TNA Unclassified 1

PLAGE OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Vatchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Tarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo",
30.5.40. 2345. Flotilla sailed Tarmouth for Ramagate,
Good
46
567
From:- Sub. Lt. W.R. Williams, R.N.
Mm
537
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate.
30th May. Arrived Ramsgate from Portsmouth with lighter. X.209
Ordered to sands between Gravelines and Calais.
Compass error 20°. Fixed green Bight buoy appeared to be missing.
Anchored off sands; landed in boat and searched inland. Encountered enemy, engaged two and believe
I shot both; returned to my ship.
31st May. Followed tug to East beach at dawn. Took aboard
500 men from my boats. One boat destroyed by bomb, two struck submerged lorries.
Left for Ramagate.
1715
Landed soldiers at Ramagate and returned Dunicipe.
led
2150
Arrived Dunkirk at dusk, heavy bombing and shelling.
Soldiers very steady and cheerful.
1st June. Landed soldiers at Ramagate at noon. Ship had been n
in collision off Dunkirk; left her in Ramagate us inner harbour. Took command of a tug whose
Master refused to go to Dunkirk again and left of for Dunkirk. Arrived evening: very few soldiers on beaches. Went alongside small pier at back or harbour. Went ashore to look for troops; found no English so loaded up with French.
2nd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate 0730. Obtained Captain Duka's
Mann, permission to arm and command Power Boat "Swallow". xi
Arrived Dunkirk in "Swallow" at dusk. Entered inner harbour; took off 15 men and towed & full cutter in addition.
3rd
June.
Arrived Ramsgate in morning with loaded cutter in tow. Left for Dunkink in afternoon; entered inner harbour. Ordered to embark some French staff but could find none; loaded with English and French troops. Purthest end of harbour now in German hands.
Returned Ramsgate.
Completed 5 journeys in all.

PLAC OFFICER IN IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
ND
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
568
V.Goodines
533
From:- Lieut. C.W. Read, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
d
9
Arrived at Ramsgate from Falmouth ex H.M.S.
Forte II 0330 29.5.40 and took command of Chris
Kraft Motor Launch "Bonnie Heather" - Length 35 ft;
speed 18 knots.
Lled
Made 7 complete return trips to Dunkirk beaches;
MA
1
average number soldiers carried - 60: approximately
R
out
420 soldiers. Made 10 trips from Mole at Dunkirk all a to to Transports lying off (under shrapnel) - 600
soldiers.
Rescued Chief Steward and 39 soldiers from water
Mann, ed ex S/S Scotia and bombed whilst doing SO.
On last return journey was caught in parachute flares, bombed and then machine-gunned but escaped without damage owing to speed and quickness on helm of "Bonnie Heather".
Service finished at 5.0 p.m. on 4th June.
Estimated number of soldiers handled in launch:-
Dunkirk beaches to Ramsgate
420/450
Dunkirk Mole to transports lying off.
600/650
Rescued from S/S Scotia
40.

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramagate, good
569
the
From:- Sub.Lieut. F.N.Dann R.N.V.R.
533
Date:- June 5th 1940
To
:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Ld
May 27th Sent from H.M.S. King Alfred to H.M.S. Wildfire.
*
May 28th
1100
Ordered to fuel and provision about 20 motor yachts in harbour basin and other yachts continuously arriving.
1930
Left Sheerness for Dover in M.Y. Viewfinder, leading a convoy of six yachts all towing whalers. Other convoys followed astern.
May 29th lled
0130
Arrived Dover. Moored alongside destroyer and
&
requested 0.0.W. to signal shore for orders.
n
0400
The following civilian volunteers refused further on duty and were sent ashore:-
out
T.Lewis, John Bye, - Bye, J.Palmer all
Collected a total of six yachts and refuelled them
8 e
0600
Left Dover in Viewfinder leading a column of six motor yachts viz.
Viewfinder (myself)
Advance
Three civilian volunteers)
Hanora
(S.L. Minchin R.N.)
Mann,
Bobeli Elizabeth Green (S.L. Snow)
(S.L. Bonham)
red
Joined by Reda which fell in with us and re-completed
One other which turned back.
0700
the six arrived in convoy off Gravelines. hit. Repeatedly column of six.
1400
All dive arrived off La Panne Beach and ferried whalers
All machine gunned from the air. None
1500
1830
full of troops dragged to ships aground at by anchor. excited Belgian abtain help. soldiers.
Viewfinder in whaler with two ratings to with us and
Put off load of soldiers in whaler Put soldiers left
Took two ratings off aboard Lydd to and await contacted my return. Hanora Contacted (S.L.Minchin) my aboard H.M.Sloop was abandoned.
1900
Hanora Pouled and took off all soldiers etc. from No room Viewfinder for my whaler remaining two Elizabeth charts Green who took off
Hanora's personal also gear. officer Hailed and crew and towed my loaded whalers to H.M.S. Lydd

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate.
Report by Sub, Lieut. F.N.Dann (Contd)
570
540
1900
Took charge of empty whaler, made up scratch crew of two ratings and one soldier and continued to ferry troops from beach to motor boats.
2030
Many badly wounded men taken aboard H.M.S.Lydd no skilled help available. Went aboard and did what I
could with others until ship reached Margate.
Handed charts to Reda.
Ld
May 30th
Early morning landed from H.M.S.Lydd at Margate.
R
Sent on to Chatham.
May 31st
Returned to H.M.S.Wildfire Sheermess.
June 1st
Assisted at Sheerness with supplies and victualling.
1700
Left for Ramsgate in M.Y. Dianthus. Engine giving much trouble. Taken in tow by M.Y.Thark.
2200
Arrived Ramsgate
June 2nd.
Attempted to repair engine of Dianthus.
1600
Ordered to attempt to leave on tide and to contact
Rear Admiral Taylor's convoy.
lled
1930
Left inner basin. Raided stranded yacht for compass g
etc.
in
2030
Left Ramsgate.
ien
2045
Helmsman badly cut by flying glass from window.
out
Brought him ashore for attention.
1 all
2115
Ramsgate again.
be to
2200
Left very troublesome. Stopping every mile or till 30.
Only Engine making good 2/2 knots, carried on course
June 3rd
0300
Between daylight. V and W Bouys sighted convoy returning. Decided
Mann, ved to return with convoy.
0900
June 4th
Standing Arrived Ramsgate. by and attempting to repair engine

FLAG AG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
Good
571
Yes
541
From:- Sub. Lt. D.L. Satterford, R.N.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
1d
28th May.
.ip
1800 Left Sheerness in Thames Pleasure Craft "Viscount" for
Ramsgate. Followed M.Y. "Prince of Wales" as ordered. "Viscount's" engine stopped on the way.
After repairs continued on course until 2330; having
29th May.
no compass we anchored till 0400 Wednesday.
1000
Arrived Ramsgate. Boiler pump defective; I asked for another boat.
lled
30th May.
g
1030
Took command M.Y. "Rygate II" with crew of 4 civilians.
in
Left for Dunkirk keeping station on the schoot ien
"Horst".
"Rygate II" broke down and was towed by out
"Horst". Found impossible to effect repairs.
1 all
Anchored "Rygate II" and boarded "Horst" with crew.
to to
1600
Arrived Dunkirk in "Horst" (Lt. Sarjent R.N.R.) *
worked 3 pulling boats with 2 men in each. Operation rendered difficult by bombing and heavy surf. One
A.B. wounded in groin by machine-gun bullet. One boat capsized but was righted.
Mann,
2300
Lieut. Sarjent decided to move closer inshore. Found ved anchor fouled by another cable. Donkey broke down.
Cut cable. Chief E.R.A. reported engine failure.
31st May.
400 troops aboard taken off by another boat.
0900
Arrived Ramsgate. Found M.Y. "Quicksilver" with crew of naval ratings. Obtained permission to take
"Quicksilver" across.
2000
Left for Dunkirk at 20 knots.
2400
1st June.
Arrived Dunkirk; ferried troops to transports.
0600
Fuel running short; left for Ramsgate.
1030
2nd June.
Arrived Ramsgate.
1930
3rd June.
Left Ramsgate; followed schoot "Hilda" out.
0100
Dunkirk and searched for British troops whalers according to
Arrived order. Beach being shelled. Sent direct continue to search. One whaler blown up by hit.

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
57
17JUN1940
*
HARWYOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramagate, to eport from Sub. Ltd. D.L. Satterford, R.N. (contd).
572
542
Searched for survivors, found none. One of crew wounded by shrapnel. Found no British on beach.
Went into the mole and took off about 20 French.
0900 Arrived Ramsgate. Left later with French Naval
Attache aboard. Delayed by choppy sea.
4th June. Arrived Dunkirk early morning; saw transports leaving so returned Ramsgate. Rested.
14
5th June.
Ordered to proceed to Sheerness.
up
>
illed
TO
an hen hout a all to to
1. Mani
Ived

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGET IN
571
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Termouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Tarmouth for Ramagate, to neaded to pash
You ar she
543
From:- Lt. P.R. Dancy, R.N.V.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
14
up oldenLity 30th & 31st May. Two separate trips to Dunkirk, where all
ML 27305
available troops were boarded and discharged at
Ramsgate.
1st June. Boarded destroyer "Ivanhoe" after she had been bombed off Dunkirk - rendered all assistance for 4
hours aboard; many dead and dying. Sventually obtained medical assistance and took off remainder illed of troops.
ng an
Before to to Bridge; he thanked me and for base assistance to an leaving the Captain (Commander R.N.) sent has hour officer, given and which I did. Later I discharged for me requested go me to give my name troops at a all to to
Margate Jetty.
2nd, 3rd & 4th June. Sundry trips in "Haloyone" - ordinary routine work.
1. Mann,
Ived

PLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate, to good
Yes a
B.
544
From:- Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
dd
28th May.
1430 Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in the tug JAVA with the following ships in company:-
Drifters. Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood and Lord St. Vincent.
Motor Launches. Walker I, Walker II, New Brittanic,
29th May.
Nayland and Angler II.
0100
2
Arrived off Bray dunes and anchored in 3 fthms water illed and sent Walker I and Walker II in to the beach to ng try to find men; all troops seemed to be hiding in on the sands. Walker I and Walker II then proceeded then up to Dunkirk Harbour.
hout
As dawn came I lowered all small boats from the Java in all and all drifters and worked with them right into its to the beach filling motor boats and transferring from motor boats to bigger ships lying off shore.
1000
Ordered by a destroyer to take all ships to Dunkirk pier, On arrival there I received orders to fill up as much as possible and return, leaving Walker I
i. Mann, and Walker II for the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, Dunkirk.
ived
On leaving Tuydercoot Pass I was ordered by H.M.S.
Calcutta to transfer all troops on board herand return to the beaches. We worked all afternoon on the beaches, towing army collapsible boats off the
At this time there were no more ships lying off to fill beaches and filling larger ships lying off shore.
1900
up, so filled all craft possible and returned to
30th 0930 May.
Ramsgate.
Arrived Ramsgate.
During the daylight operations the boats attacks, crews were subjected worked on with a good heart, until all to continuous dive-bombing without but all men of a meal from p.m. May 30th. 28th arrival the chance in harbour at 1100 on May

PLAC OFFICEN IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
HARWICH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Tarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramagate,
I
to
Report by Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R. (conta).
575
545
The following men worked particularly well for no:
Robert Durrant, Master, Drifter Lord Rodney, helping me to keep the convoy together during the two night passages and during the day he manned @ boat himself working into the beach.
Walker I.
Walker II.
New Brittanic.
A. Cadman (cox)
Percy King (cox)
William Matthews (cox)
de
G. Stavely
Edward Parker
Walter Reid
T. Davies
John Ellard
Norman Reid (aged 15).
Java.
Victor Smith (mate)
Harry Griffiths (deck hand).
Arthur Westcott Act. A.B. No. LDX/5046 - H.M.S. Pervent.
Lord Collingwood.
Lord Keith.
9
Lord Rodney.
illed
Edmund Marr (mate).
Robert Eye (master)
William Gladwell
Jg
(deck hand)
Thomas Durrant
(deck hand)
an
Charles Fisk then
Fred Goddard
( deck hand)
your as all
These particularly well in the boate on the and beach ate to and also men in worked boats picking up survivors from aeroplane
H.M.S. Waverly, which was bombed close to us.
#. Mann, ived

FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE
17JUN1940
*
HARWY
OH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
5
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst employed on Operation "Dynamo".
30.5.40. 2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Remsgate, to proceed to
Dyrama 35%
Biulo
FLAG OFFICER 207 IN 2 CHARGE
17JUN1940
-
Subject:
Report on Operation "Dynamo".
HARWICH
by ould
From
Naval Officer in Charge, Great Yarmouth.
Date
15th June, 1940.
0.2/1697/40.
To
Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich.
The enclosed report in triplicate from the Group
Commander of "M" Drifters detailed from Yarmouth for Operation
"Dynamo" is submitted for your information and any action which you consider necessary.
gate
Insurall
NAVAL CAPTAIN, OFFICER IN CHARGE.
II.
No. 207/40.
Vice-Admiral,
(Copy The Nore.)
of my and the Group 9th June, Commander In continuation I beg of to enclose "M" Drifters a for Operation "Dynamo".
REAR ADMIRAL
Harwich.
18th June, 1940
ADMIRAL
FLAG OFFICER
VICE 21 JUN 1940
*
DOV HI R

TLA& OFFICER IN CHARGE IN
17JUN1940
*
HARWIOH
H.M.S. "Watchful"
547
Great Yarmouth.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the report of proceedings of the employed on Operation "Dynamo".
"M" Drifters attached to Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. "Watchful") whilst
30.5.40.
2345.
Flotilla sailed Yarmouth for Ramsgate,
31.5.40. 1500.
Arrived Ramsgate and received orders to proceed to
Dunkirk forthwith to assist in evacuation of troops.
31.5.40. 1515.
Flotilla sailed for Dunkirk.
1900.
On approaching Dunkirk Roads, Flotilla vas subjected to intense bombing attack by about sixty enemy bombors.
Consequently, I gave the order to "scatter".
Drifter "Lord Hood" was severaly damaged by & "near riss",
Three casualties, one seaman being killed outright, and two wounded. I took "Feasible" alongside "Lord Hood* and removed the C.Bs, the Ship's Company having been picked up by
"Alcmaria".
After ascertaining that nothing further could be done and nobody left on board, I ordered flotilla to take up formation again and proceeded into Dunicirk. Themy bombers had in the meantime been driven off by British Pighters Sub ships coming under heavy gunfire from shore batteries.
2000.
Secured alongside North Pier, Dunkirk with twelve ships and proceeded to embark troops.
2030.
Orders were received from a Commander R.N. ashore to discontinue embarkation and proceed out of harbour to piok up troops from North Beaches.
Five ships, being already filled with troops, were ordered back to Ramagate,
The remaining ships followed me out of harbour to the Beaches,
From then onwards, ships worked independently, returning to Ramagate then full and back to Beaches for more, This continued throughout the night and the bllowing day and night of lat/2nd June when all drifters were ordered by the Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate to leave Dunkirk by 0300, 2nd June, empty or full. Plotilla anchored in Ramsgate Roads awaiting further instructions,
4.6.40.
0600.
"Alcmaria" with "Genius" in tow and "Swift Wing* with
"Feasible" in tow, under the command of Sub. Ideutenant 5. 1. Mann,
R.N.V.R., were ordered to proceed to Yarmouth. They arrived
Yarmouth, 5th June.
5.6.40.
1300.
I received orders to proceed with remaining ships to
Yarmouth, arriving Yarmouth, 6th June,
The following ships took part in the Operation:
M/S Drifter Motilla.
Skipper.
J. Finlay.
"Feasible".
G. Prosdick.
"Swift Wing".
G. Hatton.
"Reed".
J. Sims.
"John and Norah".
J. Green.
"Genius".
A. Offord.
"Alcmaria".
J. W. Lawn.
"Lord Hood".
1.

BLS
548
"Lord Barham".
Skipper.
C. Masterman.
"Overfalls".
If
D. Miller.
"Jeannie MacIntosh".
If
J. Nicholson.
"Gula".
If
A. W. West.
"Rewga".
#
J. Macauley.
"Taransay".
#
G. S. Peak.
Lieut. A. H. Turner in "Feasible" - Group Officer.
Sub. Lieut. L. W. Mann in "Genius" Unit Officer.
Casualities and damage received during the Operation 1.
"Lord Hood".
Damaged by "near miss" bomb.
Engines disabled.
"Feasible".
Near miss - shell. Engines disabled.
"Genius".
Explosion under stern - unknown. Engines disabled,
All ships received a certain amount of superficial damage due to splinters and concussion which in several instances put the deganssing circuits out of action.
Remarks.
I cannot pay too high a tribute to all the Officers and ships companies concerned. During the course of the operation, the personnel were on continuous duty for more than 36 hours during which time we vere being exposed to constant attack by enemy bombers, shore batteries, mohine guns and enemy M.T.B's. flying the White Ensign.
Navigation, especially at night, was extremely hazardous is no charts of the locallity were available at such short notice, and 1 consider a splendid example of team work, commonsense and initiative was displayed by the Skippers in bringing all ships back to Ramagate din conclusion.
It is very hard to pick out any individual for special mention where all did so well.
I regret to have to report the undermentioned casualties which occurred in "Lord Hood".
Killed:-
J. P. Reed, Seaman. Official No.JX.173103.
Severely
J. R. Purland, AB/ST.
.
wounded:-
D/J. 32592.
Wounded:-
L. Wills, Sea. cook.
#
18. H.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant, a
LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
The Naval Officer in Charge,
H.M.S. "Watchful",
Great Yarmouth.