go in small boats.
First trip towed by VREDE, broke down and we towed her clear of shipping and returned.
by
Second trip towed RIKA, sent back under own power from 2 miles off Dunkirk.