Details

CONSTANT NYMPH
M/C
Dr. B.A. Smith, Owner/Skipper
30th May
1530
Left Ramsgate in tow of the Sk.
Jutland, which also towed a cutter,
2130ca
a whaler, and the eel-boat Johanna.
Arrived some miles east of Dunkirk.
Towed the cutter and whaler to the
beach after the Jutland had anchored.
Ferried several loads of French
troops to the Jutland.
-
Shifted nearer to Dunkirk and ferried
British troops.
31st May
0300ca
The Jutland having filled with troops(1)
proceeded.
0500ca
The Constant Nymph, with the cutter
and whaler, then attached herself to
a "similar ship", a skoot(2)
[i.e. the Twente] and commenced
filling her with troops.
0800ca
The skoot was full; (3) the cutter
was aground under a stranded barge;
the Constant Nymph's propeller was
fouled and her petrol tank empty.
Constant Nymph's crew were transferred
to the skoot, and the M/B and whaler
were turned over to a drifter.
The skoot proceeded.
1730ca(4) The skoot arrived Margate and
disembarked her troops. She then
Constant Nymph was eventually found
proceeded to Ramsgate.
stranded at Broadstairs and was
returned to her owner.
[On 1st June, Dr. Smith was appointed to the
M/C Count Dracula (q.v.)]
Nil
(2) Dr. Ramsgate report and the only
(1) states 205 troops (but see Jutland). that
R.N.V.R. 2 cannot Smith officers remember states Dr. on Smith board this why were he was is the rather was the a names Lieut. BO "Laudania", deaf sure of R.N.R. the and of 2 the states officers. and name a that S/Lt. he
"Laudania".
He did not ascertain that the so-called "Laudania" A.W. was in
It 1B considered commanded by Lieut. R.N.V.R.), McMullon for the
R.N.R., fact the (lst skoot Lieut. Twente, was s/Lt. Adderley all the
The following following Twente requisite reason: is the only conditions; skoot them. which indeed satisfies s/Lt. no other R. N. V.R. skoot
satisfies more than one of
(b) (a) (c) Officers She She a M/B embarked disembarked and - "a a Lieut. troops cutter about about and R.N.R. 400 whaler" dawn troops and a 31st [or at wargute at at about at assisted Ramagate] by
(a) [D.R. 1800 She after mentions left on the May. a troops a
(3) Margate name which report evidently states that Twente disembarked 350
on arrival.
(4) Margate report states 1845.
204

Details

CONSTANT NYMPH
M/C
30th May
1530
Dr. B.A. Smith, Owner/Skipper
Left Ramsgate in tow of the
Jutland, a which also towed Sk.
2130ca
Arrived Towed some miles east of Johanna.
whaler, and the eel-boat a cutter,
beach after the Jutland had anchored. the
the cutter and whaler Dunkirk. to
Ferried several loads of French
-
troops to the Jutland.
Shifted nearer to Dunkirk and ferried
British troops.
31st May
0300ca
The proceeded. Jutland having filled with troops(1)
0500ca
The Constant Nymph, with the cutter
and whaler, then attached herself to
a "similar ship", a skoot(2)
[i.e. the Twente] and commenced
filling her with troops.
0800ca
The skoot was full; (3) the cutter
was aground under a stranded barge;
the Constant Nymph's propeller was
fouled and her petrol tank empty.
Constant Nymph's crew were transferred
to the skoot, and the M/B and whaler
were turned over to a drifter.
The skoot proceeded.
1730ca(4) The skoot arrived Margate and
disembarked her troops. She then
proceeded to Ramsgate.
Constant Nymph was eventually found
stranded at Broadstairs and was
returned to her owner.
[on 1st June, Dr. Smith was appointed to the
M/C Count Dracula (q.v.)]
Nil
(1) Ramagate report states 205 troops (but see Jutland).
(2) Dr. Smith states this was the"Laudania", and that the only
2 officers on board were a Lieut. R.N.R. and a S/Lt.
R.N.V.R. Dr. Smith is rather deaf and states that he
cannot remember why he was BO sure of the name "Laudania".
He did not ascertain the names of the 2 officers.
It 1B considered that the so-called "Laudania" was in
fact the skoot Twente, commanded by Lieut. A.W. McMullon for the
R.N.R., (lst Lieut. was s/Lt. Adderley R.N. V.R.),
The following reason: only skoot which satisfies all the
following Twente requisite is the conditions; indeed no other skoot
satisfies than one of them.
(b) (a) Officers more - a Lieut. R.N.R. about dawn and a 31st s/Lt. May, cutters"]. R.N.V.R. assisted by
(c) (a) She She a 1800 M/B embarked disembarked on and 31st Margate "a May. cutter troops about [to and return 400 whaler" troops to her [or at base Margate "2 at Ramagate] at about
[D.R. name She after mentions which left the evidently a the a
(3) Margate report states that Twente disembarked 350 troops
on arrival.
(4) Margate report states 1845.
204

Details

CONSTANT NYMPH - Continued.
TAK 09.
Manter
Authority - R.O.II, p.204.
R.O.ITI, TO.9144/40. p.271. an up crew or a drifter
eir raid off booklett (#00 euror In
S/Lt. M.R.B. Bolomon, R.N.V.R. states:
1000
At Remente, 1st June 1910,
The following award was made: Missred tug "dontees
and made every possible obstruction
orew deliberately put tog
D.S.M.
1700
to impade the sailing of воще,
Dr. B.A. Smith.
Although tag "Oontess" (spontest)
was aflort, engineer refused to put
the ship to sea, as he claimed his
filters would be blocked by sand,
Asthority - R.O.III, 9.314.
205

Details

COUNT DRACULA M/C (Owner, K. Greiner)
Mr. Greiner writes as follows:
?Master.
without My motor cruiser was requisitioned at the time
my knowledge, 80 that I was not able
accompany that the boat. I understand, however, from to
Master the Count Dracula made 4 trips to Dunkirk the
and brought back to Ramsgate 75 B.E.F. men on each
trip. (1)
On the first trip after taking the men on board a Nazi bomb
dropped about 25 yards away, lifted her clean out of the
water, but she luckily found an even keel.
On her last trip back to Ramsgate she developed clutch
slipping, and was eventually towed into Ramsgate harbour.
On her trip from Ramsgate to Richmond, she sustained
considerable sustained". damage. Previous to that no damage was
According to Dr. B.A. Smith, D.S.M., (a member of the Little
Ship Club, and Owner Skipper of the M/C Constant Nymph, q.v.),
however, it seems that the Count Dracula did not go to Dunkirk
at all. Dr. Smith, having arrived at Ramsgate from Dunkirk
(via Margate) says:
"On Saturday, 1st June I
.....
asked for another boat and
before lunch-time had taken over one which had only been
brought (2) into Ramsgate that morning
This boat
was an old German Admiral's barge from the last war .....
the steam engine had been taken out and a petrol engine
substituted, a dummy funnel being fitted where the
original funnel existed
.....
it had no self starter and
worked with a clutch, being in fact a lorry engine.
The engine was a brute to start and the gear lever
required a strong man to put it into any position, but
the engine was started and run over for a few minutes
by the man who stated that he had brought the ship round
from the Thames, (3) and he assured me that it was
good for 12 knots without undue pressing
.....
cigarettes
and other little comforts had been provided on the boat
by the owner for the rescued troops. This boat could
have taken 35 men I should think.
..... we cast off to go across the harbour and get
yards petrol of leaving [the] moorings and refused had to fire Engineer so I had to
boat
konked
out
within
a
few
.....
Within an hour
we
an
Commander anchor ..... R.N.V.R., an Engineer Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.,
.....
two Petty Officers Artificers and one leading Artificer
investigating the question of our engine trouble.
mystery ..... to me that that boat was ever brought round her
the magneto was simply dripping oil ..... it is to a
Ramsgate from the Thames as the experts worked on
until 2000 that night, by which time they had succeeded
in getting the engine running again. We .....
On to take there was no increase in speed but
started ..... her for a trial round the harbour .....
a most opening throttle noise from the clutch which was was obviously very
slipping badly. the engine on sight as could very
terrible The Engineer Commander ..... a
amused, old Scammel he had lorry identified engine converted ..... nothing be
(1) the Count Dracula in the Ramsgate in any
There report 1s of no mention disembarkations, of nor is she mentioned
(2) It other report. means towed or escorted; own power. or whether
(3) This she 1s was not clear brought if in this by her she Master, had not under yet been her to Dunkirk.
seems
to
imply
that
211

Details

JEUNE FRANCE (D1.1213)(1
French M.F.V.
30th May
Disembarked about 174 troops in
England. (See under Chasse-Maree)
31st May
1335
Routed from the Downs to Dunkirk by
2200
the Destroyer Leopard (see under
Margaux (D.692)).
Cdr.
in
3rd June
-
Disembarked 12 troops in England. (2)
The
Golden
esl-boats, whic Estimated total 186
separated from
Having no charts, the Johanna secured
to B ship near the North Goodwine,
and stayed there the night.
May
Ballo
Returned to Remegate.
1530ca
In company with the M/B Constant
and a outter and a whaler, was towed
to Dunkirk beaches by the sk.
Jutland. (1)
2330
The Jutland enchored 2 miles east of
Dunkirk, The Constant Nymph towed
in the outter and whaler. About
200 troops were ferried to the
Jutland and the Johanna, the letter
assisting to load the former.
May
0300
Proceeded with 10 troops on board
[whether in company with, on to
of, the Jutland is not closs].
1100ca
Disamberged TO
8/16 Cares-Russ then the
Total 10
Authority - R.O.III, pp.302, 308, 329.
(1) Believed to be referred to in D.R. as the "Dame Franche".
No vessel named the "Dame Franche" is known by the
Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
(2) D.R.
the
May.
9202
92

Details

JOHANNA
Dutch eel-boat
S/Lt. A. Carew-Hunt, R.N.
[s/Lt. Carew-Hunt was previously in the M/B
Lieberstraumwhich broke down].
29th May
2200
Left Ramsgate in company with the
M/B Golden Lily [a Lieut. Cdr. in
command of her] and the eel-boat
Chantecler.
The Golden Lily out-distanced the two
eel-boats, which also became
separated from each other.
-
Having no charts, the Johanna secured
to a ship near the North Goodwins,
and stayed there the night.
30th May
a.m.
Returned to Ramsgate.
1530ca
In company with the M/B Constant Nymph
and a cutter and a whaler, was towed
to Dunkirk beaches by the sk.
Jutland. (1)
2330
The Jutland anchored 2 miles east of
Dunkirk. The Constant Nymph towed
in the cutter and whaler. About
200 troops were ferried to the
Jutland and the Johanna, the latter
assisting to load the former.
31st May
0300
Proceeded with 10 troops on board
[whether in company with, or in tow
of, the Jutland is not clear].
1100ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 10
troops.
S/Lt. Carew-Hunt then rejoined the
Liebestraum].
Total 10
Authority - - R.O.III, pp.302, 308, 329.
(1) The Johanna sent in 2 reports; in one she says she was
towed over on the 29th, in the other on "Thursday"
[i.e. 30th May]. It is considered that the correct
date was the 30th May.
93

Details

JOSEPH MARIE
French M/S trawler
(107th Section)
A. Le Calvez, Maitre
de Manoeuvre. (1)
25th May
-
In company with the M/S La Trombe II,
was attacked by seven bombers off the
May
0500
Dyck Light Vessel. The La Trombe II
and the Dyck Light vessel were both
1500
sunk. The Joseph Marie, assisted
by 3 English vessels, rescued the
2200ca
crews and proceeded to Dunkirk.
26th May
-
Under fire in harbour; 2 fatal
casualties, 1 serious. The captain
was slightly wounded.
-
-
The Joseph Marie continued to sweep the
approach channels to Dunkirk.
29th May
-
In Dunkirk harbour, the Joseph Marie
28th May
1000
was bombed and sunk.
1730
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived
Donkirk.
to
the
east.
Nil
29th May
0250
No troops found. Decided to return.
0830
Arrived Ramsgate.
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folio No.11.
buoy.
Air
attack.
Arrived La Panne. Embarked French
troops. Air attack.
Proceeded with about 275 troops on board.
1830ca
Encountered the P.M/S Gracie Fields
which had been damaged by bombs.
While the Gracie Fields, (out of
control) steamed round in a circle,
the Jutland took off some of her
troops from the port side. Another
ship [the M/S Pangbourne did the
same on her starboard side.
2130oa
Proceeded on homeward voyage.
30th May
0630
Arrived Ramagate. Disembarked 300
troops.(1)
Tita sarwell and GROW relieved by
Lt. Cdr. Clements
fresh crew.
1530ca(3) Left Ramagate for Dunkirk beaches,
towing the Johanna(2)
the M/B Constant Nymph and at whaler
and W outter.
2330ca
Arrived Dunkirs beaches. Embarked
troops, assisted by the Constant
Nymah and Johanna.
51st May
Took in tow 5 boats which were adrift,
03000a
and proceeded.
(1) (2) Not Johanna mentioned sent in in 2 D.R. reports. In one she says she was towed
over the Jutland on 29th May, in the other on the "Thursday correct
(3) Lt. 30th May, lat Officer of the Sutland,
date night" was [i.e. 30th when Lt. Cdr. clements was under
by May]. It is that in command.
Lt. J.Bela Odr. Clements, P.N.V.R., that the Jutlant 186 osfied for
THE
returned
(1) Chief boatswain's mate.
103

Details

JUTLAND
Skoot
Lieut. G.L. Barwell, R.N. (Retd.)
Lt. Cdr. W.R.T. Clements, R.N.R.
(30th-31st May)
Lt. L. Hutchinson, R.N.R. (1st
Lieut).
27th May
0500
Lt. Barwell in command. Proceeded.
1500
from Sheerness to the Downs.
Sailed for Dunkirk via West Hinder Light
2200ca
and Kwinte Bank buoy.
A hospital ship coming from Dunkirk
signalled "Dunkirk has fallen".
[See Canterbury] Then another ship
made the same signal adding "I am
returning". Jutland replied "I am
proceeding".
-
Waited 3 hours near Nieuport Bank buoy
for orders. Then, in company with
the sk. Patria decided to return.
28th May
1000
Arrived in the Downs.
1730
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Shifted 4 miles to the
east.
29th May
0250
No troops found. Decided to return.
0830
Arrived Ramsgate.
1000
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1715
Off Middel Kerke Bank buoy. Air attack.
-
Arrived La Panne. Embarked French
troops. Air attack.
-
Proceeded with about 275 troops on board.
1830ca
Encountered the P.M/S Gracie Fields
which had been damaged by bombs.
While the Gracie Fields, (out of
control) steamed round in a circle,
the Jutland took off some of her
troops from the port side. Another
ship [the M/S Pangbourne] did the
same on her starboard side.
2130ca
Proceeded on homeward voyage.
30th May
0630
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 300
troops. (1)
Lt. Barwell and crew relieved by
Lt. Cdr. Clements (ex-Tilly) and a
fresh crew.
1530ca(3) Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk beaches,
towing the eel-boat Johanna(2)
the M/B Constant Nymph and a whaler
and a cutter.
2330ca
Arrived Dunkirk beaches. Embarked
troops, assisted by the Constant
Nymph and Johanna.
31st May
Took in tow 5 boats which were adrift,
0300ca
and proceeded.
(1) (2) Not Johanna mentioned in D.R. In one she says she was towed
sent in 2 reports. on 29th the on the "Thursday correct
(3)
Lt. date over night" was by [i.e. the 30th Jutland 30th May, May ]. when Officer Lt. It Cdr. of Clements the Jutland, sailed was in under for command.
J. Bald R.N.V.R., lat says that the Jutland 1st June.
Lt. Dunkirk Cdr. on Clements, 31st May and returned on
104

Details

JUTLAND - Continued.
31st May
-
(contd.)
On nearing Ramsgate, the tow was cast
off and taken over by a M/B. The
Jutland then took the disabled skoot
Rian in tow.
Within 1/2 mile of Ramagate, the
Rian was left at anchor.
1100
The Jutland arrived Ramsgate.
Disembarked 205 French troops. (1)
Lieut. Barwell, with his original
crew then re-assumed command of the
Jutland. Lt. Cdr. Clements took
command of the M/L Fervent. The
Jutland remained in harbour for the
remainder of 31st May.
1st June
-
Proceeded to Ramsgate roads and anchored
Later, because she was considered
too slow for use at Dunkirk, the
Jutland was ordered to proceed to
London.
Total 505
Authority - R.O.II, pp. 89, 204, 562.
R.O.III, pp. 262, 308, 324, 329, 484.
the
of
1st of the Alice,
of
the
Folge,
The Keap Licut.
her, and took
over from Lieut. Culmer.
[The Alice had been damagedin thesiv
attack and had been abandoned. Her
crew, an Army and 4 soldigre,
had transferred to the Keap Falgo.]
The Kann Falgn proceeded due north
La Panne, over the
into Nisuport roade.
in
the
Downs.
to and the
to the
took no
(1) Ramsgate Lt. Cdr. Clements says "several states hundred that
troops". Dr. Smith and British troops to board.
report. of the Constant Nymph the Jutland;
he he ferried considers French that she had about 400 troops on
105

Details

Skoot
TWENTE
Lt. Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith,
Lt. N.J. Mountfield, R.N.R. R.N.V.R.
(lst Lieut.)
25th May
p.m.
Sailed from Tilbury to Sheerness.
27th May
p.m.
Sailed from Sheerness to Dunkirk via
West Hinder Buoy, in company with
other skoots.
28th May
0330
When approaching beaches, was ordered
by a Naval M/L to return to
Ramsgate.
0400
Air attack.
a.m.
Arrived Ramsgate.
1745ca
Sailed for Dunkirk via U, V, W, buoys.
2345ca
Arrived Dunkirk harbour. Embarked 380
troops, which were ferried off by
drifters.
-
Proceeded. "Fierce fires were blazing
all over Dunkirk, lighting up the
sea".
29 th May
a.m.
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 390
troops. (1)
a.m.
Sailed for La Panne, via West Hinder
Buoy.
p.m.
Air attack. In the vicinity of
Middel Kerke buoy, the P.M/S
Gracie Fields was bombed and hit
amidships. She was "unable to stop
her engines". Her "upper deck [was]
enveloped in clouds of steam.
Operation of going alongside had to be
performed whilst both ships were
proceeding ahead. Secured alongside.
Terrible mortality and shambles on
board. Transferred as many injured
and others as the Twente would hold".
Another skoot [the Jutland], secured
on the other side of the Gracie
Fields and took off the remainder.
-
Proceeded to Ramsgate.
30th May
0400ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 399
troops. (1)
Entire ships company relieved for
24 hours. The Twente sailed
immediately with a relief crew,
commanded by Lt. A.W. McMullan, R.N.R.
with S/Lt. Adderley R.N.V.R. as
1st Lieutenant.
2230
Arrived off Dunkirk roads. Anchored.
31st May
0500
Embarked 400 troops, assisted by a
"motor boat and two cutters"
[actually these were the M/B
Constant Nymph, with a cutter and a
whaler]. Proceeded.
[a.m.
As the Twente had not returned, Lt. Cdr.
Boys-Smith took command of the 2
W.D/M.L's Kestrel and Grouse]
(1) D.R.
248

Details

Page 99
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Yacht BYSTANDER (Echo John Sounding Yacht) - Sub. Lieutenant Henry
Beresford Barge, R.N.V.R. V.
Recommendations.
RATING:
Able Seaman (Cook) J. H. Elton, LT/JX.180250 (R.N. Patrol Service)
off the Dunkirk, KING this ship proceeded to remove 0200/30/5 the
Employed as Cook in this yacht. At when
dinghy, with ORRY, then sinking in the fairway. The crew of ft.
effect Elton and one other as crew, launched 8 to
attempted a weak to swim to the yacht, but they were personnel in
a rescue. Most of the KING ORRY's
dived was obvious many would drown. Elton done
that it state owing to the arduous service they had such
of the into the water and assisted and supported thereupon
hour swimmers as he could find for more than half as many
loads whilst the dinghy, rowed by the other rating, an
water Elton put many men on to life-rafts and towed the
of men, returned to the BYSTANDER. Whilst in with
by on swimming. The last men he brought back to the yacht them
a life-raft, were towed by Elton in the water
as a tow-rope with one hand on the raft and one hand acting on
the dinghy - a remarkable feat of endurance. He was
responsible for rescuing about 25 Officers and men. In
supplied hot tea and food to all the 97 men on board
addition to the above, Elton, in his capacity as Cook,
within half an hour of leaving the scene of the wreck,
the cooking utensils, etc, normally sufficing for 7.
He provided dry clothes and blankets and generally
tended the rescued, many of whom were suffering from
shock. This rating was unsparing in his efforts and
acted with great gallantry without regard to his own
safety.
Recommended for decoration.
Motor Boat CONSTANT NYMPH: - Chargehand B.A. Smith, Little Ship Club,
(Owner of Motor Boat).
Recommendation.
Chargehand B. A. Smith, Little Ship Club.
Chargehand Smith proceeded with a crew of 2 Naval
Stokers who had never been to sea, in tow p.m. 30th May
for the beaches. Took in a whaler and cutter, and
during the night ferried off about 800 men to 2 skoots
the JUTLAND and LAUDANIA, who were thus filled up.
CONSTANT NYMPH then collected a number of odd boats
trying to row off to ships filled with soldiers, and
collected them and towed them to offshore vessels.
During thiss time fairly continuous bombing and shelling
were encountered. Chargehand Smith remarks that being
deaf and with a lot to do prevented him noticing these
annoyances. Continued work until all fuel was
exhausted, and the boat was sent to a supply drifter
for repair and refuelling, Chargehand Smith being
ordered back to Margate This civilian showed great

Details

Page 100.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
CONSTANT NYMPH (continued).
performed courage and disregard of danger, and undoubtedly
gallant and meritorious service.
Recommended for decoration.
otor Boat LADY CABLE: - Acting Sub. -Lieutenant G. A., Cadell. R.N.
Recommendations.
(Retired).
FFICERS:
Acting Sub. Lieutenant G. A. Cadell, R.N.
troops from Dunkirk Inner Harbour off to tugs
On the night of June 2nd ferried about 200 French
WISHART. 24 Finally, when all ships were leaving, and embarked
any British remained. Then encountered a series see of
French soldiers, having searched the Quay to if
mishaps with his engines, and on the voyage home
himself at one time or another falling overboard.
attempted to salve W. D. craft HAIG, all his crew and
Finally broke down at mid-day on the 3rd, close to the
Coast, and was in grave peril of falling into hands
Southwest of Dunkirk. LADY CABLE drifted helplessly enemy
about the Channel for many hours before being rescued.
Sub. Lieutenant Cadell, suffering from a weak heart,
underwent considerable physical strain, and there is no
coolness and effic) ency.
doubt that he and his crew displayed remarkable courage,
Recommended for mention.
Cadet Rating G. R. Price.
Acted as first lieutenant to Sub. -Lieutenant Cadell,
whom he ably assisted. He had previously been in
command of the Motor Boat SKYLARK.
Recommended for early promotion,
Motor Yacht MASAYRU: - Skipper G. D. Olivier.
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Skipper G. D. Olivier.
With a civilian crew of 3 and one Leading Seaman,
R. N. sailed from Sheerness 0400/31 in convoy. On
arriving off the beaches spent more than 48 hours on
ferrying work, and in salving craft; and in towing off
ships aground. Underwent the common experience of being
stormed by French troops and having to repel these
boarders in order to save his ship. When isolated,
attacked by 4 Messerschmitts with machine-guns for about
half an hour, and at other times was under sporadio gun-
fire. Ferried off a total of about 400 French troops.
This civilian displayed a complete disregard of danger
and showed a high order of seamanship.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Details

Dynoms 190.
204
191
REPORT ON WORK DONE ON DUNKIRK BEACH BY "CONSTANT NYMPH" 30/31 MAY, 1940.
CHARGE HAND. - B.A. Smith., Little Ship Club (Owner of motor boat).
CREW.
-
STOKERS ALLEN AND MIXIKUE from Sheerness.
We left Ramsgate about 3.30 Pollo on 30th May, 1940, in tow of
H.M.S. "Jutland" (A Dutch boat taken over by Navy) after lying outside the
Harbour from 9.30 a.m., during which time we had done a little ferrying work
between ships.
We were towed with a whaler and cutter on same tow.
Arrived at our station some miles east of Dunkirk Harbour about
9.30 p.m. and towed whaler and cutter to beach as soon as "JUTLAND" had
30/5
anchored slight mist.
At first we could only find Frenchmen on the beach and took off
several boat loads, then a British officer waded and swam to "CONSTANT NYMPH"
while running slowly up and down the beach line in about 3 feet 5 inches
waiting for the boats to be filled and keeping a look out for British troops,
In spite of darkness and slight mist, the fires on shore and fine
night made bodies of men show up against the sand.
On hearing from British officer that thousands of our men. were a
little nearer Dunkirk, we worked further up and got mainly British for some
time; not many wounded.
One nice fire which was a leading mark was blown out by another
bomb later on in the night, but we were fairly well at home by then and it
caused no delay.
Having filled "JUTLAND", the motor-boat with whaler and outter
turned over to "LAUDANIA",a similar ship, and filled that. "JUTLAND" left
31/5
about 3 a.m.
I am informed by Captain of "LAUDANIA" that these ships hold about
450 men each, making a total of 900 men taken off.
About 8 a.m. "LAUDANIA" was full and the cutter was aground under
a stranded lighter and her crew could not get her off, Captain of "LAUDANIA"
told me to get the crew if I could not get the outter, and this was done.
Certain odd boats were found on the beach by troops of both nations,
any found trying to row to ships in our area were collected and towed to ship,
mk
and efforts made to use them again if serviceable. These efforts were usually
hampered by Frenchmen not tying up to the ship when boarding and letting the
boat drift.
Bombing in the district seemed fairly continuous, some explosions
shook the boat a good bit, but nothing seemed very near.
Anti-aircraft fire seemed to come from the beach in many cases,
tracer bullets from that line were often to be seen.
There was some heavy shelling, apparently directed by planes
dropping Very lights over the ships, one crump was either very near or very
big as the boat trembled as if she had grounded.
Being deaf and having a lot to de prevented my noticing the bombing
much but my crew seemed to think it was increasing with daylights
About 8 a.m. on Friday, 31st May, 1940, having used all fuel and
got rope in the propeller, I was ordered to turn over the motor boat and
whaler to a Drifter believed to have fuel and mechanics, and go aboard
"LAUDANIA" which left at once with all orews and arrived Margate about 5 p.m.
Both Allen and Medkle, the two young Stoker ratings who were my
crew, worked steadily and efficiently throughout the ten hours or so of
working on the beach and were always on the look-out for swimmers or odd craft to
be picked up.
These lads had hover been to sea and were only enlisted in January
1940, they informed me.
(sa) B.A. Smith.
6th June, 1940,

Details

Dynama 173.
389
366
Admiralty House,
C-in-C Nore.
Sheerness.
with "Dynamo".
List of Officers deserving special mention in connection
1
H.M.S. "wildfire". The work of providing the stores
of all kinds required by the boats sent from Sheerness and
accommodating a constant flow of Officers, men and
volunteers placed a heavy strain on the establishment
resources. In addition I observed the admirable work
done in receiving the British and French troops landed
at Sheerness. From Captain Coleridge downwards all did
their best, but Commander V.P. Freeman and Paymester
Captain E.C.Annaheim deserve special mention.
2.
Sheerness Dockyard. The tug Clears" towed 20
cutters with half crews over to the beaches for 22 hours
under considerable bombing. The Master Penny and
the helmsman Arthur Chawnce A.B. deserve special mention.
All departments of the yard put out their best
efforts; the heavier work fell on the Naval Store Department.
Mr.A.Paterson.
The Chief Constructor, Mr.S.R.Tickner, designed and
built a large number of rafts, not too big to he manhandled.
3.
Stoker Petty Officer T. Test, Off.No.C/HX 87588.
This Petty Officer sent as boat's crew, was taken
out to assist in getting boats ready for sea. lie showed
great energy, driving power and resource in dealing with
many difficulties that arose. He accompanied one to
Ramsgate on Sunday 2nd.June in hopes of a trip to the
beaches, but took on a boat whose engines were giving
trouble and was unable to get there.
4.
Officers in charge of boats. The following Officers
showed particular energy in getting the boats away. Their
work on the beaches did not come under my personal
observation, but I draw attention to their names in case
they have not been mentioned by Officers on the spot :-
Sub. Lieut. Dann, R.N.V.R., took the lead in getting
away the first group 01 boats on Vednesday 29th. May and
conducted them to Dover. Having had his first boat
swamped, returned to Sheerness and got away another
group.
Lieut. Irving. R.N.R., got away the second group
of boats and led them to the beaches in M.V. "Triton".
This Officer WAS a volunteer from the Schuit "Princess
Juliana which was broken down. He is believed to have
done very good work on the beaches.
initiative The and resource in getting their boats away,
Acting Sub. Lieutenants R.N., as a whole showed but
it would be difficult to discriminate.
yacht "Constant Nymph" which he finally lost after bringing
Smith, a volunteer who brought his own
off some 900 troops.
eficers came under my observation
during 5. The following the noght 2nd.-3rd, and of Motor 3rd.-4th.
1 sailed on to
R.N.B., in charge 2nd.-3rd. I
Yacht struck by the he had taken acqueint of
was much navigational details, the instruction volunteer
himself with and his boat. He had a 1 should with
him, like to have with me again on a similar job.
his Bren Mr.Devine, Gunners, and they were a fine couple who

Details

Page 4.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
NEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
RCHANGEL
MANXMAN
UTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
EN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
IARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
ANTERBURY
NGAROMA
LAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
OTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
OTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
INARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
ORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
#
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
ENELLA
ROEBUCK
ОЛМ QUEEN
ROUEN
SLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
SLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
ILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
ING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
ADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
EVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
OCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
AID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
re
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BATL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
/
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
C. 9 } (Tugs)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
(Continued)
Sunk

Details

Page 99.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.Yacht H. BYSTANDER (Echo Sounding Yacht). - Lieutenant Henry
John Beresford Barge, R.N.V.R.
Recommendations.
RATING:
Able Seaman (Cook) J. H. Elton, LT/JX,180250 180250 (R.N. Patrol Service)
off Dunkirk, this ship proceeded to remove the
Employed as Cook in this yacht. At 0200/30/5 when
dinghy, with Elton and one other as crew, launched to
the KING ORRY, then sinking in the fairway. The crew 8 of ft.
effect a rescue. Most of the KING ORRY's personnel
attempted to swim to the yacht, but they were in such
a weak state owing to the arduous service they had done
that it was obvious many would drown. Elton thereupon
dived into the water and assisted and supported as many
of the swimmers as he could find for more than half an
hour whilst the dinghy, rowed by the other rating, with
loads of men, returned to the BYSTANDER. Whilst in the
water Elton put many men on to life-rafts and towed them
by swimming. The last men he brought back to the yacht
on a life-raft, were towed by Elton in the water acting
as a tow-rope with one hand on the raft and one hand on
the dinghy - a remarkable feat of endurance. He was
responsible for rescuing about 25 Officers and men. In
addition to the above, Elton, in his capacity as Cook,
supplied hot tea and food to all the 97 men on board
within half an hour of leaving the scene of the wreck,
the cooking utensils, etc. normally sufficing for 7.
He provided dry clothes and blankets and generally
tended the rescued, many 01° whom were suffering from
shock. This rating was unsparing in his efforts and
CGM
acted with great gallantry without regard to his own
safety.
luring
stered
Recommended for decoration.
ivors
was
whom
Motor Boat CONSTANT NYMPH: - Chargehand B.A. Smith, Little Ship Club,
(Owner of Motor Boat).
Recommendation.
Chargehand B. A. Smith, Little Ship Club.
D.S.M.
Chargehand Smith proceeded with a crew of 2 Naval
Stokers who had never been to sea, in tow p.m. 30th May
for the beaches. Took in a whaler and cutter, and
during the night ferried off about 800 men to 2 skoots
the JUTLAND and LAUDANIA, who were thus filled up.
CONSTANT NYMPH then collected a number of odd boats
trying to row off to ships filled with soldiers, and
collected them and towed them to offshore vessels.
During thiss time fairly continuous bombing and shelling
were encountered. Chargehand Smith remarks that being
deaf and with a lot to do prevented him noticing these
annoyances. Continued work until all fuel was
exhausted, and the boat was sent to a supply drifter
ordered back to Margate This civilian showed great
for repair and refuelling, Chargehand Smith being

Details

Page 100.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.B. CONSTANT NYMPH (continued).
performed gallant and meritorious service.
courage and disregard of danger, and undoubtedly
Recommended for decoration.
Motor Boat LADY CABLE: - Acting Sub. -Lieutenant a. A. Cadell. R.N.
Recommendations.
(Retired).
OFFICERS:
X
Acting Sub. Lieutenant G. A. Cadell, R.N.
D.S
on the night of June 2nd ferried about 200 French
troops from Dunkirk Inner Harbour off to tugs and
WISHART. Finally, when all ships were leaving, embarked
24 French soldiers, having searched the Quay to see if
any British remained. Then encountered a series of
mishaps with his engines, and on the voyage home
attempted to salve W. D. craft HAIG, all his crew and
himself at one time or another falling overboard.
Finally broke down at mid-day on the 3rd, close to the
Coast, and was in grave peril of falling into enemy hands
Southwest of Dunkirk. LADY CABLE drifted helplessly
about the Channel for many hours before being rescued.
Sub. Lieutenant Cadell, suffering from a weak heart,
underwent considerable physical strain, and there is no
doubt that he and his crew displayed remarkable courage,
coolness and effic) ency.
M.
Recommended for mention.
Cadet Rating G. R. Price.
Acted as first lieutenant to Sub. -Lieutenant Cadell,
whom he ably assisted. He had previously been in
command of the Motor Boat SKYLARK.
turing
stered
ivors
Recommended for early promotion,
was
whom
Motor Yacht MASAYRU: - Skipper G. D. Olivier.
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Skipper G. D. Olivier.
3
D.S.M.
With a civilian crew of 3 and one Leading Seaman,
R. N. sailed from Sheerness 0400/31 in convoy. On
arriving off the beaches spent more than 48 hours on
ferrying work, and in salving craft; and in towing off
ships aground. Underwent the common experience of being
stormed by French troops and having to repel these
boarders in order to save his ship. When isolated,
attacked by 4 Messerschmitts with machine-guns for about
half an hour, and at other times was under sporadic gun-
fire. Ferried off a total of about 400 French troops.
This civilian displayed a complete disregard of danger
and showed a high order of seamanship.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Operation BYSTANDER "DYNAMO" (Echo Sounding - Recommendations of Personnel. Page
99.
Yacht
Recommendations. John Beresford Yacht) Barge, - Sub R.N.V.R. Lieutenant Henry
RATING:
Able Seaman (Cook) Employed J. H. as Elton, Cook LT/JX. 180250 (R.N. Patrol Service)
ed
off the Dunkirk, KING ORRY, this then kind At when
dinghy, effect a with rescue. Elton Most and one other as The 8 of ft.
attempted to swim of the KING crew, launched to
that it was obvious the arduous they were in such
a weak state owing to to the yacht, but ORRY's personnel
dived into the water many and would assisted drown. service
hour of the whilst swimmers the as he could find for and supported thereupony
loads of men, returned dinghy, rowed by the more other an
water Elton put to the BYSTANDER. rating, with
by swimming. The many last men on to life-rafts and Whilst in the
on a tow-rope were towed by Elton in the to the yacht
life-raft, men he brought back towed them
responsible a remarkable feat of endurance. one hand
the as a dinghy - with one hand on the raft and water acting on
supplied hot above, Elton, in his capacity as men.
addition to the for rescuing about 25 Officers and He was In
within tea and food to all the 97 men Cook,
the half an hour of leaving the scene of on the board
He cooking utensils, etc. normally sufficing for wreck, 7.
provided dry clothes and blankets and
shock. This rating was unsparing in his efforts and
tended the rescued, many of whom were suffering generally from
safety. acted with great gallantry without regard to his own
Recommended for decoration.
C&M
Motor Boat CONSTANT NYMPH: - Chargehand B.A. Smith. Little Ship Club,
(Owner of Motor Boat).
Recommendation.
Chargehand B. A. Smith, Little Ship Club.
Stokers who had never been to sea, in tow p.m. 30th and May
Chargehand Smith proceeded with a crew of 2 Naval
during the ferried off about 800 men to 2 skoots
for the beaches. Took in a whaler and cutter,
CONSTANT the JUTLAND NYMPH night and then LAUDANIA, collected who were a number thus of soldiers, filled odd boats up. and
During and continuous bombing that being
collected them towed them to offshore and shelling
trying to row off to ships filled with vessels.
Dsm
were thiss time fairly Smith remarks these
deaf encountered. and with a lot Chargehand to do prevented him fuel noticing was
annoyances. exhausted, and Continued the boat work was until to all a supply drifter
ordered for repair back and to refuelling, Margate.

Details

Page 100.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
CONSTANT NYMPH (continued).
performed gallant and meritorious service.
courage and disregard of danger, and undoubtedly
Recommended for decoration.
Motor Boat LADY CABLE: - Acting Sub. -Lieutenant G. A. Cadell. (Retired). R.N.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Acting Sub. Lieutenant G. A. Cadell, R.N.
On the night of June 2nd ferried about 200 French
troops from Dunkirk Inner Harbour off to tugs and
WISHART. Finally, when all ships were leaving, embarked
24 French soldiers, having searched the Quay to see if
any British remained. Then encountered a series of
mishaps with his engines, and on the voyage home
attempted to salve W. D. craft HAIG, all his crew and
himself at one time or another falling overboard.
Finally broke down at mid-day on the 3rd, close to the
Coast, and was in grave peril of falling into enemy hands
Southwest of Dunkirk. LADY CABLE drifted helplessly
about the Channel for many hours before being rescued.
Sub. Lieutenant Cadell, suffering from a weak heart,
underwent considerable physical strain, and there is no
doubt that he and his crew displayed remarkable courage,
coolness and efficiency.
Recommended for mention.
Cadet Rating G. R. Price,
Acted as first lieutenant to Sub. -Lieutenant Cadell,
whom he ably assisted, He had previously been in
command of the Motor Boat SKYLARK.
Recommended for early promotion.
Motor Yacht MASAYRU: - Skipper G. D. Olivier.
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Skipper G. D. Olivier.
R. N. sailed off the beaches spent more than and 48 in hours towing on
With a from Sheerness 0400/31 in convoy.
civilian crew of 3 and one Leading Seaman, On
arriving ships ferrying boarders half stormed attacked aground. by work, by in THE and Underwent troops in salving and the of having craft; common to 400 under When experience repel French sporadic isolated, these for danger troops. of about gun- being off
This fire. Forried off a total disregard of
and
Recommended for decoration.

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
BOY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
MA J
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
MAJOE
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
MALDO
A.E. Harrison
Kamble.
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
MALVI
BEE
Murrell "
MOLLY
P. Robinson
MARE 1
MARCH
Sons,
MARGHI
Wright
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
MARINA
CAIRNGORE
MARSAY
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
MARINA
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
ARICEI
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
ARY
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
ARY HO
M.T. Henderson
with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
ARY IR)
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
ARY ROS
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
COMMODORE
RY SPE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
RY SPE/
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
ILDA
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
CORA-ANN
T.98. Returned to owner.
BELLE
Col. F.L. Newhouse
CARONIA
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
LOWER
W. Light (6A)
CORSTIR
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
Dr. Tiby
COURT BELLE II
Returned to owner.
c. Whatford & Son
DER
No report received from list of
CRECLE
missing vessels.
AIDEN
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
EY
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
ANT
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
LICENT I
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
OSA
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
IKOI
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
DRU II
Returned to owner.
AUR
NY
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
RASOL
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
108
A.C. Wills
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
MADGE
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
MING
R. Harvey
DESEL II
MODESTY
Dudley Stone
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
AH
NA
DEVILFISH
T.98. Returned to owner.
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
RCH
list of missing vessels.
ROSE
Motor Boe
Motor Boa
2 or Torpedo
tor Ferries
SME

Details

APPENDIX A
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
TROOPS
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
Constant Nymph
(Dr. B. A. Smith, Owner/Skipper)
Cordelia (S/Lt. C. A. Thompson, R.N.V.R.)
Couyt Bello IP
Cyb'
Dab II
(Lieut. R. W. Thomson, R.N.V.R.)
Defender
(Skpr. E. A. Turnnidge)
00
Diana Mary
Dreadnought II'
28
Dreadnought III'
Eastbourne Bello
Elizabeth Green
1
(S/Lt. E. T. Garside, R.N.V.R.)
10
Eastbourne Quoon'
Empross
(S/Lt. T. W. Betts, R.N.V.R.)
Enchantrass'
Encore
I
(Lt. Cdr. Wilson,)
44
Endcavour
(Skpr. F.C. Halls)
Enterprise
Escaul' 2
1
Eskburn
Eve'
27
(L/Sea. N. Furse, R.N.R.)
Ferry Nymph
Fervent
44
-
(Lt. Cdr. W.R. T. Clements, R.N.R.)
Fishbourne (I.O.W. Ferry)
Forty Two
I
(Lieut. R. Nimmo, R.N.R.)
Frightened Lady'
1
(S/Lt. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R.)
Gavines
-
Goy Crusader
-
(S/Lt. T. H. Rodgers, R.N.V.R.)
Gipsy King
-
Glitter11 (A. Botts) (H. Brown) (F. Hook, Deal boatman)
-
(Actg. S/Lt. J. W. S. Culham, R.N.)
Goldon Lily
I
Golden Spray II'
(J. O'Neill and N. Cohen, Deal boatmen)
(A. C, Crowthall, a Lloyd's official)
Gondolier King
Godolior Queen
-
Good
-
Grace Darling 11"
Guen Eagle 1
-
Halfway
Handy nilly
140
Honora' (S/Lt. M. Phipps, R.N.)
-
Hound (S/Lt. C, Minchin, R.N.)
(H. W. Knight, Capt.)
98
1 Lost,
, 4 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
Recorded ns sunk in Home Waters apparently subsequent to Operation " Dynamo."
148

Details

INDEX
cut off, 8; to be held, by 13; E-boat), falls, 17.
27 (attacked 32, 46, 47, 54, 88 (shoots down Heinkel), 99'
104, 126.
71n.
Caleta, Calvi, 13n, 39, 43 (sunk), 44.
Canterbury, 16, 22n, 24, 29, 39, 42-3 (damaged), 48n, 54, 114n.
Cameron, Lieut., 79.
Canvey Queen, lost, 53.
Cap d' Antifer, 102.
Carama, 60.
Caribia, 29n.
Cassidi, Cdr. R. A., 51.
Caryandra, 71n, 74.
Casualties: Embarkation, 17, 32, 36, 64, 87 (final), 115.
Cecil and Lilian Philpot, 107n.
Cayton Wyke, 34n, 107n.
Cervia, 71n.
Chamois, 72n.
Chantecler, 54.
Chasse-Marée, 62n, 73n, 102.
Chico, 13n, 60n.
Christabel II, 71n.
Civilians, crews feel strain, 29, 48; supplemented by R.N., 48, 99.
Clan Macalister, sunk 41.
Claude, 59.
Clouston, Cdr., J. C., 44, 105, 110 (drowned).
Coastal Command, XIIIn, 38, 64, 83, 88-9, 93, 99-100, 115.
Coats, Lt. Cdr. E. C., 112.
Cockburn, Lt. Cdr., 49.
Cockle Bawley boats, 73.
Codrington, 28, 54n, 55, 61, 64n, 75, 77, 97, 101, 107n, 108-9 (sent back empty), 112n.
Coggins, Mr. C., 73.
Comfort, 36, 37 (sunk).
Commandant Delage, 35n.
Communications. Difficulties and delays, 57, 60, 122 ; on beaches, 67; established
between Dunkirk and Dover, 67-8; closed down, 76-7.
Commodore, abandoned, 74.
Conidaw, 13, 60n.
Constant Nymph, 60n.
Corap, General 1.
Cordelia, 60n.
Côte d'Argent, 54n, 94, 102, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n, 118.
Coulthard, J. W., 110.
Coxyde. See Beaches.
Crested Cock, 71n.
Crested Eagle, 32n, 39, 43, 44 (beached), 46, 58 (burnt out),
Croswell, S/Lt., E. C., 36, 47 (lands at La Panne), 76n, 77.
Cyclone, 39, 42, 68-9 (damaged).
Dangerfield, Capt., 111, 119-20.
Daylight evacuation abandoned, 97-8; French Admiralty wish resumption, 105.
Decoster, F., 116.
Defender, 73n.
Dench, Mr. A. J., 73.
Denis Papin, sunk, 93.
Denny, Capt. M. M., 94.
Destroyers bombard Calais, 13; brought from W. A. and Portsmouth Commands, 20,
61, and from patrol and escort, 28, 34 not to stop to aid ships, 38; brought off most
troops 55; H, 1, J classes withdrawn, 55, and ordered back, 61; G class all out of action,
55; not sent to Dunkirk harbour, 61 ; exhaustion of crews, 64, 113; heavy losses, 94
sent back empty, 108.
Devonia, beached to form pier, 83.
Diana Mary, 117.
Diligente, 73.
Dill, General Sir John, 10, 12 (becomes C.I.G.S.).
Dinard, 64.
197

Details

LITTLE SHIP CLUB
at
COCKFOSTERS: HERTS.
DUNKIRK. 1940.
Jan 18th. 1931
Name & Address.
INET 3391.
Ship
Dr.B.A.Smith
(Tel:Malden 1461) (Tel:Malden 1461) (Tel:Malden 1461) (Tel:Malden 1461)
Malden,
"Constant Nymph"
Penera
Dear Luard, with an know utterly - and who of I indectiphers
Brought
Commdr.C.H.Lightoller The R.D. "Sundowner"
D.S.M. off
name 251 Upper - life include
Cottage,
know make him it but being it.
E.J.Wilkins Esq.
body 1611
Ludgate Hill,E.C.4.
a story the the He the THE THE THE it you back or that make We
"Lady Pamela"
did not go but
Lost ship,
here sort till says to he they put one got next want of his
C.G.Thompson. Esq.
himself. OVE
Jerminus Court. 4411 / Beluine Rd. Banked! "Thark"
Court
Lieut.F.y. Grenfell, R. N. V.R.
Lost ship.
some commission the Roger He's class in a the this also so and the too. but get old
if he went Over ?
week,gecond stripe done him for
Avenue, Court, N.W.6
as On Active Service
R.N.V.R.
Sundowner believe <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Esq.
times Went over several
Rd.Ruislip,Middx.
"Letitia"
the the the the this we but blooked from the mad a
Lost ship. ? if
The about second was that of best
he went over.
(Holborn)
"Spinaway"
yours
Scottie
Downing G.Kimber Dominions Esq. office Jemple Bar 9262
St.s.W.1 Esq.
(12.8.40) House,
4044) W.1
A.R. (now Zoccola abroad) Esq.
difficulties were experienced in regard littl
that other side on the morning of the 31st th
there was a bit of a breeze and a Ma;
"Bonny Heather"
the difficult to embark troops, except water on
very the ship, during the previous night the used.
that it did not matter which side was
first warned for duty, that the Navy collecte
(4) It is quite clear, from the time
a
boats by way of intelligent anticipation, man

Details

EGG & SMITH.
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS.
GROVELAND HOUSE,
BOW LANE
J. FRANCIS LEGG.F.C.A.
BASIL A.SMITH,LLD.,FC.A.
F.O.S.LONDON,F.G.A.
LONDON, E.C.4.
TELEPHONE: CITY 4301 (2 LINES)
TELEGRAMS: ACCOLEGITH,PHONE,LONDON.
10th October 1940.
CABLES: ACCOLEGITH,LONDON.
W. B. Louard Esq.,
14 Wood Lane,
FALMOUTH.
Dear Louard,
Little Ship Club, Dunkirk.
In reply to your letter of 7th October, the Ministry
of Shipping paid for the repairs to "Constant Nymph" and
also paid my claim for lost gear, such as compass, etc.
Of course the claim had to be at cost and there is a very
considerable loss as everything is costing more to replace
and some of the more expensive things, such as compass, were
new in the summer of 1939.
No Article on Dunkirk would be complete without
referring to our traffic policeman whom I mention in my
Notes. He was an elderly man in his shirt sleeves, smoking
a pipe and reading of newspaper, sitting on of kitchen chair
outside the wheel house of a Naval Drifter off the North
Foreland. I presumed the Drifter was in wireless communication
with the shore, and every ship, this did not affect motor
boats carrying only a few troops, closed with this Drifter
and asked the shirt-sleeved gentleman where this lot should
be taken, and the shirt-sleeved gentleman took the pipe
out of his mouth, looked up from his paper for a moment, and
gave them the name of the port to receive their packet.
I should like to have been able to show Hitler and
Goering of Air Force fame this terrified gentleman!
Yours sincerely,
Botman
difficulties were experienced in regard
that there was a bit of a breeze and a little popple on
the other side on the morning of the 31st May, which made it
very difficult to embark troops, except on the lee side of
the ship, during the previous night the water was so smooth
that it did not matter which side was used.
(4) It is quite clear, from the time at which I was
first warned for duty, that the Navy collected the small
boats by way of intelligent anticipation, many of us were

Details

Dunkirk Operations.
May/June, 1940.
Addenda to Note of Movements by B.A.Smith, owner and
Master, M.C.Constant Nymph, Little Ship Club.
Nothing was heard of Constant Nymph, although I had
several sources of enquiry looking for her, except a
statement from a man I knew slightly that he had met a
man who lived at Broadstairs who told him that Constant
Nymph had been brought over by some French soldiers who
had been left behind at Dunkirk, and was stranded at
Broadstairs.
This seemed a very unlikely story as she was last seen
in the custody of the Royal Navy who were not likely to
have abandoned a boat on the other side which was in a
condition to be brought over under her own power. I therefore
did not go down to Broadstairs to verify.
As it turns out, this statement seems probably true
because the boat was at Broadstairs in fact, and found
there by Tuffs of Teddington who were going round collecting
these boats with a tug and on the 11th July I had a letter
from Tuffs saying that they towed Constant Nymph back from
Broadstairs and recognising her as a Ohris Cruiser's boat
they had turned her over to moorings at Thris Cruiser's Yard.
On the 12th July I was over at Isleworth bright and
early to see the boat and found her sound in hull, and
apparently, reasonably sound in engine, but otherwise badly
battered and stripped of everything movable. She bore every
evidence of having been used for further embarkation work
in charge of somebody who had very little experience of
motor boat handling, she had evidently been brought alongside
repeatedly in a very clumsy manner. This appearance from
the damage, to the covering boards, and edging, and the splitting
of the work of the starboard panel of the cabin trunk was
later confirmed by the state of the gear box, the damage
to which was such as would not be caused to a considerable
extent by putting the engines ahead und the astern without
throttling down sufficiently at the change over.
There was ample evidence that she had been occupied by
French and British soldiers, some of the things left scattered
about were undoubtedly French equipment and a pair of battle
dress leggings were undoubtedly British.
The boat was in a filthy state but I imagine the local
long-shoremen at Broadstairs were the gentry responsible for
a large amount of the looting which had been done. I cannot
imagine a soldier taking away a compass weighing 7 lbs. as a
souvenir, nor do I imagine soldiers wanted all mynavipation books restruments
and all my rope or my side lights, or the two gallon alluminium
water jar.
The boat has now been repaired and looks pretty much her
old self again although I am still awaiting delivery of a new
compass and lead.
16th August I was awarded the D.S.M. for work at Dunkirk,
30th September, Constant Nymph was moved up to Chertsey to
take over night patrol work on the up-river section of the
Home Guard, the River Section reserve the Little Ship Club,
which I had been in from the start, having been dispanded.
Bad

Details

THE
OF
to
space
LOVAD
-5-
SEAL
THIS
Birth
the it Officers' pistols and the A.A.Lewis guns were unable but to
On two the way back to England we avoided a floating-mine, drifting
pop so we informed another ship that was outward bound and
it was duly popped in due course.
so
SECURITY
9
in the flbator nor the popping of it, it was first sighted on
The troops on board Laudania evinced no interest whatsoever
off and passed behind it, the troops evidently regarded this as
our starboard bady and as the tide was running that way we sheered
up to see what happened to it.
entirely a naval matter and I do not think any of them even got
He whole course
from Rams gate to
Off the Foreland we enquired of the local Policeman, a
Dunkirk waslike
gentleman in his shirt-sãeeves on a drifter, as to which port
the main strat
would take us and were sent to Margate. Three other ships and
1: busy town.
two destroyers also had loads for Margate and we eventually
saffee sweral
tied up outside two destroyers and landed the whole issue
abreast going each
across each ethar about 17.30 on 31.24 may
way.
I reported to the Naval Office with my crew of two and we
were promptly put in a taxi and sent back to our own port at
Ramsgate, a matter of a few minutes which might have been a
dreary Journey by train. As throughout, there was no red tape
in the Navy at all, they had ready everything that was necessary
and our general instructions were that if we were in any sort of
trouble we could close any ship we saw as it would be one of ours.
On arrival at Ramsgate I reported to the Commander = the
Naval Office and within five minutes my crew had been taken off
to the temporary barracks established by the Harbour and I was
on my way to getting a bed for the night inaan Hotel.
On Saturday, 1st June, I reported at Pier Head abouto9.
and asked for another boat and before lunch time had taken over
one which had only been brought into Ramsgate that morning and
german
put her into commission with a new crew. This boat was an old
Admiral's barge from the last war, to which the only conversion
of any importance seemed to be that the steam engine had been
fitted where the original funnel existed. The engine was a four-
taken out and a petrol engine substituted, a dummy funnel being
cylinder engine with cylinders of enormous size, it had no
self-starter and worked with a clutch, being in fact a lorry
engine. The engine was a brute to start and the gear lever
required a strong man to put it into any position, but the
engine was started and run over for a few minutes by the man
who stated that he had brought the ship round from the Thames
pressing. and he assured me that it was good for 12 knots without undue
is
not got been over
my new crew had
As we were all anxious to go over again, but I did not relish
in fact.
the idea of being towed any more, the prospect of being able to
in about six hours each way was very welcome, and I decided that
go over under my own steam at 12 knots and so make the journey
on this occasion we would do what most of the larger motor boats
had been doing, namely run over under our own steam, pick up a
boat-load and come back with them. I was informed that the new
boat only drew 3'2" so that it would be quite possible for the
troops to get to the boat without swimming. This still did not
strike me as being a very efficient method of getting the troops
off but I felt that some real work had been done with Constant
Nymph and I had been informed that morning shat 187, 000 were
this boat could
already off so that I felt justified in indulging in something
men should think
have taken 35
more in the nature of a pienic, especiably as cigarettes and
other little comforts had been provided on the boat by the
owner for the rescued troops. We had already victualled the
boat and obtained our water supplies and directly after lunch
we cast off to go across the Harbour and get petrol, having as
a quite unauthorised passenger an old member of my own Club who

Details

OF
GROUP
BEAT
-7-
pubs around the harbour in about two minutes, and a seething
crowd gathered round the Naval Office near the entrance but
this proved to be a pure navy job and they were only taking
the minimum number necessary so as to have more room for the
troops, only Naval Officers were chosen and a very small
proportion of those available at that. The correspondent
who had been coming with me, a competent motor boat man
himself, had seen there was little chance of our getting away
on Saturday and jumped another boat which got across that night
so he got his real experience all right, I may say most of the
correspondents down there went across at least once.
By Tuesday morning, 4th June, the real operations were
over and senior officers were turning up from different places
to try and straighten out records, etc., among them the
Commodore from Sheerness who had looked after us thoroughly
there. I was coming along to the exit from the Harbour from
my wretched house boat to lunch on shore and this Commodore
was standing near the entrance talking to a post-Captain whom
I did not know by sight; when I was within 20 yards of them
the Commodore happened to look in my direction, promptly
One nice piece of as shifting was done by
waing the slight breeze, which was stonger than the
tide act against it, to take this hulk across 2/3 rdo
of the harbour with oput her within 2 yards of
where the was to tie up on the other side.
had some anxious moments half through
this evolution, butwas very proud whom it anceeded.
pointed towards me with a very pleasant smile, said loudly
and firmly "Constant Nymph". Considering that he had exchanged
about 20 words with me a week before when busily engaged over
all the possible wants of 20 or 30 motor boats, this officer
must have a memory for faces and names that would leave an
experienced hotel keeper blushing in despair. As my boat
would not move, except by manhandling, and we often had to
shift in this manner for one reason and another, and the show
seemed to be over, I busied myself in trying to obtain a
passage for myself and crew back to Sheerness as & large
number of boats had already gone and quite a lot of drifters
etc. were laid up in the Harbour, while the crews had their
three days Dunkirk leave.
The difference in the town was most marked, naval
uniforms were becoming comparatively rare. Unfortunately
a lot of the senior officers concerned with the motor boat
side seemed to have gone on leave by this time and it was
not until Wednesday evening that I could get any useful
information. I then found that an officer was supposed to
be coming over from Sheerness on Thursday, 6th June, to
take a boat named Cairngorm back to Sheerness and it was
suggested that I might accompany him if the boat could be
found, apparently two officers were looking for her at the
moment as nobody knew where she was.
On returning to my boat I found that Cairngorn was
lying amongst two or three others just astern of me and had
received a nasty bump on the starboard buby which had
smashed gerabohed quite a bit of the planking; it proved later
on examination that two of the ribs had been broken at the top.
On Thursday morning, 6th June, the expected Officer
arrived, and proved to be a very young man just down from
Oxford and waiting to get into the Air Force who had taken
this boat to Dunkirk and had then been back to Sheerness
for some reason.
The compass had been smashed by a bomb splinter on the
other side, but the damage to the hull had apparently been
done in harbour while he was away. As the damage was pretty
well all above water line we got the navy carpenters to patch
it with canvast and battens, obtained a chart, filled up with
petrol and got under way about 14.30. My arew, on being
given the choice of going back to Sheerness by rail or helping
us two to navigate the crock back to Sheerness at once elected
to come by sea, three of them never having been to sea before.
The boat was a beauty, a 45 foot twin screw Therneycroft, and

Details

OF
ESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
JY FRED
G.L. Good
To V.A. Dover.
BUCEPHALUS
C.J. Watkins
Did not go - for Dynamo.
BETTY
R.F. Skinner
A.P.S.
BEVERLEY
Thompson & Rordroy
Reported abandoned at Dunkirk.
BRENART
K. Frisby &
Returned to owners 2.6.40.
A.E. Harrison
BAT
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
BEE
If
"
"
"
"
CACHALOT
J. Powers
T.98. A.P.S.
CAIRNGORE
H.W.S. Wright
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CAMELLIA
R.F. Money
A.P.S.
CARIAD
F.E. Jeffs
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
CAVERSHAM
E. Crouch
Returned to owners.
CECILLE
Mansfield Markham
A.P.S.
CHARLOTTE
Capt. The Hon.
Waterlogged Sandwich (now at Ramsgate
M.T. Henderson.
with Receiver of Wrecks).
CYS
Chelsea Yacht & Boat
No information of return from
Co.
Dunkirk.
CHRISCRAFT 25'
R. Hayes
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
COMMODORE
Bonniface
No information of return from Dunkirk.
Now presumed lost.
CONSTANT NYMPH
B.A. Smith
T.98. Returned to owners.
CORDELIA
J.E. Lambe
T.98. Returned to owner.
CORA-ANN
Col. F.L. Newhouse
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
CARONIA
W. Light (6A)
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
CORSTIR
Dr. Tiby
Returned to owner.
COURT BELLE II
C. Whatford & Son
No report received from list of
missing vessels.
CRECLE
D.N. Clark
Returned to owner.
COUNT DRACULA
K.A. Creiner
Returned to owner.
CURLEW
E.T. Holme
A.P.S.
CERVATES
V.H. Cooper
A.P.S.
CHAMOIS
Messrs. Pickfords
Returned to owners.
CARAMA (15' Punt)
A. Moody
Lost at Dunkirk.
CLARA BELLE (Wherry)
A. Liddle
Lost at Dunkirk.
CRUISER
H.J. Sharp
Returned to owner.
CARMEN
H. Garnett
Returned to owner.
CHANTECLER
R.E. Hodgman
Returned to owner.
DAB II
Lt.Col. Hardie
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DAPHNE
Mrs. C.M. Smith
T.98. Returned to owner.
DAWN
A.C. Wills
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
DEENAR
Mr. Dunsbier
Returned to owner.
DEFENDER
R. Harvey
Damaged. Returned to owner.
DESEL II
Dudley Stone
A.P.S. Now returned to owner.
DESIREE
Capt. N. Dore
T.98. Returned to owner.
DEVILFISH
Pete Knapp
No report received from Ciron. of
list of missing vessels.

Details

Page 4.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES name
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
of Inen
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9
)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
(Tugs)
C. 11
)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

CONSTANCE
22
29
WESTFIEL RODNEY NYMPH
ROAD,
40
REGISTR 6 A.M.
11/1/21/11
NEW
Constant Nymph
malden 1461
little Club
T.O. 9144/STN.
in. 8/5/40
20/9/40
onfirm that my
Dunkish Operations
2ª hours' notice.
M.C. Constant Nymph
35
have to get up
Dear Sir
so go to the boat.
as requested, I enclose copy of a rough diary of
ont to Isleworth
my own experiences which was made on my return to town.
2 10.00 and 11.00.
I be required as
I had given up Constant "mph" for lat but she
huoy, and my
ss, I found at the
was found later at Broadstairs, badly damaged in the
the would issue
supers tructure rgutted of everything movemble, but quite
S in the same yard.
sound in hull.
There was no widence of damage by enemy action
to think there was
go down together,
but much widence of bad handling flooting
noon so that I
When found she had no sope on her propeller&
others did not
a certain amount of petrol in her tank, and a local
inhabitant said she had been brought ova by some
to" as I felt
might at least
soldiers who had been left on the beach at Dunkirk.
rhess. Luckily
When I left her, she certainly had sope on her
ings that he
propeller mo petrol left, 20 the naval drifter had
e H111 to Islowo be
waiting for the
cirdantly dealt with her sprobably used her again, as
a
was intended- why she should have been abandoned
the Naval Contro
later on the other side in a fit condition to cross ander
is to anchor 017
her run power is beyond me.
be allowed to
io
Both British Freuch soldies had been on her since
we had found
n the 28th May
I lift her, as small items of dis carded equipment were
was not worth
found in her which rouch for one opecimen of each army
have to keep
at least.
"Coustant hymph is a 24' cabin cruiser built by Kris
chor and proceeder
Crisers hld at I alworth with Watermota engine, built 1939,
around there
collect, repert
she is on the British Register as 4.78 tons.
yours truly Babinate
near the dockyni
all present by
informed that WI
now for what
required, although 1 had been told by the
pleasant voiced man who spoke to me from the Admiralty that
it was dangerous.
Of the boats which had come down from Isleworth mine WILL
3
the only one in charge of its owner so far as I know, and
that time we had rather got the point of view that there as
nothing very urgent in the wind and most of the men who had
brought boats down from up river had done so without any
previous knowledge that they would be doing so and had had n
opportunity of making arrangements with employers, etc. so
that few of them folt able to sign on for a month and voni
back to town very regretfully by train.
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with
or
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bued
e
able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bitthe
but there was same difficulty in getting signed on and IMC
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people 18
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a we was
accurate 1dea what the job was and was quite determinedo that
to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself visa a few
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be
at
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

Dunkirk Operations may Houre 1940
hote of movements by Smith dama shaster M.e. Constant Nymph
hittle Club
Rough Deary set down on whom to hondon. 8/8/40
00.10, 27th May 1940, Admiralty rang up to confirm that my
boat was ready for sea, and arranged for four hours' notice.
Not being a subject of good habits I did not have to get up
to answer this call!
08.45, Admiralty rang up again and asked me to go to the boat.
Having already put a few things in a bag I went to Isleworth
as soon as possible and arrived there between 10.00 and 11.00.
It was obvious that some form of permit would be required as
my own permit only carried to Middle Blythe Buoy, and my
instructions were to take the boat to Sheerness, I found at the
Boathouse that a Naval Officer was expected who would issue
the permits and was requisitioning other boats in the same yard.
When the Officer arrived he did not seem to think there was
any tremendous hurry and wanted the boats to go down together,
but separate permits were issued by the afternoon so that I
was then ready to start at any time, and the others did not
look like being ready for several hours.
At about 17.30 I tried to ring up the "Mate" as I felt
sure he would want to be in on this game and might at least
be able to help me work the boat down to Sheerness. Luckily
he was home early and put such a jerk into things that he
got his things together and arrived from Tulse Hill to Islowor BS
before 19.30, and we started at 20.00 without waiting for the
other boats.
Soon after midnight we were pulled in by the Naval Contro
at Tilbury, who examined our permit and told us to anchor 012
the south side until daylight as we should not be allowed t
Lie
enter Sheerness during darkness. By the time we had found
suitable anchorage it was already about01.3 on the 28th May,
and we had no riding light, so decided that it was not worth
while either of us going to sleep as one would have to keep
anchor watch and dawn would be early.
As 1t was quite light by03.00 we weighed reised anchor and proceeder
slowly to Sheerness and after a little chasing around there
found the basin where the motor yachts were to collect, report
our arrival and went to breakfast at an Hotel near the dockyai
gates. Other boats from Isleworth were nearly all present by
the time we got back from breakfast. We were informed that W
could sign on for one month but did not then know for what
purpose we were required, although I had been told by the
pleasant voiced man who spoke to me from the Admiralty that
it was dangerous.
Of the boats which had come down from Isleworth mine WA
the only one in charge of its owner so far as I know, and
that time we had rather got the point of view that there THE
nothing very urgent in the wind and most of the men who had
brought boats down from up river had done so without any
previous knowledge that they would be doing so and had had n
opportunity of making arrangements with employers, etc. so
that few of them folt able to sign on for a month and wont
back to town very regretfully by train.
40
or
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with the
.e
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had beed
able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bit
but there was some difficulty in getting signed on and 1-10
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people 18
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a not was
accurate 1dea what the job was and was quite determined 30 that
to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself wise a few
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be at
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

-5-
On the way back to England we avoided a drifting mine, but
the two Officers' pistols and the A.A.Lewis guns were unable to
pop it,so we informed another ship that was outward bound and
it was duly popped in due course.
The troops on board Laudania evinced no interest whatsoever
in the nor the popping of it, it was first sighted on
our starboard buby and as the tide was running that way we sheered
off and passed behind it, the troops evidently regarded this as
entirely a naval matter and I do not think any of them oven got
up to see what happened to it.
40
the whole course
Off the Foreland we enquired of the local Policeman, a
from Ramsgate like to
gentleman in his shirt-sãeeves on a drifter, as to which port
Dunkink
was
would take us and were sent to Margate. Three other ships and
a
main
street
in
two destroyers also had loads for Margate and we eventually
a busy town.
tied up outside two destroyers and landed the whole issue
haffer, several
across each ether about 17.30 may.
abreast joing each
I reported to the Naval Office with my crew of two and we
way.
were promptly put in a taxi and sent back to our own port at
Ramsgate, a matter of a few minutes which might have been a
dreary journey by train. As throughout, there was no red tape
in the Navy at all, they had ready everything that was necessary
and our general instructions were that if we were in any sort of
trouble we could close any ship we saw as it would be one of ours.
at
On arrival at Ramsgate I reported to the Commander of the
Naval Office and within five minutes my crew had been taken off
to the temporary barracks established by the Harbour and I was
on my way to getting a bed for the night inaan Hotel.
On Saturday, 1st June, I reported at Pier Head about09.
and asked for another boat and before lunch time had taken over
one which had only been brought into Ramsgate that morning and
put her into commission with a new crew. This boat was an old
german Admiral's barge from the last war, to which the only conversion
of any importance seemed to be that the steam engine had been
taken out and a petrol engine substituted, a dummy funnel being
fitted where the original funnel existed. The engine was a four-
cylinder engine with cylinders of enormous size, it had no
self-starter and worked with a clutch, being in fact a lorry
engine. The engine was a brute to start and the gear lever
required a strong man to put it into any position, but the
engine was started and run over for a few minutes by the man
who stated that he had brought the ship round from the Thames
and he assured me that it was good for 12 knots without undue
pressing.
my new crew had
As we were all anxious to go over again, but I did not relish
not yet been over
the idea of being towed any more, the prospect of being able to
in fact.
go over under my own steam at 12 knots and so make the journey
in about six hours each way was very welcome, and I decided that
on this occasion we would do what most of the larger motor boats
had been doing, namely run over under our own steam, pick up a
boat-load and come back with them. I was informed that the new
boat only drew 3'2" so that it would be quite sible for the
troops to get to the boat without swimming. This still did not
strike me as being a very efficient method of getting the troops
off but I felt that some real work had been done with Constant
Nymph and I had been informed that morning that 187, were
already off so that I felt justified in indulging in something
boat could
more in the nature of & pienic, especially as cigarettes and
have taken 35
other little comforts had been provided on the boat by the
mou I should
owner for the rescued troops. LWe had already victualled the
boat and obtained our water supplies and directly after lunch
we cast off to go across the Harbour and get petrol, having as
& quite unauthorised passenger an old member of my own Club who

Details

-7-
pubs around the harbour in about two minutes, and a seething
crowd gathered round the Naval Office near the entrance but
this proved to be a pure navy job and they were only taking
the minimum number necessary, so as to have more room for the
STATE
and
troops, only Naval Officers were chosen and a very small
proportion of those available at that. The correspondent
who had been coming with me, a competent motor boat man
himself, had seen there was little chance of our getting away
on Saturday and jumped another boat which got across that night
so he got his real experience all right, I may say most of the
correspondents down there went across at least once.
42
By Tuesday morning, 4th June, the real operations were
over and senior officers were turning up from different places
to try and straighten out records, etc., among them the
Commodore from Sheerness who had looked after us thoroughly
there. I was coming along to the exit from the Harbour from
my wretched house-boat to lunch on shore and this Commodore
was standing near the entrance talking to a post-Captain whom
I did not know by sight; when I was within 20 yards of them
One nice price boat shifting was dones by
using the dight brage, which was stronger than the
tide act against'st, to take this hulk across 2/3 do
the Commodore happened to look in my direction, promptly
the harbour width rhut her within 2 you of
and firmly "Constant Nymph". Considering that he had exchanged
where she was to tie up on the for side.
Ihad some assisions moments half way
through this wolution, but was very proud when it succeeded
pointed towards me with a very pleasant smile, said loudly
about 20 words with me a week before when busily engaged over
all the possible wants of 20 or 30 motor boats, this officer
must have a memory for faces and names that would leave an
experienced hotel keeper blushing in despair. As my boat
would not move, except by manhandling, and we often had to
shift in this manner for one reason and another, and the show
seemed to be over, I busied myself in trying to obtain a
passage for myself and crew back to Sheerness as a large
number of boats had already gone and quite as lot of drifters
etc. were laid up in the Harbour, while the crews had their
three days Dunkirk leave.
The difference in the town was most marked, naval
uniforms were becoming comparatively rare. Unfortunately
a lot of the senior officers concerned with the motor boat
side seemed to have gone on leave by this time and it was
not until Wednesday evening that I could get any useful
information. I then found that an officer was supposed to
be coming over from Sheerness on Thursday, 6th June, to
take a boat named Cairngorn back to Sheerness and it was
suggested that I might accompany him if the boat could be
found, apparently two officers were looking for her at the
moment as nobody knew where she was.
On returning to my boat I found that Cairngorn was
lying amongst two or three others just astern of me and had
received a nasty bump on the starboard busy which had
smashed seratched quite a bit of the planking; it proved later
on examination that two of the ribs had been broken at the top.
On Thursday morning, 6th June, the expected Officer
arrived, and proved to be a very young man just down from
Oxford and waiting to get into the Air Force who had taken
this boat to Dunkirk and had then been back to Sheerness
for some reason.
The compass had been smashed by a bomb splinter on the
other side, but the damage to the hull had apparently been
done in harbour while he was away. As the damage was pretty
well all above water line we got the navy carpenters to patch
it with canvast and battens, obtained a chart, filled up with
petrol and got under way about 14.30. My crew, on being
given the choice of going back to Sheerness by rail or helping
us two to navigate the crock back to Sheerness at once elected
to come by sea, three of them never having been to sea before.
The boat was a beauty, a 45 foot twin screw Thorneycroft, and

Details

HO
216x
COUNT DRACULA
/STN 6B
2, Blondin Avenue,
2nd October 1940.
Northfields,
sir,
Ealing T.5.
44
I have to acknowledge receipt of
24/10/40.
your letter dated 20th September, 1940.
enclosing reports on the Dunkirk
1.0.)
operations insofar as your vessel
use,
CONSTANT NYMPH took part in these
operations, and to thank you for the
most interesting information which
D. 9144/STN.6B.
you have been good enough to supply.
It is anticipated that this report will
it Dracula".
be of value in compiling the final repat
which will be drawn up on these
e. regarding the Dunkirk
operations.
in requisitioned at the time
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
was not able to accompany
:,
from the Master that the
Director of Sea Transport.
Dunkirk and brought back to
A.B. Smith, Esq.,
rip.
Westfield,
Rodney Road,
fter taking the men on board
New Malden,
Surrey.
ds away, lifted her clean out
und an even keel.
On
P back to Rams gate she developed
clutch slipping, and was eventually towed into Ramsgate Harbour.
On her trip from Ramsgate to Richmond, she sustained
considerable damage. Previous to that no damage was sustained.
The repairs have been effected, and I take this opportunity of
thanking again the Ministry of Shipping for the prompt and fair
settlement, which enabled me to have my boat repaired.
I am happy that she has been of some service to
our Country.
Yours faithfully,
K. Cliener.
Directorol Sea Transport.
ng
me
em,

Details

Details

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

S.S. "BIARRITZ"
D.S.C.
James Lang Crockart
1000
Engineer
finall Howl
S.S. "CANTERBURY"
D.S C.
Master
Charles Archibald Hancock
Motor Boat "CONSTANT NYMPH"
D.B.M.
Owner
Basil Arthur Smith
setuall
S.S. "DORRIEN ROSE" Teldo
tal
I
повтоляз
D.O.C.
hamesthod
Master
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
William Thompson
Bernard Murphy
D.S.C.
Mate
Terence O'Hanlon
D.S.M.
Gunner
D.S.M.
J. W. Watson
TOJEBN
A.B.
D.S.M.
J. O'Rowe
doonignS Totdo
0.8.
W. Barnett
D.S.M.
A. Gibson
Drawers Ieldo
Fireman
Tug "FOREMOSH 87"
D.S.C.
IntooM
Master
James Fryer
JRL
S.S. "ISLE OF GUERNSEY" bee
Francis waugh Hodges.
D.S.C.
Master
Brnest Leonard Hill
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
David Douglas Robb
D.S.M.
A.B.
John Fowles
retual well
Tug "JAVA"
7001290 and
Seaman
D.S.M
Master
Harry Griffith
4001990
S.S. "KING GEORGE V"
Master
D.S.G
Robert McCallum McLean
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
William MacGregor
Greaser
D.S.M.
Angus Macdonald
D.S.M.
A.B.
Donald Joseph McKinnon
S.S. "LEVENWOOD"
Master
D.S.C.
William Oswald Young
M.N. Gunner
D.S.M.
George. Knight
niewaxe0
D.S.M.
Fireman
Robert Moody
S.S. "MAID OF ORLEANS"
Master
D.S.C.
Gordon Dyer Walter
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
George Frederick Tooley
D.S.M.
Q.M.
Harry Russell
Motor Yacht "MASHYRA"
D.S.M.
Skipper
G. D. Oliver
8.8. "PRAGUE"
Master
D.S.C.
Clifford Roland Baxter
Chief Engineer
D.S.C.
Walter Ernest Oxenham
D.S.M.
Frederick Wm. John Rushby
Boy
in

Details

Details

Dynoms 190.
204
191
REPORT ON WORK DONE ON DUNKIRK BEACH BY "CONSTANT NYMPH" 30/31 MAY, 1940.
CHARGE HAND. B.A. Smith., Little Ship Club (Owner of motor boat).
GREW.
-
STOKERS ALLEN AND MIXIKE from Sheerness.
We left Ramsgate about 3.30 Pollo on 30th May, 1940, in tow of
H.M.S. "Jutland" (A Dutch boat taken over by Navy) after lying outside the
Harbour from 9.30 a.m., during which time we had done a little ferrying work
between ships.
We were towed with a whaler and cutter on same tow.
Arrived at our station some miles east of Dunkirk Harbour about
9.30 p.m. and towed whaler and cutter to beach as soon as "JUTLAND" had
30/5
enchored slight mist.
At first we could only find Frenchmen on the beach and took off
several boat loads, then a British officer waded and swam to "CONSTANT NYMPH"
while running slowly up and down the beach in about 3 feet 6 inches
weiting for the boats to be filled and keeping a look out for British troops,
In spite of darkness end slight mist, the fires on shore and fine
night made bodies of men show up against the sand.
On hearing from British officer that thousands of our men. were a
little nearer Dunkirk, we worked further up and got mainly British for some
time; not many wounded.
One nice fire which was a leading mark was blown out by another
bomb later on in the night, but we were fairly well at home by then and it
caused no delay.
Having filled "JUTLAND", the motor-boat with whaler and cutter
turned over to "LAUDANIA",a similar ship, and filled that. "JUTLAND" laft
about 3 a.m.
I am informed by Captain of "LAUDANIA" that these ships hold about
450 men each, making a total of 900 men taken off.
About 8 a.m. "LAUDANIA" was full and the cutter was aground under
a stranded lighter and her crew could not get her off, Captain of "LAUDANIA"
told me to get the crew if I could not get the outter, and this was done.
Certain odd boats were found on the beach by troops of both nations,
any found trying to row to ships in our area were collected and towed to ship,
mk
and efforts made to use them again if serviceable. These efforts were usually
hampered by Frenchmen not tying up to the ship when boarding and letting the
boat drift.
Bombing in the district seemed fairly continuous, some explosions
shook the boat a good bit, but nothing seemed very near.
Anti-aircraft fire seemed to come from the beach in many cases,
tracer bullets from that line were often to be seen.
There was some heavy shelling, apparently directed by planes
dropping Very lights over the ships, one crump was either very near or very
big as the boat trembled as if she had grounded.
Being deaf and having a lot to de prevented my noticing the bombing
much but my crew seemed to think it was increasing with daylights
About 8 a.m. on Friday, 31st May, 1940, having used all fuel and
got rope in the propeller, I was ordered to turn over the motor boat and
whaler to a Drifter believed to have fuel and mechanics, and go aboard
"LAUDANIA" which left at once with all orews and arrived Margate about 5 p.m.
Both Allen and Medkle, the two young Stoker ratings who were my
crew, worked steadily and efficiently throughout the ten hours or so of
working on the beach and were always on the look-out for swimmers or odd craft to
be picked up.
These lads had hever been to sea and were only enlisted in January
1940, they informed me.
(sa) B.A. Smith.
6th June, 1940,

Details

Dynamo. 193.
389
366
Admiralty House,
C-in-C Nore.
Sheerness.
with "Dynamo".
List of Officers deserving special mention in connection
1
H.M.S. "wildfire". The work of providing the stores
of all kinds required by the boats sent from Sheerness and
accommodating a constant flow of Officers, men and
volunteers placed a heavy strain on the establishment
resources. In addition I observed the admirable work
done in receiving the British and French troops landed
at Sheerness. From Captain Coleridge downwards all did
their best, but Commander V.P. Freeman and Paymester
Captain E.C.Annaheim deserve special mention.
2.
Sheerness Dockyard. The tug "St. Clears" tower 20
cutters with half crews over to the beaches for 22 hours
under considerable bombing. The Master Penny and
the helmsman Arthur Chawnce A.B. deserve special mention.
All departments of the yard put out their best
efforts; the heavier work fell on the Naval Store Department.
Mr.A. Paterson.
The Chief Constructor, Tickner, designed and
built a large number of rafts, not too big to he manhandled.
3.
Stoker Petty Officer T. West, Cff.No.C/KX 87588.
This Petty Officer sent as boat's crew, was taken
out to assist in getting boats ready for sea. lie showed
great energy, driving power and resource in dealing with
many difficulties that arose. He accompanied one to
Ramsgate on Sunday 2nd. June in hopes of a trip to the
beaches, but took on a boat whose engines were giving
trouble and was unable to get there.
4.
Officers in charge of boats. The following Officers
showed particular energy in getting the boats away. Their
work on the beaches did not come under my personal
observation, but I draw attention to their names in case
they have not been mentioned by Officers on the spot :-
Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R., took the lead in getting
away the first group 01 boats on Wednesday 29th. May and
conducted them to Dover. Having had his first boat
swamped, returned to Sheerness and got away another
group.
Lieut. Irving, R.N.R., got away the second group
of boats and led them to the beaches in M.V. "Triton".
This Officer WAS a volunteer from the Schuit "Princess
Juliana which was broken down. He is believed to have
done very good work on the beaches.
The Acting Sub. Lieutenants R.N., as a whole showed
initiative and resource in getting their boats away, but
it would be difficult to discriminate.
Mr.B.A.Smith, a volunteer who brought his own
yacht "Constant Nymph" which he finally lost after bringing
off some 900 troops.
5. The following eficers came under my observation
during the operations on the noght 2nd.-3rd, and 3rd.-4th.
Sub. Lieut. Mullins R.N.S., in charge of Motor
Yacht "White Wings in which I sailed on 2nd.-3rd. I
was much struck by the trouble he had taken to aoq int
himself with navigational details, the instruction of
his Bren Gunners, and his boat. He had a volunteer with
him, Mr.Devine, and they were a fine couple who I should
like to have with me again on a similar job.