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56 potential matching records have been identified.
These records may contain OCR text matches, source files, page references and digitised page imagery. A match does not by itself prove that the vessel participated in Operation Dynamo.
“Potential match” means a candidate returned by one or more indexing rules; it is not necessarily an exact identity match. Depending on the source, matching may use a normalised vessel name, a partial text or OCR hit, an alias, or related metadata. Roman-numeral suffixes such as I, II, III, IV and V may be absent, misread or separated from the base name, so records for similarly named vessels can be grouped incorrectly. Multi-word names can also produce candidates where only one significant word matches. Confirm the full name, numeral, vessel type, dimensions, builder, ownership, dates and source context before treating two records as the same vessel.
We are compiling and checking transcriptions, metadata, vessel-name matches, source references and reuse permissions before publishing further detail. This work helps prevent incomplete OCR, historic spelling variations or unverified associations from being presented as established fact.
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These details have been aggregated from multiple sources and may include contemporary records, later recollections, claims or assertions for which no corroborating evidence has been identified. Inclusion does not establish that any account or assertion is accurate. The information may be incomplete, out of date, disputed or incorrect and should be checked against the underlying source records and independent evidence before being relied upon.
Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
Imaged document collections containing pages whose OCR text or table data has been tagged with the name Dawn. Open a collection to view the page images and transcriptions.
Source: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Heritage & Education Centre, Lloyd’s Register of Yachts 1939, digitised via Internet Archive. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Images have been converted, resized and watermarked for web display; machine-generated table OCR has been added.
| 376 | Arctic | Dawn | AuxCut | - | 45.0 | 13.7 | 53 | J.&G.Forbes | Sandhaven | Petrol Motor | Chas. J. Burton | London | ||
| (exDawn) | Wood | 31 | 45.0 | 6:1 | 60 | Builders | 1920 | 6Cy.34"-5" |
| 1563 | Dawn (The) | Wood | Yawl | 2991 | 63.5 | 14.45 | 86 | P.T.Harris | E.Donyland | F.J. Deacon | Plymouth | |||
| 1564 | Dawn | Wood | SeYwl | 2472 | 45.6 | 15.1 | 75 | H.McLean& | Glasgow | Oil Engine | Frederick McKee | Glasgow | ||
| 1565 | Dawn | Steel | TwnSc | 25.55 | 55.9 | 10.5 | 43 | A.Pannevis | Alphen | 2 Paraffin Motors | Mrs. V. E. Dyer | Southmptn | ||
| 1566 | Dawn | Wood | Sc | 1055 | 480 | 95 | 57 | Norfolk,Va. | Oil Engine | B. A. Tubini | Cowes | |||
| 1567 | Dawn | Wood | AuxCut | 12.5 | 316 | 113 | 5.5 | A.V.Robert- | Woodbridge | Petrol Motor | W. B. Clarke | Ipswich | ||
| 1568 | Dawn | Wood | ScLug | 3'48 | 34'9 | 9'0 | 49 | Bundock | Leigh-on- | Petrol Motor | London | |||
| 1569 | Dawn | Wood | ScYwl | 400 | 82 | 57 | G.E.Ramsey | Shipley | Petrol Motor | Sir Benjamin Dawson. | London | |||
| 1570 | Dawn | Wood | Sc | 5:31 | 35.7 | 8.5 | 3.9 | W.Hayward | Southend- | Petrol Motor | Hector Tidd | London | ||
| 1571 | Dawn | Wood | AuxCut | - | 300 | 95 | Thames | Blackwall | Paraffin Motor | F. N. Wood | London | |||
| 1572 | Dawn | Wood | AuxYwl | 5:04 | 31.5 | 84 | 5.9 | WE.Thomas | Falmouth | Petrol Motor | Capt. J. R. Gregory | Falmouth | ||
| 1573 163619 | Dawn | Steel | Yawl | 456 5 | 214 | 85 | 3.2 | Sudan Government Dockyard | Khartoum 1930 | Gellatly, Hankey & Co. (Sudan), Ltd. | Southmptn | |||
| 1574 | Dawn II | Wood | ScCut | 866 | 310 | 90 | 46 | W.Osborne, | Littlehmptn | 2 Petrol Motors | H.J. Finer | Lttlehmptn |
| 1575 124597 | Dawn II Wood Pet.Mot. | AuxSlp Rowe& Phillips,31 | 4.25 6 | 263 28.0 22.1 | 7.7 5.75 | 50 45 583 | WE.Thomas G.U.Laws | Falmouth 1907 | Petrol Motor 1Cy.2³"-3" Fair,Hampton Wick,33 | F. C. D. Tothill & Lt.J.A.W.Tothill,R.N. | Falmouth | ||
| 1576 | Dawn Patrol Wood (exLadybird,exAina) Pet.Mot. | AuxYwl Johansson, 35 | [ ] - 9 | 280 282 27.0 | 95 47 | 3.9 45 460 | RååBåtvarv | Raa 1916 | Petrol Motor 2Cy.2}"-3" Watermota,35 | E. C. Allcard alt.fromCut.39 | Glasgow | ||
| 1577 163632 | Dawn Star Wood (erArgo) Steelframes | AuxKch Cranfield, | 39'08 49.14 | 65.1 71.25 | 1888 6-6 | 85 90 | Deutsche Werke | Kiel 1924 | Oil Engine 4S.C.SA 4Cy.4₄"-6" 7NH | *Capt. A. Granville Soames, O.B.E. | Southmptn NS3,38B | Sou | (8) A1 5,38 |
| 1578 | Elec.Light Dawn Wind Wood | ScKch | 5.25 | 35.5 | 76 | 4.4 | Petrol Motor | J. W. Lewis | Southmptn | ||||
| 1579 | Dawn Wind Wood (exSnipe) | Cutter Fuller,35 | - 3 | 190 25.0 184 | 70 42 | 42 3:0 300 | C.Press C.Press | Wroxham 1897 | A. R. Pike | Gt.Yarm'th |
| 2686 | Grey Dawn Wood | AuxSch | 18:63 | 421 | 12.7 | 7.8 | Newman& | Poole | Petrol Motor | Claude C. Jacobs | Poole | ||
| 2687 | Grey Dawn Wood | AuxKch | - | 330 | 11.2 | 40 | R.Kitto& | Porthleven | Petrol Motor | J. M. Barnett | Falmouth | ||
| 2688 | Grey Dawn Wood | AuxBm | 7:44 | 35.2 | 97 | 70 | J.Samuel | Cowes | Petrol Motor | Mrs. Mabel White | Cowes |
| 257 Dawn Star. 258 Inverie, 259 Osmunda. 260 Aideen. 261 Failthe II., 262 Espanola, 263 Mavis. 264 Viking O. 265 Marama, 266 Marda, | 3 Tarpon II. |
| 177 STURLY IISLP P. VITON. | 178 AMAZON. SCH. M. A.LOWCOCK. | 179 SATYR. M. C.H. MASTERS. | 180 IRINTZI. SLP. U.& F. MAYO. | 181 WINONA. M. SCH. WHITTALL | 182 GLENIFFER SLP D.P. FULTON. | 183 DAWN STAR CAP? A.G. SOAMES KCH O.B.E | 184 EILEAN KCH. J.V. * R.W. FULTON. |
| 425 P PRIMROSE SCH. DR N. BRADLEY | 426 GOLDENGLEAM M. HARRY TURLEY. | 427 QUEST. KCH. C.A. DE COSSON | 428 RANGI. CUT W.A.E.& DR F.R LEONARD | 429 GULNARE YWL D.C.L.CREE LTC.E.A.CREE.RN MRS D.I. FARQUHARSON | 430 VIRETTE.YWL D". J.LAVOUÉ. | 431 ORIANA S.SCH. SENOIA. SLP. C.A ALLAN. | 432 GREY DAWN, SCH C.C.JACOBS. |
| 449 ARACHNE SCH. M. J.G. COATS. | 450 GWALARN. SLP. J. TRELLU. | 451 ANKH M F.J. SPICKERNELL | 452 ELVIRA. CUT. J.R. SMELLIE | 453 JADE. SLP. AIR COMMODORE J.C QUINNELL D.F.C | 454 FLIRT SLP. C. PETO BENNETT. | 455 H MISTY DAWN M.KCH. M.L HULBERT. | 456 VARANI YWL D S.H. WÉALÉ. |
| 745 DAWN M.YWL. EMELLE M. SIR B DAWSON B.J.P. | 746 QU'IMPORTE SLP MME. LÉON COTNARÉANU. | 747 NORMA SLP. F.MACGREGOR | 748 CHEENI II. M. A.CHESTER BEATTY, JUN | 749 CAP? T. A.TATTON. | 750 MUSETTE CUT. H.R. BARRETT. | 751 SIRENE II SLP. COMD W. MiLEAN R.N.V.R. MRS MSLEAN | 752 LOLA SLP J.D.HEAD & G.G.WILLIAMS. |
| Dawn | M.Ywl | Sir B. Dawson, Bt., A. G. Soames, | 745 | Eila Eilean | Kch. | J. V. & R. W. Fulton | 184 | Fay | Slp. | Mrs. G. M. Reynolds. | 349 | |
| Dawn Star | Kch. | Capt. O.B.E. | 183 | El Caïd | Slp. | Paul Addor William B. Bell | 42 174 | Fedoa | Kch. | Hon. Joseph P. Maclay, M.P. | 360 |
| Grey Dawn | Sch. | C. C. Jacobs | 432 | Il II | Cut. | I. Lauritzen | 740 | Karama | Slp. | A. P. Möller | 416 |
| Misty Dawn | M.Kch | M. L. Hulbert | 455 | Nereida | Sch. | Antonio de Heredia | 680 | Owl | Kch. | N. P. Andrew | 144 |
| M.C.F.W. Ronda | M.C.X.J. Dawn | M.D.J.X. Melisande | M.D.S.Y. Estelle | M.F.F.S. Alanna |
| M.L.R.D. Onda | M.M.D.T. Laughing Water | M.M.M.W. Dawn Star | M.M.T.G. Climena | M.N.C.B. Tally Ho |
| M.L.X.R. Grey Dawn | M.M.J.L. Lady Shahrazad | M.M.Q.F. Theta | M.M.W.G. Bittern | M.N.J.Z. Mouse |
| M.N.T.S. Spray | M.P.D.C. Devonia | M.P.R.D. Eve | M.P.Y.F. Spindrift | M.Q.L.K. Dawn (The) |
| Acorn II | 7 | a. Betty. | Adventuress | 83 | a. Revellata. | Aina | 9 | a. Dawn Patrol. | Albicore | 7 | Philippine. |
| America | 11 | a. Aventura. | Anna-Marie | 121 | m. Anne. | Argo | 87 | a. Dawn Star. | Brinkley |
| Aziade | 88 | a. Cinderella. | Belpol | 9 | m. Fredina. | Bimoca | 19 | m. Fort. | Bonzo | 18 | m. Dawn. |
| Dawn | 31 | a Arctic Dawn. | Distel | 50 | a. Linotte II. | Dragon Fly | 32 | a. Margaret. | Edgar | 12 | m. Thelma. |
| Golden Dawn | 10 | m. Watersnail. | Gudrun | 8 | a. Maid Marion. | Hantise | - | Gwalarn. | Hermia | 11 | m. Raukle Belle. |
| Hispania V | [ ] - | Toribio II. | Illiam II | — | Vega. | Irene | 54 | The Dawn. | Ito | - | a. Marylda. |
| L'Aventureux | 79 | m. Silver Wings. | Ladybird | 9 | a. Dawn Patrol. | Lala | 2½ | Lorelei. | Leona 11 | 6 | a. Kestrel. |
| Marabeth | 10 | m. Peregrine. | Hendrika | 27 | m. Dawn | Marquis | 37 | m. Rubymarquis. | Maybird | 7 | a. Sea Bird II. |
| Snipe | 3 | Dawn Wind. | Speejacks | 295 | a. Ouananiche. | Stranger | 1160 | m. Moana. | Swastika | 21 | a. Jane. |
| m. Leprechaun | 106 | a. Quo Vadis | 95 | a. Dawn Star | 87 | Sim | 79 | m. King Duck | 70 | m. Mairi | 65 |
| Commodore | 63 | S. Thistle | 59 | Dawn (The) | 54 | m. Flea | 52 | Jeano | 51 | a. Breezand | 49 |
| a. Ma'oona 47 | a. Joyce | 44 | a. Thanet | 42 | m. Einnan | 39 | m. Dawn | 37 | a. Vagabond 36 |
| a. 34 | m. Ena | 33 | a. Baroque | 32 | a. Arctic Dawn | 31 | m. Aileen | 30 | m. Smew | 30 |
| Ionia 29 | a. Chantecler | 28 | m. Dawn 27 | a. Adela 26 | a. Norena | 26 | a. Frances 25 |
| a. Leonid 29 | a. Coral | 28 | m. Gaby III 27 | m. Belinda 26 | m. Pingouin | 26 | a. Grey Dawn 25 |
| m. Sunflower IV 21 | m. Gordore | 20 | a. Samphire | 20 | a. Dora | 19 | m. Schalime II | 19 | m. Dawn 18 |
| m. Nomad | 16 | Trilby | 16 | m. Condor | 15 | m. Lavengro | 15 | m. Sunny | 15 | a. Dawn | 14 |
| m. Rosita | 16 | a. Alan | 15 | a. Grey Dawn | 15 | m. Naromis | 15 | Alain Gerbault | 14 | a. Genesta | 14 |
| a. Lady Nan | 14 | Safir | 14 | m. Arlen | 13 | a. Grey Dawn | 13 | Norn | 13 | a. Tova | 13 |
| Annie Anthea | 11 | m. Dawn | 11 | a. Glance | 11 | m. Kitty II | 11 | m. Moya | 11 | Scylla | 11 |
| Antoinette | 11 | m. Dawn | 11 | m. Glitterwake | 11 | a. Kotiri | 11 | m. Myvera II | 11 | m. Sea Bird | 11 |
| a. Albertina 10 | a Dawn 10 | a Ixea II | 10 | a. Melody | 10 | a. Primrose 10 | m. Sunshine 10 |
| Alhena 10 | m. Dawn 10 | a. Jack Heron | 10 | Meotis | 10 | a. Raider 10 | a. Tammie Tanera 10 |
| Gannet(designed only) 4 | a. Eleanor 11 | Constructions Navales.) | m. Knösen 8 89 | a. Grey Dawn 25 |
| (See R. Kemp.) | 8. Blue Peter (The) 42 | a. Grey Dawn 15 | Pirat - | Maya - |
| S. Powan 20 | m. Gem 7 | m. Corrieghoil 61 | m. Vandora 16 | m. Ottawa 34 | m. Dawn 37 |
| Psyche II 6 | m. Glengour 15 | m. Dawn 11 | m. Wayfarer 77 | m. Retlaw 15 | m. Deo-na-Mara 62 |
| Fara | - | Mara | 6 | a. Talisman | 11 | Gesellschaft, | a. Grey Dawn 25 | m. Alastor 71 |
| a. Cynara | 115 | a. Korby | 21 | Senoia 5 | a. Dawn Star (designed 87 | Osborne, William, Ltd., | |
| Eole III | 5 | a. Merrymaid | 107 | Trivia 33 | Jytte | Mercuur 17 | m. Corgi Dawn II 9 |
| Building | 21 | a. Primrose 11 | & Ferguson. Ltd.), | Colona | 6 | Dawn 14 |
| Dawn (The) 54 | a. Monalisa (in part) 11 | m. My Lady Molly 18 | (See Consolidated Ship- | a. Crystal II 7 |
| formerly Tams, Lemoine | (Formerly James Taylor | a. Dawn | 9 | S.W.1. | m. Fairwind | 20 | m. Marama 33 |
| & Crane.) | & Bates. Ltd.) | a. Dawn II | 6 | m. Aberdonia 20 | a. Fidalga | 13 | m. Mareeve 12 |
| a. Elk 287 | m. Riska | 2 | a. Grey Dawn 13 | a. Lady Bridgella (The) 11 | of American Yachts.) |
| a. Jack Heron 10 | a. Grey Dawn 13 | S. Zaneta 115 | a. Nephin | 42 | m. Maori 10 |
| Akkermans, D. L. J., Pr. Hendrikkade, 163, Rotterdam. Maas. m. Olympiade 16 | Alcock, Capt. Mason, Ulster Club, Belfast.-N.Ir.-St.G.-Uls. m. Romany 9 | 40, High Lane, Chorlton, Manchester. Bry. a. Genesta (P.O.) 14 | Alford, Martin E., Castle House, Exeter, Devon. Exe. Pierrette 4 | Allcard, E. C., 17, Park Terrace, Glasgow, C.3. C.Crz.-L.S. a. Dawn Patrol 9 |
| Barff, Mrs. E. D., 7, Promenade des Anglais, Nice(A.-M.), France. m. Maryphil 12 | Barlow, Squad.-Ldr. E. C., R.A.F., H.Q. Bomber Command, R.A.F., Uxbridge, Middx.-Msa. a. Sea Nymph 4 | Barnett, J. M., Byways, Lucas Green, West End, Chobham, Surrey.-L.S. a. Grey Dawn 15 | Barr, W. Gordon H., Ervie, 20, Park Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire.-Cly. a. Myrone 7 | London, S. W.7.-Bnm.-Ocn. a. Black Dragon 21 Barrie, W., The White Cottage, Rhu, Dumbartonshire.-C.Crz.-Nor. |
| Burbidge, Richard G. W., 3, Phillimore Place, London, W.8. | Burgh, Lady Elizabeth, c/o Midiand Bank, Ltd., 69, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1.-Crk. | Burnett, J. F. R., 52, Pont Street, London, S.W.1. Key.-Lym.-Mtr.-Tms. | Burton, C.J., 1, Ardwick Road. West Hampstead, London, N. W.2.-L.S.-Mtr. a. Arctic Dawn 31 | Burton, Lady Maud, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, W.1.-Har. |
| Caldecott, R. E. H., Marldene, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. S.Cr. | Calmels, Lt.-Col. Pierre, Ker-Huel, Loguivy-de-la-Mer, (Côtes du Nord), France.-Y.C.F. | Cameron, A. K., B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., | Campbell, Ivar, Dawn Hill, Virginia Water, Surrey. -Sth. | The Bourne Ridge, Farnham, Surrey. O.C. a. Thelma 5 |
| Calderón, Saturnino, 5, Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain. Gea. S. Milagro 40 | Calvert, Daniel W., Stanhope, 2, Druids Cross Road, Calderstones, Liverpool. Con.-Mer.-N.W. m. Mary C. 16 | Cameron, A. V., Ardlarich, Rhu, Dumbartonshire. C.Cor.-C.Crz.-Nor. a. Leonora 33 | Campbell, Mrs. Ivar, Dawn Hill, Virginia Water, Surrey. S. Aloma (P.O.) 66 | Shirvan, Lochgilphead, Argyll. Hgh. m. Petrola 6 Campbell, R. H., |
| Clark, Sir G. E., Bart., Seapark, Greenisland, Co. Antrim. Tms. m. Miss May 13 | Clark, Robert, 21, Bothwell Street, Glasgow, C.2. C.Cor.-Cly.Hly.-Lch.-Lgs.-Mud. Nor.-Wst. Volga 5 | Clarke, W. B., 35, Warren Hill Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk.-Deb. a. Dawn 14 | Clayton, P. J., Claythorn, Thorney Road, Emsworth, Hants. m. Elaine 7 | Clephan, Guy, Elmwood, Warkworth, Northumber- land.-Nbl. a. Skerryvore 14 |
| Davis, C. M. S., | Dawnay, C. P., Longparish House, Andover, Hants. | Day, Norman W., | Bilbao.-Abr.-Bbo.-Spr. m. Bake Eder 32 | |
| Davies, L. C., West Lodge, Marsh Lane, Stanmore, Middx. | Davis, Henry J., The Dutch House, Fitzjohn's Avenue, London, N. W.3.-Nav.-Tem.(C.)- Tms. | Dawson, Sir Benjamin, Bart.. J.P., Nun-Appleton Hall, nr. York. M.B.A.-Tms.-Yrk. m. Dawn 11 | Day, Stephen C., jun., Stonelands, Binstead, Ryde, I.W. Isl. | De Blonay, The Exors. of the late Baron Maurice. |
| de Sena, Miguel, Habana Yacht Club, Habana, Cuba. Aitor 5 | Deacon, F. J., Upcott, Station Hill, Bursledon, Hants. The Dawn 54 | Deed, Neville G., 14, Gledstanes Road. West Kensington, London, W.14.-N.&S. m. Ben-My-Chree 21 | Deiter, Mrs. 0. B., 2, Norfolk Street, Park Lane, London, a. Terminist (P.O.) 92 | Deniz Klübü, Moda, Istanbul, Turkey. a. Ipar 47 m. Refuge 50 |
| Dyer, Mrs. V. E., Earley House, Petham, nr. Canterbury, Kent.-Mtr. m. Dawn 27 | Earl, Stanley, Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, Marine Parade, Dover, Kent.-Cnq.-Med. a. Haughty Belle 128 | Ebbisham, Lord, G.B.E., 41, Upper Brook Street, London, W.1. Bem.-Svw.-Tms. m. Betsie Jane 14 | Eddison, C. R., Joint Launch Committee, c/o First Church of Christ, Scientist, Sloane Terrace, London, S.W.1. m. Noah (P.O.) 10 | Edman, Gösta V., Sveavägen 100, Stockholm.-K.S.S.S. m. Thalatta 16 |
| Dymond, John, High Walls, Fareham, Hants. a. Red Dawn II 4 | Easton, W., c/o Smith, Wood & Co., 3 dc 4, Lime Street Square, London, E.C.3. Cly.-Hbr.-L.S.-Msa. Rona 4 | a. Maria del Carmen Ana 400 Eck, Carl A., Stigbergsgatan 35, Stockholm. K.M.K.-K.S.S.S. | Edgar, Maj. Herbert J., Chetwode, Littlewick, Berks.-Lon. S. Titania 138 | Edmondson, W., " Windward," Waltham Cross, Herts.-Hbl.-Tms. a. Vivacious 27 |
| Fenton, C. B., P.O. Box 5025, Cristobal, C.Z. Edith 6 | Fergusson, Capt. Simon, Kilkerran, Maybole, Ayrshire. For.-Hld. a. Garleffan (P.O.) - | Field, H. G., 21, West Street, Prittlewell, Southend- on-Sea, Essex. a. Honolulu 11 | Filiputti, Dott. Nino, Via Sergia 57, Pola, Italy.-R.Y.C.I. Hidalla - | Finer, H.J., Gorsehaven, Banks Road, Sandbanks, Dorset.-Mtr. m. Dawn II 9 |
| m. Moranside 8 | 117, Pitt Street, Sydney, N.S.W. m. Kingar 8 | m. Hanini 80 | 929, Amsterdam. m. Gaviota 301 | P.O. Box 215, Khartoum, Sudan. Dawn 5 |
| Gray, Gordon, 56, South End, Croydon, Surrey. m. Arlen 13 | Green, Mrs. Catherine, 50, Christchurch Road, Streatham Hill, London, S.W.2. m. Hummono 24 | Greenfield, Mrs. Edith, 4, Telegraph Hill, Platt's Lane, London, N. W.3-N.&S. a. Gold Finch 32 | Gregory, Capt. J. R., c/o, Lloyds Bank, Ltd., 6, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1.-C.A.-Crn.-Crz.-Ems. a. Dawn 9 | a. Windstorm 13 Greville-Giddings, M., 8, River View Gardens, Twickenham, Middx.-Twk. |
| m. Misty Dawn 9 Hulburd, I. M., BM|DRYC, London, W.C.1. Bos.-Key.-Oxf.-Ssx. | Humphery, G. E. Woods, C.B.E., 6. Elm Tree Road, St. John's Wood, London, V.W.8.-C.A.-Mtr.-Tms. | Humphry, J. M., The Governor's House, 71, King's Avenue, London, S.W.4. Cch.-Gvs.-L.S. | Curlew 7 Hynter, , Combe, Co. Down. | Huntington, Miss Marian, 32, Maple Street, San Francisco, Calif. |
| Ireland, Mrs. Dorothy, Villa Valdameri, Portofino, Italy. a. Estrilda 34 | Isachsen, Anders, Eilert Sundts Gt. 33, Oslo, Norway. m. Emi 20 | Ivers, Curt, Forstweg 18, Kiel, Germany.-Y.C.D. Valuta | Kobe Club, Kobe, Japan. C.Ils.-Kob.(v.c.)-L.S. Shournagh 11 | Jacobs, Claude C., 37, Avenue Road, London, N.W.8. L.S.-Tem. a. Grey Dawn 25 |
| m. Dawn Wind 9 Lewis, J. W., Ryecroft, Hambleton, Blackpool, | Liardet, Aylmer A., 195, Coombe Lane, West Wimbiedon, London, S. W.20.-Tms. m. Thera 8 | Lillie, Anthony E., Inaway, Bushby, Leicestershire. C.A. | Lindqvist, K. Wilh., Rederingsgatan 37, Stockholm, Sweden.-K.S.S.S. m. You You II - | Linklater, H., Henbury Manor, Wimborne, Dorset. Crz.-Dor.-Hmy.-Pks.-Pol.(C.). a. Theodora 38 |
| Mackay, Dr. R., Netherdale, Beauly, Inverness-shire. C.Crz.-Oen. a. Star Song (P.O.) 7 | McKee, Frederick, Rhanbuoy, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim. N.Ir. m. Dawn 37 | Mackenzie, Dr. S. Morton, 9, Rose Hill, Dorking, Surrey.-Svw. Bluebell 3 | McLachlan, Ian, 9, Victoria Park Gardens South, Glasgow, W.1.-C.Cor.-Leh. Sheena 5 | Maclay, Hon. John S., Knapps, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire. Cly.-Nor. Tarpoon 7 |
| Phillips, H. S., 67, Bradley's Head Road, Mosman, Sydney, N.S.W.-N.S.W. m. Diana 16 | Auckland, N.Z.-N.Z. a. Winsome 8 Pidsley, John, St. Michael's, Newton Abbot, Devon.-Tor.-Wes. m. Lallie 66 | Dawn Wind 3 Pike, Philip, 166, Union Street, Plymouth.-Mna. a. Water-Wraith 5 | Pinckney, V., Green Bushes, Alphington Road, Exeter, Devon.-L.S. a. Valuna 8 Pineus, Kaj., | Pitcher, Frank, Braeside, Brook Street Hill, Brentwood, Essex.-Bnm.-C.A. a Phynella (P.O.) 12 |
| Smith, Mrs. G. N. Findlay, 14, Geddy Court, Gidea Park, Essex. Bem.-Msa. a. Elfin 5 | Smith, H. Warwick, 125. Old Broad Street, London, E.C.2. Bnm.-Bnm.S.-Ceh.-Cor.-Har.-Rau.- Y.R.A. Eloise 5 | Smith, R. Morrison, C.A., 64, Lauderdale Gardens, Glasgow, W.2. C.Crz.-W.Ils. m. Marita 6 | Smyth, F. R., Mullion, Gardens Crescent, Parkstone, Dorset.-H.Kg.-Hmy.-Isl. a. Tryphena 10 | Soames, Capt. A. Granville, O.B.E., Duckings, Withyham, Sussex. R.Y.S.-C.A. a. Dawn Star 87 |
| Tidd, Hector, St. Cyril, 34, The Leas, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.-Nre.-Wcf. m. Dawn 10 | Tilley, Sir George, F.C.I.I., Primrose House, Clarence Lane, London, | Tjersland, Erling, Skippergaten 22, Oslo, Norway.-Nsk. Bobben 15 | Tomlin, Ralph, Polgoon, Penzance, Cornwall. Crn. a. Nokomis 6 | Torregiani, R. Cassar, Qui Si Sana, Sliema, Malta. Mta. |
| Exors. of the Late Graf, Schloss Moschen, Ober Schlesien-Land, Germany. a. Ndege - | Tilney, J. F., The Little House, Wootton Bridge, I. W. Cws.-Isl.-Tem. Fore 11 | Mrs. M. H., 93, Rivermead Court, London, S.W.6. C.A.-Ich. a. Norama 12 | Toms, E. B., 44, Victoria Road, Kensington, London, W.8.-Hmy. m. Grylse 23 | Tothill, F. C. D. The Chantry, Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts. Crz. a. Dawn II (P.O.) 6 |
| Tildesley, Reginald, The Cottage, Willenhall, Staffs. Bum.-C.A.-M.B.A. | m. Lady Babs 13 Tinn, F. G., | Tolderlund, H. F., Prästö, Denmark-Dan. | - a. Guarani 121 Thelma - | The Chantry, Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts.-Crz. a. Dawn II (P.O.) 6 |
| Istanbul, Turkey.-Lon. m. Dawn 18 Tucker, Carll, 420, Lexington Avenue, New York. N.Yk. | Tudsbery, M. T., M.Inst.C.E., The Athenæum, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1.-Crz.-Deb.-Drt.-Ems. a. Sundog 8 | Turitz, H. G., Föreningsgatan, 19, Gothenburg. Eo.-G.K.S.S.-K.S.S.S. Albatross (P.O.) | Turner, C. M. W., 9, Coleman Avenue, Hove, Sussex. Mtr.-Ssx.-Swk. m. Kintail (P.O.) 29 | a. Halcyon 78 Turner, S. L., 62, Fitzjames Avenue, Croydon, Surrey. Col. |
| Pts.S. m. Phœnix 32 | m. Shemar 10 | m. Scipio 10 | a. Grey Dawn 13 | a. Armide (P.O.) 27 |
| Wood, F. N., Wingfield, Hillview Road, Woking, Surrey.-L.S. a. Dawn 10 | Woodfield, Wm. C., Shanghai River Police, Shanghai, China.-L.S.-Shi. Goo Goo 4 | Woodrow, C. E., 12, Chiswick Lane, London, W.4. Chi. m. Vacuna (P.O.) 48 | Woolcott, R. J., The Well House, Paglesham, Essex. C.A.-Cnq. Lincelles 9 | Worham, Henry, 38, Bishopsgate, London, E.C.2. Cor.-Sng.-Tms. a. Watergeus 46 |
| 376 | Arctic Dawn | Offl.No. 167211 Sig.ltrs. MBZZ Breadth | 31" |
| A.S.Pts.4,39 s.s.Pts.No.1-39 Tail shafts seen 12,38 | 1577 | Dawn Star | Date of build 1925 Date of Survey 4,39 New Deck (teak) 1939 |
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AMETHYST A/S Trawler (?) 01000 30th May On patrol, 9.2.5.60 (see Appx. J, 1st June 2300 Sailed signal from J.16a and J.20). 2nd June 2nd June On the patrol line with the tr. Spurs 1035 and another trawler (see Appx. J, signals J.40 and 41) when they from university Di came under fire from shore guns. 1700 Salled. Ust for 11. Goodwin and route X as for se Dunkirk west channel. 3rd June 0010 Observed the first of the returning transports, end escorted her. 0150 Opened fire on a plane. 0250 Opened fire on a plane. 0430 Pound 8 wooden M/S from Dunkirk with 100 Prench troops on board. This ship, demaged in collision, had lost her any, her crew being overshelmed and unable to pull themselves together. The Amlena put a petty officer and three men on board, and they brought the vessel to Dover. 0900 Anchored off Dover. 2000 Sailed with the name orders as before. yog very thick; compelled to return and anchor off the N. Goodein. 4th June 0450 Bailed, to essort the transports from Dunkirk which bed anchored in the vicinity of the Amiens. 1850 Ordered to proceed under orders of the dr. Spervier, and in company with the Bl. Amiral Houches, to find and take in LOW the French motor boat V.T.B.26. 2100 Under orders of the Knervier. Arrenged to sail in search of the V.T.B. as about dawn [0400]. During the night, was informed that V.T.B.26 had arrived at Clacton. 5th June 0600 Sent the Mouchet to Ramegate, and proceeded to Largate. N11 Authority - French Admiralty record, Polio No.22. (1) Not mentioned in D.R.'s list of ships. 46
AMIENS French sloop (Aviso) Capitaine de corvette Monick. 1st June 2300 Sailed from Cherbourg. 2nd June 1035 Anchored off Dover. Received orders to protect transports returning from Dunkirk. 1700 Sailed. Set course for N. Goodwin and route X as far as Dunkirk west channel. 3rd June 0010 Observed the first of the returning transports, and escorted her. 0150 Opened fire on a plane. 0250 Opened fire on a plane. 0430 Found a wooden M/S from Dunkirk with 100 French troops on board. This ship, damaged in collision, had lost her way, her crew being overwhelmed and unable to pull themselves together. The Amiens put a petty officer and three men on board, and they brought the vessel to Dover. 0900 Anchored off Dover. 2000 Sailed with the same orders as before. Fog very thick; compelled to return and anchor off the N. Goodwin. 4th June 0450 Sailed, to escort the transports from Dunkirk which had anchored in the vicinity of the Amiens. 1850 Ordered to proceed under orders of the dr. Epervier, and in company with the sl. Amiral Mouchez, to find and take in tow the French motor boat V.T.B.26. 2100 Under orders of the Epervier. Arranged to sail in search of the V.T.B. at about dawn [0400]. During the night, was informed that V.T.B.26 had arrived at Clacton. 5th June 0600 Sent the Mouchet to Ramsgate, and proceeded to Margate. Nil Authority - French Admiralty record, Folio No.22. 47
(1) BULLFINCH M.V. (G.S.N.Co.Ltd.) 28th May 2230 Left Small Downs for La Panne the M/V's Beal and Yewdale in company. 29th May 0450ca Arrived off the beaches. Ordered to beach the ship. 0545ca Ship aground fore and aft, owing to kedge anchor not holding. Embarked troops. 1815 Ship refloated and proceeded with 1500 troops on board. Air attack when passing Dunkirk. Damage by concussion to steering gear, which was repaired; after which ship again proceeded. - Air attacks; two aircraft claimed shot down. (2) (Afterwards found that both compasses had been put out of action by concussion from bombs). 30th May 1100 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 600 troops. (3) Total 600 Authority - - P.L.A. Monthly. (1) 433 tons. Noramlly engaged by the G.S.N.Co. in the North France trade. (2) (3) Not Estimated. mentioned D.R. in D.R. states that Bullfinch, troops. Silver Dawn and Forsa disembarked together 913 134
EYSTANDER E/S Yacht (1st M/R flotilla) s/Lt. H.J.B. Barge, R.N.V.R. 29th May 1615 Left Ramsgate with 4 drifters of the lst M/R flotilla, viz: the Fidget, 2300 Fisher Boy, Jacketa and Silver Dawn. Entered Dunkirk harbour. Lt. L? N.R. Armitage R.N.V.R. who was temporarily in command of the lst M/R.F. (1) came on board. 2330ca Recd. signal that the A.B/V King Orry was in danger of foundering. Her C.O., however, stated that he did not propose to abandon her. 30th May 0030ca The Bystander went alongside the pier and embarked, in all, 74 troops, about 30 of whom were French. Mean- while the King Orry had left her berth and was leaving the harbour. 0130 The Bystander was a cable astern of the King Orry when she foundered. The Bystander lowered her boat and manned it with seaman-cook J. Elton and seaman L. Scott. Largely due to the former's efforts, 25 officers and men were rescued. The Bystander sailed. 0830 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 74 troops and 25 of rescued crew. 1715 Sailed for Dunkirk in company with the 1st M/R.F. 1840 Engine broke down. The Bystander returned to Ramsgate. Total 74 Authority - R.O.II, p.158. R.O.III p.332. The following awards were made: C.G.M. Seaman Cook J.H.H. Elton. (1) Cubison, D.S.C., R.N. commanded report. the 1st M/R.F. (2) Lt. D.R. Cdr. - but A.J. not mentioned in Ramsgate
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
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
DORRIEN ROSE Richard Hughes & Co. Capt. W. Thompson, Master P/V (Liverpool) Ltd. 26th May - Loaded with army stores at anchor in the Downs. 27th May 1430 Left the Downs for Dunkirk. 28th May 0100 Proceeding through Zuydecote Pass. Three vessels (see Canterbury) passing outwards signalled, "Unsafe to approach Dunkirk" - so reversed course and proceeded outwards towards West Hinder buoy. 0300 As dawn was breaking, set course for Middel Kirke buoy en route for Dunkirk. 0420 Air attack. 0430 P/V Queen of the Channel seen to be sinking. Proceeded to her assistance. 0505 Commenced to transfer troops under the direction of Cdr. M.L. Musson, R.N.R. 0525 Troops and crew transferred. Proceeded. Escorted part of the way by the dr. Greyhound. 1245(2) Dover. Disembarked 904 troops. 29th May 1340ca To Dunkirk. 1610 Struck a submerged wreck. 1620 Anchored off Elbow buoy. Repairs to pump. 1830 Proceeded towards Dunkirk. 30th May 0400 1 mile west of Middel Kirke buoy was fired on by two enemy motor craft. 0650 Made fast to East Mole, Dunkirk. Landed some food stuffs. Embarked 590 troops. 1220 Proceeded. 2045 Folkestone. Disembarked 590 troops. (1) Boilers leaking. lst June To Newhaven for repairs. Total 1,494. Authority - R.O. III, 19-27. TM. 6213/40. (1) Not mentioned in D.R. he (2) Capt. gives Thompson his time wrote of arrival 2 reports. as 1420; In one other of them times too appear to be very approximate. 249
FISHER BOY Drifter (1st M/R Flotilla) Ty. Skpr. G.W. Brown, R.N.R. (1) - 28th May Lt. Cdr. A.J. Cubison, D.S.C., R.N. commanding the 1st M/R.F., sailed Fidget, Jacketa, Lord Cavan, and with its five drifters, the Fisher Boy 2200 Silver Dawn from Ramsgate for Dunkirk. The flotilla arrived off the beaches. There is no report of the Fisher Boy's proceedings, but she disembarked troops at Ramsgate as follows: 29th May Disembarked 144 troops. (2) 30th May 0815 At Ramsgate, disembarked 200 troops. (3) 31st May 0540 At Ramsgate, disembarked 233 troops. (4) 2040 At Ramsgate, disembarked 200. (4) Total 777 Authority - R.O.III, p.332. 0210 1850 0130 (1) According to June 1940 Navy List. (2) (3) D.R. Estimated. Yewdale and Fisher Boy 150. disembarked 1090 (4) Ramagate (Ramsgate report). D.R. gives (1) The report. 0900. 317
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HEBE (N.24) lst M.S.F. Lt.Cdr. J.B. G.Temple, R.N. 28th May 1723 Arrived Dover. 1830 Ordered to raise steam and proceed to La panne, using route Y. - Experienced difficulty in finding the Whistle Buoy marking the channel off Braye-Dunes. Having eventually 29th May 0110 found the buoy, the Hebe anchored off La panne. [on passing the Whistle Buoy, a heavy explosion occurred about 1/4 mile to the eastward Using ship's boats, embarked troops 0350 until dawn, by which time about 100 troops had been embarked, 'including a number of stretcher cases. Hebe then proceeded. 1010 Arrived Dover. Disembarked 550 troops. (1) 1410 Proceeded for La Panne by route Y. 1840 off Whistle Buoy. Heavy dive bombing raid in progress. Hebe attacked by 1900 3 Heinkels. After the attack, picked up a wounded R.A.F. officer, and proceeded into Dunkirk harbour, where Capt. E.W. Bush, D.S.C., R.N. who had been acting as S.N.O. (afloat), was embarked. (2) 2115 Embarked survivors from a troop ship [the Crested Eagle, a wooden ship which had caught fire] which had been sunk in the raid at 1900. There were several severe casualties suffering from burns. (See M.T.B.68) 2230 Arrived at La Panne, under the orders of Capt. Bush. 30th May 0045 Received a signal from the dr. Esk to send a boat for the R.A. Dover [Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker O.B.E.] and staff. 0100 R.A. Dover and staff embarked in Hebe( [Capt. Bush then made a general situation report to R.A. Dover, who had been appointed S.N.O. (afloat) - Troops embarked from boats between La Panne and Bray. 1000 Proceeded alongside at Dunkirk and filled to capacity. [The R.A. Dover landed, to see the S.N.O. Dunkirk (Capt. W.G. Tennant, M.V.O., R.N.), but he was away on a visit to Lord Gort at La Panne]. The Hebe left Dunkirk under the orders of R.A. Dover. 1530 off Bray, the R.A. Dover and his staff transferred to the dr. Windsor( 4) (1) D.R. This 1a considered excessive and is probably a miscript for 150. (2) D.R. states that Captain Bush was sent to Hebe as "S.N.O. afloat off the beaches". (3) R.A. Dover gives the time as 0200. Generally speaking, Hebe's times differ from those of R.A. Dover by about 45 minutes. R.A. Dover states, however, that much of his report had to be completed from memory. (4) The Hebe's report incorrectly states that R.A. Dover transferred to the dr. Keith at 1515.
HIS MAJESTY M/V (Owner, J. Mears Ltd.) Cdr.E.C. Coats R.N. 29th May June 2010 Routed to the east of Dunkirk, proceeded to Sheerness for supplies. No report of her activities while at Dunkirk. and the Edvard Bissons 2117 M.A/S.B.I joined the convoy off the B. Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland VOS unable to maintain the 7: knots Authority - Sheerness D.Y.1/01. convoy and soon lost sight of Hearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) stowing a very long line of boats" crossed Hollands bown and further delayed har. 3rd June 0315ca Asked M.A/8.B.7 to lead Holland into Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long line of destroyers came out" or Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there une 0 gap of over 6. mile and then a large and feet transport." (note: The following dentroyors left Dunkirk for Dover at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher (0230), Shitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248), Codrington (0250), Express (0250). The following transporta left Dunkirk at the times stated in brackets: Newhaven 1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines (0245) Tynwald 2,375 tone, 4 stem turbines 0500) Rouen 1,882 total, 3 steam turbines was in Dunkirk in the early hours of 3rd June (see Thomas Kirk Wright, P+240)) Cote d'Argent [3,047 tone, 4 steam turbines) (landed troops at Doyer on 3rd June)] L.A/3.B.7 led Holland through the ⑈ lesween the destroyer line and the Pote Anceue accession a ransport. When the transport and oubles away, and steaming very 'nst with the first streaks or dawn ehind her, the danger of collision us abordage 92 affarant scase apparent, and Holland sounded ne blast end put the wheel hard to daws Bizafforth du tarboard, The transport, says 3- Car. Qoats, Thas then only to e/o Newhaven du Rown to starboard 10 pass well clear.... owever she appeared to alter to ort". Blue strock Holland hard on et de Pa cote of Arguit be bridge and Just before the boiler DOB bulkhead. The transport *did at appear to suotain much damage, un Rousn n'a pas apparences as scked out and carried on". As alland had no buayancy In hand, her Druckergue cath nuit la intain ordered Fabandon ship" a stant reste s'chous a burst IV accounts bofore who wes struck. de Pa. fater of Emberquetage Tax milian de for forencise the 3 ferries Foremost G7- Note by Odr. Cras of French Historical Dept. 36 37
HOLLAND Blockship Lt.Cdr.E.C. Coats R.N. 2nd June 2010 Weighed and sailed from the Downs to Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious leading, and towing M.T.B.107; the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen. 2117 M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8. Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland was unable to maintain the 7½ knots of the convoy and soon lost sight of it. Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing a very long line of boats" crossed Hollands bows and further delayed her. 3rd June 0315ca Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long line of destroyers came out" of Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was a gap of over a mile and then a large and fast transport." [Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher (0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248) Codrington (0250), Express (0250). The following transports left Dunkirk at the times stated in brackets: Newhaven 1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines (0245) Tynwald 2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines 0300) Rouen 1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines was in Dunkirk in the early hours of 3rd June (see Thomas Kirk Wright, p.240)) Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed troops at Dover on 3rd June)] I.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap etween the destroyer line and the Note Anceuse allution a ransport. When the transport was cables away, and steaming very 'ast with the first streaks of dawn ehind her, the danger of collision my abordage n'afparait ecame apparent, and Holland sounded ne blast and put the wheel hard to daws Bizafforth du tarboard. The transport, says t. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c Newhaven / du Rown to starboard to pass well clear.... owever she appeared to alter to ort". She struck Holland hard on et de Pa cote d Argent he bridge and just before the boiler Dom bulkhead. The transport "did ot appear to sustain much damage, be Rouen n'a pas appareises' de acked out and carried on". As olland had no buoyancy in hand, her Dewkergue cette nuit la aptain ordered "abandon ship" a etant zaste' ichour a P 'oceast W seconds before she was struck. de Pa fatee' d' Embacquat age feesgee are miliere de Pa fournea due 3 freen Foremost 87. Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept. 37
HOLLAND Blockship Lt.Car.E.C. Coats R.N. 2nd June 2010 Weighed and sailed from the Downs to Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious leading, and towing M.T.B.107; the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen. 2117 M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8. Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland was unable to maintain the 7½ knots of the convoy and soon lost sight of it. Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing a very long line of boats" crossed Hollands bows and further delayed her. 3rd June 0315ca Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long line of destroyers came out" of Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was a gap of over a mile and then a large and fast transport." [Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher (0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248), Codrington (0250), Express (0250). The following transports left Dunkirk at the times stated in brackets: Newhaven 1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines (0245) Tynwald 2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines 0300) Rouen 1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines was in Dunkirk in the early hours of 3rd June (see Thomas Kirk Wright, p.240)) Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed troops at Dover on 3rd June)] M.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap between the destroyer line and the transport. When the transport was 6 cables away, and steaming very fast with the first streaks of dawn behind her, the danger of collision became apparent, and Holland sounded one blast and put the wheel hard to starboard. The transport, says Lt. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c 5° to starboard to pass well clear....: However she appeared to alter to port". She struck Holland hard on the bridge and just before the boiler room bulkhead. The transport "did not appear to sustain much damage, backed out and carried on". As Holland had no buoyancy in hand, her captain ordered "abandon ship" a few seconds before she was struck. (1) Either Sun X, Sunk XI or Foremost 87. 37A
LEOPOLD ANNA (H.76) Belgian trawler Maitre de Manoeuvre (M.F.V. R. Terrier, Skipper. [The times in this account are from the Z.50's and St. Pierre IV's reports. M. Terrier gave none] 29th May Took command of H. 76 at Havre. 30th May 0400ca Sailed a convoy (commanded by Dover. Officer des equipages Vigne) for 2000ca Arrived Dover. 31st May 1600ca Sailed for Dunkirk in a convoy of about 30 ships;( (1) the H.76 leading the left hand column of ships. 1st June 0300ca Entered Dunkirk harbour. Embarked 120 engineers, although orders had been given not to embark more than 100 per trawler. 0530 Sailed with 12 ships - not in formation, so as not to attract the attention of bombers. H.76 took the lead, the convoy commander having been delayed; her skipper had no charts, no compass, and no precise information of the swept channels to England. 1800ca The convoy arrived at Dover with about 800/900 troops. (2) [Six other ships of the original convoy landed 350 troops at Ramsgate (see Z.50) - Received orders to proceed to Ramsgate. - The convoy arrived at Ramsgate and disembarked troops. Ramsgate report is not sufficiently accurate to enable details to be given]. 2100ca Sailed in a convoy of 12 ships [see z.50] for Dunkirk. 2nd June - Arrived off Dunkirk beach [1.e. Malo] 0100ca The H.76 grounded on a sand bank. Unable to get off on the falling tide, M. Terrier boarded the convoy leader's ship. 0400 At dawn he re-embarked in the H.76 and after an hour's effort, assisted by another trawler, he got his ship afloat. The other trawler not wishing to enter the harbour, the H.76 entered alone, and embarked about 80 English troops including "a commodore and a young Lieutenant". 0900ca H.76 then sailed, after having seen that there were no more troops. (1) According to there were 17 ships in the convoy, (2) Dover and Report their registered mentions Z.50, a numbers number are of small given. vessels by name, such as the Gaston River (120 troops), "Chalutier" [French = trawler] (100 troops), the Chasseur Marie (117 troops), the Onders Ons (95 troops), the Reine de Flots (62 troops), and the Patrie (157 troops), but there is no information to show that these were the names of Terrier's ships. 165
LORD BARHAM DM M/S drifter Plotilla J.R. Muggridge, R.H.H. 28th May See under Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. Watchful) nkirk in company with the other 4 drifters of the let M/R.F., viz: the Fisher DOX. Pidget, Jacketa and Gilver Dawn. 2200 (See Pisher Doy). Arrived Dynkirk. 29th May The B.M.O. Dunkirk (Capt. W. Tennent, R.N.), flow his flag in the Lord Cavan which was being used de a depot ship. 1st June 1330ca The Lord Cavan picked up survivors of the O/B Mogguito,and took them into Dunkirk. 2200ca Embarked a General officer and his staff at Dunkirk Pier to trunsfer them to a destroyer. when shoving off from the pier, a shell hit the Lord Cavon on the port side, on the water line, and passing out through the starbourd side, burst on the pier. The ship flooded and Bank in 3 minutes. Cdr. A.J. Cubison, D.S.C., R.H.,. Senior Officer of the group of drifters, WAB on board at the time. N11 Authority - R.O.III, pp=332, 446. R.O. Case 6256 The following agards were made: D.B.C. Ty, skipper J.H. Moggridge, R.N.R. 184
LORD CAVAN Drifter (let M/R Flotilla Ty. Skpr. J.H. Muggridge, R.N.R. 28th May - Sailed from Ramsgate for Dunkirk in company with the other 4 drifters of the 1st M/R.F., viz: the Fisher Boy, Fidget, Jacketa and Silver Dawn. 2200 (See Fisher Boy). Arrived Dunkirk. 29th May The S.N.O. Dunkirk (Capt. W. Tennant, R.N.), flew his flag in the Lord Cavan which was being used as a depot ship. 1st June 1330ca The Lord Cavan picked up survivors of the G/B Mosquito, and took them into Dunkirk. 2200ca Embarked a General officer und his staff at Dunkirk Pier to transfer them to a destroyer. When shoving off from the pier, a shell hit the Lord Cavan on the port side, on the water line, and passing out through the starboard side, burst on the pier. The ship flooded and sank in 3 minutes. Cdr. A.J. Cubison, D. S.C., R.N., Senior Officer of the group of drifters, was on board at the time. Nil Authority - R.O.III, pp.332, 446. R.O. Case 6256. The following awards were made: D.S.C. Ty. Skipper J.H. Muggridge, R.N.R. 185
NIGER (N.73) 4th M.S.F. Cdr. St. J. Cronyn, R.N. S.O., 4th M.S.F. 30th May 2145 On passage to N. Goodwin L.V. in company with the M/S Dundalk, received signal to carry out ferry Panne. service between Sheerness and La 31st May 0700 Anchored 5 cables off La Panne. Sent in both whalers and the M/B. Considerable surf running. There was no one 1n charge ashore, and as soon as the boats arrived in they were seized by soldiers. One was swamped, the other overloaded and capsized. Embarked troops from yachts. 1045 Sailed with over 200 troops for Dover (being less distance than to Sheerness). Lieut. R.P. Hichens, R.N.V.R. was left behind. He moored 2 yachts as pontoons, secured grass lines to the pier of lorries and organised the boats "pulley-hauly" on these lines, thereby increasing the rate of embarkation and avoiding the risk of capsizing boats. 1445 Arrived Dover. Disembarked 205 troops. 1715 Sailed for Dunkirk. 2240 Anchored off Braye-Dunes. 2315 A boat under oars came off with some 30 soldiers under the command of S/Lt. R.H. Bygott, R.N.; the boat had been towed by the tug Tanga. S/Lt. Bygott reported that there were 150 troops abreast the ship. Niger's boats were sent in, but finding no troops, returned empty. 2350 A S/Lt. R.N.V.R. (name unknown) (1) from the tug Sun VIII swam off from the beach and reported that his motor boat and a ship's boat were aground with some 60 soldiers, that he had got 30 off in another boat, and that about 50 more were waiting. Niger sent her boats in again, to tow the boats off and fill up; by the time they got in, the boats had got off and left, and the troops had gone. 1st June 0100 A large shore boat 1/c of Lt. Cdr. Craig came alongside with 40 and Towel. At this time, the Niger's soldiers, including Brigadiers Robb boats returned with troops and continued to bring them off regularly As dawn came, large numbers of Niger's troops but slowly. 0330 were floats were pressed seen on the beach and into carley Lifebelts were also sent and in service. some soldiers put these on low and off. It was now nearly swam Bray had been shelled from Nieuport water. continuously throughout the night. (1) The speaks of a Lieut. Navy Puckley; List. there was Sun no VIII's officer report of this name in the 343
W.D./M.L. E.L. Yealland, Mate. PIGEON S/Lt. G.A. Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N. 1900 Arrived Ramsgate from Grimsby. 31st May - Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk. 1st June - Brought back "17 very badly wounded men". (1) - S/Lt. Gabbett-Mulhallen (ex Vernon I) 2nd June took command and sailed for Dunkirk. He was accompanied by S/Lt. C.A. Canham R.N. - Arrived Dunkirk and ferried troops from the piers to waiting ships between midnight and dawn. 0430ca Proceeded. 3rd June 0700 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 20 French troops. (1) [s/Lt. Gabbett-Mulhallen says: "The Pigeon carried approx. 25 troops. Between midnight and dawn each night I made on an average 20 trips [ferrying] arriving at Ramsgate usually at 7.30 a.m. on the last lap with the Pigeon full of troops. I continued this every night until Monday [3rd June] when having ferried all night ..... I waited alongside the pier for Cdr. Troup (2) - Sailed for Dunkirk. Arrived Dunkirk and ferried troops. - 4th June 0305ca Came alongside the pier where Cdr. H.R. Troup R.N. was superinten- ding the embarkation of troops. Embarked Cdr. Troup and a French general and his staff. Cdr. Troup says: "About men stood to attention 4 deep 1,000 half-way along the pier, the and General about staff about 30 feet away; and his faced the troops, whose faces the were them showing up their heels, after indiscernable having in the dawn light, steel helmets, saluted and the then turned about and came down flames behind officers clicked their to the boat with me....." 0320 0645 Arrived Proceeded. Ramsgate. Disembarked the French general and his staff. (3) Total 60 (ca) (2) Not s/Ltentioned in Ramsgate only report made of or 2 D.R. 2nd/3rd trips to June Dunkirk and 3rd/4th in 3) Ramsgate the nights Pigeon and a "Motor Boat" of the & Wilson Ltd Asst. between report them landed states 202 that Allied the troops. The "Returned report full 10000000 eaks". Dir. of Mil. Transport only says, 395
W.D./M.L. E.L. Yealland, Mate. PIGEON S/Lt. G.A. Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N. 1900 Arrived Ramsgate from Grimsby. 31st May - Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk. 1st June - Brought back "17 very badly wounded men". (1) - S/Lt. Gabbett-Mulhallen ( ex Vernon I) 2nd June took command and sailed for Dunkirk. He was accompanied by S/Lt. C.A. Canham R.N. Arrived Dunkirk and ferried troops from the piers to waiting ships between midnight and dawn. 0430ca Proceeded. 3rd June 0700 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 20 French troops. (1) [s/Lt. Gabbett-Mulhallen says: "The Pigeon carried approx. 25 troops. Between midnight and dawn each night I made on an average 20 trips [ferrying] arriving at Ramsgate usually at 7.30 a.m. on the last lap with the Pigeon full of troops. I continued this every night until Monday [3rd June] when having ferried all night ..... I waited alongside the pier for Cdr. Troup. "](2) - Sailed for Dunkirk. Arrived Dunkirk and ferried troops. - 4th June 0305ca Came alongside the pier where Cdr. H.R. Troup R.N. was superinten- Embarked Cdr. Troup and a French ding the embarkation of troops. general and his staff. Cdr. Troup says: "About stood to attention 4 deep 1,000 men along the pier, the General and about half-way about 30 feet away; and his staff faced the troops, whose faces the were indiscernable behind them showing up their after having in the dawn light, steel flames officers clicked their heels, down helmets, saluted and the then turned about and came to the boat with me....." 0320 0645 Proceeded. Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked the French general and his staff. (3) Total 60 (ca) (2) Not or D.R. Dunkirk in (3) of 2 2nd/3rd trips to June and 3rd/4th viz, on the nights and a "Motor Boat" of the between Dirt them landed states 202 that Allied the Pigeon troops. The "Returned report full leaks". of Mil. Transport only says, 395
P/S PORTSDOWN(1) S/Lt. S/Lt. R.H. Church, M.V.H. Caplat, R.N.R. R.N.V.R. 1st Lieut. 1230 Left patrol Sheerness for Dunkirk. R.A.F. 1st June entire aircraft encountered along the Abeam Dunkirk breakwater. route to F.G. buoy. 2150 2205 Anchored off beach. Under shore bombardment. Embarked troops, using the ship's 2 dinghies. One of them sank later. on its 4th trip; the other 0300 In 1 1/2 hours, a large motor boat had 2nd June ferried 500 troops to the Portsdown. 0400ca Early dawn. Proceeded. 0450 1 mile west of Dunkirk breakwater, transferred about 1,000 troops from a French vessel which was aground. Transferred. 25 troops from a motor boat, which declined a tow. - Picked up Cdr. J.C. Clouston R.N., and his party (about 12 in all) from a motor driven "Naval pontoon boat". Cdr. Clouston ordered that she was to be abandoned. Obtained a course from the cr. Calcutta, - 0930ca Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 168 B.E.F., and 450 French t roops. (2) Total 618 [As Portsdown was not degaussed, she was not again used in Dynamo]. Authority - R.O.II, p.107. R.O.III, p.66. The following awards were made: 8/Lt. R.H. Church, R.N.R. Mention in Despatches Cl. H. White. W. Ramel. Ord. Sea. P.A. Kent. A.T. Burton. (1) First later, The as ship a (2) crew. Wils report. even 403
| Departmental vessels | Troopy Troops transported lifted | ||
| Tug Prima | 950 | ||
| (Liest barge W.24 | 75 1,060 | ||
| Hopper " W.26 | 1,000 400 | ||
| " W.95(1) | - 250 | ||
| Hopper | Lady Southborough | 478 | |
| steam " | " | Queen's Channel | 141 |
| " | " | Gallion's Reach | 160 |
| " | " | Foremost 101 | 70( estimated) |
| " | = | Foremost 102 900 | 300 |
| 11 | " | James 67(1) 200 | - |
| 700 | 2,684 | ||
| 700 5,450 | 20 |
| Lieut. let Division | Troops ferried to ships | Troops transported |
| (Lieut. C.C.Bone R.N.V.R.) | 950 | buoy, |
| Ankh | 1,000 | Dunkirk, |
| Bounty you | 250 | |
| Caryanda | ||
| Lahloo | 500 | 15 |
| Thele 1700 To May | Dunki 250 X | in |
| 2030 2nd Division Ship | ||
| Seriola Lady | 900 | by the |
| 2245 Billa II | 200 | |
| 0648 Ahola | 700 | 5 |
| Noneta 0355 To 0700 In | 700 | |
| the 0715 | 5,450 | 20 |
| French |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
SALAMANDER (continued) 31st May 2200 (contd. ) (contd.) Was Dunkirk, to a position off Bray. to then ordered by the M/S [i.e. No. E] buoy. avoid magnetic mines laid near No.8 anchor 1 mile to his eastward, Niger to 1st June 0015 Anchored accordingly. The beach at Bray was under enemy shrapnel fire. 0050ca Sent the ship's whaler in shore. The whaler returned with a message from General Montgomery to inform all ships that he intended moving west- ward to Dunkirk at once, as the beach was becoming untenable. The message was passed to all ships in V/S touch. The pontoon pier had been hit by shell fire; no troops were embarking so Salamander got under way and 176 closed the beach as closely as possible. 0300ca Troops began to come off in boats, and were embarked. R.A. Dover ordered all ships to embark men in boats and then to move to Dunkirk at dawn. 0600 About 450 troops had been embarked including 29 wounded and 11 stretcher cases. A bombing attack took place, but no ships were hit. 1 casualty in Salamander from m.g. fire - Salamander proceeded westward, astern of the dr. Keith and the M/S Skipjack. 0820ca Air attack on all 3 ships. Skipjack was hit and sank. Keith was hit and set on fire; she abandoned ship. Salamander closed Keith and sent away both whalers. - Whilst rescuing survivors, attacked by Ju.87 dive bombers. A salvo of 4 bombs fell about 50 feet ahead; 2 of these exploded under water abreast Salamander's bridge. The ship lifted bodily, heeled to starboard, and then settled down with a list to port. She then sank about a foot - suddenly. Believing the ship to be sinking, the S.P.'s were thrown overboard in a weighted bag. The Engineer Officer and the 1st Lieutenant reported that the ship was still seaworthy, but that she had gained a foot draught because of flooded compartments. Damage in the engine room had caused the steam pressure to fall. After about 15 minutes, steam was Air attack; a salvo of bombs astern. fell on raised for slow speed. 0915ca the port quarter, 50 yards to proceed, Salamander leaving Keith's the was survivors whalers about to and assist to take picking up to a tug the St. Abbs] standing' then them but Captain (D) 19 [Keith] asked by; on the bridge of the tug, 63
SEA FALCON M/B - (Owner W.H.Elce) L/Sea. A. Westbrook 1/c 30th May Left about Dover after dark - towed tows, 5 other boats" by a tug "with - 2 22 - Foremost boat of opposite four, broke adrift, stern swung back, hit Sea Falcon's pipe, sheete and broke her main feed P*p* - Came under/shore bombardment between Gravelines and Brays - Filled boat by grounding, and pulling in the soldiers. 31st May Continued ferrying from dawn till dusk. On last trip, rising tide and wind swamped the boat and carried it broadside on. er Crew abandoned the Sea Falcon and swam ashore. About 60 troops were carried in each trip. Authority - R.O.II, p.248. 1)) 106
| 29th May | Disrembarked 200 troops. (1) |
| 30th May 1100 | At Rempente, disembarked 200 troops.(2) |
| 31st.May 0645 | At Repaigate, disenbarked 294 troops.(3) |
| 29th May | Disembarked 200 troops. (1) | |
| 30th May | 1100 | At Ramsgate, disembarked 200 troops. (2) |
| 31st May | 0645. | At Ramsgate, disembarked 294 troops. (3) |
SKIPJACK (N.38)
6th M.S.F.
Lieut. Cdr. F.B. Proudfoot,
R.N. (Retd.)
1300
27th May
The M/S's Skipjack and Halcyon, the
destroyer Impulsive, the T.H.V.
Patricia, ing duties and a trawler for minesweep-
[viz:
L.V., for the purpose of laying the
rendezvous-ed off the N. Goodwin
light buoys U, V, and W on, and
sweeping, the new middle Route X.
This operation was carried out under
1919
orders of Skipjack.
The operation being completed, the
Patricia proceeded to Harwich, the
other ships to the Downs.
28th May
1545
The M/S's Sutton, Fitzroy and Salamander
sailed from Dover and
1630ca
were joined by the Skipjack and
Halcyon near S buoy. The 5 ships
proceeded in company to La Panne.
2130
Arrived off La Panne. The Skipjack
embarked troops and proceeded.
29th May
-
The Skipjack disembarked 184 troops
at Dover. (1)
30th May
-
The Skipjack, having apparently again
been over to Dunkirk, disembarked 231
troops at Dover. (2)
1556
V/ Exant/
The Skipjack, towing the ex-Belgian
canal boats Amblene and Sambre, and
in company with the Halcyon and
Salamander, left Dover for Bray.
2100
Arrived off Bray. The Skipjack
embarked troops and proceeded.
31st May
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 450 troops (1)
1800
Left Dover in company with Halcyon and
Salamander to rendezvous with other
M/S's at W buoy by 2200.
1st June
0030
The Skipjack anchored off La Panne.
She had only one small boat
(without a rudder); the ship's
boats had been left behind on the
previous trip. No boats came off
from the shore.
0330ca
At break of dawn, weighed, and
proceeding westward, managed to
secure 3 boats. Some troops were
also picked up.
Course was continued to about 1
mile east of Dunkirk, where there
was only one small skoot operating
[probably the Hilda]. Boats were
then sent in and embarkation
0530ca
The commenced. Skipjack was kept under way because
of the considerable air activity.
From this time onwards there was were
{1} D.R.
D.R. According to C.W. 29685/40, however, the Skipjack
made only three trips to Dunkirk, and was sunk on the
third trip.
146
VISCOUNT Thames M/B (J. Mears) S/Lt. D.L. Satterford, R.N. 1800 28th May Left Sheerness for Ramsgate. ordered". "Followed M/Y Prince of Wales as - Viscount's engine stopped. Repairs were effected. 2330 Having no compass, anchored until dawn. 29th May 0400 Proceeded to Ramsgate. 1000 Arrived Ramsgate. Boiler pump defective. [s/Lt. Satterford then took command of the M/B Ryegate II] There is no evidence to show that the Viscount took any part in Dynamo. Authority - TO.9436/40. R.O.II, p.571. 283
WHITSHED (D.77) 19th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. E.R. Conder, R.N. 1730 1st June 2240 Arrived Dover from Spithead. Sailed for Dunkirk. 0130 2nd June Berthed side of at the outer berth on the west Dunkirk east pier. After The pier was devoid of troops. side craft(1) from the beach on the other using a loud hailer army landing A les-Bains] brought troops to the ship. of the pier [presumably Malo- few other troops were collected 0300 after a search along the pier. Slipped as dawn was breaking and proceeded to Dover. 0530 Arrived Dover. Disembarked 512 troops. 2135 Proceeded to Dunkirk. Just past W. buoy an aircraftsman survivor [A.C.1. B. Kernohan] from Cdr. J.C. Clouston's R.A.F. launch [Seaplane tender 243] was picked up. 3rd June 0030 Arrived Dunkirk. No berth available in harbour; lay-to outside. Ordered by R.A. Dover to use the loud hailer and stop other ships entering. Embarked about 80 troops and 10 civilians from small craft. 0245 Sailed for Dover. 0315ca At No.5 W buoy, the blockship Holland was observed apparently splitting in half and sinking. Survivors were being taken off by M.A/S.B.No.7.(2) 0530 Arrived Dover. Disembarked 82 troops. 1900 Having embarked Cdr. H.J. Buchanan, R.A.N., and a pier party, sailed for Dunkirk. 2215 Arrived Dunkirk harbour. Conditions difficult. Put part of the pier party into "the M.T.B. that had R.A. Dover on board" [i.e. M.T.B.102]. Got the Whitshed's bows alongside a transport the Autocarrier and her stern alongside the dr. Sabre and embarked about 200 troops. -4th June 0025 The Sabre left harbour and the transport left at about the same time. The Whitshed then went alongside and embarked a further 400/500 troops. 0245 Arrived Dover. Disembarked 444 Sailed for Dover. 0530 troops. (3) Total 1,038 Authority - R.O.I., p.175. & It is not craft these were. this shipped Cdr. Condor known says which this was the M.T.B.102; (3) D.R. however at Dover at that time. 317
YEWDALE( 1) Shipping Ltd. John Stewart & Co. 0400 Captain E. Jones. 27th May 0640 Sailed Twequacity ine Downs with the M/V 0700 Picked Shelled hit Shelling original Zagged amidships. by to shore batteriater increased. The Sequacity resumed Zig- 0820 Calais) up 5 men on a raft (from Downs German channel. for hands. when They north Decided stated of Dunkirk Dunkirk to return was to in and which destroyed the rafts by aircraft, information. Gunned 1010 a life boat. The her Sequacity crew. began to sink. Embarked 1020ca The Sequacity "sank in position 52° 1230 04' 20" N., 1° 38' 36" E. approx. Arrived Downs. Provisioned ship. 28th May 2230 Left Downs, the M. V's Beal and Bullfinch in company. 29th May 0430 Arrived La Panne. Anchored. Later, moved down channel. Picked up 2 boats with 10 soldiers in them. Sent in ships boats for troops. Assisted by several M/L's. 1230 500 troops on board. 1430 About 1000 troops on board - ship filled to capačity. 1435 Closed a destroyer for advice. 1600 Air attack. Proceeded in company with the destroyer and Beal. 1650/ Air attacks. 5 killed, 78 wounded. 1800 Six soldiers jumped overboard. One A/C shot down by ship's gun. Wireless and Compass smashed; steered by small field compass. 2310 One mile off Deal pier. Waited till dawn. 30th May 0600 A doctor arrived. Yewdale ordered to 0930 Disembarked Ramsgate. 940 troops at Ramsgate(2) - Proceeded to Sheerness for repairs. Total 240 890 Authority T.M. 6213/40. 8 A tramp Rate of 823 tons gross. Not mentioned in D.R. report. 251
Source: The National Archives, Kew, RED LIST INDEX 1939 40. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
3 2 WESTERN APPROACHES COMMAND WESTERN APPROACHES COMMAND-continued. (CARDIFF AREA.) (PLYMOUTH AREA.) PLYMOUTH-continued. SWANSEA. PLYMOUTH. Harbour Defence Patrol Craft. SWANSEA-continued. Base Ship-Defiance. [11] Black Arrow Plymouth. Base Ship-Lucifer. M/S Trawlers-contd. 20th A/S Group (Trawlers). [11] Boyne Water [15] Alexander Scott Swansea. [21] Lord Stanhope f.o. Irvine. x/s D [11] Carraig D - - AD [24] Courtier X/L D f.o. London. [21] Lord Snowden AD Plymouth. [11] Dahinda II [24] Damito X/L D Swansea. [21] Lord Stamp A D [11] Duenna - - Plymouth. [24] Erimo X/L D [21] Lord Stonehaven f.o. London. AD [11] Harpada - - [15] Harry Melling Swansea. x/s D [11] Siren - f.o. Southampton. [24] Joseph Button Swansea. 37th AS Group (Trawlers). x/s D [11] Susannah Jane Plymouth. 17th A/S Group (Trawlers). [24] Lephreto X/L D Swansea. [33] British Guiana AD [24] Lord Wakefield A [83] British Honduras Plymouth Boom Defence Vessel. [15] Red Gauntlet Swansea. (S.O.) AD [14] Dunnet x/s D - Plymouth. [24] Bedfordshire A [24] Cambridgeshire A Swansea. MS Trawlers. FALMOUTH. [24] Kirkella A Group 52. Base ship-Forte. [24] Warwick Deeping [11] Dorinda XD Plymouth. 83rd A/S Group (Yachts). A [11] Brecon Castle [14] P Maid Marion AD Falmouth. Falmouth. M/S Drifters. X/SD [11] Radnor Castle [14] P Viva II A Plymouth. f.o. Liverpool. Date uncertain. [24] Alcor x/m - - X/S D [11] Ragian Castle XD Plymouth. M/S Trawlers. [24] Kathleen x/M - Swansea. Group 53. [24] One Accord X/M [11] Hatana X - Swansea. M/S Trawler (Ungrouped). [24] Paramount x/M [11] Green Howard X Defective winch. Plymouth. D Eden X Plymouth. Scrapping 86th A/S Group (Yachts). Deferred. M/S Drifters. [24] C Anna Marie C Swansea. 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla. [20] Fisher Boy [24] D Rhodora A - Swansea. M/S Drifters. [20] Fidget Grimsby. [11] Glen Heather X/M - [3] D Hiniesta A Falmouth f.o. Grimsby. Date uncertain. [11] Merbreeze X/M (Paid off.) Falmouth [18] Jacketa [24] D Oracle A - f.o. Southampton. Completes [11] Salpa Plymouth. end April. Harbour Defence Patrol Craft. [20] Lord Cavan - Falmouth. [24] Hanyards - [20] Silver Dawn Swansea. [24] Rose Marie Small Dan-laying Trawler. [II] Elk Swansea. [43] Bystander Echo Sounding Yacht (attached 1st M.R.F.). Grimsby. [14] Comet A Special Service Trawlers. [43] Albany Harbour Defence Patrol Craft. Plymouth. Falmouth. Manor A D. Plymouth. Ecila f.o. Falmouth. M/S Trawlers. Nirvana f.o. Southampton. [24] Akita X D/F Calibration Yacht. BARRY. [14] Ceto Contraband Control Service. [24] Muroto X , [20] D Sappho A D Base Guardships. Swansea. 87th A/S Group (Yachts). [24] Stour X Falmouth. - [43] C Migrante A f.o. Southampton. Date un- Magnetic Ships. D Kiloran AD [24] Tranio X certain. Falmouth. - Andelle [24] D Zaza A D Swansea. Corburn [36] Marauder Rescue Tugs. (C37441) 2 [20] Salvonia Milford. - - Falmouth.
| [18] Silver Dawn x/M- |
| [1] Northern Dawn AD |
| Ship. | Fitting Out at. | |
| [25] Boy Roy - | ||
| [25] Eileen Emma - | ||
| [25] Forecast - | ||
| [25] Gervais Rentoul | ||
| [25] Girl Gladys- - | ||
| [25] Girl Pamela - | ||
| [25] Golden Gift | ||
| - [25] Torbay II D | ||
| - [25] Lord Howard | ||
| - [25] Lord Howe | Dover. | |
| - [25] Midas - | ||
| - [25] Netsukis | ||
| - [25] Paxton - | ||
| - [25] Reverberation | ||
| - [25] Shipmates D | ||
| - [25] The Boys | ||
| - [25] Golden Sunbeam | ||
| [25] Ut. Prosim | ||
| - [25] Yorkshire Lass | Grimsby. Completed. | |
| [25] Young Mon | Dover. |
| Northern Dawn A D | - |
| Page | |
| Philippe | 14B |
| Phineas Beard | 24 |
| Phrontes | 5 |
| Phyllis Rose | 12 |
| Phyllisia | 20 |
| Pict | 32 |
| Picton Castle | 24 |
| Pine | 22 |
| Pintail | 31 |
| Plantagenet | 29 |
| Playmates | 11 |
| Plinlimon | 21 |
| Plumer | 12A |
| Poinavon | 9 |
| Pointer | 2 |
| Pointz Castle | 24 |
| Polar V | 35 |
| Polar VI | 35 |
| Popinjay | 22 |
| Powis Castle | 27 |
| Preston North End | 25 |
| Prince Leo | 36B |
| Princess Elizabeth | 10 |
| Princess Mary | 15 |
| Princessa | 9 |
| Principal | 27 |
| Proserpine | 28 |
| Prospect Ahead | 29 |
| Providence | 11 |
| Provider | 17 |
| Ptarmigan | 9A |
| Puffin | 31 |
| Punnet | 18 |
| Pyramus | 30 |
| Pyrope | 12A |
| Q. | |
| Queen Empress | 13 |
| Queen of Kent | 21 |
| Queen of Thanet | 21 |
| Queen of the Fleet | 11 |
| Queen of the South I | 12 |
| Queen of the South II | 12 |
| Queen Worth | 9 |
| Quest | 6 |
| Quiet Waters | 28 |
| R. | |
| Racer | 7 |
| Rachael Flett | 26 |
| Radiant | 36c |
| Radnor Castle | 2 |
| Raetia | 5 |
| Rambler Rose | 30 |
| Ratapiko | 35 |
| Raymont | 35 |
| Reaper | 7 |
| Reboundo | S |
| Rebuff | 29 |
| Receptive | 12 |
| Recoil | 36c |
| Recono | 16 |
| Red Gauntlet | 13 |
| Red Sky | 17 |
| Reed | 14A |
| Refraction | 8 |
| Refundo | 14 |
| Regal | 28 |
| Regardo | 8 |
| Regwa | 14B |
| Reids | 14A |
| Reigate | 9 |
| Reighton Wyke | 21 |
| Relonzo | 5 |
| Remexo | 16 |
| Remillo | 17 |
| Northern Dawn A |
| Page | |
| Tranio | 13 |
| Tranquil | 19 |
| Trelawney | 27 |
| T. R. Ferrens | 9A |
| Trevo Terceiro | 36 |
| Tritonia | 29 |
| Triumph | 12 |
| Trojan | 2 |
| Trophy | 36B |
| Troubadour | 36 |
| Troup Ahead | 19 |
| True Accord | 14A |
| Tumby | 17 |
| Tunisian | 14 |
| Turcoman | 32 |
| Turquoise | 13 |
| Tuscarora | 19 |
| Tweenways | 35A |
| Twente | 9 |
| Twinkling Star | 20 |
| U. | |
| Uberty | 14 |
| Uberus | 19 |
| Ugie Bray | 24 |
| Uiver | 36A |
| Ullswater | 9A |
| Umbriel | 14A |
| Unicity | 35A |
| Unicorn II | 22 |
| Unitia | 7 |
| Utilise | 27 |
| Ut. Prosim | 10 |
| V. | |
| Vadne | 9 |
| Valena | 9A |
| Valesca | 35A |
| Vandyck | 30 |
| Varanga | 29 |
| Varanis | 35A |
| Vascama | 21 |
| Velia | 14 |
| Velmont | 35A |
| Ventsyssel | 18 |
| Venture | 22 |
| Vernal | 14A |
| Vernon II | 8 |
| Vesterland | 26 |
| Victor | 3 |
| Rotterdam - - | ||
| Amsterdam - - | ||
| Maria R. Ommering - | ||
| Carolina - - - | Falmouth, for Liverpool as convenient. | |
| Genberdina Johanna - | ||
| En Avant - - | ||
| Bloemendaal - - | ||
| Viking Bank - - | ||
| Dirkje - - - | ||
| Libra - - - | Liverpool to complete. | |
| Ewald - - - | ||
| [35] Paynter AD (S.O.) | Larne. (Damaged). | |
| [35] Victrix A D - | Liverpool. | |
| [35] British Guiana AD | ||
| [35] British Honduras AD | Belfast. | |
| [35] | Etruria - - | |
| [35] | Night Hawk - | |
| [35] | Lorraine - - | Belfast. |
| [35] | Loch Park - | |
| [35] | Scarron - - |
42 43 Page Page Page 37 M/S Groups-contd Page 37 Mary White 46 Ocean Gain Page 6 23 M.A.S.B. 1, 4 & 5 30 Ocean Guide Polly Johnston Page Lord Gainford 13 9 49 23 Popinjay 11 Rime 19 Lord Grey 2 M.A.S.B. 6 & 7 29 50-51 9 Ocean Lifebuoy 5 Powis Castle 22 Rinovia 23 Masona 23 52-53 11 Ocean Lux 16 Ocean Retriever Preston North End 27 Rion Lord Hailsham 8 15 26 Lord Hood Master John 28 54 2 36 Prince Leo River Annam 22 32 10 7 23 Ocean Scout 36A 36B Lord Hotham Mayflower Ocean Spray Princess Elizabeth River Clyde 55 13 Lord Howard 10 May II 10 24 23 10 Princess Mary River Spey 5 60 Lord Howe Medway Queen 18 20 Ocean Sunlight M/S Training Flotilla 9 15 Princessa River Ytham 36A 15 Lord Inchcape 16 20 Ocean Swell 8 27 Riviere Principal 36B Melora 27 Muria Ocean Toiler 27 Lord Irwin 36 Robert Hastie 11 Mentor 3 14 Myris Proserpine 5 Ocean Treasure 28 Robert Stroud 36 26 Lord Keith 25 Merbreeze 19 12 Lord Lloyd Myrtle Prospect Ahead Ocean View 29 Robin Hood Mercury 2 28 13 14 12A Providence Ocean Vim 6 Robina 7 Lord Melchet 19 Mewslade 5 Ptarmigan 16 Ode 9 Rochebonne 2 Lord Middleton 12 Puffin 36B M. H. Stephens N. 5 31 Rodino Lord Northcliffe Ohm 16 Michael Griffiths 26 Nab Wyke Punnet 19 18 Lord Nuffield 10 Okino Rogate 9 27 25 Midas 37 Nairnside Pyramus 30 Lord Plender 21 Oku Roger Beck 3 3 24 11 Migrante Lord Rodney Nancy Hague Pyrope 12A Milford Duchess 37 Olivae Romany Rose 23 8 14 2 Naneta Rona 18 Lord Snowden 20 Olive Tree Milford Duke 8 28 Ronso Lord St. Vincent 11 Nautilus 16 2 Milford Earl 26 11 Olvina 9 Rooke 20 Lord Stamp 11 Navicula Milford King 8 Olympia 35 2 Q. Rosa 22 Lord Stanhope 12A Negro 16 Ombra 17 Lord Stonehaven 2 Milford Prince Milford Princess Neil Mackay 3 Queen Empress Rose 36 15 One Accord 13 28 Queen of Kent Rosebud 8 Lord Wakefield 3 Neil Smith Onetos 21 13 Roseden 20 Milford Queen 15 9 Queen of Thanet 28 30 Netsukis Oracle 21 Lorinda Lormont 11 Minna 10 3 Queen of the South I Rose Emma 12 12 New Comet 13 23 Oriole 13 Queen of the South II Rose Haugh 24 12 Lorna Doone Mine Recovery Flotillas- Newhaven N.B. 5 Orlando 18 Queen Worth Rose Hilda 15 14 8 Lowther Newland 28 36A Orvicto 35A Quest Rose Valley 30 1 11 6 Loyal Friend New Pride of Essex Osako 14 Rosel 24 Lucifer 3 2 22 11 Quiet Waters 28 New Prince of Wales I Osta 11 Rose Marie 3 Luda Lady 35 Minicoy 4 12 Our Bairns 11 Ross 10 Luda Lord 21 Minona 6 Newspray 12 28 Niger Our Kate 12 Ross Ard 27 Lunar Bow Mirabelle 3 16 Overfall 14 Rotha 15 30 Mirage Night Hawk 28 R. Lune 6 Oystermouth Castle 17 Rowan 24 Mireille 11 Night Raider 37 Racer 7 Lydd 10 Rowan Tree 29 28 Nimrod 19 Rachael Flett 26 Lydd II 30 Mist Roxano 36B Lydia Long 27 Mistletoe 22 Nirvana 2 P. Radiant 36B Royal Eagle 12A 32 9 Nobles 4 Pangbourne 10 Radnor Castle 2 Lydiard M.L. 100 Royallieu 14 Lynx 10 Moed-en-Werk 36 Nodzu 23 Paragon 24 Rambler Rose 30 Royalo 14 Paramount 3 Raymont 35 Mollusc 16 Nogi 15 Ruby 5 Noontide 28 Pathway 11 Reaper 7 Monarch Rugby 17 9 M. Norbreeze Patti 17 Reboundo 23 Runswick Bay 5 Monarda 12A 27 M.1 Paul Rykens 28 Rebuff 29 8 11 Nordland 37 Ryde 10 Mona's Isle M.2 29 Paxton 10 Norina Receptive 36 Monimia 16 37 16 S. M.3 Paynter 7 Recono 8 Moonstone 32 Norlan 29 36 Red Gauntlet 3 Sabra 35 M.A. West 11 Moorgate 12 Norna 36A Peacemaker 5 Red Sky 16 Sabreur 35 Madden 15 5 Norman Wilson 20 Pearl Madeline Moray Pecheur 27 Reed 15 Sailor King 22 13 Magnolia Morgan Jones 17 Norse 12A 29 Refraction 8 St. Abbs 9 8 29 Peggy Nutten St. Achilleus 13 Maid Marion Mount Ard 29 Northcoates Pelagos 5 Refundo 8 2 Majesta Mount Keen Northern Chief 30 24 Pellag II 9 Regal 2S St. Adrian 5 12 Northern Dawn 25 15 Regardo 13 St. Apollo 31 Majesty 22 Pelton M/S Flotillas Northern Duke 30 Ma Joie II Pembroke 12 Regwa 15 St. Cathan 25 12 Northern Foam 30 Malacolite 30 Reids 36 St. Celestin 29 35 1 29 Pentland Firth 9 St. Cyrus 17 Mallard Northern Gem 25 Perilia 16 Reigate 31 4 16 Northern Gift 30 Mangrove Peter Carey 21 Reighton Wyke 21 St. Dominica 5 24 5 10 Manor 30 28 Relonzo 11 St. Donats 16 2 6 Northern Isles Peter Hendriks 16 St. Elstan 25 Manora 10 Northern Pride 25 4 7 Peter Nell 29 Remexo 21 Remillo 35A St. Fagan 9 Man-o'-War 30 30 25 8 Northern Princess Phase 14 St. Katherine 12 Manx Prince 23 Northern Reward 30 34 Renascent 35 10 Philante 20 St. Kenan 25 Marano 10 30 35A Rennet 11 Northern Sky Philippe 23 St. Loman 25 Marauder 35 19 25 36 Renzo Marcia 3 12 Northern Spray Phyllis Rose 9 St. Magnus 26 13 Northern Sun 30 37 Resolve Phyllisia 23 St. Melante 12A Marconi 23 25 14 M/S Groups- Phineas Beard 26 Resolvo Northern Wave 14 St. Mellons 30 Mare 20 32 Resparko 14 Northlyn Pict 21 St. Modwen 9 Maretta 1 24 North Ness 17 24 Restrivo Picton Castle 7 St. Nectan 36A Margaret Hyde 11 2,3 14 31 Retako 15 12A Northward Ho Pintail 8 St. Olaves 9 Margaret Rose 4-6 9 29 Returno Marina Northwind Plantagenet 35 St. Olive 5 37 10-12 13 19 11 Revello 10 St. Sunniva 26 Marinus 9 16-20 15 Norwich City Playmates 19 21 Reverberation 18 St. Tudno 12A Marion 12 22-26 16 Notts County Plinlimon 12A Rezala 4 24 23 3 St. Wistan 17 Mariout 28,29 Nyula Plumer 8 Rhodora 5 St. Zeno 31 Marmion 35 30-32 23 Poinavon 36 Richard Croft Salamander 16 14 Marsoma 13 34 21 O. Pointer 24 Rig 23 Salpa 2 Martinet 27 37-38 22 Oak 26 Pointz Castle 35 Righto 36B Saltash 10 Mary A. Purdy 20 40-41 26 Oaklea 28 Polar V 35 Rigoletto Mary Sturgeon 29 43 26 Ocean Breeze 11 Polar VI 28 44-45 27 Ocean Brine 22 29 Ocean Eddy 37
| Page | |
| Thomas Altoft | 26 |
| Thos. Bartlett | 12A |
| Thomas Conolly | 12 |
| Thomas Leeds | 5 |
| Thomsons | 11 |
| Thornwick Bay | 21 |
| Three Kings | 14 |
| Thrifty | 9 |
| Thunderstone | 36B |
| Thuringia | 10 |
| Tiger | 17 |
| Tiger (tender) | 18 |
| Tilburyness | 12A |
| Tilly Duff | 12A |
| Titan | 14 |
| Token | 26 |
| Tokyo II | 35A |
| Topaze | 9 |
| Torbay II | 10 |
| Torch | 6 |
| Touchstone | 5 |
| Tourmaline | 25 |
| Trade Wind | 27 |
| Tranio | 3 |
| Tranquil | 36 |
| T. R. Ferrens | 9 |
| Tritonia | 29 |
| Triumph | 12 |
| Trophy | 26 |
| Troubadour | 36 |
| Troup Ahead | 19 |
| True Accord | 29 |
| Tumby | 35A |
| Tunisian | 14 |
| Turcoman | 32 |
| Turquoise | 25 |
| Tuscarora | 19 |
| Tweenways | 14 |
| Twinkling Star | 20 |
| U. | |
| Uberty | 14 |
| Uberus | 19 |
| Ugie Bray | 24 |
| Ullswater | 25 |
| Unicity | 14 |
| Unicorn II | 22 |
| Utilise | 19 |
| Ut. Prosim | 10 |
| V. | |
| Vadne | 8 9 |
| Valena | |
| 35A | |
| Page | |
| Vandyck | 30 |
| Varanga | 29 |
| Varanis | 35A |
| Vascama | 21 |
| Velia | 5 |
| Velmont | 35A |
| Venture | 22 |
| Vernal | 12A |
| Vernon II | 8 |
| Victoria | 9 |
| Victorian | 32 |
| Victory | 8 |
| Victrix | 7 |
| Vilda | 37 |
| Viola | 22 |
| Violet Flowers | 29 |
| Virginia | 5 |
| Visenda | 21 |
| Viva II | 2 |
| Viviana | 13 |
| Vizalma | 36B |
| W. | |
| Wagtail | 5 |
| Waldemar | 15 |
| Wallena | 12A |
| Walnut | 24 |
| Waltona | 15 |
| Walwyns Castle | 27 |
| Wanderer II | 4 |
| Wardour | 21 |
| War Duke | 16 |
| Warrior II | 8 |
| Warwick Deeping | 3 |
| War Wing | 2 |
| Wastwater | 25 |
| Watchful | 14, 15 |
| Waterfly | 30 |
| Watermeyer | 23 |
| Waveflower | 13 |
| Waverley | 13 |
| Wee Cumbrae | 18 |
| Welcome Home | 12A |
| Wellard | 25 |
| Wellsbach | 16 |
| Wengan | 17 10 |
| Westella | 28 |
| West Haven | 27 |
| West Neuk | 37 |
| Westlyn | |
| Westward Ho | 21 |
| [25] Elizabeth | Angela LL D | Dover. |
| [25] Clythness | X/LL D | Dover. Defects. |
| Rodino | LL D - | |
| Taipo | LL D - | |
| [3] Emilion | X/LL - | |
| [3] Kingscourt | LL/D | Dover. |
| Athenian | LL D - | |
| Ben | Glas LL D - | |
| [25] Onetos | LL/D - | |
| [25] Saturn | LL/D - | |
| M/S | Drifters. | |
| [25] Hosanna | x/s D | |
| [25] Playmates | x/s | } Dover. |
| [25] Willing | Boys x/s D | |
| Danlaying | Vessel. | |
| [25] GreyMist | (Yacht) D | Dover. |
| Yachts armed | with Lewis guns. | |
| [18] Sargasso [25] Gulzar D | D | Ramsgate. |
| [25] Conidaw | D | Dover. |
| Echo | Sounding Yacht. | |
| [25] Chico | - | Dover. |
| Queen of | Examination the Fleet I | Service. Dover. |
| [25] Falconet | Boom Defence | Vessel. Dover. |
| S/S Lady | Brassey Rescue Dover. D | Tug. |
| Harbour | Defence Patrol Craft. | |
| [45] Aisha - - | Sheerness | |
| [43] Amalfi - - | ||
| [45] Caleta - - | ||
| [45] Caterina - - | ||
| [45] Chrystobel II - | Sheerness. | |
| [43] Clorinde - - | ||
| [45] Glala - - | ||
| Majesta - - | f.o. Cowes. | |
| [45] Ma Joie II - | Sheerness. | |
| Janetha IV - | ||
| Drifters. | ||
| [45] Constant Friend | ||
| Ocean Retriever | ||
| Ocean Toiler - | ||
| Peacemaker - | Sheerness. | |
| Receptive - | ||
| Phyllis Rose | ||
| Ocean Treasure - | ||
| Auxiliary | Patrol Vessels. | |
| [32] Cachelot - | ||
| [32] Curlew - - | ||
| [32] Fedalmo - - | ||
| Chatham. | ||
| [32] Jong - | ||
| [32] Lazy Days - | ||
| [32] Snow Bunting - | ||
| Boom | Defence Tenders. | |
| Boy Scout | J. T. Hendry | |
| Carry Oh | Kiddaw | |
| Citron | Lavinia L. | |
| Comely Bank | Marinus | |
| Constant Hope | Newspray | Sheerness. |
| Elsie and Nellie | Our Kate | |
| Ex Fortis | Rose Emma | |
| George and Albert | Triumph | |
| Inverugie | Young Alfred |
| [18] Silver Dawn X/M - | Arrived Ramsgate 11 May. |
| Northern Dawn A D | - |
| Northern Dawn A D | - |
| [1] | Northern Dawn A | Norway. |
| Northern Dawn A | - |
| Kingston Ceylonite | 8 | Lilac | 24 | Lydia Long | 27 | Mewslade | 14A | 26 | 24 | Northern Dawn |
| Pointz Castle | 24 |
| Polar V | 35 |
| Polar VI | 35 |
| Popinjay | 22 |
| Powis Castle | 27 |
| Preston North End | 25 |
| President Briand | 35B |
| Prince Leo | 36B |
| Princess Elizabeth | 15 |
| Princess Mary | 15 |
| Princessa | 9 |
| Principal | 27 |
| Progress | 17 |
| Proserpine | 28 |
| Prospect Ahead | 29 |
| Providence | 11 |
| Provider | 17 |
| Ptarmigan | 9A |
| Puffin | 31 |
| Punnet | 18 |
| Pyramus | 30 |
| Pyrope | 12A |
| Q. | |
| Queen Empress | 13 |
| Queen of Kent | 21 |
| Queen of Thanet | 21 |
| Queen of the Fleet | 11 |
| Queen of the South I | 12 |
| Queen of the South II | 12 |
| Queen Worth | 9 |
| Quest | 6 |
| Quiet Waters | 28 |
| R. | |
| Racer | 7 |
| Rachael Flett | 25 |
| Radiant | 8 |
| Radnor Castle | 2 |
| Raetia | 5 |
| Rambler Rose | 30 |
| Ratapiko | 35 |
| Raymont | 35 |
| Reaper | 7 |
| Reboundo | 8 |
| Rebuff | 29 |
| Receptive | 12 |
| Recoil | 36c |
| Recono | 16 |
| Red Gauntlet | 13 |
| Red Sky | 17 |
| Reed | 14A |
| Refraction | 24 |
| Refundo | 14 |
| Regal | 28 |
| Regardo | 8 |
| Regwa | |
| Reids | 14B |
| Reigate | 14A |
| Reighton Wyke | 9 |
| Relonzo | 21 |
| Remexo | 5 |
| Remillo | 16 |
| Renascent | 17 |
| Rennet | 14A |
| Renzo | 20 |
| Resolve | 21 |
| Resolvo | 9 |
| Resparko | 12A |
| Restore | 8 |
| Restrivo | 36B |
| Retako | 5 |
| Revello | 21 |
| Reverberation | 35 |
| Rezala | 10 |
| Rhodora | 18 |
| 3 |
| 37 | Marconi | 14 | 23 | Northern Dawn | 25 |
44 Page 45 Page 5 Slogan Page 36 Sata 15 Sluga Page Rose 8 Saturn Smeaton 13 22 Sublime 23 Page Rosebud Saucy 35 Tonny 28 8 Snaefell 7 Suilven 22 Topaze 18 Wardour Roseden 12 Sawfly 30 Scalby Wyke Snap 23 Sukha 35A Torbay II 9 War Duke Rose Emma 24 19 Solitaire 10 21 Sulara 5 Rose Haugh Scawfell Torch Warland 15 7 Solomon Sulla 35A Rose Hilda Touchstone 6 30 Sceptre 14 Warrior II 9 Solon Schievan 16 Suma 15 Rose Valley Tourmaline 5 War Star 24 37 Solstice Sumba 35A Trade Wind 25 Rosel 3 Scomber 15 Warwick Deeping Rose Marie 22 Song Summer Rose 23 Tranio 27 War Wing 10 Scotch Thistle 8 18 Sonnet Sunbeam II 36A Tranquil 13 Wastwater Ross 27 Scotia II 12 Southcoates Sunflower IV 14 12 T.R. Ferrens 36 Watchful Ross Ard 31 15 Scott Southern Breeze Sunlight 15 Scottish 25 Tritonia 9 Waterfly Rotha 17A 24 Sunnyside Girl 28 29 Rowan Scourge 29 Southern Chief 36c Triumph Watermeyer 12 Superman 4 Waveflower 29 Rowan Tree Scythe 13 Southern Field 35A Trophy 36B 36B Supporter 23 Troubadour Wee Cumbrae Roxano Seabreeze 28 Southern Flower 35A 36 12A Surly 7 Welcome Home Royal Eagle Seafarer 28 36c Troup Ahead Southern Foam 19 Wellard 14 Surprise 36 True Accord Royallieu Royalo 14 Seaflower Southern Gem 35A 29 29 Susannah Jane Wellsbach 2 Tumby 36c 23 Wengan 5 Seagull 29 Southern Pride Susarion 36A Tunisian Ruby 17 Sea Holly Southern Shore 36c 14 Westella 35 Sutton 16 Turcoman Rugby 32 5 Sea King 16 36c West Haven Southern Spray Svega 35A Runswick Bay Turquoise 13 Ryde 10 Sea Lord 11 36c West Neuk Southern Star Swan II 36 Tuscarora 19 36c Westlyn 16 Southern Wave Sweet Promise 35A Ryde (Special Service) 8 Sea Mist Tweenways 14 Westward Ho 29 Southsea 36c Sea Monarch Swift Wing 15 Twinkling Star 20 Whirlpool Seaman 17 Souvenir 23 Sycamore 24 Whitethorn Secuta Spaniard 13 5 Sylph 12A Widgeon S. 32 Sedulous 36B Sylvana 21 Sparsholt 12 Selkirk 16 Spartiate Syrian 17A U. Widgeon of Fearn Sabra 35 Wigan 18 Syringa 24 Uberty 14 Wildfire Sabreur 35 Semita 8 Speedwell 10 Uberus 19 Willa Sailor King 22 Semnos 19 Speedy 29 Ugie Bray 24 William Brady St. Abbs 9 Seriola 8 Sphene 13 Ullswater 25 William Caldwell St. Achilleus 13 Servitor 14 Spina T. 36 Unicity 14 William Cale St. Adrian 5 Settsu 37 Spindrift 9 Taeping 22 Unicorn II 22 William Hannen St. Apollo 36c Sevra 35 Spinet 29 Taipo 16 Unitia 7 William Purdy St. Cathan 25 Shako 14 Spitfire III 17 Tamarisk 12A Utilise 19 Wm. Stephens St. Celestin 29 Shandwick 5 Spranza 23 Tamora 15 Ut. Prosim 10 William Wesney St. Cyrus 17 Sharpshooter 29 Sprig o' Heather 27 Taransay 15 Willing Boys St. Dominica 5 Shearwater 31 Springdale 13 Tarret 10 Wilna St. Donats 16 Sheen 28 Springtide Tartan 13 Willow St. Elstan 20 V. 25 Sheldon 4 Spurs Tea Rose 28 Windermere St. Fagan 10 9 Sheldrake 21 Tekoura 30 Vadne 8 Windward Ho St. Katherine 31 Stafnes 12 Shemara Terje I-V 36c Valena 9 Wistaria St. Kenan 9 Stalberg 37 25 Shera Teroma 24 Valesca 35A Witham St. Loman 35 Stalwart 9 25 Shika Tervani 17A Vandyck 30 Withernsea St. Magnus 35 Star of Deveron 12A 26 Shila Tessie 36A Varanga 29 Wolborough St. Melante 36 12A Star of Hope 28 Tewara 26 Varanis 35A Wolves Shiona St. Mellons 6 Star of the Realm 37 30 36 Vascama 21 Shipmates Thalia Wyoming St. Modwen 10 Star of Orkney 15 23 Velia 6 9 St. Nectan Shower Thames (Dutch Tug) 28 Star of the Wave 5 Thames Queen 23 Velmont 35A 36A St. Olaves Shusa 35 Starlight Ray 11 26 Ventsyssel 18 9 Thaw X. St. Olive Sicyon 5 29 Staunch 35A The Boys 10 Venture 22 St. Sunniva Signa 36 Stefa 35A 15 Vernal 12A Xmas Rose St. Tudno 30 The Brit Signet 21 Vernon II 8 15 12A Silanion 29 Stella Canopus Their Merit St. Wistan 36A Silja 37 Stella Capella 25 Thele 8 Victoria 9 17A Thermopylae Victorian 32 St. Zeno Silva 35 Stella Carina 22 Y. Salamander 36c 13 Victory 8 36 Stella Leonis The Provost 28 Salpa 16 Silver Cloud Victrix 7 Yarta Saltash 2 Silver Crest 2 Stella Orion 24 The Roman 35A 37 Yehonala 15 Stella Pegassi 25 The Tower 36B Vilda 10 Vine 36B Yehonala II Salvini Silver Dawn 11 Stella Polaris 19 The Way 29 Salvo (Tug) 36B 22 Yesso Silver Fox 13 Thirlmere 25 Viola Salvo 14 Silver Grey 19 Stella Rigel 29 Yezo 33 26 Violet Flowers Salvonia 35 Silver Line 4 Stella Sirius Thomas Altoft 5 York City 35A Thomas Conolly 12 Virginia 21 Yorkshire Belle Sandown 3 Silver Queen 27 Stina Thomas Leeds 13 Visenda 26 2 Yorkshire Lass Sandringham 10 Silver Seas 11 Stoke City 26 11 Viva II Thomsons 13 Young Alfred Sangarius 8,16 Silver Sky 14 Stonefly Thora 17 Viviana Sanson 3 13 36c Young Cliff Sindonis 26 Stour 21 Vizalma Saon Sir John Baker 32 8 Thornwick Bay Young Ernie 35 Strathcoe 14 Young Jacob Sapphire 10 23 Three Kings Sir John Lister 8 Sappho Strathderry Thrifty 9 W. Young Mon 13 7 3 Sarah Hyde Sir Richard Grenville Strath Devon Thunderstone 36B 5 3 Sir Sydney 2 Strathelliot 12A Tiger 17 Wagtail 15 Sarah Sarba A. Purdy 14 29 Sir Siren Walter Raleigh 14 19 Tiger (tender) 18 Waldemar Strathgarry 12A z. 19 12A Wallena Sargasso 2 Strathmaree 24 12 Sirra Sargon 2 5 Tilburyness 10 Sisapon Strath Rannock 22 Tilly Duff 12A Walnut 15 Zaza 35 Titan 14 Waltona 27 Zwartze Zee (Dutch) Sarna 21 Skidaw Strathspey 3 26 Walwyns Castle 4 333 Sarpedon 35 16 Strathugie Token Skipjack 21 14 Skirmisher 17 Tokyo II 35A Wanderer II 17 Strive 10 Student Prince 4 22 Sturton (C38230) 380 6/40
| Bedouin - | ||
| Catriona - | ||
| David - - | ||
| Derson - - | ||
| Enola - - | ||
| Haifa - - | ||
| Himroff - - | ||
| Kami no Michi - | ||
| Lucille - | ||
| Merida - - | ||
| Modmena - | ||
| Musette II - | Holyhead. | |
| Peter Pan - | ||
| Roma - - | ||
| Salene - - | ||
| Seamew I | ||
| Seilistu - I | ||
| Shadow - | ||
| Shalimine II - | ||
| Silver Cloud 1 | ||
| Skate 1 | ||
| Sky Lark 1 | ||
| West Wind I | ||
| White Astor | ||
| [35] Etruria - | ||
| [35] Night Hawk | ||
| [35] Lorraine - - | Larne. | |
| [35] Loch Park - | ||
| [35] Scarron |
| [18] Silver Dawn X/M- |
| Ship. | Fitting Out at. |
| [25] Eileen Emma - [25] Forecast - | Whitstable. |
| - [25] Gervais Rentoul - | Dover. |
| [25] Girl Gladys- . [25] Golden Gift | Whitstable. |
| - [25] Torbay II D - [25] Lord Howard - [25] Lord Howe | Dover. |
| [25] Midas - | |
| - [25] Netsukis - - | |
| [25] Reverberation - [25] Shipmates D - | |
| [25] The Boys . [25] | Dover. |
| Golden Sunbeam [25] Ut. Prosim | |
| [25] Yorkshire Lass [25] Young Mon , | Grimsby. Completed. Dover. |
| [18] P Lormont D - | Ramsgate. |
| [18] P Goodwin - | Arrived Ramsgate 7 June. |
| [18] D Holdfast - | Ramsgate. |
| Northern Dawn A D | - |
| SUNDERLAND. | HARTLEPOOL-Continued, | |
| Group 41. | ||
| D/G | Wiping Unit. | [1] Phineas Beard x |
| Ugie Bray | Hartlepool. | [1] William Cale X D |
| [1] Milford Earl X D Hartlepool. - | ||
| HARTLEPOOL. | [1] Teroma X D - | |
| Base Ship-Paragon. | M/S Trawlers. | |
| M/S Trawlers. | [29] P Syringa - - | |
| Group 1. | [29] P Cypress - - Leith. | |
| 29 Lilac X D | [29] P Cedar - - | |
| 29 D Sycamore XD | Narvik. | [29] C Holly D - - Lowestoft. |
| 29 P Hawthorn X - | ||
| 39 P Willow X D - | M/S Drifters. | |
| [29] Boy Alex X/M | ||
| Group 22. | Hartlepool. [29] Lizzie Birrel X/M | |
| 29 Stella Orion X | ||
| 29 Oku XD - | Hartlepool. | D/G Wiping Unit. |
| 29 Mount Keen X | [29] Rose Haugh - I Hartlepool. f.o. Date uncer- tain. | |
| Group 23. | ||
| 29 Ben Dearg XD | ||
| 29 Pointz Castle X 29 Picton Castle X | Hartlepool. | BLYTH. |
| 29 Walnut XD | Group 24. Hartlepool. | |
| 29 Rowan X - | Hartlepool. Repairs. Date | M/S Trawlers. |
| 29 Almond XA - | uncertain. Ardrossan. | |
| 29 Hickory XAD | Hartlepool. | |
| Acacia XA - | Group 25. | |
| [29] Ash X AD - | Ardrossan. Hartlepool. | M/S Drifters. |
| [29] Birch XD - | Hartlepool. | |
| [29] Chestnut X AD | Hartlepool. | |
| [29] Fir X AD | Group 26. | |
| [29] Mangrove XA Olive XA - | Hartlepool. | Harbour Defence Patrol Craft. [16] Essex Maid Blyth. [6] Rosel F - |
| [1] | Coventry City A (S.O.) | Aberdeen. Refit. Date un- certain. |
| [1] | Cape Portland A D | Scapa. |
| [1] | Cape Warwick AD | Lerwick. |
| [1] | Le Tiger AD - | Scapa. |
| [1] | Thirlmere AD (S.O.) | Norway. |
| [1] | Buttermere AD - | Hull. |
| [1] | Ellesmere AD - | Norway. |
| [1] | Ullswater AD - | Harstad. |
| [1] | Wastwater AD - | Norway. |
| [1] | Windermere A - | Aberdeen. |
| [1] Juniper X/A D (S.O.) | Harstad. | |
| [1] Whitethorn X/A D | ||
| [1] Wistaria X/A D | Left Scapa 7 June. | |
| [1] Elm A D/G - | Scapa. | |
| [1] Hazel A D/G | Left Scapa 7 June. | |
| [1] | Scottish A D (S.O.) | Left Scapa 8 June. |
| [1] | Alouette A - | Faroes. |
| [1] | Imperialist A D - | Faroes. |
| [1] | Loch Oskaig A D | Left Scapa 8 June. |
| Northern Dawn A | - |
| II | 3B | Lord Middleton | 19 | Margaret Hyde 15 | M.L. 102 | 9B | 59 | 21 | Northern Dawn | 7 |
| Perdrant Perilia | 35B 17 2 |
| Persac | |
| Peter Carey | 12A |
| Peter Hendriks | 28 |
| Peter Nell | 29 |
| Peter Pan | 6 |
| Phase | 30 |
| Philante | 34 |
| Philippe | 14B |
| Phineas Beard | 24 |
| Phrontes | 5 |
| Phyllis Rose | 12 |
| Phyllisia | 2 |
| Pict | 32 |
| Picton Castle | 24 |
| Pilot Me | 24 |
| Pine | 22 |
| Pintail | 31 |
| Plantagenet | 29 |
| Platypus | 24 |
| Playmates | 11 |
| Plinlimon | 21 |
| Plumer | 12A |
| Poinavon | 9 |
| Pointer | 2 |
| Pointz Castle | 24 |
| Polar V | 35 |
| Polar VI | 35 |
| Pomerol | 2 |
| Popinjay | 22 |
| Powis Castle | 27 |
| Preston North End | 25 |
| President Briand | 35B |
| Prince Leo | 36B |
| Princess Elizabeth | 15 |
| Princess Mary | 15 |
| Princess Victoria | 3 |
| Princessa | 9 |
| Principal | 27 |
| Progress | 17 |
| Progress (M.F.V.) | 20 |
| Proserpine | 28 |
| Prospect Ahead | 29 |
| Prosperity | 24 |
| Providence | 11 |
| Provider | 17 |
| Prunella | 14A |
| Ptarmigan | 9B |
| Puffin | 31 |
| Punnet | 18 |
| Pyramus | 30 |
| Pyrope | 12A |
| Q. | |
| Queen Empress | 13 |
| Queen of Kent | 21 |
| Queen of Thanet | 21 |
| Queen of the Fal | 3 |
| Queen of the Fleet | 11 |
| Queen of the South I | 12 |
| Queen of the South II | 12 |
| Queen Worth | |
| Quest | 9 |
| Quicksilver | 6 |
| Quiet Waters | 14B |
| Quorana | 28 |
| 9A | |
| R. | |
| Racer | |
| Rachael Flett | 7 |
| Radiant | 25 |
| Radnor Castle | 8 |
| 2 | |
| Page | |
| Rosebud | 8 |
| Rose Bud | 3A |
| Roseden | 28 |
| Rose Emma | 12 |
| Rose Haugh | 24 |
| Rose Hilda | 15 |
| Rosel | 24A |
| Rose Marie | 3A |
| Rose Marie II | 3A |
| Rosemonde | 35B |
| Rose Valley | 30 |
| Ross | 16 |
| Ross Ard | 26 |
| Rotha | 14B |
| Rotherslade | 23 |
| Rotterdam | 6 |
| Rowan | 24 |
| Rowan Tree | 14B |
| Roxano | 36B |
| Royal Charter | 17 |
| Royal Eagle | 12A |
| Royallieu | 35 |
| Royalist | 3B |
| Royalo | 8 |
| Ruby | 5 |
| Ruda | 9A |
| Rugby | 14A |
| Runswick Bay | 5 |
| Ryde | 15 |
| S. | |
| Sabra | 35 |
| Sabreur | 35 |
| Sailor King | 22 |
| St. Adrian | 5 |
| St. Apollo | 7 |
| St. Cathan | 9B |
| St. Celestin | 29 |
| St. Claire | 36 |
| St. Cyrus | 17 |
| St. Dominica | 5 |
| St. Donats | 16 |
| St. Edith | 25 |
| St. Elstan | 7 |
| St. George | 5 |
| St. Katherine | 12 |
| St. Kenan | 7 |
| St. Loman | 7 |
| St. Martin | 24 |
| St. Melante | 2 |
| St. Mellons | 30 |
| St. Modwen | 9B |
| St. Nectan | 14 |
| St. Olaves | 14 |
| St. Olive | 5 |
| St. Pierre | 3B |
| St. Silio | 5 |
| St. Sunniva | 30 |
| St. Tudno | 12A |
| St. Wistan | 17 |
| St. Zeno | 36c |
| Safari | 11A |
| Safo | 10 |
| Sailor King | 14B |
| Salamander | 16 |
| Salena | 6 |
| Salpa | 2 |
| Saltash | 16 |
| Salvini | 36B |
| Salvo (Tug) | 12A |
| Salvonia | 3 |
| Samaiki (M.B.) | 11A |
| Samaki | 10 |
| Sandown | 15 |
| Sandringham | 9,16 |
| London Pride | 13 | Margaret Rose | 37 | 10 | 23 | Northern Dawn | 25 | Paul Rykens | 28 | Rebuff | 29 |
| Page | ||
| 8,16 | ||
| Sandringham | 17 | |
| Sangarius | 35A | |
| Sanson | 10 | |
| Saon | 13 | |
| Sapphire | 3 | |
| Sappho | 14 | |
| Sarah Hyde | ||
| Sarah A. Purdy | 29 12 | |
| Sarba | 11 | |
| Sargasso | 21 | |
| Sargon | ||
| Sarna | 35A | |
| Saronta | 14A | |
| Sarpedon | 11 | |
| Sata | 5 | |
| Saturn | 15 | |
| Saucy | 22 | |
| Sawfly | 8 | |
| Scalby Wyke | 30 | |
| Scarron | 4 | |
| Scawfell | 19 | |
| Sceptre | 7 | |
| Schelde | 6 | |
| Schievan | 9 | |
| Scomber | 37 | |
| Scotch Thistle | 22 | |
| Scotia II | 18 | |
| Scott | 31 | |
| Scottish | 25 | |
| Scourge | 29 | |
| Scythe | 13 | |
| Seabreeze | 28 | |
| Seafarer | 28 | |
| Seaflower | 29 | |
| Seagull | 29 | |
| Sea Holly | 35A | |
| Sea King | 16 | |
| Sea Lord | 11 | |
| Sea Mist | 16 | |
| Sea Monarch | 29 | |
| Seaman | 17 | |
| Secuta | 5 | |
| Seddon | 4 | |
| Sedulous | 36B | |
| Selkirk | 16 | |
| Semita | 8 | |
| Semnos | 14B | |
| Seriola | 8 | |
| Servitor | 12A | |
| Sethon | 14 | |
| Settsu | 37 | |
| Sevra | 35A | |
| Shako | 12A | |
| Shandwick | 5 | |
| Sharpshooter | 29 | |
| Shearwater | 31 | |
| Sheen | 28 | |
| Sheldon | 4 | |
| Sheldrake | 31 | |
| Shemara | 9 | |
| Shera | 35A | |
| Sheraton | ||
| Shika | 14B | |
| Shila | 35A | |
| Shiona | 36 | |
| Shipmates | 6 | |
| Shower | 10 | |
| Shusa | 28 | |
| Sicyon | 35A | |
| Signa | 29 | |
| Signet | 36 | |
| Silanion | 29 | |
| Silja | 37 | |
| Silva | 35A | |
| Silver Cloud | 36 | |
| Silver Crest | 2 | |
| 15 | ||
| The Boys | Page | |
| The Brit | 10 | |
| The Provost | 15 | |
| The Roman | 28 | |
| The Tower | 35A | |
| The Way | 36B | |
| Their Merit | 29 | |
| Thele | 15 | |
| Thermopylae | 8 | |
| Thirlmere | 22 | |
| Thomas Altoft | 25 | |
| Thomas Conolly | 26 12% | |
| Thomas Leeds | ||
| Thomsons | 13 | |
| Thora | 11 | |
| Thornwick Bay | 17 21 | |
| Three Kings | 14 | |
| Thrifty | 9 | |
| Thunderstone | 36B | |
| Tiger | 17 | |
| Tiger (tender) | 18 | |
| Tilburyness | 12A | |
| Tilly Duff | 14A | |
| Titan | 14 | |
| Token | 26 | |
| Tokyo II | 35A | |
| Tonny | 18 | |
| Topaze | 9 | |
| Torbay II | 10 | |
| Torch | 6 | |
| Touchstone | 5 | |
| Tourmaline | 25 | |
| Trade Wind | 27 | |
| Tranio | 13 | |
| Tranquil | 36 | |
| T. R. Ferrens | 9 | |
| Tritonia | 29 | |
| Triumph | 12 | |
| Trophy | 36B | |
| Troubadour | 36 | |
| Troup Ahead | 19 | |
| True Accord | 14A | |
| Tumby | 17 | |
| Tunisian | 14 | |
| Turcoman | 32 | |
| Turquoise | 13 | |
| Tuscarora | 19 | |
| Tweenways | 14 | |
| Trelawney | 27 | |
| Twinkling Star | 20 | |
| U. | ||
| 14 | ||
| Uberty | 19 | |
| Uberus | 24 | |
| Ugie Bray | 25 | |
| Ullswater | 14 | |
| Unicity | 22 | |
| Unicorn II | 7 | |
| Unitia | 19 | |
| Utilise | 10 | |
| Ut. Prosim | ||
| V. | ||
| 8 | ||
| Vadne | 9 | |
| Valena | 35A | |
| Valesca | 30 | |
| Vandyck | 29 | |
| Varanga | 35A | |
| Varanis | 21 | |
| Vascama |
| Boats.) | |||
| Bedouin | Peter Pan | ||
| Catriona - | Roma - | ||
| David - | Salene - | ||
| Derson - | Seamew - | ||
| Enola - | Seilistu - | ||
| Haifa - | |||
| Himroff I | Holyhead. | Shadow - | Holyhead. |
| Kami no | Shalimine II | ||
| Michi Lucille I | Silver Cloud | ||
| Merida - | Skate I | ||
| Modmena. | Sky Lark | ||
| Musette II - | West Wind White |
| Ship. | Fitting Out at. |
| [25] Eileen Emma - | Whitstable. |
| [25] Forecast - | |
| [25] Gervais Rentoul | Dover. |
| [25] Girl Gladys- - | Whitstable. |
| [25] Golden Gift 1 | |
| [25] Torbay II D 1 | |
| [25] Lord Howard | |
| 1 [25] Lord Howe | Dover. |
| 1 [25] Midas - | |
| - [25] Netsukis - | |
| I [25] Reverberation | |
| [25] Shipmates D | |
| [25] The Boys | Dover. |
| [25] Golden Sunbeam | |
| [25] Ut. Prosim | |
| 1 [25] Yorkshire Lass | Grimsby. Completed. |
| [25] Young Mon - | Dover. |
| - | |
| Dorbett II .8050 | |
| Elizabeth - | |
| Gamebird - - | - |
| Kinuna - - | Dover. |
| Safo | |
| Silver Vanity | |
| Tinamu - - | |
| Widgeon II- - | |
| (2880quiq Minesweeping | Attendant Craft. |
| P M.A.C.2 - | Dover. |
| (eldasY) M/S | Trawlers. Group 22. |
| [25] Stella Orion XD | |
| [25] Oku XD - | Dover |
| [25] Mount Keen X D | |
| Group 50. | |
| [25] Botanic x D - | Blackwall. Repairs. |
| [25] Maretta X D | uncertain. |
| [25] Fyldea X | Dover. |
| [25] Burke XD - - | |
| Group 51. | |
| [25] Arley XD - | |
| [25] John Cattling X D | Dover. |
| Group 61. | |
| [25] Brock XD - | |
| [25] Adam XD | |
| [21] Lois XD | Dover. |
| [25] Wigan XD - - | |
| M/S Trawlers | (Ungrouped). |
| [25] Elizabeth Angela LL D | Dover. |
| [25] Clythness X/LL D | Arrived Southend 28 July. |
| Taipo LL D - | |
| [3] Emilion X/LL D - | - |
| [3] Kingscourt LL/D - | - |
| Athenian LL D - | Dover. |
| Ben Glas LL D | |
| [25] Onetos LL/D - | |
| [25] Saturn LL/D - aleaseV | |
| (.sisoa M/S | 2010M) Drifters. |
| [25] Playmates x/s [25] Willing Boys x/s D | } Dover. |
| Danlaying | Vessel. |
| [25] Grey Mist (Yacht) D | Dover. |
| Echo | Sounding Yacht. |
| [25] Chico - | Dover. |
| Examination | Service. |
| Queen of the Fleet D | Dover. |
| Boom | Defence Vessel. |
| [25] Falconet - | Dover. |
| Rescue Tug. | |
| S/S Lady Brassey D | Sheerness. |
| Aberdonia. | Mare Nostrum. |
| Autricia. | Minnehaha. |
| Bill Adams. | Nayland. |
| Dulcibella. | No Name II. |
| Iere. | Pride of Essex. |
| Jinty. | Sun Seeker. |
| Little Mariner. | Walker I. |
| Maimonde. | Zelea. |
| [1] | Northern Dawn A | Aberdeen. Repairs. Completes 30 June. |
| Northern Dawn A | - |
| Northern Gem A D Northern Dawn A D Northern Wave A D | 20th A/S Striking Force. | Elm D Hazel D |
42 43 Page Page Page Lord Wakefield 3 Merbreeze Page 21 Groups-continued Northward Ho Page 16 Mercury M/S 27 Northwind 14A 27 Lorinda Mewslade 3 Phase Page Laurel 11 43 29 Lormont 10 44-45 Norwich City 9 Lavatera Philante 30 12 13 M. H. Stephens 14A 15 46 Notts County 19 Lavinia L 23 Lorna Doone Philippe 34 4 Michael Griffiths 9 Nyula 19 Laws 30 Lorraine 17 14B Louis Botha 17 Midas 49 10 23 Learig 16 5 Phineas Phrontes Beard 17 50-51 24 Migrante 2 Leda 4 Lovania 10 Phyllis Rose 5 28 Lowther 14A Milford Duchess 52-53 Leeds United 23 3 Phyllisia 12 Leeward 28 Milford Duke 54 26 Loyal Friend 8 8 0. Pict 37 Leicester City 3 Milford Earl 55 13 Oak Picton Castle 32 S Lucifer 20 Luda Lady 16 Milford King 56 19 Oaklea 26 Pintail 24 Lephreto 8 24 Luda Lord 2 Milford Prince 57 8 13 Ocean Breeze 28 Plantagenet 31 Leprechaun 25 Le Tiger Lunar Bow 28 Milford Princess 58 12A 20 Ocean Brine 11 Playmates 29 8 Letna 32 Lune 30 Milford Queen 60 10 Ocean Eddy 22 Plinlimon 11 15 M/S 61 Training Flotilla 37 Plumer 21 Leyland Lydd 16 35 Millwater 15 20 Ocean Gain 23 Libra 30 Minna 36A 9 Poinavon 12A 36A Lydd II Ocean Guide Murama 23 35 Lydia Long 30 14 Ocean Lifebuoy Pointer 8 Libra (Dutch) 27 5 36 Libyan 32 Mine Recovery Flotillas- Muria 4 Ocean Lux Pointz Castle 14A Lydiard Murmansk 35A 24 Polar V Lichen Lynx 10 12 Ocean Retriever 35 17 1 12 Polar VI Liddoch 12 2 11 Myris Ocean Scout 35 20 Lyric 36A Poolzee Liffey Minicoy Ocean Spray 36A 24 22 N. 23 Popinjay Lilac M. Minona 35 Ocean Sunlight 22 Lily Oak 28 4 Nab Wyke 9 Powis Castle Lincoln City 26 M.1 9 Mirabelle 6 14 Ocean Swell 27 Nairnside 27 Preston North End 26 19 M.2 29 Mirage 17 7 Ocean Toiler 12 Prince Leo Lincolnshire Namur 36B M.3 9 6 37 Ocean Treasure 24 Mireille Nancy Hague 12 Princess Beatrix 36A Lizzie Birrel M.A.C. 1 & 2 36 11 8 Ocean View Llanthony 8 Mist 19 Princess Elizabeth Naneta 10 Loch Aline 18 M.A.C. 6 & 7 36 28 12 Ocean Vim 5 Mistletoe Natal II Princess Mary 15 M.A.C. 5 14 22 8 Ode 12 Princessa 8 Loch Alsh 16 Mitres Navicula 16 Ogano 3 Principal 27 Loch Buie 15 M.A. West 11 M.L. 100 14A Negro Loch Eribol 16 Madden 15 14 28 Ohm 26 Proserpine 28 M.L. 101, 102 Neil Mackay Madeline 13 9 9 Okino 37 Prospect Ahead 29 Loch Hope 23 M.L. 107 Neil Smith 26 10 Oku 24 Providence 6 Lochinvar 20 Magnolia 8,19 Moed-en-Werk Netsukis 36 23 Olivae 14 Provider 26 Loch Inver 14 Mahela 14A Mollusc New Comet 16 Newhaven N.B. 5 Olive 24 Ptarmigan 9 Loch Laggan 12 Maid Marion 2 Monarch 9 36A Olive Tree 28 Puffin 31 Loch Leven 16 Majesta 12 Monarda Newland 11 Olvina 9 Punnet 18 14A Loch Long 37 Majesty 21 Mona's Isle New Pride of Essex 11 New Prince of Wales I Olympia 35 12 Pyramus 30 Loch Melfort 32 Ma Joie II 12 Monimia Ombra 16 12 Pyrope 12A 16 Loch Moidart 17 Malacolite 35 Montano Newspray 4 14B One Accord 3 Loch Monteith 9 Mallard 31 Niblick Moonstone 32 16 Onetos 14 Loch Oskaig 25 Mangrove 24 Moorgate Niger 12 4 Night Hawk (Trawler) 4 Onward 9 Q. Loch Park Manor 2 3 Moravia 14 28 Oracle 13 Loch Rannock 5 Manora 4 Night Hawk 13 Queen Empress Moray 14B 37 Oriole Loch Tulla 28 Man-o'-War 18 Queen of Kent 21 25 Night Raider Morgan Jones 23 19 Orlando Lois Nimrod Queen of Thanet 21 10 Manx Prince 17 35 Mount Ard 29 Lombard 2 Orvicto 4 Nirvana Queen of the South I 12 Marano 14A 35 Mount Keen 24 Nobles 4 Osako London Pride 8 Queen of the South II 12 13 Marauder 9 3 29 Marcia Moyle 8 Loon Nodzu 23 Osta 4 Queen Worth 6 23 Oswaldian Lord Ashfield Nogi 15 17A Quest 28 26 Marconi Lord Austin 14A M/S Flotillas- Noontide 28 Othello 8 Quiet Waters 19 Mare Lord Barham 14 27 Our Bairns 1 29 Norbreeze 12 14A Maretta Lord Beaconsfield 10 4 16 Nordhav I 14B Our Kate 14A 26 Lord Collingwood Margaret Hyde 15 5 16 Nordland 37 Overfall 14A R. 11 Margaret Rose 37 13 Norina 37 Oystermouth Castle 7 Lord Essenden 19 Lord Gainford Maria Joao 6 9 29 Racer 26 7 21 Norlan 37 Marie Rachael Flett Lord Grey 18 8 23 Norland 19 36c 11 Lord Hailsham Marina 36A P. Radiant 2 9 10 Norna 2 Marinus 10 16 Radnor Castle 4 Lord Hood 12 10 Norman Wilson 20 Lord Hotham 14A Marion 11 4 13 Norse 12A Pangbourne 24, 36A Raetia 30 Lord Howard 32 Mariout 12 Rambler Rose 35 Northcoates 29 Paragon 3 35 Lord Howe 10 Marmion Northern Chief 30 Paramount Raymont 7 11 13 Lord Inchcape 10 Marsoma Pathway Reaper 15 M/S Groups- 25 17 27 Northern Dawn 2 Martello 14A 30 Patti 28 Reboundo 29 Lord Irwin 24 1 Northern Duke Martinet Paul Rykens Rebuff 12 Lord Keith 14 12A 7 20 2,3 30 Receptive 36c Lord Lloyd 13 Northern Foam 11 Mary A. Purdy Paynter 12 29 4-6 Northern Gem 25 25 14A 5 Recoil 16 Lord Melchet Mary Sturgeon 28 Northern Gift 30 Peacemaker Lord Middleton 13 Mary White 7 15 37 Northern Isles 30 Pearl Recono Red Gauntlet 13 27 17 Lord Northcliffe 19 M.A.S.B. 1, 4 & 5 10-12 15 Pecheur 29 Lord Nuffield 9 14 Northern Light 26 16 14A Red Sky 14A 36B M.A.S.B. 6-10 Peggy Nutten 8 Northern Pride 25 15 Reed Lord Plender 19 1st M.A.S.B. Flotilla 14 16-20 24 15 Northern Princess 30 Pelagos 12 Refraction 14 Lord Rodney 25 9 22-26 2nd Masona M.A.S.B. Flotilla 14 28-29 Northern Reward 30 Pelton Refundo 28 30 Lord Selborne 11 12A 17 Master John 29 30 Northern Sky 30 Pembroke Pentland Firth 17 Regal S Lord Snowden 16 25 12A Regardo 14B Lord St. Vincent 2 Mayflower 23 31 Northern Spray Perilia 14A 21 Lord Stamp 11 28 Northern Sun 30 Peter Carey 28 Regwa May II 32 22 Lord Stanhope 2 7 34 Northern Wave 25 29 Reids Medway Queen 26 Melora 16 Northlyn 29 Peter Hendriks Lord Stonehaven 2 10 37-38 North Ness 23 Peter Nell 2 Mentor 18 40 24 27 41
44 45 Page Page Page St. Apollo 36c Semita Page 6 Sutton Page 9 9 St. Cathan Semnos 8 Souvenir 32 Svana 16 Reighton Reigate Wyke 21 St. Celestin 29 Seriola Trojan Page 9 14B Spaniard 12 Svega 35A Relonzo 35 St. Claire 36 Servitor Sparsholt 35A Trophy 2 8 18 Swan II 17 Sethon Remexo 12A Spartiate Troubadour 36B 17 St. Cyrus 13 Sweet Promise 36 Remillo 14 St. Dominica 5 Settsu 14 Speedwell Troup Ahead 36 29 16 Sevra Swift Wing 35A True Accord 19 Renascent 20 St. Donats 37 Speedy 13 Swona 15 St. Elstan 9 Tumby 14A Rennet Shako 21 35A Sphene 36 Sycamore 35A Tunisian 17 St. George 5 Renzo Shandwick 9 12A Spina 9 Sylph 24 Turcoman 14 Resolve St. Katherine 12 12A Sharpshooter 5 Spindrift 29 Sylvana 12A Turquoise 32 Resolvo St. Kenan 25 8 Shearwater 29 36B Spinet Spitfire III 17 Syrian 21 Tuscarora 13 Resparko St. Loman 25 Sheen 31 36c Syringa 17A Tweenways 19 Restore St. Magnus 26 9 Sheldon 28 Spoza 23 8 Trelawney 14 Restrivo 8 Sheldrake 27 21 St. Melante 4 Spranza Springdale Sprig o' Heather 27 Twinkling Star Retako 35 St. Mellons 30 Shemara 31 20 12A Revello 10 St. Modwen 9 Shera 9 20 Reverberation 18 St. Nectan 14 Sheraton 35A Springtide 10 T. Rezala 3 St. Olaves 9 Shika 14B Spurs 21 Taeping Rhodora 5 St. Olive 5 Shila 35A Stafnes 22 U. 18 Richard Croft Taipo 14 St. Sunniva 30 Shiona 36 Stalberg 16 9 Tamarisk Uberty 14 Rig 15 St. Tudno 12A Shipmates 6 Stalwart 12A Uberus 36B St. Wistan 17 Shova Star of Deveron 8 Tamora 19 Righto 10 15 Rigoletto 36 Star of Hope 28 Taransay Ugie Bray 24 15 Uiver 19 St. Zeno 36c Shower Star of Pentland 36 Tarret 36A Rime 16 28 10 Ullswater 15 Shusa 25 Salamander Star of the Realm 37 Tartan Rinovia 35A 17 Umbriel 14A 8 Salpa 2 Sicyon Star of Orkney 15 Tea Rose Rion 29 28 Unicity 14 12 Saltash 16 Signa Star of the Wave 5 Tehana Ristango 13 Unicorn II 36B 36 22 River Annam 22 Salvini Signet 12A Starlight Ray 11 Tekoura 30 Unitia 29 7 River Esk 27 Salvo (Tug) Silanion Staunch 35A Terje I-V 36c Utilise 37 19 River Clyde 13 Salvo 35 Silja 14A Teroma 24 Ut. Prosim 35A Staunton 10 River Spey 14B Salvonia 3 Silva 35A Tervani 22 Utrecht 36A 36 Stefa River Ytham 36A Sandown 10 Silver Cloud Stella Canopus 21 Tessie 36A 2 Riviere 36B Sandringham 8,16 Silver Crest 15 Stella Capella 13 Tewara 35 Robert Hastie 14B Sangarius 17 Silver Dawn Stella Carina 17 Thalia 36 11 Robert Stroud 26 Sanson 35A Silver Fox Stella Leonis 13 Thames (Dutch Tug) 23 19 V. Robin Hood 28 Saon 10 Silver Grey 4 Stella Orion 24 Thames Queen 23 Robina 7 Sapphire 13 Silver Line 27 Stella Pegassi 25 Thaw 26 Vadne 8 Rochebonne 19 11 Stella Polaris 19 The Boys 10 Valena 9 Sappho 3 Silver Queen Sarah Hyde Silver Seas The Brit 15 Valesca 35A Rodino 16 14 14 Stella Rigel 13 Rogate Silver Sky 33 The Provost Vandyck 30 28 9 Sarah A. Purdy 29 26 Stella Sirius 29 3 Sarba 14A Stina The Roman 35A Varanga Roger Beck 12 Simpson 35A 36B Varanis 35A Romany Rose 23 Sargasso 11 Sindonis 32 Stoke City 26 The Tower 29 Vascama 21 Rona 18 Sargon 21 Sir John Baker 8 Stonefly 26 The Way 15 Velia 14 Ronso 16 Sarna 35A Sir John Lister 19 Stora 36c Their Merit 35A 8 Velmont Rooke 20 Saronta 14A Sir Richard Grenville 2 Stour 13 Thele 18 22 Ventsyssel Rosa 21 Sarpedon 11 Sir Sydney 14A Strathcoe 8 Thermopylae 22 25 Venture Thirlmere 14A Rosebud 8 Sata Sir Walter Raleigh 2 Strathderry 23 5 26 Vernal 14 2 Strath Devon Thomas Altoft 8 Roseden 28 Saturn Siren 3 12 Vernon II Rose Emma 12 Saucy 22 Sirra 35A Strathelliot 14A Thomas Conolly 9 13 Victoria 32 Rose Haugh Sawfly 8 Skidaw 21 Strathgarry 14B Thomas Leeds 11 Victorian 24 8 Rose Hilda 15 Scalby Wyke 30 Skirmisher 4 Strathmaree 14B Thomsons 17 Victory 7 Rose Valley 30 Scarron Rosel Skudd 3, 4, 5 & 6 35A Strath Rannock 14B Thora 21 Victrix 14 4 24 Scawfell 6 Strathspey 22 Thornwick Bay 14 Vidonia 36A Rose Marie 10 Slogan Viking Bank 3 Sceptre 35A 7 Sluga Strathugie 3 Three Kings 35A 37 Ross 16 7 Strive 14 Thrifty 36B Vilda 14A Ross Ard Schelde 6 Smeaton Schievan 23 Student Prince 17 Thunderstone 17 Vindelicia 36B 27 Rotha 9 Snaefell 14B 21 Sturton 22 Tiger 18 Vine 22 Rotherslade Scomber 37 Snap Sublime 23 Tiger (tender) 12A Viola 29 Rowan 23 Scotch Thistle 35A 22 Soika 12A Tilburyness 14A Violet Flowers 5 24 Scotia II Suilven 22 Rowan Tree 18 Solitaire 35A Tilly Duff 14 Virginia 21 14A Scott 16 Sukha Roxano 31 Solomon Scottish 15 Sulara 5 26 Visenda 2,5 Titan Royal Charter 36B 25 Solon 35A 35A Viva II 13 8 Sulla Token Royal Eagle 17 Scourge Viviana 36c 29 Solstice Tokyo II Royallieu 12A 12 Scythe Suma 15 18 6 Tonny 9 Vizalma 14 Song Seabreeze 35A Sumba Royalo 35A 28 8 Sotra 23 23 Topaze 10 Ruby Seafarer Summer Rose 28 Southcoates Rugby 5 Seaflower 36c Sunbeam II 36A Torbay II 6 14A 29 Southern Breeze Runswick Ryde Bay Seagull Sunflower IV Torch 5 35A 14A 25 W. Southern Chief Touchstone 5 5 29 Sea Holly 35A Sunlight 12A 10 35A Southern Field Sea King 36c Tourmaline 27 Sunrise 13 Wagtail 15 37 16 Southern Flower Sea Lord 35A Sunnyside Girl 28 Trade Wind Waldemar 21 11 Southern Foam Sea Mist 36C Superman 4 Tranio 19 Wallena 24 16 36C Supporter 23 Tranquil 27 Southern Gem Trelawney 9 Walnut 15 S. Sea Monarch 27 Sabra Seaman 29 Southern Pride 36C Surly 7 Sabreur 35 17 Southern Shore T. R. Ferrens 36A Waltona Walwyns Castle 4 Secuta 36C Surprise 36 Sailor King Seddon 5 36C Trevo Terceiro 29 Southern Spray Wanderer II 35 4 Susannah Susarion Jane 2 12 I St. Adrian 22 Sedulous Southern Star 36C 17 Tritonia 5 Selkirk 36B Southern Wave 23 Sutherness 4 Triumph 16 Southsea (C38230)
44 45 Page Page Page St. Apollo 36c Semita Page 6 Sutton Page 9 9 St. Cathan Semnos Souvenir 32 Svana 16 Reighton Reigate Wyke 21 8 Trojan Page St. Celestin 29 Seriola 9 36 Servitor 14B Spaniard 12 Svega 35A Trophy 2 St. Claire 8 Sparsholt 18 Swan II 35A Relonzo Troubadour 36B 35 17 Sethon Spartiate Sweet Promise 36 Troup Ahead 36 Remexo 17 St. Cyrus Remillo St. Dominica 5 12A 13 Settsu Speedwell 29 Swift Wing 35A True Accord 19 14 14 Renascent 20 St. Donats 16 Sevra Speedy 13 Swona 15 Tumby 14A 37 Rennet 21 St. Elstan 9 Shako 35A Sphene 36 Sycamore 35A Tunisian 17 Renzo St. George 5 9 Shandwick 12A 9 Sylph 24 Turcoman 14 Spina 12A 32 Resolve St. Katherine 12 12A Sharpshooter 5 Spindrift 29 Sylvana Turquoise St. Kenan 25 Shearwater 21 Resolvo 8 29 Spinet Spitfire III 17 Syrian Tuscarora 13 Resparko St. Loman 25 Sheen 17A 19 36B 31 36c Syringa Tweenways 9 26 8 14 Restore St. Magnus Sheldon 28 Spoza 23 Trelawney 27 Restrivo 21 St. Melante 8 Sheldrake 4 27 Twinkling Star Spranza Springdale Sprig o' Heather 20 Retako 35 St. Mellons 30 Shemara 31 12A Revello 10 St. Modwen 9 Shera 9 20 Reverberation 18 St. Nectan 14 Sheraton 35A Springtide 10 T. Rezala 3 St. Olaves 9 Shika 14B Spurs 21 Taeping Rhodora 22 U. 5 St. Olive 5 Shila 35A Stafnes 18 Richard Croft Taipo 16 St. Sunniva 30 Shiona 36 Stalberg Uberty 14 14 9 Tamarisk 12A Uberus Rig 15 St. Tudno 12A Shipmates Stalwart 19 6 8 Tamora Righto St. Wistan 17 Shova 10 Star of Deveron 15 Ugie Bray 24 Rigoletto 36B 28 Taransay 15 Uiver 19 St. Zeno 36c Shower Star of Hope 36A 36 Salamander Star of Pentland 36 Tarret 10 Ullswater Rime 25 16 Rinovia Shusa 28 15 35A Star of the Realm 37 Tartan 17 Umbriel 14A 8 Salpa 2 Rion Sicyon Unicity 29 Star of Orkney 15 Tea Rose 28 14 12 Saltash 16 Signa Star of the Wave 5 Tehana 13 Unicorn II 22 Ristango River Annam 22 Salvini 36B Signet 36 11 Tekoura 30 Unitia 7 River Esk Silanion 29 27 Salvo (Tug) 12A Starlight Ray 35A Terje I-V 36c Utilise 19 37 Staunch Salvo 35 Silja 14A Teroma 24 Ut. Prosim 10 River Clyde 13 35A Staunton River Spey 14B Salvonia 3 Silva 35A Tervani 22 Utrecht 36A 36 Stefa River Ytham 36A Sandown 10 Silver Cloud Stella Canopus 21 Tessie 36A 2 Riviere 36B Sandringham 8,16 Silver Crest 13 Tewara 35 15 Stella Capella Robert Hastie 14B Sangarius 17 Silver Dawn 17 Thalia 36 11 Stella Carina Robert Stroud 26 Sanson 35A Silver Fox 13 Thames (Dutch Tug) 23 V. 19 Stella Leonis Robin Hood 28 Saon 10 Silver Grey 24 Thames Queen 23 4 Stella Orion Vadne 8 Robina 7 13 Silver Line Thaw 26 Sapphire Stella Pegassi 25 10 Valena 9 27 Rochebonne 19 Sappho 3 Silver Queen Stella Polaris 19 The Boys 11 15 Valesca 35A Rodino 16 14 Silver Seas 13 The Brit 30 Sarah Hyde 14 Stella Rigel The Provost 28 Vandyck 33 29 Rogate 9 Sarah A. Purdy 29 Silver Sky 26 Stella Sirius 35A Varanga Roger Beck 3 Sarba 12 Simpson 35A The Roman 35A 14A Stina 36B Varanis Romany Rose 23 Sargasso 11 26 The Tower 21 Sindonis 32 Stoke City 29 Vascama Rona 18 Sargon 21 Sir John Baker 8 Stonefly 26 The Way 14 15 Velia Ronso Sarna 36c Their Merit 35A 16 35A Sir John Lister 19 Stora 8 Velmont 18 Rooke 20 Saronta 14A Sir Richard Grenville 2 Stour 13 Thele 22 Ventsyssel 22 Rosa 21 Sarpedon 11 Sir Sydney 14A Strathcoe 8 Thermopylae 25 Venture 14A Rosebud 8 5 2 Strathderry 23 Thirlmere Sir Walter Raleigh 26 Vernal Sata 8 Roseden 28 Saturn Siren 2 Strath Devon 3 Thomas Altoft 12 Vernon II 9 Rose Emma 14 Thomas Conolly 13 Victoria 12 Saucy 22 Sirra 35A Strathelliot 14A 32 Rose Haugh 24 8 Strathgarry 14B Thomas Leeds 11 Victorian 8 Rose Hilda Sawfly Skidaw 21 15 Scalby Wyke 4 14B Thomsons Strathmaree 17 Victory 7 Rose Valley 30 Skirmisher 30 14B Thora 21 Victrix 14 Scarron 4 Skudd 3, 4, 5 & 6 35A Strath Rannock Rosel 24 Scawfell 6 Strathspey 22 Thornwick Bay 14 Vidonia 36A Rose Marie 10 Slogan Viking Bank 3 Ross Sceptre 7 Sluga 35A Strathugie 3 Three Kings 35A 37 7 Strive 14 Thrifty 36B Vilda 14A Ross Ard 16 Schelde 6 Smeaton 27 Schievan 17 Thunderstone 17 Vindelicia 36B Rotha 23 9 Snaefell Student Prince 18 Vine 22 14B Scomber 21 Sturton 22 Rotherslade Tiger Tiger (tender) Viola 29 37 Snap 23 12A Rowan 23 Scotch Thistle 35A Sublime Violet Flowers 5 22 Soika 24 22 Tilburyness 14A Rowan Tree Scotia II 12A Suilven 18 Tilly Duff 14 Virginia 21 Solitaire Roxano 14A Scott 16 Sukha 35A Visenda 2,5 36B 31 Solomon 15 Sulara 5 Titan 26 Scottish 17 Solon 35A Viva II 13 Royal Charter 25 Scourge 8 Sulla 35A Token Viviana 36c Royal Eagle Tokyo II 18 12A 29 Solstice Royallieu Scythe 12 Suma 15 14 6 Song 35A Sumba 35A Tonny 9 Vizalma Royalo Seabreeze 8 28 Sotra Ruby Seafarer Summer Rose Topaze 10 23 23 Rugby 28 Southcoates 36C 36A Torbay II 6 5 Seaflower Sunbeam II 14A Sunflower IV 14A Torch 5 29 Southern Breeze W. Ryde Runswick Bay Seagull 35A 29 Southern Chief Touchstone 25 5 5 Sea Holly 35A Sunlight 12A 10 35A 36C Sunrise 37 Tourmaline Trade Wind 27 Southern Field Wagtail 15 Sea King 13 Southern Flower 28 Waldemar 21 Sea Lord 16 35A Sunnyside Girl 11 36C Superman 4 Tranio 19 Wallena 24 Sea Mist Southern Foam S. Southern Gem 23 Tranquil 27 Walnut 15 Sea Monarch 16 36C Supporter 9 27 Sabra Seaman 29 Southern Pride 36C Surly 7 Trelawney 36A Waltona Walwyns Castle Sabreur 35 Secuta 17 Southern Shore 36C Surprise 36 T. R. Ferrens 4 2 Trevo Terceiro 29 Wanderer II Sailor King 35 Seddon 5 Southern Spray 36C 12 St. Adrian 22 Sedulous 4 Southern Star 36C Susannah Susarion Jane 17 Tritonia 5 Selkirk 36B Southern Wave 23 Sutherness 4 Triumph 16 Southsea (C38230)
| Leonian | 23 | Lord Stonehaven | 2 | Maria Joao | 6 | M.L. 105 | 9B | 61 | 10 | Northern Dawn | 7 |
| Page | |
| 14B | |
| Papukura | 24 |
| Paragon | 19 |
| Paragon (E.V.) | 3 |
| Paramount | 36A |
| Parcarin | 11 |
| Pathway | 17 |
| Patti | |
| Paul Rykens | 28 |
| Pauletta | 14A 7 |
| Paynter | |
| Peacemaker | 12 |
| Pearl | 5 |
| Pecheur | 7 |
| Peel Castle | 3A |
| Peggy Nutten | 29 |
| Peken | 35 |
| Pelagos | 14A |
| Pelton | 15 |
| Pembroke | 11A |
| Pendonna | 24 |
| Penguin | 11A |
| Pennine | 11A |
| Pentland Firth | 30 |
| Penton | 3 |
| Pepita | 3 |
| Perdrant | 35B |
| Perilia | 17 |
| Peter Carey | 12A |
| Peter Hendriks | 28 |
| Peter Nell | 29 |
| Peter Pan | 6 |
| Phase | 30 |
| Philante | 34 |
| Philippe | 14B |
| Phineas Beard | 24 |
| Phrontes | 5 |
| Phyllis Rose | 12 |
| Phyllisia | 2 |
| Pict | 32 |
| Picton Castle | 24 |
| Pilot Me | 24 |
| Pine | 2 |
| Pintail | 31 |
| Plantagenet | 29 |
| Platypus | 24 |
| Playmates | 11 |
| Plinlimon | 21 |
| Plumer | 12A |
| Poinavon | 9 |
| Pointer | 2 |
| Pointz Castle | 24 |
| Polar V | 35 |
| Polar VI | 35 |
| Popinjay | 22 |
| Powis Castle | 27 |
| Preston North End | 25 |
| President Briand | 35B |
| Pride of Essex | 11 |
| Prince Leo | 36B |
| Princess Elizabeth | 14A |
| Princess Mary | 15 |
| Princess Victoria Princessa | 3 |
| Principal | 9 27 |
| Progress | 17 |
| Progress (M.F.V.) | 20 |
| Proserpine | 28 |
| Prospect Ahead | 29 |
| Prosperity | |
| Providence | 24 |
| Provider | 11 |
| Prunella | 17 |
| Ptarmigan | 14A |
| Pterongs | 9B |
| Puffin | 14A |
| Pullis | 31 |
| 9A |
| 14B | ||
| Papukura | 24 | |
| Paragon | 19 | |
| Paragon (E.V.) | 3 | |
| Paramount | 36A | |
| Parcarin | ||
| Pathway | 11 | |
| Patti | 17 | |
| Paul Rykens | 28 | |
| Pauletta | 14A | |
| Paynter | 7 | |
| Peacemaker | 12 | |
| Pearl | 5 | |
| Pecheur | 7 | |
| Peel Castle | 3A | |
| Peggy Nutten | 29 | |
| Peken | 35 | |
| Pelagos | 14A | |
| Pelton | 15 | |
| Pembroke | 11A | |
| Pendonna | 24 | |
| Penguin | 11A | |
| Pennine | 11A | |
| Pentland Firth | 30 | |
| Penton | 3 | |
| Pepita | 3 | |
| Perdrant | 35B | |
| Perilia | 17 | |
| Peter Carey | 12A | |
| Peter Hendriks | 28 | |
| Peter Nell | 29 | |
| Peter Pan | 6 | |
| Phase | 30 | |
| Philante | 34 | |
| Philippe | 14B | |
| Phineas Beard | 24 | |
| Phrontes | 5 | |
| Phyllis Rose | 12 | |
| Phyllisia | 2 | |
| Pict | 32 | |
| Picton Castle | 24 | |
| Pilot Me | 24 | |
| Pine | 2 | |
| Pintail | 31 | |
| Plantagenet | 29 | |
| Platypus | 24 | |
| Playmates | 11 | |
| Plinlimon | 21 | |
| Plumer | 12A | |
| Poinavon | 9 | |
| Pointer | 2 | |
| Pointz Castle | 24 | |
| Polar V | 35 | |
| Polar VI | 35 | |
| Popinjay | 22 | |
| Powis Castle | 27 | |
| Preston North End | 25 | |
| President Briand | 35B | |
| Pride of Essex | 11 | |
| Prince Leo | 36B | |
| Princess Elizabeth | 14A | |
| Princess Mary | 15 | |
| Princess Victoria | ||
| Princessa | 3 | |
| Principal | 9 | |
| Progress | 27 | |
| Progress (M.F.V.) | 17 20 | |
| Proserpine | 28 | |
| Prospect Ahead | ||
| Prosperity | 29 | |
| Providence | 24 | |
| Provider | 11 | |
| Prunella | 17 | |
| Ptarmigan | 14A | |
| Pterongs | 9B | |
| Puffin | 14A | |
| Pullis | 31 | |
| 9A | ||
| Page | ||
| St. Katherine | ||
| St. Kenan | 12 | |
| St. Loman | 7 | |
| St. Martin | 7 | |
| St. Melante | 24 | |
| St. Mellons | 2 | |
| St. Modwen | 30 | |
| St. Nectan | 9B 14 | |
| St. Olaves | ||
| St. Olive | 14 | |
| St. Pierre | 5 | |
| St. Silio | 3B 5 | |
| St. Sunniva | 30 | |
| St. Tudno | 12A | |
| St. Wistan | 17 | |
| St. Zeno | 7 | |
| Safari | 11A | |
| Safo | 10 | |
| Sailor King | 14B | |
| Salamander | 16 | |
| Salena | 6 | |
| Salpa | 2 | |
| Saltash | 16 | |
| Salvini | 36B | |
| Salvo (Tug) | 12A | |
| Salvonia | 3 | |
| Samaki (M.B.) | 11A | |
| Sandown | 14A | |
| Sandringham | 9,16 | |
| Sangarius | 17 | |
| Sanson | 12A | |
| Saon | 10 | |
| Sapphire | 13 | |
| Sappho | 3 | |
| Sarah Hyde | 14 | |
| Sarah Munroe | 11A | |
| Sarah A. Purdy | 29 | |
| Saraphica | 9A | |
| Sarba | 12 | |
| Sargasso | 11 | |
| Sargola | 3A | |
| Sargon | 21 | |
| Sarna | 35 | |
| Saronta | 14A | |
| Sarpedon | 11 | |
| Sasebo | 35 | |
| Sata | 5 | |
| Saturn | 11 | |
| Saucy | 26 | |
| Sawfly | 8 | |
| Scalby Wyke | 30 | |
| Scarron | 7 | |
| Scawfell | 19 | |
| Sceptre | 7 | |
| Schedar | 14 | |
| Schelde | 6 | |
| Schievan | 9B | |
| Scobhao-na-Mara | 23 | |
| Scomber | 37 | |
| Scorpion | 11A | |
| Scotch Thistle | 14B | |
| Scotia | 3 | |
| Scotia II | 18 | |
| Scott | 31 | |
| Scottish | 25 | |
| Scourge | 29 | |
| Scythe | 6 | |
| Sea Bequest | 9A 30 | |
| Seabreeze | 28 | |
| Seafarer | ||
| Seaflight | 3A 29 | |
| Seaflower | 29 | |
| Seagull | 35A | |
| Sea Holly | 16 | |
| Sea King |
| Commander Nasmith | guns). Requisitioned at Hull. |
| Commander Holbrook | Ramsgate. |
| George Edgell - * To fit | Requisitioned at Hull. 6-pounders. |
| - - [45] Aisha | Sheerness. |
| [43] Amalfi - - | f.o. Southampton. |
| [45] Caleta - - | Sheerness. |
| [45] Caterina - - | |
| [45] Chrystobel II - | Ramsgate. |
| [43] Clorinde - - | f.o. Southampton. |
| [45] Glala - - | Ramsgate. |
| Majesta - - | f.o. Cowes. |
| [45] Ma Joie II - - | Sheerness. |
| Constant Friend | Sheerness. |
| Ocean Retriever Ocean Toiler | f.o. Rowhedge, Essex. |
| Peacemaker | f.o. Lowestoft. |
| Receptive - | f.o. Oulton Broad. |
| Phyllis Rose Ocean Treasure | f.o. Brightlingsea. |
| [1] | Northern Dawn A | Aberdeen. Repairs. Completes 30 June. |
| Northern Dawn A | - |
| 2,3 | 12A | Northern Dawn | 25 | Patti | 11 | Reaper | 15 | Royallieu | 12A | Scythe | 29 |
| New Comet | 10 | Olivae | Providence | Silver Dawn | 19 |
| [25] Elizabeth | Angela Dover. |
| [25] Clythness X/LL | LL D D Dover. Defects. |
| Rodino LL D | - |
| Taipo LL D | - Dover. |
| [3] Emilion X/LLD | - |
| [3] Kingscourt LL/D | |
| Athenian LL D | f.o. Yarmouth. |
| Ben Glas LL D | f.o. Lowestoft. |
| [44] Onetos LL/D | - Plymouth. Repairs. Date uncertain. |
| [44] Saturn LL/D | - Plymouth. |
| M/S Drifters. | |
| [25] Hosanna x/s D | |
| [25] Playmates x/s | Dover. |
| [25] Willing Boys x/s | D |
| Danlaying Vessels. | |
| [25] GreyMist (Yacht) | D |
| [25] Gulzar D | Dover. |
| Yacht [18] Sargasso D - | armed with Lewis guns. Dover. |
| Echo [25] Chico - | Sounding Yacht. Dover. |
| Examination | Service. |
| Queen of the Fleet Amazone | Dover. |
| S/S Lady Brassey D | Rescue Tug. Dover. [18] |
| 25] Falconet Boom - | Defence Vessel. Dover. |
| [45] Aisha - | |
| [43] Amalfi - - | Sheerness. |
| [45] Caleta - - | |
| [45] Caterina - - | Sheerness. |
| [45] Chrystobel II - | |
| [43] Clorinde - - | Ramsgate. |
| [45] Glala - - | Sheerness. |
| Majesta - - | f.o. Cowes. |
| [45] Ma Joie II - | |
| Janethra IV | Sheerness. |
| Drifters. | |
| [45] Constant Friend | |
| Ocean Retriever | Sheerness. |
| Ocean Toiler - | |
| Peacemaker - | f.o. Lowestoft. |
| Receptive | |
| Phyllis Rose - | Sheerness. |
| Ocean Treasure | |
| Auxiliary | Patrol Vessels. |
| [30] Cachelot - - | |
| [30] Curlew - - | |
| [30] Fedalmo - - | Chatham. |
| [30] Jong - - | |
| [30] Lazy Days - | |
| [30] Snow Bunting - | |
| Boom | Defence Tenders. |
| [45] Glitter II | |
| [45] Kelpy Tugs, Civilian | Sheerness. |
| [1] Thirlmere AD - | Aberdeen. Repairs. Com- pletes 1 July. | |
| [1] Buttermere AD - | Kirkwall. | |
| [1] Wastwater AD - | Aberdeen. | |
| [1] Windermere AD - | Faroes. | |
| [1] | Coventry City AD | Scapa. |
| [1] | Cape Portland A D | Dundee. Repairs. Completes 10 July. |
| [1] | Cape Warwick AD | Scapa. |
| [1] | Le Tiger AD - | Dundee. Repairs. Completes 10 July. |
| [8] Stella Pegasi A D (S.O.) | Iceland. | |
| [8] Greenfly A (1) | Tilbury. Paid off. Repairs. Completes 6 July approxi- mately. | |
| [8] Lord Lloyd A - | Iceland. | |
| [8] Lord Plender A - | Harwich. |
| Northern Dawn A | - |
43 Page Page Page O. M/S Groups-contd. 44 Mine Recovery Flotillas- 57 19 Oak 26 1 11 58 13 Oaklea 28 Pict Page 2 22 59 21 Ocean Breeze 11 Picton Castle 32 Reilvo Page 4 20 Ocean Brine Minicoy 60 22 Pintail 24 Reparko 12A St. Katherin 21 10 Ocean Eddy Minna 61 37 Plantagenet 31 Reore 8 St. Kenan 23 Minona 21 Ocean Fisher 62 28 Playmates 29 Rerivo 36B St. Loman Minos 14B M/S Training Flotilla 20 Ocean Gain 23 Plinlimon 11 Rako 5 St. Magnus Mirabelle 17 Muria 14 Ocean Guide 23 Plumer 21 Rello 21 St. Melante 6 Mirage Myris 12 Ocean Lifebuoy 35A Poinavon 12A Rverberation 35 St. Mellons Ocean Lux Pointer 9 Rala 10 St. Modwen Mireille 11 28 Myvera III 9A 35A Mist Ocean Retriever Pointz Castle 36 12 Rodora 18 St. Nectan Mistletoe 22 Ocean Scout 36A Polar V 24 Rhard Croft 3 St. Olaves Mitres 14A Ocean Spray 23 Polar VI 35 Rg 5 St. Olive N. Poolzee 35 14 M.L. 100 14 Nab Wyke 35 Ocean Swell 27 Fghto St. Silio 36A 8 9A Ocean Toiler Popinjay igoletto St. Sunniva M.L. 101, 102 Nairnside 14 12 2 7 Ocean Treasure 12 Powis Castle 22 36B lime St. Tudno M.L. 107 Namur 27 inovia 19 1st Motor Launch Flotilla 2 Nancy Hague 37 Ocean View Preston-North End St. Wistan 19 Prince Leo 26 lion 8 St. Zeno Moed-en-Werk 36 Naneta S Ocean Vim 5 36B 8 8 Princess Beatrix distango Salamander Mollusc Natal II 12 Ode 12 36A 12 9A Princess Elizabeth River Annam Salpa Monarch Navicula 8 Ogano 3 10 22 River Esk Saltash 14A Princess Mary Monarda 16 Ohm 15 27 26 Salvini Negro Princessa River Clyde Mona's Isle 11 Neil Mackay 28 9 13 Okino 37 Principal River Garry Salvo (Tug) Neil Smith Oku 27 27 Salvo Monimia 16 9A 10 Proserpine River Spey 28 14B Salvonia Montano 4 Memo 14A Olivae 14 Prospect Ahead Riviere 29 36B Sandown Moonrise 35 Netsukis 10 Olive 24 Providence R. Levin 11 17 Moonstone 32 New Comet 23 Olive Tree 28 Provider Robert Hastie Sandringham 17 17 12 Robert Stroud Sangarius Moorgate Newhaven N.B. 21 Olvina 9A Ptarmigan 26 9A Sanson Moravia 14 11 Puffin Robin Hood Olympia 35 28 Saon New Pride of Essex 31 Morama Punnet Robina 9A New Prince of Wales I 16 7 12 Ombra 18 Rochebonne Sapphire Moray 14B 12 Onaway Pyramus 19 Newspray 29 30 Sappho Rodino Morgan Jones 23 One Accord 3 Pyrope 11 New World 12A Sarah Hyde 12 Rogate 9 Mount Ard 29 Sarah A. Pure Niblick 14B Onetos 11 Roger Beck 3 Sarba Mount Keen 10 16 Onward 9A Q. Niger Rolls Royce 35 Moyle Night Hawk (Trawler) 4 Oracle 3 Queen Empress Sargasso 8 1: Romany Rose 23 Queen of Kent Sargon 7 13 2 Oriole Rona 18 Sarna M/S Flotillas Night Hawk Queen of Thanet 18 2 Ronso Night Raider 37 Orlando 16 Saronta 1 29 Queen of the Fleet 1l Rooke 4 16 Nimrod 35 20 19 Orpheus Queen of the South I Sarpedon 12 Rosa 17 21 Sasebo Nirvana 2 Orvicto 16 Queen of the South II 12 5 Rosebud 8 Sata Nobles 4 Osako 14A 6 13 Queen Worth 9 Roseden 28 Saturn 7 21 Nodzu 23 Osta 9A Quest 6 Rose Emma 12 Saucy Nogi 15 Oswaldian 4 Quiet Waters 28 23 Rose Haugh 24 8 Sawfly Othello 17A Rose Hilda Scalby Wyke 10 10 Noontide 28 15 11 8 Norbreeze 27 Our Bairns 8 Rose Valley 30 Scarron Nordhav 36A Our Kate 12 R. Rosel 24 Scawfell 12 13 Nordhav I Overfall 14A Racer 7 Rose Marie 3 14 Sceptre 14A Rachael Flett 26 Ross 16 Schelde M/S Groups- Nordland 37 Oystermouth Castle Radiant 36c Ross Ard 27 Schievan 1 24 Norina 27 Radnor Castle 2 Rotha 14B Scomber 2,3 12A Norlan 29 P. Raetia 4 Rotherslade 23 Scotch Thistl 4-6 13 Norland 19 Pangbourne 16 Rambler Rose 30 Rowan 24 Scotia II 7 14A Norna 21 Paragon 24, 36A Raymont 35 Rowan Tree 14A Scott 10-12 15 Norman Wilson 20 Paramount 3 Reaper 7 Roxano 36B Scottish 13 15 Norse 12A Pathway 11 Reboundo S Royal Charter 17 Scourge 14 15 Northcoates 29 Patti 17 Rebuff 29 Royal Eagle 12A Scythe 16-20 16 Northern Chief 30 Paul Rykens 28 Receptive 12 Royallieu 35 Seabreeze 22 10 Northern Dawn 25 Paynter 7 Recoil 36c Royalo S Seafarer 23, 24 Northern Duke Peacemaker 12 Recono 16 Ruby 5 Seaflower 24 30 5 Red Gauntlet 13 Rugby 14A Seagull 25 10 Northern Foam 30 Pearl 26 24 Northern Gem 25 Pecheur 27 Red Sky 17 Runswick Bay 5 Sea Holly 8 Northern Gift 30 Peggy Nutten 29 Reed 14A Ryde 10 Sea King 28-29 30 12A Northern Isles Refraction 8 Sea Lord 30 Peken 35 Refundo 14 S. Sea Mist 31 15 Northern Light 26 Pelagos 14A 28 Sabra 35, Sea Monarch 32-33 21 Northern Pride 16,25 Pelton 15 Regal 8 Sabreur 35 Seaman 34 22 Northern Princess 30 Pembroke 12 Regardo 14B Sailor King 22 Secuta 37-38 26 Northern Reward 30 Pentland Firth 30 Regwa St. Adrian 5 Seddon 14A 40 16 Northern Sky 30 Perilia 17 Reids 9 St. Apollo 36c Sedulous 41 24 Northern Spray 12A Reigate 25 St. Cathan 9A Selkirk Peter Carey Reighton Wyke 21 29 Semita 43 27 Northern Sun 30 Peter Hendriks 28 5 St. Celestin Relonzo 36 Semnos 44-45 29 Northern Wave 25 Peter Nell 29 16 St. Claire 46 15 Northlyn 30 Remexo 17 Seriola 29 17 St. Cyrus Phase 49 Remillo 5 Servitor 9A North Ness 34 14A St. Dominica 23 Philante 16 Sethon 50-51 10 14A 14B Renascent Northward Ho 20 St. Donats Philippe 9A Settsu 52 2 Northwind 9 Phineas Beard 24 Rennet 21 St. Elstan 5 Sevra 54 23 Norwich City 5 Renzo 9 St. George 19 55 Phrontes 8 Notts County 12 Resolve 56 19 13 Nyula Phyllis Rose 20 23 Phyllisia
| Tranquil | Page |
| Trelawney | 19 |
| T.R. Ferrens | 27 |
| Trevo Terceiro | 9A |
| Tritonia | 36 29 |
| Triumph | 12 |
| Trojan | 2 |
| Trophy | 36B |
| Troubadour | 36 |
| Troup Ahead | 19 |
| True Accord | 14A |
| Tumby | 17 |
| Tunisian | 14 |
| Turcoman | 32 |
| Turquoise | 13 |
| Tuscarora | 19 |
| Tweenways | 35A |
| Twente | 9 |
| Twinkling Star | 20 |
| U. | |
| Uberty | 14 |
| Uberus | 19 |
| Ugie Bray | 24 |
| Uiver | 36A |
| Ullswater | 9A |
| Umbriel | 14A |
| Unicity | 35A |
| Unicorn II | 22 |
| Unitia | 7 |
| Utilise | 19 |
| Ut. Prosim | 10 |
| Utrecht | 36A |
| V. | |
| Vadne | 9 |
| Valena | 9A |
| Valesca | 35A |
| Vandyck | 30 |
| Varanga | 29 |
| Varanis | 35A |
| Vascama | 21 |
| Velia | 14 |
| Velmont | 35A |
| Ventsyssel | 18 |
| Venture | 22 |
| Vernal | 14A |
| Vernon II | 8 |
| Vesterland | 26 |
| Victor | 3 |
| Page | |
| Victoria | 9A |
| Victorian | 32 |
| Victory I, II and III | 8 |
| Victrix | 7 |
| Vidonia | 14 |
| Viking Bank | 36A |
| Vilda | 17A |
| Vindelicia | 14A |
| Vine | 36B |
| Viola | 22 |
| Violet Flowers | 29 |
| Virginia | 5 |
| Visenda | 21 |
| Viva II | 2,5 |
| Viviana | 13 |
| Vizalma | 36c |
| W. | |
| Wagtail | 5 |
| Waldemar | 15 |
| Wallena | 21 |
| Walnut | 24 |
| Waltona | 15 |
| Walwyns Castle | 27 |
| Wanderer II | 4 |
| Wardour | 12A |
| War Duke | 16 |
| Warland | 5 |
| Warrior II | 8 |
| War Star | 5 |
| Warwick Deeping | 3 |
| War Wing | 14 |
| Wastwater | 25 |
| Watchful | 14A, 15 |
| Waterfly | 15 |
| Watermeyer | 23 |
| Waveflower | 13 |
| Wee Cumbrae | 18 |
| Welbeck | 4 |
| Welcome Home | 35A |
| Wellard | 8,25 |
| Wellesley | 5 |
| Wellsbach | 16 |
| Welwyn | 36A |
| Wengan | 17 |
| West Haven | 28 |
| West Holme | 4 |
| West Neuk | 27 |
| Westlyn | 37 |
| Westward Ho | 21 |
| Whirlpool | 28 |
| Whitethorn | 25 |
| Widgeon | 31 |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 116 4649. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 62 Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. H.M.S. SALAMANDER. - Lieutenant Commander Lionel James Spencer. Ede. R. This ship did 3 trips to the beaches and having continually been bombed ordered and machine-gunned. On one was DO doing embarked dawn, the ship continued until 0600, and Dunkirk at by Rear Admiral, Dover, to move occasion, westward so attack one rating a further 450 men from Bray. During by to attack KEITH, the ship was again subjected to assist the was slightly wounded. Whilst proceeding one bombing and lifted and four bombs exploded under water near a the ship the ship bodily. Steam was lost, but was got going again in about a quarter of an hour, when further air attack took place. The ship proceeded back a port as quickly as possible. Ship was again attacked, but to she managed to reach Dover, proceeding on only one boiler. Recommendations. OFFICERS: Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, R.N. This Officer showed great zeal, initiative and seamanship during the operations. The whole time he was endeavouring to avoid air attacks, and, at the same time, pick up troops from the beaches. His initiative in disobeying the order of Rear Admiral, Dover, to proceed from the beach towards Dunkirk at dawn, enabled him to save a further 450 men, including 29 wounded cases. Having moved westward, an air attack took place upon the SKIPJACK and the KEITH, the SKIPJACK being sunk and the KEITH set on fire. Ship appeared to be in danger of sinking due to a near miss, but after a short time found she was still seaworthy and steam was got on to the main engine. By his great devotion to duty in face of these air attacks, he was still able to bring his ship safely to port. Recommended for decoration. Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, R.N. Showed great initiative and skill in getting steam up and the engines restarted after ship had been damaged by near misses, and in addition it was due to him that the morale of the engine room was so good after having had three heavy attacks in four days, apart from this attack, which was almost continuous for three hours. By his great devotion to duty, it is felt that the ship was got under way so quickly. Recommended for decoration. RATINGS: E.R.A. C. H. Andrew, M.28768. After the ship had been damaged, by his devotion to duty and his initiative, he suceeded in starting up
Page 78. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. PORTSMOUTH INNER PATROL YACHTS. Lieutenant Cyril Cornelius Bone, R.N.V.R, Senior Officer. beaches from 0600/31/5 to dawn 1/6, they performed Although the unit of nine yachts only worked off the particularly critical valuable work off La Panne and Bray at British time when La Panne was about to be finally a evacuated, The period also happened to be one of intensive air troops either embarking or withdrawing westward. bombardment, interspersed with sporadic heavy artillery fire on the beaches. Particularly notable was the work of these boats inshore, which included the embarkation of Lord Gort and the G.H.Q. party. 3500 - 4000 troops were lifted. Recommendations. OFFICERS; H.M.Y. LAHLOO: Lieutenant John Vander Ould, R.N.V.R., Commanding Officer. His yacht did particularly well, handling about 500 troops. Emabrked Lord Gort. Did valuable work rounding up drifting boats for further beach work. Recommended for mention. H.M.Y. SERIOLA: STEAM PICKET-BOAT: M.Y. MASAYRU: Sub. -Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman, R.N.V.R. This Officer displayed remarkable determination, endurance and devotion to duty. Commencing service in SERIOLA, he skilfully worked open boats through the surf on the beaches during31/5. The next day he was ordered to command a naval steam picket-boat, and by his determination and good judgment succeeded in operating this craft for nearly 24 hours, though its coal capacity only sufficed for 6 hours. Also seized and directed the activities of a number of abandoned boats found drifting off the coast. Finally returned to Ramsgate and joined another vessel for a further day's service at Dunkirk. Specially recommended by Senior Officers for great coolness under heavy fire in dangerous conditions. Recommended for decoration. RATINGS: H.M.Y. AHOLA: Petty Officer H. H. Holland, J.20594. Able Seaman F. H. Finch, SSX.23237. Volunteers for boat work under fire, when boat crew from another unit left their boat. Recommended for mention,
Page 93. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. M.S. KING ORRY. - Commander Jeffery Elliott, R.N.R. This ship completed one trip, bringing back 1,100 batteries troops, and whilst on her way back was fired over at by shore for 20 minutes and hit three times. In gunned, but no damage resulted. The damage from shell addition, at the same time the ship was bombed and machine fire was made good and the ship again sailed for Dunkirk. On the way over dive bombing attacks took place, bombs exploded under water and the ship was shaken badly. A 2nd attack outside the harbour put the steering gear out of action and smashed all instruments and woodwork. Ship manoeuvred into the harbour. Another attack took place and again there were near misses. Ship was holed under water forward and aft but pumps appeared to keep water down. As ship would most probably be attacked at dawn it was felt that it would be better to clear the harbour and so avoid blocking the channel. When clear of the harbour, however, ship took a serious lift and water entered the stokeholds. In the end the ship foundered clear of the channel. Recommendation. OFFICER: Commander Jeffery Elliott. R.N.R. By his initiative, gallantry under fire and good seamanship, ship was placed alongside at Dunkirk under great difficulties due to steering gear having been put out of action and his decision to move ship out of harbour during dark hours prevented the ship from blocking the harbour and the channel. Recommended for decoration.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 2429. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| BLUE DAWN (M.O.W.T.) (Prev. | MB | Misc.N. | 10.9.42 | 8. 2.43 |
| BRIGHTER DAWN (M.O.W.T.) (Prev. | Misc. | Misc.N. | 14.9.40 | 15.7.42 | ||||
| BRIGHTER DAWN (C. B. & E. H. | MFB | 1905 | R(T98B) | 48 N | PD | 14.1.41 | 4.42 | £22.10.0 |
| D DAWN - renamed DAWN II - q.v. | ||||||||
| D DAWN - renamed DIANA - q.v. | ||||||||
| DAWN (London & Rochester Trading Co. Ltd,) | SB | 1896 | R(T98B) | 45 | ARM | 15.5.40 | £15.4.6 | |
| DAWN (M.O.W.T.) (Prev. owner - DI F. | MB | 1934 | R(T98B) | 30 | AP | 10.40 | 17.9.41 | |
| DAWN (M.O.W.T.) (Prev. owner - | MB | = | Misc.N. | .11.43 | ||||
| DAWN (Suez Canal Lighterage Co.) | ML | (T90) | WD PD(MC) | 4.7.41 | ||||
| DA DAWN (M.O.W.T.) (Prev. owner - | MB | LC | PD(MC) | 22.4.40 | .12.39 6.40 | 240 E25 | ||
| DAI DAWN II (ex DAWN) (M.O.W.T.) | MB | R(T98B) | ACS | 11.2.43 | ||||
| DAL DAWN'II (Mr. Kingerley) | MB | R(T98B) | Misc.N. (WAFC) | 16.11.42 | ||||
| DAM DAWNAWAY (M.O.W.T.) (Prev. | DR | Misc.N. | 2.44 | 31. 3.44 | ||||
| DAM DAWNING LIGHT (Herbert Woods) | MB | 1929 | 11 | MW | 17.10.41 | 17.10.41 |
| EASTERN DAWN (M.O.W.T.: Mgrs.- | R(T98B) | 50 DW WD | .6.42 |
| GOLDEN DAWN (D. Colney) | MFB | R(T98B) | Misc.N. | 16.6.40 | £20 | |||
| GOLDEN DAWN (P. Paterson) | DR | 1913 | R(T98D) | 80 | Misc.N. | 2.40 | 4. 4.40(S) | £23 |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 788 A. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Dynamo 312. 63 COPY. Royal Naval Hospital, 57 Chatham. To: Rear-Admiral Taylor, O.B.E.. 13th June, 1940. Sir, I have the honour to forward the narrative of events whilst in command of m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" Bray. until she was believed sunk at 1415 at the beaches near A.M. Wednesday 29th May I was ordered to proceed to Sheerness to report to the Commodore at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE" Arrived Sheerness about 1700 was ordered to proceed in m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" leading flotilla of seven light craft. Left camber at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE" proceeded to sea through boom. Two boats appeared to be in difficulties and did not leave the boom. I was met by escort yacht and formed astern of her. Had to slow down to keep boats in company. First three boats astern kept good station, remaining one fell astern but owing to urgency of getting boats to destination flotilla did not decrease speed any further. About 2200 yacht escort was challenged from shore. She informed me an officer was required to go in to Margate for orders, so proceeded myself in fast motor boat "MARSAYRA". Established my identity and was told to push on to Ramsgate. While away one boat "QUEEN BOADACEA" broke down, after some delay she was taken in tow by escort yacht. My port engine broke down, speed. greatly reduced. One boat lost contact in darkness. I went back to look for her off Longrose, search unsuccessful, rejoined escort. Fog came down at dawn and escort anchored with "NEW PRINCE OF WALES", "QUEEN BOADACEA" and "MARSAYRA", off Ramsgate exact position uncertain. After an hour fog cleared enough to show buoy ahead so proceeded with "MARSAYRA" in company escort yacht following with "QUEEN BOADACEA". Engines misfiring badly and stopped just outside Ramsgate, anchored and proceeded into harbour in "MARSAYRU". Reported to Naval Officer-in- Charge Ramsgate received charts and orders to proceed to beaches between Bray and La Panne and to carry on ferrying troops from shore to ships until only enough fuel remained to return. Boats were towed in, repairs started on "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" immediately. Engines ready for use at 1630 so proceeded to sea 30/5 at once by route 'X' for Dunkerque. Arrived off French coast 2230 (Thursday 30th). Port engine failed again shortly after turning parallel to coast. Dunkerque burning fiercely and heavy pall of smoke covered the channel to the borth. Endeavoured to find beach with boat hardly making eny way through the water. Attempts to locate troops were insuccessful and I was lost in smoke, saw green light buoy ДРО established approximate position, immediately fterward voptboard engine failed, had to drop anchor. E.R.A. reported ammount of fuel remaining and I we could not return to Ramsgate even if we did no I. пливет BO determined to carry on until fuel ran out. The & atco LETUS efforts of E.R.A. hite and the stoker assisting commendable and before dawn both engines though firing badly the boat was making three
NAVAL OFFICER IN GIVE <60 ad 278 256 From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. J.M. Chappell, R.N. Date:- 7th June, 1940. To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate. 29th May. 30th May. 2200 Left Portsmouth in H.M.S. Nelson's picket boat. a.m. Sighted submarine and warned a French convoy. Port engine bearings ran out. 1730 Arrived Ramsgate on one engine. 2330 Left for Dunkirk, machine-gunned from the air two miles out of Ramsgate. 31st May. Dawn Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Funnel carried away by shell-fire. Making water slightly; loaded with troops and left. 1400 Arrived Ramsgate. 1st June. 0830 Left for Dunkirk. Making water rapidly. Beached the boat; found bottom damaged by enemy fire. Took command M.Y. Santosy and left for Dunkirk. On return journey filled up with petrol; found too late that one can contained water. Proceeded on port engine only; towed by trawler. Trawler ran on to wreck East of N. Goodwin L/V and turned over on top of "Santosy". Cabin smashed; civilian volunteer Barrington severely injured. Arrived Ramsgate on one engine. Discharged Barrington to Deal Hospital; sent crew ashore for rest. 3rd June. 1600 Engines repaired. Left for Dunkirk with civilian volunteer J.W.S. Gilbert as engineer. Towed by tug Sun IV. Tow parted off Dunkirk; proceeded under own power. Starboard engines failed again. Sea rising. Hailed Sun IV and on her commander's orders abandoned Santosy and boarded Sun VI with my crew. REPORT: New gas used by enemy. Shells and bombs bursting near gave off white cloud which hung suspended in air. From burns on bodies in water gathered it to be of acid nature.
465 In any further communication on this subject, please quote REGISTRY CENTRAL 429 No. K 9032/7083/217. and address- not to any person by name but to FOREIGN OFFICE. S.W.L The Under-Secretary of State," 18550 6th June, 1940. Foreign Office, London, S.W.1. 1940 Sir, I am directed by Viscount Halifax to state, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. that in the course of his report on the closure of the British Vice- Consulate at Dunkirk on May 21st, Mr. Pro-Consul Wild pays tribute to the Sea Transport Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dunnet R.N.R., who was extremely useful in providing transport for the large number of refugees leaving Dunkirk for the United Kingdom. Mr. Wild mentions that he understands that this officer was later very seriously wounded by a bomb. 2. The Pro-Consul further states that Commander H. Henderson R.N., Naval Liaison Officer attached to Amiral Nord, was also invaluable in supplying Destroyers and other craft at the Pro- Consul's request for transport at Boulogne, Calais, Ostend and Dunkirk. At one point Mr. Wild had heard that some fifteen hundred British subjects were stranded in Ostend. He informed Commander Henderson of this, and a vessel was made available at Ostend by dawn on the following day. 3. Mr. attached to the Vice-Consulate as Assistant remained Naval calm Wild adds that Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant H. Penn R.N.R., Control who was also extremely helpful. This officer considerably under Officer, very was bad conditions and his cheerful attitude alleviated the despondency of the refugees. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, The Secretary of the Admiralty.
447 over inshore a hundred yards out to sea. A long rolling surf flows most of the time and even the shallow draught motor- boats could not approach closely with any degree of safety. Open boats of all kinds from naval cutters and whalers to seaside dinghies were towed over from England by the motor- boats themselves and by other craft. Some of these pulling boats were manned by odd naval ratings, others by the soldiers themselves. One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling the motor-boats' screws with painters and odd lines attached to these pulling boats. It is amazing how much sea-room a soldier can take up with a couple of fathoms of rope! Carley floats and inflated motor inner tubes also played their part in carrying men from the beach to the motor boats, which in turn took aboard those on these more precarious perches and towed the loaded pulling boats to larger craft lying off in waiting, picking up their own or any other empty boats and towing them back inshore for further loads. As petrol ran short each motor boat would pick up such men as it could carry and set off back to England for more petrol, then out again for further service. During Wednesday, May 29th, the Mole at Dunkirk was apparently rendered temporarily useless so that most, if not all of the troops had to be taken from the beaches. During this day, too, and for at least a part of the following day, air attack continued almost unabatedly from dawn to dusk; dive-bombing for the larger ships and machine-gunning for the smaller. Later in the week, although the R.A.F. were present in greater numbers to relieve the pressure from the air, shelling added to the difficulties and men were being hit in the pulling boats as they carried on their work. By the week-end evacuation from Dunkirk harbour was in full swing again and the beaches were often almost deserted. - 7
| ¥00 | [X] Silver Dawn | 1 | ||
| 0645 | Silver Dawn, 294 | 320 | 18 |
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 790. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
126 CONFIDENTIAL. 130 To: The Admiralty. via: V.A. Dover. H.M.S. "SALANDER". Copies to: F.O., London. 5th June, 1940. M.S.4. Sir, I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events which took place on Friday, 31st May, and Saturday, 1st June, 1940. At 1800/31/5 I left Dover in company with HALCYON and SKIPJACK to rendezvous with the remainder of the minesweepers at YY buay by 2200 in accordance with V.A. Dover's 0357/31/5. Here I took FITZROY under my command and followed astern of the other two groups through Dunkirk Roads, past Dunicirie, to a position off Bray, I was then ordered by NIGER to anchor one mile to his Eastward, to avoid magnetic mines laid near No.8 Buoy. This was accomplished by 0015/1/6. The beach at Bray was under shrapnel fire from inland energy batteries, and as no boats closed no I lowered a shaler with a Volunteer crew to land for soldiers (See appendix No.1). The boat returned in about half an hour with one hand and a message from General Nontgomery to inform all ships that he intended moving Weatward to Dunkirk at once as the beach was becoming untenable. This message I passed to all ships in V/S to ch. The pontoon pier had been hit by shell fire and no troops seemed to be embarking at all, so I weighed and kept under way closing the beach as much as I could. When a little light appeared, however, boats began to above off from the beach and dame to no. RA Dover now ordered all ships to embark men in boats and move Westwards to Dunkirk at dawn. A continual stream of boats came off with military personnel, and by 0600/1/6 I had embarked about 450 men, including 29 wounded of whom 11 were stretcher cases, Attacks by aircraft took place on all ships and salvoes of bombs were dropped, no ships being hit. We were then attacked by front machine gun fire from Messerschmitt 109's, and one casualty was sustained. L.S.A. Gullett was hit in the hand by a bullet. I then noved Westeard astern of KNITH and SKIPJACK. At 0820/1/6 an air attack took place on all three ships, and SKIPJACK was sunk, and KSITH hit and set on fire. KSITH abandoned ship, and I closed her and sent away both whalers as lifeboats. (See appendix No.2). Whilst resouing survivors I was again attacked by Junkers 87 dive bombers, and a salvo of four bombs fall about 50 feet ahead of the ship. They exploded under water when two bomba were approximately abreast the bridge. The ship lifted bodily and heeled to starboard, and then settled down with a list to part. She then sank about a foot, suddenly. I feared she was in danger of sinking, so I ordered the S.P's on board to be jettisoned. This was done in a weighted bag. (See appendix No.3) I stopped engines and waited reports from the Singineer Officer and Recutive Officer. The Engineer Officer and First Lieutenant ascertained that the forward, was and had flooded compartments amidahips In comprising about the cold and ship still seaworthy, although she had gained about 1 foot of draught hour rooms, steam WILLS gunners got on main engines again. (See Engineer Officer's 0001 stores and canteen store. attached a quarter of an report).
Dynam 103 814/0/1152 B14/0 1156 ...Vice Admiral Dover. 148 From. Commanding Officer H.M.S.Shikari. Date.7th June 1940. REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS; The following is submitted in accordence with Signal 2001/4/40. Tuesday 28th May. Returned from night Convoy to Cherbourg at 1400. Landed S.P's and fuelled. 1430 Sailed independently for Dover at 28 knots. 1930 Arrived off Dover. Instructed to join Malcolm. 2000 Sailed under Captain D.16's Ordersto carry out evacuation. Wednesday 29th May. 0100 Arrived off Beach at La Panne. Commenced work, using Motorboat and Whaler. Heavy Surf running. Whaler capsized owing to military rushing boat in the Surf. With daylight evacuation speeded up and this Y88 greatly assisted by Naval Landing Graft. As in subsequent work, drifting boats were being towed in by the Motor- boat with Boatkeepers from Shikari. Kedge anchors were used when Surf was heavy and boats veered to the shore. During all operations, hands not required at the Guns were in boats or assisting to embark the military. Supply Parties only closing up when the Guns fired. 1215. Ship full. Returned to Dover. Disembarked troops, fuelled. 1745. Left Dover for La Panne. Many bombing attacks on Ships in vicinity, when near Dost Dyok buoy. Closed Paddle Steamed "Gracie Fields* who had been hit, but as sufficient craft were available to take off her troops, proceeded. Zig-Zagging at high Speeda was employed when- ever bombing attacks took place or were threatened. Thursday 30th May. Ran aground on approaching the Coast but got off on the rising tide, three hours later, at Dawn. Contin -ued embarking troops. 0800 Full. Returned to Dover. On passing Nieuport Bucy came under fire from a battery behind Nieuport for seven minuted. It is thought that the fire was controlled by an observation Baloon over Nieuport. This fact was reported by signal but the Baloon was up for the next few days. No hita were registered. Smoke screen and Zig-Zagging was commenced after the first Salvo. 1300. Arrived Dover. Disembarked. Many of these troops from the Beaches had only Half Kits and were wet through. The Ship's Company did all they cuold for the Soldiers and now in consequence have deplated Kits, The Coxswain, his Staff and the Cooks and Stewards did Great work in supplying the Soldiers with food and drink, under most trying circum- keep the Galley fire going when steaming at high speeds. stances; especially as in Shikari it is impossible to A burst steam pipe to one of the oil fuel pumps necessitated proceeding to & buoy while Sandhurst made repairs. This was rapidly done. 1930. Ready for sea again. Sailed for La Panne. Gyro Compass failed when approaching Dunkirk by "X" Route for the first time. 2230 Darkness slowed down evacuation considerably, close and our boats took Soldiers to light draught Ships This inshore when uncertain of Shikari's position. added considerably to the time spent off the Beaches.
( Cont: ) Friday 31st May. 149 0400. R.A. ordered Shikari to Dunkirk. Proceeded alongside East Jetty and very soon had the Ship full. During this operation there was a bombingbattack, which was most inaccurate due to heavy A.A.fire. 0520. Sailed for Dover Disembarked. 0930. Sailed for La Panne. Near No 6 W. Buoy of the Dunkirk Channel, came under fire from shore battery to the West of Dunkirk. Fire was returned. During the whole time embarkation was taking place, the Nieuport batteries were firing at the Ships. When straddled moved West towards Bray, the Motorboat and tow filling up small craft in thier vicinity, before rejoining Shikari at Bray. Beaches Shelled. 1800. Bombers attacked. A.A. Fire was opened. This continued until dark and rather disorganised embarkation. Our boats were asked for to bring off Lord Gort's luggage. The embarkation speeded up under cover of darkness. Staurday 1st June. At dawn shelling was resumed with greater inten- sity. 0600. Though reported nearly full, Shikari was ordered to complete to full capacity at Dunkirk, This was done. 0620 Sailed with other Ships for Dover. Used Smoke Screen and only & few shots were fired at us off No.6.W. buoy. On the voyage, had several attacks from the air. Enemy aircraft being engaged by our fighters. 1000. Arrived Dover, Disembarked troops. Each batch had several stretcher cases which lengthened the disembarkation. From today Saturday 1st June, no more day evacuation was attempted, owing to shelling and bombing. The troops today were part of General Piroux's army. Oiled and ammunitioned Ship. 2130. Sailed for Dunkirk, arriving at 0225. Sunday 2nd June. 0200. Ship full. Returned to Dover. Most of the voyage was under cover of darkness, and there was no trouble. 0540. Arrived Dover. Disembarked troops. Scaling ladders were supplied. 1845. Sailed under orders of Sabre for Dunkirk. The shore batteries opened fire as we rounded No Buoy. Under cover of a smoke screen no hits were obtained. Fire was returned at the flashes seen. 2200. Ship full. Sailed for Dover. Though unable to see Aircraft, they were heard and flares were seen. Probably Mine Laying. Monday 3ed June. 0130. Secured and disembarked troops.1800. Captain Dangerfield and his Staff arrived onboard. Sailed for Blockships. A conference of C.O.'s was held in Shikari. the Downs and anchored for two hours near the three 2030. Sailed for Dunkirk. Speed 7 knots. Acted as off guide for the Route "2" was used. arrived near Dunkirk Dask. No entrance. 0230. Ordered to weigh Calais at Blockships. fire from the shore. 0130. Anchored by Captain harbour who had transfered to an M.T.B. Shikari led Dangerfield the Blockships to the entrance. On weighing,
H.M.S. *rangbourne* 158 At Sea. 5th.June 1940. Sir, 1 have the honour to forward the following narrative in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6. At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. say, H.M.S. of the Sthen.s. 2 148 153 conditions quiet. a.m. Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked troops. Sailed immediately for La Panne beaches via Test Hinder Buoy. afternoon. When several miles from coast many Terman bombers were encountered. Bombs were dropped but utesed. Ships two Lewis @ guns in constant action. Although ineffective in fact, this gunfire probably kept them ups machines up. Many ships in vicinity being bombed. Some British fighters sighted. then nearer to shore the Paddle Steamer "Gracie Fields" was sighted homeward bound packed with approximately 800 troops. aftnessed a bomb attack on her during which & direct bit Y&S secured amidships. Nent to render assistance. "Gracie Fields" was unable to stop her engines. Upper deck enveloped in clouds of steam. Operation of going alongeide had to be performed whilst both ships more proceeding shead. Secured alongside. Terrible mortality and shambles on board. Transferred as sany injured and others as "Twente" would hold. During operation another scoot secured alongaide opposite side of "Gracie Fields" and took off remainder. Cost off and proceeded full speed to Hamsgate. Arrived dawn, May 30th. Disembarked wounded and other troops.
rangbourne" 15 At Sea. 5th.June 194 Sir, I have the honour to forward the following narrative in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6. At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. May, H.M.S. with the remainder of the 5th.m.s. 6 157 find) and a report that all British had left. These Frenchmen refused to come in so small a blacks craft and insisted on boarding a large ship which was also alongside f the mole. à Pritish Naval officer apparently in charge of embarkation on mole informed 70 that there were no more troops to come and that 1 cust return empty. I took on board a Frenn gun which 108 lying on the Tole and returned to Ramsgate. It was afterwards learnt that although there were no more troops to come in the area that night, therewore some more further from the port who succesded later in reaching the port and were embarked the following night by other ships. rd. a.m. Returned Remagate arriving dawn. th Re-assumed cormand of Dutch Scoot "Ixente" and sailed to Tilbury and Surrey Commercial Cooks. ith Handed ship over to Pook authorities and returned with Ship's Company to Chatham Perracks. Lieut.-Commander, R.N.B.
154 Sheet 2. 159 At 0030 on Wednesday 29th. May I slipped and proceeded down harbour. After rounding No.6E whistle and bell buoy I found myself in among two or three French destroyers, stopped in the channel, and as a result missed No.13 bouy and went aground on sandbank north of Zuydcoote Pass Engines were put to full astern and the ship slid off into about ten fathoms. In order to ascertain my exact position and wait until unlit bouys could be seen I anchored and very shortly picked up the Nieuport buoy While waiting the ship was roughly fixed and found to be in position51 degrees 7 minutes 30 seconds North, 2 degrees 28 minutes 48 seconds East, and clear of the channel. I proceeded without further incident to Margate. Just before dawn gunfire was observed shead and shortly afterwards several destroyers passed ae proceeding towards the French coast. Later passing the Kwiente buoy one sunken destroyer and another badly down by the stern were passed. At I000 ship secured alongside Margate pier and disembarked troops. Although no exact counting of troops was possible, about 450 in all were landed, including approximately 50 stretcher cases and 100 walking cases. The arrangements for disembarkation of troops at Margate were most efficient. At 1107 Wednesday 29th. may slipped and proceeded back to Dunkirk, being joined by Lydd at North Goodwin light vessel. At 1315 Lydd reported & submarine to starboard, although not observed by Pangbourne a warning was broadcast at 1321 Between 1645 and 1715 just off Nieuport bank several air attacks were directed against Pangbourne and all ships in the vicinity. Immediately after this two British soldiers were picked up in an exhausted condition, apparently having been blown from the deck of some small ship. At approximately 1730 several enemy bombers appeared to be about to attack Pangbourne but passed overhead, and were distinctly observed to attack & hospital ship about a mile on the Starboard beam for & considerable period without registering any direct hits. Just before passing the Nieuport Bank buoy a large lifeboat containing some thirty Belgian soldiers was picked up and the boat taken in tow for use on the beach. On closing the beach 1 was ordered to proceed Alanasise the Clan MacAlister lying at anchor and embark the crew. This ship was on fire aft, and the ammunition round the after gun was continually exploding. The Master reported to ae that there was no chance of saving the shipas all hoses were out and the steering gear out of action. The crew, including some 30 Lascars, and several Naval ratings, - crews of motor boats - were all embarked. I then proceeded and anchored about half a mile off the beach opposite the Sanatorium. All available boats were lowered and sent inshore in charge of Lieut. Tadman R.N.R. and Rabbitts, Boatswain R.N.. Between 1860 and 1900 the ship was subjected to numerous low diving bombing attacks, although no direct hits were made there were several near misses. The hull was holed on both sidesabove and below the water line and the D.U. coil cut in several places. It was during this period that all casualties occurred, resultang in the death of of seven the ratings and six Belgian soldiers, and wounding seven
179 - 183 (3) Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at ehb tide in of line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerably by lack of control at shore end of pier to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without beding relieved of part tow of their heavy equipment. Some difficulty experienced in loading pontoons in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchored hocadside or sunk athead of pier Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. Allowed to broach in to give a lee if necessary with oil &td provided. During embarkation awell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. 120 troops embarked mostly R.B., R.A., R.A.S.C. with a few infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Belgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with spies, night positions during retreat seen to be scignalled by flashlight to planes, bombed within half an hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being prepared and defencelessness against dive bombing also important factors. 1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Widd and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud. 1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next rendezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops. 1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel. 1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company with Niger. Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlers. 2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shalling town. Fires in Dunkirk more expensive. 2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sdgn of boats as expected. 2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only boat available run aground. Moved 1 mile eastward. Saturday 1st June 0100: No troops yet contacted, No boats except Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed parachute mines decending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern. Mines reported dropped all over fairway. 0130. Commenced loading broops with our own motor boat and whaler and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motor yacht. Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, 3. Yorks., and machine gun detachment. No. R.A.F. assistance before or after dawn. Opened fire on occasional reconnaisance aircraft at dawn. One level bombing attack at about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst in the back whilst being helped over the side. This machine gun attack embarking wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving wounds undoubtedly would have been pressed home causing very heavy casualties but for concentrated Lewis gun and Bren gun fire from troops, who manned ships M.G. armament. Detachment of Guards also offered to provide Bren gun defence for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flying.
-188 102 (3) Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at ebb tide in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading of boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerably by lack of control at shore end of pier to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without being relieved of part of their heavy equipment. Some difficulty experienced in loading tow of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell, and in handling pontoons in tow in prevailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchored broadside or sunk at head of pier to give a lee if necessary with oil slick provided. During embarkation, Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. allowed to broach in swell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. I20 troops embarked mostly R.E. , R.A. R.A.S.C. with a few infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F support and Belgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with spies, night positions during retreat seen to be signalled by flashlight to planes, bombed within half an hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being prepared and defencelessness against dive bombing also important factors. II37. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alonside Lydd. Wind and sea increasing slightly, rather low cloud. II50. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt Vessel to await time for next rendezv ous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops. 1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt Vessel. I855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company with Niger. Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlers. 2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distantI I cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of harbour, apparently enemy shelling town. Fires in Dunkirk more extensive. 2147. Anchored off beach between La Panne and Dunkirk. No sign of boats as expected. 2235. Boat from shore reported troops further to eastward, only Saturday Iss Junable roo. Saturday Isavailable.com No troops yet contacted. No boats except aground. Moved 1 mile eastward. Sutton's available. Several minelaying aircraft overhead, observed parashute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and I cable astern. Mines reported dropped all over fairway. 0130. Commenced loading troops with own motor boat and whaler and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Later assisted by motoryacht. Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, E. Yorks. and machine gun detachment. No R.A.F assistance before or after dawn. Opened fire on occasional reconnaisance aircraft at dawn. One level bombing attack at about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst embarking wounded from pontoons alongside, one casualty receiving wounds in back whilst being helped over the side. This machine gun attack undoubtably would have been pressed gun and causing Bren fire from troops, who manned ships L.G. armament. home very heavy casualties but for concentrated Lewis Detachment of gun Guards also offered to provide Bren gun defence for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional low flyiing
203 (3) Motor boat towing whaler and two army pontoons. Since previous day pier had been constructed by driving out lorries at abb tido in line and securing planks on top, considerably expediting loading of boats, though embarkation rate was slowed considerablyby lack of control at shore end of pior to move troops along and by natural reluctance of troops to venture along pier without being relieved of part of their heavy equipment. Some defficulty experienced in loading tow of 4 boats without smashing up against pier in swell and in handling pontoons in tow in provailing conditions which tended to reduce embarkation rate. Boats available quite inadequate, large open motor beach boats required, together with vessel anchordd broadside or sunk at Hoad of pior to give a lee if necessary with oil slick provided. During embarkation, Sutton collected soldiers from overturned pontoon. Allowed to broach in swell. Three believed drowned mainly due to lack of foresight of shore authorities in allowing troops to embark with full equipment and overcoats in deteriorating weather conditions. 120 trags embarked mostly R.E., R.A., R.A.S.C. with a for infantrymen and guards, morale very good but very critical of lack of R.A.F. support and Bolgium treachery behind lines. Country said to be filled with updes, night positions during retreat seen to be signalled by flashlight to planos, bombed within half nn hour of being established. Surprising speed of advance of Germans against positions being propared and defencelossness against dive bombing also important factors. 1137. Weighed anchor and discharged troops alongside Lydd. Wind and sea increasing alightly, rather Low cloud. 1150. Proceeded North Goodwin Lt. Vessel to await time for next reddezvous. Lydd and Ross proceeded to Margate to discharge troops. 1538. Anchored at North Goodwin Lt. Vessel. 1855. Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk in company ml. th Higer. Passed great number of small craft, as well as destroyers and paddlors. 2115. Passed Dunkirk Harbour distant 1 cable. Heavy gunfire from beach about 2 miles west of Harbour, apparently enemy shelling tom. Fires in Dunkirk more extensive. 2147. Anchored off beach between La Fanne and Dunkirk. No sign of boats as expected. 2235. Boat from shore reported troopa further to eastward, only boat available run aground. Moved 1 mile eastward. Saturday 1st June 0100. No troops yet contacted. No boats except Sutton's available. Several minelaying airoraft overhead, observed parachute mines descending about 3 cables ahead and 1 cable astern. lines 0130. Commenced loading troops with own notor boats and whalar reported dropped all over fairway. Troops mostly R.A. and infantrymen including guards, X Yorks., and machine and ship's lifeboat found off beach. Lator assisted by motor yacht. gun detachmont. No R.A.F. assistance before or after. dawn. Opened fire occasional reconnaisence aircraft at dawn. One level bombing wounded from pontoons alongaide, one casualty receiving attack wounds in attack on of about 5000 feet followed by machine gunning whilst embarking back whilst helped over the side. This machine gun but undoubtedly for would being been pressed home causing very heavy casualties manned L.G. concentrated Detachment of Guards also offered to provide low gun have Lowis gun and Bron gun fire from troops, who Bron ships defence armsment. for the large ship's lifeboat against occasional flying COMMANDING OFFICER 19 JUN 1940 H.M.S. "SUTTON" to
202 217 ter she was hit in the after Boiler Room and started to settle down. aptain Berthon then anchored her and M.T.B. 102, which had just arrived, me alongside. I embarked in her with my Staff, and after telling 2 ags to stand by KEITH I went into Dunkirk to see General Alexander. Dive ombing and Maching Gun attacks were made on the N.T.B. on the way there. 5. General Alexander was away from the H.Q., but I saw a Staff Officer nd discussed the situation. At that time I gathered that the plan was o evacuate during the next night from the Western Beach only and Dunicizione he Rearguard were to withdraw at dawn and make their way to Dunkirk. is his meant continuing the embarkation for some hours of daylight I had rave fears of heavy losses after that morning's experience. 6. As there was nothing more I could do at Dunicirk and all ships were etuning I decided to return to Dover to make contact. 7. I reached Dover at 1130 in M.T.B. 102 and left again at 1730 in LA/S.B. 10. At Dover I was able to discuss the plans for the night operations which was invaluable, and thereafter I returned each day for this purpose. 38. The plan for this night was, roughly, to embark between 2100 and 0330 from the 12 miles of beach East of Dunicirk, for which large numbers of small craft were to be towed out. In addition Personnel Ships were to enbark from Dunkirk. 39. I sailed early in M.A/S.B.10 and landed at Dunicirk at 1900, visited the S.N.O. and the General, and gave them details of the plan. I then learnt to my great relief that the Rearguard were being relieved by the French and withdrawing during the night. 40. At 2100 ships started to arrive and from then omards I noved between the beaches and Dunkirk, continually sending ships which were loading very slowly off the beaches into Dunkirk to fill up there. The plan as originally made would not have made full use of Dunkirk. 41. bring off some of the Naval Ratings of the Shore Party, and I lay there until At 0200 I went alongside the root of the East pier in Dunkirk to 0245 when I proceeded round all ships barthed in harbour. there was it was clear morning I decided to get ships away by 0300 instead the considerable shelling of the Harbour at this time and a Trawler was sunk. of As 0330, and a very seen this put into effect I left for Dover; acue of small craft having however, continued their work off the beaches to a later hour. 42. Night - Sunday 2nd - Monday 3rd June. it was understood that there were 5000 enbark British from still Dunkirk and over 30,000 except for some French local craft from the beach made any East- ashore At this stage French, and the plan arranged was to beach close ward. entirely Actually a strong wind and heavy shelling on the embarkation there impossible. 43. Paddlers, Minesweepers A very large and Schools was provided in addition to and carrying capacity in Personnel Ships, Destroyers, Drifters Flotillas of boats working from Tugs outside. the French had collected a large mmber the harbour. of fishing 44. vessels, Trawlers, By this and time small also steamers which worked from quays up 45. I arrived at Dunicis in M.A/S.B. 10. at 2030, after a boaking /attack **********
Dynamo 115 207 999 REPORT OF OPERATIONS OFF DUNKIRK. Having proceeded at maximum speed (26) knots) with fuel available from a position about 120 miles north of Lands End, Worcester arrived off Dover at 0715 on the 28th May. Then on account of reduced fuel I was forced to make the passage to Dunkirk by "y" Channel at a speed of 18 knots. A summary of Journeys made is shewn on the attached Appendix A. On Journey I attempts were made to refuel from "Anthony" but only 10 tons was taken on board. The return journey was made at 15 knots leaving less than 5 tons on board on arrival at Dover. Numerous enemy aircraft made towards the ship during the afternoon but all were driven off by gunfire. Destroyers astern were seen to be bombed. Athacked prinke S/M # West Hundred List hung. / pattern 4 depth drangers. Recult wreakings has - it. Fuel was taken in before Journey 2 ( Route X both ways) which took place without incident except for a heavy bombing attack on East Pier while embarking troops. The continuation of this attack subsequently sunk the Grenade 10 minutes after leaving the pier. Journey 3. (Route X both ways) Troops were embarked from boats off Bray. All ships boats were left behind. Very few enemy aircraft approached the ship on this trip and any that looked dangerous were driven off by sunfire. Journey 4. Sailed on route 8 but altered back to route X on receiving information of enemy shelling on 2. It was expected to embark troops from the beaches again but was ordered to carry R.A. Dover LAPANNE and Staff until dawn. A full load was taken from boats at Bray after his departure. - 1 -
208 223 On return X channel was taken at dead low water and owing to rounding No.5 Buoy Dunkirk roads too close, grounded on a shoal 337° 2.5 cables from that buoy. Then the ship was refloated it was discovered that 18 - 20 knots was the maximum safe speed. Occasional firing was carried out on enemy aircraft in the vicinity during the evening of the 30th May. Journey 5. As soon as ship had refuelled and had the propellers examined by divers a passage was made at 18 knots to the beaches which were reached at dusk on the 31st May. East pier was full at this time and it was evident that difficulty was being experienced in getting men to the minesweepers already at the beaches. I visited all the beaches in turn finally anchoring at LAPANNE. The minesweepers further inshore were getting small loads but none came the greater distance to WORCESTER. At dawn WORCESTER came under shell fire from shore batteries and I decided to slip the cable and proceed to East pier where a full load of troops was embarked. Journey 6. June 1st. On approaching X xhannel about 1500 in the vicinity of No.5 buoy, two recent wrecks of transports were sighted; small craft and destroyers were picking up survivors. A few survivors were picked up. At this time a signal was received from V.A.Dover to return to harbour forthwith. It seemed however not worth while to return so close from Dunkirk and so I continued my course through the roads where some French soldiers were picked up from an open boat and the crew of a small service motor launch which had broken down. - 2 -
SECRET Dynamo 135 262 ROM COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.Y. "CHRISTOBELEI". DATE June 2nd 1940. TO TENDED DEFENCES OFFICER SHEERNESS. BARRATIVE OF EVENTS FROM FIRST SIGNAL TO ARRIVING AT SHEERIESS. Sir, I beg to submit the following report:- On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Caleta" I proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Caleta", "Amilree", and "Glala" I was handed your letter by "Glala" instructing ne to take these raghts to the North Goodwin Light Vesselo there to close the Exami: ation Vessel for further instructions, we proceeded in line ahead led by "Caleta" as Sub. Lieutenant Dunning knew the channels owing to non appearance of Examination Vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the nighto at 0400 I ordered engines to be started and to go and see 11 I could finithe Examination my Vessel, as it was now dawn at 0500 my engineman reported a defect, I gave orders for rema: der of yachts to close Examination Vesselsat 0600 and proceed according to instructions received. Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the Examination Vessel, & eventually got one engine running and I decided to proceed to had the Port engine I anchored off Remagate Pier and just before arriving at Ramsgate at 1000 my engineman reported than he immediately proceeded running ashore in ship's dinghy for Rg routing instr stion these I was given without and at *015 were underway for D- irk. 28' E we were attacked Junkers 87 and = hine gunned, his burst When we were in position approximately 51 degrees 12' No 2 de reed of fire feal all round by the a shipo I gave orders to sy gun layer not to would be able to Lewis grun at his heighto imediately we open fire on him until he was well within range as I did not think he opened fire he sh ered ae our off. how I could waiting to be embarked, I weat on boardo There was too such surf troops (°f the Casino off in the ship's dinghy to see I anchored at Drokirk at 1530₂ as I saw a lot of running ( get Home of these troops that these troops were French and would land, I was also informed abo would be swemped, I learnt that a party crown the boat so much, that would arrive at about 1700 at that part to of of the about 50 British troops to the ship and decided to cruise about men, see if beache I returned some description to embable these me I went s I could find a boat and was of there spoken by a sloop who that asked part on to the take his BI as bc. La Panne and try and get troops chelled off to and him, bombed, from at about this time beach, 70 were being continually our stern the last bomb a for fulling 1 in about 30 It a alvo of bombs only effect fell across was to areg our which storn was down a heavy bomber the water. away, We the opened fire on this ad a aeroplane direct hit with our Lewis the guys as and c his her type Starboard ships Dornier were engine also 17 we busit firing register into I cannos flames cat arl he this creshed aeroplane into sea definitaly. steament back 2 had at promised all possible to speed hoping to adrift find which a boat we to managed bring then to As embark the British treope at Dunkirk I Pack off, and ate we up were with our fortunate dingay in I finding immediately at a proxip a Thaler sent sty these 1750 two this boats was very ashore "ed to embark troops
CONFIDENTIAL Dyramo 140. 2535 269 2 6th June, 1040. 252 CONFIDENTIAL Dynama, FROM shalls Comminding Officer The Extended Defences Officer, Hreating his ship unice Sheerness. DATE 7th June 1940. MAIN For coolness Insurancive energy and SECRET Drynams 13% 965 COMMANDING OFFICER, DEFENCES OFFICER, H.M.Y. GLALA. ADMIRALTY SHEERNESS. HOUSE, 4th June, 1940. Siro I have the honour to report that having received orders, I proceeded from Sheerness in conjunction with three other Yeahte: at 1930 on Thursday 30th May, 1940. Shortly after midnight we were in the vicinity of the North Goodwin Light Vessel, and as we were unable to contact the Examination Tug the Yacht "ChristobellII", the senior ship ordered us to anchor. , At dawn I received a signal from the Senior Officer I weighed that and he was closed to and entered Amulree" unable at Shortly the Dunkirk Tugo to before and proceed 'Roads' Having "Caleta" eleven owing received about and the to 11300 we French engine proceeded orders anchored No Coast trouble, from steamed by off was her route so the eighted along I beach delivered "X", the and 3 coast miles we tow then East of about 1230, "Golden Bagle" to us to close She asked when us to this WBC halers which were full 02 could be of assistance, but wo Dunkirk, signalled soldiers alongaide and she replied completed that she we was asked alright if we and that we could be of more use further alongo Off "Venomous" called us up and alose informed to the us her motor La boat Panne had H.M.S. broken down inshore. transports, No went and having 49 piero We contacted As securing were allowed all 01 then she towing but ready which was went them alongside the now to nam was back way to boat go getting back constructed drift inshore. and to were took when we the to underway were informed it beach the filled. in we of beach left tow took Агщу and we completely that with At and and closed them this this returned abe anchored a as time single point had H.M.S. new close took three wird to with strand. our as "Vivacious" out the boats possible, steering and the on her destroyer. at intention It whaler. which that was and ropes ly moment impossible to Sclent continuously the bombing became repair and intense. it shelling without make A which Captain for the had RaNa open been in sea going Yacht and No.1 all the 05 the smaller Patrol power ordered lowed craft him outo
318 - 324 - Proceedings by H.M.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June. "SABRE" again sailed for Dunkirk, and at 0115/1 both boats were & again sent in to the - eastern beach. No troops were found there, 86 proceeded to search further east. Hearing "S.O.S" being sounded C a syren, steamed towards 16 and Count a drifter stranded on a sub- merged wrack. Went alongside and took off the crew and troops. Jus before dawn some more instroyers were Count off Bray, and Sabre's Doats were sent in to bring off troops which could now be seen in large numbers. On "Shikari" CLILING up a cutter was taken over from her. The towage of this, full of trocps, proved too much for the motor boat and the troops had to pull off to the ship. INO trips were made in this way. Hourwhile on orders from R.A.Dover (in Heith) "SABRE" went alongside a tus, took off her troops and sent him to tow "Speedwell" off. During this time a single aircraft (apparently ch a Messersmidt 100) approached and made some rather half hearted machine gun attacks. Intense 1.4 thre provented these from boing X pressed home. There vas also VI unsuccassful dive bonbing attack by a Junkers 87. Numerous British fighters ware seen, and our freedom from serious interference was prosumably due to them. At 0700 having about 500 troops aboard, *SABRE* returned to Dover, arriving at 1000. At 2030/1 procested to Dunkirk in company with "Codrington" at 28 knots. It 8315 secured so the east pier and C111- ad up with troops. Shoved off at midnicht and returned, fortunbately coming no with "Icarus" who YAS followed as or as the DONILS (Sabre compass still Daine unreliabe). Arrived at 0400/3 and landed troops. 18 1845/8 proceeded to Dunkirk in company with 7 "Shikari" who was sent about at the North Goodsin be T. until arrival in Dunkirk Channel, then passing new Ruytingen bank bucy H.M.H.S. "parts" was seen to be sinking and to have boats away. A crossichannel steamer which had just been overtaken was sent to has assistance
I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside Adminalty Pier 23 After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered prt H.H.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Doms at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940 23 "RUJA" B H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirk from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.H.S. Pascholl. Signed H.R.Webber (Lieut R.N.) "FRISO" A This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under Sun. Lieut. R.N.V.R. made two successful trips to Dunkirk beach and was able to evacuate 1008 officers and men. Although under continual fire from shore batteries and dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel or crew. Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.) "DESPATCH II" B. May 29th & 30th. To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with ships boats only until 04.00 At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft of water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ransgate 19.00 30th. May 31st. June 1st. Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment with ships boats only until midnight. Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked ship sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1. Ships Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505 A.B. W.H. Dibben P/JX 148504 A.B. H.B.Ketchley PJ109346 O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093 Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr. "PASCHOLL" B. This ship was only taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having returned to his proper duties at Ramagate. I proceeded to Ramagate arriving there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond flying his flag in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty at 23.00 and embarked ap roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 Tuesday June 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions sailed at 05.30 Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having taken H.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. June entered Poole Harbour. Signed Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R. "ZEUS" I have the honour ? to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation I Dynamo in diary form. 25th. May Joined at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 p.m. approx cast off and proceeded to anchor off Portsmouth. 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Yarmouth. 26th, May. 5.10 a.m. ordered to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship 3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth. 6.0 p.m. Arrived Portsmo th. Recive fuel water and stores and ordered to broken proceed Spithead to swing for deviation. Discharged Dutch engineer. Note compass and steering compass damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable deviation card 10.30 Proceed in company for Newhaven. 27th. May Dawn arrived off Newhaven and anchoved. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec. gear stores rope etc. Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship 9.0 approx. Proceeded in company for Dover. 28th. p.m. Dawn arrived off Dover 9.30 approx berthed alongside "Ruja" at West bad Quay, Enemy render independance p.m. of navigation impossible we follow rest ahead. gunfire May air raid 1.0 approx. Proceed in company for Dunking. Compass Considerable so as to etc. all night.
I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside Adminalty Pier 23 After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered escort H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Downs at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940 23 "RUJA" B H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirl from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.M.S. Pascholl. Signed Webber (Lieut R.N.) "FRISO" A This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under Sun. Lieut. Ward R.N.V.R. made two Although successful under trips continual to Dunkirk fire beach from and shore was able batteries to evacuate and 1008 dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel officers and men. or crew. Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Licut. R.N.V.R.) "DESPATCH II" May 29th & 30th. To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft or water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air ships boats only until 04.00 compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ramsgate 19.00 30th. May 31st. June 1st. Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles with to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked ships boats only until midnight. sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1. Ships ship Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention L.S. A.J.M. Upton SSX 13505 A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504 A.B. .B.Ketchley PJ109346 O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093 Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr. This "PASCHOLL" ship was only B. taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor returned to his proper duties at Ramsgate. I proceeded to Ramsgate arriving until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond at flying his in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty flag and embarked approximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 05.30 Tuesday June 23.00 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions taken sailed at Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having H.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday June 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. entered Poole Harbour. Signed J.N.Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R. "ZEUS" I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation Dynamo 25th. in diary Joined form. at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 Dalla approx cast Yarmouth. off and 26th. proceeded May. to 5.10 anchor a.m. off ordered Portsmouth. to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship May 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off 3.0 p.m. Ordered Portsmo to proceed th. Portsmouth. Recived fuel water and stores and ordered to proceed broken 6.0 p.m. Arrived deviation. Discharged Dutoh engineer. Note compass deviation Spithead and steering to swing compass for damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable card 10.30 Proceed Dawn in arrived company off for Newhaven Newhaven. and anchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec gear stores 27th. rope etc. May Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship 9.0 28th. p.m. May approx. Dawn arrived Proceeded off Dover in company 9.30 approx for Dover. berthed for alongside "Ruja" Compass at so West bad Quay. as to Enemy render air independance raid 1.0 p.m. of navigation approx. Proceed impossible in company 49 rest shead. Considerable fofolComt gunfire etc. all night. so folonsidat ores ost to el gunfire Duto.
74 73 -2- 6. I approached a number of trawlers and other small vessels which seemed to be getting under way for Great Britain and asked them to remain until I could fill them up with troops. It seemed to me that the orders which they said they had received to return to Great Britain were not bona fide. 7. I proceeded ashore and interviewed various military officers at as many of the beaches as possible. At the request of a senior military officer I agreed to assume the duties of Beach Master and arranged to continue the organisation until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told them that if anything went wrong during the night we would return at dawn. I learned that some of the men had been in the dunes for two or three days awaiting embarkation, and they were obviously much cheered up to learn that they would get out that night. The flat-bottomed boats which the military had been using themselves were extremely dangerous in the surf which, although not very great, was sufficient to capsize these boats. 8. I found from experience that it was much quicker to run a load of troops in a single motor boat rather than to fill up one or more lifeboats and tow the greater number. The dangers of controlling boats in tow when they were crowded both near the shore and alongside H.M. ships were considerable. During the night I acquired in one way or another five additional lifeboats, and in many cases the military themselves acted as crews. 9. The pontoon bridges which had been built by the military the previous day were extremely useful, and were largely res- ponsible for the rapid evacuation of troops. It is interesting to note that a few moments after the last men had been taken off one of these bridges it was hit by enemy artillery. 10. All the troops that I could find were embarked by midnight and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before midnight I went along certain of the beaches to look for stragglers. A Staff Officer informed me that no more troops would embark from these beaches but that they would march to Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be shelled and would probably be in German hands the following day. This, as it turned out, was a correct forecast. 11. I estimate that from pontoon bridges and beaches approxi- mately 5,000 troops were probably embarked. 12. The soldiers, though obviously extremely tired, made no complaints of the delay or of the wettings which they got in wading out in the surf to get into the motor boats, and were more than thankful for the kindnesses which were shown them in the various ships. One could not but be impressed by the amount of friendly cheering which occurred when H.M. ships passed the troop ships at sea. The great majority of the troops were carrying their rifles and side-arms, and I insisted that in no case must they be thrown away. I was impressed to notice that the military padres were always amongst the last to leave the beach in their respective parties. 13./
90 (2) 89 before daybreak and arrived back in the Downs by 1000 May 28th. At 1730 we again received orders to proceed to Dunkirk, this time by the shorter route 15X and this time 28/5 with the knowledge that we were engaged in the evacuation of the B. E. F. from the eight miles of beaches from Dunkirk to La Panne. Of the dynamo ships that left the Downs at the same time, we were the first to arrive off Dunkirk and seeing that the harbour was being used by bigger ships, I decided that me might only obstruct the bigger ships by going in and that our proper function was to contact the beaches where bigger ships could not go. I therefore proceeded past Dunkirk in an Easterly direction. The light of burning Dunkirk was now nearly astern of us and the heavy smoke cloud over the beaches intensified the darkness. Thinking here to contact other ships or boats I proceeded at half speed. Presently another dynamo ship passed us in the opposite direction and informed us that she had come all the way from La Panne and had seen nothing. I therefore steered in more closely to the beaches. At a point about 4 miles East of Dunkirk, I came between a destroyer and another dynamo ship. I asked the dynamo ship if she was at anchor and she replied that she was aground. There appeared to be two others aground also. There were no boats visible, but as I was preparing to lower my boat, I received information from a motor boat which came out from the shore. that she had brought off the last of the troops that were there. the remainder having started back into the hills preparatory for dawn. I noticed also that the destroyer was preparing to leave and as this seemed the only thing left to do I set course for returning to Ramsgate. That was at 0250 on the morning of May 29th and I arrived at Ramsgate Road at 0830. from - Hum SRot Who we dropping ashin, and Pacific beary Kishi than luch of Vein was & : belowed, about the had Proceded at How spend has the White t trey of this party 5 anin 4 ha Pause. . hail are Guld has Ideas dircust for the beach Were is anouns an Ill aituition are is line is Rrt 9 Here Me Form was a Perius
CONFIDENTIAL page 98 97 ORANJE'S R.O.D./1 dated 10th June 1940 (cont) commandeered. It was now about an hour after high water and ORANJE proceeded/ as close inshore as possible, anchored, and then beached stern first, drawings of the ship showing that this would not damage the screw or rudder. A line, consisting of two 120 fathom lengths of 2" manila, was then run inshore and hauled as tau a.s possible and ORANJE's dinghy was run along this, as no other boats were then availabbe; the disembarkation of provisions was then started about 5 packages at as time. 10. Two large boats were obtained about noon, and at 1700 the Royal Engineers provided 6 bridge building pontoons. with this number of boats available It was possible to disembark the provisions with reasonable celerity. Intermittent Air Raids took place throughout the day, but although a number of bom bs fell close to the ship, no damage was done nor were there any casuals By midnight when about 150 tons had been disembarked and were still on the beach, it was decided between the embarkation officer and mygelf that it would be better to stop disembark ing provisions and embark troops, sailing as soon as the tide rose sufficiently to float the ship. 11. Thursday May 30th. ORANJE weighed at 0415 with over 500 troops on board and proceeded for the Downs via the Kwinte Bank and West Hinder buoys. On sporoaching the Kwinte Bank buoy 8 wreck was observed about half 8 mile westward of the buoy, which gave the appearance of being the bows of destroyer protruding about 20 feet out of the water. On arrival in The Downes ORANJE was ordered by the examination steamer to proceed to Margate where we went alongside the pier at 1720 and disembarked troops. 1 A.B. was discharged sick. ORANJE completed with fuel, water, and provisions, embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition, took two boats in tow, and sailed for Dunkirk again at 2230. Owing to too short a tow, ORANJE having no more hawsers on board, the boats broke adrift in the vicinity of the Elbow buoy, and as they could not be immediately located they were abandoned. There were no crews on board. 12. Friday 31st Mey. ORANJE arrived off No. West buoy, Dunkirk Channel at dawn and proceeded towards Le Panne. There was considerable air activity along the coast but. ORANJE was unmolested. Off Dunkirk Harbour ORANJE was closed by a destroyer believed to be EXPRESS, and told to close destroyer H 11 (BASILISK) and work under his orders: ORANJE anchored off Le Panne in the same position as the previous day. As ORANJE had no boats, embarkation was very slow until BASILISK pan - slum Skud Who are aripping ashin, and Pacitic benif Kishi than with A Vein are & 1 belowed about the has Proceded at the spend has White & they skoot of this party 0 amin it the ha Pance. hail, are Guild was Ideas straight for the beach were is awouns an Il within was is line is Ret 9 Auch n. Here the Ipen was a
Dynami but 105 SUBJECT: REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS DURING EVACUATION. FROM: LIEUTENANT T. JOHNSTON, R.N. COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. PASCHOLL. DATE: 6th June 1940. TO: VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER. I have the honour to report that I sailed from Portsmouth at approximately 3200 27th May 1940, in command of the Dutch skoot PASCHOLL, arriving at Dover about 0900 28th May 1940. 2. I left Dover at 1400 28th May, for the beach off Le Panne via route Y with orders to arrive about 2200 to take off troops from the beaches and transfer them to Destroyers, endeavouring to return to the Downs by dawn. 3. As the PASCHOLL was SO much slower than other ships in the Convoy, I was obliged to leave the route given and proceed across the Banks, by SO doing arriving of Ia Panne at 2230, 28th May. 4. Approximately 300 troops were embarked and transferred to the WOLSEY(?), by this time it was 0400 29th May, so I returned as ordered to the Downs. On arrival at the Downs I was ordered by an examination steamer to proceed to Deal where I arrived about 1200 29th May. 5. Having received no further orders I proceeded to Dover where after storing ship I was ordered to return to Le Panne. 6. I sailed from Dover at 1900 29th May, and proceeded to IQ Panne arriving about 0230 30th May where I embarked 400 British and French troops and sailed for Ramsgate at 1030 30th May. During the embarkation only two enemy aircraft were sighted and they did not bomb in the vicinity of the PASCHOLL. 7. On entering the main channel of Le Panne, I was shelled for half an hour by shore batteries at Nieuport, and was obliged to steam across the sendbanks to get out of range. About 1400 I was attacked by a Dornier bomber which bombed and machine-gunned without more success than two slight casualties. I arrived at Ramsgate about 2000 30th May. 8. At approximately 2200 30th May, the whole crew of the PASCHOLL were relieved and Lieutenant Donaldson, R.N.R., took command. 9. At 0700 on 1st June, I took command of Drifter JACKEVE and proceeded to Dunkirk. During the outward passage, I was bombed several times and on arrival off the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at about 1250 1st June, was attacked heavily by dive bombers. The MOSQUITO who was quite close at the time was hit and abandoned, 80 I proceeded to pick up survivors.
115 112 secure one on embark atim. The flow of hoops ceased at about 0200 a despite ever effect to obtain more men, I was unable to Burbark have than c few odd parties. Dawn being due better moments, ch was decided to Cast off as no more men were with coming heat. Commanded Clements RN.R. "f"Tilly" informed me that he was unable to have as his S Crew was shill F fene. I apred to low him ont of harbur 7, of necessary, bach to Ingland. I lashed him almpide with W fore Mbach spring knoking on a double bach. spring, mandwred both issues against the wind 1 clear of the geth Minall out of harbond Here "Tilly" reversed engines & cleaning her propellor, was able to proced under her uhn power I should like to place on record here the lach of assistance fiven by military officers of all Tanks from major downwards, in controlling twops during embarkation full brunt coming on the lender. officered a manned havel vesseh. may 29th arrived D ones at 0845 9 was instructed to pureed marfate to disemberd the 280 men about I was able to do this at 1430. after watering, stining i fulling, sailed at 1530 for Ramsjali, to embark en Lewis funs, wires for kedge Is, v uplace my Carswain Ldq Leaman Haffai was embailed n this hands conduct ton.o. I.S. Rainsfate / in this capacity I subsuently made a uport uconmended him you some recognition, which I hope will be futh coming
2 139 14 133 11 conditions quiet. ch a.m. Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked troops. Sailed immediately for La Panne beaches via West Hinder Buoy. th afternoon. When several miles from coast many German bombers were encountered. Bombs were dropped but missed. Ships two Lewis @ guns in constant action. Although plant ineffective in fact, this gunfire probably kept them apr machines up. Many ships in vicinity being bombed. Some British fighters sighted. When nearer to shore the Paddle Steamer "Gracie Fields" was sighted homeward bound packed with approximately 800 troops. Witnessed des a bomb attack on her during which a direct hit was 300. secured amidships. Went to render assistance. "Gracie Fields" was unable to stop her engines. Upper deck and enveloped in clouds of steam. Operation of going alongside had to be performed whilst both ships were proceeding ahead. Secured alongside. Terrible T mortality and shambles on board. Transferred as many with injured and others as "Twente" would hold. During 00 operation another scoot secured alongside opposite side situa of "Gracie Fields" and took off remainder. Cast off and proceeded full speed to Famsgate. Arrived dawn, ak. May 30th. Disembarked wounded and other troops. teh 20 4R ICE ADMIRAL Ell day light an air 9- JUN 1940 be durlsping at on * DOVER - disaubarked toops, formism stares.
6 -_143 147 137 41 find) and a report that all British had left. These Frenchmen refused to come in so small a blogy craft and insisted on boarding a large ship which was also alongside/ the mole. A British Naval Officer apparently in charge of embarkation on mole informed me that there were no more troops to come and that I must plain return empty. I took on board a Brenn gun which was lying on the mole and returned to Ramsgate. It was afterwards learnt that although there were no more troops to come in the area that night, therewere some more further from the port who succeeded later did in reaching the port and were embarked the following 300. night by other ships. rd. a.m. Returned Ramsgate arriving dawn. !th Re-assumed command of Dutch Scoot "Twente" and ans sailed to Tilbury and Surrey Commercial Docks. 5th Handed ship over to Dock authorities and returned - with Ship's Company to Chatham Barracks. Erik 00 without Lieut.-Commander, R.N.R. ak. teh 21 4R ICE ADMIRAL Ell day light an air 9- JUN 1940 the durlsping at Vo * DOVER R - disaurban had toops, promium stares.
Dynam. 209 BIWO/ 233 c/o The Standard Bank of South Africa, 1462 9 Northumberland Avenue, S.W.1. 7th June 1940. Sir, ACTIVITY OF EX DUTCH COASTER "ZEUS" UNDER OPERATION "DYNAMO" I have been instructed by the Commodore's Secretary at Portsmouth to submit a report to yourself with reference to the above, together with my suggestions. 27th May 1940. Dawn - Arrived in company with others off Dover. This vessel has been equipped with 360 life belts in addition to those for the crew. 9 A.M. - Entered Dover. Berthed alongside West Quay, topped up with fresh water, stores etc., BIG 13:00 - Proceeded in company for Dunkirk. Considerable gun fire heard during crossing. 29th May 1940. 00:00 - Approaching Dunkirk experienced considerable difficulty in finding out where to go to be of most value. 01:00 - Entered Dunkirk harbour and berthed alongside the quay. Commenced receiving troops. (NOTE: Only one vertical shore ladder was available). 01:30 - SAN ANTONIO berthed alongside this vessel. Troops crossed our deck to board SAN ANTONIO. 03:00 - SAN ANTONIO cast off. This vessel continued embarking troops. 04:00 - Breeze freshening and we have received approximately 230 troops, as the supply of troops appears to have stopped for the time being we decide to cast off. At times troops were so numerous on the quay that the one shore ladder was quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. At others, as much as quarter of an hour went by without at single man boarding our vessels. It had been discovered that two ladies in soldiers overcoats and steel helmets boarded with troops. Best possible arrangements were made for their comfort. Vice-Admiral, Dover. As/...
SECRET Дупашь COMMANDING 137. EXTENDED ADMIRALITY DEFENCES HOUSE, OFFICER OFFICER, 173 H.M.Y. GLALA. 164 178. SHEERNESS 4th June, 1940. 167 sir, I have the honour to report that, having received orders, I from Sheerness in conjunction th three other Yachts Thursday 30th May, 1940. Shortly after midnight we were in the vicinity of the North Goodwin Light Vessel, and as we were unable. to contact the Examination to Tug anchor. , the Yacht "ChristobelkII", the senior ship ordered us At dawn I received a signal from the Senior Officer that he was unable to proceed owing to engine trouble, SO I weighed and e closed the Tug. Having received orders from her I delivered them to "Amulree" and "Caleta" and we proceeded by, route "X". Shortly before eleven the French Coast was sighted and we my d entered Dunkirk 'Roads' about 1130. We steamed along the coast and at about 1230, "Golden Eagle" anchored off the beach 3 miles East of Dunkirk, signalled to us to close. She asked us to tow d. two whalers which were full of soldiers alongside and when this was completed we asked if we could be of assistance, but she replied that she was alright and that we could be of more use to further along. he Off La Panne H.M.S. "Venomous" called us up and informed us her motor boat had broken down inshore. We went close to the pier, which was constructed of Army transports, and having irk. contacted the boat took it in tow and returned to the destroyer. We then went back to the beach and this time took out her whaler. grees As she was now getting underway we closed H.M.S. "Vivacious" and st securing alongside were informed that she had three boats which to were to inshore. We took them as close as possible, he allowed ready them to go drift to the beach and anchored with the intention of towing them back when filled. At this point our steering It was ropes all but and we were left with a single strand. that impossible gave to way repair it without completely new wire and on at of and shelling which had been going see Moment the bombing became intense. À Captain R.N. in Yacht No.1 all the of the surf Solent continuously Patrol ordered us to make for the open sea and and that smaller power craft followed him out. hat out men, d art ut bombs fell across our stern the stern last down oomo a ralling few feet about in the 30 water. ft away, We the opened only fire on this aeroplane direct hit which with was OUD Lewis this time a salvo of effect was to drag our a heavy gun bomber type Dornier 17 we burst registered into flames a and he this crashed aeroplane into the sea, and as other his Starboard ships were engine also firing I cannot claim definitely. As I had promised to embark speed the hoping British to adrift troops find a which boat at Dunkirk we to magaged bring I them to steamed off, we were back at fortunate all possible in finding immediately a Whaler sent these two boats this ashore was very pick and started up with to our embark dinghy, troops I at approximately at 1750, continued over
174 We weighed and proceeded out a 15 bomb: yards astern and Yacht angle "15" of but its on fall our way caused the majority fell to The strike her and shaken she had but one undamaged man killed and we and was in No. close 1 severely and contact as I had with previously her. to return She reported reported for my to as to ordered as she was by unarmed. the Captain repairs and accompany defect 31/5 at 2130. I immediately not be required asked for repairs Rams The return was safetly reported accomplished and and we entered told that we would and the again. The we returned to Sheerness orders. repairs having complete awaited further this time conveying a group and motor lifeboats, At 1430 on Sunday 2nd June of launches we again. proceeded arrived about 1845 and I reported our arrival to Admiral R.N. and to Captain Wharton R.N. for orders. I was told Taylo small boats which were willing were to make an. attempt to that 1000 British troops on a small portion of the beach just West eve Dunkirk Mole. The majority of the craft going over to this point were fast motor boats of over 15 knots and had been ordered to les the beach no matter what the position was at 0230. We sailed from Ramsgate at 2045 and followed the same course as previous as far as "W" Buoy 5 miles from the coast. This was reachei 0020. I shaped a course for the next mark but our port engine lost revolution and became useless. I decided to carry on il under one engine, but we were met by three Yachts returning, They had been close to the beach which they said was under a continuously heavy fire from large guns and dive bombing and machine gunaattacks. Either there had not been any troops 811 they thought the faster boats in front had got them away or the troops could not reach the beach because of the barrage. They had been told to wait at "V" until dawn and see if any the ships coming out had been damaged and needed assistance. we would only have ten minutes near the shore with our speed Dn these facts I considered my best policy was to join them and our draught would not allow us to approach as close as had dóne. parachute fl were Two tugs While dropped about cruising around in us and this we vicinity spent numerous time could not see the 1/4 of plane: a mile Aerial from us breaking and ships lucky were coming to be home, attacked. my port engine was were extremely not SURBITON. HOOK, 'T092 TELEPHONE SUBINWO THE VICARAGE,
SECRET Dynams 135. FROM COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.Y. "CHRISTOBELLI". 178 DATE June 2nd 1940. 167 TO EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS. NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FROM FIRST SIGNAL TO ARRIVING AT SHEERNESS. Sir, I beg to submit the following report:- On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Caleta" I proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Caleta", "Amulree", and "Glala", I was handed your letter by "Glala" instructing me to take these yachts to the North Goodwin Light Vessel, there to close the Examination Vessel for further instructions, we proceeded in line ahead led by "Caleta" as Sub. Lieutenant Dunning knew the channel, owing to non appearance of Examination Vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the night, at 0400 I ordered my engines to be started and to go and see if I could findthe Examination Vessel, as it was now dawn, at 0500 my engineman reported a defect, I gave orders for remainder of yachts to close Examination Vesselsat 0600 and proceed according to instructions received. We eventually got one engine running and I decided to proceed to Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the Examination Vessel, just before arriving at Ramsgate at 1000 my engineman reported that he had the Port engine running, I anchored off Ramsgate Pier and immediately proceeded ashore in ship's dinghy for my routing instruction: these I was given without delay and at 1015 were underway for Dunkirk. When we were in position approximately 51 degrees 12' N. 2 degrees 28' E we were attacked by a Junkers 87 and machine gunned, his burst of fire fell all. round the ship, I gave orders to my gun layer not to open fire on him until he was well within range as I did not think he would be able to see our Lewis gun at his height, immediately we opened fire he sheered off. I anchored off the Casino at Dunkirk at 1530, as I saw a lot of troops waiting to be embarked, I went off in the ship's dinghy to see how Iscould get some of these troops on board, there was too much surf running tolland, I was also informed that these troops were French and would crowd the boat so much, that she would be swamped, I learnt that a party of about 50 British troops would arrive at about 1700 at that part of the beach, I returned to the ship and decided to cruise about to see I could find a boat of some description to embabk these men, I went as far as La Panne and was there spoken by a sloop who asked me to take his boat and try and get troops off to him, from that part of the beach, we were being continually shelled and bombed, at about this time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last bomb falling about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, as definitely. other ships were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very continued over
179 difficult as the beach is very into flat the and there was a my crew with managed to get her afloat troops two and as soon as the a few assistance men got of some of Whaler the she surf up to their armpits and two of my crew board in H to and float two of with my 15 crew men in the dinghy, the whaler on was got a great struggle as there board were I sent only the three whaler oars in it, alongside these men were got dinghy on arrived back with soon another load, the the beach she capsized in 1 and ding and ashore getting her off these men were being the surf but she was righted, as to sea to wait for got on board wortunate! bombed so I stood out out bombing us but a lull, one us and followed us deemed it advisable they fell very wide mark, as soon as I out to us-they I steamed back for of I saw the whaler heading nine had had great the getting off and could had only restarted bring I men off, as 2115 and the bombing thought it underway; I had been afraid to stop engines all day as SI knew to would be almost impossible to re-start as our air compressor had given out; one engine actually stopped but was got going after a short while,- I had the whaler cast adrift as I knew it drfft ashore and some more men would be able to get off to the that were waiting to take them off, my only regret was being to embark the remaining 14 men from this party. I got underway at 2145 with my own dinghy in tow as I did want to waste time getting her hoisted, as soon as we were clear of the bombing outside Dunkirk roads I stopped the ship and the dinghy which was by now almost full of water. When in position approximately 51 degrees 15' N. 1 degreep at 2300 a bomber flew very low over us I did not open fire as not want to give away our position, soón after this I reduced so asto close the North Goodwin Light Vessel much before dawn, not wish to anchor as my windlass would not work, also I had to engines running, at 0430 I got away from the North Goodwin Light Vessel and proceeded to the Nore and closed B.V. 10 to report to Sheerness, just about this time my engineman reported that he have to stop the Starboard engine as it had water in the oil and was afraid it would seize up, also that the Port engine was running too well. We tied up in Sheerness at 0825. The whole of my crew behaved in an exemplary manner, they continually on duty during the whole period, gave over their accommodation to the soldiers and fitted them out in dry clothe did what they could for them. I should like to mention O.S. John Philip Chable the Mead, for his unfailing help during specially the whole period and and efficient way in which he embarked the troops. S.V.G.L. Cyril George Dunley for the cool manner in which engaged the German aeroplanes which attacked us. from and the time we left the North am Damerell, Goodwin for Light not Vessel back Engineman James Willi the to in managing to keep the engines running. I should like to for Promoti Commissioned and rank, he recommend has a lot O.S. Charles Mead member Ocean navigated his own 18 ton of Yachting experience, and has Racing Club, has had cutter to Gibra Somerset. had a public school several education trips at King's in School, TWO I am sure he would make splendid leader of of men.
206 123 would be able to assist us if necessary and realised that we were the last English boat leaving harbour. Could not get engine of LADY CABLE to start but after a short while W.D. boat came nearly alongside her engines were running and making considerable noise. Their action then appeared light. to me suspicious - she appeared to be undamaged in the half By now dawn was nearly breaking. When W.D. boat came close to us I ordered one of my crew - Cadet Rating Price - to board her. He managed to jump aboard but the two boats drifted apart. Price shouted that there was nobody aboard. Yet her engines were going - in neutral of course. Displaying great initiative and resourcefulness, Price was able to make HAIG go slow ahead and was able to steer her close enough to LADY CABLE for me to jump aboard. Our first efforts to get a line between the two boats were unsuccessful. The operation was made difficult by the LADY CABLE being full of French soldiers who did not of course appreciate what was happening and were therefore unable to be of much assistance however willing they might be. After some time the two boats were secured but in order to pass a line it had been necessary for Price to swim from the HAIG to the LADY CABLE with it. Price did this on his own initiative and displayed great courage and efficiency. By the time the two boats were secure it was almost broad daylight and we were still very close to Dunkirk Harbour and appeared to have drifted inshore to the S.W. and were very close to the pall of smoke which shrouded the coast to the West of Dunkirk. On inspecting condition of HAIG found that she had a fair amount of water forward and was damaged extensively on the port bow. However, I got French poilus to work the pump in relays and towing LADY CABLE and going very slow ahead were able to make progress and prevent the water forward from rising. For some time we did not discover that each engine had a separate control lever and had been going ahead on one engine only. For several hours we made slow progress. Worsall was trying to get LADY CABLE's engine to start again and Smith was steering her. I left most of the French in LADY CABLE. I saw a submarine half surface about half a mile ahead on one occasion and also a number of German aircraft passed close ahead of us. Luckily we were either not seen or not deemed of sufficient importance to attack. A French destroyer came and had a look at us but I did not signal to her as we were making fair progress. A flight of 3 Hurricanes flew low over us and later we saw Spitfires and Defiants, but luckily no German planes approached us. The starboard engine of HAIG packed up I think about 0730. I had not time to keep a detailed log of events. By this time Stoker Worsall had got engine of LADY CABLE to go again and I secured her alongside HAIG as towing her astern with only our port engine going was too difficult. For a considerable time we made very slow progress using engines of both boats. LADY CABLE's engine kept stopping, which made our progress very slow and steering difficult. At last/ French 4-funnelled light cruiser or large destroyer X 440 (I think) with bow wave painted on her, saw us and came up to help. I had/
, OPERATION 231 NO. 20 SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). STATEMENT BY $ Name Service Sunday 2nd Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II. Lifeboat "JANS HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). Cast $ Sto. J. Strangeways off outside and told to go to a landing right PKX 95036. up the other and of the harbour. Found they 0 Sto. A.H. Shaw were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck PKX 94553. E.R.PONSON@Y the tug or drifter they were going alongside One Sub.Lieut, R.N.V.R. so they wont on up harbour. 31g enough hote One A.B. in the lifeboat bows to crawl through. Drenohed One O.S. with spray caused by shrapnel. Às proceeding also there. up harbour sear a destroyer out & small rowing All came back. boat down with two Fyench sailors in 11. They took these to the first destroyer. Tent right up harbour: saw Fyench troops but they refused to be taken off. So they came back out of the harbour to tug anchored outside. Then they were told to collect troops from anywhere. Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour. Nearly every boat had gone by then. So they got up sail and tried to get out of harbour. Several destroyers passed, they waved and destroyers waved back: one hour after dawn when they were just about giving up hopes & M.T.B. came. Towed them out, engine started, then they were alipped and after about 4 miles the engine began to smoke and she caught fire. No one in sight and two M.T.B's came along to resque. Took them aboard. Lifeboat in l'lames, returned a.m. 31at.
248 OPERATION 231 NO.22 SHIP:- NAME NOT KNOWN. SEA FALCON (?). About 40 ft. open M/B, grey. (Similar to FAIRY NYMPH) STATEMENT BY $ Crew Service $ L.S. A.Westbrook 30th. Left Dover after dark with L.S. in charge. PJX 131401. Towed in company with about 5 others by tug - two O.S. Smith. tows. Foremost boat of opposite four broke Sto. Hardwick. adrift, swung back, hit stern sheets and broke main feed pipe. Proceeded on reserve tank, repeatedly filling from main tank. Arrived. off beach near Gravelines and ran gauntlet of fire from beach as far as Dunkirk and on to Bray. Filled boat by grounding and pulling in soldiers - - continued from dawn Friday to dusk Friday. Stores being swamped had nothing to eat. Only water was in few bottles filled at pier. On last trip rising tide and wind swamped boat, carried it broadside on. Crew abandoned boat and swam ashore. Other boats could not get near enough to get a line across. About 60 carried each trip. Continual bombing all day. Smith found a cance, floated it, paddled with piece of driftwood to Walmer Lifeboat. Others walked along beach to pier and boarded destroyer. Beach littered with guns and equipment and fairly crowded with soldiers, mostly French. On pier shrapnel was bursting over, marching troops several casualties. Saw ship hit by bomb in distance in La Pame direction. Saw 5 or 6 dive bombers brought down by destroyers. A number of boats working off beach all day.
250 OPERATION 23] NO.24 SHIP:- M/B. COMMODORE STATEMENT BY $ Crew Service Sub. Lt. Thompson, R.N.R. Left Dover in COMMODORES - open N/B. A.B. 31st at dawn. Towed in two tows of two. Sto. Beech Went to beach near Dunkirk harbour cast off PKX 90016. tow, collected troops from beach and forried Ord.Sea. them to WORCESTER. Soldiers climbed about themselves. Took about 20 a trip. About one hour for the round trip. Here machine gunned - boat was holed and made so much water 18 had to be beached and abandoned. Joined the EASTBOURNE QUEEN by using & rowing boat found on the beach. Troops boarded EASTBOURNE QUICKN by wading out up to their shoulders. EASTBOURNE Quest took about 40 to the WORCESTER which then (about 1600/1st) went alongside pier. WORCESTER was continually bombed, fragemts from near misses killed 3 and wounded several nearby. Left Dunicier in WORCESTER about 1700/1800. Beach littered with equipment. Pier bombed, beach shelled, sheltered under dereliot boat.
251 237 OPERATION NO.25 SHIP:- NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT. STATEMENTS BY Ø Crew Service Coxswain 0 A.B. W.J.MOrris Left Dover 0500/31/V started work on the beach. P/JX 126097. Tried twelve places, but draught too great. At & Sto.1 W.Spray one place two and a half hours on beach. Tried PKX.87052. various ways of getting off, shifting weight &c. After getting off saw 3 British and 4 French O.S. T.E.White soldiers washed out of a boat being towed: saved CDX 133. 2 British and 3 French. A rough pier had been p This was all the crew. made with lorries and tins and they used this for troops. It was now very dark. They saw all little boats moving off in tow. They, however, took a load of troops off a barge aground and put them on board a trawler. Then saw more boats moving and decided it was time to move away. Tried to get a tow. Started on & Northerly course (compass) for 2½ hrs. Aprived at some light and decided to wait till dawn as German planes were dropping flares all round them. Something like a fast M.B. passed them. At daylight they saw ships to Southward and went over to see where they were. They picked up a tow as starboard engine broke down. Came back. Prepared boat for next trip. Left Dover 2/7: towed over. Told to go into Dunkirk harbour. Went alongside jetty. Shelled heavily all the time, about 2230. Took one boatload off. Told by a Lt.Car. to go to a troopship run aground in the harbour. Made about 6 trips to troopship, one to harbour. Shrapnel and tracer bullets firing at German machines. On the 6th trip they were told to take up tow astern with troops on board. Saved about 600 to 800 troops, all told. what he couldn't do before. This was Morris Went 2nd time with intention of making up for first experience as Coxswain of any boat, but had been Acting Q.M. of a destroyer.
2. continued 7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained Having re-embarked Bk. the GP.OCC. demolition and party at 0017 I until 0230 with the or with a faint hope until that R either left patrol, by appearing from on their return be journey able to engage. None were the half light to been established before met, and the dawn suffly of aircraft had not I was clear of the path 8. experience nith M.T.B. during few days, in the hope own In submitting the above report the last I would like to add my methods of operating may be up. from such scraps of unexplained built evidence a complete picture of that the 9. During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patroll between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by BS. with mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 and rocket at 0147. 10. During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight cannot be which point to attacks night and with of aircraft Widgeon the range, turned the glasses guns on turned 10" returned, at these to in before 2000ft. ram from the to small an investigate. the beam course doing innocent burning targets bridge. of her N.E. the navigation any small difficult, light, At I At followed. harm. 2340 0040 boat and I flares torpedoes At lights, орепей which as are At 0030 they only 0041 were I an course fire managed were visible aircraft seen a with heard torpedo west. astern to small throug illum passe to At not tra an passed down my port side, and two more alarm by siren, but I saw 03 At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon sounded an course S, at na ation following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight. one aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent At 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti 11. Points that emerge from the above are :- (a) made by lying in wait ahead 01 attacks of the target are not and always stopped. be used at the moment g (b) (c) attack. small flares may sometimes been wate aircraft co-operate and phosephorosconce of llary assisted which gives by the ships marked away speeds. continued
gLT One able to keep one of the men from during actually the sinking I I Wholer capsized along side "Royal Segle" and although that I the unable to revive line hims. round her one to in the water I endoavoured Second to Engineer 100 Officer after a time as only two motor boats got e clear and propeller and of who Joined no it WAS conc. Unfortunately as & result 02 each efficient help of the of the "Royel with hand over command to Licutenant Forrow anding had immersion for over on hour I had Commander G temporary collapse and the of H.M.S. "Royal Bagle" who carried on in a \ my cool and Off manuer for about four hours until I wes fit to take over able During this time two more air reids Cook place and fr . again nollected 1 believe that "Royal Eagle" accounted for One evidence plano Bagle" 1703 hit by a bomb and set on fire. I understand that posponso I very much regret to state that H.M.S. "Crested Commanding Officer WOO able to beach her but she was completely gutted. I very much regret the loss of this ship and part of complemento H.M.S. "Crested Engle" had on excellent record and from. several weeks from personal contact with her officers and company, complete confidence in the ship in whatever dutyes the called upon to performo I have not yet had a detailed report her casualties but an afraid that a number of valuable lives lost on board hero On cosuming command at about 8.30 I signalled to the V1ce Admiral, Dover that I propoded remaining at anchor for the nigh and continuing the embarkation at down - I reported also the of power boats and the necessity for fighter aircraft defence dawn. Just before dark however a minesweeper passed me and me to return, with the men I had evacuated, to Dover - I asked the authority and was told that it was from Captain Ao I order May "Royal Engle" to proceed to Margate as considered that from on point of view this was the best point for disembarkation arriving there at about 0500 on Wednesday 29th I found "Golden dution who had apparently also been sent out for disembarkation and "Golden Regle" proceeded alongside Margate Pier before everythin me 3. had been most efficiently organisedo the 02d "Royal Eagle" followed shortly before 0600. I found troops discobarked hurriedly but and the casualties evacuated by first Lieute emoothly carried including a Gener General Officer and (when staff. I I made was strong Chief of Staff to the the number partied. About 700 troops had been representations to Commender the Chief) power boats that every and that means adequate should air protection should be gathered be taken to increase provide with provisions and water H.M.3. from who Pierothen as she was rather short 012 and was in view "Royal Bagle" was supplied of 011 enchored by esigaged sailed urgent need ofor ships the "Royal beaches Segle" sufficient of safety you oiling "Golden Bagle". About 1000 I "Golden Nagle" time to had been sent to Margate to provide considered that should May 5 tons and I only allowed to give her B. Engin 1100 by the a When second trip to the const. I proceeded I received a signal "X" and which WB Just enough at about saying were near the West Hinder Buoy but to proceed by informed Bagle" not who to WAS proceed shond by of "y" me told were me that she had been At the Ban him the routs account of shell fireo tolling 1n 30 however was dangerous on to on unknown unit adbarked proceed I decided there Panno from men field were batteries was not Englon I to intercepted La where a signal iting to be likely dangerous firing full H.M.S. "Royal from parm On subjected DO to proceeded a prolonged at but not speed. very accurate ship fire off Serous La to shore I considered gun which that did the, not coase would until be definitely the merchant ship. On arrival fire at 40 Panne there within of Bri on Dunkirk the beach and anchored at all BO at I proceeded about 1530 further
REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd). 295 of Petty Officer T.Jones throughout operations. I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work 2 The following officers, Lieut.D. Dawson, ub.Lieuts. Godman and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, volunteering ships and services on the following day if required. Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List. June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her. Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base. Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the ein and shelling from the land. Difnams 298. 300 B14/0/ REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314 BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS FROM DUNKIRK. Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA", "LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from Dover at 1930 on the 30th. and to proceed to the beaches at Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and, during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P. Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as poss- ible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission. Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches were available over the other side and had been assured that there been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600, were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats thousands troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the others remained were until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "AHOLA", "THELE", Yachts that more damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the "EILA II" "CARYANDA" ultimately returned to Dover; "SERIOLA", "LAHLOO", & "BOUNTY" & "NONETA" to Ramsgate. On arrival, they all reported and were told to stand by for orders; none, back however to Hamble were damage by on course concerned, sent the the The over 4th. but great they fact again. only and, June all coolness that reported bearing two one and The all casualties those Yachts and the in at resource mind Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsggte Dover that returned of their having many were all on conduct Officers of the was sustained ordered them 5th. only under had June. and made considerable never Ratings almost possible In been due under continuous fire before, bombing and I consider shelling that deserves the highest praise. Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R. VICE AUMIRAL Senior Officer, Inner Patrol. 6th. June 1940. 15 JUN 1940 *
RECOMMENDATIONS. 313 "MARE" Mr. of A.H.W. the ship Pendle, which Skipper R.N.R. is recommended for air men loss of time in the troopship basin "Scotia", and to getting recovery of handling picked up from the contributed greatly to the quick his efficient without He is also keen at Boulogne where there alongaide passage West Swins to the Mouse Light Vessel. room. through the East on and navigation and was of good help was in the not night much "SARAH HIDE" out his duties a cool and efficient manner during the whole operations. carried Lieutenant in Cruickshank, R.N.V.R. states that Skipper Meen "STRIVE" R.N.R. who "after all other ships in the section, including the ship of Lieutenant Cruickshank, R.N.V.R.recommends Skipper H.A. Catchpole, the Commander acting as Beachmaster, had retired owing to bombing and shelling, stayed off the beach at La Panne all night. At dawn he made fast all warps and wires which were on board "Strive" to the large lifeboat which had been towed across and a destroyer's pinnace towed it ashore. When fully loaded the boat was hauled back by means of the "Strive's" winch. "THREE KINGS" Mr. J.A. Smith, R.N.R. did good work as he made two trips across and is handicapped by being short of his Second Hand and two men. D.T. Bowen, First Engineman and his Second Engineman, S. Lawson, were able to effect temporary repairs when the SThree Kings" engines were badly shaken by a bomb explosion. The Skipper specially recommends S.G. Burroughs, Acting Leading Seaman, without whose work and encouragement the boat work on the beaches would not have been effective, and who took the place of Second Hand throughout the two trips in place of Second Hand, left behind on sailing. "RIG" The Skipper, Mr. E. Beckham, states that his whole crew worked well and that there is/one that he specially wishes to recommend, no "JACKEVE" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others. TWEENWAYS" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others. "UNICITY" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others, Sheet 2 attached.
Dynamo 143 372 H.M.D. "RENASCENT" - 349 6th June, 1940. Sirs, I have the honour to put before you a report of our action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk. We sailed on orders on Thursday evening May 30th at 8.45 p.m. and proceeded to Ramsgate. Arrived at Ramsgate in the early morning 5.0 a.m. and received orders to go to Dunkirk and take off soldiers. We arrived at Dunkirk and hailed a destroyer, asking him where they were getting the troops from. He asked us what and T replied about 11 feet. He then told 348 2. About 1,000 men stood to attention 4 deep about half way along the pier, the General and his staff about 30 feet away and after having faced the troops; whose faces were indescernable in the dawn light, the flames behind them showing up their steel helmets, the Officers clicked their heels, saluted and then turned about and came down to the boat with me and we left at 0320. "Go stranger, tell the Spartans that here we lie, having been obedient to their commands!". Commander, R.N.
Dynams so. O.D. 526 TO: COMMANDER M/S. N°6. 497 DATE: 6TH JUNE, 1940. FROM: LIEUTENANT J.A. SIMSON R.N.V.R., H.M.S. "LORD GREY". carried 29th/30th out May, 1940, at Dunkirk. under my command during the night of I have by the the ships honour to report as follows on the operations for Dunkirk orders to report on arrival to Captain Tennant. at 1615 H.M.T's with "Lord Grey" and "Clythness" left Dover instead. signalled S. Foreland P.W.S.S. to use route "X" both we ways, were Instructions from were to proceed by route "Y", but We therefore proceeded by route "X" and arrived off Dunkirk at 2300. The harbour was found on entering to be very congested as a number of drifters were manoeuvring in the fair- way and it was decided to lay off the entrance until it was clear to proceed alongside the quay. At 2330 we again entered the harbour and tied up along- side the Eastern Jetty. Sub. Lieutenant Heckstall-Smith (Clythness) and myself went along the quay in an effort to ascertain the whereabouts of Captain Tennant, and the state of affairs inside the harbour. It was impossible to get far owing to the damaged condition of the jetty and we therefore returned. Considerable air activity and continuous bombing was going on over the town, which was ablaze. It was decided to keep the ships moored alongside in such a way that they could slip at a moment's notice, and to await dawn before going further in to the harbour. A number of rifles and a Bren gun found on the quay were put aboard "Lord Grey". At 0210 on the 30th May, cries for help were heard out- side the harbour and both ships instantly left to investigate. It was found that H.M.S. "King Orry" had sunk on leaving the harbour. Ships' boats were launched and "Lord Grey" rescued ten men, "Clythness" four. "Lord Grey" transferred her survivors to H.M.S. "Vivacious", and was ordered by the Commander to return to harbour, and if possible embark troops for transfer to his ship. "Clythness" was signalled accordingly and both ships proceeded back to Dunkirk harbour, and as it was now light it was possible to reach the Southern end of the quay. On arrival 0410 - I reported to S.N.O - Captain Tennant was not then available - and was ordered to embark troops for transfer to a destroyer and then to carry out "LL" sweep in a N. Easterly direction from the harbour. Troops were accordingly embarked - "Clythness" 300 (approx) "Lord Grey" 350 - and were transferred at 0515 to the destroyer "Whitehall". "Clythness" signalled that her dynamo In was these not working circumstances and her a signal was passed to S.N.O. and At 0605 D/G gear was consequently useless. fresh orders requested. (Contd. over).
YES M.T.B. to be well which clear said before all craft dawn, were being ordered so we had to turn to back. without help. transports might not a were ben able the to m to the Dunkirk harbour The because and next the wrecks day, Monday, and I was ordered to hours borrowed was from Navigation only a about wooden on ship, the way and across consequently was not usasy becaus On 200 yards, while a local squall 1 to getting stand in by. and arrival I out requested of at harbour Dunkirk quickly I duly under reported. their own The tran permission to enter power was the the on Tuesday refused operation morning, as was it might ending the 4th have and June, was impeded then to Captain the ordered transports. Wharton back harbour to Ramsg I to th I same evening I was ordered to report back to H.M.S. and "KI Co (sd) T Lamine Proby. Temp. Sub. Lieut,
536 506 9.6.40. The Admiralty, Whitehall, S.W.1. To. N.O. i/c Ramsgate. From. Captn. Wharton. S.V.P. Vinsin Operation "DYNAMO". Report on Officers. evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk, the work of the Whilst working under your command during the following officer. was SO outstanding, that I wish to draw their names to your special attention. Though I had do 512 opportunity boats of seeing their work at Dunkirk itself, my duties in turning round, and all which that involved, gave me a clear indication of the storling merits of these officers. Lt. Cmdr. J. I. Miller, D.S.O., R.N.B.,, This officer was indefatigable in his efforts to get his boats ready to return to operations. The minimum of time was required by him for rest, the maximum time humanly possible being spent at Dunkirk, his first consideration being to get ready to return. His cheerful bearing and keenness infused all with whom he came in contact and 1 consider his example is worthy of consideration. I have no doubt that his conduct on the Dunkirk side was in keeping with that of the Base end. Lt. Van Hemel. Royal Dutch Navy. This remarkable officer He appeared to flourish on hard work with little 02" no sleep. had his own motor boat which he brought from fortsmouth and remained at Dunkirk four days working off the beaches, and on Thursday 30th May. He left Ramsgate at dawn on 31st May, at Dunkirk ferrying troops. de found fuel and food On over there and so avoided delay in returning to the Base. and his return he got his boat ready, had five hours sleep, minimum his duration thereafter. I was greatly impressed were by returned to Dunkirk. His stays in Ramsgate of the inspiring and the work done by him of very great value. manner and bearing and consider that his example was Contd., suo.Lleutenant noyal savy. The Captain's Secretary. H.M.S. FERVENT. RAMSGATE.
Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish 522 C. B.O. Sir, 7 6x Imday the 31" M May. we the S.Jug Vincia left Ramagate in taw of three skiffs for Duskinh at 2.45pm. 544 2 514 This operation of holding the bifeboats end on to the beach, combined with the continuous bombing from the air, proved too difficult a task for the crews. After doing it twice I had only one lifeboat remaining, the others having broached to and swamped themselves. Also, there was continuous shelling from the batteries from the Western side. So the only alternative left to me was to ferry troops from the piers to the trawler. Atlantic With the trawler filled we set out for home but we had not been under way long before the trawler struck a wreck. I sent out an S-0-S on the siren. It was quickly answered by a Dutch 'scoot which came to our rescue, took off our troops and leaving the trawler "FAIRBREEZE" to sink, landed us back at Ramsgate at about 7.30am. That night I comandeered a fast motorboat "VERNON 1" and set out again for Dunkirk to ferry troops off the piers out to the Destroyers and waiting transports. I continued this operation until dawn when the starboard engine of the launch fell to peices and I had to be towed home to Ramsgate rull of troops. The next boat I got was the "PIGEON" one of the War Dept. boats which continued to run magnificently for the remainder of the operations. From now on I did not try the beaches any more but ferried troops from the piers to the waiting transports outside Dunkirk. This seemed my best
Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish C.B.O. 522 Sir, 7 6n I mday the 31" M May. we the s.Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Dunkinh at 2.45pm. 545 - 3 515 courseas, for one thing, I was now aquainted with the majority of the wrecks in the vicinity of the piers and the entrance of the harbour and was able to quide in the arriving transports on each of my return journeys. The "PIGEON" carried approx. 25 troops. Between midnight and dawn each night I made on an average 20 trips, arriving at Ramsgate usually at 7.30 a.m. on the last lap with the PIGEON full of troops. I continued this every night until Monday when 3.4 having ferried all night when having forried all night, and the last transport had sailed with approx. 3,500 troops aboard I waited alongside the pier for Commander Troupe (2 spelling) who was on the pier embarking the men into the ships. Eventually he came aboard with the French General and his staff (very relieved at the coming I was to, for having heard the Jerries had arrived in the town, the wait and the time they took to get down the ladder from the pier(being low tide) seemed interminable. It was about 3.45 a.m. when we finally cast off and made for theentrance of the harbour. With such & important personages abound, my one mortal fear, considering there was not another craft to come to my assistance in the harbour or outside, all having left previously, was losing the three propellers in the tremendous amount of wreckage and floating baulks of timberete. which had now spread out
Statement of the S.S. Harcular 554 524 C.B.O. O. Sir. On Thursday the 6". 4 June. su left Ramegato about at 12.45 for duties on the Month Patrat 6n our way ant. we saw a ship maned the S. Harcula. in deffeculties, a being tawed by the 1. Laga Ka. gava, of Fabia We, the S.Y. Vincia, went to the ship, of wes mediately engaged. Wea passed and lawing howev abound X was made last on the S.S. Hancula part how. d by 13.25 4 une towing Full speed in company with the the ugo as 13.55 the tug Lady Brancy arrived, & he he was engaged of made fast - the "If Harcula 20ml quarter. cL assested in the tawing from the owns Channel to the n. Brake bands. where the lb grounded at 14.15 p in a sunking condition, meny to being mined in the Laway Due to the prompt executance given by the ugs. I think we saved the its. Harcula from being a wreck in the Dawn Channel & a danger to navigation your a.V.Hails Chadianthy (Manto of ft Ymair
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.
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, arreed to good Yes a the 544 From:- Commander J. Glendinning, R.N.R. Date:- 5th June 1940. To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate. as 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, Nayland and Angler II. 29th May. D illed 0100 Arrived off Bray dunes and anchored in 3 fthms water 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 hour As up dawn came I lowered all small boats from the Java to Dunkirk Harbour. in all its to and the beach filling motor boats and transferring shore. from all drifters and worked with them right into 1000 Ordered motor a destroyer to take all ships to Dunkirk to fill boats to bigger ships lying off pier, On possible and return, leaving Dunkirk. I by arrival there I received orders Walker i. Mann, ived up as much II as for the use of N.O.I.C. Pier, by H.M.S. On Calcutta leaving to transfer all troops worked on board all afternoon and Walker Tuydercoot Pass I was ordered herand on return to the beaches. army We collapsible boats off shore. off the beaches the beaches, and filling towing larger more ships ships lying lying off to to fill 1900 At up, this so time filled there all were craft no possible and returned Ramsgate. 30th May. 0930 Arrived THE During but were 30th. arrival the chance in harbour of a at 1100 on May
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
CONFIDENTIAL 116 Report on Operation "DYNAMO", Page 5. 111 more so as the our outnumbered airmen was so of the same evening, gallantry which of recounted the opposite story. The obvious at the time, and was the admiration of all. 9. No. 11 Group Fighter Patrols - Dunkirk area history. Total flying Enemy aircraft Date. Patrols. hours daily. destroyed. Enemy aircraft driven down. 26/5 22 480 30 27/5 23 536 20 48 32 28/5 11 576 20 6 29/5 9 674 78 8 30/5 9 704 -- I 31/5 8 490 36 4 1/6 8 558 69 2/6 4 231 16 6 3/6 4 339 -- I 4/6 3 234 -- I Total flying hours 4,822 Notes: (1) It will be observed that the number of patrols decreased from 27th May onwards, whilst there was an increase in the daily flying hours. This is due to the fact that the fighters were employed in increasingly bigger patrols as the enemy air opposition increased. (2) Operation Dynamo suffered most from enemy air effort on 29/5 and on 1/6, after which latter date the combination of enemy air attack and shore artillery fire led to the suspension of the operation by day. 10. The position of enemy batteries had been located by air reconnaissance by nightfall on 31st May, and additional batteries in the Gravelines area on the Ist June. Air bombardment of these batteries during the 1st and 2nd June undoubtedly reduced their fire during dusk and dawn on each of the nights 2/6 - 3/6 and 3/6 - 4/6, when seaborne traffic was passing within range of the enemy batteries commanding the south end of X Route, the Dunkirk Roads, and Dunkirk Harbour. This was a valuable contribution by the R.A.F. to the successful outcome of the operation. A similar beneficial result was obtained by the bombing of the batteries which had Dunkirk Pier and roadstead under fire. 11. CONTROL OF ALLIED TROOPS. In the earlier stages the large number of British troops located in the dunes off the beach were of rear formations with few officers. Command of these mixed units was fact noticeable that Army by Officers' its absence, uniform aggravated, is indistinguishable no doubt, in by from the that of other ranks. When Naval Officers appeared their order in most cases was quickly restored, to commands in a disciplined manner. In the absence of any Army embarkation staff or organisation a strong Naval party was required to form up and embark the troops. Later, no difficulty was experienced when fighting/ troops of
124/3 CONFIDENTIAL. 122 Page 3, Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. 27/5 Monday, 27th May (continuod). 2 Military Officers from G.H.Q., which suggested that the situation of the B.E.F. was procarious and it was possible that the enomy might succeed in cutting off this force from Dunkirk. This report appeared to confirm the results of air rcconnaiss- ance, which indicated that German armoured units wore operating to the south of Dunkirk. Sinco it appeared that ovacuation might well be strictly limited, both in regard to numbers and time available for the operation, it was a cided to concentrate every effort in sending 'ovcr as many craft as possible to the beaches without delay. Had the situation appeared to be less critical, an organised flow of large and small craft working in reliefs would have been arranged. 9. On receipt of these signals from S.N.O., Dunkirk, all available forces were diverted to the beaches, the Personnel Ships to the beach, code letters A.B.C. and D., the destroyers on patrol being diverted to La Panne. Destroyers that were working off Dunkirk were ordered to divert the Personnel Ships going into Dunkirk to lay off the beaches and the smaller craft such as drifters and motor boats were ordered to be used for ferrying troops from the beach to the larger ships. Two 27MAY important strings of boats being towed by a tug were lost in the night through the tows being run down and cut in half, the boats being scattered. 10. As a result of the above action there were assembling off the beaches 2 transports, 9 destroyers, 4 minesweepers, CALCUTTA, 17 drifters and a few skoots, and all the ships were ordered to use their own boats for ferrying as none of the inshore flotilla had arrived. From signals received it appeared that the situation was desperate, that little could be lifted direct from the Port of Dunkirk, and that the maximum effort must be made from the beaches. Commander-in-Chief, Nore, at this stage provided additional reinforcements of minesweepers and paddlers. During the night, Vice Admiral, Dover, was informed of continuous bombing and machine gunning of troops in the beach areas, and directed Senior Officers present on the beach to use their discretion in ordering withdrawal of the Naval forces, observing that a strong fighter protection should be expected after dawn; this having been arranged after a special visit by the Liaison Officer to Hawkinge to procure the maximum effort. 11. Limiting factors were thought most likely to be restrictions due to enemy action at Dunkirk and on the beaches, and the difficulties of concentrating the ships and troops at a common point or points. The general evacuation plan had been conveyed to the G.O.C. by the S.N.O. on his way to Dunkirk, and the Vice Admiral, Dover, hoped to receive in return some out- line of the Military's operational plan upon which the rate of evacuation in the various areas under the scheme must depend. Subject to the development of beach evacuation and the continuation of fine weather, it appeared to the Vice Admiral that adequate shipping for his plans was either in, or on, its way to the Dover area, except for a chronic shortage of beach- ing boats. nes f the Tuesday, 28th May ch. their ted to/
127 126 128 CONFIDENTIAL.. Page 7. Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. 29/ Wednesday, 29th May (continued) well as from Dunkirk harbour, both from the aspect of the military situation and from the fact that Dunkirk was limited by a bottle-neck, formed by the narrow gangway along the East Pier to the points of embarkation. Furthermore, there was every prospect of the weather improving and the surf reducing as the tide rose. Nevertheless, an increased number of H.M. ships was ordered to Dunkirk to augment the personnel vessels, though it was feared that an accumulation of ships alongside the East Pier at Dunkirk by day might well invite intensive air attack, Subsequently, this fear was fully to be justified. 25. Meantime, considerable anxiety was felt as to the fate of the personnel vessels which had been despatched in a steady stream to Dunkirk commencing the previous evening. The first of these was due back at Dover about 0300, but by 0900 nothing had been sighted or reported. But at 0700, O., Dunkirk, had reported that the embarkation there was going on at the rate of 2000 an hour, so it was presumed that the transports had failed to enter the harbour during darkness, had waited outside, and had commenced to enter in succession at dawn. The necessity for continuous fighter protection in view of the exposure of these unarmed ships while at Dunkirk and during the dayligh passage through coastal waters, was obvious, Constant touch was maintained with R.A.F. Commands to obtain continuous fighter protection during the hours when the Vice Admiral, Dover, estimated the largest concentration of vessels would be present, it being realised that the R.A.F. 3 resources were not sufficient to provide continuous air cover, ed and to dispense with full cover at less important periods. 26. At 0930 the belated return of the personnel vessels from Dunkirk commenced, and proceeded steadily through the day. In addition to the personnel vessels using Dunkirk the Admiralty were informed of the necessity for X-lighters and other self-propelled lighters to increase the facilities for beach evacuation. A Medical Party was shipped in VERITY for use on the beaches, and a Naval Medical Party was sent to Dunkirk. 27. The considerable alarm as to the immediate safety of the B.E.F. felt during the evening and early night of the k 28th, which caused all available resources to be immediately concentrated on the French Coast, eased during the 29th. But e emergency measures taken late on the 28th had an adverse effect on the orderly organisation for evacuation so necessary le if effective measures were to be devised and put in force. 28. Meantime, in the early hours of the 29th, an un- fortunate disaster occurred involving the loss or H.M. destroyers WAKEFUL and GRAFTON, and the danlayer COMFORT. WAKEFUL, after embarking troops at Bray, sailed for Dover at 2300/28 by the Zuydecoote Pass and North Channel. Approaching the Kwinte Whistle Buo the speed of the ships was 20 knots, and a zigzag of 40 degrees every 4 minutes was started. At 0045 two torpedo tracks were observed, one torpedo missed, the other hit ship smidships. WAKEFUL broke in half and the two portions sank in 15 secends, each remaining standing midship/ with the
138 CONFIDENTIAL. Page 17." 136 Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. 31/5 Friday, 31st May. 51. The Admiralty informed the Vice Admiral that the policy of H. M. Government was that both British and French troops be given an equal opportunity of being evacuated in British ships and boats. 52. Personnel ships had been sailed the previous evening and throughout the night of the 30th/31st to provide for a continuous flow into Dunkirk harbour. But at 0320 the S.N.O. reported that once again the majority of these Personnel ships had failed to enter the harbour during the dark hours. MALCOLM, however, left Dunkirk with 1,200 troops at 0300, during heavy shelling, on relief by IVANHOE. S.N.O. Dunkirk, however, continued to call for more ships. No more destroyers were available and there were no means of accelerating the arrival of the vessels despatched there. By 0700 the Vice Admiral had no news of the fate of the personnel ships that had sailed the previous evening and during the night, None of these ships had reached the U.K. to unload, and it appeared probable that these ships may have concentrated in the narrow waters close to Dunkirk, inviting a repetition of the heavy air attacks with consequent damage and loss to transports which had occurred on the two previous occasions when personnel vessels, together with other ships, had been concentrated in large numbers in the approaches to Dunkirk. At this time there were no less than 9 personnel vessels and 3 hospital carriers known to be on the round trip U.K. - Dunkirk and back, and one other personnel vessel had been ordered to sail during the night, but horwhereabouts was unknown and it was feared that she had refused to sail. In addition, 3 other personnel vessels were under orders to sail between 0900 and 1030. Pending the return of the ships en passage, and while the coal-burners were being rebunkered, the further sailing of personnel vessels was in suspense. Note: Owing to the casualties to Personnel vessels at this stage, coal burning cross channel steamers had to be used for some of the trips and short endurance necessita- ted coaling between trips which could not be done in the vicinity of Dover, thus preventing a quick turn round. 53. During the night a considerable amount of enemy minelaying activity by air was reported. Shelling was heavy during the evening and night, and operations were greatly hampered. Nevertheless, with the cessation of shelling at about 0300, very good progress was made and by full dawn the beaches were very nearly clear of troops. At 0530 attacks on Dunkirk harbour and the beach from Dunkirk to Bray developed more strength and the bombardment of Dunkirk continued. Nevertheless, the S.N.O. reported that the embarkation there was proceeding satisfactorily but stressed the need for more ships and constant fighter protection. At this time French troops began to appear at Dunkirk pier and on the beaches, and were embarked with the British troops. 54. At 0600 VIMY sighted submarine off the N.W. Goodwins/
143 CONFIDENTIAL. Page 22 Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events, 141 31/5 Friday 31st May (continued). 65. Casualties to H.M, Ships during 31st May, M/S DEVONIA received damage from near miss bombs whilst off La Panne. About 1600 ship was ordered to be beached. At 0600 on the 1st, after having destroyed all useful apparatus, and ammunition put overboard, ship was beached and abandoned. M/S HEBE, whilst off Dunkirk, was damaged by enemy aircraft and returned under own power to Dover. Destroyer EXPRESS. Damaged by enemy aircraft whilst off Dunkirk. Saturday 1st June. 66. 2 Hospital Carriers which had sailed the previous 1/6 evening returned shortly after dawn. Only one had succeeded in entering Dunkirk Harbour, the other had laid off 4 hours under heavy fire and returned to Dover. 4 personnel vessels failed to enter Dunkirk during the night, but succeeded in the early hours of the morning. One of these, the PRAGUE, was bombed and severely damaged half-way across on the return journey, but succeeded in making the Downs with the assistance of tugs, where troops transferred to other ships particularly A/S trawlers LADY PHILOMENE and OLVINA. The supply of person- nel vessels was maintained throughout the day, not without a series of setbacks caused by 3 ships refusing to sail and by 2 being turned back when on passage, by French Destroyers owing to heavy bombing and shelling of the approaches to Dunkirk. Of those that operated during the 24 hours, 1 was sunk, 2 damaged by bombs and shell-fire and 1 by collision. 67. During the middle watch it transpired that no further troops were attempting to evacuate from La Panne off which were stationed one paddle minesweeper, a fleet sweeper and two destroyers, probably due to the heavy shelling from German guns eastward, and later information was received that the troops were marching from La Panne through Bray towards Dunkirk. Accordingly, during the night the Rear Admiral, Dover, instructed all small craft to move wast, with boats in tow, towards Dunkirk, and the Vice Admiral directed all ships under orders for La Panne to other positions further west, concentrating the main effort on the beach immediately east of Dunkirk. To a request from Dunkirk for Hospital Ships, the Vice Admiral replied at 0715 that the large ship berths alongside at Dunkirk must be occupied by personnel ships and the wounded that could conveniently be embarled should go with personnel. This direction was in accordance with the Govern- ment policy previously communicated to the Vice Admiral. 68. Soon after dawn enemy aircraft were active and heavy bombing and machine gun attacks developed at 0500 over the whole area from Dunkirk to La Panne. A second series of attacks commenced at 0830 and lasted until 0900, during which time nearly every ship off the coast was subjected to intensive bombing and machine gunning, formations of 30 and 40 machines/
APPENDIX I. 160 to Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. 162 LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS TAKING. PART. A.A. CRUISER: CALCUTTA DESTROYERS: ANTHONY HARVESTER MALCOLM VIVACIOUS 161 159 CONFIDENTIAL. Page 40 Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. Inshore Flotillas and Naval Shore Parties (continued). June 1st, noon. Dunkirk East Beach. "Conditions other than state of the sea, which was good, were shocking. The German planes were flying low and using machine guns. Operation delayed as great difficulty was experienced persuading some of the French to embark. So far as I could understand their units were incomplete, and they were unwilling that part of a unit should embark without the rest. At one point on the beach there were at least 2,000 men, none of whom would embark." Monday, 3rd June. Dunkirk East Pier. 0045. "There were no troops on the jetty so I went to the inner end. There I found a French Colonel with about 3,000 men waiting to be told where to go. I had to stand at the end telling them that their Colonel was in my ship before they would follow." ARTLETT LA DORADO RINGIA STELLA OLVES OLVINA ffice of Flag Officer Commanding, MIN SILVER DAWN Dover. DRI June, 1940.
APPENDIX I. 160 to Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events. 162 - LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS TAKING. PART. A.A. CRUISER: CALCUTTA DESTROYERS: ANTHONY HARVESTER MALCOLM VIVACIOUS BASILISK HAVANT MONTROSE WAKEFUL BLYSKAWICA ICARUS SABRE WHITEHALL CODRINGTON IMPULSIVE SALADIN WHITSHED ESK INTREPID SCIMITAR WINCHELSEA EXPRESS IVANHOE SHIKARI WINDSOR GALLANT JAGUAR VENOMOUS WOLFHOUND GRAFTON JAVELIN VANQUISHER WOLSEY GRENADE KEITH VERITY WORCESTER GREYHOUND MACKAY VIMY (40) SLOOPS: BIDEFORD GUNBOATS: LOCUST MOSQUITO UNESWEEPERS: ALBURY HEBE QUEEN OF THANET BRIGHTON QUEEN HALCYON ROSS BRIGHTON BELLE KELLETT SALAMANDER DEVONIA LEDA SALTASH DUNDALK LYDD SKIPJACK DUCHESS OF FIFE MARMION SANDOWN EMPEROR OF INDIA MEDWAY QUEEN SNAEFELL EL FITZROY NIGER SPEEDWELL GLENAVON ORIOLE SUTTON GLENGO PANGBOURNE SHARPSHOOTER GOSSAMER PLYNLIMMON WAVERLEY GRACIE FIELDS PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO A/S VESSELS: ARLEY COMFORT MARETTA BOTANIC CONIDAW NAUTILUS BROCK FYLDEA POLLY JOHNSON CALVI GULZAR SANGASSO CHICO JOHN CATLING STARLIGHT RAYS re SPECIAL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE GOLDEN EAGLE ROYAL EAGLE ESSELS: "LL" TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT it A/S TRAWLERS: ARGYLLSHIRE KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO ore BLACKBURN ROVERS KINGSTON OLIVINE THURINGIA CAYTON WYKE LADY PHILOMENA WESTELLA an GRIMSBY TOWN SAON WOLVES ue KINGSTON ALALITE SPURS OLVINA all INE RECOVERY FIDGET JACKETA SILVER DAWN RIFTERS: FISHER BOY LORD CAVAN
| JAVELIN 700 | SILVER DAWN 200 | Sloop 450 | ST. DAVID 118 | DELAGE 520 |
CONFIDENTIAL. APPENDIX. VI. 179 to Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. 177 5 Enemy aircraft destroyed by ships' fire. Ship. Locality. Time. Polish T.B.D. BLYSKAWICA Dunkirk Roads. H.M.S. VIVACIOUS 0315/27 Dunkirk Roads. H.M.S. VIVACIOUS 1130/27 Dunkirk Roads. H.M.S. WOLFHOUND 1140/27 Dunkirk Roads. H.M.P.M/S MEDWAY QUEEN 1500/27 North Goodwin. HcM.Sc MONTROSE Dawn/28 Near Kwinte Buoy. M.T.B. 16 1500/28 Bray. 1530/28 H.M.S. SABRE and other ships Dunkirk Harbour. 1630/29 H.M.S. BIDEFORD Dunkirk Roads. 1700/29 H.M.S. EXPRESS Dunkirk Roads. 1700/29 H.M.S. MOSQUITO Bray. 1900/29 S.S. LEVENWOOD (Store ship} Bray. S.S. LEVENWOOD ( - do 1210/31 Bray. 1220/31 H.M. Skoot AMAZONE Dunkirk Roads. 1440/31 H.M.S. HEBE La Panne. 1700/31 af H.M.S. SCIMITAR and other ships Bray. 1700/31 S.S. LADY OF MAN (Trassport) Dunkirk Roads. 1700/31 nd H.M.Y. ARONIA La Panne. 1830/31 H.M.S. WHITSHED Dunkirk Roads. 1930/31 H.M.S. SALTASH Bray. 2000/31 S.S. NEPHRITE (Store ship) On Route X. 2030/31 H.M.Y. GRIVE Dunkirk Roads. 2030/31 H.M.Y. ARONIA Dunkirk Harbour. 0500/1 H.M.S. IVANHOE La Panne. 0530/1 is H.M.S. LYDD Bray. 0600/1 H.M.S. HARVESTER Dunkirk Harbour. 0600/1 H.M.S. HARVESTER and other ships Dunkirk Roads. 0610/1 H.M.Ships CODRINGTON, 3 HARVESTER and others Off Gravelines. 0750/1 S H.M.S. SKIPJACK La Panne. 0900/1 H.M.S. MALLARD On Route X. 1015/1 H.M.S. CALCUTTA Between W and Y Buoys. 1020/1 H.M.P. M/S MEDWAY QUEEN West of Dunkirk. 1600/1 H.M.Y. ALOUETTE Off Gravelines. 1700/1 H.M.Y. CRISTOBEL II and other ships La Panne. 1730/1. H.M.S. WORCESTER Dunkirk Roads. 2000/1 TOTAL: 35 enemy aircraft definitely destroyed by ships' gun fire between 0300/27 and 2000/1. ery In addition over the same period 21 others were heavily damaged by ships' fire (and seen in distress but NOT seen to crash definitely) of H.M. Ships HARVESTI IVANHOE, VIVACIOUS, WINCHELSEA, WOLFHOUND, SABRE, LOCUST, FITZROY, LYDD, MALLARD, MOSQUITO, WOLSEY, EXPRESS, JAGUAR, GLEN AVON, ORIOLE, H.N.Y. ARONIA, as Storeship NEPHRITE and French M.T.B.24. )p] Note: On 30th May flying conditions were bad and few enemy aircraft operated. After the 1st June operations proceeded only between dusk and day. i
SECRET 34. La Panne anchorage was Nieuport passed or La until Caxide the and town this and became under more shell fire under time continuous shell and machine beach at withdrawn from this gun hit and proceeded to the westward. troops were area. "Vivacious proceeded now reaching. Braye, which the anch 35. At at 0030 slow speed on 1st towards June "Keith" weighed at artillery 0206. were The ship arrived of 36. As dawn broke ships embarking men from weighed anchor, the beach being clear to the eastwa th before returning to England. the ships proceeded towards Dunkirk to fill up with 37. At 0510 ten enemy fighters attacked the "Keith" and other ships with bursts of machine gun which were inaccurate but might have caused serious to bridge personnel if pressed home. 38. Shells, apparently fired from shore batter the eastward, again fell close to the ship at 0520 off Braye. 4.7" 39. barrage and pom-pom fire. This barrage was eff At 0555 enemy bomber aircraft were engaged and split the formation. A fuze setting of 18=4000 considered to be the shortest practical setting than firing this be used the aircraft are above the was at formations of aircraft. If a shorter elevation setti the guns before they get into range. 0630 "Keith" was standing off between ships with and collected La from the beaches during the night. 40. Panne From superintending the departure of At 0737 a very large number dive heavy 41. bomber and fighter round aircraft were vertical "Keith" bombers circling which rapidly carried out extremely a no doubt that at the releasing dive five as bombs 80° and each. that the There bombs is good are released as no with mass tar was 900 is as feet. offered steep The and each flying pilot was delivered extremely was attack able skill ammunition and dash. was The exhausted, enemy normal. attack. effect effective gunners gun 42. until in All keeping The addition 3" 3" H.A.gun ammunition the to attackers the proved hit ship's was in this attack a beating but lineaused there action several jamb 43. of bombs the steering very "Keith" eteering.gearterwards.com near across was misses the not after and one part of of these, the Fore as enemy was manoeuvrentro for hand ship engines continued steering aft to by circle at high vouched were in (NOTE: continually Times from sight. now forward cannot .44. be At about
234 REPORT ON THE LOSS OF H.M.S. SKIPJACK, 1st JUNE 1940. 0845 222 (1). Skipjack anchored at 0030 on June 1st, 1940 off La Panne. She had only one serviceable small boat and that had no rudder, the ship's boats having been left behind off Dunkirk on a previous trip. Puler 52 (2). It was understood that embarkation of troops would commence at once in boats believed to be organised by the Army and beach parties ashore. No boats, however, arrived. (3). During the time Skipjack was anchored off La Panne there was considerable enemy air activity, one parashutemine being dropped about one cable inshore from the ship. There was some shelling. (4). At break of dawn about 0330 it was decided to weigh and 1/6 endeavour to pick up and man any derelict boats that could be found. Skipjack, therefore, set a course to the west- ward and managed to secure three boats; some troops were also picked up. As several of H.M. ships were in the vicinity, course was continued to opposite a point on the beach about one mile to the eastward of Dunkirk, where there was only one small skoot operating. The boats were then sent inshore and the embarkation of troops commenced. The ship was kept under weigh owing to considerable enemy air activity. (5). From this time onwards, thought to be about 0530, there were continued enemy bombing attacks. Several W/T messages were transmitted asking for fighter assistance. Except for one period of about 5 minutes no fighters were seen. (6). At about 0600 a derelict motor launch was got in working order and embarkation of troops continued apace. P.T.O.
SECRET AND CONFIDENTIAL. 238 2nd June, 1940. The Flag Officer in Charge. Harwich Naval Base. 240 Copy Captain M/S. WAVERLEY Sir, I have the honour to submit my report on the operations ordered by your 1016/28. The Flotilla viz. Waverley, Oriole, Marmion and Duchess of Fife arrived off La Panne at 2345 and 28/5 anchored. At dawn positions were taken up along the coast and embarkation of troops commenced. Ships boats were used as the only means of conveyance available at the time, and we passed a line secured on shore to haul the boats across the tide which was running. Thus the process was necessarily a slow one until the use of beach punts and boats accelerated the flow of troops. first 29/5 At approximately 1,0.00 on the 29th May, Oriole who had gone close to the beach found herself unable to Pame get off. Meanwhile she was crowded with troops boarding her and it was necessary to relieve the ship from over- crowding. 1e Marmion and Duchess of Fife embarked troops nearer Dunkirk and left about mid-day, each taking about 300. About 1500 Waverley had embarked approximately y your ahandoned in a smking condition (the sponsons being under water), the position new hi T busy. or The confidential books in safe were qu macessable, onco on bridge r in W/T Room relieved o to C.13. officer Door. si d
258 3 - 131 King 255 this damage did not seem so serious as the fact that the steering gear was out of action and that the steam which prevented us from getting into the steering flat being no stop valve accessible. could not be cut off the boilers - there apparently 29/5 76 A fire had broken out in the Stewards' quarters on the starboard side, but I was able to put this out without much trouble. The holes made forward were of a jagged nature, from three to four inches at greatest width, and also a number of rivets were blown out. Some damage to an oil bunker was apparent, as oil fuel was coming into the seamen's sleeping quarters forward in considerable but not heavy quantity. The worst hole in the stokers' quarters was caused by the blowing in of a completely deadlighted porthole. All leaks were eventually stopped that were visible, and the pumps seemed to be coping with any influx successfully. Owing to the darkness it was difficult in some parts of the ship to fully ascertain all damage or possible hidden weaknesses. I went ashore to discuss the situation with the Senior Naval Officer and had to report that I did not anticipate the ship being seaworthy before dawn, and that she was certainly not in a fit state to take on troops. The ship had in the meantime been secured alongside, bow in. It was considered from information now gained that the ship would again become subject to attacks at dawn, and would then most probably be destroyed. The Senior Naval Officer instructed me to either proceed to sea or endeavour to ground the ship on the East side of the Pier, where she would be useful as a breakwater. Soon after 0030 on the 30th May I decided to leave 30/5 the berth, as the ship was aground and might be difficult to get off later. I also decided that if the ship was sufficiently manoeuvreable to be grounded where required that she could also possibly be extricated either bow or stern first from Dunkirk Roads and possibly reach assistance Ph I found thes:- my hungomy :- one V.U and 4 scander wounded hilding :- 4 here killed / Officer and nt men mounded. tomage to the ship was rus tamed as follows /. 55. coils severed 2. Two life loats badly boled 3- Boar back piered Priside 4. are rentilator holed and sundy minor depects to wining etc
2 (4) 291 Dark oil tanks when we arrived near Dunkerque. burnin above. lighted up the sky, with Flames from smoke at anchor Saw a ship (CLAN MACALLISTER) a black pall of provided a off Braye: burning until the on fire offshore but plight. Another deserted merchant ship was in similar and guns. useful diversion for German bombers end, deserted, shore 0400 30th May. time, parties in destroyer's boats. South, All landing the We approached beach Dunkerque beaches from the Cdr. and it was not until 0400 that we found HEBE this took (Lieut.- the John Temple) off Braye and transferred to her. At Flat same time the 2 Commodores were put into drifters. to boats off the beaches. Bush (who was in HEBE) seemed and calm: difficult to see in dark; many ships, drifters be rather despondent, having seen the shore black with men standing up to their waists in water; embarkation process being extremely slow. Dawn Arrived ahead. in HEBE off La Panne and got some idea of the task (5) Physical description of the beach. Long stretch of sand dunes rising fairly steeply in places from a gently shelving beach which dries for 200 yards or more at L.W. Offshore the water deepens very gradually and a destroyer cannot get nearer than half a mile, etc. Large groups of men all over the beaches and a dark line of men at the water's edge. Off Braye BIDEFORD was ashore with her stern completely blown off by a bomb: LOCUST - river g.b. - trying to tow her off, which she eventually did and got her back to England. Farther towards Dunkerque another ship (CRESTED EAGLE ?) was high and dry and burnt out; also many boats broached to on the beach. Lying off were destroyers, sloops, drifters, etc., and men making their way off in whalers, motor boats and pontoon craft. A slight swell made landing difficult, and many boats broached to and were stranded on a falling tide. The visibility was not good, with low-lying clouds: very thankful for this, a blessing we were not always to enjoy. Daylight Could now get a clearer idea of situation and conditions. Beaches were packed with troops, but they appeared to be orderly and under proper control. A few ships were lying as close in as possible and were being slowly filled up by their own boats and a few local craft. Ships' motor boats were towing off the whalers assisted by motor launchen but these could not get very close in; pontoon craft were being paddled off by soldiers, but it was not easy to get them back ashore again and often they were left to float away empty. As soon as a sloop or destroyer was full up I she left and took her boats with her - the boats' crews were guns' crews and no one wanted to be without them. To anyone with the appreciation of the practical difficult-l ies of embarking in small boats with a long pull to seaward' the sight of that beach black with troops was dismaying. The number steadily increased and at back of our minds all ore the time was question and fear of how long the defence line could hold and the weather remain fair. (6) 0630 Crux of matter was boats, boats' crews and towage; and at 0630 I signalled the urgent need of these. By about 0730 0730 most of the ships had loaded up and were leaving: I asked r for more ships and again stressed need of boats. I now moved down to Dunkerque to get in communication with hit. Tennant and went alongside pier in response to a signal. nore Description of Dunkerque (see plan). Outer harbour is formed by 2 breakwaters approx at right angles, leaving a and narrow entrance between. Western Arm of solid stone: que Eastern Arm (called here East Pier) only solid for short al part of inshore end, the rest being built of concrete piles.o wide enough for 4 men walking abreast. Alongside short through which tide flows and on which is a narrow pathway East isi Pier is channel to inner harbour and docks. A length
6 Destroyers, arriving, minesweepers and all manner of 298 205 were at one but there were often periods and when Dunkerque continuously, loading and leaving the beaches craft were Bombing of place or another and embarkation had no shi wait. ps the ships and beaches had so far been to - sound day of had been overcast and visibility was not spasmodic good; freedom from air attack. fighters overhead seemed to account for our 0400 31st May. Report received at 0400 of aircraft dropping mines 1 mile north of La Panne: planes frequently passed close over- head during dark hours. Dawn Light N. W. wind sprang up right on the beaches: many boats seen capsized, broached to or high and diry, including at least one of the local boats which carried a lot of men and could get close inshore. Not a cheering sight. Sky cleared and visibility improved; absence of haze all day. 0730 Made contact with KEITH. EXPRESS now fully loaded and left for Dover as soon as I had transferred to KEITH, in which ship I now hoisted my flag - prior to this I had used a Red Ensign (no flag being available before) to indicate which ship I was in. While I was in KEITH she did not embark any troops - same as for HEBE. 1035 To VA, Dover:- "Majority of boats broached to and have no crews. Conditions on beach very bad due to freshening onshore wind. Only small numbers being embarked even in daylight. Under present conditions any large scale embarkation from beach is quite impracticable; motor boats cannot get close in. Only hope of embarking any number is at Dunkerque. Will attempt to beach ship to form a lee to try to improve conditions." Reply:- Urging importance of using beaches as long as (15) 1105 To possible. VA, Dover:- "Dunkerque our only real hope. Can guns shelling pier from westward be bombed and silenced?" Successful use of Dunkerque depended on being able to put ships alongside Eastern breakwater: my constant fear that this might be so accurately shelled as to render it unten- able. Signalled to shore urging movement towards Dunker- que: troops seen moving slowly westward. Beach events clearly visible from seaward. Bodies of men marched along - some in good order, others in groups and knots. Ond battalion in perfect order seen marching down through a winding road from dunes to shore - told later it was the Welsh Guards, but not certain if this was correct. Embarkation going on all the time, with ships leaving as Commencing of day before and continuing on form day, a the soon as filled; largest numbers came from Dunkerque. this Army barricade and breakwater. At Braye the lorries R.E. planked that had been driving lorries down to beach to had and made a handrail on these so a gangway boats could go alongside. As line breakwater ran straight out motor to sea and wind was directly on shore, gave very forenoon sent Stevenson over to some paddle a break- mine- little shelter - still it helped. During off Braye to get one beached to act as at sweepers Done; next day she was high and dry ship was daylight. long Don't enough to cover distance tide ran out, so water. know to what extent she was used: no could only be HEBE of returned with Bush, bringing plan for embarkation value for part of the tide. 1000 that night. numbers Was of boats as follows:- were now being sent over in to tow be of Large etc. Due to start arriving at 1500; were scheme tugs, for use of rear guard for whom embarkation were being (16) kept planned. To take the troops, 11 sloops in company, was and were to rendezvous and proceed Given berths collected being timed for 0130 on 1st June. each of the arrival in which to anchor in 3 batches, 1 batch off embarkation beaches. An
9 may 301 208 by Stayed moving off La Panne during the night, as could do much Shelling was continuous and by the sound anywhere. some were about after dark. No lights not falling among the ships at the anchorage. News shells (21) no boats; ship message = boats found no one on beach. conflicting: shore message = thousands of men waiting, very but Probable truth was - Germans had range of lorry breakwater and beaches near it and they shelled them heavily. Boats went in there and found no one, as troops had moved farther west clear of shell fire. Don't know what really took place. Off shore one felt helpless, etc. Aircraft passed close overhead flying down the anchorages and fairway; MALCOLM off Braye reported a number of para- chute mines dropped to westward of there, and suggested ships should leave by Zuidcoote Pass in the morning as passage to west was so heavily mined. Noise of MTB engines often heard to seaward and eastward: ? our own patrol. 2300 Received urgent signal from Admiralty asking where Gort was and why I had detailed the MTBs sent for him to other work. Gort had just left HEBE in a motor launch: after long search for him in the dark, at last found him, transferred 1st (24) June. As a result of the bombing the day before, asked for him to the MA/SB and sent him off to Dover with Lees. fighter protection at dawn. 0215 Heard that troops were moving westward and decided that embarkation at La Panne was no longer possible. MALCOLM and HARVESTER ordered from La Panne to Dunkerque. Also told ships to keep close to fairway buoys to avoid mines in the channel. 0235 (22) To Admiralty and VA, Dover:- "Yesterday ships off Braye under fire. Today's shorter front will bring dangerous area westward. Consider beach work too costly and evac- uation must be confined to Dunkerque. Small craft will be moved westward at dawn. VA, Dover, reply = "While leaving this to your discretion, essential that beaches be used until found impossible. 0330 Growing light. BASILISK with me - kept empty for support- La fire against tanks or lorries along beach. Up by and ing beach was deserted except for lorry breakwater - boats Panne scattered cars. Sea also seemed deserbed small to the westward. some of the boats adrift. Off Braye Ships were had One or two motor launches about: there them was to a vanished, a few empty ones drifting on tide told collect and a paddle minesweeper ashore. and men were minesweeper still loading off Braye and to the westward, moving down westward off Braye along and the hailed beaches. a tug which and was try on to its tow way Moved some soldiers on board to go in was back with minesweeper. Master paid no attention; him and sent an only (86) off the get away. Trained a gun on board anxious to to take charge, put the soldiers on RNVR Sub-Lt. which was nearby, and go off to help the minesweeper with SABRE, was that tugs had been told to regarded go over them- Real trouble boats in tow and load up, and never they informed of this pulling transports only. I was tugs. selves as them as tugs and for use as by All the night, but the degaussing possible. and and regarded this time I was moving in waters mined proved effieient aircraft (27) during to edge of fairway when of the I kept low clouds. Most ships were though full. 0400 (23) Misty with that were not I sent into Dunkerque, and some for of the Those were still many men on beaches, of small craft there small gone back boats to for were England. the still night there, Did and not were majority then going realise back June. as they intended. Troops had had been Reported are evacuating gradually directing to Dunkerque all boats as and eastern small beaches craft sent over "Situation report at 0600, 1st to 0625 are untenable. and loading Am all ships at Dunkerque. and fighter More attacks ships vicinity required. Heavy bombing on Dunkerque About (28) on ships."
10 302 About from seaward this time saw a Belgian fishing boat 200 tigate. down the Zuidcoote Pass. BASILISK appear on inves- scene Was first of a dozen such boats which to tion. appeared; on their way to Dunkerque to assist in shortly evacua- As mists and clouds dispersed many aircraft appeared scene, and fighters constantly came low over us. Often on they were Spitfires, but our ships were not taking any chances and opened fire indiscriminately on them. Hoisted signal "Cease Fire" and blew syren to attract attention, but our own machine gun aft in KEITH continued firing - once firing started they could not hear the "cease fire" gong. KEITH now had only about 30 rounds of H.A. ammunition left, SO decided would shortly transfer flag to BASILISK and send (29) KEITH into Dunkerque to fill up and return to Dover. Before I could do this a very heavy bombing attack develop- ed, first of all in and around Dunkerque itself. IVANHOE was hit and entirely enveloped in smoke just off entrance; 2 hours later saw her being towed back to Dover. HAVANT was sunk near the entrance. (24) Not long afterwards a compact formation of 30-40 JU 87's appeared from the S.W. Everyone opened fire on them and enemy spread out. Fire seemed effective and thought it was driving them away, so left bridge for a moment. KEITH attacked by 3 D/Bs: one bomb burst 10 yards astern and helm jammed when hard over; two others near misses. Ship soon under control in hand steering: 1 man hurt. 1900 Attacked by 3 more D/Bs: one bomb down after funnel and (25) exploded below; several casualties. Owing to danger of fire, foremost torpedo tubes were fired As to get rid of torpedoes. Holes in side from bomb. ship could not steam let go anchor, and shortly after (80) MTB 102 came alongside. Could do no good in KEITH, so transferred to the MTB with my staff and 1 wounded man. Sent two nearby tugs to assist KEITH and then made for Dunkerque. KEITH again attakked and hit under bridge: heavy list to port, but H.A. gun still firing. She was twice more and her men were taken off by a tug, which the hit picked up men from BASILISK and SKIPJACK: both sunk: latter also sunk at this time. Tug also was bombed down and and about 30 of KEITH'S men lost, and planes came machined gunned men in water. MTB to see General Alexander (now in command Tennant. bombed most of the way in, but managed to dodge after them. 0915 Landed Gort's departure), but he was away and so was Learnt that plan was to continue evacuation during the next (31) (26) night withdraw from their new positions at dawn and for several from western beaches and Dunkerque; rear guard retire were to Dunkerque. to This meant continuing embarkation hours spaces round local H.Q. full of ambulances and ounded of daylight: feared heavy losses. Open doctors doing what they could. with ships still afloat had left Dunkerque, MTB so returned and, in to make spite of more bombing and machine gunning, Dover All contact with VA, Dover. Left in the reached 1130 in safety at 1130. Embarkation Plan to take place between 2100 and of 0330 Dunkerque. and was to for the night:- (27) be from this a large number of ships and small also being were being sent the 1½ miles of beach to the east craft For and sent over. Personnel ships RAF to assembled Dunkerque itself to go alongside pier. were the into their efforts between 1900 and and 0700 from over period concentrate when ships would be on passage to Dunkerque. cross-channel type used for normal ferrying Personnel across ships to = France. Manned by and their loading alongside crews troops been going into the harbour so were very and had could carry 3,000 men, used (28) valuable; the pier. but Some they were large targets and were reluctance with
12 beaches During the than night found there were more ships 301 304' the could be loaded: there was lying off the diverting ships from beaches as necessary. Beaches and were pier, so I Kept on the move between harbout plenty of room outside at very Pier heavilCy shelled, but still a lot of men got off. (32) where was outlined against glow of fires still burning some- to the westward of Dunkerque: steady stream of men passing along it. Numerous small craft passing up to the inner basins. French TBs loading at West Quay. Shelling seemed to be concentrated on beach and to eastward of pier; shells falling inside harbour, and about midni a side. trawler was sunk. Also casualties in a destroyer along- 2nd June. Went up to shore end of pier to embark the base party: 0200 violent outburst of shelling. No signs of party, so Wynne-Edwards went to look for them. A number of French troops had cut into the flow of British troops by a con- verging route: result was that about 5,000 British were held up and did not get off that night. Instead, a lot of French troops got away from the East Pier in addition to 0245 those from the West Quay. Base party came down at 0245 and embarked. Dawn As morning was clear I decided to get ships away at 0300 instead of at 0330 as originally planned. Men were still coming down to pier, but it was no use risking ships being sunk alongside and blocking the pier and harbour. (Word picture of scene - darkness out to seaward, glare of (33) fires inshore, etc. Not very much noise.) Returned to Dover to discuss next night's operation. Still 5,000 of B.E.F. to come and an unknown number of (34) French (30-40,000 ?). Plan was to use Dunkerque only, except for some French local craft which would embark from Dawn beach immediately east of Dunkerque. Embarkation was to start at 2100 and go on till 0300, when blockships were to enter the harbour. Programme was worked out for ships to come in at half-hourly intervals to different berths, so that 3 or 4 ships should be alongside East Pier continuous- ly. Denny thought this was impossible and liable to result in confusion, but a scheme was got out which provi- ded carrying capacity of 37,000 men besides those that would go off in small craft. I also got 2 fast boats told off to act as runners for me (? from VERNON) Besides the large ships, there were tugs, schuyts, drifters and all manner of small craft going over as well - some to lie off and be loaded by smaller boats, and others to go Large number of wounded in Dunkerque: orders had been right up harbour past the large ship berths. embarking given wounded would have taken up too much that fit men were to be got away in preference, valuable as time. Decided to try to get some of the wounded the Germans away in time in Hospital ships, in the hope that bombed day would respect them: 2 were sent over, but one she was had to sunk, the other was so badly damaged that had to be return. and Wounded, except for walking cases, left over again in MA/SB 10, with Somerville and and Goodenough 3 behind. On Belgian soldiers who were about half-way across a pull- Went the way over had a mild bombing attack picked in up ing boat. outside the harbour met one of the two the fast other motor Just Both had been machine-gunned and had to boat be boats. and left (not seen again): this one disabled as she had only one engine left in working his order. staff. (35) returned at Dunkerque. Picked up Alexander General and 2030 Transferred Arrived them to a destroyer, and in her bullet was later killed by a machine gun last from of his a Mansergh when close to Dover. Tennant and the the British plane party left in a MTB as soon as the last of troops had gone. The
13 305 302 The difficult west-going tide, with a fresh easterly tide turned at about 2300. Used the MA/SB to push one to get ships alongside the East Pier wind, until made the it destroyer in and tried to get other small craft to do likewise. By this time the French had come to life and many of their small craft filled the narrow harbour. The MA/SB's clutch out of action - could not go astern. 2200 4 destroyers had been got away by 2200, and the last of the B.E.F. was clear soon after. Then a long pause. The French should have followed our men on the East Pier, but they ddd not appear. Could see crowds of soldiers on West Quay, but as there seemed a scarcity of French ships I sent 2 personnel ships there. One was ROYAL SOVEREIGN, which was handled magnificently - went alongside bows out. Other was ROUEN (French cross- Channel steamer): in getting away she got broadside on to the wind and grounded just to the westward of the quay. Sent a tug to assist her, but she drew too much water to get near: also a lifeboat to get men away. Think men were got away; ship floated off with next tide in daylight and then returned in safety. 3rd June. A most disheartening night. Flow of French troops to the (36) East Pier stopped for some hours. One report = they were held up to make a counter-attack. When they did come it was almost impossible to get them to the ships at the end of the pier: they all wanted to get into the first they came to, and pier was so narrow that they then blocked the way to any ships beyond. One ship lay for 3½ hours at the end berth waiting for men. Finally, began to trickle down, but was then obvious that many of ships waiting out- side could not be used and I had to send back empty 2 personnel ships, 3 destroyers and several Fleet sweepers. Dawn French coming down faster, and as time of leaving got closer tried to make them double down the pier. Even then they were quite hopeless. Saw men who were on the way to the end ship turn and run back up the pier, because they saw another ship coming alongside farther in. 0300 Again I ordered ships to leave at 0300, and waited to see the last go and to hail the 2 blockships as they passed up harbour shortly after, accompanied by MTBs which were to take off the crews. One blockship was sunk as arranged across the channel, but the other shifted as she was blown up and lay up and down the channel, leaving a clear passage. Either this night or the next one blockship was blown up on a magnetic mine After seeing the blockships pass up harbour, the MA/SB took just outside the harbour. us back to Dover in time to get 2 hours' rest before breakfast. Last night's results were very disappointing and only 24,000 men were embarked. Many more could have been taken but for the long pause in the flow of troops to East Pier. After the Naval ratings had left at 2300 there was some difficulty in getting ships berthed, as the French did nothing to replace our men although the Port was the H.Q. of a Naval Command and there were always plenty of French marines in evidence. Was informed at Dover that there was to be another embarka- tion that night, but that this really would be the end. Each night had been thought to be the last, and then each (37) day the ships had been asked for one more effort. By the this time many of the Commanding Officers and men were at limit of their endurance, and the VA did not feel he could order ships to go over. Signal asking what ships 6 were ready and able to go. Finally, 10 transports, 2 yachts, destroyers 8 1 gunboat, 10 drifters, 5 schuyts and 1 tug were collected. boats minesweepers, 4 paddle sweepers, 2 corvettes, Besides these, a large number of small craft and as before. For
322 319 " 14 - 31/5 Destroyers, minesweepors, paddlers and all manner of craft were arriving, loading and leaving the beaches and Dunkirk continuously, but there were often periods when no ships were at one place 02 another and loading had to wait, Bombing of ships and beaches had so far been spasmodic - the day X had been overcast, visibility was not good and you could not SCO from La Panne to Dunkirk. The sound of fighters out of sight overhead second to account for our freedom from air attack, A report of aircraft dropping mines one mile north of Is Patine was received at 0400 and planes frequently passed close overhead during the dark hours. With the dawn 2. wind from the N.W. sprang up right on the X beaches, and when it was light many boats could be seen capsized or broached to and high and dry on the beach, including one at least of the local boats which carried a lot of men and could get close inshore, It: was not a cheering sight and as the day aged the sky overhead cleared and visibility improved. No watched the sky anxiously for the protection of hase but 16 remained clear all day. At 0730 I made contact at last with "KEITH." "EXPRESS" was by that time fully londed and left for Dover as soon as I had transferred to "KETHI." Hero I found that D. flag had been procured and it was flown on my arrivel on board; up till then I had used a red ensign to indicate which sitty I was in. As had been my intention with "HEBE," "KETTH" did not embark any troops and I moved up and down the coast in her doing what I could to keep ships distributed off the beaches and a flow of ships into Dunkins. A signal made by me at 1035 gives a good picture of the conditions:- 11 To V.A. DOVER. Najority of boats broached to and have no Crows, Conditions on beach are very bad due to freshening on-shore wind. Only small numbers are boing embarked even in daylight. Under present conditions any largo- scale embarkation from beach is quite imprecticable. Motor boats cennot get close in. Consider only hope of embarking any number to at Dunkinis. Will attempt to beach ship to form a Ice to try and improve conditions. From V.A. Dover coure a signal urging the importance of using the boochou 8.15 long AB possible, and to emphasise the situation made a Surther signal
329 325 - 21 - 31/5 thousands of men were waiting but no boats, messages from ships that thoir beats found no one on the beach. The truth of 1t was, I think, that the Germans had the range of the lorry breakwator and the beaches nost 1t and they shelled them heavily. Boats went in there and found no one on the troops had moved further west clear of the shell firo. I do not know to this day what really took place there. Off shore one felt helpless, the ships and the boats were there and the troops ashoro and one could do no more. Aircraft passed close overhead flying down the anchorages and fairway, and "MALCOLM" off Braye reported that a number of parachuto mines had been dropped to westward of there and suggested that ships ought to loavo by the uidcoote Zudcote Ruy pass in the morning, as the pasuage to the West WEB no heavily mined. The noise of M.T.B. engines could often be hobrd to deaward and castward and added to my anxiety, though I thought they might possibly be our own patrol. About 2300 I received an urgent signal from Admiralty asking where Lord Gort was and why I had detailed the M.T.B.'s sent for him to other work. As the M.A.S.B. had just returned with Wynne-Edwards, I sent it off at once to "HEBE" to collect Lord Gort. To my horror it came back almost at otice to say that Lord Gort had just left "HEBE" in a motor launch. It was very dork and "НЫВЕ" could not; be seen though we knew where she was and I wellted anxiously for the boat to arrive. Presently out of the dark a boat appeared and como alongside, still not the right one and I had a bad moment thinking of the possibilities of the boat getting lost. However, to my relief, after what appeared about half an hour, the right boat, in charge OF Stevenson once moro, found US at last. Apologizing to Lord Gort for keoping him walting 30 long, I transferred him to the M.A.S.B. and sent him off to Dovor with Ceneral Iecs. My experience of the bombing the day before led 100 to request fighter June, protection at dawn though I had no doubt that this was alroady hoing arrenged. At 0215 I heard that troops were moving Westward and case to the conclusion that embarkation at La Panne was no longer possible. "MARCOLN" and "HARVISING" which were off Lo Panne were ordered into Dunkirk in consoquence. I also made D. signal telling ships to keep close to the buoyo as I hoped that they would thus avoid any minos which had boon Groy od in the channel. At 0235 I made the following signal to V.A. Dover and
330 227 - 22 - 1/6 " Yesterday ships off Braye were under firo. To-day's shorter front will bring dangorous area Westward. For this reason and mining consider any boach work too costly and evacuation must be confined to Dunkirk. Small craft will be moved Westward at dawn." To this V.A. Dover replied "While loaving this to your discretion it is essential that beaches should be used until found impossible." My signal above was made before it was light but I had alroady protty clear indications that La Panne was untenable and as it grow light about 0330 I anxiously looked ashore. The "BASILISK" was with me as I had kept her empty so as to be ready for any supporting firo against tonks or lorries along the beach. Up by La Panne the beach WRB deserted but for the lorry brankwater and scattored cars. The sea also seemed deserted unfortunatoly the small boats had vanished, a few ompty ones were drifting on the tide to the Westward. One or two motor lounches were about and I told them to collect some of the boats adrift. Down off Braye there was a minesweeper ashore and clso a paddle mine- sweeper. Ships were still loading off Braye and to the Westward and men were moving Westward along the beaches. I moved down off Braye and hailed 2. tug which WES on its way back with some soldiers on board and told her to go in and try to ton off the minommoner. The Captain paid no attention and obviously WO.B only concorned to get every. I finally trained 2. gun on him and told an R.N.V.R. Sub-Identionent who was on board to take charge, put the soldiers on board the "SABRE" who WEB nearby and go off to the help of the minesveopor. It VALO not nice to have to threaten these men who were really volunteors, but It had to be done. I could not wink ships and mon for the sake of 110 volunteer's feelings to have any effect. The real trouble on this and snother occasion Labor WAS that the tugs were told to go over with pulling boats in tow and load my and they regarded themselves as transports only. I was never informed of this or their orders and regarded them as tugs and for use as tugs. All this time I had to move in waters which atrongt had been minding during the night, but I put my faith in the degaussing and also koot to the edge of the fairway when possible, and my faith van justified.
334 331 - 26 - now positions at dawn and retire to Dunleirk. This meant contituing the ombarkation for several hours of daylight, and the experience of that morning made mo uneasy as I feared hoavy losses under similar conditions. The local headquarters on the pier looked much the same as when I had last seen it, except that now the open space WOD full of ambulances and wounded with doctors among them doing what they could. While I was standing there I looked out to sea and I BAW e. destroyer pass the entrance in tow of a tug. I was told it was the "IVARHOE," and it was good to know sho had a chance to reach home in safety, as she eventually did. As all the ships which had not been sunk were now gono and there was no more I could do there, I decided to return and make contact with the Volez Dover. I accordingly set off back in the M.T.B. and in spite of more bombing and machino-gunning reached Dover in safety at 1130. It had seemed a pretty long day already when we maild fast alongoide the depot ship "SANDEURST"," While waiting there for 8. car. I 1720 lont a clean shirt and a new pair of grey flannel trousers by Captain Gladstone to replace those, now rather the worse for wear, which I had borrowed from Allinan in the "WORCESTER." Soon a car arrived and drove me and my Flag Lioutenant up to the offices of the Vice Admiral, Dover. The others I dropped at the local hotel. I walked into the office, a rather untidy figure, and was greated by Ramsey and Semerville. They had heard that "КЕТУН" had been hit on the bridge and were pleasantly surprised at our safe return. After sending a tologram to my wife and arranging for a phone message to tell my Secretary to Drive down 0. pair of trousers, shirt and shoes, I wont up to the Vico Admirel's house in Dover Castle and had Iunch with him. It was a lovely sunny day and the viov over the Channel seemed SQ peaceful, that, in spite of the lerge collection of ships, it was hard to believe that Dunkirk was 30 short a distance away. After lunch I slopt on Somerville's bed till about 1530 whon I returned to the V.A.'S office tio hear the plans for the night. The way Led down a steep road with a fine view 02" the harbour and Straits and then by a tunnol into the hill below the Castle Firat down a stoop Blope with floor and valls of concrate, then into a widepassage through walls of chelk with leyers of hugo flints, divity 11t by an occasional This opened at the and into
CONFIDENTIAL Report on OPeration "DERTAMO". Page 5. of the same evening, which recounted the opposite story. The more so as the gallantry of our outnumbered airmen was so obvious at the time, and was the admiration of all. 9. No. 11 Group Fighter Patrols Dunkirk area history. Total flying Enemy aircraft Enemy aircraft Date. Patrols. hours daily. destroyed. driven down. 26/5 22 480 30 20 27/5 23 536 48 32 28/5 11 576 20 6 29/5 9 674 78 8 30/5 9 704 : -- 31/5 8 490 36 4 1/6 8 558 69 I 2/6 4 231 16 6 3/6 4 339 I I 4/6 3 234 -- - Total flying hours 4,822 Notes: (1) It will be observed that the number of patrols decreased from 27th May onwards, whilst there was an increase in the daily flying hours. This is due to the fact that the fighters were employed in increasingly bigger patrols as the enemy air opposition increased. (2) Operation Dynamo suffered most from enemy air effort on 29/5 and on 1/6, after which latter date the combination of enemy air attack and shore artillery fire led to the suspension of the operation by day. 10. The position of enemy batteries had been located by air reconnaissance by nightfall on 31st May, and additional batteries in the Gravelines area on the 1st June. Air bombardment of these batteries during the 1st and 2nd June undoubtedly reduced their fire during dusk and dawn on each of the nights 2/6 - 3/6 and 3/6 - 4/6, when seaborne traffic was passing within range of the enemy batteries commanding the south end of X Route, the Dunkirk Roads, and Dunkirk Harbour. This was a valuable contribution by the R.A.F. to the successful outcome of the operation. A similar beneficial result was obtained by the bombing of the batteries which had Dunkirk Pier and roadstead under fire. 11. CONTROL OF ALLIED TROOPS. In the earlier stages the large number of British troops located in the dunes off the beach were of rear formations with few officers. Command of these mixed units was noticeable by its absence, aggravated, no doubt, by the fact that Army Officers' uniform is indistinguishable from that of other ranks. When Naval Officers appeared in their unmistakable uniform, order in most cases was quickly restored, the troops responding to commands in a disciplined manner. In the absence of any Army embarkation staff or organisation a strong Naval party. was required to form up and embark the troops. Later, no difficulty was experienced when troops of fighting/
CONFIDENTIAL. Page 3. Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. Monday, 27th May (continucd). 2 Military Officers from G.H.Q., which suggested that the situation of the B.E.F. was procarious and it was possible that the enomy might succced in cutting off this force from Dunkirk. This report appeared to confirm the results of air rcconnaiss- ance, which indicated that German armoured units were operating to the south of Dunkirk. Sinco it appeared that ovacuation might well be strictly limited, both in regard to numbers and time available for the operation, it was a cided to concentrate every effort in sending 'over as many craft as possible to the beaches without delay. Had the situation appeared to be less critical, an organised flow of large and small craft working in reliefs would have been arranged. 9. On receipt of these signals from S.N.O., Dunkirk, all available forces were diverted to the beaches, the Personnel Ships to the beach, code letters A.B.C. and D., the destroyers on patrol being diverted to La Panne. Destroyers that were working off Dunkirk were ordered to divert the Personnel Ships going into Dunkirk to lay off the beaches and the smaller craft such as drifters and motor boats were ordered to be used for ferrying troops from the beach to the larger ships. Two important strings of boats being towed by a tug were lost in the night through the tows being run down and cut in half, the boats being scattered. 10. As a result of the above action there were assembling off the beaches 2 transports, 9 destroyers, 4 minesweepers, CALCUTTA, 17 drifters and a few skoots, and all the ships were ordered to use their own boats for ferrying as none of the inshore flotilla had arrived. From signals received it appeared that the situation was desperate, that little could be lifted direct from the Port of Dunkirk, and that the maximum effort must be made from the beaches. Commander-in-Chief, Nore, at this stage provided additional reinforcements of minesweepers and paddlers. During the night, Vice Admiral, Dover, was informed of continuous bombing and machine gunning of troops in the beach areas, and directed Senior Officers present on the beach to use their discretion in ordering withdrawal of the Naval forces, observing that a strong fighter protection should be expected after dawn; this having been arranged after a special visit by the Liaison Officer to Hawkinge to procure the naximum effort. 11. Limiting factors were thought most likely to be restrictions due to enemy action at Dunkirk and on the beaches, and the difficulties of concentrating the ships and troops at a common point or points. The general evacuation plan had been conveyed to the G.O.C. by the S.N.O. on his way to Dunkirk, and the Vice Admiral, Dover, hoped to receive in return some out- ine of the Military's operational plan upon which the rate of vacuation in the various areas under the scheme must depend. Subject to the development of beach evacuation and the ontinuation of fine weather, it appeared to the Vice Admiral hat adequate shipping for his plans was either in, or on, its ay to the Dover area, except for a chronic shortage of beach- ng boats. Tuesday, 28th May
CONFIDENTIAL. Page 7. Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events, Wednesday, 29th May (continued) well as from Dunkirk harbour, both from the aspect of the military situation and from the fact that Dunkirk was limited by a bottle-neck, formed by the narrow gangway along the East Pier to the points of embarkation. Furthermore, there was every prospect of the weather improving and the surf reducing as the tide rose. Nevertheless, an increased number of H.M. ships was ordered to Dunkirk to augment the personnel vessels, though it was feared that an accumulation of ships alongside the East Pier at Dunkirk by day might well invite intensive air attack, Subsequently, this fear was fully to be justified. 25. Meantime, considerable anxiety was felt as to the fate of the personnel vessels which had been despatched in a steady stream to Dunkirk commencing the previous evening. The first of these was due back at Dover about 0300, but by 0900 nothing had been sighted or reported. But at 0700, S.N.O., Dunkirk, had reported that the embarkation there was going on at the rate of 2000 an hour, so it was presumed that the transports had failed to enter the harbour during darkness, had waited outside, and had commenced to enter in succession at dawn. The necessity for continuous fighter protection in view of the exposure of these unarmed ships while at Dunkirk and during the daylight passage through coastal waters, was obvious. Constant touch was maintained with R.A.F. Commands to obtain continuous fighter protection during the hours when the Vice Admiral, Dover, estimated the largest concentration of vessels would be present, it being realised that the R.A.F. resources were not sufficient to provide continuous air cover, and to dispense with full cover at less important periods. 26. At 0930 the belated return of the personnel vessels from Dunkirk commenced, and proceeded steadily through the day. In addition to the personnel vessels using Dunkirk the Admiralty were informed of the necessity for X-lighters and other self-propelled lighters to increase the facilities for beach evacuation. A Medical Party was shipped in VERITY for use on the beaches, and a Naval Medical Party was sent to Dunkirk. 27. The considerable alarm as to the immediate safety of the B.E.F. felt during the evening and early night of the 28th, which caused all available resources to be immediately concentrated on the French Coast, eased during the 29th. But emergency measures taken late on the 28th had an adverse effect on the orderly organisation for evacuation so necessary if effective measures were to be devised and put in force. 28. Meantime, in the early hours of' the 29th, an un- fortunate disaster occurred involving the loss of H.M. destroyers WAKEFUL and GRAFTON, and the danlayer COMFORT. WAKEFUL, after embarking troops at Bray, sailed for Dover at 2300/28 by the Zuydecoote Pass and North Channel. Approaching the Kwinte Whistle Buoy the speed of the ships was 20 knots, and a zigzag of 40 deg es every 4 minutes was started. At 0045 two torpedo tracks were observed, one torpedo missed, the other hit ship amidships. WAKEFUL broke in half and the two portions sank in 15 seconds, each remaining standing with the midship/
CONFIDENTIAL. Page 17. Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. Friday, 31st May. 51. The Admiralty informed the Vice Admiral that the policy of H. M. Government was that both British and French troops be given an equal opportunity of being evacuated in British ships and boats. 52. Personnel ships had been sailed the previous evening and throughout the night of the 30th/31st to provide for a continuous flow into Dunkirk harbour. But at 0320 the S.N.O. reported that once again the majority of these Personnel ships had failed to enter the harbour during the dark hours. MALCOLM, however, left Dunkirk with 1,200 troops at 0300, during heavy shelling, on relief by IVANHOE. S.N.O. Dunkirk, however, continued to call for more ships. No more destroyers were available and there were no means of accelerating the arrival of the vessels despatched there. By 0700 the Vice Admiral had no news of the fate of the personnel ships that had sailed the previous evening and during the night. None of these ships had reached the U.K. to unload, and it appeared probable that these ships may have concentrated in the narrow waters close to Dunkirk, inviting a repetition of the heavy air attacks with consequent damage and loss to transports which had occurred on the two previous occasions when personnel vessels, together with other ships, had been concentrated in large numbers in the approaches to Dunkirk. At this time there were no less than 9 personnel vessels and 3 hospital carriers known to be on the round trip U.K. - Dunkirk and back, and one other personnel vessel had been ordered to sail during the night, but herwhereabouts was unknown, and it was feared that she had refused to sail. In addition, 3 other personnel vessels were under orders to sail between 0900 and 1030. Pending the return of the ships en passage, and while the coal-burners were being rebunkered, the further sailing of personnel vessels was in suspense. Note: Owing to the casualties to Personnel vessels at this stage, coal burning cross channel steamers had to be used for some of the trips and short endurance necessita- ted coaling between trips which could not be done in the vicinity of Dover, thus preventing a quick turn round. 53. During the night a considerable amount of enemy minelaying activity by air was reported. Shelling was heavy during the evening and night, and operations were greatly hampered. Nevertheless, with the cessation of shelling at about 0300, very good progress was made and by full dawn the beaches were very nearly clear of troops. At 0530 attacks on Dunkirk harbour and the beach from Dunkirk to Bray developed more strength and the bombardment of Dunkirk continued. Nevertheless, the S.N.O. reported that the embarkation there was proceeding satisfactorily but stressed the need for more ships and constant fighter protection. At this time French troops began to appear at Dunkirk pier and on the beaches, and were embarked with the British troops. 54. At 0600 VIMY sighted submarine off the N.W. Goodwins/
CONFIDENTIAL. Page 22 Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events, Friday 31st May (continued). 65. Casualties to H.M. Ships during 31st May, M/S DEVONIA received damage from near miss bombs whilst off La Panne. About 1600 ship was ordered to be beached. At 0600 on the 1st, after having destroyed all useful apparatus, and ammunition put overboard, ship was beached and abandoned. M/S HEBE, whilst off Dunkirk, was damaged by enemy aircraft and returned under own power to Dover. Destroyer EXPRESS. Damaged by enemy aircraft whilst off Dunkirk. Saturday 1st June. 66. 2 Hospital Carriers which had sailed the previous evening returned shortly after dawn. Only one had succeeded in entering Dunkirk Harbour, the other had laid off 4 hours under heavy fire and returned to Dover. 4 personnel vessels failed to enter Dunkirk during the night, but succeeded in the early hours of the morning. One of these, the PRAGUE, was bombed and severely damaged half-way across on the return journey, but succeeded in making the Downs with the assistance of tugs, where troops transferred to other ships particularly A/S trawlers LADY PHILOMENE and OLVINA. The supply of person- nel vessels was maintained throughout the day, not without a series of setbacks caused by 3 ships refusing to sail and by 2 being turned back when on passage, by French Destroyers owing to heavy bombing and shelling of the approaches to Dunkirk. Of those that operated during the 24 hours, 1 was sunk, 2 damaged by bombs and shell-fire and 1 by collision. 67. During the middle watch it transpired that no further troops were attempting to evacuate from La Panne off which were stationed one paddle minesweeper, a fleet sweeper and two destroyers, probably due to the heavy shelling from German guns eastward, and later information was received that the troops were marching from La Panne through Bray towards Dunkirk. Accordingly, during the night the Rear Admiral, Dover, instructed all small craft to move west, with boats in tow, towards Dunkirk, and the Vice Admiral directed all ships under orders for La Panne to other positions further west, concentrating the main effort on the beach immediately east of Dunkirk. To a request from Dunkirk for Hospital Ships, the Vice Admiral replied at 0715 that the large ship berths alongside at Dunkirk must be occupied by personnel ships and the wounded that could conveniently be embarked should go with personnel. This direction was in accordance with the Govern- ment policy previously communicated to the Vice Admiral. 68. Soon after dawn enemy aircraft were active and heavy bombing and machine gun attacks developed at 0500 over the whole area from Dunkirk to La Panne. A second series of attacks commenced at 0830 and lasted until 0900, during which time nearly every ship off the coast was subjected to intensive bombing and machine gunning, formations of 30 and 40 machines/
APPENDIX I. to Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events. LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS TAKING. PART. RUISER: CALCUTTA YERS: ANTHONY HARVESTER MALCOLM VIVACIOUS BASILISK HAVANT MONTROSE WAKEFUL BLYSKAWICA ICARUS SABRE WHITEHALL CODRINGTON IMPULSIVE SALADIN WHITSHED ESK INTREPID SCIMITAR WINCHELSEA EXPRESS IVANHOE SHIKARI WINDSOR GALLANT JAGUAR VENOMOUS WOLFHOUND GRAFTON JAVELIN VANQUISHER WOLSEY GRENADE KEITH VERITY WORCESTER GREYHOUND MACKAY VILY BIDEFORD TS: LOCUST MOSQUITO EEPERS: ALBURY HEBE QUEEN OF THANET BRIGHTON QUEEN HALCYON ROSS BRIGHTON BELLE KELLETT SALAMANDER EL DEVONIA LEDA SALTASH DUNDALK LYDD SKIPJACK DUCHESS OF FIFE MARMION SANDOWN EMPEROR OF INDIA MEDWAY QUEEN SNAEFELL FITZROY NIGER SPEEDWELL GLENAVON ORIOLE SUTTON GLENGOWER PANGBOURNE SHARPSHOOTER GOSSAMER PLYNLIMMON WAVERLEY GRACIE FIELDS PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO ESSELS: ARLEY COMFORT MARETTA BOTANIC CONIDAW NAUTILUS BROCK FYLDEA POLLY JOHNSON CALVI GULZAR SARGASSO CHICO JOHN CATLING STARLIGHT RAYS AL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE GOLDEN EAGLE LS: ROYAL EAGLE TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT RAWLERS: ARGYLLSHIRE KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO BLACKBURN ROVERS KINGSTON OLIVINE THURINGIA CAYTON WYKE LADY PHILOMENA WISTELLA GRIMSBY TOWN SAON WOLVES KINGSTON ALALITE SPURS OLVINA RECOVERY FIDGET JACKETA ERS: SILVER DAWN FISHER BOY LORD CAVAN
| HARVESTER 600 | SILVER DAWN 200 | Sloop 450 | ST. DAVID 118 |
51. (Revised-June, 1933.) OM WHOM DATE RKINGS TO BOARD. SUBJECT. nt erect ove 0 S Operations of Commander Dove's party at Dunkerque. , 4 my RMER n ge d for e and A tered Referred NOTATION ONLY Date Referred to Date to Referred to Date x. of th L. We id rith rty. cook letely (ve mel Y 18 her ti tion S who the were and ring is he nd dr. so ditti are y 27t is no ght still found $ a of t imber ball o ian Ing sh 100m- number et 3" ove: C.E. 7831/1922. Earl Sta.47/33. Wt. 48364/D6526 1,000,000 6/40 S.P. & Co., Ltd. 51-6446 Ddr. magne antme ascure been DOLLOWS use ore dawn, the situation will become extremely arim"
tions of Commander k. der Dove, Sub Lieutenant N.V.R. The object was to erect 7th June, 1940. rt of Dunkirk. Commander Dove atsuki" on May 2000 with 200 -Admiral Sir James ut. Field and Sub Lieut Addis Somerville, K. C.B., D.S.O., . taul". On instructions from took command of the Drifter On the orders of Commander Yates, we iled from Dover 6345 Friday the honour to submit the following es for the demolition party, 4 ort on the activities of Commander officer Major Russell, 1 Army e's party at Dunkirk. 3 signal ratings. After an Dunkirk 0930 to find a large We have the honour to be, Sir, rogress. We noted then, and for that in spite of the courage and Your obedient Servants, the great majority of their targets. We immediately entered J.L. Field Subtient RNVILE the South Quay. R.G.addis Subtient RMVR. ratings, we reported to Cdr. La Rentaul" to keep clear of the nent which had recommenced. We emolition party that we had afterwards made contact with portion of a demolition party. re-enter the harbour and took CS. threatening to block completely a done at once it would have 32" the hospital and personnel y. The, "Gervaise" was man- a side to avoid the risk of her ion in the fairway. Ammunition nd handed over to Cdr Banks who y primersor detonators for the a two hospital ships which were $ The attached papers have been ng these was just put in hand seen by the Vice Admiral, Dover, and note made * available at any time during for his list of personnel recommendations. himself and with help of his the necessary work. Now the Yours sincerely, ble for further hospital and During these operations Cdr. e situation in Dunkirk was so he opportunity nor the facilitie hadch Cress rk. Furthermore there was a re- 1" dive bombing until Monday 27th old Cdr Dove that there was no ommandeered a car and bought SECRETARY to rom estaminets which were still VICE ADMIRAL. de tour of inspection and found property and personnel was il tanks on the south side of the atening the railway and timber S. to S.W. which blew a pall of scene appear far worse than evening the work of loading ship eady a large number of noncom- our besides an increasing number quay. The night was quiet planes sincleithe town for over* ely small number of bombs. Early ho had been instructed by Cdr. for safety, reported that magnet mines nad Deen 1814 near the entrance and that a French merchantmen had been blown up. ore dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'
Statement of the operations of Commander Dove's party at Dunkirk. Prefatory Note. The party consisted of Commander Dove,R.N., Sub.Lieutenant Field, and Sub.Lieutenant Addis, R.N.V.R. The object was to erect & lethal kite barrage round the port of Dunkirk. Commander Dove sailed with H.M.D. "Boy Roy" and "Natsuki" on May 2014 with 200 sets of lethal kite year. ,Lieut, Field and ub.Lieut Addis left Daver with H.M.D. "Gervais Rentaul". On instructions from Captain A/P Dover, .Lieut. Field took command of the Drifter (skipper Mr.Burgess,R.N.R) Report. Sub.Lieut Field and Addis, sailed from Dover 6345 Friday May 25th with 9 tons high explosives for the demolition party, 4 tons of medical stores, 1 Medical officer Major Russell, 1 Army liaison officer Captain Hill, and 3 signal ratings. After an uneventful passage, we arrived off Dunkirk 0930 to find a large scale air attack by the enemy in progress. We noted then, and for the whole time we were in Dunkirk that in spite of the courage and persistence of the shore A.A.units the great majority of their salvoes were well astern of their targets. We immediately entered the harbour and made fast alongside the South Quay. ratings, we reported to Cdr. La Rentaul" to keep clear of the nent which had recommenced. We emolition party that we had afterwards made contact with OFFICE OF portion of a demolition party. FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER. re-enter the harbour and took threatening to block completely a done at once it would have 32" the hospital and personnel 18th June, 1940. 7. The, "Gervaise" was man- 1 side to avoid the risk of her ion in the fairway. Ammunition nd handed over to Cdr Banks who Dear Gleadowe, y primersor detonators for the The attached papers have been a two hospital ships which were seen by the Vice Admiral, Dover, and note made ng these was just put in hand for his list of personnel recommendations. * available at any time during himself and with help of his the necessary work. Now the Yours sincerely, ble for further hospital and During these operations Cdr. 8 situation in Dunkirk was so he opportunity nor the facilitie hadch Cres rk. Furthermore there was a re- 1" dive bombing until Monday 27th old Cdr.Dove that there was no ommandeered a car and bought SECRETARY to rom estaminets which were still VICE ADMIRAL. de tour of inspection and found property and personnel was il tanks on the south side of th atening the railway and timber S. to S.W. which blew a pall of scene appear far worse than evening the work of loading shi eady a large number of noncom- our besides an increasing number quay. The night was quiet planes circledthe town for over* ely small number of bombs. Early ho had been instructed by Odr. for safety, reported that magnet mines nad been 1810 near the entrance and that a French merchantmen had been blown up. ore dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'
Statement of the operations of Commander Dove's party at Dunkirk. Prefatory Note. The party consisted of Commander Dove, b.Lieutenant Field, and Sub.Lieutenant Addis, R.N.V.R. The object was to erect a lethal kite barrage round the port of Dunkirk. Commander Dove sailed with "Boy Roy" and "Natsuki" on May 2004 with 200 sets of lethal kite gear. Sub,Lieut,Field and Sub.Lieut Addis left Daver with H.M.D. "Gervais Rentaul". On instructions from Captain A/P took command of the Drifter (skipper Mr.Burgess,R.N.R) Report. Sub.Lieut Field and Addis, sailed from Dover 6345 Friday May 25th with 9 tons high explosives for the demolition party, 4 tons of medical stores, 1 Medical officer Major Russell, 1 Army liaison officer Captain Hill, and 3 signal ratings. After an uneventful passage, we arrived off Dunkirk 0930 to find a large scale air attack by the enemy in progress. We noted then, and for the whole time we were in Dunkirk that in spite of the courage and persistence of the shore A.A.units the great majority of their salvoe were well astern of their targets. We immediately entered the harbour and made fast alongside the South Quay. Army Officers and signal ratings, we reported to Cdr. Henderson B.N.L.O. who order "Gervais Rentaul" to keep clear of the harbour to avoid the aerial bombardment which had recommenced. We then reported to Cdr. Banks of the demolition party that we had brought his explosives, and shortly afterwards made contact with Cdr. Dove who had taken charge of a portion of a demolition party. Cdr.Dove now signalled the G.R. to re-enter the harbour and took in tow two sinking tugs which were threatening to block completely the South Quay. If this had not been done at once it would have been difficulty if not impossible for the hospital and personnel ships to make fast to the South Quay. The, "Gervaise" was man- eeuvred to a small lock on the south side to avoid the risk of her being hit and exploding the ammunition in the fairway. Ammunition medical stores were then unloaded and handed over to Cdr. Banks who up to that time had not received any primersor detonators for the depth charges. Cdr.Dove then signalled in two hospital ships which were in the offing and the work of loading these was just put in hand inmediately. As there was no. labour dock available at any time during our stay in Dunkirk Commander Dove himself and with help of his officers organised and carried out the necessary work. Now the South Quay was cleared it was possible for further hospital and personnel ships to enter and load. During these operations Cdr. Dove reached the conclusion that the situation in Dunkirk was so grave that we should have neither the opportunity nor the facilitie to erect a kite barrage round Dunkirk. Furthermore there was a re- grettable lack of wind and no low or dive bombing until Monday 27th At midday dr.Henderson told Cdr. Dove that there was no water in Dunkirk and we therefore commandeered a car and bought sufficient vichy and perier water from estaminets which were still open in Malo form H.Q.staff. We made tour of inspection and found that up to date the damage done to property and personnel was surprisingly little, although the oil tanks on the south side of th town were blazing flercely and threatening the railway and timber yards. There was a light uir from S. to S.W. which blew a pall of smoke over the harbour and made the scene appear far worse than reality. During the afternoon and evening the work of loading shi went on smoothly but there were already a large number of noncom- batant forces crowded into the harbour besides an increasing number* of ambulances lined up on the south quay. The night was quiet except for one air-raid when German planes circledthe town for over (ca hour before dropping a comparatively small mimber of bombs. Early next morning May 26th, r.Burgess who had been instructed by Cdr. Dove to anchor outside the harbour for safety, reported that magnet mines had been laid near the entrance and that a French merchantmen had been blown up. dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'
heseou control star wased comt coer South Quay was by now crowded transport with which ambulances had been and pro Hon- combatant The personnel who were traffic awaiting control and their shortly apparent after 093 Traffic ive. These control was negligible, attacks continued there move back bombing ised at dawn. attacks There started was with no THE THE as about troops 1700. object- were in a nervous condition. Dove on the Malo river front. had arrived. The troops were at ordered to take cover the casualties to the wounded small. The only we once and shelter in the in woods the town until the ships and as far As as a result of this to action other troops were remarkably the oil tanks. reason where could personnel estimate suffered badly when being the breeze near freshened of we these rigged up two In the afternoon the two biggest cranes. One afforded good kites flew well to 2600 Unfortunately, however, in spite of almost immediately units kites from the feet top over of the harbour and might have informing the A.A. pro- tection. and air force personnel the kite was shot down by small arms time. We then About 2000 we returned to the South waiting Quay 2 fire. returned to H.Q. and relieved the cypher to officer find for hospital again no dock labour Cdr Dove organised sort of make a short ships in the harbour and a personnel ship a party outside. to As there ships was fast and embark the wounded and also some not traffic control. the Bombing had now ceased entirely and did recommence until 6200 next day. The Hospital ships were made fast abreast and this allowed water brought a working party of 50 soldiers who unloaded returned water, with et the in two gallon tins, maps for staff and medicine the She personnel ship to tie up forward of them. The personnel stores. brought also then were never seen again. It is presumed they to th ship. water off the quay, although it was useful for the the and As a result of this absense of labour it was impossible wounded. Just get the dark a british destroyer (Wolsey ?) came up between until piers. before Dove's instructions we signalled her to keep clear we ha th on Cdr. berth for her. Eventually we told her to tie up alongside to pic up H.Q. officere onboard the destroyer Cdr. Dove asked Senior give a two staff who were to embark in the Destroyer. After General ii found hospital a ships. Lieut. Addis then drove to the Bastion embarking was list but after calling out some officers names The destroyer being there staff satisfied that all his staff were onboard. He refused to satisfi to nominal his presence the nexte he said hour he was Some ready 30 more to proceed. of the general's starf and arri we on the them in the personnel ship. The work of "Wolf. left. Within quay-side to find the destroyer had sailed without embarkation them we had to embark and there was no air activity. At about 0030 H.M.S. to hound" H.M.S. "Wolfhound" was to provide W/T comminication trans on smoothly berthed alongside the South Quay and we took the Captain Cdr.Henderson. the "Gervaise Rentual" could get no reply on her pa with mitter Dover and the as shore station had broken down. At0130 on Cdr the .Dove's quayside turned in May a 27th we were awakened by a Frenchman who had fired tha a for few hours sleep in a trench rifle at us coming and that it was his "abis". We movements & At 0530 on in the trench and insisted probably quite correctly, Cdr. Dove destroyer which threatened to block the fairway. By and the Germans had were already been up since 0430 controlling the 0730 a French ships except "Gervaise Rentual! had cleared the port all British numbers of troops and a few ambulances (empty?) were thronging the quayside. 0830 an intense aerial bombardment started which at large German reconnaissance patrols were active overhead continued with never Tuesday. The quay was becoming so dangerous that Cdr Dove at about more than 20 minutes interval until we left the port We noticed equipment, the wrecked cars the 0130 on cleared all the troops out of the harbour into the once again that apart from the acute danger of of abandoned of transportation and the numerous bomb craters had re- Quay taining wall was damaged in only one place. At Cdr. Henderson's a V. hope impossible to use any longer, inspite of the fact that the req we spent at the top of the bastion to keep in touch with H.M.S. the morning making a tour of inspection and arranging "Wolt hound" all communication between the bastion and the signal Engla station which was lying 18 (approx) miles off the beach to northwar station By now was severed. All telephonic comminication to off by "Gervaise any Rentual" was out of order. At 1200 we returned to the lighthouse route whatsoever was destroyed and the R.T. transmitter the gi
3 ried us four hours to do scale normally bombardment 20 minutes. This ide to fly another work which takes (made in Germany) which was entirely kite deserted from a except large floating for Bank's crane party. We THE decided There so cases similar to key this that our uninterrupted and large to wind which continued Owing to return a contrary to H.Q. We found our the efforts proved of IM car presumably the result of about 2 miles and our were of fifth many column activity. We made way times on the way, especially on the We reported leading that H.Q. it it was back to H.Q. on foot, a distance road to were bombed several H.Q. the position seemed extremely from grave. the South Quay. Cdr. was Henderson hardly informed us that G.H.Q. intended taking to be over evacuation bastion At practicable to embark troops the and the extreme shortage of supplies. We were and to sail as soon as that all superfluous personnel would have therefore ordered owing by to Dove to go aboard the "Gervaise Rentual" most of the bombardment permitted. The air force personnel, onboard. We demolition the party were, we were informed, already and QZS.60. were On arrival also at the ship we found we had no charts and to the our given a new route order via Zuydcoote Passage therefore made way bastion. At the bastion we found that a number of soldiers, the obviously a back as quickly as we could through the bombardment unnerved by the relentless attack, were approaching H.Q. in went out in the midst of the bombardment, without steel helmets, destroy- or fire threatening manner with their rifles. Cdr.Dove and Cdr. Henderson arms which had just entered harbour, arrived. The situation control and and parleyed with them until a naval landing party from which a might " have er developed seriously was immediately brought under take we informed that the evacuation of the town of Dunkirk was to were forthwith. We were therefore given new orders by Cdr.Dove. found We place able to collect a chart and return to the ship where we were Cdr. Bankes. He told us to collect as many small craft as possible and take them and the drifter round to the beaches on the north side of the town to pick up soldiers. We tried to commandeer two Belgian tugs and manage to secure two launches byt on investigation both were too badly a picket boat but the French naval commander objected strongly. We did damaged to be serviceable. One had its steering gear rendered useless one by bombs, and the other, a diesel engine, had no fuel, and no knew how to work it. We now had onboard four air force officers, 10 re moment four drifters arrived in the entrance, two of which were in a soldiers, the majority of the demolition party and Cdr. Bankes. At this sinking condition owing to bombing and machine-gunning, These two the "Bola Roy" and the "Paxton" were sunk by gun-fire from the "Gervaise Bentual", clear of the fairway, after all personnel had been taken on- board, the drifters "Playmates" and "Gervaise Rentual." The remaining 2 drifters were ordered by Cdr. Bankes to tie off the beaches and they proceeded thereforthwith. We were now helded from the South Quay and on crossing there found Cdr. Dove who was the last person to leave the South Quay. We took him aboard and landed him and Cdr. Bankes on the North Jetty, where they met Captain Tenant, Cdr. Dove insisted on returning to the bastion to the end of the pier, within hail for an hour. Captain Tenant then told find out if there were anyone left there and instructed us, to be off us to extend those orders until midnight. It was now about dark and air activity was intense. Huge fires light up the town and later numer- believed we heard artillery. After standing off for about 1 hour, ous parachute flares were dropped by the enemy. For the first time we gun us, we received enemy a morse message from the beach, to come alongside in which time the enemy dropped magnetic mines and attempting to machine the North Jetty, There we found Naval Commander whose name was not ascertained, other Captain drifter and tell any personnel ships to come along- from Tenant's party, who ordered us to make con- side the North We spoke to the Queen of the Channel (?) to this effect Jetty. drifters who were Lying some way to the north and were difficult and to the locate. Another morse message asked us to use and found all possible a despatch. to After this we ?) returned ship alongside to the North and fully Jetty loaded. were We took personnel (Queen of Channel and children and some soldiers, and hound aboard which written) was was destroyer, continuing "Unless and complete W/T dubies. fighter The protection gist of this can be message provided (which only to proceed a home to Dover also an urgent despatch to H.M.S. "Wolf- ordered aboard about 30 women after delivering women and children before dawn, the situation will become extremely grim'
Page 2. PS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940. PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued) SWEEPING CRAFT. ARIA JEANNIE MACINTOSH REED TY JOHN AND NORA RELONZO NIC JOHN CATTLING RENASCENT CK LORD BARHAM RESTRIVO I LORD CAVAN REWGA THNESS LORD COLLINGWOOD RIG CO (E.S.) LORD GREY SARAH HYDE FORT LORD HOOD SARGASSO IDAW LORD INCHCAPE SATURN TENTA LORD KEITH SILVER DAWN SIBLE LORD MELCHETT STARLIGHT RAYS GET LORD RODNEY STELLA RIGEL HER BOY LORD ST. VINCENT STRATHELLIOTT DEA MARE STRIVE NIUS MARETTA SWIFT WING A NAUTILUS TARANSAY ZAR OLIVAE THOMAS BARTLETT VERFORTH OUR BAIRNS THOMSONS CKETA OVERFALLS THREE KINGS CKEVE F POLLY JOHNSON TWEENWAYS UNICITY S TRAWLERS. GYLLSHIRE KINGSTON ANDALUSITE SPURS ACKBURN ROVERS KINGSTON OLIVINE STELLA DORADO PE ARGONA LADY PHILOMENA THURINGIA YTON WYKE OLVINA TOPAZE IMSBY TOWN ST. ACHILLEUS WESTELLA INGSTON ALALITE SAON WOLVES HAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS. RESTED EAGLE GOLDEN EAGLE ROYAL EAGLE .A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC. M. A/S. B. 10 M.T.B. 68 .C. MOTOR-BOAT ( ex "EXCELLENT") M.T.B. 16 M.L. 100 A/S. B. 6 M.T.B. 22 M.T.B. 102 .A/S. B. 7 M.T.B. 67 M.T.B. 107 OVER FLARE-BURNING DRIFTERS PAXTON BOY ROY GOLDEN GIFT SHIPMATES EILEEN EMMA GOLDEN SUNBEAM THE BOYS FORECAST LORD HOWARD TORBAY II GERVAIS RENTOUL LORD HOWE UT PROSIM GIRL GLADYS MIDAS YORKSHIRE LASS GIRL PAMELA NETSUKIS YOUNG MUN (Continued) Sunk.
Operation "DYNAMO" Recommendations of Personnel. Page 62 SALAMANDER. - Lieutenant Commander Lionel James Spencer, Ede, continually ordered tripato the be besches On was This ship bombed did 3 and and having been at dawn, Dover, to one occasion, to Dunkirk embarked a the further ship continued until 0600, move westward so doing rating 450 men from Bray. and by attack assist one the KEITH, was the slightly wounded. Whilst During proceeding one to attack and four ship was again subjected to bombing ship and lifted the ship bombs bodily. exploded Steam under was water near a the got going again attack in about a quarter of an hour, lost, when but was f I port as to reach possible. Ship was again attacked, but to further quickly air as took place. The ship proceeded back a she managed Dover, proceeding on only one boiler. Recommendations. FICERS: ive Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, R.N. This Officer showed great zeal, initiative and seamanship during the operations. The whole time he was endeavouring to avoid air attacks, and, at the same time, pick up troops from the beaches. His initiative II, in disobeying the order of Rear Admiral, Dover, to proceed from the beach towards Dunkirk at dawn, enabled t him to save a further 450 men, including 29 wounded cases. Having moved westward, an air attack took place upon the SKIPJACK and the KEITH, the SKIPJACK being sunk and the KEITH set on fire. Ship appeared to be in danger of sinking due to a near miss, but after a short time found she was still seaworthy and steam was d. got on to the main engine. By his great devotion to duty in face of these air attacks, he was still able to bring his ship safely ring to port. tere D.S.O D.S.C vors Recommended for decoration. as Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds. R.N. hom al Showed great initiative and skill in getting steam up and the engines restarted after ship had been damaged by near misses, and in addition it was due to him that the morale of the engine room was so good after having had three heavy attacks in four days, apart from this attack, which was almost continuous for three hours. By his great devotion to duty, it is felt that the ship was got under way so quickly. DSC D.S.C Recommended for decoration. RATINGS: E.R.A. C. H. Andrew, M.28768. DSM DSM to duty After and the his ship initiative, he suceeded in up had been damaged, by his starting devotion
Page 78. Operation "DYNAMO" cets Recommendations of Personnel. PORTSMOUTH INNER PATROL YACHTS. Lieutenant Cyril Cornelius Bone, R.N.V.R. Senior Officer beaches 0600/31/5 to dawn 1/6, they performed Although from the unit of nine yachts only worked off the particularly time valuable work off La Panne and Bray at The period also happened to be one of intensive air British embarking or withdrawing westward. critical troops when either La Panne was about to be finally a evacuated, bombardment, on the beaches. interspersed with sporadic heavy artillery fire arge 2 Particularly notable was the work of these boats inshore, which included the embarkation of Lord Gort and the G.H.Q. party. 3500 - 4000 troops were lifted. Recommendations. FFICERS; KY. LAHLOO: gine- Lieutenant John Vander Ould, R.N.V.R., Commanding Officer. C with suaded esh His yacht did particularly well, handling about 1 500 troops. Emabrked Lord Gort. Did valuable work erful rounding up drifting boats for further beach work. id him Recommended for mention. H.M.Y. SERIOLA: STEAM PICKET-BOAT: V.Y. MASAYRU: Sub. -Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman. R.N.V.R. May D.S C, This Officer displayed remarkable determination, ily endurance and devotion to duty. Commencing service in SERIOLA, he skilfully worked open boats through the surf on S. te the beaches during31/5. The next day he was ordered to o the vor command a naval steam picket-boat, and by his determination to and good judgment succeeded in operating this craft for vas nearly 24 hours, though its coal capacity only sufficed for whon 6 hours. Also seized and directed the activities of a number of abandoned boats found drifting off the coast. Finally returned to Ramsgate and joined another vessel for a further day's service at Dunkirk. great coolness under heavy fire in dangerous conditions. Specially recommended by Senior Officers for Recommended for decoration. sank, nto RATINGS: H.M.Y. AHOLA: Petty Officer H. H. Holland, J.20594. Able Seaman F. H. Finch, SSX.23237. Volunteers for boat work under fire, when boat crew from another unit left their boat. Recommended for mention. a in
Page 93. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recomme idations of Personnel. st H.M.S. KING ORRY. - Commander Jeffery Elliott, R.N.R. This ship completed one trip, bringing back 1,100 batteries troops, and whilst on her way back was fired over at by shore for 20 minutes and hit three times. In addition, at the same time the ship was bombed and machine gunned, but no damage resulted. The damage from shell fire was made good and the ship again sailed for Dunkirk. on the way over dive bombing attacks took place, bombs exploded under water and the ship was shaken badly. A 2nd attack outside the harbour put the steering gear out of action and smashed all instruments and woodwork. Ship manoeuvred into the harbour. Another attack took place and again there were near misses. Ship was holed under water forward and aft but pumps appeared to keep water down. As ship would most probably be attacked at dawn it was felt that it would be better to clear the harbour and so avoid blocking the channel. When clear of the harbour, however, ship took a serious lift and water entered the stokeholds. In the end the ship foundered clear of the channel. n Recommendation. OFFICER: Commander Jeffery Elliott, R.N.R. n By his initiative, gallantry under fire and good seamanship, ship was placed alongside at Dunkirk under great difficulties due to steering gear having been put out of action and his decision to move ship out of harbour during dark hours prevented the ship 1 from blocking the harbour and the channel. DSO Recommended for decoration. ps, uring stere ivors was whom Commissioned Ship 2. 1, Recove, Set V.A. original to carrifer report incommendly II ed Key Only hip. Llautony Manas site mees leved ain.
Page 62 Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. M.S. SALAMANDER. - Lieutenant Commander Lionel James Spencer. Ede. This ship did 3 trips to the beaches and was continually bombed and machine-gunned. On one occasion, having been ordered by Rear Admiral, Dover, to move westward to Dunkirk at dawn, the ship continued until 0600, and by so doing embarked a further 450 men from Bray. During one attack one rating was slightly wounded. Whilst proceeding to assist the KEITH, the ship was again subjected to a bombing attack and four bombs exploded under water near the ship and lifted the ship bodily. Steam was lost, but was got going again in about a quarter of an hour, when a further air attack took place. The ship proceeded back to port as quickly as possible. Ship was again attacked, but she managed to reach Dover, proceeding on only one boiler. Recommendations. )FFICERS: Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, R.N. This Officer showed great zeal, initiative and seamanship during the operations. The whole time he was endeavouring to avoid air attacks, and, at the same time, pick up troops from the beaches. His initiative in disobeying the order of Rear Admiral, Dover, to proceed from the beach towards Dunkirk at dawn, enabled him to save a further 450 men, including 29 wounded cases. Having moved westward, an air attack took place upon the SKIPJACK and the KEITH, the SKIPJACK being sunk and the KEITH set on fire. Ship appeared to be in danger of sinking due to a near miss, but after a short time found she was still seaworthy and steam was got on to the main engine. By his great devotion to duty in face of these air attacks, he was still able to bring his ship safely to port. Recommended for decoration. Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, R.N. Showed great initiative and skill in getting steam up and the engines restarted after ship had been damaged by near misses, and in addition it was due to him that the morale of the engine room was so good after having had three heavy attacks in four days, apart from this attack, which was almost continuous for three hours. By his great devotion to duty, it is felt that the ship was got under way so quickly. Recommended for decoration. RATINGS: E.R.A. C. H. Andrew, M. 28768. After the ship had been damaged, by his devotion to duty and his initiative, he suceeded in starting up
Page 78. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. PORTSMOUTH INNER PATROL YACHTS. Lieutenant Cyril Cornelius Bone, R.N.V.R, Senior Officer. Although the unit of nine yachts only worked off the beaches from 0600/31/5 to dawn 1/6, they performed particularly valuable work off La Panne and Bray at a critical time when La Panne was about to be finally evacuated, British troops either embarking or withdrawing westward. The period also happened to be one of intensive air bombardment, interspersed with sporadic heavy artillery fire on the beaches. Particularly notable was the work of these boats inshore, which included the embarkation of Lord Gort and the G.H.Q. party. 3500 - 4000 troops were lifted, Recommendations. OFFICERS; H.M.Y. LAHLOO: Lieutenant John Vander Ould, R.N.V.R., Commanding Officer. His yacht did particularly well, handling about 500 troops. Emabrked Lord Gort. Did valuable work rounding up drifting boats for further beach work. M Recommended for mention. H.M.Y. SERIOLA: STEAM PICKET-BOAT: M.Y. MASAYRU: Sub. -Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman. R.N.V.R. This Officer displayed remarkable determination, endurance and devotion to duty. Commencing service in SERIOLA, he skilfully worked open boats through the surf on the beaches during31/5. The next day he was ordered to command a naval steam picket-boat, and by his determination and good judgment succeeded in operating this craft for nearly 24 hours, though its coal capacity only sufficed for 6 hours. Also seized and directed the activities of a number of abandoned boats found drifting off the coast. Finally returned to Ramsgate and joined another vessel for a further day's service at Dunkirk. Specially recommended by Senior Officers for great coolness under heavy fire in dangerous conditions. DSC Recommended for decoration. RATINGS: H.M.Y. AHOLA: Petty Officer H. H. Holland, J.20594. Able Seaman F. H. Finch, SSX. 23237. Volunteers for boat work under fire, when boat crew from another unit left their boat. M Recommended for mention.
Page 93. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. H.M.S. KING ORRY. - Commander Jeffery Elliott, R.N.R. This ship and completed whilst one trip, bringing back 1,100 batteries troops, for 20 minutes on her way back was fired over by shore at the and hit three times. at gunned, made and resulted. The damage from shell addition, but no damage same time the ship was bombed and machine In on the way over water bombing attacks took place, bombs fire was good dive the ship again sailed for Dunkirk. exploded under and the ship was shaken badly. A 2nd attack and outside smashed the harbour put the steering gear out manoeuvred harbour. Another attack took place of action into the all instruments and woodwork. Ship and again there were near misses. Ship was holed under water forward and aft but pumps appeared to keep water down. As ship would most probably be attacked at dawn it was felt that it would be better to clear the harbour and so avoid blocking the channel. When clear of the harbour, however, ship took a serious lift and water entered the stokeholds. In the end the ship foundered clear of the channel. Recommendation. uso OFFICER: Commander Jeffery Elliott, R.N.R, By his initiative, gallantry under fire and good seamanship, ship was placed alongside at Dunkirk under great difficulties due to steering gear having been put out of action and his decision to move ship out of harbour during dark hours prevented the ship from blocking the harbour and the channel. Recommended for decoration.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
B22/10]1 CENTRAL CONFIDENTIAL. REGISTRY MO FROM. CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATROL, DOVER. 135) DATE 1st JUNE 1940. No.DL/251/11/AP. TO FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER. (Copy to Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Lynx".) SUBJECT LOSS OF H.M.S. "THURINGIA". The following report is submitted with reference to my signal of 28th May 1940 timed 1600. 2. Skipper J.D. Fowler, R.N.R., W.S.2651, H.M.S. "Wolves", reports that when on patrol two miles west of "I" Buoy at 0315 on 28th May 1940, an explosion was heard bearing west south west. "Wolves" continued west on her patrol and as cries were heard from the direction of this explosion, altered course towards it. Little could be seen, as dawn was just breaking, but four men who were clinging to wreckage were picked up. 3. "Wolves" searched the vicinity until approximately 0540, when search was Bandoned, and course was shaped for Dover on the orders of Commander R.W. English, R.N. (Ret.), Group Commander, 21st A/S Group. of five 4. other members of the crew were recovered, including In addition to the four survivors, the bodies that of Chief Skipper D.W.L. Simpson, D.S.C., D.S.M., R.N.R., W.S.2407, Commanding Officer of "Thuringia". 5. The survivors expressed the belief that the loss was caused by striking a floating mine in the dark. and (for) CAPTAIN AUXILIARY PATROL OF VIOE ADMIRAL 1- JUN 1940 DOVER II MIRALTY I NOC No. B22/890/40 HORM SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRATITY. for the information of Their Lordships. Forwarded "Thuringia" was ship an area was which sunk by had a moored been 2. previously possibly Although cleared, with delay it is action, more than by & mine as suggested in mine, paragraph 3 of Minute I. Saway VICE ADMIRAL. Dover. 10th June, 1940
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
COPY. 27 H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE" 30 G.P.O. LONDON. The Principal Transport Officer F.P. DOVER. Dear Sir, Your communication of the 5th inst., requesting narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on leave. 26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders. At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to DUNKIRK. At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames. vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to approach DUNKIRK" Three SO reversed my course and proceeded to West Hinder buoy. approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy. hours as dawn was breaking I decided to in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 3. enemy to us. aircraft suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels close During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns. At 04.30 hours sinking by the stern 80 I the proceeded C.O. to it was observed that the N.V. immediately "QUEEN OF THE to CHANNEL" her assistance, was and was requested by take off troops. of troops enemy aircraft and well repeatedly timed bursts attempted from During to renew machine transference attack guns but prevented alertness further of gunners damage. the of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness much to facilitate the operation. hours all troops and ships crew safely "QUEEN on board. OF THE CHANNEL"). Commander At 05.25 joined Musson me on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to Dover, and arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 hours. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge was enemy of planes, great and control of troops. 29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.
COPY. H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE" 30 G.P.O. LONDON. The Principal Transport Officer F.P. DOVER. Dear Sir, Your communication of the 5th inst,, requesting narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on leave. 26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at anchor in "DOWNS" awaiting orders. At 14.30 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to DUNKIRK. At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass DUNKIRK was observed to be in flames. Three vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe to approach DUNKIRK" SO reversed my course and proceeded outwards to West Hinder buoy. approach DUNKIRK At in daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy. 03.00 hours as dawn was breaking I decided to 04.20 in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 B. enemy to us. aircraft suddenly attacked, At dropping bombs near vessels close During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns. At 04.30 CHANNEL" was sinking by the stern so the proceeded C.O. to hours it was observed that the N.V. I immediately "QUEEN OF THE to her assistance, and was requested by take off troops. transference of troops enery aircraft and well repeatedly timed During attack but alertness further of gunners damage. bursts attempted from to the renew machine guns prevented of troops was carried and out under efficiency the direction did of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness much to facilitate the operation. 05.25 hours all troops and ships crew safely on board. OF At Musson and Captain and O'Dell we proceeded (Master M.V. to "QUEEN Dover, THE CHANNEL"). Commander joined me on the bridge arriving there at 12.45 hours. Commander Musson remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and During assistance passage to me troops. in attending was enemy of planes, great and control of 29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.
DUPLICATE. 28 COPY. 29 H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE" 21 G.P.O. 30/5/40. 03.00 hours. Position ship one spraying mile west of Buoy: Two bullets, and we returned suffered no casualties, Lewi enemy motor craft circled their fire with us LONDON. they gun tracer then disappeared astern. We The Principal Transport Officer F.P. 06.50 hours made fast to East food Mole stuffs at DUNKIRK DOVER ordered At by S.T.O. to discharge as much as for use of rearguard troops. At 12.20 hours left DUNKIRK with 590 troops on boe Dear of the 5th inst., requesting and disembarked Your communication 20.45 arrived Folkstone At hours narrative of events concerning above ship received and regret Boilers leaking unable to proceed further. delay in replying to same but this was caused by my absence on 1/6/40 ordered to NEWHAVEN for repairs. leave. I I remain, 26th May 1940. Above vessel loaded with Army Stores at Your obedient servam anchor in "DOWNS awaiting orders. (Sgd) .Thompson 14.50 hours 27/5/40. received orders to proceed to (Master DUNKIRK, At 01.00 hours 28/5/40 proceeding through Zuidcote Pass DUNKIRK was observed to be in Plames. vessels passing outwards signalled "Unsafe outwards to approach DUNKIRK" Three so reversed my course and proceeded to West Hinder buoy. as dawn was breaking I decided to e approach DUNKIRK At 03.00 in hours daylight as set my course for Middelkirke buoy. in Lat. 51.17.18. Long 2.40 E. close enemy to aircraft us. suddenly attacked, At 04.20 dropping bombs near vessels nj .U During the bombing another ship and my own vessel were firing on the aircraft with machine guns. At hours It sinking was observed by the that stern the so by N.V. I the proceeded C.O. to immediately "QUEEN OF THE to OH her assistance, was and was requested take off troops. During transference attack but alertness of troops further of enemy gunners aircraft damage. and repeatedly well timed 20 bursts attempted from to renew machine guns prevented to the of troops was carried and out efficiency under the direction did much to facilitate the operation. of Commander The M.L. transfer Husson R.N.R. whose coolness hours all troops and ship crew safely N.V. on "QUEEN board. OF THE CHANNEL"). At Commander 05.25 joined Musson me hours. on and the Captain bridge and O'Dell we proceeded (Master to Dover, arriving there During assistance at passage 12.45 to troops. remained to signals, on the spotting bridge and was enemy of planes, great and control of 29/5/40. Proceeding towards DUNKIRK.
36 (2) 37 7) "Dwarf" got alongside "Viking and took off 34 soldiers to relieve the cogestion. "Dwarf" then towed "Viking" closer to the beach with a view to lying alongside her while at anchor and embark more soldiers. The tow rope parted before this object could be achieved. She drifted towards the beach SO 1 told her to anchor. The water under her was too shallow for "Dwarf to go 8) alongside. Due to the danger both vessels were facing I decided to take "Viking in tow and make for Ransgate. During the proceedings of taking her in tow. the tow fouled my rudder and could not be cleared. 1 rope About half way back on the return journey in signalled as I was only making good about 21 knots. then 9) the A/S Trawler "Olvina" to take her "Dwarf" tow proceeded other alone boats towards were Ransgate. entering Ramsgate at the the rest time 10) No state of the tide, SD 1 followed "Dwarf" due to the to Dover, arriving at 20001 proceeded of the shipping the harbour intil 2130, then disembark the to the anchored North off end of the Military Jetty to soldiers. had to wait until dawn ammunition. to clear by "Dwarf" rudder sailed 11) and 12) I take At now 1500, again to on more when for provisions Dunkirk 2 miles shore North batteries at 0800 and West on until at Baturday of Gravelines the dark booyed 1st before June. channel later opened attempting fire.1 to go a split up a and formation dived on of the small t armada.13 wards "Dwarf" of which on missed the starboard bombed by feet. 13) side They Two surned the ship and a second time.
Dynamo 312. 57 COPY. Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham. 13th June, 1940. To: Rear-Admiral Taylor, O.B.E.. Sir, I have the honour to forward the narrative of events whilst in command of m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" until she was believed sunk at 1415 at the beaches near Bray. A.M. Wednesday 89th May I was ordered to proceed to Sheerness to report to the Commodore at H.M.S. "WILDFIRE" Arrived Sheerness about 1700 was ordered to proceed in m.v. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" leading flotilla of seven light craft. Left camber at H.N.S. "WILDFIRE" proceeded to sea through boom. Two boats appeared to be in difficulties and did not leave the boom. I was met by escort yacht and formed astern of her. Had to slow down to keep boats in company. First three boats astern kept good station, remaining one fell astern but owing to urgency of getting boats to destination flotilla did not decrease speed any further. About 2200 yacht escort was challenged from shore. She informed me an officer was required to go in to Margate for orders, so proceeded myself in fast motor boat "MARSAYRA". Established my identity and was told to push on to Ramsgate. While away one boat "QUSEN BOADACEA" broke down, after some delay she was taken in tow by escort yacht. My port engine broke down, speed greatly reduced. One boat lost contact in darkness. I went back to look for her off Longrose, search unsuccessful, rejoined escort. Fog came down at dawn and escort anchored with "NEW PRINCE OF WALES", "QUEEN BOADACEA" and "MARSAYRA", off Ramsgate exact position uncertain. After an hour fog cleared enough to show bucy ahead 80 proceeded with "MARSAYRA" in company escort yacht and following with "QUEEN BOADACEA". Engines misfiring badly harbour in "MARGAYRU". Reported to Naval Officer-in- stopped just outside Ramagate, anchored and proceeded into Charge Ramsgate received charte and orders to proceed to beaches between Bray and La Panne and to carry on remained to return. Boats were towed in, repairs ferrying troops from shore to ships until only enough started fuel on "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" immediately. at once by route 'X' for Dunkerque. Arrived off French Engines ready for use at 1630 BO proceeded to sea coast 2230 (Thursday 30th). Port engine failed again fiercely and heavy pall of smoke covered the channel shortly after turning parallel to coast. Dunkerque to burning the north. Endeavoured to find beach with boat hardly making unsuccessful any and I was lost in smoke, saw green light fterward way through the water. Attempte to locate troops buoy were and established approximate position, immediately starboard engine failed, had to drop anchor. E.R.A. reported ammount of fuel remaining and I estimated we could not return to Ramsgate even if we did The no BO determined to carry on until fuel ran out. unflagging ferrying efforts of E.R.A. and hite before and dawn the stoker both engines assisting him were were running highly though commendable firing badly the boat was making three
134 S.S. 119 TEAMSHIP Dock or LINE Berth LIMITED Port of Day Hours a.m. - Date 193 BROUGH p.m. los weak to help themselves excellent has work in sepelling saiders. my Bren gunners also did from dawn action Masli from then news cansed to shipping all the there. @ Rep) during we maintained aircraft within our fine did to low Plying to one heaving foying directly which we miked aft with a of 303 in from curred are gradually untill it strick 200 We Lb ydo was Elleous away TWIS deferred Time co deal with your formidable Cost After that as one of my Excellent goths remarked, there is The Invasion! My Gest wishes your Ever Diok (39) (2884) Wt. 33110/0043 15M 11/80 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp- 01.
35 S.S. Lenensed STEAMSHIP 119 LINE Dock or) LIMITED Berth Port of Day Hours a.m. Date 193 OLESBROUGH p.m. Beloir We sailed at 0600 Rrs. from the Downs We arrived at Dunkirk at 1130 has. We were standing by from dawn and went into action shortly after arriveing from then onwards enemy aircraft never ceased to horas the shipping all the time we were there (a has) during that time we maintained rapid fire on aircraft within range of out Gun our five did considerable damage to low flying aircraft and poolectionis to one heavey enemy bomber flying directly over the funell to which we raiked from fore aft with a full magaginep Marlay of 303 in from our bun. it corraid gradually loving hights untill on it struck the sea about 200 ydo We were quite confidents it was away through our Gun five. in g unners. 3857271 & chl. Walky Robert 3857226 PTE Fee. James deferred wrenomy Time co deal with your formidable Cost After that as one of my Excellent goods remarked, there is The Invasion! My Gest wishes Your Ever Diok (1880) Wt. 38119/0043 25M 11,89 SER Ltd. Go. gl.
2ª in only his wake 12 feet and all following, I ran aground, and soundings showed & depth 1. of round the ship, an alarming position, as navigation where marks were visible to enable mo to fix my position, no or to determine the deep water channel lay. It was two hours later, the rising effect tide, that I succeeded in getting afloat, no doubt with 01 disastrous worked back on the propellers. Being now completely bewildered, and await daylight. I towards the Nisuport Bank buoy to get a definite departure Just as dawn was breaking the sounds of an engagement were heard, and flashes seen in the North-East, and when we reached the locality, shouts for help were heard from all directions. Stopping to lower three boats, I was then interrupted by S.O.S. Signals from an undetermined craft a mile or 80 to starboard. Leaving the boats to their rescue work, I steamed alongside what proved to be the destroyer "Grafton", who, in company with H.A.S. Wakeful" had been torpedoed by enemy motor torpedo boats. One of the latter craft, still in the vicini departed on my arrival, possibly misled by the appearance of my two- funneled ship. With some injury to my port bow and superstructure I was able to hold position alongside "Grafton" and embark over & thousand survivors of the troops and ships companies, Unfortunately, many had been killed and injured, including the Captain of "Grafton" and Military Officers, when the ship was torpedoed. At this point, H.M.S. "Ivanhoe came to assist and completed the work of rescue, demolishing the wreck by gunfire. Recovering my boats, except one which had been damaged when "Ivanhoe" picked up my 3rd Officer and boats' crow, I proceeded direct for Dover. Having no Medical Officer and very little equipment, I regret that the injured could only be given amatour attention, but the best was done for them. Great credit is due to my Purser, Mr. Walter Messenger, who, with the help of & single R.A.M.C. orderly whose name, unfortunately I do not know, worked under unploasant conditions and with limited means on behalf of the injured men. At Dover the survivors were landed and the ship re-conditioned. A Medical Officer and two orderlies were appointed, and & troop of soldiers with Lewis gun equipment attached to the ship. Charts were obtained, and the ship sailed for Dunkirk, this time by the "X" route over the Sandettie Bank. At Dunkirk more havoc had been wreaked overnight, and the enemy pressure was more intense. Wrecks littered the fairways and harbour, but the quay was still available, and after some confused ordering, I was able to get alongaide and embark at thousand troopa despite the shelling from tank guns and the diversions of two air raids, in which our gunners were able to participate. The low level of the water and my deep draught compelled me to limit the embarkation to at bare full complement, although I should have liked to take the complete army. Other ships were, however, available, and ao I returned to Folkestone.
228 The captain of "St Hilier" stated that ship would not sail again owing to damage. In view of inability of getting intm communication with SNO.Dunicirk upon our first trip this was reported at Folkestone to the Naval Laison Officer. He communicated with V.A. Dover and we received instructions to return there. Motor vehicle was sent for use Reported at Dover Castle - instructed to report to SMO+ at 28 East Cliffe. Surgeon Captain Fisher there gave me orders to send all members of the party who were without a ship to R.N.Barracks, Chathem. One rating LSBA.McPherson had seported sick before proceeding to Dunkile and another was of little use owing to anxiety (SBA.Brindle) and they were therefore transferred to Chatham. PARTY which RETURNED TO CHATHAM BARRACKS (3I.5.40-) Surgeon Lieutenat Wright RNVR. Longmoor RNVT. SEPO. Kendrick. Howe+ LSBA. Rogers. Cadman. Warmsley. McPherson. SBA. Brindle. Fenwick 31.5.40 Parties were reallocated:- "Maid of Orleans". Surgeon Commander Maspatrick RN. LSBA. Lockwood. Wright. SHA.Tew. "Tynwald". Surgeon Lieutenat Mandlestam RNVR. SHPO. Hawkins. Boddy. SBA.Westwood. HMS. "Mona's Isla". Surgeon Mentenat Armstring RN. SHPO.Tong* LSBA. Wilson. SBA. James. "Manxman". Surgeon Meutenat Stutter. ISBA. Read. 984.Basford. Chapman. 2000 ton cross channel steamer+ Good deok (used space, for keeping large "MATD OF ORLEANS". Large large electric hot dish heater data leather Dining blankets saloon and lotions and smaoking atc. room. Wounded stowed in these spaces Dinkirk upon at 2400+ or Arrived warm 2100 at Dover and sailed for about 2000 troops cushions. Boarded Proceeded her at alongaide east mole and took off awaiting and there 2a at got dawn cases, 1.6.40. the majority of these having been wounded whilst embarkation wounds dressed anti tetanic and antigas as a serum routine. injected. the naval No had Morphine given, some M de B. 693 and gave all gases 4 tabless A large mumber of medical procured completed as far as possible. assistance, but casualty officers labels from RAMO ware came onboard with these cases fluids. and rendered they themselves were exhausted and required by enemay rest aircraft and on leaving the harbour. 4 bombs astern of Attacked the ship. No casualties occurred as hours & result after of leaving this bombing* All the ships Dover ogoo. Cases avacuated by hospital mases being dropped defensive armament was in action for about 1) train. Two dangerous Dunkirk. Arrived (Shrapnel Wd. It. thigh and Abdomen) McDonald arrival. R.W. (Comp. were Rev.MoCleman discharged to Shornoliffe Hopsital immediately upon "MAID OF ORLEANS". Due to sail at 1400 with supplies for Dinkirk. I.6.40
dextinu 002 NONJ aqoots of qtrie DOVOL asw OHI qtds HONORY .20250 erit 00Y JSHJ Juods SI 236 REPORT OF MEDICAL PARTY TO H.M.T. MANXMAN. May 29th - June 4th. 1940. 31 8.6W of DNS trow DMS sqath Isven Detausike VSA No 12 eno qtrie NOVOC of 11560 VII Wednesday 29th. May 1940. Joined H.M.T. "Manxman", accompanied by - XHVI of brie the L.S.B.A. E. READ. X. 6566. S.B.A. A. BASSFORD. X. 8080. VJISQ asw CTedT efft ,ONCI onit DIE odt 110 STUDI S.B.A. H. CHAPMAN.X. 7033. eloor ISVOC nt Todons 81 01/ (DISOD NO settlebre 8 bre .0.M J.C erro snivi To The ship is an Isle of Man steam packet ship of 2,300 tons, armed at that time with a Bren gun aft, and a Lewis gun forward. The ship was extremely dirty, and passessed no sick quarters. The dired Tennt orit ebtasnois OMSO Dris belica Medical Officers cabin situated aft between the boat and upper decks was cleaned out and prepared for use as a centre for stores and medja .seeguter 000.8 JUODA OWJ bree .08.8S ISSIOW Juods eno JS treatment of walking wounded. One side of the saloon was reserved for reception of and served as sleeping quarters for the .gida eds bus entaysis ent neewfed Medical party. .TSVOC TONINT & VINO STEW STEAT liet Jely VJISTINDA of neds qtriz The morale of the crew was not good. One trip to Dunkirk had #8THON ONE .0.M.T enj Vd quie ent evsel of befebio the sick berth ratings and avoidance of unnecessary apprenhensive been made the previous day The cheerful and keen preparations of 0871 JUOIS Js Hosd SALVITIS misrism of 867 and VISA talk improved the atmosphere of the ship. - 26W qtir only no VIIIT harbour. The jetty was not reached until about 6 a.m. The ship anti- was Reached an anchorage at about midnight, and at dawn entered Thursday 30th. May 1940. Sailed about 8.30 p.m. from Dunkirk. the .я.у.и.я. mstalebasM M bethed attack on enemy bombers. For three hours British troops wounded were alongside two of Destroyers engaged in intensive - aqiit tasLest situb Ident JUO before (flew Denion Путен men, the 100 lack of stretchers. Wounded were accommodated on collection of embarked. of these required stretchers. The process was made couches and aircraft Considerable time was taken in embarking about 130 difficult anitaixe bealvorami 901 Tebau Drss. the by stretchers returned to the end of the pier for the OWTERE (R) .A.H.E ..YGOR (Я) .0.9.8.8 56m ed Jaum mottrem .ment 10 before ed more wounded. also at this time proceeded to shell the region wounded where the ships sick berth ratings gave every assistance in the The were enemy berthed. Throughout the embarkation of these speedy reception unperturbed by the harrowing shell fire and confusion ship all the of wounded and all assisted with stretcher bearing, of out- noise from for slight damage to the purser's cabin of the wardly the defending destroyers against aircraft. The caused was by undamaged the concussion except of a destroyer's gun lying alongside. TWO crew sustained minor injuries. about 100 and their dressings and comfort attended to. TWO The At about wounded 9 a.m. on stretchers. About 30 wounded able to of the were the ship, sailed with 950 troops aboard, walk and also seen with multiple injuries died on the voyage. of wounded cases of incipient gas gangrene in large flesh stretcher included cases two cases of spinal injury with retention wounds urine and numerous These were treated with 10,000 units of/gas anti The gangrene R.A.M.C of the limbs. intravenously, the others intramuscularly. from officer exhaustion also he was compelled to rest. All the sdok and staff serum, one travelling gave magnificient assistance until borth ratings sheer worked continuously during this voyage in a quiet confidential manner. especially impressed with the willingness and task efficiency with which unpleasant. He was not idle for one wounded. and in a I was S.B.A. A. BASSFORD, X. 8080, carried out every moment however quiet and mean confident or manner attended to the comfort of the 1.30 These p.n. on Friday May 31st 1940. The Stok Berth staff troops and the wounded were disembarked at Folkestone again at assisting with the removal of the wounded. Saturday June 1st. The ships remained at Folkestone. The first
enut does ИАМХИАМ .oner OT YTHAT JAOI.COM -2- 237 VO benifit .0401 mate was suffering from shock and exhaustion, and found unfit for further duties. Other members of the crew were suffering from 0808 .X .A ,1.8.8 0028 .X .7 ,A.8.2.11 various degrees of shock. The condition was not improved when on Sunday June 2nd 1940 a magnetic mine was exploded by a sweeper in .8805 Х.ИАМЯАНО .H 1.8.2 the path the ship had taken half an hour previously to anchorage. Certain members of the crew were treated and others advised, and ,biswrot 008 IO alris JeHoso msets neM TO efat were were able to sail for Dunkirk that evening. Again the Sick 403 alwed S Drts TIS HUZ NOTE S dr.br IS at This Berth staff did not join in these apprehensive actions, and Noeb effT Teach Nota OF beasesseg bres VITA smit conversations, and materially assisted in raising the general bits DILG tsod ent neewted JIE betensta Midso viemente confidence of the ship's company. end Deverest TOI asw noolsa offt 10 ebja ело ..bebruow DUE two Tol S 28 020 TOI The ship, was unattached, and at dawn the jetty at Dunkirk reached, and cleared of all troops. There were only about 450 Surgeela as beview bris ass 300 10 nots was troops present and all these were embarked. The wounded, all but one than those found on the previous voyage, and only involved cleansing of whom could walk were treated. The wounds were less severe to of GETT епо .5003 Jon 2.SW Were edit to and dressing. need DNS edT Vsb elstos to sonsibiovs DNG egainst avoiveta soldiers were sighted in a dinghy, exhausted and unable to warmed handle Off the beach at Dunkirk, whilst returning, eight British qida ent to eds efft misb JS DNS Juods JS and able to walk off the ship with the other troops The their their clothes dried. After this treatment, and food when drink, the boat efficiently. They were all picked up, bathed, and moth .0.0 08.8 tuods belief .ONEI yelf they were reached Dover on Monday June 3rd. Tuesday June 4th. at 8 party p.m. -Itns evisnetmt ch begsane to OWJ quite ent a twode ITAU beforer Jon 86W viset en? for cancelled. It must be recorded that the stck rejoined Dunkirk. However insufficient crew could be mustered, berth ship the ship at 5 p.m. The ship, was ordered to sail and the adoctt Natting award Serm TOT .aredriod ушэле NO billib 9bsm B.SW associa edT .atedoventa belinest eseds 081 tuods 311x1sdme 111 nexet asw emit ratings experience for this trip and were disappointed was orders were had re-arranged and improved the sick bay in the that light the of seriodes NO STOW behruow edt TOI Tolq shit to DND odt of at ship 10.30 p.m. and the party returned to Chatham the following previous did not takeits place in this final effort. The ship left afternoon. nature of the ship which was dirty, and lacked many naval Notger efft Mede of emit atdt Js oals ужене facilities, medical valise would have simplified certain treatment, From the many improvisations had to be made. The use 0.8. of a to nottsxisdme ent berthed abeega only mt VISVO 9VSS dired catheterisation and made treatment more adequate. -JUO earlased тельтетта MJIW betatass IIS DNS to NOTAUTNOS DNS sitt Ilena SHIWOTTED edj Vd The sick berth ratings were untiring in suggesting and The ent .JISTOTLE Jantsas carrying out improvisations. beauso atdso a'TeaTHo ont of essens tdalla TOI ont to OWT satyl nus 8 S 10 (Synia) B.T. Stutter TONIN Surgeon Lieut. R.N.V.R. DAS ,DISOdE aqoots 080 HJW befiss girls add .M.S DILSW OJ elds behillow 08 JUOUA NO to OUT .ot bebnetts JICINCO Drus There GRT edit no both Returnt elgitive now 10 tw vivint [smiqa IO aeaso out ilse[] 03161 at SHOTTING 863 twetgtont 10 петвиев BAB\TO atinu 000.01 rff.tw Detsett STOW .A.H enT IJHS aredto offi mori Ittate constates evs3 antilevers ritted Nota ont IIA .J2ST of Dellegmos BEW 9d DNS jelup B nt exevov strit efolite DUE assemily silt heasement DMS tremont ONO TOI OIDI for ase all ДЛОТЕВАЯ Hast VIeve tuo DELITED 0808 X A .bebruow ent 10 Protmoo eat of bebmesse S DISNLOT JB bexasdments etew Debrutor Dris EQ0017 ets dissed Hold ONCE JOIE VSM Vebity do bebrition to Invoner OCU JB benterer active
278 256 From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. Jallo Chappell, R.N. Date:- 7th June, 1940. To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate. 29th May. 2200 Left Portsmouth in H.M.S. Nelson's picket boat. 30th May. a.m. Sighted submarine and warned & French convoy. Port engine bearings ran out. 1730 Arrived Ramsgate on one engine. 2330 Left for Dunkirk, machine-gunned from the air two miles out of Ramsgate. 31st May. Dawn Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Funnel carried away by shell-fire. Making water slightly; loaded with troops and left. 1400 Arrived Ramsgate. 1st June. 0830 Left for Dunkirk. Making water rapidly. fire. Beached the boat; found bottom damaged by for enemy Dunkirk. On Took too return late command engine that journey N.Y. one only; filled can Santosy contained towed up and by with left trawler. water. petrol; Proceeded Trawler found turned on port to wreck East of N. Goodwin L/V and ran on on top of "Santosy". Cabin smashed; civilian Arrived Ramagate on one engine. Discharged over volunteer Barrington severely injured. Barrington to Deal Hospital; sent crew ashore for rest. 3rd June. 1600 Engines repaired. Left for Dunkirk with civilian Towed by J.W.S. Gilbert as engineer. proceeded volunteer tug Sun IV. Tow parted Starboard off Dunkirk: engines failed commander's again. under own power. Hailed Sun IV and on her VI with orders Sea rising. abandoned Santosy and boarded Sun my crew. New gas used by enemy. Shells and bomba REPORT: near gave off white cloud which hung bursting suspended in air. From burns on bodies in water gathered it to be of acid nature.
332 305 OFFICERS. LIEUT-COMMANDER A.J. CUBISON, D.S.C. (ret). Commanding Officer, 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla. Took over his flotilla FISHER BOY, SILVER DAWN, FIDGET, JACKETA, LORD CAVAN and Yacht BYSTANDER - arriving at the beaches 2200 28th May. He remained at the beaches over four days with his flotilla, ferrying, towing and - by direct contact with the beaches - loading the transports. By his devotion to duty and fearlessness under intermittent gun fire, bombing, dive bombing and machine gun fire - he set an example to the entire flotilla under his command. He returned to Ramsgate at 0700 2nd June. B231 S sur lego 331 304 is 19, No. 3095/15. id FROM THE NAVAL OFFICER IN CHARGE, RAMSGATE. DATE 3RD JUNE 1940. THE FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER. S TO OFFE 1, RECOMMENDS. ing Attached lists are submitted in accordance with your telephone instructions this day. orts. VICE ADMIRA NAVAL CAPTAIN, OFFICER IN CHARGE, RAMSGATE. 4- JUN 1940 * DOVN
332 305 OFFICERS. LIEUT-COMMANDER A.J. CUBISON, D.S.C. (ret). Commanding Officer, 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla. Took over his flotilla FISHER BOY, SILVER DAWN, FIDGET, JACKETA, LORD CAVAN and Yacht BYSTANDER - arriving at the beaches 2200 28th May. He remained at the beaches over four days with his flotilla, ferrying, towing and - by direct contact with the beaches - loading the transports. By his devotion to duty and fearlessness under intermittent gun fire, bombing, dive bombing and machine gun fire - he set an example to the entire flotilla under his command. He returned to Ramsgate at 0700 2nd June. SKIPPER JAMES HENRY MUGRIDGE, R.N.R. Commanding LORD CAVAN of the 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla. This vessel was at the beaches in company with her consorts over four days, and was finally sunk by shell fire. Skipper Hugridge his first time under fire. When H.M.S. "MOSQUITO" sank, this throughout handled his with the utmost coolness although it was Officer placed his ship alongside and took off the survivors despite heavy bombing attacks. When LORD CAVAN was sunk, Skipper Mugridge personally supervised the drawing of the his fires, cabin, the saving of his entire crew and confidential books the and the clearing of the ship of Army Staff who were down in documents - all of which was done under heavy shellfire in space of three minutes. LIEUT-COMMANDER N.J.L. PISANT, D.S.C., R.N. (ret). (ret). the Dutch Schoot "PATRIA". Went to Braye beach and ladders. ran He then took off 1025 troops and Redged off. Commanding ashore, putting out a kedge, rigging cargo nets and Jacob's In deeper water, he then embarked 200 men from the boats of H.M.S. in "PATRIA", he went over again in fast motor boats, "CODRINGTON" and brought all safely back to Margate. making troops out to the transports. He has set a high example three days direct contact with the beaches and embarking and ferrying by his fearlessness and devotion to duty. LIEUTENANT gallantry and devotion to duty whilst This Officer in charge - VAN HAMELEN - ROYAL NETHERLANDS HAVY. For conspicuous of the evacuation - of & speed-boat. landing has been over by collecting troops, and loading them day, transports. and every day himself in a speed-boat, ferrying, into on He has the beaches diaplayed utter fearlessness throughout duty. every has set & high example by his devotion to
376 350 4. 1/6 after she was hit in the after Bodler Room and started to settle down. Captain Berthon then anchored her and M.T.B. 102, which had just arrived, came alongside. I embarked in her with my Staff, and after telling 2 tugs to stand by KEITH I went into Dunicirk to see General Alexander. Dive Bombing and Maching Gun attacks were made on the N.T.B. on the way there. 35. General Alexander was away from the H.Q., but I saw a Staff Officer and discussed the situation. At that time I gathered that the plan was to evacuate during the next night from the Western Beach only and Dunkirk. The Rearguard were to withdraw at dawn and make their way to Dunkirk. As this meant continuing the embarkation for some hours of daylight I had grave fears of heavy losses after that morning's experience. 36. As there was nothing more I could do at Dunicirk and all ships were returning I decided to return to Dover to make contact. M.A/S.B. 37. 10. At Dover I was able to discuss the plans for the night I reached Dover at 1130 in N.T.B. 102 and left again at 1730 in to operations which was invaluable, and thereafter I returned each day for this purpose. 0330 38. from the 18 miles of beach East of Dunicirit, for which large mmbers of The plan for this night was, roughly, to embark between 2100 and small craft were to be towed out. In addition Personnel Ships were to embark from Dunkirk. sailed early in M.A/S.B.10 and landed at Dusirink at 1900, visited 39. the S.N.O. and I the Ceneral, and gave them details of the plan. French I then learnt and to my great relief that the Rearguard were being relieved by the withdrawing during the night. started to arrive and from then onwards I moved 40. between the At beaches 2100 ships and Dunkirk, continually senting ships which The were as loading slowly off the beaches into Dunicirk to fill - there. plan very originally made would not have made full use of Dunkink. I went alongside the root of the East ydar in Donkirk there until to 41. off At 0200 of the Naval Ratings of the Shore Party, and There I lay was 0245 when I proceeded of the Harbour at this time and a Trawler was instead sunk. of As bring some round all ships barthed in harbour. considerable shelling clear morning I decided to get ships away by 0300 some of the it was a very this put into effect I left for Dover: later hour. 0330, small craft and having however, seen continued their work off the beaches to & 42. Night - Sunday 2nd - Monday 3rd June. it was understood that there was sere to 5000 embark British from still Dunkirk ashore and over 30,000 some French local beach made any East- At this stage French, and the plan arranged craft from the beach close ward. entirely Actually except a strong for wind and heavy shelling on the embarkation there impossible. 43. Minesweepers A very large and carrying Schoots capacity was outside. provided in Personnel in addition Ships, to Destroyers, Drifters and Paddlers, Flotillas of boats working from Tugs time also the French had collected from a large quays up mmber the harbour. of fishing 44. vessels, Trawlers, By this and small steamers which worked bombing I arrived at Dunkirk in M.A/S.B. 10. at 2030, after a 45. /attack
395 2. 369 into two parties, one to work from Le Panne to Bray and one from Bray to Dunkirk. Commander Gorton proceeded along the beach with his party to work East of Bray and later I with Commander Otway-Ruthven and two other officers also proceeded along the beach to Bray. There were vast numbers of troops on the beaches round Malo le Baine. Enemy aircraft were heard overhead and they and the guns west of Dunkirk were bombing and shelling Malo and Dunkirk Fort. The night was very dark, the tide was low and as we proceeded to Bray we met many large bodies of troops making their way westward including a certain number of French, who asked if they could be sent off. I informed these that French ships might be expected in due course. Half way to Bray were sighted some ships at anchor off the beach but heard nothing in reply to our hail. Later we passed the CRESTED EAGLE high and dry and still burning. A little further another ship was sighted to seaward and a boat just observed. On hailing her, she also, proved to be from MEDWAY QUESN lying off. Later & second boat and a power boat also came in. Te sent off 700 to 750 troops in these boats to MEDWAY QUEEN. As we approached Bray in the lightening dawn, a number of destroyers, sloops and scoots were seen to be lying off and embarkation was proceeding in such boats as were available. Several boats were aground, others were hold, and some had no cars. At about 0500 (?) I reached Bray and made contact If had cleared for England and there were no further ships with Headquarters. By about 0600 all destroyers, sloops, etc., available. At Bray I also met some Naval Officers who and had apparently been working on the beaches for some time had some Naval Lieutenants and Naval ratings who apparently later arrived from EXCELLENT and VERNON. The lamps. latter were leaving Dover I had understood that there be few in number and a a certain amount of signal would with 24 Aldis lamps, but these I never saw, and so was Before Signal Ratings along the beaches adequately their supplied need certainly felt. In any case, communication along if not many with so many troops on the shore, with passing also miles of flat beaches was very difficult and I sorely ships anchored off beaches. Similarly between La Panne was impossible felt the need of communication there ship communication or until Thursday afternoon Dunkirk. and no Bray and never any between Bray and About 0800 I proceeded on a motor bicyle in to at La very with whom I discussed the position. La Panne and some were Panne fatigued where and ineffective condition. There to I met Commander Dover who I felt He was took me see Q.M.G. French troops between Bray and British ships, but very many had been allowed to embark in had been before I move westward to Malo. Off Le embarkation were of these took steps to stop this, the French Panne there ordered three to destroyers and sloops, and Not appeared were to in evidence on the beaches, but to Bray an two or be proceeding satisfactoriny. possibly many British they were inshore the sky was then overcast and a the troops among the dunes. On the return Scotch mist hour later which was a Godsend, for throughout British forenoon vast masses were proceeding along the beaches, and aircraft prevailed of French troops quite apart from had attacked, troops the carnage would have been dreadful. No/
3. 400 374 waek us the beach to the eastern and of Bray. 0. when S.N.O. eventually returned a decised that he did not want t be double banked : accordingly my party of 3 officer and myself set off alms the shon about 2330 was over head and any 1 guns west of kept Malo and Dunkersus under fire. Im might was any dark and the tixe low, and though some stutes could be seen sit the brach. us refries and be got $ our hailury Very large numbers of British -hooth were Sathered at Male and are continuously met many large Godies making Kim way towards Dankensa : there miducare some hoom who was the reat some And shin might be expected for them, a prom hom. aGmt 0100 a boat was harlid and provide < be from Nadway Emen ancliend off. a Meme bulluri boat x Cate a sown boat am asshand : trools in the vicerety was harted and - 700 is was eventually sent off by early morning. Lath are barred Crestine Lase. high and dry and saa benuis after benis bounbed. a Bray in the Gyatemis dawn 4 a 5 slowm and destroyees, and some scoots wen found off- a shon and mm areas mcanhing in an two Goat of varies description that were available. Several Boats were ashare
of B 398 0/5 in one of the houses along the front, but we not to contact with them until daylight. 30/5 were considerably string out, away from the waters There was no acute distress for food and edge, and to settle down in the sands he managed by 0600 to collect a considerable although extremely weary were not exhausted number of collapsible boats from the RE: feeling was one of depression for evacuating hours as on the previous day and Wednesda By 0700 approximately we had sent off these the forman aircraft had made the beach alne collapsible boats averaging parties of ten in each boat but in spite of all efforts in the vast 7. From 2330, when we landed, until dayly majority of cases all the soldiers left their boats evacuation was practically non-existent when they arrived at their ship, and left Cheir Commodore Hallett's sections it is doubtful boats floating with no one to bring them back to the beach To make matters worse, these got off 80 men. boats were dryting to the East and coming ashou A few boats appeared but when the alreast the French who were using them to go reached their ship they all abandows off to British ships and left it drifting. as there were no boal At this time there were no power boats at all and whaler trips were extremely infrequent The 30 At dawn we contacted headquarters rate of evacuation was appallingly slow. one Captain RN and two Commanders RM g informed to one of the La Commanders Panne RN were no sarlors anywhere except for our the Captain RN had departed to and 9 did not party. No suggestions or orders were See him again - that 9 proposed to act with from headquarters. The Commander my section as boatkeepers and to leave the informed us that they had come from beach a which was now out of action with By 0730 more ships had arrived. Evacuation was in ruins. going quicker as we had formed boatherepers but was Then still far from satisfactory The soldiers were in The boat situation was now acute extremely dumay - getting into the boals the destroyer and one sloop opposite our area sold suy and we had to wade out shoulder dup dawn we must have had 15,000 to keep the boats stam on to the beach. our section of the beach. g decided that we should go anboard H.M.S. Antony to get a change of clothing While boat anboard send Shorlly after dawn some of the more HMS Antony we managed to procure a motor officers started to arrive and we manage this large body of men which
139 409 3. The S.N.O. addressed several groups of these men, enjoining them to keep calm and to keep as much as possible under cover. He told them that there were plenty of ships coming and that they would all be able to embark and get back to England safely. His words had a very heartening effect upon them. A signal was made to Dover asking for alli available craft the S.N.O. decided to make use of the beaches and of the Eastern Arm for embarking troops. During our walk along the beaches we had noticed some small boats coming in each of which went off with its load of troops. These boats were not, however, coming in sufficient num- bers. We returned to the Bastion, and awaited the dawn. "WOLFHOUND" and"NORCESTER" had been sailed for England to both full of troops. 10 Tuesday 28th. May. The S.N.O. went down to the Pier to see what the dawn might and I went down to the beaches to await the dawn there. bring vessels or small craft put in an appearance, but berthed later on Very few and other vessels started to arrive and were ered to destroyers the East Pier. The men opposite Malo were or almost inside march into Dunkirk and by Noon the beaches there were clear of troops. I returned to Dunkink and eported the position to the S.N.O. meantime many more destroyers and small craft and I inc- luding some Torpedo Boat which had arrived, and On our way to In the Dutch Scoots had arrived off Bray Beaches, went in her took a Motor of the embarkation down there. opened fire Bray to take we charge were attacked by three Heinkels, He but plunged we into down there guns and brought one of down. smoke with the sea our leaving machine nothing but a cloud
4133 7. to admit only one ship at a time was agreed upon, and this routine was scrupulously carried out for the forenoon and early afternooon Towards the close of the day a great number of ships had arrived and I accordingly decided to accept the risk of further losses and ordered the vessels waiting in the Roads to proceed alongside and to embark troops. Strong air attacks were launched by the enemy, but fortunately they were mostly concentrated against wrecks in the roads. Times and time again they sent waves of bombers and directed their attack not against our ships loading troops but only against these wrecks in the Roads. Te got a great deal of amusement and satisfaction from this, for loading was proceeeding apace with no casualties. It the same time I decided that the rate of embarkation must in some way be speeded up,as the capacity of the ships now alongside was more than adequate for the rate of the flow of troops. This landour vessels open to attack from the air, and consequent further losses. I therefore went down to the Eastern Arm and rigged up & loud speaker and addressed the troops in the following terms "Renember your Pals, Boys. The quicker you get on board the more of then will be saved". This worked like 8 miracle. The thousands of troops tired, depressed, and without food and water for days, broke into & more double and kept it up for the whole length of the Eastern Arm for than hours. During that period I estimate that more 15,000 than two troops were embarked. The Army certainly resconded splendid ly. the ships which had arrived were fully loaded during and All more the traffic came to & standstill intense sailed, the dark but hours. once The bombardment of the part became more today. Friday 31st. May. dawn came more ships who were filled ID in With the the embarkation proceeded apace. operation We were spared went good time, and this forenoon, and the wh le of troops ahead intensive without bombing much interference. in enormous number
CENTRAL 429 In any further communication 8 JUN 1940 on this subject, please quote REGISTRY No. K 9032/7083/217. and address not to any person by name FOREIGN OFFICE. S.W.1 but to- 18550 6th June, 1940. "The Under-Secretary of State," Foreign Office, London, S.W.I. 1940 Sir, I am directed by Viscount Halifax to state, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. that in the course of his report on the closure of the British Vice- tribute to the Sea Transport Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dunnet Consulate at Dunkirk on May 21st, Mr. Pro-Consul Wild pays R.N.R., who extremely useful in providing transport for the Mr. Wild mentions that he understands that this officer was later large number was of refugees leaving Dunkirk for the United Kingdom. very seriously wounded by a bomb. R.N., Officer attached to Aniral Nord, was the Pro- 2. The Pro-Consul further states that Commander H. Henderson also Dunkirk. request point Mr. Wild had heard that some He Consul's in for transport as Boulogne, Calais, fifteen Ostend invaluable Naval Liaison supplying Destroyers and other craft at and hundred Commander British Henderson of this, and a vessel was made at At one subjects were stranded in Ostend. available informed Ostend by dawn on the following day. who was attached to extremely the helpful. This attitude officer considerably 3.Mr. Wild adds Vice-Consulate as Assistant remained calm that Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant H. Naval Penn R.N.R., Control under Officer, was bad also conditions and his cheerful alleviated very the despondency of the refugees. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, 18 Secretary or the Admiralty.
447 over a hundred yards out to sea. A long rolling surf flows inshore most of the time and even the shallow draught motor- boats could not approach closely with any degree of safety. Open boats of all kinds from naval cutters and whalers to seaside dinghies were towed over from England by the motor- boats themselves and by other craft. Some of these pulling boats were manned by odd naval ratings, others by the soldiers themselves. One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling the motor-boats' screws with painters and odd lines attached to these pulling boats. It is amazing how much sea-room a soldier can take up with a couple of fathoms of rope! Carley floats and inflated motor inner tubes also played their part in carrying men from the beach to the motor boats, which in turn took aboard those on these more precarious perches and towed the loaded pulling boats to larger craft lying off in waiting, picking up their own or any other empty boats and towing them back inshore for further loads. As petrol ran short each motor boat would pick up such men as it could carry and set off back to England for more petrol, then out again for further service. During Wednesday, May 29th, the Mole at Dunkink was apparently rendered temporarily useless so that most, if not all of the troops had to be taken from the beaches. During this day, too, and for at least a part of the following day, air attack continued almost unabatedly from dawn to dusk: dive-bombing for the larger ships and machine-guming for the smaller. Later in the week, although the R.A.F. were present in greater numbers to relieve the pressure from the air, shelling added to the difficulties and men were being hit in the pulling boats as they carried on their work. By the week-end evacuation from Dunkirk harbour was in full swing again and the beaches were often almost deserted.
| 00 | Silver Dawn | [X] | ||
| 45 | Silver Dawn | 320 | 13 |
510 486 120 selim 01 Appendix "A". Part II. A.L.C.3. A.L.C. 3 was stowed in No. 8 hold in Clan Macalister, and was hoisted out at approx- imately noon. She worked the beach near Old Dunkirk embarking British troops until the evening, then as there were no vessels left in the vicinity, set off for Dover with about twenty soldiers aboard, Shortly after passing Dunkirk she fell in with A.L.C. 8 and 15, and in company with them arrived at Dover at dawn, on Thursday May 30th. 2. On the evening of Thursday, May 30th, the left Dover in company with A.L.C. 8 and 15, for Dunkirk beaches arriving there at dawn, Friday, May 31st. She evacuated troops, (French and British), until approximately 2230 hrs, when both engines gave out due to sand in the cooling systems, A.L.C.S was then taken in to# by 2 small merchant vessel who towed her to Ramrgate, where she arrived about 0500 hrs on Saturday June 1st. Two civilians volunteered to assist in attending to the engines, and eventually succeeded in repairing them satisfactorily. Ash.C. 3 then preceeded to Dover, and arrived there about 1130 hrs on Saturday 1st June. On reporting at Dover they were told to hold themselves in readiness to return to Dunkirk, but later were ordered to proceed in company with A.L.C. 17 to their base in Hayling Island, A.L.C. 3 reported at Hayling Island at 1300 hrs on
88D 513 489 APPENDIX "A" PART II A.L.C. 15. A.L.C. 15 was the second boat to be hoisted out from Clan Macalister, and proceeded directly in shore embarking British troops from the vicinity of Old Dunkirk. Fifteen trips were carried out during the day, and at 2000 approximately, as no ships were in the vioinity to accommodate troops, she set off for Dover, with troops aboard. Shortly after passing Dunkirk she fall in with A.L.C. 3 and 8. These three A.L.C. reached Dover at dawn on Thursday May 30th. On Thursday evening A.L.C. 15, 8 and 3 laft 3 arriving off Dunkirk at dawn on Friday May s1st. Dover 15 had engine trouble, but carried on enbarking old A.L.C. troops from the beach in the vicinity of she British principally with the aid of Scate which on a Dunkirk, Eventually she damaged her propellors @ towed. motor lorry, and being out of control, dirifted a small trog of submerged beam on. The crew succeeded in launching off to a ashore the beach and so making their my after and of boat from A.L.C. 8 came alongaide shortly considered put drifter. 15's angineer ashore. As be apparently 15 be at A.L.C&B not be possible to salve A.baC. to burden that it would and shortly after ahe at ssan the to after part her on fire and the petrol tanks to explode, at fiercely, of the boat being blown high in the
505 4. At dawn 2nd June, having embarked 70 soldiers and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards Dover. Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10 arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for a mechanic to repair my starboard engine, I received orders to leave Ash.C. 10 at Dover and to take charge of the Royal National Lifeboat Jane Holland. 5. I proceeded in this vessel under tax, at 1600 2nd June with orders to pick up Prench troops at the Eastern Breakwater. I as employed on this sork until dawn 3rd June, when I received orders to 80 to B. and C beaches and take off the Beach lasters there, On arrival at these beacher which were being heavily shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers. I was informed however by some troops who were enharking in a destroyer, that the Reach Master had been taken off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation of this, I returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships had left. 6. It was now daylight and 1 set course for Dover. Shortly afterwards my engine broke down and the lifeboat was taken in tow by a motor host, 1 Sorroued a mechanic from this hoat who succeded in getting the engine running again, when we cast off. A little laten the engine caught fire, and became completely useless. The crew WGTV taken aff by a C.M.B. from Dover and an the lifeboat var of very
505 4. At dawn 2nd June, having embarked 70 soldiers and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards Dover. Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10 arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for a mechanic to repair my starboard engine, I received orders to leave A.L.C. 10 at Dover and to take charge of the Royal National Lifeboat Jane Holland. 5. I proceeded in this vessel under tax, at 1600 2nd June with orders to pick up French troops at the Eastern Breakwater. 1 was employed on this 2018 until dawn 3rd June, when I received orders to go to B. and C beaches and take off the Reach Masters there. On arrival at these beacher which were being heavily shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers. I was informed however by some troops who were emhariting in a destroyer, that the Reach Master had been taken off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation of this, I returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships had left. It was now daylight and I set course for 6. Shortly afterwards my engine broke down and the Dover. taken in tox by a motor host, 1 horrowed the lifeboat a mechanic was from this heat who succeded in getting engine running again, when we cast off. little later the engine daught fire, aff and completely A useless. The crew 1674 taken very by became a C.M.B. from Dover and as the lifeboat var of
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 xxx. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
99 would be able to assist us if necessary and realised that we were the last English boat leaving harbour. Could not get engine of LADY CABLE to start but after a short while W.D. boat came nearly alongside - her engines were running and making considerable noise. Their action then appeared to me suspicious she appeared to be undamaged in the half light. By now dawn was nearly breaking. When W.D. boat came close to us I ordered one of my crew - Cadet Rating Price - to board her. He managed to jump aboard but the two boats drifted apart. Price shouted that there was nobody aboard. Yet her engines were going in neutral of course. Displaying great initiative and resourcefulness, Price was able to make HAIG go slow ahead and was able to steer her close enough to LADY CABLE for me to jump aboard. Our first efforts to get a line between the two boats were unsuccessful. The operation was made difficult by the LADY CABLE being full of French soldiers who did not or course appreciate what was happening and were therefore unable to be of much assistance however willing they might be. After some time the two boats were secured but in order to pass a line it had been necessary for Price to swim from the HAIG to the LADY CABLE with it. Price did this on his own initiative and displayed great courage and efficiency. By the time the two boats were secure it was almost broad daylight and we were still very close to Dunkirk Harbour and appeared to have drifted inshore to the S.W. and were very close to the pall of smoke which shrouded the coast to the West of Dunkirk. On inspecting condition of HAIG found that she had a fair amount of water forward and was damaged extensively on the port bow. However, I got French poilus to work the pump in relays and towing LADY CABLE and going very slow ahead were able to make progress and prevent the water forward from rising. For some time we did not discover that each engine had a separate control lever and had been going ahead on one engine only. For several hours we made slow progress. Worsall was trying to get LADY CABLE's engine to start again and Smith was steering her. I left most of the French in LADY CABLE. I saw a submarine half surface about half a mile ahead on one occasion and also a number or German aircraft passed close shead of us. Luckily we were either not seen or not deemed or sufficient importance to attack. A French destroyer came and had a look at us but I did not signal to her as we were making fair progress. A flight of 3 Hurricanes flew low over us and later we saw Spitfires and Defiants, but luckily no German planes approached us. The starboard engine of HAIG packed up I think about 0730. I had not time to keep a detailed log of events. By this time Stoker Worsall had got engine of LADY CABLE to go again and I secured her alongside HAIG as towing her astern with only our port engine going was too difficult. For a considerable time we made very slow progress using engines of both boats. LADY CABLE's engine kept stopping, which French made our progress very slow and steering difficult. At last 4-funnelled light cruiser or large destroyer X 440 (I think) with DOW wave painted on her, saw us and came up to help. I had/
SECRET. Dysams 233 Alwol 1031s THE COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S.HEBE. 7th June, 1940. THE VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER. (Copies to:- Senior Officer's 1st & 6th M.S. Flotillas). JECT. REPORT ON OPERATION "DYNAMO". Orders were received at approximately 2145 for "HERR" 1 "SHARPSHOOTER" to sail for Dover. The passage which was Carted at 2250 was made without incident except for thick fog om Kinnand Head to Bell Rock. Both ships arriwed at Dower at 23 on May 28th and secured to buoys. 2. At 1830/28 I was ordered to raise steam and proceed with 1 dispatch to La Panne, taking cassage by Route Y to embark troops com the beach. Difficulty was experienced in finding the Whistle by marking the channel off Braye. This was eventually found and NBR anchored off La Panne at 011009 On passing the Whistle Buoy heavy explosion occurred about È mile to Testward which was liewed to be due to a magnetic mine. No information was forth- ming as to whether any British ships were damaged. 3. Embarkation of troops continued till dawn, using ship's Dats about 100 troops were embarked, including a number of stretcher ses. 4. "HEBE" weighed and proceeded at and arrived alongside Dover at 1010.24 After disembarking troops, ship secured to 19 buoy and took on board water and fresh provisions. 5. "HEBE" proceeded for La Panne via Y channel at 1410 and crived off Whistle Buoy at 1840./29 A very intense air raid by dive ombers was in progress at this time and It was decided to postpone try into the Roads until this was over. Various enemy aircraft ere engaged, and "HEBE" was attacked by three Heinkel Bombers, two C which had already dropped their bombs, and opened fire with achine guns ; the attacked with what was believed to be hcendiery bombs. No hits were scored by the enemy. 6. After these attacks, a voice was heard crying for help nd a floating figure was observed. With the help of the loudspeaker rescued this man (who turned out to be a wounded R.A.P. Officer) and Name to his assistance. He was picked up in very shallow water. 7. In accordance with instructions I then proceeded to unquerque and embarked Capt. 3. Bush, D.S.C. R.N. At 211531 I mbarked survivors from a troop ship which had been sunk in the in raid at 1900. There was several severe casualties suffering rom burns. 8. I arrived at La Panne at 2230 taking my orders from Sapt.Bush. At 0045/30 a signal was received from ESK to send boat or R.A. and staff, who arrived on board 0100.26 9. Troopa were embarked from boats at various places from a Panne to Braye, up till 10000 when "HEBE" proceeded alongside at Dunquerque and filled to capacity. 10. On leaving Dunquerque proceeded under orders of R.A. until 1515, when he and his staff transferred to "KKITH". "HEBE" then sailed via Route X for Ver where she arrived at 2000. Des-embark- ation was completed at 2345 and ship secured to No. 20 buoy, and 60
128 4. At dawn and June, having embarked 70 soldiers and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards Dover, Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10 arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for a mechanic to repair my starboard engine. I received orders to leave A.L.C. 10 at Dover and to take charge of the Royal National Lifeboat Jane Holland. 5. I proceeded in this vessel under tow, at 1600 2nd June with orders to sick up French troons at the Eastern Breakwater. 1 was employed on this work until dawn 3rd June, when 1 received orders to 80 to B, and C beacher and take off the Beach Basters there. on arrival at there beacher which were being heavily shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers I was informed however by some troops who were embarking in a destroyer, that the Reach Haster had been taken off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation of this, 1 returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships had left. 6. It was now daylight and I not courre for Dover, Shortly aftervards my engine broke down and the lifeboat was taken in tox by a motor boat, I borrowed a mechanic from this hoat who succeded in getting the engine running again, when we cast off. A little later the engine crught fire, and became completely useless. The crew were taken off by a C.M.R. from Dover and an the lifeboat was of very
Dynamo /167 COPY. Royal Naval Hospital, Chathsm. 18th June, 1940. To: Rear-Admiral Taylor, O.B.B., Siz, I have the honsue to fairmed the narrative of events whilet & comment of Ex7. "NEW PRINCE OF WALES" will also me believed suk at 1415 at the benehes near Bray. A A.M. Welnesday 2913 My I was setered to proceed to Shoetness to report to the Commisters at H.H.S. "WILDFIRE". Accived Shoomess about 1700 was ordered to preased in ExTe "SHI PREMIS 07 WALES" leading flotille of seven light amt. Left united at H.H.S. "VILDPIRE" proceeded to sea through boom. Two bests appoared to to in difficulties and and not Zears the boom. use not by conort yacht and forms sutern of have Had to slow does to toop bosts in company. First three bonts estern tight good station, remaining case fell estem but owing to urgnary of getting bosts to destination fistills ass not decrease speed any further. About 2200 your essert was shallenged from shore. She informed - 00 officer via required to & in to Margate for orders, 80 presended sureelf in fast motor boat "MARSAYRA". Natablished 17 identity and was. told to push on to Emegate. While may one bost "QUIRN BOADACHA® broke dawn, after - delay she was taken in for by assurt yeaht. W part engine broke dom, speed greatly reduced. Doe boat last contact in darkness. I wont bank to look for 197 use Longrose, search unsurseasful, rejoined assert. Feg - down at dam and securt anshored with - PRINCE OF WALES", "CORSN BOADACEA" and "MARRAYRA", off Banagate exast position meertain. After - hour tog cleared enough to obser beer shead so proceeded with "MARGAYHA" in company assert yasht following with HQUIRE BOADACHA". Ingines misfiring badly and harbour in "MARGAYRU". Reported to Naval Officer-in- stopped Just outside anothered and proceeded into beashes between Bray and La Penne and to earry on Charge Ramagate received sharts sail orders to proceed to remained to return. Bosto use towed in, repairs started foreying treepe from share to ships until only enough fuel 00 THE PRINCE OF WALES" imediately. Engines ready for use at 1680 80 proceeded to sea coast 9230 (Thurstay sosh). Part eagine failed again as code by reute 'X' for Dunkerque. Arrived off French fisrualy and heavy pall of unite covered the channel to the shortly after turning parallel to coast. Dunkerque burning north. Endoaveured to find beach with boat hardly making any way through the unter. Attempts saw to locate troops were and established approximate position, immediately afterward unsusessaful and I was lost in smoke, green light buoy starboard engine failed, had to drop mehor. B.R.A. reported amount of fuel remaining and I entimated # could not return to Ramagete other 12 99 did no DD determined to carry on until and ruel The THE were the boat WSS making matures. three before dawn the stoket both assisting
Department 324 23230 CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. WHITSHED. Portsmouth. 5th June, 1940. Sir, I have the honour to report that in accordance with your instructions Ship under my command was expeditiously repaired, guns being lifted and roller paths cleaned and adjusted. The Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth also authorised the removal of the after set of triple torpedo tubes and the fitting of a twelve pounder H.A. gun in this place and the conversion of the warhead magazine for H.A. ammunition stowage. Ship also received a lot of plating as splinter protection. Boilers were cleaned and repairs made to engines and hull. New officers and ratings joined and ship proceeded at 2000 Friday, 51st May to Spithead. Ship's company were drilled that evening and the Pollowing forenoon until the magnetic mines in the entrance had been exploded and the port re-opened to traffic when ship at once sailed for Dover, arriving there at 1750. 1/6 there at 0130 and berthing at the outer berth on the western 2/6 Ship sailed at 2240, 1st June for Dunkirk arriving side of the Eastern arm. On passage an aircraft which dropped a large object ahead of the ship was fired at. French destroyers off Dunkirk were frequently firing at heard aircraft and & signal was sent asking whether these were friendly or not, as if so it was most desirable that firing should cease. No reply was received. The jetty was empty and no troops could be found. However by using the loud hailer army landing craft from the beach on the other side of the pier started to bring troops up the pier until I had collected enough troops English and to the ship, while I landed and finding a bicycle proceeded French to fill the ship. The bicycle also provided useful in berthing two other destroyers and directing troops to board transport for two wounded men, and I was able to help them. proceeded without inoident to Dover arriving at 0530. I slipped at 0500 as dawn was breaking and 2/6 arriving there I found one airoraftsman had from Ship at 0050. Just past W. buoy whistling survivor left Dover at 2135 and proceeded to Dunkirk was 3/6 got Commander heard them and Clouston's eventually and R.A.F. Commander launch. Clouston A messerschmit had refused into to be They by machine their gunned in the water. The with many rescued about 1850 consort and had ordered it away conjestion Dunkirk. in the harbour were made berthing impossible and together other craft ship lay to outside. The/
330 OPERATION NO.20 SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND* (Eastbourne). STATEMENT BY di Name Service Sunday 2nd Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II. Lifeboat *JANS HOLLOND* (Masthoume). Cast $ Sto. J. Strangeways off outside and told to go to & landing right PKX 95036. up the other end of the harbour. Found they ó Sto. Aella Shaw were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck PKX 94553. the tug or drifter they vero goding alongside One Sub.Ideut., R.N.V.R. so they sent on up harbour. Mc enough hole One A.B. in the lifeboat bows to crawl through. Drenched One 0.S. with spray caused by shrupnels is proceeding also there. up harbour saar a destroyer out a mall rowing boat down with two Fyench sailors in it. They All came back. took these to the first destroyer. light right harbour: - Trench troops but they refused up to be taken off. So they owne back out of the harbour to tug anahored outsdde. Then they were told to collect troops from anywhere. Nearly every boat had gone by them. So they Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour. Several got destroyers passed, they vaved up sail and tried to get out of harbour. and destroyars naved backs one hour after dawn when cards Towed them out, engine started, they ware just about giving up hopes a N.T.B. they vara alipped and after about 4 ailes fire. the in sight and two E.T.3's - along then engine began to moke and she daught to No resease one Took than aboard. Edfeboat in flames, returned bells 11st.
3337 OPERATION 110.22 SHIP:- MAME KNOWN. SEA FALCON (?). About 40 ft. open H/B, groy. (Similar to FAIRY KIMPH) STATEMENT BY $ Cyer Service Ø L.S. A.Sestbrock 30th. Left Dover after dark with L.S. in charge. RJX 131401. Towed in company with about 5 others by tug - two O.S. Smith. tons. Foremost boat of opposite four broke Sto. Hardwick. adrift, suning back, hit stern shorts and broke main feed pipe. Proceeded on reserve tank, repeatedly filling from main tank. derived. off beach near Gavelines and ran gauntlet of fire from beach as far as Denicire and on to Dray. Filled boat by grounding and pulling in soldiers - continued from dawn Friday to dusk Priday. Stares being swamped had nothing to cat. Only water 133 in few bottles filled at pier. On last trip rising tide and vini musiped boat, carried it broadaide Clle Crew abundoned boat and ashore. Other boats could not get mar enough Continual benbing all day. $ith found a canse, to sean get a line across. About 60 carried each trip. floated it, paddled with piece of driftwood to Talmer and boarded destroyers Beach littered d th with Lifeboat. Others walked along beach to pier and aquipment and fairly arounded guns mostly Prench. On plar shrapmal was soldiers, over, marching troops several Phone casualties. bursting hit by benb in distance in La Sex ship Saw 5 or 6 dive leabers brought off down by direction. destroyers. A number of boats working beach all day.
3339 OPERATION NO.24 SHIP:- M/B. COMMODORE STATEMENT BY X Service Crew Sub.Lt. Thompson, R.N.R. A.B. Left Dover in COMMIDORE - open I/B. $ Sto. Beech beach 31st near Dunkirk harbour cast off tow, collected at dawn. Towed in two tors of two. Tent to PKX 90016. Ord. Sea. troops climbed aboard themselves. Took Here 20 a from beach and furried then to about Soldiers About one hour for the round trip. machine had to be beached and advidoned. boat found trip. gunned - boat vas holed and made so Joined such water RASTBOURNE it QUINN by using a reving QUEN by on the BY to their shoulders. PASTECURNS then (about QUEN the beach. Troops boarded CASTBOURNE took about went alongadde pier. near misses wading out 40 to the WESTER which WHISTER was continually and wounded several surby. littered Dunkin's with 1600/1st) Scabed, fragnents from Left killed 3 about 1700/1800. Beach shaltered equipment. in WORCESTER Pier bombed, beach aballed, under derelict boat.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK CHAP. V and Hilda), two power boats and Kellett a tow and pulling Leda, but boats ; the(Doggersbank with the Calcutta¹, the Gallant, Wakeful, of Verity, two skoots was joined by the minesweepers the number there were insufficient boats and motor launches to cope with of troops on the beach. Calcutta had already lost one of her two whalers2. 70 wounded (cot cases) ; heavy embarkation difficult and the Off La Panne, at 2157, the Calcutta, surf assisted made by the skoot Reiger, embarked By the 28th May beach evacuation had become a vitally essential part complete lack of small beaching craft, other than ships' boats - aftermath Operation Dynamo". It was, however, severely restricted by the almost of the wish, already noticed, to prevent early information of the operation be- of coming known to the enemy; and an urgent and persistent cry for boats arose from the ships off the beaches.³ Beach craft are sailed for Dunkirk Steps had already been taken, however, to begin the provision of small boats. At 0800 on the 28th May, 8 motor boats were sailed from the Thames for the South Downs. At noon the tug Sun V with 8 cutters and 2 whalers in tow, and the tug St. Clears with 11 cutters in tow, left Sheerness for Ramsgate, and both tugs sailed for Dunkirk late in the evening. Of these two tows, however, only 7 cutters reached the beaches, the remainder being lost en route.4 At 1500 the tug Java left Ramsgate for Dunkirk, in company with four drifters⁵ and 5 motor launches⁶. They arrived off Bray at 0100 on 29th May, and were the first arrivals of small motor craft off the beaches. With them, at 1500 on the 28th May, 5 drifters of the 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla left Rams- gate for Dunkirk⁷, and at 1845, 18 motor boats with 17 whalers left Sheerness for Dover.⁸ Supply of small craft is accelerated These supplied only a portion of what was required. There was still a lack of small craft, and at 2002 V.A. Dover asked that every available shallow draft power boat should be sent to the beaches⁹. The Admiralty's vigorous reaction to this request became fully evident on the following day, the 29th May, when the Portsmouth and Nore Commands, the Thames estuary and the Port of London Authority were combed for motor boats, lighters and barges¹⁰. To accelerate the journey arrangements were made to route them direct to the beaches, provided they had charts, food, fuel etc.¹¹, though some difficulty was experienced in providing the large number of charts required. Indeed, on the road map" to navigate on. 31st May the Master of the coaster Hythe states that he was given an army I 2 The Calcutta reported she was off La Panne. Appendix H.2. 3 Appendices H.1 and H.2. Five gunfire from Clears' cutters were lost en morning route to Dunkirk a collision with the destroyer the result of enemy 4 The of the Sun St. V's tow was lost early next in Montrose. up 5 by The the Sp. Gravelines Serv./V. Crested and Nieuport; Eagle. one of the 5 was, next however, day, as subsequently picked 6 The Lord Walker Rodney, I, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood 7 8 9 The Appendix Lord Cavan, G.6. Walker Fidget, II, Jacketa, New Britannic, Silver Dawn Nayland, and and Fisher and Lord Angler Boy St. Vincent. (Appendix II. G.5). Appendix G.7. II 10 Appendices G.13 to G.18. Appendix G.9. 32
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK CHAP. VI and machine gun platforms, a bulkhead wrecking was dished, them was severely shaken, and 13 killed, wounded; of the passengers, and orders killed and 2 men the ship's company, 3 officers 2 officers men and were 10 men were and 18 wounded. Then a fire broke out, further dive bomb were given to flood and burn the signal books. A anchored. attack took bombs fell wide. The Bideford and the tug St. Clears The in tow; she was, The M/S Kellett came endeavoured alongside the to take Bideford, the Bideford and took off about 300 troops, in tow, but again the tow parted. ever, fast aground, and the tow parted. dr. Havant then tried to take how-' her Bideford towed to Dover embarked in the Bideford. from La Panne dawn, gunboat Locust, carrying 620 During the night of 29th-30th Near May, 350 the French and 50 British troops and at daylight she less than 21/2 knots course was set for British and French troops floated - in tow. At beach, passed a tow to the Bideford, Dover; en route, during the first 3 miles, the tow parted 3 times. Throughout the 30th May the Locust struggled on with her burden. During the night French soldier jumped overboard, fully equipped. The tow was stopped, a buoy was dropped and a boat lowered; but, in spite of good visibility and a calm sea, the unknown soldier was not recovered although a search was made a at 1130 on the 31st May and disembarked 436 troops. for 30 minutes. In spite of the tow again parting, the Bideford reached Dover The momentous issues at stake in Operation "Dynamo" were not to be attained without grievous losses, but the Bideford's heroic voyage to safety marked a momentary respite from the rapidly mounting toll of lives and ships. Twelve hundred troops wade out to a skoot At about 2300 on the 29th May the skoot Patria arrived off Bray from Rams- The Captain of the Patria, who decided to ground his ship, records that "The gate and, in the glow of the still burning Crested Eagle, saw troops on the beach. troops, holding hands, waded out and clambered on board by nets, ladders and ropes' ends. The sight of two solid phalanxes of men, delineated by phosphorescence in the water and steadily advancing to the ship, will be memorable them Over 1,000 men were embarked in just over two hours." Among Crested Eagle and the Fenella. were naval ratings - casualties with severe burns from the Grenade, the Dover unaware of losses filtered heavy Lord Lord to Little Earlier Dover, Gort bombardment Gort through information in and and the and at the day to 3rd 0127 Dover, 3rd of other and Corps the Corps the that important except disastrous Vice-Admiral, destroyers at La that information losses Panne it there was Dover, of known the were had, afternoon informed being that however, hit Dunkirk the and soon come Calcutta early after was through evening 1600. under that effort the beach was and to be embark made to the concentrate force. of the B.E.F. destroyers were and at La light Panne, craft and at that that end every of I D.R. 46
WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY CHAP. VI No contact with S.N.O. Dunkirk At 2057 the Vice-Admiral, Dover, asked the Verity and the S.N.O., Dunkirk, whether the harbour was blocked¹. At 2120 the Verity replied that the eastern half of the channel was blocked, and that on leaving the harbour she had grounded slightly on a sunken drifter in the entrance. S.N.O. Dunkirk replied at 2150 that the harbour was not blocked, but that it was doubtful whether much more could be done during daylight hours². It is not known if or when this reply was received, because as late as 2357 V.A. Dover signalled Admiral Abrial, "I cannot get in touch with Captain Tennant. Can you inform me whether it is still possible for transports to enter harbour and berth alongside." It is noteworthy that reception on the Naval W/T set at Dunkirk was not established until 2300 on the 30th May, and full communication with Dover was not established on the set until daylight on the 31st May.³ Vice-Admiral, Dover, diverts all ships to the beaches Indeed, already at 2128, the situation, as it could be seen by the staff at Dover, was confused, and it seemed probable that the use of Dunkirk harbour would be denied to us except possibly for small ships⁴. Consequently, the Vice-Admiral, Dover, ordered all ships approaching Dunkirk not to close the harbour, but to remain off the eastern beach and collect troops from the shore5; drifters and minesweepers which were about to be despatched to Dunkirk harbour were also diverted to the beach⁶. A good opportunity at Dunkirk missed In the event, only 4 drifters and a yacht⁷ entered Dunkirk during the hours of darkness, and as only 2 bombing attacks were made a good opportunity was missed. It is probable that about 10,000 troops could have been lifted from the harbour during the night with little reduction of the numbers embarked from the beaches⁸. Nevertheless, it was only by good fortune that the vital Dunkirk channel was not blocked by sinking ships at this early date⁹. Admiralty's urgent call for small craft Meanwhile, during the forenoon of the 29th May, in response to the insistent call for beaching craft, the Admiralty called on the C's in C. Portsmouth and the Nore "to investigate as a matter of urgency the provision of additional small motor craft and X and other self-propelled lighters, which could be made available within 48 hours from all ports in their Commands¹⁰. Thereafter, the supply of beaching craft increased rapidly. The A.L.C.'s arrive off the beaches On this day, however, only the first trickle of the anxiously awaited small motor craft began to arrive off the beaches. The most important arrivals I S.N.O. Dunkirk's report. (R.O.III, p.350). 2 Appendix O.12. 3 See p. 67. 4 D.R. p.10, para. 34. 5 D.R. p.10, para. 34. 6 D.R. p.10, para. 34. 7 The 4 drifters of the 1st M/R Flotilla - the Fidget, Fisher Boy, Jacketa and Silver Dawn and the yacht Bystander. 8 D.R. p.10, para. 35. V.A. Dover's letter No. A 14/0/876/40 of 10th June 1940 (covering his report on Opera- tion Dynamo), para. 7(b). 10 Appendix G.14. 51
CHAP. VII ferring By 0100 to her Rear-Admiral from single-minded come face to be of spoken incredible such a THE EVACUATION gress situation, Captain the water of Bush. and up to of their From the the waists. ghastly him, Esk, Wake Walker Lound sight He had of the the more trans- from as a seemed then Commodores seen, to embarkation", detect but I in did his not voice". says feel Rear-Admiral that I could accept Wake-Walker to the note of terribly standing in despair I had pro- not Stephenson and Bray. proceeding to take charge off-shore Hallett at were La Panne, transferred and the to drifters, latter off-shore the which former I groups he had of to work. all He saw the beaches. a dark line of men the Wake-Walker By dawn the was Hebe able was to off glimpse La Panne, for the and first in the growing light Readmul at stern completely men blown over off and Off Bray the Bideford was ashore and large off the beaches Eagle was high and dry on the beach-burnt out. Nearer Dunkirk the Crested the Locust was trying to take her in tow. with her were destroyers, sloops, drifters and other craft, while Lying were making their way off in whalers, motor boats and pontoon craft. There men was a slight swell which made landing difficult, and many boats were lying broached-to and stranded by the tide. As daylight illumined the scene Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker saw that the beaches were packed with troops, who were orderly and under proper control. To anyone with an appreciation of the practical difficulties of embarking in small boats with a long pull to seaward, the sight of that beach black with troops was indeed almost dismaying. The numbers increased steadily as more men filed down the sand dunes, and at the back of our minds all the time", says line Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, "was the question of how long the defence boats.² could hold and the weather remain fair." The crux of the matter was Twice during contact Captain Tennant. With his staff these ships in the day Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker went to Dunkirk he transferred in un- successful efforts to to the Windsor and thence to the Worcester, home as in the Hebe from the Hebe with troops. Captain Bush took passage large numbers were to turn " to stress filled the up vital necessity for boats and crews if any The Rear- benches".³ would Admiral come There off arrive was was the great hampered at beaches difficulty by and in lack start exercising of means loading; The control urgency of getting and off of a the beaches. Ships everything⁴. desirable, At 2000 would on the be 30th May was at La La Panne discussed Panne at and where 1800 arrangements next he met day, Lord and were Commodore Gort made and for of Stephenson identifying Tennas embarkation fre of the beaches seaward it. was On this evening a method M.017978/41, p.4. R.A. Dover's report (M.017978/41). (R.O.III, p.374). R.A. R.A. Dover's Report Dover's Report (M.017978/41). 58
THURSDAY, 30TH MAY CHAP. VII established-two lights being shown at La Panne and one at Bray-and Dover was informed accordingly. Later that night Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker transferred from the Worcester, by that time full of troops, to the Express-his fourth transfer in twenty-four hours. Captain Howson, N.O.I.C., Beaches On the beaches the progress was better than appeared at the time. Captain Howson, Naval-Officer-in-Charge of beaches, making his first acquaintance with conditions there, says that on the 30th May, off Bray, in the lightening dawn, a number of destroyers, sloops and skoots were seen to be lying off, and embarkation was proceeding in such boats as were available. Several boats were aground, others were holed, and some had no oars By about 0600, all destroyers, sloops, etc., had cleared for England and there were no further ships available Before leaving Dover he had understood that there would be 24 signal ratings along the beaches adequately supplied with Aldis lamps, but he never saw any of them². Communication along so many miles of flat beaches was very difficult, if not impossible, with so many troops on the shore. there was no communication until Thursday afternoon [30th May] between La Panne and Bray³, and never any between Bray and Dunkirk⁴". At about 0600 Captain Howson went to Corps Headquarters in a house at Bray, where he met one of his party, Commander Gorton, and also some naval officers " who had apparently been working on the beaches for some time before our arrival". " About 0800", continues Captain Howson, "I proceeded on a motor bicycle to La Panne where I met Commander J. S. Dove, R.N., who took me to see Q.M.G. [Lieut. General Laidsell] with whom I discussed the position. off La Panne " there were 2 or 3 destroyers and sloops, and embarkation appeared to be proceeding satisfactorily On the return to Bray an hour later the sky was overcast and a Scotch mist prevailed which was a Godsend, for throughout the forenoon vast masses of French troops, quite apart from British troops, were proceeding along the beaches, and had aircraft attacked the carnage would have been dreadful. No further ships arrived during the forenoon off Bray or La Panne and a great opportunity was missed for embark- ing troops undisturbed. "During the forenoon on my way to Dunkirk I found the water lighter Claude5 high and dry, but with ample supplies of water, and on my return arranged with the military aurhorities for lorries and cans to collect and dis- tribute this sorely needed requirement". Meanwhile, during the forenoon also, the sappers and troops of the First Division had built a long pier of lorries off Bray into the sea⁶ with plank decking. This was an excellent piece of work, and though not strong enough for use by I Report by S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N. (C.W.23187/40). 2 See p. 67. 3 S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N., on shore at La Panne, says, Lt. Cdr. McCullough [?L. Cdr. J.W. McClelland R.N.] and signal staff arrived at La Panne on the evening of 30th May. (C.W.23817/40). The Gossamer reports that she embarked a party of signalmen for La Panne on 30th May, and arrived there at 1930. 4 1st Corps had a H.Q. at Bray. 5 She had been towed over to Dunkirk on 25th May by the tug Fairplay I. 6 This was done at the suggestion of Cdr. H. du P. Richardson R.N., who was in charge of a section of Bray beach. (R.O.III, p.369). 59
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK CHAP. VII and miracle. unpredictable difficulties, as a such courage, energy and single-mindedness, that it has since and in come the face to be of such incredible found the Hebe situation, Captain the ferring By water 0100 to Bush. and her up Rear-Admiral to from "of their From the the waists." ghastly him, Esk, Wake-Walker Rear-Admiral Rear-Admiral he sight He took had of over the had the shore, Wake-Walker, Wake-Walker to duties watch black of with the off S.N.O. heard terribly standing in Bray, (Afloat) and, trans- from gress of embarkation", says I could the which I had pro- seemed to detect in his voice".¹ then seen, but I did not feel that accept note of despair which not I proceeding to take charge off-shore at Panne, and the latter off-shore at Commodores Stephenson and Hallett were La transferred to drifters, the former Bray. Wake-Walker was able to glimpse for the first By dawn the Hebe was off La Panne, and in the growing light Adminal the growing lear Readminl he had to work. He saw a dark line of men at the water's edge, and large groups of men all over the beaches. Off Bray the Bideford was ashore with her stern completely blown off and the Locust was trying to take her in tow. Nearer Dunkirk the Crested Eagle was high and dry on the beach-burnt out. Lying off the beaches were destroyers, sloops, drifters and other craft, while men were making their way off in whalers, motor boats and pontoon craft. There was a slight swell which made landing difficult, and many boats were lying broached-to and stranded by the tide. As daylight illumined the scene Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker saw that the beaches were packed with troops, who were orderly and under proper control. To anyone with an appreciation of the practical difficulties of embarking in small boats with a long pull to seaward, the sight of that beach black with troops was indeed almost dismaying. The numbers increased steadily as more men filed down the sand dunes, and "at the back of our minds all the time", says Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, "was the question of how long the defence line could hold and the weather remain fair." The crux of the matter was boats.² Twice during the day Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker went to Dunkirk in un- successful efforts to contact Captain Tennant. With his staff he transferred from the Hebe to the Windsor and thence to the Worcester, as these ships in turn " filled up with troops. Captain Bush took home in the Hebe come off the benches".3 to stress the vital necessity for boats and crews if passage any large numbers were to would Admiral was hampered by lack of means of about quickly". Ships There was great difficulty in exercising control off the beaches. The Rear- desirable, everything would be impracticable. The urgency of a the moment governed arrive at beaches and start loading ; getting and redistribution, though where At 2000 he on the 30th May Rear-Admiral Panne and met Lord Gort and Captain Tennant. Wake-Walker landed at La discussed 1800 arrangements next were made for Lord Gort's The situation was Panne at On this day, and Commodore Stephenson embarkation from of La it. 1 evening a method of identifying was the put beaches in charge from seaward was 2 2 R.A. report M.A. Dover's p.4. R.A. Dover's Dover's Report Report (M.017978/41). (M.017978/41). (R.O.III, p.374). 58
THURSDAY, 30TH MAY CHAP. VII established-two lights being shown at La Panne and one at Bray-and Dover was informed accordingly. Later that night Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker transferred from the Worcester, by that time full of troops, to the Express-his fourth transfer in twenty-four hours. Captain Howson, N.O.I.C., Beaches On the beaches the progress was better than appeared at the time. Captain Howson, Naval-Officer-in-Charge of beaches, making his first acquaintance with conditions there, says that on the 30th May, off Bray, " in the lightening dawn, a number of destroyers, sloops and skoots were seen to be lying off, and embarkation was proceeding in such boats as were available. Several boats were aground, others were holed, and some had no oars. By about 0600, all destroyers, sloops, etc., had cleared for England and there were no further ships available Before leaving Dover he had understood that there would be 24 signal ratings along the beaches adequately supplied with Aldis lamps, but he never saw any of them². " Communication along so many miles of flat beaches was very difficult, if not impossible, with so many troops on the shore. there was no communication until Thursday afternoon [30th May] between La Panne and Bray³, and never any between Bray and Dunkirk⁴". At about 0600 Captain Howson went to Corps Headquarters in a house at Bray, where he met one of his party, Commander Gorton, and also some naval officers who had apparently been working on the beaches for some time before our arrival". " About 0800", continues Captain Howson, " I proceeded on a motor bicycle to La Panne where I met Commander J. S. Dove, R.N., who took me to see Q.M.G. [Lieut. General Laidsell] with whom I discussed the position. off La Panne " there were 2 or 3 destroyers and sloops, and embarkation appeared to be proceeding satisfactorily On the return to Bray an hour later the sky was overcast and a Scotch mist prevailed which was a Godsend, for throughout the forenoon vast masses of French troops, quite apart from British troops, were proceeding along the beaches, and had aircraft attacked the carnage would have been dreadful. No further ships arrived during the forenoon off Bray or La Panne and a great opportunity was missed for embark- ing troops undisturbed. " "During the forenoon on my way to Dunkirk I found the water lighter Claudes high and dry, but with ample supplies of water, and on my return arranged with the military aurhorities for lorries and cans to collect and dis- tribute this sorely needed requirement". Meanwhile, during the forenoon also, the sappers and troops of the First Division had built a long pier of lorries off Bray into the sea⁶ with plank decking. This was an excellent piece of work, and though not strong enough for use by I Report by S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N. (C.W.23187/40). 2 See p. 67. 3 S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N., on shore at La Panne, says, Lt. Cdr. McCullough [?L. Cdr. J.W. McClelland R.N.] and signal staff arrived at La Panne on the evening of 30th May. (C.W.23817/40). The Gossamer reports that she embarked a party of signalmen for La Panne on 30th May, and arrived there at 1930. 4 1st Corps had a H.Q. at Bray. 5 She had been towed over to Dunkirk on 25th May by the tug Fairplay I. 6 This was done at the suggestion of Cdr. H. du P. Richardson R.N., who was in charge of a section of Bray beach. (R.O.III, p.369). 59
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK CHAP. VIII of embarkation". to destroy. At 0200 Saturday [Ist June] La Panne was abandoned as a place 1st June 1940², confirms the The following extract from above War accounts: Diary General Staff 4 Division, dated the "[At La Panne] by 0100 hrs. not more be embarked than three had to four hundred men of Division out of eight thousand to been put on transports. the conference was called at Divisional decided H.Q. that which it was had useless now opened in a house by the A side of the beach where it was to continue the embark- ation from La Panne. Motor Contact officers Dunes were and sent out to inform Brigades that they were to proceed direct to Bray Dunkerque Mole. Whilst were sustained. A Staff Officer was sent warn the French Guards at at the conference was going on the beach was heavily to shelled by 5.9's and a this Frontier that 4 Division would be passing through them. was sent to order the men on the beach to make their way along the beach either to Bray or Dunkerque. From this moment H.Q. ceased to operate until follows:- arrived at Dunkerque Mole. Certain officers arrived at Dunkerque Mole as it GSO II, GSO III, and Camp Commandant at 0500 hrs. 1 June. GOC, GSO I, AA and QMG, I.O., ADC, Motor Contact Officer at about 0700 hrs." Captain R. Pim, R.N.V.R., Beach Master In view of the foregoing outline of events at La Panne, it is necessary, in order to avoid confusion, to refer briefly to a report by Captain Pim who was sent over from the Admiralty to assist in speeding up the embarkation. After visiting as many of the beaches as possible he assumed the duties of Beach Master (at Bray beach) and arranged to continue the organisation of ferrying boats until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told them", he said, that if anything went wrong during the night we would return at dawn".³ Later, Captain Pim stated All the troops that I could find were embarked by midnight and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before mid- night I went along certain beaches to look for stragglers. A Staff Officer informed me that no more troops would embark from these beaches⁴ but that they would march to Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be shelled and would probably be in German hands the following day." Captain Pim estimated that from pontoon bridges and beaches, approximately 5,000 troops were probably embarked. Although his report is entitled Final evacuation of troops from the beaches of La Panne and Bray", Captain Pim does not say that these 5,000 troops were embarked from La Panne, and it is evident from Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker's report, and particularly from Lt. Cdr. McClelland's report, and the War Diary of the 4th Division, that they were not embarked from La Panne. Vice-Admiral Dover6, however, assumes from Captain Pim's report that he worked at La to the east and west of it. Panne, the weight of evidence shows that he worked at Bray and immediately the west, as shells meant for the beaches were ricocheting over the Hilda. During the night, Captain Pim found it necessary to shift his anchorage to Then, Captain at 0315 on the 1st June, in accordance with his undertaking to the troops, western Pim sent off all [his] boats. to search the beaches, starting from the end of Bray-Dunes". During the next 3 hours, he says, only about 250 I C.W.23187/40. 3 2 4 Capt. Provided Pim's by report Lt. Col. (R.O. H. IV, F. Joslen, p.52). (Historical Section, War Cabinet). 5 Evidently the La Panne beaches. 6 Capt. Pim's report (R.O. IV, P.52). D.R., p.20, para.61. 78
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK CHAP. VIII if one party had to leave, it was to communicate along the moreover, beach so that all would have the warning¹. of the Bray whole 4 sections, being small, should of about 400 yards; they at took covering frontage, in all, at first once proceded to proceedesition On landing, the 4 section Lieutenants remain close together, and party they decided that all organize but, dunes within and 3 a approached embarkation 2 minutes obeyed orders of the landing, points. boats. about about There boats The troops 5,000 given were from troops were by the on left naval the no their whole signs officers cover of easy and in to the control sand and except implicity the orders to bring back the boats ships to shore. ratings, Vavasour says that by 0500 on the loaded May and doubtful if 80 men were Evacuation in Commodore Hallett's 30th section it is was very slow and Lieut. reached a ship, they let the boats go adrift, as were no off. A few boats appeared, were there sent off ; but boat-keepers. troops No suggestions or orders were issued from headquarters, says 12 Commanders along the front at Bray. There he saw a Captain R.N. and At dawn Lieut. Vavasour contacted a headquarters² in one of the houses One of the commanders, who had come from Dunkirk", him that the port was out of action, and the moles were in ruins. off Bray beach, but the boat situation had acute now Shortly after 0500 on the 30th May there was a destroyer and minesweeper rand there werweeper about 15,000 troops on the beach. With the assistance of some senior Army Officers who by then had arrived, the troops were moved away from the water's edge and settled in the sands. By 0600, a considerable number of collapsible boats had been collected from the Royal Engineers and these were loaded with 10 soldiers apiece and sent off. In the majority of cases, however, on arrival at the ships the boats were abandoned and, drifting to the east, came ashore abreast the French, who used them to go off to British ships. By 0700, there were no power boats at all, and whaler trips were very infrequent. The rate of evacuation continued to be very slow. Meanwhile the Captain R.N." (Captain Howson) had gone to La Panne and Lieut. Vavasour did not see him again. By 0730 more ships had arrived and evacuation proceeded more quickly, as the beach parties had organised their own boat keepers. It was still, however, far from satisfactory. The troops found it difficult to get into the boats in the surf, and the beach parties had to wade out shoulder-deep to keep the boats stern-on to the beach. Lieut. Vavasour and his party then boarded the Anthony to get a change of clothing, and while there obtained a motor boat which they manned for 12 hours lost until she broke down. They first proceeded to recover the majority of their boats, now in use by the French, and then organised a ferry service. At 0900 contact was made with Commodore Hallett who then in a drifter. He " I informed him of what I was doing Lieut. Vavasour. was " He approved. Commodore informed me that he was very short says of coal. At approximately 0930 the Lieut. steamed away to seaward. I did the Commodore again." his boat broke down, and he had to saw be towed [the clear Commodore] of the danger at area." as Wells said We never him not see all I believe 2 I Report Probably by Lt. 3 Captain Cdrs. Otway-Ruthven to by Capt. Howson and Gorton, (Section or 158) Richardson. 80
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK CHAP. VIII Lieut. Wells says that at 0100/31 he was continued. informed that Some naval personnel would Division, original have the The to Brigadier' shelling party evacuate who was had of the at [?Major embarked already dawn beach left, General if continued, at the and about shelling W. at 0330. 0300/31 embarkation and G. Holmes] (says he Lieut. swam in command Wells) out to officers fetch the of not a order the boat in 42nd was his for passed from Headquarters that as the would probably be over dawn the following day [Ist June], all naval personnel were to embark forth- at with". Lieut. Wells accordingly remained in the Halcyon, where he had taken the Brigadier". The Halcyon arrived at Dover at 0845/31. There is clearly some connection between the above order from Head- quarters' and Captain Howson's arrangement for embarking naval personnel during the early hours of the 31st May. The only other account of the activities of the beach parties comes from Cdr. H. du P. Richardson, R.N., who worked with Lt. Cdr. D. B. Dowling, R.N., and a naval platoon at Malo beach from 2000 on May the 27th until the beach was cleared of troops at about noon on the 28th May. S.N.O. Dunkirk then ordered him to Bray beach to embark 5,000 troops, and he arrived there at about 1700 on the 28th May, with Cdr. Ken² [?Kerr] and 16 men. They found about 30,000 troops, stretching from Bray to the east- ward, awaiting embarkation. Cdr. Richardson's beach party, as will be seen, also returned on the 31st May. At 0130 on the 29th May a high wind got up which made beach embarkation almost impossible. Cdr. Richardson therefore sent off about 20,000 troops to Dunkirk in batches of 1000. During the night of 29th/30th May another naval embarkation party arrived on the beach to the eastward³, and this reduced the limits of Cdr. Richardson's beach. Early on the morning of the 30th May Cdr. Richardson went to Brigade H.Q.4 at Bray and suggested that piers be built by running lorries into the sea. This, he says, was quickly done and proved successful. Between 1800 and 2000 on the 30th May the enemy directed accurate artillery fire on to the beach, and continued firing throughout the night. Cdr. Richard- son's beach was completely evacuated by allied soldiers. " No boats", he says, " had now been in for 16 hours on our beach". During the night of the 30th/31st May, the weather became bad once more, and a heavy surf was running. By about 0300 on the 31st May it was impossible to carry out embarkation from the beaches. Cdr. Richardson's men were by now showing signs of extreme exhaustion, and as it was impossible to communicate with the S.N.O. he decided to take over S.N.O. a whaler they had salved and go to the nearest destroyer to report to the They waited for high water, and at about 0730 put to sea. There was a very heavy surf running, and they had an uneven set of oars, rope crutches and only Two other destroyers passed at about 7 cables, but paid no attention. an oar to steer by. They approached 2 destroyers, but both got underway. 2 I Cdr. There Richardson's report (R.O.III, p.367). 3 is no officer of this name in the May 1940 List. These Evidently the party landed at E.F.G.H., Cdre. Hallett's Navy sections of the beach. headquarters 4 were probably (p. 59). the same H.Q. as those referred to by Capt. Howson as Corps 82
CHAP. IX THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK Admiral, When Rear-Admiral Dover, all the Wake-Walker ships which left full had about of not been 0930 sunk to make had contact with many with the signs and collisions. Some were a theme the evidence of bumps first few hours at rest in harbour the 1800," he wrote, the of harbour their strenuous was times all had were for many enjoying days."¹ the that many of them and had Air Patrols Consequent on the bombing of at the dawn. day before, As the had asked for fighter aircraft protection appeared on the and low over the ships. More and often not they were fighters constantly came dispersed many than scene, were not taking chances the nearly always opened them. In order to stop firing Rear-Admiral Flag-" Cease fire", and blew the syren to draw spite of which, however, the after machine gun of his own ship the Keith continued to nothing.² regardless of the cease fire" gong; once firing started they could hear fire Route X to Dunkirk was patrolled during the early hours of daylight by the A.A. cruiser Calcutta, which sailed from Margate at 0315 with the corvettes Mallow and Shearwater and carried out a patrol between W and V buoys. The Calcutta was recalled to Sheerness at 0938 in readiness to perform the same service next night, and at 1015 she shot down a Heinkel which had bombed and damaged the Mosquito by a near miss 15 miles from Dover. Fighter Command provided 8 patrols during the 1st June of an average strength of 3 to 4 squadrons. The main periods when no fighter protection was afforded were approximately 0730-0850, 1020-1120, 1120-1145, 1545- 1615 and 1715-1845. Coastal Command continued to fly patrols of 3 aircraft over the North Goodwins-Gravelines-Ostend line throughout the day. Enemy air attacks begin St. Fagan sunk 0355. Sporadic enemy air attacks began at early light. Ships alongside the mole reported being attacked at 0415 and 0500. This was before the first main R.A.F. air patrol appeared on the scene, for the R.A.F. had been asked to pro- vide maximum protection from 0500 onwards. Before the first patrol appeared enemy aircraft claimed what was to prove the first of a long series of victims that day. The tug St. Fagan had towed over from Dover during the night three Thames barges. At about 0355, in the Dunkirk Channel, abreast the town the ship was hit by a bomb and practically disintegrated. Only two officers, including her Captain, Lieut.-Commander G. H. Warren, M.B.E., R.N., and 6 ratings, were saved out of a total comple- ment of 25. They were picked up by the tug Tanga which had come over from Ramsgate with 6 boats in tow and had hung off outside Dunkirk most of the night waiting for troops to be brought out to her, and was then on her way home with 160 men on board and a motor-boat in tow. Almost simultaneously with the withdrawal of our aircraft at 0730 a heavy dive bombing attack developed by a compact formation of some 30 or 40 Ju. 75s, causing the loss of the destroyers Keith and Basilisk, the minesweeper Skipjack, and the tug St. Abbs. 2 I Report, M.017978/41 p.29. 3 M.017978/41, p.23. R.A.F. narrative. 88
DUSK TO DUSK, IST-2ND JUNE CHAP. X Dunkirk and entered harbour at 1530 on 1st June. Whilst there, she was twice hit by shore batteries, though damage was slight and there was only one and troops and finally proceeded at 2230. light casualty. The ship lay alongside for 7 hours, embarking stretcher cases Amongst the various classes of ships none had suffered proportionately heavier losses than the personnel vessels to which Vice-Admiral Dover referred in his message to the Admiralty. Their crews had been doing magnificent work in the face of nerve-racking experiences. Up to date 8 of these ships had been sunk and 4 disabled. It was arranged that during this night's evacuation personnel ships in addition to destroyers were to berth at the East Pier in Dun- kirk where they were to be given priority. The danger of sending these valuable ships in to Dunkirk in daylight was too great, and after the 1st of June they were sent in only under cover of darkness, with a naval Ljeutenant-Commander or Commander on board each ship as adviser to the Master and with crews stiffened by 10 seamen for handling the wires and going alongside under fire. It was hoped by these means not only to get the ships to sail to time but also to ensure that they would enter Dunkirk harbour and not linger outside awaiting a quiet interval, or return empty. To their credit it must be recorded that not all the personnel ships needed the moral support of naval ratings. Air Operations, morning of 2nd June The batteries which had brought Route X under fire were between Le Clipont, near Pointe de Gravelines (see Plan 3), and Les Huttes, about a mile north east of Gravelines ; they were attacked by the R.A.F. in 24 Blenheim sorties between first light and 0745 on the 2nd, the object of spreading the attack in this manner being to neutralise the batteries during the period of daylight evacuation. The Blenheims encountered much anti-aircraft fire, and though no aircraft were lost some were damaged and afterwards crash-landed on their airfields. The Air Ministry were asked to provide strong continuous patrols over Dunkirk and the beaches from 0430 to 0830 on the 2nd June, with night fighter patrols during the hours of darkness. It was arranged that the fighter patrols should go out over the routes in use by our ships, and on the return journey fly low on the routes to give maximum protection to ships against low flying bomb and machine gun attacks. The concentration of fighter patrols in the dawn and dusk periods resulted in a great decrease in the total number of flying hours on the 2nd June (See Appendix C.) The early morning was hazy, and the first two main R.A.F. patrols, both at four squadron strength, encountered no enemy aircraft and no ships reported being attacked during this period. The third patrol, the strongest yet flown, consisting of five full squadrons, which was over the Dunkirk area from 0745- 0845, encountered very considerable enemy forces, and claimed to have shot down 18 enemy bombers and 10 fighters, themselves losing 7 Spitfires. Again, no reports of attacks came from the ships; and as far as can be ascertained no attacks occurred until the Calcutta, patrolling near W buoy with the Mallard and Shearwater, was attacked at 1035 by 3 Ju. 88 which dived out of the sun and bombed her, causing slight damage from near misses. A Coastal patrol witnessed the incident and drove off the enemy. The French light cruiser Epérvier and destroyer Léopard were also on the patrol line, but they apparently left the patrol when bombing began at 1035 and up to 1442 when the Calcutta returned to Sheerness by orders of Vice-Admiral Dover, nothing more was seen 99
CHAP. XI THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK quarter of an hour later they all three proceeded, with the Holland last in the line, to carry out their part in blocking the port. As they neared Dunkirk a "long line of destroyers came out of the harbour. " Astern of them", stated the Holland, there was a gap of over a mile and then a large and fast trans- port". M.A/S.B. 7 led the Holland through the gap between the destroyer line and the transport. When the latter was 6 cables away, and steaming very fast with the first streaks of dawn behind her, the danger of collision became apparent, SO the Holland sounded one blast and put her wheel hard astarboard. Lieutenant-Commander E. C. Coats, R.N., captain of the blockship, reported that the transport had then only to alter course 5° to starboard to pass well clear. However, she appeared to alter to port", with the result that she struck the Holland hard on the bridge and just before the boiler room bulkhead. The transport, which did not appear to have sustained much damage, backed out and carried on her way. The Holland had no buoyancy in hand, and, a few seconds before she was struck, her captain ordered abandon ship", seeing that it was inevitable she would be rammed. The bows sunk at once and rested on the bottom, there being apparently only 8 feet of water under her keel; the stern remained above water. Two seamen were crushed and seriously injured in the collision. M.A/S.B.7 took off the crew and transferred them to the Vivacious. The wreck of the Holland came within an ace of being rammed a second time, for two more ships, reported to be destroyers, passed and missed the Holland's stern by no more than a few feet. At 0300 the blockship Westcove entered Dunkirk, followed ten minutes later by the Edvard Nissen. Both ships proceeded into the channel leading to the inner harbour. When in her allotted position the Westcove put her wheel hard astarboard to ram the Inner Western Jetty, but her bows struck mud about 50 feet from the pier, with the ship at an angle of about 30° across the channel. By going full speed ahead on the engines, the athwartship's angle was increased to 50°. As the Edvard Nissen came in with the intention of ramming the East Pier she endeavoured to strike the Westcove's stern a glancing blow in order to in- crease her angle to the channel before scuttling herself; but underestimating the strength of the ebb stream she passed close under the Westcove's stern, and rammed the East Pier abreast of the latter. Letting go an anchor, she applied full port helm with all engine power to increase the blocking angle. The Westcove now fired her scuttling charges, which probably owing to coal gas in the bunkers, caused a large column of flame and smoke to envelop the ship's stern. When this had dissipated, the crew, who had pulled clear in their boat, saw that the Westcove had slid off the sloping bank of the channel and was lying on an even keel in the line of the piers, almost in mid stream, thus causing a minimum of obstruction. Between the sterns of the two ships there was now a gap of 80 feet which was reduced to 50 feet by heaving on a hawser run by the Edvard Nissen's motor boat from the ship's stern to the Westcove. No more could be done and the Edvard Nissen abandoned ship and fired her scuttling charges from the boat. M.A/S.B. 7 took out both ship's crews to the Vivacious. 1 No transport reported being in collision at this time and it has not been possible to identify any of the vessels concerned. The following destroyers and transports sailed from Dunkirk at the times given destroyers - Vanquisher 0230, Whitshed 2045, Malcolm 0248, Codrington 0250 and Express 0250; transports Newhaven (French 1,888 tons) 0245, Tynwald (British 2,376 tons) 0300, Rouen (French, 1,882 tons time not known but ship was in Dunkirk in the early hours of 3rd June), and Côte Argent (French 3,047 tons, time not known but ship landed troops at Dover on 3rd June.) 112
CHAP. XIII THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK British units soon Naval put officers an end and to this men : of meanwhile the beach it was effectively was dealt with by the with In the the British early stages in being the disorganised French troops and were when Commander language with Pier French being be Many made on perhaps properly consistently soldier the reports, for difficulty final H. the a unwilling led; lack R. night demoralising however, slower and Troup, of and :- sea the to it than sense, be bear seems who particular separated position British. tribute constituted resulted fitting system in from to to in the take the himself the discipline a embarkation remainder the last piermaster look of of at the his of them French French together at rendered the as seen Centre troops troops The by "I the would last like ship to left put about on record 0300 the [on wonderful 4th June]. discipline of the French troops when General About and 1,000 his men staff stood about to 30 attention feet four and deep about half way along the and heels, saluted and then turned about up their steel helmets, the officers clicked light, their the flames behind them showing whose faces were indiscernable in the dawn away ; after having faced the troops, pier, the came down to the boat with me and we left at 0320." The operation was at an end. 1 Commander Troup's Report, R.O. II, p.369. 128
| (Ty. Skipper H. E. Ward) Silver Dawn (Skipper S. A. White, R.N.R.) | 694 |
SIGNALS APPENDIX G 7. It is a matter of great importance that these ships should be got ready as. soon as possible. Brabant1 Bart 8. Twente Tilly Antje Hondsrug Brandaris Reiger Delta Lena Princess Juliana Borneo¹ Caribia Oranje Liberty Vrede Gorecht Bernina Fiducia' Rika Limburg' Patria Junior Bornrif Amstelroom Deneb Martha Express Mercurius¹ Aegiv Jutland 1704/22 F.3. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, C.-IN-C. NORE, C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, (R) F.O.I.C. London, F.O.I.C. Southampton, F.O.I.C. Portland Admiralty 1703/22 and 1704/22 to certain addressees only. The operation for which these ships are being prepared will be known as Dynamo. 1944/22 APPENDIX G SIGNALS RE LACK OF SMALL CRAFT Sunday, 26th May 1. ADMIRALTY to A/S CHATHAM, A/S PORTSMOUTH, (R) C.-IN-C. Nore, C.-in-C. Portsmouth, V.A. Dover Investigate and report how many cutters and whalers can be made available for immediate service under V.A. Dover. 2028/26 2. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Combrax Portsmouth, Commandant 1st D.C. Fort Cumberland 8 A.L.C's. with crews complete are available and will be embarked in S.S. Clan Macalister at Southampton a.m. 27th May. 2337/26 Monday, 27th May 3. (ADMIRALTY) D.S.V.P. to COMMODORE, SHEERNESS (R) C.-in-C. Nore V.A. Dover About 40 motor launches have been ordered to Sheerness of which 30 should arrive at daylight tomorrow Tuesday. The rest during the day. These will be manned on arrival at Sheerness Request you will inform V.A. Dover when boats are ready for service. 2035/27 Tuesday, 28th May Note: [At 0436. S.N.O. Dunkirk asked for all vessels to be sent alongside east pier.] 4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to S.N.O. DUNKIRK (R) Fighter Command Further destroyers and small craft are being sent now to Dunkirk. 0630/28 SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF SMALL CRAFT 5. N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla vessels Lord Cavan, Fidget, Jacketa, Silver Dawn and Fisher Buoy. Tug Java. Drifters Lord Collingwood, Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord St. Vincent. Motor boats New Britannic, Walker I, Walker II, Angler, Nayland, sailed Ramsgate for Dunkirk. 1550/28 I Was not available. 165
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK APPENDIX H Thursday, 30th May 7. S.N.O. AFLOAT to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER There is a serious shortage of ships and boats. I have no destroyers. 8. V.C.I.G.S. to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER 0039/30 since dark. There is still a great shortage are Beaches well organised. Troops in good of small heart. craft There which has been no bombing 9. REAR-ADMIRAL IN CHARGE BASE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Beaches are filling up rapidly. More ships and boats are an essential requirement. 0744/30 10. REAR-ADMIRAL IN CHARGE, BASE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Can beach as soon as possible. you send over 5 ships life boats with skeleton crews to work from 0916/30 Friday, 31st May 11. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Admiralty Urgent need for boats particularly power boats still paramount at La Panne and Bray. Presence of motor boats will be decisive in final evacuation. Request I be informed of action taken on this signal. 0045/31 12. Icarus to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Situation at Bray impossible. No power boats ?evacuation 10 an hour. At least 2,000 men still ashore. Troops being bombed and shelled. Dunkirk being bombed continually. If no power boats become available propose withdraw at dawn. 0047/31 13. COLONEL HUTCHISON, Impulsive, to ADMIRALTY (R) V.A. Dover Conditions ideal at present for embarkation but pulling cutters urgently required also more power boats. 0945/31 14. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) C.-in-C. Portsmouth, C.-in-C. Nore. War Office request maximum possible number of Carley floats and similar devices be left lying on beaches together with paddles after other craft have withdrawn. 1152/31 15. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Boats not yet arrived. Most available vessels are evacuating from Dunkirk. Minesweepers will not be here in time. I will do what I can. 1736/31 16. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER La Panne reports 6,000 troops to clear urgently and they lack boats and ships. 2130/31 Saturday, 1st June 17. Gossamer to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER. Troops arriving now. Send more boats. 0132/1 18. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Niger, Gossamer, Halcyon. Use own boats. Utmost despatch essential. 0204/1 Reply from Gossamer. 19. Your 0204. Hardly any boats available. 0226/1 170
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK APPENDIX L 5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY came into action this evening suspending on only remaining daylight Toute, Channels to Dunkirk now all under traffic fire of German batteries. namely X, maintaining heavy barrage 2329/1 2nd June 6. Venemous to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Dunkirk approach channel is under fire from the shore guns. 2110/2 3rd June 7. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to SHIPS & AUTHORITIES NORE & DOVER COMMANDS close to Southern channel buoys. Route X. From F.G. buoy steer 172 degrees for No. 3 W buoy and thence keep 1635/3 APPENDIX L SIGNALS RE REQUESTS FOR FIGHTER COVERS Monday, 27th May 1. B.N.L.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Pass to War Office from O.C. Dunkirk : Complete fighter protection over Dunkirk now essential if a serious disaster is to be avoided. 1655/27 2. AIR LIAISON DUNKIRK to FIGHTER COMMAND (R) Air Ministry Unless fighter protection is provided continually from dawn tomorrow result will be very serious. Embarkation on beach east of 892 [?] Dunkirk. 2350/27 Tuesday, 28th May 3. (C.A.S.) AIR MINISTRY to FIGHTER COMMAND, COASTAL COMMAND etc. Today is likely to be the most critical day ever experienced by the British Army. The extreme gravity of the situation should be explained to all units. I am con- fident that all ranks will appreciate that it is the duty of the R.A.F. to make their greatest effort today to assist their comrades of both the Army and Navy. 0125/28 1 Chief of the Air Staff. 4. B.N.L.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Continuous bombing and machine gunning on beaches. Only maximum air protection can alleviate situation at dawn. 0225/28 5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to COASTAL COMMAND, FIGHTER COMMAND, (R) 16 Group, 11 Group, Dover Forces, Admiralty, Air Ministry Request maximum fighter protection throughout today 28th as follows : line Fighter North Command, Dunkirk and adjacent beaches. to Skuas Nord from and Detling are patrolling Suggest Coastal Command patrol line Ostend Sandettie Bank. Goodwin to Nieuport from 0800 to 1300. 0855/28 174
APPENDIX R THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK APPENDIX R SIGNALS RE EVACUATION ON 1st JUNE AND NIGHT OF 1st-2nd JUNE Saturday, 1st June 1. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER Dunkirk road. Parachute mines are being dropped all over west of Bray. Request sweep of 0047/1 2. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Admiralty dangerous area westward. reason, and mining, consider any beach work Yesterday ships off Bray For were this under fire. Today's shorter front will bring too costly and evacuation must be confined to Dunkirk. Small craft will be moved westward at dawn. 0235/1 3. VICE-ADMIRAL, Sharpshooter DOVER to REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Halcyon, Skipjack, Speedwell, Troops from La Panne now marching towards Dunkirk. Act accordingly. 0306/1 4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER We must take full advantage of low visibility to use beaches. Keep me informed on this point. 0630/1 5. VICE-ADMIRAL, Dunkirk DOVER to GENERAL ALEXANDER, DUNKIRK (R) R.A. Dover, S.N.O. On the likely assumption that complete evacuation will be ordered tonight the problem beach. of transport makes it essential to use both sides of harbour, pier and eastern I am planning on these lines and for evacuation to start at 2200/1. 0951/1 (as amended by 1044/1) 6. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS All destroyers are to return to harbour forthwith. 1345/1 7. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to C.-IN-C. NORE, N.O.I.C. HARWICH, COMMODORE in CHARGE, SHEERNESS, N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE, 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th M/S Flotillas All available ships operating under V.A. Dover of the minesweeping flotillas addressed, are required to assist in evacuation tonight Saturday. Ships to sail to arrive off the beach between Dunkirk and a point 11 miles east, at 2200/1. Ships which have not D.G. equipment are not to sail. Ships report forth- with whether they can comply. 1510/1 8. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to GENERAL ALEXANDER, S.N.O. DUNKIRK. C.-IN-C. NORTHERN NAVAL FORCES (R) Admiralty Evacuation will take place tonight Saturday from (A) Beach betwween Dunkirk and 11 miles to the eastward, between 2100/1 and 0300/2, for 9,000 men. (B) East Pier, between 2100/1 and 0330/2, for 7,000 men. (C) East side inside harbour, between 2200/1 and 0300/2, for 1,000 men. 182
INDEX Royal Air Command, 64, 83-4, 4, 88 (evacuated (fired from France), 17, 20, 30, (attacks 38 all that was asked of them, concentrated 123. at dawn and dusk): 100, (patrols Stren batteries) ; 99 (patrols on by own ships), 89, 93, 99 Royal Daffodil, 20, 25, 100-1. 29, 54n, 62, 102, 110 (damaged). 110-111, 115; did Royal Royal Sovereign, 29n, 54n, 64n, 107n, 108-9, 114n, 115, 117. Eagle, 42, 81, 95 (sunk). Royally,114n, Sabre, 23, 27, 44, 47n, 49 (takes across with beach parties), 53, 54n, 55, 62n, 64 (damaged), 86, 97, 101, 107, 114n, 118 (crosses compass damaged). St. Abbs, 71n, 90 (sunk). Achilleus, sunk, 93. St. St. Andrew, Shelled, 18: bombed, 20 ; last trip, 87. Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes, 107n. St. Clears, 32, 46. St. David, damaged, 38, 95. Ste. Denise Louise, 107n. St. Fagan, 71n, 88 (sunk). St. Helier, 20, 25, 64n, 94, 98-9, 108-9. Ste. Isabelle, 74. St. Julien, shelled, 17 bombed, 20, 43; crew supplemented, 48n; last trip, 87. St. Olaves, 107n. St. Patrick, 75n. St. Seiriol, 22, 24, 29, 43, 48 (damaged). Saladin, 44-5 (damaged). Salamander, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (damaged), 89-90. Saltash, 91-2. Sambre, 60. Sandown, 23n, 27, 31, 42, 105 (forbidden to sail). Santosy, lost, 117. Saon, 34n, 110. Sargasso, 60n, 107n, 108. Sark, 60. Saturn, 114n, 118. S.C.6 (French), 107n. Sceneshifter, rushed and sunk by French troops, 53. Schuyts. see skoots. Scimitar, 20n, 28n, 54n, 55, 62n, 91. Scotia, 29n, 54n, 83 (in collision), 92 (sunk), 118 (record lift). Scottish Co-operator, 60. Sea Falcon, 75n. Seaplane Tender 243, 71n, 75n, 110 (sunk). Seaplane Tender 254, 71n. Seaplane Tender 276, 71n, 110. Seaplane Tender 291, 71n, 75 (damaged). Seasalter, 60. Sea Transport Officials, serve in personnel ships, 48; in Dynamo Room, 74. Secrecy, effect on supply of small craft, 15. Seine, 31n, 60, 102. Sequacity, 19, 28. Seriola, 71n. Shamrock, lost, 53. Sharpshooter, 28n, 54n, 97. Shearwater, 34, 88, 99. Sheldvake, 34, 37n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 93. Shell fire (German) : causes serious interruption to shipping, 19; Route Y under fire, 48; La Panne beach shelled, 60, 76; interrupts sailings of personal ships, 70; danger of, magnified at Dover, 98. Sherfield, 72n, 90. Shelland, 60. Shikari, 20n, 28n, 47n, 54n, 55, 97, 102, 107, 114n, 119-20 (in Operation CK), 127. Shipmates, 23n. Signalling, see Communications. Silver Dawn, 32n, 51n. 205
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 334 83. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
3 Armed to the teeth we now both clambered ashore and found the quay piled high with equipment of every description. Rifles, Bren guns, petrol, bicycles, ammunition, kitbags, coats, belts, gas masks, in fact every conceivable variety of gear. Aircraft were flying low over us and we felt no inclination to delay and examine some of the stuff. Alongside the same quay & nearer the town was the transport H.M.S. King Orry, whom we hailed. The O.O.W. was helpful and told us that the quay was broken in a second place shoreward of him and he believed there were no officers to be seen there. On the strengthlof that I de- cided to remain alongside where we were until the first streak of dawn when one ship would move further up if possible & I would make another attempt to see Capt. T. The time was now about 2 a.m. Soon after we returned aboard there was some shouting up the quay and King Orry who had been badly damaged by near-misses proceeded astern & disappeared out through the harbour entrance. She was one of the Isle of Man packets in peace time. Things now were a little quieter and in preparation for an arduous day I decided to take a short rest. Hardly had I sat down and put my feet on the wardroom table, hopefully closing my eyes, when I was awa- kened - or rather disturbed - by the announcement that people could by heard calling for help, apparently just off the harbour mouth. Both ships immediately slipped & sailed in the direction from which the shouts came, and as they got louded we could faintly discern part of. the funnel & foremast of King Orry. Both ships launched their boats & together rescued 14 of her crew including the Captain, who despite his awful experiences & having been the last man to get aboard the boat, stepped aboard the Lord Grey with a cheery "Good evening, thanks. Drenched in oil & shivering with cold the survivors were suffering from shock, & we dosed them all with rum & changed their clothes for s/o/ 8/10 1156 211 6/4
4 kets etc. The first streak of dawn was now appearing and a Destroyer who had also picked up some of King Orry's crew was dodging off the Har- bour. Lord Grey hailed her & asked her to take those we had picked up. She was the Vivacious and hove to while we transferred the survivors. The Captain asked if we could go in & fetch troops off for him as he wan- ted to fill up & be off as soon as possible. I explained to him as pol- itely as I could that we were here for minesweeping, and there were other ships engaged on ferrying. However as I was going back to the Harbour I would report & do my best. He was not impressed - and I didn't blame him- with my reference to minesweepingm I was frankly gravely worried as the actual gear streaming 500 yards astern of the ships with everybody, Des- troyers, schoots, M.T.B.s, rowing-boats & paddle steamers dashing about at full speed, would have presented a serious hazard to the hard job in hand. Besides, in a mined area the gear is far more dangerous to a de- gaussed ship than a mine. We then proceeded back to harbour intent on finding Capt. Tennant, & went as far along the Eastern mole as we could, dodging the various wrecks. As soon as we were fast again I got ashore & started walking down the quay against a steady stream of Tommies and a few officers. At last I reached the end of the quay where a number of naval Officers sat. Their uniforms were covered in dust and they all looked extremely tired. They were quite indifferent to the proximity of bombs and the itermittent spatter of ma- chine fun bulletsm an indifference which I did my best to share, though I am certain I failed to disguise my nervous & profound anxiety. The senior officer was a Commander and to his silent enquiry I replied: "Unit offi- cer of Lord Grey & Clythness to report to Capt. Turner, Sir." "What have you come for?" Here we were, having come over minefields & through a reg- ular deluge of bombs, and our arrival was apparently of no consequence! Capt. Tennant it appeared was not available. s/o/ 8/10 7,186 6/4
Ised OF 90 08 Dunkirk Operations People Sex abrabba EN may 1940 OF hote of movements by B. A. Smith Durn masher M.C.Countant hymph" IRX hittle ship Club of bad OZEN ever boat 00.10, was 27th May 1940, Admiralty rang up to EAT Homey nam are to answer this a subject call! of good habits I did not have to get notice. up Not being ready for sea, and arranged for four confirm hours' that my BLONDS BIT and Having as already put a few things in a bag I went go to Isleworth the 08.45, Admiralty rang up again and asked me to to boat. STATE ITE It soon as possible and arrived there between 10.00 and 11.00. my own permit only carried to Middle Blythe Buoy, and was obvious that some form of permit would be required as Boathouse that a Naval Officer was expected who would issue instructions were to take the boat to Sheerness, I found my at the the permits and was requisitioning other boats in the same yard. When the Officer arrived he did not seem to think there was but any tremendous hurry and wanted the boats to go down together, 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 he was home early and put such a jerk into things that he be able to help me work the boat down to Sheerness. Luckily sure he would want to be in on this game and might at least before 19.30, and we started at 20.00 without waiting for the got his things together and arrived from Tulse Hill to Isleworth other boabs. the south side until daylight as we should not be allowed to on at Tilbury, who examined our permit and told us to anchor Soon after midnight we were pulled in by the Naval Control enter Sheerness during darkness. By the time we had found and we had no riding light, so decided that It was not worth suitable anchorage it was already about on the 28th May, a while either of us going to sleep as one would have to keep anchor watch and dawn would be early. slowly to Sheerness and after a little chasing around there As it was quite light by03.00 we raised weighed anchor and proceeded found the basin where the motor yachts were to collect, reported the gates. Other boats from Isleworth were nearly all present by our arrival and went to breakfast at an Hotel near the dockyard could sign on for one month but did not then know for what time we got back from breakfast. We were informed that we 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 was the only one in charge of its owner so far as I know, and at that time we had rather got the point of view that there was 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 no opportunity of making arrangements with employers, etc. so that few of them felt able to sign on for a month and went back to town very regretfully by train. The opportunity of playing boats for a month with the Navy seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had been able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bit, but there was some difficulty in getting signed on and I toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing numerous people until late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a pretty accurate idea what the job was and was quite determined not to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself,who was supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor boats at the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to him that I
0507 -4- reported cutter to whaler, and took them all back to the up the I and took him aboard, went back and picked full further the Captain of Jutland that the ship, to the was my leading mark as the British big fire just in-shore up the beach and that I was going there, British a were and the east of this. From then on we worked to this were point just British; Jutland was filled roughly half and half British the French came down the beach and mingled with and French. After we had been going to this point for about three or four trips, a German bomber most inconsiderately dropped the a. large bomb on our large fire and blew it out like a candle, this did not matter very much then as I had other leading marks and the mass of troops had increased so that they were quite visible on the beach. have By about03.00, 31st May, Jutland was full and she sailed paffer at once to avoid the dawn bombing, Jerry was trying to bomb the ships as they left loaded and thus get the ships and the way. men, but his efforts throughout the 10 - 11 hours that I was working on the beach were very poorly rewarded. Jerry also had some big guns for which aeroplanes were spotting, and they dropped verey lights over the ships, but here again Jerry wasted ammunition without hitting anything that I saw. One of the crumps came as a nasty shock as the at least two bombs explosion actually stopped my boat for a split second, and I shook the boat, but thought I had grounded as she quivered all over but in the none stopped it. next moment she went on again and the noise of the crump followed the air push so that I knew it was nothing serious. On Jutland leaving about03.00 on the 31st May I turned over handania was with the cutter and whaler to Laudania and by aboutos. she filled about 3/4 this time I had used up all my deck cargo of petrol and the too was full, making a total of about 900 men brought off. By Birtish +1/4 Trouch engine wanted more oil and the grease cups refilled, also there was a certain amount of rotten rope round the propeller german shaft, this I had not been able to cut in time. My two crew were both stoker ratings of four months' service in the Navy only and being stokers were not issued with clasp knives, on my stern-man shouting to me that an odd rope was getting round our propeller, I had to leave the wheel and cut it with my own sheadknife, if he had had a clasp knife he could have done it in time, I was a moment too late. The cutter had gone aground under a stranded lighter on the windward side of same, a N.W.wind having got up a bit in the morning, and as I could not get near enough to get the cutter aff and the crew, also their young sailors, did not, how to get off, I resoued the crew and brought them off to Laudania Engine had been in accordance with the Captain's instructions. My boat only stalling, probably just managed to gedouside Laudania with the last whaler load due to cope, relf. that she could take and the Captain ordered me off with my starter now refused crew and the crew of the whaler, the crew of the cutter being service. already on board, and turned over my boat and the whaler to a Naval drifter which was said to have petrol and mechanics on board so that they could be of use further. The whole of us who had been on the beach work then had our first stand-bysy since 21.30 the day before and my crew and myself had not had anything to eat since 17.30 the day before and nothing to drink since 15.30, and had been continuously employed, as had the two Naval ratings who remained on each of the naval rowing boats during the tow across. Jerry started his usual effort when the ship left at 08.30 to09.00 on the 31st, but with no results, and plenty of hot tea and bread and butter and jam and a chance to light a pipe had made me perfectly indifferent to anything Jerry did.
9 No damage was done, but we gazed up the side of a seemingly endless estroyer, reaching quzxfxz 10 or 15 fifteen feet above us, and saw vaguely the figures of ratings rather helplessly waving collision mats. We went up to the side of the pier, and ran our ladders alongside, taking off some 150 or 200 French soldiers. Our own particular job, however, was limited to tending the two warps of our motor yacht, to prevent them fouling the tug's propellers. We were only beside the pier two or three minutes, and then turned round and made for home at full speed. Unfor- žunez tunately, it was not possible to tow the motor yacht at this pace, and she was finally cut adrist, carrying with her, amongst other things, my best black hat and umbrella, and office suit. Just at dawn there was a sudden scare when an aeroplane was sighted. The the Lewis guns from our own, and two other, vessels were immediately brought to bear on her, and as tracer bullets were being used it was easy to see the cone of fire all I concentrated on the one target. As a scuttered for cover, I felt a patter of metal on to my back, and thought for a second that my last hour was come, until I realised that it was the empties falling onto me from one of the guns. After firing for only a few seconds, the aeroplane crashed into the sea astern, and we continued on our way unmolested. Much of the return journey I spent drinking tea in the galley (a broiling hell, whose presiding demon was a small and helpful boy of about 14) and sleeping in the forecastle of the tug, whose crew was most kind to us. We the a machine in gun and of ammunition ease on at with 4 us, quay 2.30 p.m. the other under p.m. to strain the yachts.35 of Tug of "SUN Three p.m. tow ropes. gun broke to other to Engines proceed be towed and yachts Slight running they tow ropes of under two own the yachts Arrived in off 1 1 swell. were at 11.30 told p.m. Mole, to off from Tug. for to on about take board troops Frenchmen. 2 board. past Could find the the no
ommanding Officer of H.M.Y "Christabel" II. ne 2nd 1940. Extended Defence Officer, Admiralty House, Sheerness. arrative of Events from first signal to arriving at Sheerness. Sir, I beg to submit the following report:- On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Calatea," I proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Calatea, "Amalree," and "Glala," I was handed your letter by "Glala," instructing me to take these yachts to the North Goodwin light vessel, there to close the examination vessel for further instructions. We proceeded in line ahead led by "Xaleta," as Sub- Lieut, Dunning knew the channel, owing to non-appearance of examination vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the night, at 04.00 I ordegered my engines to be started and to go and see if I could find the examination vessel, as it was now dawn, at 05.00 my engineman reported a defect, I gave orders for remainder of yachts to close examination vessel at 06.00 and proceed according to instructions they received. We ven eventually got one engine running, and I decided to proceed to Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the examination vessel. Just before arriving at Ramsgate at I0.00 my engineman reported that he had the Port engine running, I anchored off Ramsgate pier and immediately pro- ceeded ashore in ship's dinghy for my routing instructions. These I was given without any delay, and at I0.15 we were under way for Dunkirk. When in position approximately 5I-I2' N. 2-28'E, we were attacked by a Junkers 87 and machine gunned, his burst of fire fell all round the ship, I gave orders to my gun layer not to open fire on him until he was well within range, as I did not think he would be able to see our Lewis gun at his height, immediately we opened fire he sheered off. f V I anchored off the Casino at Dunkirk at 15.30, as I saw a lot of troops 1 waiting to be embarked, I went off in the ship's dinghy to see how I could the get some of these troops on board, there was too much surf running to land, I was also informed that these troops were French and would crowd the boat no so much, that she would be swamped, I learnt that a prty of about & 50 We British troops would arrive at about 17.00 at that part of the beach, I returned to the ship and decided to cruise about to see if I could find a The boat of some description to embark these men, I went as far as La Panne and was there spoken by a sloop who asked me to take his boat and try and on ier get troops off to him from that part of the beach, we were being contin- ually shelled and bombed, at about this time a salvo of bombs fell across I s] our stern, the last bomb falling about 30ft away, the only effect was to infa drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aero- whic plane which was a heavy bomber type Sornier I7. We registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his starboard engine burst into flames, and he crashed into the sea, as other ships were also firing I cannot claim this S.V. aeroplane definitely. to get more manner in which he engaged the a machine gun and ammunition on board. outside ready to sail at 2.30 p.m. Orders came to on masts all and putting on quay and fixing machine gun deck - make fast in company with other yachts. Three other towed across harbour at 4 p.m. to the Tug "SUN XV" to proceed be swell. to ease the strain of the tow ropes. running at half-speed astern of us, under way 6.35 p.m. Engines yachts were told The tow ropes of two of the yachts broke and Slight at 11.30 to proceed on under own power. Arrived off they past the p.m. and cast off from Tug. Proceeded into Dunkir Dunkin Could alongside the quay and proceeded to take troops on board. Mole, and up the Canal for about 2 miles. Moored find no Englishmen so took on board 40 Frenchmen.
of STREET DEPARTMENT Linex gone OACI THE HOUSEY 190 3 SUIT is sald Streets STATES 2. ate Jindua had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I steamed back at TO sible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortu- te you finding a whaler adrift which we managed to pick up with our dinghy 2018 of immediately zsent these two boats ashore, and started to embark troops THERE DIS YOUR move sad t approximately 17.50 this was very difficult as the beach is very flat and there was a surf running, and as soon as a few men got into the whaler, Todays STATE TS WD STOUB & she grounded, two of my crew with the assistance of some of the troops, by wading up to their armpits managed to get her afloat in deep enough water ox THE DEW THON To ASSTD to float with I6 mem and two of my crew on board and also four men and two of my crew in the dinghy, the la whaler was got alongside after a great struggle as there were only three oars in it, as soon as these men were got Bluer on board I sent the whaler and dinghy ashore for another load, the dinghy of arrived back with I Officer and four soldiers, getting her off the beach TOP earl she capsized in the surf, but fortunately she was righted, as these men in they were being got on board we were heavily bombed, so I stood out to sea to wait for a lull, one bomber sighted us and followed us out bombing us, but 107 DEOGBOST THE they fell very wide of the mark, aa soon as I deemed it advisable I steamed THE back to the beach, I saw the whaler heading out to us, they had a great difficulty in getting off and could only bring nine men off, as it was now BIAGU FUE STEPORT KORE SIGNATURE STUD 21.15 and the bombing had restarted I thought it advisable to get under way. I had been afraid to stop engines all day as I knew it would be almost im- possible to re-start as our air compressor engine had given out, one engine actually stopped, but was got going again after a short while. I had the whaler cast adrift as I knew it would drift ashore and some more men would 7 be able to get off to the ships that were waiting to take th m off, my only regret was being unable to embark the remaining I4 men from this party. standary STA8 USIVE I got under way at 21,45 with my own dinghy in tow as I did not want to Y waste time getting her hoisted, as soon as were clear of the bombing out- 2 in side Dunkirk roads I stopped the ship and hoisted the dinghy which was by now almost full of water. I When in position approximately 5I-15 N. I-55'E at 23.00 a bomber flew very low over us. I did not open fire as I did not want to give away our posi- tion, soon after this, I reduced speed so as not to close the North Goodwin light vessel much before dawn. I did not wish to anchor as my windlass would not work, also I had to keep the engines running, at 04.30 I got away from the North Goodwin light vessel and proceeded yr the Nore and closed V.B.IO to report to Sheerness, just about this time mya engineman reported the-oil that he would have to stop the Starboard engine as it had water in the oil and he was afraid it would seize up, also that the Port engine was not running too well. We tied up in Sheerness at 08.25. The whole of my crew behaved in an exemplary manner, they were continually on duty during the whole period, gave over their accomodation to the sold- iers, and fitted them out in dry clothes and did what they could for them. I should like to mention specially O.S. John Philip Charles Mead, for his unfailing help during the whole time and the cool and efficient may in which he emabr- ambarked the troops. S.V.G.L. Cyril George Dunley for the cool manner in which he engaged the to a machine get and more gun putting and ammunition on quay and on fixing board. Orders machine came gun to proceed on deck towed - masts all ready harbour to sail at at 4 2.30 p.m. p.m. to yachts. the Tug "SUN Three XV" other to be yachts outside across fast in company astern of with us, other under strain way of 6.35 the p.m. tow ropes. Engines and Slight running they make at swell. half-speed The tow to ease ropes on the of under two of own the power. yachts Proceeded Arrived broke into off Dunkir Dunkiy were at 11.30 told the p.m. Mole, to proceed and and cast up the off proceeded Canal from Tug. for to about take troops 2 miles. on board. Moored past alongside Could find the no Englishmen quay and so took on board 40 Frenchmen.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, CAB 103 191. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 2. IST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940. PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued) MINESWEEPING CRAFT. ALCHARIA JEANNIE MACINTOSH REARD ARLEY JOHN AND NORA RELONZO BOTANIC JOHN CATTLING RENASCENT BROCK LORD BARHAM RESTRIVO CALVI LORD CAVAN REWGA CLYTHNESS LORD COLLINGWOOD RIG CHICO (E.S.) LORD GREY SARAH HYDE COMFORT LORD HOOD SARGASSO CONIDAW LORD INCHCAPE SATURN DORIENTA LORD KEITH SILVER DAWN FEASIBLE LORD MELCHETT STARLIGHT RAYS FIDGET LORD RODNEY STELLA RIGEL FISHER BOY LORD ST. VINCENT STRATHELLIOTT FYLDEA MARE STRIVE GENIUS MARETTA SWIFT WING GULA NAUTILUS TARANSAY GULZAR OLIVAE THOMAS BARTLETT INVERFORTH OUR BAIRNS THOMSONS JACKETA OVERFALLS THREE KINGS JACKEVE POLLY JOHNSON TWEENWAYS UNICITY A/S TRAWLERS. ARGYLLSHIRE KINGSTON ANDALUSITE SPURS BLACKBURN ROVERS KINGSTON OLIVINE STELLA DORADO CAPE ARGONA LADY PHILOMENA THURINGIA CAYTON WYKE OLVINA TOPAZE GRIMSBY TOWN ST. ACHILLEUS WESTELLA KINGSTON ALALITE SAON WOLVES THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS. # CRESTED EAGLE GOLDEN EAGLE ROYAL EAGLE M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC. D.C. MOTOR-BOAT M. A/S. B. 10 M.T.B. 68 ( ex "EXCELLENT") M.T.B. 16 M.L. 100 M.A/S.B.6 M.T.B. 22 M.T.B. 102 M.A/S.B. 7 M.T.B. 67 M.T.B. 107 DOVER FLARE-BURNING DRIFTERS BOY ROY GOLDEN GIFT PAXTON EILEEN EMMA GOLDEN SUNBEAM SHIPMATES FORECAST LORD HOWARD THE BOYS GERVAIS RENTOUL LORD HOWE TORBAY II GIRL GLADYS MIDAS UT PROSIM GIRL PAMELA NETSUKIS YORKSHIRE LASS YOUNG MUN Sunk. (Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36 Pt 2. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
YORK AGE text e-row NOS ASSOTE 1898 OFFICE & the GREAT AGIS in gaire - 3 - SLB were Y Before the boats left I arranged with Commander A.L. Sanders Naval Officer in 70 Lowestoft for an advance of £200 to me so that some cash payments could be to these fishermen suddenly taken out of their daily earnings. The money ha accounted for in detail on the appropriate naval account form and the in view maistry of Shipping has been advised of the advances. I am informed tonight that ne Sea Transport Department is sending out a circular letter to all concerned so that they can make claims for their services. Wilth the loss of only one boat and a few small damages the operation can be considered to have been a great success so far as boats were concerned which came from north of Lowestoft. This is attributéd to the ceaseless work put in by Mr. Graham, Mr. Jay and Mr. Macmillan; work involving all night attendance at the office on May 31/June 1st as it was originally intended the little ships should sail at dawn June 1st. The fishermen's only regret is that they were not called on earlier so their long experience of working boats to an inch on flat beaches could have been better utilised. I would like official thanks to be sent to Major Hannam of the Salvation Army Hostel, who on my appeal at once found beds and fed some thirty fishermen making them most comfortable. The a ced as am onl Dey (805) 00 Hormoes exp
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
Uson I took him aboard, went back and picked up the full cutter and whaler, and took them all back to the ship, reported to the Captain of Jutland that the British were further up the beach and that I was going there, a big fire just in-shore was my leading mark as the British were just to the east of this. From then on we worked to this point and the French came down the beach and mingled with the British; Jutland was filled roughly half and half British and French. 39. After we had been going to this point for about three or four trips, a German bomber most inconsiderately dropped a large bomb on our large fire and blew it out like a candle, this did not matter very much then as I had other leading marks and the mass of troops had increased so that they were quite visible on the beach. By about03.00, 31st May, Jutland was full and she sailed at once to avoid the dawn bombing, Jerry was trying to bomb the ships as they left loaded and thus get the ships and the men, but his efforts throughout the 10 - 11 hours that I was working on the beach were very poorly rewarded. Jerry also had some big guns for which aeroplanes were spotting, and they dropped verey lights over the ships, but here again Jerry wasted ammunition without hitting anything that I saw. One of the crumps came as a nasty shock as the at least two bombs explosion actually stopped my boat for a split second, and I shook the boatbut thought I had grounded as she quivered all over but in the none stopped it. next moment she went on again and the noise of the crump followed the air push so that I know it was nothing serious. On Jutland leaving about03.00 on the 31st May I turned over with the cutter and whaler to Laudania and by about08. she handania wasfolled too was full, making a total of about 900 men brought off. By about 3/4 British this time I had used up all my deck cargo of petrol and the engine wanted more oil and the grease cups refilled, also +1/4 Tranch there was a certain amount of rotten rope round the propeller shaft, this I had not been able to cut in time. My two crew were both stoker ratings of four months' service in the Navy only and being stokers were not issued with clasp knives, on my stern-man shouting to me that an odd rope was getting round our propeller, I had to leave the wheel and out it with my own sheadknife, if he had had a clasp knife he could have done it in time, I was a moment too late. The cutter had gone aground under a stranded lighter on the windward side of same, a W.wind having got up a bit in the morning, and as I could not get near enough to get the cutter Off and the crew, also their young sailors, did not% how to get off, I rescued the crew and brought them off to Laudania had probably Engine due to sope, been statting in accordance with the Captain's instructions. My boat only just managed to Laudania with the last whaler load that she could take and the Captain ordered me off with my self starter now crew and the crew of the whaler, the crew of the outter being refused service already on board, and turned over my boat and the whaler to & Naval drifter which was said to have petrol and mechanies on board so that they could be of use further. The whole of us who had been on the beach work then had our first stand-bysy since 21.30 the day before and my crew and myself had not had anything to eat since 17.30 the day before and nothing to drink since 15.30, and had been continuously employed, as had the two Naval ratings who remained on each of the naval rowing boats during the tow across. Jerry started his usual effort when the ship left at 08.30 to09.00 on the S1st, but with no results and plenty of hot tea and bread and butter and Jam and a chance to light a pipe had made me perfectly indifferent to anything Jerry did.
125 of shipping. We chugged steadily through the night. About three oclock in the morning- still on the wheel and in my wet clothes- my eyes got a bit shaky through looking down into the compass bowl all the time ( the compass I had was a grid steering compass and I didn't know a darned thing about it except that it had eight points on it- North, North east, East, South east, South, South west, West and Northwest). However, I felt confident that I should roach Dover, for I knew the geography of the coast- SO I asked a soldier to take the wheel whilst I looked out into the night to give my eyes a rest. I had been looking round for about five minutes when something seemed to tell me that we were not going in the right direction, SO I immediately goes down and has a look at the compass- to find that we were steaming due EAST- back to Dunkirk again! Well, I couldn't blame the soldier. He was half asleep anyway, and seamanship is not his job after all, SO I took over the wheel Just after dawn I struck Dover dead centre and then followed the coast up to Ramsgate arriving thero at eleven and put the soldiers ashore on the pier. lty Straight away I took the boat to be filled up ce again with petrol, water and provisions, and got an engineer to fix up the engines- they were covered with sand. Then I C. was ready for another trip. I first went ashore to report my Sea- safe arrival and was told to get into some dry clothes. 1. They rigged me out with civilian clothes and after a hot bath I felt brand new again. I did two more trips over there, ferrying the troops from the beach to the big ships, then filling my own
165 Tuesday June I940 a police message arrived asking me to ring Commander Bowles Southend Naval Control. 16/5 Several questions were asked as to condition of Motor Vessel "Shamrock". She was in perfect condition and Fuel Tanks full, having just been passed by the Ministry of Shipping for the carrying of passengers on short trips from Canvey beach. Can you make the South Downs he asked, where is that Sir I replied, just off Deal and Dover. I agreed to try, and upon instructions proceeded to take on board 30 Gallons Fuel in 5 Gallons containers, sufficient food and water for four days, and discard the Buoyant apparatus which are always carried. Roy Brown aged I8 of Canvey Island answered my request by turning up at dawn with food and kit, we left with Donald my 29/- youngest son to see us off. On reaching Southend Naval Control we were informed the journey was to Dunkirk and a further IO Gallons of petrol was provided. Roy Brown at this stage was given an opportunity to stay behind but he declined and expressed his desire to accompany me. A requisition note was handed to me also a Special Route for Small Craft Thames to Dunkirk. reading:- you are to proceed at your utmost speed direct to the beaches eastward of Dunkirk, and course etc; before leaving I regret to note with displeasure four Skippers of upper Thames passenger Vessels said No when asked if they could make Dunkirk, although their bunkers were full and a heap of Fuel on deck they were immediately ordered to take their Vessels with the letter "M" on their funnels to Sheerness presumably to be taken over by Naval Units. Our four little crafts set off in Convoy, The Princess Maud Manned by Naval Ratings, The Canvey Queen by I Naval Rating and I Civillian, The Queen of England by 3 Civilians, The Shamrock by myself and Roy Brown, when off Shoeburyness the Canvey Queen received Engine trouble and we took her in fow almost to Mangate when she was able to proceed under her own power and remain SO. It was about 6 miles off Margate we sighted a British Fighter Aircraft about 50 feet above the water making a desperate bid to reach our shores, smoke pouring from its Engine as it wobbled and whizzed by us, we could only look and wish him silently a happy landing. The Maud called me alongside she was taking water rather badly and borrowed and kept my Bilge Pump she also seemed to have difficulty in keeping his proper course in spite of having both the Canvey Queen's Compass and my own on board. la runna Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops, and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide. Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being
(3) (67 Bombs were falling rather thick and heavy making Vivid reen flashes and showers of sparks which must be seen to be elieved. Our search for the other two convoy mates continued, we found the Canvey Queen only and took her in tow, her engine had stopped. I came close to a burning troop ship and dropped Anchor thinking the bonbers would not trouble to bomb her again, I was right but the continuous explosions on board made rather an uncomfortable shelter. Dawn soon came we stared and stared at what looked like thousands of sticks on the beach and were amazed to see them turn into moving masses of humanity. I thought quickly of going in picking up 70 to 80 and clearing off, with the sun behind me I calculated I should find some East Coast town. We got our freight so did the Canvey Queen when I realised it would be selfish to clear off when several destroyers and large vessels were waiting in deep water to be fed by small craft, so I decided what our job was to be. We could seat 60 men and with those standing we had about 80 weary and starving British Troops some without boots some only in their pants but enough life left in them to clamber on board the Destroyers with the kind hand of every available seaman. Again and again we brought our cargo to this ship until she was full, the Canvey Queen and the Maud were doing likewise. The Destroyers moved off whilst we were still made fast and we were carried to a very awkward position under her stern and saved from anything more serious by the quick work of an A.B. who set us adrift. By this time I was numb to anything else that was taking place, Aeroplanes, Guns, and flames it was not bravery but just a will to snatch those boys away from the hell which might overtake them at any time. Our next Load nearly all north county lads had an officer a captain I believe, who demanded that his men be taken to a Destroyer and not a Troopship as I had been ordered. I regret having to tell him to shut up but having done so the whole crowd were silent and well behaved and were put aboard the Troopship. Navigation was extreemly difficult owing to the various wreckage upturned boats floating Torpedos and soldiers in the water trying to be sailors for the first time, they paddled their collapsable little boats out to me with the Butts of thrir rifles and many shouted that they were sinking, we could not help them, I was in shore as close as I dare, stop shouting and save your breath and bail out with your steel helmets was the only command suitable for the occasion scores offered me cash and personal belongings which I refused saying my name is Barrell Canvey Island send me a poatcard La runna Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troop WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide. Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being
his GERBERA H.O. -2- 194 After rail stanchion smashed down by cable. Doctor Brydon a brick through all this, as he stuck to wheel carrying out my instructions, whilst I helped Westwood and Gabriel to get fresh lines back to "Idaho". Cable parted and took capstan with it. Almost lost her altogether; managed to get another line back to him. Beachy Head very close now, about 1 mile away. Time 9.45 p.m. signalling us from Beachy Head, but cannot read it, too fast. Rounded Beachy Head and Patrol Boat F. came out, asked whether I needed assistance. I asked him if he could take "Idaho" off me. He agreed and told me to follow closely as area was mined. Managed to get alongside Patrol boat to pass tow over. Port Boat davits badly bent and part rail and stanchions smashed when rolling heavily alongside Patrol Boat. "Idaho" in tow of Patrol Boat, and we following, much easier now. Dark, small stern light shown from F. and "Idaho". Followed over a very much changing course until lights were entinguished, word being passed back that enemy planes were overhead. Very difficult to hold Patrol boat now as I could only see him against an occasional search light glare. 3.6.40 About 2.a.m. Patrol boat slipped "Idaho" and told him to anchor and not to move. I drew abreast and tried to drop anchor. It would not run SO had to pull 15 fthm out of locker, and cut lashing to let it run. Anchor did not bite, so had to come back to position again, and pull up another 15 fthm, cut lashing and let it go. Anchor held this time and so shut off engines. Doctor and Westwood turned in, and Gabriel and I searched "Warrior" for any possible leaks. No leaks anywhere, so turned in as dawn was breaking. Woke about 6.30 a.m. 3.6.1940 Had breakfast. Fresh patrol boat came out and took "Idaho" in tow. We had to heave anchor up by hand. Got it up and followed inshore. Waited outside Newhaven some time and tug came out and took "Idaho" in. I followed and we berthed 12 noon. Rang Mr. Vernon to report and set to stripping anchor winch. Found winch had three inches of water in it, and armature was half submerged. Dismantled motor cleaned and dried and re-assembled. Ran quite O.K. Re-assembled winch and tested -perfect. Mr. Vernon hadarrived and told me to carry on. Made arrangements with naval officer to leave early next morning and received sailing orders. Turned in 12 p.m. 4.6.1940 Newhaven Harbour. Left berth 5 a.m. and had to wait at harbour entrance for boom to be lowered at 7 a.m. Cleared pierhead 7.10 a.m. N.87 W to Rottingdean 7.35 a.m. Off Rottingdean turned to S.S.W. after taking on Petrol au About 10.30 a.m. an we arrived at Southend Pier and 29/5 were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were -1-
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 2. LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940. PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued) MINESWEEPING CRAFT. ALCMARIA JEANNIE MACINTOSH RECERD ARLEY JOHN AND NORA RELONZO BOTANIC JOHN CATTLING RENASCENT BROCK LORD BARHAM RESTRIVO # CALVI LORD CAVAN REWGA CLYTHNESS LORD COLLINGWOOD RIG CHICO (E.S.) LORD GREY SARAH HYDE / COMFORT LORD HOOD SARGASSO CONIDAW LORD INCHCAPE SATURN DORIENTA LORD KEITH SILVER DAWN FEASIBLE LORD MELCHETT STARLIGHT RAYS FIDGET LORD RODNEY STELLA RIGEL FISHER BOY LORD ST. VINCENT STRATHELLIOTT FYLDEA MARE STRIVE GENIUS MARETTA SWIFT WING GULA # NAUTILUS TARANSAY GULZAR OLIVAE THOMAS BARTLETT INVERFORTH OUR BAIRNS THOMSONS JACKETA OVERFALLS THREE KINGS JACKEVE POLLY JOHNSON TWEENWAYS UNICITY A/S TRAWLERS. ARGYLLSHIRE KINGSTON ANDALUSITE SPURS BLACKBURN ROVERS KINGSTON OLIVINE STELLA DORADO CAPE ARGONA LADY PHILOMENA THURINGIA CAYTON WYKE OLVINA TOPAZE GRIMSBY TOWN ST. ACHILLEUS WESTELLA KINGSTON ALALITE SAON WOLVES THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS. CRESTED EAGLE GOLDEN EAGLE ROYAL EAGLE M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC. D.C. MOTOR-BOAT M. A/S. B. 10 M.T.B. 68 ( ex "EXCELLENT") M.T.B. 16 M.L. 100 M. A/S. B.6 M.T.B. 22 M.T.B. 102 M.A/S. B. 7 M.T.B. 67 M.T.B. 107 DOVER FLARD-BURNING DRIFTERS BOY ROY GOLDEN GIFT PAXTON EILEEN EMMA GOLDEN SUNBEAM SHIPMATES FORECAST LORD HOWARD THE BOYS GERVAIS RENTOUL LORD HOWE TORBAY II GIRL GLADYS MIDAS UT PROSIM GIRL PAMELA NETSUKIS YORKSHIRE LASS YOUNG MUN Sunk.
-2- 11/6/40. S. S. "YEWDALE" 127 Master's Report of Evacuation of Troops from Dunkirk (contd) we had 500 men on board. As we were at that time being assisted by several Motor Launches and other small boats, counting become almost impossible, Another Officer who also assisted a great deal counted 20 men boarding in 5 minutes. This we maintained until 2.30 p.m. when I decided that we were too tightly packed to hold any more. The soldiers numbering about 1000 were put into the cargo hold of vessel and in addition every available space on the deck (which being a. self-trimming vessel was very limited) was covered with men. Every room and space on the ship including the engineroom and stokehold was packed with men. 2.35 p.m. we hove up and closed a Destroyer for advice and we were told that we could travel in company with her. There had been a few Air Raids during the day but no bombs had dropped, at least not close to us. At 4.0 p.m. several German planes were seen overhead, and bombs dropped close to this ship. We then hove up and proceeded on our passage to Downs with m.v. "BEAL" about 1 mile ahead and a Destroyer about 1 mile astern. At 4.50 p.m. several enemy planes appeared overhead and began dive-bombing; several bombs fell very close. This continued of and on for about three- quarters of an hour with one final attack shortly before 6.0 p.m. During the third attack shrapnel struck the steamer and five men were killed and 78 wounded (two I believe died later). Our Mate, W. Watterson, was struck in the leg and seriously injured. About six soldiers who apparently thought the ship to be sinking jumped overboard. These men possibly were picked up by the Destroyer astern. It would have been dangerous, to all those on board for us to turn back for them. In the next raid a Dive-Bomber was hit by our guns and appeared out of control, it lost height and as it passed close over the ship our gun kept firing and each tracer bullet was seen to enter the plane until it got out of range. Several soldiers ctually saw it striking the water about half a mile on our port bow. At 6.0 p.m. the Raiders were driven off, we believe by our own planes. During these Raids our compass had been smashed and we had to depend entirely on other ships and on a small field compass which could only give us an approximate direction when used on top of wheelhouse. At 9.30 p.m. as we were approaching the Coast I signalled the Destroyer to report that I had wounded men on board. I also kept calling UD other ships when entering Downs where we eventually arrived at 11.10 p.m. one mile off Deal Pier. After continuing calling up by flashing (wireless was smashed) until 11.40 p.m. we gave up and awaited dawn. We then attracted attention by firing our Lewis guns and a Naval ship got in touch with the Coastguard and at 6.0 a.m. a lifeboat with a Doctor on board arrived, and we were then ordered to Ramsgate where we arrived and disembarked all troops by 9.30 p.m. and then proceeded for temporary repairs to Sheerness.
68 70 H.M.T. "DORRIEN ROSE" CARDIFF. 148 On the 22nd May, 1940 the above vessel was in the Downs loaded to with Army stores awaiting orders. She was instructed next day proceed to Dunkirk, but on approaching observed it to be in flames, and the "DORRIEN ROSE" passed three vessels outward bound, one of which signalled that it was unsafe to approach Dunkirk, so the Master reversed course and proceeded slowly outwards. At 3-0a.m. on the 28th as dawn was approaching he decided to approach Dunkirk in daylight so he set a course for Middlekerke Buoy. At 4-25a.m. on nearing the Buoy enemy aircraft suddenly attacked, several bombs were dropped and the "DORRIEN ROSE" retaliated with machine-gun fire. At 5.05 after the bombs had fallen it was observed that the M.V. "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" was sinking, so he proceeded to her assis- tance and was requested by the O.C. to take off troups and ship's complement, whilst the troups were being transferred the Germans repeatedly attempted to renew the attack, but were prevented from doing any further damage by bursts of fire from our machine-guns. At 5-25 all the troups and the crew of the "QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL" were safely on board the "DORRIEN ROSE" and she then proceeded to Dover where she arrived at 2-20p.m. The operation of transferring the troups was carried out expeditiously under the efficient direction of Commander M.L. Musson R.N.R. and during the passage to Dover the Commander was of great assistance in attending to the signals, spotting enemy planes and controlling the troups. On the 29th May the "DORRIEN ROSE" again proceeded towards Dunkirk and was attacked next morning at 3a.m. by two enemy motor-craft which circled the ship and sprayed her with machine-gun fire the "DORRIEN ROSE" gave as good as she received and the "E" boats ceased & I their attack and the vessel continued her passage to Dunkirk were she I arrived at 6-50a.m. She then despatched as much food stuff as possible for the rear-guard troups and left again at 12-25p.m. with o t 590 troups on board for Folkestone, she arrived at Folkestone at 8-45p.m. the same night. W d During all these aperations all the officers and members of the O crew carried out their various duties in a cool and efficient manner, in particular Gunner .W.Watson, Bo'sun .McFadden and A.B.John Upperton who were on the bridge under enemy fire. p al De jo of th twisting as I could and see we were likely up to our get anchor run down and whilst kept the the Tug underweigh were as off see our crew of the barge and the soldier the a bit, I could turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards destroyers were shore and rowing of in their boat towards us. I picked them stevedores also e t next crew barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, up, and then boat the wave of bombers were overhead. (Continued)
16 Extract Jun adminity weekly atelligue Refund No.15 (Lint Ime, 1940). body on on T.09474. 16 DUNKIRK BEACHES. 243 The following narrative, based on noted made at the time, has been contributed by an officer attached to R.A., Dover, during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk. Wednesday, May 29. With R.A., Dover, and his staff I embarked in H.M.S. "ESK", and at 2000 sailed for Dunkirk beaches. Halfway across the Channel and it got dusk, huge fires showed the position of Dunkirk and vividly lit up the eastern sky. A pall of black smoke hung over the coast. At first it seemed that the whole town must be burning, but as we approached I found that the fires were confined to an area close westward of the town and harbour where the oil refineries and storages were situated. We steamed slowly up the narrow coastal channel and past Dunkirk to the ten miles of beaches from which the troops were being embarked. We had on board with us the naval beach parties who were to be landed to superintend the boat embarka- tion between Dunkirk at the western end and La Panne at the eastern. The beach parties were put ashore in three sections at different points in the ships' boats. The night was overcast and very dark, and it was not possible to see how much activity there was inshore. Boats were few, and not many ships were lying off the beaches. Thursday, May 30. At 0200 we transferred to H.M.S. "HEBE" of Bray, and pro- ceeded eastward along the coast to La Panne. Dawn found us still there, and it brought with it one of the most astounding and pathetic sights I have ever seen. Almost the whole ten miles of beach was black from sand-dunes to waterline with tens of thousands of men. In places they stood up to their knees and waists in water waiting for their turn to get into the pitiably few boats. It seemed impossible that we should ever get more than a fraction of all these men away. The immediate and urgent need was for more boats - both small pulling boats for inshore work, and power boats to tow them seawards to the ships. These we asked for, and as the day progressed many more arrived. The weather to-day was most favourable, with low cloud and poor visibility, little wind and a calm sea. Even so, there was considerable surf on the beaches and inshore boat work was not easy. The day was spent in getting into touch with the situation ashore through S.N.O., Dunkirk, and the G.O., C. in C., and in directing ships and boats as they arrived to where they were most needed. It had been intended to keep "HEBE" free of troops for R.A., Dover, but ships were too few and she filled up in Dunkirk early in the day. After despatching her to Dover R.A. transferred his flag to various destroyers as they waited to fill up off the beaches. One of the great difficulties was getting empty boats back inshore. They had no boat keepers, and naturally a man, having once got off to a ship, was not keen to return inshore again. Some of the soldiers, however, did fine work in this wayy, and went back many times. During the whole of this day I saw no bomb drop on the beaches, nor any enemy aircraft flying low to machine gun. There were various ships attached by aircraft, but I do not think any was hit. Air superiority was well maintained during the - 1
Source: The National Archives, Kew, Unclassified 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Adminalty Pier I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered 23 H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Doms at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940 cort 23 "RUJA" B H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirk from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the Downs. The ship was towed back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.H.S. Pascholl. Signed H.R.Webber (Lieut R.N.) "FRISO" A This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under Sun. Lieut. G.V.Ward R.N.V.R. made two successful trips to Dunkirk beach and was able to evacuate 1008 officers and men. Although under continual fire from shore batteries and dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel or crew. Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.) "DESPATCH II" B. May 29th & 30th. To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with ships boats only until 04.00 At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft or water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ransgate 19.00 30th. May 31st. June 1st. Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment with ships boats only until midnight. Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked ship sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1. Ships Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505 A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504 A.B. H.B.Ketchley PJ109346 O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093 Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr. "PASCHOLL" B. This ship was only taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having returned to his proper duties at Ramagate. I proceeded to Ramagate arriving there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond flying his flag in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty at 23.00 and embarked ap roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 Tuesday June 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions sailed at 05.30 Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having taken N.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. June entered Poole Harbour. Signed J.N.Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R. "ZEUS" I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation Dynamo in diary form. 25th. May Joined at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 p.m. approx cast off and proceeded to anchor off Portsmouth. 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Yarmouth. 26th. May, 5.10 a.m. ordered to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship 3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth. 6.0 Arrived Portsmo th. Recive fuel water and stores and ordered to proceed broken Spithead p.m. to swing for deviation. Dischar ed Dutch engineer. Note compass and steering compass damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable deviation card 10.30 27th. May Proceed Dawn in arrived company off for Newhaven Newhaven. and anchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec gear stores rope etc. Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship 9.0 p.m. approx. Dawn arrived off Dover 9.30 approx berthed alongside "Ruja" at so West bad Quay, as Proceeded in company for Dover. Enemy render air independance p.m. of navigation impossible we follow rest ahead. gunfire 28th. May raid 1.0 approx. Proceed in company for Dunking. Compass Considerable to etc. all night.
I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside Adminalty Pier 23 After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered to escort H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Downs at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940 23 "RUJA" B H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirl from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship broke down again and was successfully towed by H.M.S. Pascholl. Signed Webber (Lieut R.N.) "FRISO" A This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under Sun. Lieut. R.N.V.R. made two Although successful under trips continual to Dunkirk fire beach from and shore was able batteries to evacuate and 1008 dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel officers and men. or crew. Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Licut. R.N.V.R.) "DESPATCH II" May 29th & 30th. To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft oz water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air ships boats only until 04.00 compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ramsgate 19.00 30th. May Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles with 31st. June 1st. to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment Ships ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked boats only until midnight. Ships ship Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1. L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505 A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504 A.B. .B.Ketchley PJ109346 O.S. Greenwood P/JX 130093 Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr. This "PASCHOLL" ship was only B. taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain having 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain Hammond at anchor returned to his proper duties at Ramsgate. I proceeded to Ramsgate arriving further there orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Jetty at flying his flag embarked roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at at 05.30 Tuesday until in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour 00.30 June 23.00 4th, and arriving Ramsgate approximately 08-30 On instructions taken sailed Wednesday in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 21.00.7th. Thursday June 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having H.M.S.Ruja 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately entered Poole Harbour. Signed Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R. "ZEUS" I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation Dynamo in diary Joined form. at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 Palla approx cast Yarmouth. off and 25th. May 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Hands 26th. proceeded May. to 5.10 anchor a.m. off ordered Portsmouth. to remain at anchor until further orders. cleaning shij 3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth. Recived fuel water and stores and ordered to broken proceed 6.0 p.m. Arrived Portsmo for deviation. th. Discharged Dutch engineer. unreliable Note compass deviation Spithead and steering to swing compass damaged. Results of swinging give very card 10.30 Proceed in company for Newhaven. and enchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec. gear stores 27th. rope etc. May Hands Dawn arrived employed off rope Newhaven etc. Mands employed Dover. cleaning ship 9.0 Enemy 28th. p.m. May air approx. Dawn raid arrived 1.0 Proceeded p.m. off navigation approx. Dover in company Proceed 9.30 impossible approx for in company WG berthed follow for alongside rest unicint. "Ruja" Compass Considerable at so West bad Quay. as gunfire to render independance of etc. all night. msianole
74 73 -2- 6. I approached a number of trawlers and other small vessels which seemed to be getting under way for Great Britain and asked them to remain until I could fill them up with troops. It seemed to me that the orders which they said they had received to return to Great Britain were not bona fide. 7. I proceeded ashore and interviewed various military officers at as many of the beaches as possible. At the request of a senior military officer I agreed to assume the duties of Beach Master and arranged to continue the organisation until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told them that if anything went wrong during the night we would return at dawn. I learned that some of the men had been in the dunes for two or three days awaiting embarkation, and they were obviously much cheered up to learn that they would get out that night. The flat-bottomed boats which the military had been using themselves were extremely dangerous in the surf which, although not very great, was sufficient to capsize these boats. 8. I found from experience that it was much quicker to run a load of troops in a single motor boat rather than to fill up one or more lifeboats and tow the greater number. The dangers of controlling boats in tow when they were crowded both near the shore and alongside H.M. ships were considerable. During the night I acquired in one way or another five additional lifeboats, and in many cases the military themselves acted as crews. 9. The pontoon bridges which had been built by the military the previous day were extremely useful, and were largely res- ponsible for the rapid evacuation of troops. It is interesting to note that a few moments after the last men had been taken off one of these bridges it was hit by enemy artillery. 10. All the troops that I could find were embarked by midnight and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before midnight I went along certain of the beaches to look for stragglers. A Staff Officer informed me that no more troops would embark from these beaches but that they would march to Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be shelled and would probably be in German hands the following day. This, as it turned out, was a correct forecast. 11. I estimate that from pontoon bridges and beaches approxi- mately 5,000 troops were probably embarked. 12. The soldiers, though obviously extremely tired, made no complaints of the delay or of the wettings which they got in wading out in the surf to get into the motor boats, and were more than thankful for the kindnesses which were shown them in the various ships. One could not but be impressed by the amount of friendly cheering which occurred when H.M. ships passed the troop ships at sea. The great majority of the troops were carrying their rifles and side-arms, and I insisted that in no case must they be thrown away. I was impressed to notice that the military padres were always amongst the last to leave the beach in their respective parties. 13./
90 (2) 89 before daybreak and arrived back in the Downs by 1000 May 28th. At 1730 we again received orders to proceed to Dunkirk, this time by the shorter route 15X and this time 28/5 with the knowledge that we were engaged in the evacuation of the B. E. F. from the eight miles of beaches from Dunkirk to La Panne. Of the dynamo ships that left the Downs at the same time, we were the first to arrive off Dunkirk and seeing that the harbour was being used by bigger ships, I decided that me might only obstruct the bigger ships by going in and that our proper function was to contact the beaches where bigger ships could not go. I therefore proceeded past Dunkirk in an Easterly direction. The light of burning Dunkirk was now nearly astern of us and the heavy smoke cloud over the beaches intensified the darkness. Thinking here to contact other ships or boats I proceeded at half speed. Presently another dynamo ship passed us in the opposite direction and informed us that she had come all the way from La Panne and had seen nothing. I therefore steered in more closely to the beaches. At a point about 4 miles East of Dunkirk, I came between a destroyer and another dynamo ship. I asked the dynamo ship if she was at anchor and she replied that she was aground. There appeared to be two others aground also. There were no boats visible, but as I was preparing to lower my boat, I received information from a motor boat which came out from the shore. that she had brought off the last of the troops that were there. the remainder having started back into the hills preparatory for dawn. I noticed also that the destroyer was preparing to leave and as this seemed the only thing left to do I set course for returning to Ramsgate. That was at 0250 on the morning of May 29th and I arrived at Ramsgate Road at 0830. from - Hum SRot Who was dropping ashin, and Pacific beary Kishi then luch of Vein was & : belowed about the has Proceded at How spend has the White 4 truy stent of this party 0 anin 4 ha Pause. hail, C/C Guld has India dircust for the beach were is anount an Ill aituition are is line is Ret 9 Here Me Form was a Perius
CONFIDENTIAL page 98 97 ORANJE'S R.O.D./1 dated 10th June 1940 (cont) commandeered. It was now about an hour after high water and ORANJE proceeded/ as close inshore as possible, anchored, and then beached stern first, drawings of the ship showing that this would not damage the screw or rudder. A line, consisting of two 120 fathom lengths of 2" manila, was then run inshore and hauled as tau a.s possible and ORANJE's dinghy was run along this, as no other boats were then availabbe; the disembarkation of provisions was then started about 5 packages at as time. 10. Two large boats were obtained about noon, and at 1700 the Royal Engineers provided 6 bridge building pontoons. with this number of boats available It was possible to disembark the provisions with reasonable celerity. Intermittent Air Raids took place throughout the day, but although a number of bom bs fell close to the ship, no damage was done nor were there any casuals By midnight when about 150 tons had been disembarked and were still on the beach, it was decided between the embarkation officer and mygelf that it would be better to stop disembark ing provisions and embark troops, sailing as soon as the tide rose sufficiently to float the ship. 11. Thursday May 30th. ORANJE weighed at 0415 with over 500 troops on board and proceeded for the Downs via the Kwinte Bank and West Hinder buoys. On sporoaching the Kwinte Bank buoy 8 wreck was observed about half 8 mile westward of the buoy, which gave the appearance of being the bows of destroyer protruding about 20 feet out of the water. On arrival in The Downes ORANJE was ordered by the examination steamer to proceed to Margate where we went alongside the pier at 1720 and disembarked troops. 1 A.B. was discharged sick. ORANJE completed with fuel, water, and provisions, embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition, took two boats in tow, and sailed for Dunkirk again at 2230. Owing to too short a tow, ORANJE having no more hawsers on board, the boats broke adrift in the vicinity of the Elbow buoy, and as they could not be immediately located they were abandoned. There were no crews on board. 12. Friday 31st Mey. ORANJE arrived off No. West buoy, Dunkirk Channel at dawn and proceeded towards Le Panne. There was considerable air activity along the coast but. ORANJE was unmolested. Off Dunkirk Harbour ORANJE was closed by a destroyer believed to be EXPRESS, and told to close destroyer H 11 (BASILISK) and work under his orders: ORANJE anchored off Le Panne in the same position as the previous day. As ORANJE had no boats, embarkation was very slow until BASILISK pan - slum Skud Who are aripping ashin, and Pacitic benif Kishi than with A Vein are & 1 belowed about the has Proceded at the spend has White & they skoot of this party 0 amin it the ha Pance. hail, are Guild was Ideas straight for the beach were is awouns an Il within was is line is Ret 9 Auch n. Here the Ipen was a
Dynami but 105 SUBJECT: REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS DURING EVACUATION. FROM: LIEUTENANT T. JOHNSTON, R.N. COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.S. PASCHOLL. DATE: 6th June 1940. TO: VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER. I have the honour to report that I sailed from Portsmouth at approximately 3200 27th May 1940, in command of the Dutch skoot PASCHOLL, arriving at Dover about 0900 28th May 1940. 2. I left Dover at 1400 28th May, for the beach off Le Panne via route Y with orders to arrive about 2200 to take off troops from the beaches and transfer them to Destroyers, endeavouring to return to the Downs by dawn. 3. As the PASCHOLL was SO much slower than other ships in the Convoy, I was obliged to leave the route given and proceed across the Banks, by SO doing arriving of Ia Panne at 2230, 28th May. 4. Approximately 300 troops were embarked and transferred to the WOLSEY(?), by this time it was 0400 29th May, so I returned as ordered to the Downs. On arrival at the Downs I was ordered by an examination steamer to proceed to Deal where I arrived about 1200 29th May. 5. Having received no further orders I proceeded to Dover where after storing ship I was ordered to return to Le Panne. 6. I sailed from Dover at 1900 29th May, and proceeded to IQ Panne arriving about 0230 30th May where I embarked 400 British and French troops and sailed for Ramsgate at 1030 30th May. During the embarkation only two enemy aircraft were sighted and they did not bomb in the vicinity of the PASCHOLL. 7. On entering the main channel of Le Panne, I was shelled for half an hour by shore batteries at Nieuport, and was obliged to steam across the sendbanks to get out of range. About 1400 I was attacked by a Dornier bomber which bombed and machine-gunned without more success than two slight casualties. I arrived at Ramsgate about 2000 30th May. 8. At approximately 2200 30th May, the whole crew of the PASCHOLL were relieved and Lieutenant Donaldson, R.N.R., took command. 9. At 0700 on 1st June, I took command of Drifter JACKEVE and proceeded to Dunkirk. During the outward passage, I was bombed several times and on arrival off the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at about 1250 1st June, was attacked heavily by dive bombers. The MOSQUITO who was quite close at the time was hit and abandoned, 80 I proceeded to pick up survivors.
115 112 secure one on embark atim. The flow of hoops ceased at about 0200 a despite ever effect to obtain more men, I was unable to Burbark have than c few odd parties. Dawn being due bettern moments, ch was decided to Cast off as no more men were Juth coming heat. Commanded Clements RN.R. "f"Tilly" informed me that he not was unable to have as his S Crew was shill fine. I apread to low him ont of hanbur, T, of necessary, back to Ingland. I lashed him almpide with fore Mbach spring sworking on a double bach. spring mandwred both issues against the wind 1 clear of the getter rfinally out of harbons Here "Tilly" reversed engines & cleaning her propellor, was able to proced under her Uhn power. I shined like to place on record here the lach of assistance fiven by military officers of all Tanks from Imajr downwards, in controlling twops during enbarkation full brunt coming on the lender. officered a manned havel may 29th arrived D owns at 0845 9 n was instructed to pureed Marfate to disemberd the 280 men about I was able to do this at 1430. after watering, stining , fulling, sailed at 1530 for Ramsjali, to embark en Lewis funs, wires for kedge Is, v uplace my Caxswain Ldq Leaman Haffai was embached in this capacity I subsuently made a uport n this hands conduct w.n.o.i.e Rainsfate / uconmended him you some recognition, which I hope will be futh coming
2 139 / 133 41 conditions quiet. :h a.m. Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked troops. Sailed immediately for La Panne beaches via West Hinder Buoy. , th afternoon. When several miles from coast many German bombers were encountered. Bombs were dropped but missed. Ships two Lewis @ guns in constant action. Although plan ineffective in fact, this gunfire probably kept them apr machines up. Many ships in vicinity being bombed. Some British fighters sighted. When nearer to shore the Paddle Steamer "Gracie Fields" was sighted homeward bound packed with approximately 800 troops. Witnessed de a bomb attack on her during which a direct hit was 300 secured amidships. Went to render assistance. "Gracie Fields" was unable to stop her engines. Upper deck enveloped in clouds of steam. Operation of going an alongside had to be performed whilst both ships were proceeding ahead. Secured alongside. Terrible 1. mortality and shambles on board. Transferred as many like injured and others as "Twente" would hold. During 00 operation another scoot secured alongside opposite side sike of "Gracie Fields" and took off remainder. Cast off and proceeded full speed to Famsgate. Arrived dawn, ak May 30th. Disembarked wounded and other troops. teh I as ICE IOE ADMIRAL Ell day light an air JUN 1940 be developing at Vo * DOVER - disaubar had two ps, promium stares.
| ICE ADMIRAL 9- JUN 1940 Vo * DOVER R | Ell day light an air the durlsping at |
Dynam. 209 BIWO/ 233 c/o The Standard Bank of South Africa, 1462 9 Northumberland Avenue, S.W.1. 7th June 1940. Sir, ACTIVITY OF EX DUTCH COASTER "ZEUS" UNDER OPERATION "DYNAMO" I have been instructed by the Commodore's Secretary at Portsmouth to submit a report to yourself with reference to the above, together with my suggestions. 27th May 1940. Dawn - Arrived in company with others off Dover. This vessel has been equipped with 360 life belts in addition to those for the crew. 9 A.M. - Entered Dover. Berthed alongside West Quay, topped up with fresh water, stores etc., BIG 13:00 - Proceeded in company for Dunkirk. Considerable gun fire heard during crossing. 29th May 1940. 00:00 - Approaching Dunkirk experienced considerable difficulty in finding out where to go to be of most value. 01:00 - Entered Dunkirk harbour and berthed alongside the quay. Commenced receiving troops. (NOTE: Only one vertical shore ladder was available). 01:30 - SAN ANTONIO berthed alongside this vessel. Troops crossed our deck to board SAN ANTONIO. 03:00 - SAN ANTONIO cast off. This vessel continued embarking troops. 04:00 - Breeze freshening and we have received approximately 230 troops, as the supply of troops appears to have stopped for the time being we decide to cast off. At times troops were so numerous on the quay that the one shore ladder was quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. At others, as much as quarter of an hour went by without at single man boarding our vessels. It had been discovered that two ladies in soldiers overcoats and steel helmets boarded with troops. Best possible arrangements were made for their comfort. Vice-Admiral, Dover. As/...
SECRET Dynams 137. EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER H.M.Y. COMMANDING OFFICER, 173 ADMIRALITY HOUSE, GLALA. 164 178 SHEERNESS June, 1940. 167 sir, I have from the Sheerness honour to report that, having received orders, I proceeded in conjunction with three other Yachts Thursday 30th May, 1940. \ Shortly after midnight we were in the vicinity of the North Goodwin Light Vessel, and as we were unable. to contact the Examination to Tug anchor. , the Yacht "ChristobelkII", the senior ship ordered us At dawn I received a signal from the Senior Officer that he d was unable to proceed owing to engine trouble, SO I weighed and closed the Tug. Having received orders from her I delivered them to "Amulree" and "Caleta" and we proceeded by route "X". Shortly before eleven the French Coast was sighted and we my entered Dunkirk 'Roads' about 1130. We steamed along the coast d and at about 1230, "Golden Eagle" anchored off the beach 3 miles East of Dunkirk, signalled to us to close. She asked us to tow d two whalers which were full of soldiers alongside and when this was completed we asked if we could be of assistance, but she replied that she was alright and that we could be of more use to further along. he Off La Panne H.M.S. "Venomous" called us up and informed us her motor boat had broken down inshore. We went close to the S pier, which was constructed of Army transports, and having irk. contacted the boat took it in tow and returned to the destroyer. We then went back to the beach and this time took out her whaler. grees As she was now getting underway we closed H.M.S. "Vivacious" and st securing alongside were informed that she had three boats which to were ready to go inshore. We took them as close as possible, he allowed them to drift to the beach and anchored with the intention of towing them back when filled. At this point our steering ropes all but gave way and we were left with a single strand. It was impossible to repair it without completely new wire and at that of Homent the bombing and shelling which had been going on see continuously became intense. A Captain R.N. in Yacht No.1 of the surf Solent Patrol ordered us to make for the open sea and all the and smaller power craft followed him out. that hat out men, d art ut fell across our stern the last DOMO railing few feet about this time 30 ft a salvo of the bombs only effect was to drag our stern down a heavy a bomber the water. We opened we registered a direct hit with OUD into the gun in away, fire on this aeroplane which was Lewis and his type Dornier 17 burst into flames and he crashed aeroplane sea, as other Starboard ships were engine also firing I cannot claim this definitely. steamed back at all possible in finding a Whaler adrift two boats ashore As I had promised speed hoping to find a which boat we to magaged bring them to to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I off, pick we were fortunate I immediately sent these this was and started up with to our embark dinghy, troops at approximately at 1750, very continued over
170 174 We weighed and proceeded out a 15 bomb: yards astern and Yacht "15" but on fall our way caused the fell to The angle of its she had one man killed majority and strike her and but undamaged and was severely shaken her. She we in close contact had with previously reported reported No. 1 and as I Captain to return for my defect to se ordered as she was by unarmed. the repairs and accompany at 2130. I immediately not be required asked for repairs Rams The return was safetly reported accomplished and and we entered 31/5 told that we would and the again. The but we awaited returned further to Sheerness orders. repairs having complete At 1430 on Sunday 2nd June of we again. proceeded this time conveying 1845 and a group I reported launches and motor R.N. and to Captain orders. I was told Tayle arrived about Wharton R.N. for our arrival to Admiral small boats which were willing were to make an. attempt to that Dunkirk Mole. 1000 British troops on a small portion of the beach just West eve The majority of the craft going over to this point were fast motor boats of over 15 knots and had been ordered to les the beach no matter what the position was at 0230. We sailed from Ramsgate at 2045 and followed the same course as previous as far as "W" Buoy 5 miles from the coast. This was reachei 0020. I shaped a course for the next mark but our port engine lost revolution and became useless. I decided to carry on il under one engine, but we were met by three Yachts returning, They had been close to the beach which they said was under a continuously heavy fire from large guns and dive bombing and machine gunaattacks. Either there had not been any troops 8.11 they thought the faster boats in front had got them away or the troops could not reach the beach because of the barrage. They had been told to wait at "V" until dawn and see if any the assistance. we Dn had and were would these ships our dóne. While draught facts only coming cruising have I would out considered ten in had not minutes this been allow my vicinity damaged best near us to policy the numerous and approach shore needed was with parachute as to join close our their speed them as fib Two tugs dropped about around 1/4 of us a mile and we from spent us the our time dodging but could not see the plane: Aerial were extremely lucky not to be attacked. breaking and ships were coming home, my port engine was SURBITON. HOOK, 'FO92 THE VICARAGE, ROUTE:-65. INSURANCE STATION
SECRET Dynams 135. FROM COMMANDING OFFICER, H.M.Y. "CHRISTOBELLI". 178. DATE June 2nd 1940. 167 TO EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS. NARRATIVE OF EVENTS FROM FIRST SIGNAL TO ARRIVING AT SHEERNESS. Sir, I beg to submit the following report:- On receipt of your signal passed to me by H.M.Y. "Caleta" I proceeded to Outer Bar Buoy and met H.M.Y. "Caleta", "Amulree", and "Glala", I was handed your letter by "Glala" instructing me to take these yachts to the North Goodwin Light Vessel, there to close the Examination Vessel for further instructions, we proceeded in line ahead led by "Caleta" as Sub. Lieutenant Dunning knew the channel, owing to non appearance of Examination Vessel I decided to anchor my ships for the night, at 0400 I ordered my engines to be started and to go and see if I could findthe Examination Vessel, as it was now dawn, at 0500 my engineman reported a defect, I gave orders for remainder. of yachts to close Examination Vesselsat 0600 and proceed according to instructions received. We eventually got one engine running and I decided to proceed to Ramsgate for repairs, which I reported to the Examination Vessel, just before arriving at Ramsgate at 1000 my engineman reported that he had the Port engine running, I anchored off Ramsgate Pier and immediately proceeded ashore in ship's dinghy for my routing instruction these I was given without delay and at 1015 were underway for Dunkirk. When we were in position approximately 51 degrees 12' N. 2 degrees 28' E we were attacked by a Junkers 87 and machine gunned, his burst of fire fell all. round the ship, I gave orders to my gun layer not to open fire on him until he was well within range as I did not think he would be able to see our Lewis gun at his height, immediately we opened fire he sheered off. I anchored off the Casino at Dunkirk at 1530, as I saw a lot of troops waiting to be embarked, I went off in the ship's dinghy to see how Iscould get some of these troops on board, there was too much surf running tolland, I was also informed that these troops were French and would crowd the boat so much, that she would be swamped, I learnt that a party of about 50 British troops would arrive at about 1700 at that part of the beach, I returned to the ship and decided to cruise about to see I could find a boat of some description to embabk these men, I went as far as La Panne and was there spoken by a sloop who asked me to take his boat and try and get troops off to him, from that part of the beach, we were being continually shelled and bombed, at about this time a salvo of bombs fell across our stern the last bomb falling about 30 ft away, the only effect was to drag our stern down a few feet in the water. We opened fire on this aeroplane which was a heavy bomber type Dornier 17 we registered a direct hit with our Lewis gun and his Starboard engine burst into flames and he crashed into the sea, asriniter ships were also firing I cannot claim this aeroplane As I had promised to embark the British troops at Dunkirk I steamed back at all possible speed hoping to find a boat to bring them off, we were fortunate in finding a Whaler adrift which we magaged to pick up with our dinghy, I immediately sent these two boats ashore and started to embark troops at approximately at 1750, this was very continued over
179 difficult as the beach is very into flat the and there was a and as soon as a few assistance men got of some of Whaler the she surf my crew with the managed to get her afloat troops two up to their armpits and two of my crew on board in to and float two of with my 15 crew men in there the were dinghy, only the three whaler was got a great struggle got as board I sent the whaler oars in it, alongside these another men load, were the dinghy on arrived back with 1 and dinghy soon ashore getting her off the beach these men she were capsized being in got the surf but wortunate she was righted, as out to sea to wait for on board bombed so I stood out bombing us but a lull, one mark, as soon as out to steamed back for of us and followed us I deemed it advisable they I fell very wide I saw the whaler heading only. bring us-they nine had had great fficult the getting off and could men off, as it was by 2115 and the bombing had restarted I thought it advisable now underway; I had been afraid to stop engines all day as SI knew to would be almost impossible to re-start as our air compressor had given out; one engine actually stopped but was got going after a short while,- I had the whaler cast adrift as I knew it drfft ashore and some more men would be able to get off to the that were waiting to take them off, my only regret was being to embark the remaining 14 men from this party. I got underway at 2145 with my own dinghy in tow as I did want to waste time getting her hoisted, as soon as we were clea of the bombing outside Dunkirk roads I stopped the ship and the dinghy which was by now almost full of water. When in position approximately 51 degrees 15' N. 1 degreep at 2300 a bomber flew very low over us I did not open fire as not want to give away our position, soón after this I reduced so as not to close the North Goodwin Light Vessel much before dawn, not wish to anchor as my windlass would not work, also I had to engines running, at 0430 I got away from the North Goodwin Light Vessel and proceeded to the Nore and closed B.V. 10 tolreport to Sheerness, just about this time my engineman reported that he have to stop the Starboard engine as it had water in the oil was afraid it would seize up, also that the Port engine was not running too well. We tied up in Sheerness at 0825. The whole of my crew behaved in an exemplary manner, they continually on duty during the whole period, gave over their accommodation to the soldiers and fitted them out in dry clothe did what they could for them. I should like to mention O.S. John Philip Chable the Mead, for his unfailing help during specially the whole period and and efficient way in which he embarked the troops. S.V.G.L. Cyril George Dunley for the cool manner in which engaged the German aeroplanes which attacked us. from the time we left William the North Damerell, for Light not Vessel back Engineman James the to eng and in managing to keep the engines Goodwin running. Commissioned I should like to recommend O.S. Charles Mead for promoti and Ocean navigated rank, his own he has 18 ton a lot of and has Racing Club, has had cutter Somerset. had a public school several education I am te sure he would make splendid leader of men. SGD. HUBERT E. WIGFUND. Lieutenant R.N. V.R.
206 123 would be able to assist us if necessary and realised that we were the last English boat leaving harbour. Could not get engine of LADY CABLE to start but after a short while W.D. boat came nearly alongside her engines were running and making considerable noise. Their action then appeared to me suspicious she appeared to be undamaged in the half light. By now dawn was nearly breaking. When W.D. boat came close to us I ordered one of my crew Cadet Rating Price - to board her. He managed to jump aboard but the two boats drifted apart. Price shouted that there was nobody aboard. Yet her engines were going in neutral of course. Displaying great initiative and resourcefulness, Price was able to make HAIG go slow ahead and was able to steer her close enough to LADY CABLE for me to jump aboard. Our first efforts to get a line between the two boats were unsuccessful. The operation was made difficult by the LADY CABLE being full of French soldiers who did not of course appreciate what was happening and were therefore unable to be of much assistance however willing they might be. After some time the two boats were secured but in order to pass a line it had been necessary for Price to swim from the HAIG to the LADY CABLE with it. Price did this on his own initiative and displayed great courage and efficiency. By the time the two boats were secure it was almost broad daylight and we were still very close to Dunkirk Harbour and appeared to have drifted inshore to the S.W. and were very close to the pall of smoke which shrouded the coast to the West of Dunkirk. On inspecting condition of HAIG found that she had a fair amount of water forward and was damaged extensively on the port bow. However, I got French poilus to work the pump in relays and towing LADY CABLE and going very slow ahead were able to make progress and prevent the water forward from rising. For some time we did not discover that each engine had a separate control lever and had been going ahead on one engine only. For several hours we made slow progress. Worsall was trying to get LADY CABLE's engine to start again and Smith was steering her. I left most of the French in LADY CABLE. I saw a submarine half surface about half a mile ahead on one occasion and also a number of German aircraft passed close ahead of us. Luckily we were either not seen or not deemed of sufficient importance to attack. A French destroyer came and had a look at us but I did not signal to her as we were making fair progress. A flight of 3 Hurricanes flew low over us and later we saw Spitfires and Defiants, but luckily no German planes approached us. The starboard engine of HAIG packed up I think about 0730. I had not time to keep a detailed log of events. By this time Stoker Worsall had got engine of LADY CABLE to go again and I secured her alongside HAIG as towing her astern with only our port engine going was too difficult. For a considerable time we made very slow progress using engines of both boats. LADY CABLE's engine kept stopping, which made our progress very slow and steering difficult. At last/ French 4-funnelled light cruiser or large destroyer X 440 (I think) with bow wave painted on her, saw us and came up to help. I had/
OPERATION 231 NO. 20 SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). STATEMENT BY $ Name Service Sunday 2nd Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II. Lifeboat "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). Cast $ Sto. J. Strangeways off outside and told to go to & landing right PKX 95036. up the other and of the harbour. Found they $ Sto. A.H. Shaw were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck PKX 94553. E.R.PONSONBY the tug or drifter they were going alongaide One Sub.Lieut, R.N.V.R. so they went on up harbour. 31g enough hote One A.B. in the lifeboat bows to crawl. through. Drenohed One O.S. with spray caused by shrapnel. Às proceeding also there. up harbour saw a destroyer out & small rowing All came back. boat down with two Fyench sailors in 11. they took these to the first destroyer. Tent right up harbour: saw Fyench troops but they refused to be taken off. So they came back out of the harbour to tug anchored outside. Then they were told to collect troops from anywhere. Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour. Nearly every boat had gone by then. So they got up sail and tried to get out of harbour. Several destroyers passed, they waved and destroyers waved back: one hour after dawn when they were just about giving up hopes & M.T.B. came. Towed them out, engine started, then they were alipped and after about 4 ailes the engine began to smoke and she caught fire. No one in sight and two M.T.B's came along to resume. Took them aboard. Lifeboat in l'lames, returned a.m. 31at.
248 OPERATION 23! NO.22 SHIP:- NAME NOT KNOWN. SEA FALCON (?). About 40 ft. open M/B, grey. (Similar to FAIRY NYMPH) STATEMENT BY $ Crew Service $ L.S. A.Westbrook 30th. Left Dover after dark with L.S. in charge. PJX 131401. Towed in company with about 5 others by tug - - two O.S. Smith. tows. Foremost boat of opposite four broke Sto. Hardwick. adrift, swung back, hit stern sheets and broke main feed pipe. Proceeded on reserve tank, repeatedly filling from main tank. Arrived. off beach near Gravelines and ran gauntlet of fire from beach as far as Dunkirk and on to Bray. Filled boat by grounding and pulling in soldiers - - continued from dawn Friday to dusk Friday. Stores being swamped had nothing to eat. Only water was in few bottles filled at pier. On last trip rising tide and wind swamped boat, carried it broadside on. Crew abandoned boat and swam ashore. Other boats could not get near enough to get a line across. About 60 carried each trip. Continual bembing all day. Smith found a cance, floated it, paddled with piece of driftwood to Walmer Lifeboat. Others walked along beach to pier and boarded destroyer. Beach littered with guns and equipment and fairly crowded with th soldiers, mostly French. On pier shrapnel was bursting over, marching troops several casualties. Saw ship hit by bomb in distance in La Pame direction. Saw 5 or 6 dive bombers brought down by destroyers. A number of boats working off beach all day.
250 231 OPERATION NO.24 SHIP:- M/B. COMMODORE STATEMENT BY $ Crew Service Sub. Lt. Thompson,R.N.R. Left Dover in COMMODORES - open N/S. A.B. 31st at dawn. Towed in two tows of two. Sto. Beach Went to beach near Dunkirk harbour cast off PKX 90016. tow, collected troops from beach and forried Ord.Sea. them to WORCESTER. Soldiers climbed about themselves. Took about 20 a trip. About one hour for the round trip. Were machine gunned - boat was holed and made so much water 18 had to be beached and abandoned. Joined the EASTBOURNE QUEEN by using & rowing boat found on the beach. Troops boarded MASTBOURNES QUICKN by wading out up to their shoulders. EASTBOURNE QUIXTY took about 40 to the WORCESTER which then (about 1600/1st) went alongside pier. WORDESTER was continually bombed, fragements from near misses killed 3 and wounded several nearby. Laft Dunicist in WORCESTER about 1700/1800. Beach littered with equipment. Pier bombed, beach shelled, sheltered under dereliot boat.
251 237 OPERATION NO.25 SHIP:- NEWHAVEN LIFEBOAT. STATEMENTS BY & Crew Service Coxswain & A.B. W.J.MOrris Left Dover 0500/31/V started work on the beach. P/JX 126097. Tried twelve places, but draught too great. At 0 Sto.1 W.Spray one place two and a half hours on beach. Tried PKX.87052. various ways of getting off, shifting weight &c. After getting off saw 3 British and 4 French O.S. T.E.White soldiers washed out of a boat being towed: saved CDX 133. 2 British and 3 French. A rough pier had been Φ This was all the crew. made with lorries and tins and they used this for troops. It was now very dark. They saw all little boats moving off in tow. They, however, took a load of troops off a barge aground and put them on board a trawler. Then saw more boats moving and decided it was time to move away. Tried to get a tow. Started on & Northerly course (compass) for 2½ hrs. Aprived at some light and decided to wait till dawn as German planes were dropping flares all round them. Something like a fast M.B. passed them. At daylight they saw ships to Southward and went over to see where they were. They picked up a tow as starboard engine broke down. Came back. Prepared boat for next trip. Left Dover 2/7: towed over. Told to go into Dunkirk harbour. Went alongside jetty. Shelled heavily all the time, about 2230. Took one boatload off. Told by a Lt.Car. to go to at troopship run aground in the harbour. Made about 6 trips to troopship, one to harbour. Shrapnel and tracer bullets firing at German machines. On the 6th trip they were told to take up tow astern with troopa on board. Saved about 600 to 800 troops, all told. Went 2nd time with intention of making up for what he couldn't do before. This was Morris first experience as Coxswain of any boat, but had been Acting Q.M. of a destroyer.
2. continued. 7. inshore between Nieuport intention of waiting Trapegeer GP.OCC. remained Having re-embarked Bk. the Gp. demolition Occ. and party at 0017 I until 0230 with the with a faint hope until R either left patrol, or by appearing from that on their return journey able to None the half light to be not been established engage. before were met, and the dawn suff of aircraft had I was clear of the path 8. experience with M. T. few days, in the hope own In submitting B. the during above report the last I would like to add my methods of operating may up. from such scraps of unexplained be built evidence a complete picture of that the 9. During the night of Thursday 30th. May. I was stationed on bow of Vega and Blyskawica, with Widgeon on the other bow, patrol between S Buoy and the West Hinder. At 2330 I was examined closel a Seaplane (floats) fitted with a radial engine. NO attack was made at 0120 the French destroyer Siroco" was torpedoed by M. ,BS. with mile of us. Four pairs of red flares had been observed at 0119 al rocket at 0147. 10. During the night of Friday 31st. May. I was patrolling under the orders of Widgeon, stationed on her quarter, between R and SB At 2335 an M.T.B. was observed keeping station at 15 knots on the quarter of Sheldrake, distant about 3 cables. Before fire could be opened I heard the 'plop' of the torpedo at 2336, and realising too close to turn and ram and would expose my beam dangerously I away to comb the track. The torpedo passed a ship's length under stern and up the starboard side. Widgeon had seen the attack, and ma was increased to 20 knots. Corvettes have no searchlight which attacks on these small targets difficult, as they cannot be point to the in the beam of the light, and are only visible throug night guns from the bridge. At 2340 I орепед fire with small illum and turned glasses to innocent small boat which I managed to passe with of the 10" before doing navigation any lights, course west. at ram an her harm. At 0030 an aircraft At aircraft range, at 2000ft. burning N.E. At 0040 flares were seen torpedo astern tra Widgeon turned to investigate. I more torpedoes were heard saw not returned, course followed. At 0041 a to passed At down my port side, sounded and two alarm by siren, but I 03 one 0135 one aircraft passed overhead, 130degs. 2000ft. a hecti At 0055 and 0100 Widgeon an course S, at 20000rning ation aircraft passed overhead, course attacks, but I spent following lights. the There continuous were no zig-zags further of widgeon till daylight. 11. Points that emerge from the above are :- (a) not made by lying in wait ahead 01 (b) attacks of the target are and always sometimes stopped. be used at the moment sb (c) attack. small flares may been wate aircraft assisted co-operate by the marked and which gives ships away speeds. continued
REPORT OF 'BOUNTY (Contd). 295 I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work 2 of, Petty Officer ,Jones throughout operations. The following officers, Lieut. Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate, on the following day if required. on the Volunteer's List. June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property and we were unable to obtain permission to use her. Received instructions to stand by and later to return to own Base. Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the pin and shelling from the land. Diframs 298 300 B14/0/ REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314 BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS FROM DUNKIRK. Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA", "LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from Dover at 1930 on the 30th. May and to proceed to the beaches at Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and, during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P. Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as poss- ible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission. Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches were available over the other side and had been assured that there were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600, thousands more troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the Yachts that were damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the others remained until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "SERIOLA", "AHOLA", "THELE", damage "EILA by course on reported "LAHLOO", sent the the The over II" 4th. but they and fact & "BOUNTY" again. only "CARYANDA" June all were that reported one two and The told & all casualties "NONETA" those Yachts ultimately to the at stand Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsgate to Dover by Ramsgate. returned returned for having were on orders; Officers the was sustained ordered to On 5th. Dover; none, only arrival, June. back and made however considerable Ratings to they possible In Hamble due were all concerned, great and, coolness bearing and in resource mind that of many all of them had never been under fire before, I consider that their conduct under almost continuous bombing and shelling deserves the highest praise. Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R. VICE AUMIRAL Senior Officer, Inner Patrol. 6th. June 1940. 15 JUN 1940 *
RECOMMENDATIONS. 313 "MARE" air handling men picked up from the troopship "Scotia", greatly to the quick his recovery efficient of Mr. of A.H.W. the ship Pendle, which Skipper contributed R.N.R. is recommended for without loss is also of time keen in the basin at Boulogne where and to there getting alongaide passage and West Swins to the Mouse Light Vessel. room. He through the East on navigation and was of good help was in the not night much "SARAH HIDE" Lieutenant in Cruickshank, R.N.V.R. states that Skipper Meen out his duties a cool and efficient manner during the whole operations. carried "STRIVE" R.N.R. who "after all other ships in the section, including the ship of Lieutenant Cruickshank, R.N.V.R.recommends Skipper H.A. Catchpole, the Commander acting as Beachmaster, had retired owing to bombing and shelling, stayed off the beach at La Panne all night. At dawn he made fast all warps and wires which were on board "Strive" to the large lifeboat which had been towed across and a destroyer's pinnace towed it ashore. When fully loaded the boat was hauled back by means of the "Strive's" winch. "THREE KINGS" Mr. J.A. Smith, R.N.R. did good work as he made two trips across and is handicapped by being short of his Second Hand and two men. D.T. Bowen, First Engineman and his Second Engineman, S. Lawson, were able to effect temporary repairs when the SThree Kings" engines were badly shaken by a bomb explosion. The Skipper specially recommends S.G. Burroughs, Acting Leading Seaman, without whose work and encouragement the boat work on the beaches would not have been effective, and who took the place of Second Hand throughout the two trips in place of Second Hand, left behind on sailing. "RIG" The Skipper, Mr. E. Beckham, states that his whole crew worked well and that there is/one that he specially wishes to recommend, no "JACKEVE" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others. "TWEENWAYS" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others. "UNICITY" All did their duty and no one can be recommended more than the others, Sheet 2 attached.
Dynamo 143 372 H.M.D. "RENASCENT" - 349 6th June, 1940. Sirs, I have the honour to put before you a report of our action in getting troops off in the Evacuation of Dunkirk. We sailed on orders on Thursday evening May 30th at 8.45 p.m. and proceeded to Ramsgate. Arrived at Ramsgate in the early morning 5.0 a.m. and received orders to go to Dunkirk and take off soldiers. We arrived at Dunkink and hailed a destroyer, asking him where they were getting the troops from. He asked us what and T replied about 11 feet. He then told 2. About 1,000 men stood to attention 4 deep about half way along the pier, the General and his staff about 30 feet away and after having faced the troops; whose faces were indescernable in the dawn light, the flames behind them showing up their steel helmets, the Officers clicked their heels, saluted and then turned about and came down to the boat with me and we left at 0320. "Go stranger, tell the Spartans that here we lie, having been obedient to their commands!". Commander, R.N.
Dynams so. O.D. 526 TO: COMMANDER M/S. 497 DATE: 6TH JUNE, 1940. 7 FROM: LIEUTENANT J.A. SIMSON R.N.V.R., H.M.S. "LORD GREY". 29th/30th May, 1940, at Dunkirk. carried out ships under my command during the night of I have by the the honour to report as follows on the operations H.M.T's "Lord Grey" and "Clythness" left Dover at for Dunkirk with orders to report on arrival to Captain Tennant. 1615 instead. signalled S. Foreland P.W.S.S. to use route "X" both ways, were Instructions from were to proceed by route "Y", but we We therefore proceeded by route "X" and arrived off Dunkirk at 2300. The harbour was found on entering to be congested as a number of drifters were manoeuvring in the fair- very way and it was decided to lay off the entrance until it was clear to proceed alongside the quay. side the Eastern Jetty. Sub. Lieutenant Heckstall-Smith (Clythness) At 2330 we again entered the harbour and tied up along- and myself went along the quay in an effort to ascertain the whereabouts of Captain Tennant, and the state of affairs inside condition of the jetty and we therefore returned. the harbour. It was impossible to get far owing to the damaged going on over the town, which was ablaze. Considerable air activity and continuous bombing was It was decided to keep the ships moored alongside in such before going further in to the harbour. a way that they could slip at a moment's notice, and to await dawn put aboard "Lord Grey". A number of rifles and a Bren gun found on the quay were At 0210 on the 30th May, cries for help were heard out- side the harbour and both ships instantly left to investigate. It was found that H.M.S. "King Orry" had sunk on leaving the harbour. Ships' boats were launched and "Lord Grey" rescued ten men, "Clythness" four. "Lord Grey" transferred her survivors to H.M.S. "Vivacious", and was ordered by the Commander to return to harbour, and if possible embark troops for transfer to his ship. "Clythness" was signalled accordingly and both ships proceeded back to Dunkirk harbour, and as it was now light it was possible to reach the Southern end of the quay. On arrival 0410 - I reported to S.N.O - Captain Tennant was not then available - and was ordered to embark troops for transfer to a destroyer and then to carry out "LL" sweep in a N. Easterly direction from the harbour. were accordingly embarked - "Clythness" 300 (approx) 350 - and were transferred at 0515 to the destroyer At 0605 "Clythness" signalled that her dynamo was not working and her D/G gear was consequently useless. In these circumstances requested. a signal was passed to S.N.O. and fresh orders (Contd. over).
here M.T.B. which said all craft were being to be well clear before dawn, so we had ordered to turn to back. to Dunkirk The because next wrecks day, Monday, and I was ordered to hours borrowed without the harbour was help. from Navigation only and a about wooden the transports 200 on ship, the yards, way and might while across consequently not a was a not THE to m On arrival at Dunkirk local squall 1 to getting stand in by. and I out requested of harbour quickly I duly under reported. their own The tran was refused permission to enter harbour power the operation as was it might have and impeded the transports. to on Tuesday morning, ending the 4th was then ordered back to I th I the same evening June, to Captain Wharton Ramsg I was ordered to report back to H.M.S. and "KI Co (rd) T Lawine Proby. Temp. Sub. Lieut,
536 506 9.6.40. The Admiralty, Whitehall, S.W.1. To. N.O. i/c Ramsgate. From. Captn. Wharton. S.V.P. Vinsia Operation "DYNAMO". Report on Officers. Whilst working under your command during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunlirk, the work of the following officer. was SO outstanding, that I wish to draw 512 their names to your special attention. Though I had no opportunity of seeing their work at Dunkirk itself, my duties in turning boats round, and all which that involved, gave me a clear indication of the sterling merits of these officers. Lt. Cmdr. J. I. Miller, D.S.O., R.N.B. This officer was indefatigable in his efforts to got his boats ready to return to operations. The minimum of time was required by him for rest, the maximum time humanly possible being spent at Dunkirk, his first consideration being to get ready to return. His cheerful bearing and keenness infused all with whom he came in contact and 1 consider his example is worthy of consideration. I have no doubt that his conduct on the Dunkirk side was in keeping with that of the Base end. Lt. Van Hemel. Royal Dutch Navy. This remarkable officer appeared to flourish on hard work with little or no sleep. He had his own motor boat which he brought from Fortsmouth on Thursday 30th May. He left Ramsgate at dawn on 31st May, and remained at Dunkirk four days working off the beaches, and at Dunkirk ferrying troops. de found fuel and food over there and so avoided delay in returning to the Base. On his return he got his boat ready, had five hours sleep, and returned to Dunkirk. His stays in Ramsgate were of the minimum duration thereafter. I was greatly impressed by his manner and bearing and consider that his example was inspiring and the work done by him of very great value. . Contd., suc.Lleutenant noyal NAVY. The Captain's Secretary. H.M.S. FERVENT. RAMSGATE.
522 C.B.O. Sir, 6x Imday the 31" M May. are the S. Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Duskin at 2.45pm. 544 2 514 This operation of holding the bifeboats end on to the beach, combined with the continuous bombing from the air, proved too difficult a task for the crews. After doing it twice I had only one lifeboat remaining, the others having broached to and swamped themselves. Also, there was continuous shelling from the batteries from the Western side. So the only alternative left to me was to ferry troops from the piers to the trawler. Atlantic With the trawler filled we set out for home but we had not been under way long before the trawler struck a wreck. I sent out an S-0-S on the siren. It was quickly answered by a Dutch 'scoot' which came to our rescue, took off our troops and leaving the trawler "FAIRBREEZE" to sink, landed us back at Ramsgate at about 7.30am. That night I comandeered a fast motorboat "VERNON 1" and set out again for Dunkirk to ferry troops off the piers out to the Destroyers and waiting transports. I continued this operation until dawn when the starboard engine or the launch fell to peices and I had to be towed home to Ramsgate rull of troops. The next boat I got was the "PIGEON" one of the War Dept. boats which continued to run magnificently for the remainder of the operations. From now on I did not try the beaches any more but ferried troops from the piers to the waiting transports outside Dunkirk. This seemed my best
Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish C. B.O. 522 Sir, 7 6n I mday the 31" M May. we the S.Jug Vincia left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Dunkich at 2.45 2.45pm. 545 - 3 515 courseas, for one thing, I was now aquainted with the majority of the wrecks in the vicinity of the piers and the entrance of the harbour and was able to quide in the arriving transports on each of my return journeys. The "PIGEON" carried approx. 25 troops. Between midnight and dawn each night I made on an average 20 trips, arriving at Ramsgate usually at 7.30 a.m. on the last lap with the PIGEON full of troops. I continued this every night until Monday when 3.4 having ferried all night Monday when having forried all night, and the last transport had sailed with approx. 3,500 troops aboard I waited alongside the pier for Commander Troupe (8 spelling) who was on the pier embarking the men into the ships. Eventually he came aboard with the French General and his staff (very relieved at the coming I was to, for having heard the Jerries had arrived in the town, the wait and the time they took to get down the ladder from the pier(being low tide) seemed interminable. It was about 3.45 a.m. when we finally cast off and made for theentrance of the harbour. With such & important personages abound, my one mortal fear, considering there was not another craft to come to my assistance in the harbour or outside, all having left previously, was losing the three propellers in the tremendous amount of wreckage and floating baulks of timberete. which had now spread out
Statement of the S.S. Hareulan 554 524 C.B.O. Sir. On Thursday the 6". 4 June. see left Ramegato about at 12.45 for duties on the Month Patrat 6n our way out. we saw a ship mained the s Harcula. in deffeculties, a being towed by the 1. Jaga ma. fava, of Fabia We, the S.J. Vincia, went to the ship, of wes mediately engaged. Wea passed and lawing have abound X was made last on the S.S. Hancula part how. d by 13.25 4 une towing full speed in company with the other upo as 13.55 the tug Lady Brancy arrived, & he he was engaged of made fast - the "If Harcula 20ml quarter. cL assested in the tawing from the awns Channel to the n. Brake bands. where the lb grounded at 14.15 p in a sunking condition, meny to being mined in the Farway Due to the prompt executance given by the up. I think we saved the its. Harcula from being a wreck in the Dawn Channel & a danger to navigation your a.V.Hails Chedianthy (Wanto of ft Ymair
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.
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
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