Also known as

No aliases recorded.

Defender

ORDE: 3 · SCSL: 1 · Lloyd’s: 1 · Red List: 0
Awaiting vessel image placeholder

Help complete the archive

Do you have a photo of this vessel you can share?

Contribute photographs of Defender to the archive for editorial review. Submissions remain private and will only be published following approval by an administrator.

1. Upload photos 2. Describe 3. Validate email

JPG, PNG or WebP; up to 12 photos and 20 MB per image. Images upload privately to S3 before description.

Uploading photographs securely…

Validate your email

We will email a 24-hour validation link. After confirmation, the photographs enter administrator review. If you later create an account with this address, they will be linked automatically.

Already have an account? Log in before uploading to link new photographs immediately.

← Back

ORDE Registry

3 records

3 potential matching records have been identified.

These records may contain vessel particulars, reported movements, participation assessments, named personnel and source references. 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.

Account registrations and access to these developing records are temporarily unavailable. Existing account holders may log in, and everyone can join the newsletter for publication updates.

Small Craft Service List

1 record

1 potential matching record has been identified.

These records may contain service-list entries, vessel metadata, source-page references and protected full-size document images. 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.

Account registrations and access to these developing records are temporarily unavailable. Existing account holders may log in, and everyone can join the newsletter for publication updates.

Small Craft Service List page icon for Defender
login to enlarge
Details

A source-page icon is available. Sign in to view the indexed details and protected full-size image.

Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Red List (1939–40) — OCR

0 records

0 potential matching records have currently been identified.

Further indexing may identify OCR text matches, source files, page references and digitised page imagery. The absence of a current match does not establish that no relevant source exists.

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.

Account registrations and access to these developing records are temporarily unavailable. Existing account holders may log in, and everyone can join the newsletter for publication updates.

Ship Details

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.

  • Ship type: Cockle Bawley
  • Beam: 12ft
  • Length: 42ft
  • Engine: Ford 80 Diesel
  • Build year: 1920
  • Draft: 2ft 6ins
  • Builder: Haywood, Leigh-on-Sea
  • Construction: Carvel, pitch pine on oak
  • Displacement: 16 tons

Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939)

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.

Details
Ship: Defender
Page: Lloyds_Register_of_Yachts_1939_0638
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Document Collections — Tagged Pages

24 pages

Imaged document collections containing pages whose OCR text or table data has been tagged with the name Defender. Open a collection to view the page images and transcriptions.

Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939)
Internet Archive / Lloyd’s Register Foundation Heritage Centre
View matching pages →

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.

Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939) page 164 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 164
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
1603 Defender Wood AuxKch 26.00 680 160 61 G &T.Smith Rye Oil Engine Chev.A. M. Gevers.St.S. Antwerp
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939) page 574 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 574
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
673 DEFENDER. KCH. CHEV. A. M.GEVERS, ST.S. 674 D LADY JANIE M.KCH. W.A. DRAPER. 675 AISHA.M.SLP CORVI. SLP H.TURNER 676 YVONNE M. A. DE RIDDER 677 SVII SALONIQUEII 1.YWL T.V. A.GEBBIE 678 ER ARMYONDE YWL D" R. EMPERAIRE. 679 THOMAII KCH. SIR MATTHEW W.THOMPSON,B: 680 MAF H"H NEREIDA SCH. ANTONIO DE HEREDIA.
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939) page 591 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 591
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
Defender Kch. Chev. A. M. Gevers. St. S 673 Elena Elena Sch. S.Sch. J. R. Nègre 946 Felma Slp. F. A. Richards Silchenstedt 92 523
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939) page 607 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 607
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
O.T.H.C. Defender T.C.M.A. Savarona T.W.S.U. Oceanic V.Q.S.G. Icaros W.N.D.P. Bymar
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939) page 639 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 639
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
m. Dahu 107 a. Ben Hiant 96 a. Carlina 88 m. Jagaren 80 a. Defender 71 m. Mauna Loa 66
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
Lloyd’s Yacht Register (1939) page 750 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 750
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
14, Rue Lemmé, Antwerp. Y.C.B.-R.Y.C.I. a. Defender 71 Gherardesca, Conte Gibbons, Thomas O., 15, Hendon Burn Avenue, Sunderland. Nbl.-Sid. Ierne 8 Gielow, M., Wendenstrasse 18, Berlin- Schmöckwitz.-Be1.-Wan. Darling VI Giles, F. Morgan, M.I.N.A., "Cliffside," Shaldon, Teignmouth, Devon.-Cor.-Ee.-Mna.-Ran.-S.W.- 132, Swan Court, London, S. W.3. C.Crz.-L.S. a. Star Song (P.O.) 7
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Details
Page 196
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
Cockle Bawley Boats
THAMES ESTUARY COCKLE
BAWLEY BOATS (1)
S/Lt. in M.H.B. Solomon, R.N.V.R., S.O.
Defender.
Defender(L0.504)
(Skpr. E.A. Turnnidge)
Endeavour (L0.41)
(Skpr. F.C. Halls).
Letitia (LO. 220)
1
(Skpr. A.J. Dench)
Reliance(LO.64)
(Skpr. A. Legget)
Renown (LO.
Resolute (LO.57)
(Skpr. W.H. Noakes)
(Skpr. H.D. Osborne)
31st May
1230
The flotilla of 6 boats left Southend for
Dunkirk, in company.
1410
Passed Margate roads. The flotilla
was ordered to proceed direct to
Dunkirk.
1820/
Air attacks. The flotilla scattered.
1840
1850
Spitfires drove off enemy A/C. At
least 5 German planes crashed into
the sea.
1915
Dunkirk roads.
1930
Found it impracticable for the boats
to work off the beach.
2130
The boats embarked troops from outside
Dunkirk jetty, transferring them
to the Sk. Tilly and other ships.
2240
The swell made the work difficult, so
the flotilla,i formation, entered
the harbour.
2350
The flotilla embarked about 200 troops,
1st June
0145ca
100 of which were transferred by 4
of the Bawley boats to the drfr.
"Sarah Hayes" [1.e. Sarah Hyde];
the remainder to other ships.
From now on the Bawley boats worked
independently. Endeavour's rudder
being smashed, she was taken in tow
by the Sarah Hyde, which proceeded.
Letitia (q.v.) transferred her troops
to, and was taken in tow by, the
drfr. Ben and Lucy (q.v.) which
0300ca
Defender, proceeded. Resolute in company, proceeded
carrying the Col. Commdg. the
Worcesters, and officers of the
Camerons. Renown having broken down, made fast
to the end of Letitia's tow.
0330ca
Renown, with her crew of 3, was blown
to pieces by a mine.
0930
Troops were landed at Ramsgate as
Defender, follows: 60; Reliance, 80;
Resolute, 40.
Total 180(2)
In addition, the flotilla had ferried
about 1,000 men.
(1) 40 ft. long, 12 ft. beam, 2½ ft. draft, Diesel engines,
(2) Not 16-50 mentioned hp. in Dover or Ramsgate reports.
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
Details
Page 231
View matching collection pages →
Table OCR
NE 2200 May(1) Lawrence's 0130 detec are beach
0330/
0415 Decements
2910 they 2230 Having
1820 AT Complex
3304 May 2230 Loft Exergation
1st June 0850 ATTATES
- - sinning Processed troops. Arrived
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Details
Page 174
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
LETITIA (L.0.220)
Cockle Bawley boat
A.J.Dench, Skipper
31st May
1045ca
Left Southend in company with the 5
other Bawley boats, Defender,
Resolute. Endeavour, Reliance, Renown and
-
At Reliance. the Nore L.V., taken in tow by
Defender toward Endeavour, and Renown
towed Resolute.
1410
On passing Margate received order
"proceed straight to Dunkirk".
Seeing hundreds of trawlers, etc.,
going to Dunkirk, we went with
them.
1900ca
Air attack. Made for Dunkirk beach.
Swell made beach work impossible.
-
Proceeded to Dunkirk je tty; embarked
2130
load of troops and transferred them
to the sk. Tilly. Ferried 3 more
-
loads, and towed a lifeboat full of
troops to a "trawler" [i.e. the drft.
Ben and Lucy]. The "trawler" was
towing another "trawler", [i.e. the
drft. Feasible] which in turn was
towing 2 lifeboats - one of them
being swamped and the other having
2 sailors on board.
1st June
0100ca
Letitia made fast to this tow.
0115ca
Shortly, the Renown made fast astern of
Letitia, the rope between the
2 cockle boats being about 3½ fathoms,
0330ca
An explosion took place and a hail of
wood splinters came down on Letitia's
deck.
"In the pitch dark we could see
nothing, and after the explosion we
heard nothing, and we could do
nothing, except pull in the tow rope
which was just as we passed it to the
Renown about KF. hour before...."
The Renown had been blown to pieces.
0830
Letitia left the tow and proceeded to
Ramsgate. Thence she sailed to
Southend.
Nil
Authority TO.9144.
168
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 2429. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA ADM 199 2429 SMALL CRAFT SERVICE LIST page 59 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 59
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
DEFENDER (C. W. 3.10.39
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 788 A. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA ADM 199 788 A page 58 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 58
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
31.5.40.
1230. In accordance from Southend, with Commander instead Boles' instructions, decided direct
closed up. us to our destination. although we had no charts, other traffic bound keep to France
Signalled Decided that to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to at Ramsgate. constantly
Dunkirk these instructions of closing the Examination Vessel to proceed
would lead
1410. Convoy of was 6 closed still up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler
ximately. us that Dunkirk open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 50° E. informed appro-
1820. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25
avoid bombardment.
enemy aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt to
1840. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in the neighbour-
hood subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near as fifteen yards
to the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance with instructions
they had received, skippers broke convoy formation and "starred".
1850. 3 or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the sea.
Identity of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably German.
1915. Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe bombardment
from shore batteries and aircraft.
1930. Attempted to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned idea - too much
ground swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and other equipment left,
destroyed by the B.E.F. on beach, endangered the safety of ships.
2130. Ordered ships to proceed to outside of jetty, instructing them to fill up
with soldiers and to ferry same to any larger ships unable to close harbour or beach.
Each ship was instructed to transport approximately 30 to 40 men (approximate total -
200) and they were transferred to H.V. Tilly and other ships cruising empty outside
harbour entrance.
2240. Instructed ships to keep permanently closed up and to return to inside of
harbour as swell made embarkation of troops from outside of jetty too difficult.
Contact between Bawley boats maintained by signal of one short flash every two
minutes. Formation preserved.
2310. Mole and harbour severely shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all occasions
I was there, was superb, and though exhausted and under constant fire, their only
thoughts were for the wounded among them, and of saving any equipment possible.
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; transferred same to the trawler Sarah Hayes
and various other craft returning to England not fully laden. Instructed convoy
to continue ferry work but if separated from me to return to Ramsgate laden with
soldiers.
1.6.40.
0140. Re-entered harbour; jetty crammed with British soldiers but no ships whatever
alongside. Started loading troops, sending back to shore two German prisoners
attempting to get to England, leaving them in charge of a Lance Corporal.
0200 - 0250. Jetty shelled, bombed and machine-gunned by enemy - very few casualties.
0300. Proceeded to Ramsgate fully laden with soldiers of 1st Division including the
Colonel in Charge of the Worcesters and Officers of the Camerons, accompanied by
Bawley boat Resolute. Arrived at Ramsgate 0930 approximately on 1.6.40.
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RAMSGATE.
DEFENDER.
Stem damaged. Returned with approximately 60 men.
RELIANCE.
Damaged side. Returned with 80 men.
LETITIA.
Undamaged. Returned towing Renown until latter was blown up.
(Troops transferred to trawler who took Bawleys in tow).
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering gear out of order; towed back by Sarah Hayes.
RESOLUTE.
Engine trouble. Returned with approximately 40 men.
RENOWN.
Mined and sunk off Dunkirk - all hands lost. (understand the 30
or 40 soldiers aboard were fortunately transferred to a trawler
before mining occurred).
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
TNA ADM 199 788 A page 98 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 98
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
Harbour) LO 504 Defender 49
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA ADM 199 792 page 716 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 716
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
Page 4.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
NEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
RCHANGEL
MANXMAN
UTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
EN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
IARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
ANTERBURY
NGAROMA
LAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
OTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
OTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
INARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
ORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
#
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
ENELLA
ROEBUCK
ОЛМ QUEEN
ROUEN
SLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
SLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
ILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
ING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
ADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
EVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
OCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
AID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
re
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BATL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
/
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
C. 9 } (Tugs)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
(Continued)
Sunk
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA ADM 199 795 page 163 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 163
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
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
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
TNA ADM 199 795 page 480 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 480
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
1.5.40.
230. In accordance with Commander Boles' instructions, decided to proceed direct
Dunkirk from Southend, instead of closing the Examination Vessel at Ramsgate.
Signalled o these instructions to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to keep constantly
:losed up. Decided that although we had no charts, other traffic bound to France
would lead us to our destination.
IS 410. that Dunkirk was still open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 3. appro-
Convoy of 6 closed up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler 50° informed
enemy 820. aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt
timately. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25 to
avoid bombardment. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in fifteen the neighbour- yards
to nood the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance "starred". with
1840. subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near instructions as
1850. 3 of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably bombardment
they or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the Cerman. sea.
had received, skippers broke convoy formation and
1915. Identity Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe
from shore to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned equipment idea - too left, much
batteries and aircraft.
ground B.E.F. beach, endangered the safety
1930. Attempted swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and of other ships.
destroyed by the to proceed on to outside of jetty, instructing to close them harbour to fill or up
with soldiers to transport approximately 30 to 40 empty outside -
2130. Ordered and ships to ferry same to any larger ships unable men (approximate total beach.
Each 200) ship and they was were instructed transferred to B.V. Tilly and other ships cruising
harbour entrance. keep permanently closed up and to return to difficult. inside of
2240. Instructed ships embarkation to of troops from outside of jetty flash too every two
harbour Contact between as swell Bawley made boats maintained by signal of one short
minutes. Formation preserved. shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all their occasions only
2310. I was there, Mole was and harbour superb, severely and though exhausted and of saving under constant any equipment fire, possible.
thoughts were for the wounded among them, transferred and same to the Instructed trawler Sarah convoy Hayes
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; to England not fully laden. laden with
and to continue various other ferry craft work but returning if separated from me to return to Ramagate
soldiers.
1.6.40. jetty crammed with British soldiers two Cerman but no prisoners ships whatever
0140. alongside. attempting Re-entered to Started get harbour; to loading England, troops, bombed leaving and sending them machine-gunned in back charge to shore of of by a Lance enemy 1st Division Corporal. - very few including casualties. the
0200 0300. - Proceeded 0250. Jetty to Ramsgate shelled, fully laden and Officers with soldiers of the Camerons, accompanied 1.6.40. by
Colonel Bawley boat in Charge Resolute. of the Arrived Worcesters at Ramagate 0930 approximately on
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RANSGATE.
damaged. Returned with approximately 80 men. 60 men.
DEFENDER.
RELIANCE.
Stem side. Returned towing with Renown until latter was in tow). blown up.
LETITIA.
to trawler who back took Bawleys by Sarah Hayes.
out order; towed 40 men.
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering trouble. gear Returned with all approximately hands lost. (understand
the
30
RESOLUTE.
RENOWN.
Engine Mined 40 soldiers and sunk off aboard Dunkirk were fortunately - transferred to a trawler
or before mining occurred).
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA ADM 234 360 page 97 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 97
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
Later on 2nd June, on instructions from the N.O.I.C., the original crew took
charge of the Marsayru, but she did not, apparently, make a second trip to Dun-
kirk. Her skipper (G. D. Olivier) received the D.S.M. for his services, and her
engineer (C. Coggins) a mention in despatches.
The Cockle Bawley boats
Of the small craft that went over on this day, Admiral Ramsay speaks in
the following terms of the Cockle Bawley boats²:
"The conduct of the crews of these cockle boats was exemplary. They were all
volunteers who were rushed over to Dunkirk in one day, probably none of them
had been under gunfire before and certainly none of them under Naval discipline.
These boats were Thames estuary fishing boats which never left the estuary, and
only one of their crews had been further afield than Ramsgate before. In spite
of this fact perfect formation was maintained throughout the day and night under
the control of a Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R.³ in command of the Unit, and all orders
were carried out with great diligence even under actual shell fire and aircraft
attack."
One of these cockle boats, the Renown, was blown up by a mine while returning
to England disabled and in tow of the drifter Ben and Lucy. Her skipper,
W. H. Noakes, and his crew⁴ were killed. The Ben and Lucy had been towing
the drifter Feasible (disabled by a shell hit), 3 life-boats and the cockle boat
Letitia. At 0115 on the 1st June the Renown, by then disabled, attached
herself to this tow, but an hour later she was blown to pieces and a hail of wood
and splinters came down on the Letitia's deck. The Letitia's skipper (A. J.
Dench) says, In the pitch dark we could see nothing, and after the explosion
we hard nothing and we could do nothing, except pull in the tow rope, which
was just as we passed it to the Renown about 3 hour before.
French and Belgian ships arrive
Early on the 31st it became known that the Belgian Government were anxious
that several small Belgian fishing craft lying at Brixham should take part in
the evacuation and steps were taken to arrange this.
At 1335 the French destroyer Léopard routed from the Downs to Dunkirk
two French trawlers5, three French motor fishing vessels⁶, and ten Belgian
trawlers⁷.
The Belgian trawlers were under the orders of Pilote Malet; the remainder
of the ships under Lieutenant de vaisseau Drogou.
Other Allied ships that sailed for Dunkirk on this day were the French cargo
ships Ingénieur Cachin and Margaux, the trawlers Pierre et Marie, Emma and
Duperre, and the patrol vessel Diligente; the Belgian trawlers Lydie Suzanne
and Yvonne, and the drifters Gerard-Léon (H.64), Anne Marie and Thérèse
Compas. On her return journey the Pierre et Marie picked up 3 English sailors
from a drifting motor boat.
I The Marsayru's skipper says that throughout 31st May, and the days and nights that
followed (its all a complete jumble in my mind) we were
under constant fire
but
the
ship was not hit by anything." It seems, however, that Mr. Olivier was only in the evacu-
ation for 5 hours, i.e. from 1600 to 2100, 31st May.
2 Defender, Endeavour, Letitia, Reliance, Renown and Resolute.
3 S/Lt. M. H. B. Solomon, R.N.V.R.
4 L. V. Osborne, Mate, and F. W. Osborne, Engineer.
5 Chasse-Marée and Angèle Marie.
6 Margaux (D.692), Jeune France (Di.1213) and Du Guesclin (D.G.910).
7 Indépendence (0.308), Victor-Erna (H.63), Louise-Irène (H.80), Pharailde (H.42)
Raphael-Raymonde (H.43), O.L.V. Van Vlaandeven (N.49), John (O.210) Anna Marguerite
(Z.2), Buffalo Bill (Z.4) and the M.41.
73
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
TNA ADM 234 360 page 172 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 172
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
APPENDIX A
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
TROOPS
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
Constant Nymph
(Dr. B. A. Smith, Owner/Skipper)
Cordelia (S/Lt. C. A. Thompson, R.N.V.R.)
Couyt Bello IP
Cyb'
Dab II
(Lieut. R. W. Thomson, R.N.V.R.)
Defender
(Skpr. E. A. Turnnidge)
00
Diana Mary
Dreadnought II'
28
Dreadnought III'
Eastbourne Bello
Elizabeth Green
1
(S/Lt. E. T. Garside, R.N.V.R.)
10
Eastbourne Quoon'
Empross
(S/Lt. T. W. Betts, R.N.V.R.)
Enchantrass'
Encore
I
(Lt. Cdr. Wilson,)
44
Endcavour
(Skpr. F.C. Halls)
Enterprise
Escaul' 2
1
Eskburn
Eve'
27
(L/Sea. N. Furse, R.N.R.)
Ferry Nymph
Fervent
44
-
(Lt. Cdr. W.R. T. Clements, R.N.R.)
Fishbourne (I.O.W. Ferry)
Forty Two
I
(Lieut. R. Nimmo, R.N.R.)
Frightened Lady'
1
(S/Lt. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R.)
Gavines
-
Goy Crusader
-
(S/Lt. T. H. Rodgers, R.N.V.R.)
Gipsy King
-
Glitter11 (A. Botts) (H. Brown) (F. Hook, Deal boatman)
-
(Actg. S/Lt. J. W. S. Culham, R.N.)
Goldon Lily
I
Golden Spray II'
(J. O'Neill and N. Cohen, Deal boatmen)
(A. C, Crowthall, a Lloyd's official)
Gondolier King
Godolior Queen
-
Good
-
Grace Darling 11"
Guen Eagle 1
-
Halfway
Handy nilly
140
Honora' (S/Lt. M. Phipps, R.N.)
-
Hound (S/Lt. C, Minchin, R.N.)
(H. W. Knight, Capt.)
98
1 Lost,
, 4 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
Recorded ns sunk in Home Waters apparently subsequent to Operation " Dynamo."
148
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
TNA ADM 234 360 page 221 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 221
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
INDEX
cut off, 8; to be held, by 13; E-boat), falls, 17.
27 (attacked 32, 46, 47, 54, 88 (shoots down Heinkel), 99'
104, 126.
71n.
Caleta, Calvi, 13n, 39, 43 (sunk), 44.
Canterbury, 16, 22n, 24, 29, 39, 42-3 (damaged), 48n, 54, 114n.
Cameron, Lieut., 79.
Canvey Queen, lost, 53.
Cap d' Antifer, 102.
Carama, 60.
Caribia, 29n.
Cassidi, Cdr. R. A., 51.
Caryandra, 71n, 74.
Casualties: Embarkation, 17, 32, 36, 64, 87 (final), 115.
Cecil and Lilian Philpot, 107n.
Cayton Wyke, 34n, 107n.
Cervia, 71n.
Chamois, 72n.
Chantecler, 54.
Chasse-Marée, 62n, 73n, 102.
Chico, 13n, 60n.
Christabel II, 71n.
Civilians, crews feel strain, 29, 48; supplemented by R.N., 48, 99.
Clan Macalister, sunk 41.
Claude, 59.
Clouston, Cdr., J. C., 44, 105, 110 (drowned).
Coastal Command, XIIIn, 38, 64, 83, 88-9, 93, 99-100, 115.
Coats, Lt. Cdr. E. C., 112.
Cockburn, Lt. Cdr., 49.
Cockle Bawley boats, 73.
Codrington, 28, 54n, 55, 61, 64n, 75, 77, 97, 101, 107n, 108-9 (sent back empty), 112n.
Coggins, Mr. C., 73.
Comfort, 36, 37 (sunk).
Commandant Delage, 35n.
Communications. Difficulties and delays, 57, 60, 122 ; on beaches, 67; established
between Dunkirk and Dover, 67-8; closed down, 76-7.
Commodore, abandoned, 74.
Conidaw, 13, 60n.
Constant Nymph, 60n.
Corap, General 1.
Cordelia, 60n.
Côte d'Argent, 54n, 94, 102, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n, 118.
Coulthard, J. W., 110.
Coxyde. See Beaches.
Crested Cock, 71n.
Crested Eagle, 32n, 39, 43, 44 (beached), 46, 58 (burnt out),
Croswell, S/Lt., E. C., 36, 47 (lands at La Panne), 76n, 77.
Cyclone, 39, 42, 68-9 (damaged).
Dangerfield, Capt., 111, 119-20.
Daylight evacuation abandoned, 97-8; French Admiralty wish resumption, 105.
Decoster, F., 116.
Defender, 73n.
Dench, Mr. A. J., 73.
Denis Papin, sunk, 93.
Denny, Capt. M. M., 94.
Destroyers bombard Calais, 13; brought from W. A. and Portsmouth Commands, 20,
61, and from patrol and escort, 28, 34 not to stop to aid ships, 38; brought off most
troops 55; H, 1, J classes withdrawn, 55, and ordered back, 61; G class all out of action,
55; not sent to Dunkirk harbour, 61 ; exhaustion of crews, 64, 113; heavy losses, 94
sent back empty, 108.
Devonia, beached to form pier, 83.
Diana Mary, 117.
Diligente, 73.
Dill, General Sir John, 10, 12 (becomes C.I.G.S.).
Dinard, 64.
197
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, CAB 103 191. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA CAB 103 191 page 83 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 83
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
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.
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA MT 40 36 page 225 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 225
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
Page 4.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES name
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
of Inen
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9
)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
(Tugs)
C. 11
)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36 Pt 2. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2 page 77 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 77
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
the rescue
to carry on
work until
LET
truly sorry unable of to wacuation the
authentic detailed
Hairlight (
RECEIVED 26 R SEP P.M. 21 P.M.
Billet I
done you after leaving account give you of
Leigh
Essea :
from may the be able to Dover Sun
B
III
or
officer in
get
the
charge
Dear Sirs.
to your letter inquired loat
credit
number
was
to
the Dunkisk the -
In Teply evactuation. events. and res set or
due
Yours very sincerely Manal office
same. so helow members is of his Boat crew - R
oraling
and told with by him in the wike jobs,
agirt
b.w.mott
Dunkisk being on five may31st. other done, and vessels. and all at stowed Endecuous. about "Renown preliminary tow away, 10:45 by at "Relian in we Relia the the le
ath
abrowatie
alexar
Livoda
another
bost
not
required
min
-
back
Defender we more quickly were suping superior get took more to engine in boats Rannsgate, would were Renoun where foll help
risel
&
com
bedaria
unta
call towed Encleavous. first. and can passing 2
umai
unani
benuter
Enclosure
RECEIVEN 25 PTRY 18
PS
ablod
bellew
Sar
what
l
she
but
impossible activities
6 Neiupor the dra
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2 page 78 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 78
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
work
Any,
no
work
shorp
LET
11
and how mess Invoy $ ol WW my
Jain
Bight
his great and saved number credit fir was cilval
to
off
able
saud
you
STATE GO WE 14 wad35 18/19/19 1819 12 Oz
Ave
go
due
Emprimy
nofy
hap
,Thry?
PS
very
your
Dear Sirs In Teply to your
the evactuation. is
Life
Dunkisk helow members the
Hrut
sunt
saling
same. so by N
seey
and Dunkisk told with him all in
not
being on at
done, and at
bake
That
z
&
Xinda
five other and x
of
Defender
we mine
supi
will
quickly &
to
Sirs
Teply
they
call trued and
of
eas
Dunkisk In evantua is
RED
de same, so told helow by him members in
and Dunkisk with nog
being May31 done,
&
other
.3F
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.
TNA MT 40 36 Pt 2 page 306 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 306
View matching collection pages →
Matching table OCR
DEFENDER Cockle boat G. Harvey T.M.3908/40 20 5 -
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

TNA MT 40 66 page 17 icon
login to enlarge
Details
Page 17
View matching collection pages →
OCR text
Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)
Log in to report that this record belongs to a different ship.

Operation Dynamo Map — Movement Logs

Movements recorded for Defender during the evacuation period, as plotted on the Operation Dynamo map.

No reviewed movement log is currently published for this vessel.

Log in to suggest an evidence-backed edit or a new movement log.

User Contributed Collection

Documents and descriptions supplied by registered researchers. All submissions are reviewed in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

No user-contributed documents have been approved for this vessel yet.

Log in to contribute a document and description.

← Back