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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.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
DESPATCH II Skoot Lt.Cdr. F.E. Wilmot-Sitwell, R.N. 28th May 1740 (Retd.) Arrived Dover from Poole, via Portsmouth and Newhaven. 29th May 0930 2000 Left the Downs for La Panne via route Y. Anchored 2 miles west of La Panne. Embarked French troops. 30th May 0400 Proceeded. Engine broke down; re-anchored. 1030 Engines repaired; proceeded. Off Nieuport, joined company with the sk. Pascholl which was under fire from Nieuport guns. About 6 miles south of Y buoy, a plane dropped two bombs. 1915 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 263 French troops and 2 French civilians. (1) 31st May 0915 Left Ramsgate, via X route. 1640 Dunkirk abeam. Air raid in progress. 1725 Anchored 3 miles east of Dunkirk. Embarked troops of the Middlesex Regt. Constant air raids. 1st June 0001 Proceeded via X route. 0900 Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 139 B.E.F. and 26 Allied troops. (1) - Under repair. Total 428 Authority - R.O.II, p.51. (1) Ramegate report. Not mentioned in D.R. 233
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 116 4649. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 6. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B' SKOOTS, ABEL TASMAN. Ratings. Petty Officer W. C. Harding, DJX. 149987. E.R.A. R. Shortose, DMX. 64780. ATLANTIC. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Commander Leonard Ernest Fordham, R.N.R. DELTA. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Commander Donald Francis Lawrence, R.N. (Retd.) Ratings. Leading Seaman F. M. E. Pogson, D/J.23134 DESPATCH II. Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Commander Francis Ethelbert Wilmot-Sitwell,R.N. Officer. Lieutenant R. M. Miller, R.N. Ratings. Leading Seaman A. J. M. Upton, P/88X.13505. Able Seaman W. H. Ditten, P/JX. 148504. Ordinary Seaman S. G. Greenwood, P/JX.130093. KAAP FALGA. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Herbert Roger Wykeham-Martin, R.N. Ratings. Leading Seaman J. Robinson, J.1066. E.R.A. 4th C1. G. Oliver, D/MX. 64794. PACIFIC. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Constantine Joseph Triscott, R.N.R. Ratings. E.R.A. 4th Cl. Thomas Allen, P/MX.65340. RUJA/
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 790. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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.
Dyramnerz H.M.S. "Despatch II". 7th June 1940.- 50 Sir, I have the honour to submit the following Report of Proceedings of this vessel, during Operation "Dynamo". A "Log" is enclosed. 2. Due to engine, and other, defects, vessel did not reach Dover till 1740/28. 3. Two trips were made: First on 29th-30th May to West of La Panne, and Second on 31st May-lst June to East of Dunkirke. On each occassion no assistance could be obtained from small boats in embarking troops, and all the 267 French on the First Trip, and the 160-170, mostly Middlesex Regiment, on the Second Trip, were umbarked by Ship's Company in Ship's Boats. On 1st Trip Ship's Coy. were able to work 8 hours on this boat work, but on 2nd Trip they were exhausted after 6 hours, and I decided to sail with the "half loaf" we had, and not risk waiting while the crew rested before further boat work. The unreliability of the engines was a further reason for sailing On 1st Trip, when I tried to sail from La Panne, engines broke down, with 3 ft of water in E.R., E.R Bilge Pump not working, no air in the Air Bottles, and belt connection from Aux. Diesel to Air Compressor broken: temporary repairs took 6 hours: On 2nd Trip Air Compressor had broken down, and engines had to be kept running, as they could not be restarted without repairs to the Air Compressor. 4. "Despatch II" was one of the smallest and slowest of the Dutch Coasters, being under 200 tons gross, and about 6g knots. Due to a lot of luck, and a little "low cunning" of always trying to be in sight of some larger and more important ship, no hits or casualities were suffered on board. 5. All the Ships Company behaved well. In addition to my 1st Lieutenant, Lieut. R.M.Miller, who carried out his duties exceptionaly well, I wish to recommend to your notice :- Archibald J.M.Upton L.Sea. S.T. P/SSX 13505 who showed exceptional determination and stamina during the boat work embarking troobs, Walter H.Dibden A.B. L.R.3 P/JX 148504 who appeared to enjoy bombing and machine-guning, while manning his Lewis Gun against low flying Aircraft. These two ratings' work was only just more noticable than that of: Herman B.Ketchley A.B. L.R.2(P) P/J 109346 Sam L.Greenwood Ord.Sea. P/JX 130095 Kenneth A.Clark Sto.1 P/KX 90924 VICE ADMIRAL William J.Allen Sto.1 P/K 61172 JUN 1940 I have the honour to be, * * Sir, DOVER NJ Your obedient servant, Kwilmot- siture Lieutenant Commander. Vice Admiral Commanding, Dover. (Copy to Co in C., portsmouth) Mamo
52 OPERATION "DYNAMO" H.M.D.B. "DESPATCH II" 51 1940 MAY 24th p.m. Commissioned at Poole. 1600 sailed from Poole for Portsmouth. 2100 Berthed at Portsmouth Dockyard. Ship "Wipped" during the night. 25th 0430 Left Dockyard for Spithead, Adjusted Compasses. Returned to Dockyard 1700 with defects. 26th 0400 Engines failed to start. 0420 Sailed from Portsmouth for Newhaven. 1400 Berthed at Newhaven. 27th 1130 Engines failed to start. Air Compressor broken down; Temporary repairs executed by Southern Rly by 21.45. 28th 0600 Engines failed to start. 0630 Sailed from Newhaven for Dover. 1740 Arrived off Dover. 2115 Anchored 29th 0410 Started to weigh Anchor; anchor foul of Sub. Cable; 0620 Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Downs for Route Orders. 0930 Left Downs for La Panne by Route "Y". Ship was not attacked by any of the large number of enemy aircraft seen being engaged by Naval Patrol vessels hear W.Hinder and Kwinte Bk Buoys, or by Aircraft seen engaged by Fighters off La Panne; none of the bad shots aimed? by Nieuport Battery at 2 Destroyers North of Nieuport Bk Buoy fell neared than a cable to this vessel. 2000 Anchored 2 miles west of La Panne, and commenced embarking French troops. 30th 0400 Weighed and Proceeded 0405 Engines broke down, reanchore Contact was made by Semaphore with a Destroyer close, who promissed a tow when he had filled-up with troops, but temporary repairs were eff/ected by 1030, and ship proceeded under own power. Course was set to return by Route "Y", but Paschol close ahead being heavily shelled by Nieuport Battery, in company with Paschol, course was altered NW, across the banks, to Buoy "Y". About 6 miles S of "Y" Buoy a low flying aircraft attacked with 2 bombs which went well over. About 1 mile further on Lewis Gun fire was opened on another low flying enemy aircraft, who did not attack. 1915 Berthed at Ramsgate. 31st 0915091 Left Ramsgate; set course by Route "X" for Dunkirke. 1640 Dunkirke abeam; air raid in progress, nearest bombs, aimed at Destroyer,4 to for cable from this vessel. 1725 Anchored 31 East of Dunkirke off Battery de Dunes; commenced embarking Middlesex Regiment. Constant High bombing Air Raids till dark; after dark low bombing and machine gun raids. 23.00 All available Middlesex Regiment embarked. June 1st 0001 Weighed, and set course by Route "X" for Ramsgate. 0100 Dunkirke abeam. 0900 Berthed at Ramsgate; Reported ship unable to proceed to sea without repairs. June 4th p.m. Operation "Dynamo" cancelled. 22.00 Proceed from Inner Basin to anchor in Roads. 5th 0400 Sailed from Ramsgate for Newhaven. 2000 Berhhed Newhaven. 6th 0705 Sailed from Newhaven for Poole. 1807 Amchored off Poole. 7th a.m. Proceeded into Poole Harbour. p.m. Paid Off: Crew returned to R.N.B Portsmouth by train. HWilmot-Sitwelk Lieutenant Commander.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 792. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 6. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B' SKOOTS. ABEL TASMAN. Ratings. Petty Officer W. C. Harding, DJX.149987. E.R.A. R. Shortose, DMX. 64780. ATLANTIC. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Commander Leonard Ernest Fordham, R.N.R. DELTA. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Commander Donald Francis Lawrence, R.N. (Retd.) Ratings. Leading Seaman F. M. E. Pogson, D/J.23134 DESPATCH II, Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Commander Francis Ethelbert Wilmot-Sitwell,R.N. Officer. Lieutenant R. M. Miller, R.N. Ratings. Leading Seaman A. J. M. Upton, P/88X.13505. Able Seaman W. H. Ditten, P/JX. 148504. Ordinary Seaman S. G. Greenwood, P/JX.130093. KAAP FALGA. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Herbert Roger Wykeham-Martin, R.N. Ratings. Leading Seaman J. Robinson, J.1066. E.R.A. 4th Cl. G. Oliver, D/MX. 64794. PACIFIC. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Constantine Joseph Triscott, R.N.R. Ratings. E.R.A. 4th Cl. Thomas Allen, P/MX.65340. RUJA/
Page 3.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
-
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
# KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
V. 4 ("Vernon' s" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
Ambleve.
Escaut.
transferred
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Meuse.
from
Craft)
Sambre.
Semoise.
page 9.
yser.
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
PASCHOLL
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PATRIA
ALICE
FRISCO
PRINCESS JULIANA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
REIGER
ANTJE
HEBE
RIKA
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RUJA
BART
HONDSRUG
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
SURSUM CORDA
BRANDARIS
JAVA
TILLY
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TINY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TUNG
DEMOK I
LENA
TWENTE
DENEB
ORANJE
VREDE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
ZEUS
(Continued)
# Sunk
Page 6. Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B' SKOOTS. ABEL TASMAN. Ratings. Petty Officer W. C. Harding, DJX.149987. E.R.A. R. Shortose, DMX. 64780. ATLANTIC. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Commander Leonard Ernest Fordham, R.N.R. DELTA. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Commander Donald Francis Lawrence, R.N. (Retd.) Ratings. Leading Seaman F. M. E. Pogson, D/J.23134 DESPATCH II, Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Commander Francis Ethelbert Wilmot-Sitwell,R.N. Officer. Lieutenant R. M. Miller, R.N. Ratings. Leading Seaman A. J. M. Upton, P/88X.13505. Able Seaman W. H. Ditten, P/JX.148504. Ordinary Seaman S. G. Greenwood, P/JX.130093. KAAP FALGA. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Herbert Roger Wykeham-Martin, R.N. Ratings. Leading Seaman J. Robinson, J.1066. E.R.A. 4th C1. G. Oliver, D/MX. 64794. PACIFIC. Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Constantine Joseph Triscott, R.N.R. Ratings. E.R.A. 4th Cl. Thomas Allen, P/MX.65340. RUJA/
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 795. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
23 SECRET. MESSAGE OUT 2239/8/June. Addressed C. in C. Portsmouth, 447. Date 8.6. J. Repeated F.O.I.C. Portland, 616. N.O.I.C. Poole. 052 Naval Cypher C. From Admiralty. The following Dutch Coasters now lying at Poole are to be commissioned forthwith as tenders to VICTORY and will be under the orders of C. in C. Portsmouth. KAAT FALGA WEGA ? HEBE II RUGA JABA ABEL TASMAN ATLANTIC DESPATCH II ZEUS PRISO ? FRISO SAN ANTONIO PACIFIC 2. Officers and crews are assembling at R.N. Barracks Portsmouth. 3. The operation for which these ships are being prepared is called CYCLE. 2239/8. for D.O.D. (H) 1st Lord. PERSONAL 1st S.L. PERSONAL V.C.N.S. PERSONAL A.C.N.S. PERSONAL A.C.N.S. (T) PERSONAL A.C.N.S. (H) PERSONAL C.S.O. to 1st S.L. PERSONAL Duty Cap to PERSONAL D.D.I.C. PERSONAL D. of P. PERSONAL D.P.S. PERSONAL D.N.I. (3) PERSONAL I.S.P.S. PERSONAL D.O.D. (H) PERSONAL
25 Wilitory Branch. The Secretary to Commender-in-Chief, 12th June, to Partenouth. with reference to A.M. 1703/22.5.40 and your 1623/24.5.40 please confirm that the underwentioned vessels commissioned on 25th May, 1940, and state dates of paying off ae for as DESPATCH II PACIFIC HORST SAN ANTONIO SURGIN CORDA PASCHOL ABEL TASMAN AMAZONN KAAPTALOA ISUS ALION WIGA ? maga FREDANJA ATLANTIC II FABA RUJA JAVA FRIGCO FRISO for Beed of M. Brench. which for from has he,
| DESPATCH II | 25th May, 1940. | 2nd July, 1940. |
| DESPATCH II | 25th May, 1940. | 2nd July, 1940. |
ИI - 2 - 1555 40M 2/40 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671. ADMIRALT") 7. A/P Trawler STAUNTON, the loss of which was REFERENCE SHEET. announced on 29th July, 1940, is to be regarded as formall public paid off as from 27th July, 1940. (M.014856/40) Head of Military Branch. To The Secretary to 8. H.D.P.C. MIRAGE (S.S.B.A 487(16)) commissioned The Commodore, 4th July, 1940. R.N. Barracks, (M.012037/40). 12th August 1940. Portsmouth. A fast motor launch, purchased with the steam M.010027/40 Information required, or notified. 9. danlaying yacht HELIOPOLIS (S.S.B.A. 533(8)) has been the service number M. B. 4026 and also named BANKBLOCK, CONFIDENTIAL. 12836/40) It is requested that it may be stated whether 10. Reference S.S.B.A. 517(17) the following informatic there off dates of the undermentioned "Dynamo"? coasters, is any further information available Dutch concerning is promulgated concerning the commissioning and paying commissioned the paying with Portsmouth crews for operation of Dutch Coasters employed in evacuation operations. NAME. COMMISSIONED PAID OFF RUJA (Understood paid off at Poole but Naval known). Officer DESPATCH II in Charge, Poole states date is not 25th May, 1940. 2nd July,1940, HORST 25th May, 1940. Not yet report SURSUM CORDA 25th May, 1940. Not yet report AMAZONE ABEL TASMAN 25th May, 1940 Sunk by enemy action. Paid HORST 14th June,1941. KAAPFALGA (S.S.B.A.522) SURSUM CORDA ALICE 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940, PACIFIC (Arrived Poole 29th June). 25th May, 1940. Beached and abandoned at R.N. Barracks, Portsmouth's manned No.5241/200 by D FREDANJA Panne, 29th HEBE II 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940. Portsmouth of 19th July Commodore, crew 1940 ex-JAVA. states that May TINY it be had stated been when this crew 25th May, 1940. Lost through TINY? action. Paid OFFICE JABA from 11th June DEIVED RUJA 25th May, 1940. Paid off 5th JAVA 25th May, 1940. Not yet W.Aushin 25th May, 1940. FRISCO FRISO 6th June 541(6) <S. of Military Branch. PACIFIC 25th May, 1940. 5th July, 1940. SAN ANTONIO 25th May, 1940. Not yet report PASCHOLL 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940. Do AMAZONE 25th May, 1940. 19th June, 1940. ZEUS 25th May, 1940. WIGA ? wesa 25th May, 1940. Not yet report II 25th May, 1940. 3rd July, 1940. ATLANTIC 2nd July, 1940. Joses RION RIAN 25th May, 1940. 27th May, 1940. 2nd July, 1940. un NORSTAD Sune,1940 nderstood were taken up for trials with PINGUIN 15th June, 1940. VESTLARM, GORECHT 15th June, 1940. .M.S. VERNON. 9th June, 1940. 29th July' 1940, when up DOGGERS BANK 9th June, B. 19407(17)) 4th July, 1940. TWENTE B. 9th ($.8.8.517(17))) 29th July, 1940. for Head of Military Branch. Outch Lost through enemy action. 2018M were paid HONDSRUG, off 2nd July, JUTLAND, 1940. and CARIBIA (s.s.B.A. off 12th 517(17)) June, NOTE. The above losses have not announced. (M.010027/40) 1940. Circulation as for Specist Broret Branch Acquaint No. 539.
VESSERHAMER OWNER ЯДИМО REMARKS JM882V ABDE BEAUCLARK Lifeboat ABEL TASMAN Dutch JoodsTid везихойса AEGIR Dutch ALICE .I.А.И.Я security Dutch AMAZONE Dutch ANTJE Dutch $8009711 OJ benefits BART .00 .K.B .0 & .9 "D" Dutch BORNRIFF Dutch BRENDARIS becreach Isodetts ВОИТВАН Dutch CARIBIA SHTYH Dutch TOS Wasmotat OK antil 7838 SHIE DELTA (A) STACHERS STATEMENT mott Dutch DESPATCH II benefits S Dutch enta Itall Isvor DOGGER BANK (bensuder (a) STAORSTAR Dutch of Бептитея office? nstbens0 STAOSHIRE FERDANTA Dutch .btd .00 18.8 FRISCO exem0 benefits Dutche0 .M.B .0 58 .9 (81) STACHETIJ TOT CORECHT 03 benefits Dutch mebH.8.2 Date: TAOHERIS of DenindeR (Totoli S) HEBE hev 10005 on Dutch (8) STAOSETIC HONSDRUG FeersV gateelM Dutch xa HORST S bite Demitter S Dutch ITSAO ИТДВОЯ xH (+) STACHATIS besiges aeno JAVA ATUJOT TO SEASE of Dutch sibal STAOSHERS JUTLAND mort Dutch .00 mottegivell (afessev OL) DIE INJURITY TOD SERVETE SCIUDI KAAPFALGA Dutch della 52000214 Agridobia YOUR LENA Dutch Говлойн Aground on Brady beach. BILIN & 011900 XII STAOSBULI 4 ORANJE Dutch RITCAD OD NOTE xe 1112 I PACIFIC "dati Dutch HYHORIDA PASCHULL ⑉06⑉ Dutch ⑉00⑉ I PATRIA on Dutch antacida Tongos XS TACESHIN I PRINCESS JULIANA Dutch YORWAH xe STACHERST REIGER 03 hermiter & Dutch mebison (b) НОИЛЯО RIKA Dutch RUJA Dutch SANANTINO Dutch STADHAM SURSUM CORDA Dutchidelli blowdows TTOO YEAR зия ита ATAHOTM Dutch (dsods) TILLY Dutch TWENTE nosemic 18 BEDRIT .renwo of Белшей Dutch (Jebdoth VREDE Jon bib LOOPE TELEPORT Dutch (THATEW XSTX BAMORT) WEGA Dutch Jeodella STAOLMAS ZEOS bna CLOOD АВОЯ anuz ******** HUMAN ИОТИТЯЧ bire MOTJAW
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 199 xxx. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| Despatch II | 1 |
Dynamic 222 NA 4/ H.N.S. "Despatch II". 7th June 1940. have the honour to submit the following Report of ings of this vessel, during Operation "Dynamo". is enclosed. to engine, and other, defects, vessel did not over till 1740/28. to trips were made: First on 29th-30th day to West anne, and Second on 31st Hay-Ist June to East of On each occassion no assistance could be obtained boats in embarking troops, and all the 267 French First Trip, and the 160-170, mostly Mid lesex Regiment, Second Trip, were embarked by Ship's Company in Ship's On 1st Trip Ship's Coy. were able to work 8 hours on work, but on 2nd Trip they were exhausted after 6 and I decided to sail with the "half loaf* we had, and waiting while the crew rested before further boat work. eliability of the engines was a further reason for sailing Trip, when I tried to sail from La Panne, engines broke , ft of water in S.R., B.R Bilge Pump not working, in the Air Bottles, and belt connection from AUX. Diesel Compressor broken: temporary repairs took 6 hours: On be Air Compres or had broken down, and engines had to ins, ILS they could not be restarted without repairs to Compressor. Despatch II" was one of the smallest and slowest of the basters, being under 200 tons gross, and about 6g mots. lot of luck, and a little *low cunning" of always to be in sight of some larger and more important ship, or casualities were suffered on board. the Ships Company behaved well. dition to my 1st Lieutenant, Lieut. R.M.Miller, who out his duties exceptionaly well, to recom end to your notice :- J.N.Upton L.Ses. S.T. P/SSX 13505 who exceptional determination and stamina during the boat barking troobs, A.B. BIRES P/JX 148504 who .Dibden to enjoy bombing and machine-guning, while manning Oun against low flying Aircraft. two ratines* work was only just more noticable than Herman B.Ketchley A.B. L.R.2(P) P/J 109346 Ord.Sea. P/JX 130095 Sum L.Greenwood Sto.1 P/KX 90924 Kenneth A.Clark Sto.1 P/K 61172 William J.Allen 1 have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Lieutenant Commander. ding, Dover. portsmouth)
d 5 TION "DYNAMO" H.M.D.B. "DESPATCH II" June pam. Commissioned at Poole. 1600 sailed from Poole for Portsmouth. 2100 Berthed at Portsmouth Dockyard. Ship "Wipped" during the night. the 0430 Left Dockyard for Spithead, Adjusted Compasses. Returned to Dockyard 1700 with defects. 0400 Engines failed to start. 0420 Sailed from Portsmouth for Newhaven. 1400 Berthed at Mewhaven 1130 Engines failed to start. Air Compressor broken down; Temporary repairs executed by Southern Rly by 21.45. 0600 Ingines failed to start. 0630 Sailed from Newhaven for Dover. 1740 Arrived off Dover. 2115 Anchored 0410 Started to weigh Anchor; anchor foul of Sub. Cable; 0620 Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Downs for Route Orders. 0930 Left Downs for La Panne by Route "Y" Ship was not attacked by any of the lar number of enemy aircraft seen being engaged by Naval Patrol vessels hear .Hinder and Kwinte Bic Buoys, or by Aircraft seen engaged by H.A.F. Fighters off La Janne; none of the bad shots simed? by Nisuport Battery at 2 Destroyers North of Nieuport Bk Buoy fell neares than a cable to this ves 2000 Anchored 2 miles west of La Panne, and com enced embarking French troops. 0400 Weighed and Proceeded 0405 Engines broke down, reanchore Contact was made by Semaphore with a Destroyer close, who promissed a tow when ne had filled-up with troops, but temporary repairs were eff/ected by 1030, and ship proceeded under own power. Course was set to eturn by Route "y", but D.B. Paschol close shead being heavily shelled by Nieuport Battery, in company with Paschol, course was altered NW, across the banks, to Buoy "Y". About 6 miles S of "Y" Buoy a low flying aircraft lacked with 2 bombs which went well over. about 1 mile further on Lewis Gun fire was opened on another low flying enemy aircraft, who did not attack. 915 Berthed at Ramsgate. 915097 Left Ramsgate; set course by Route "X" for Dunkirke. 1640 Dunkirke abeam; air raid in progress, nearest bombs, aimed at Destroyer,* to 9 cable from this vessel. 725 Anchored 3' East of Dunkirke off Battery de Dunes; com enced embarking Middlesex Regiment. Constant High combing Air Raids till dark; after dark low bombing and eachine gun raids. 23.50 All available Mid lesex Regiment embarked. 0002 Weighed, and set course by Route "X" for Ramsgate. 0100 Dunkirke abeam. 0900 Berthed at Ramsgate; Reported ship unable to proceed to sea without repairs. Dalla Operation "Dynamo" cancelled. 22.00 Proceed from Inner Basin to anchor in Roads. 00 Sailed from Ramsgate for Newhaven. 2000 Berhhed Newhaven. 05 Sailed from Hewhaven for Poble. 1807 Amchored off Poole. III - Proceeded into Poole Harbour. Paid Off: Crew returned to R.N.B Portsmouth by train. Lieutenant Commander.
Source: The National Archives, Kew, ADM 234 360. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| Despatch II (Poole) | 428 |
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK APPENDIX F 5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Emperor proceed of India, direct Princess minefield Elizabeth [10th M.S.F.] (R) troops. Emperor of India is to over to La Panne to embark C.M.S. northward to be at your discretion depending place. clear to Princess of Elizabeth Gravelines is to Point proceed where over enemy minefields batteries to may Dunkirk be in keeping well troops. Return route on the state APPENDIX F SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF SKOOTS 22nd May F.1. ADMIRALTY V.A. to Dover C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, (R) F.O.I.C. Portland, F.O.I.C. Southampton, 200-300 tons, are to be sent immediately These to Docks, Southampton, where From the following list of Dutch coasters lying New in Poole, four empty and of about will be loaded with military supplies. will be manned by naval crews after they arrival at Southampton, and will work under the War Office. manned by naval crews and ready will be at the disposal of V.A. Dover. 2. As many of the remainder when as are in light condition will be taken over and of these vessels reporting names of vessels as they became ready for service. 3. C.-in-C. Portsmouth, is requested to arrange for the organisation and assembly Chart Depot. 4. Arrangements are being made for sets of charts to be sent to Portsmouth 5. Further signal will be made regarding provision of naval personnel and dis- posal of Dutch crews on taking over. 6. It is a matter of great importance that these vessels should be got ready for service as soon as possible. 7. Despatch II Horst Brem' Jaba Sursum Corda Bockelo' Ruja Abel Tasman Hebenobel1 Java Virgo Kaapfalga Friso Alice Aldo' Dourswold Nottingham1 Fredanja Hebe II 1703/22 F.2. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. NORE (R) F.O.I.C. London, V.A. Dover in Wharf ballast and of about 200-300 tons, are to be sent immediately to Victualling 1. From the following list of Dutch coasters lying in the Port of London, four after Deptford to load military supplies. These will be manned by naval crews arrival at Deptford, and will work under the War Office. over manned by naval crews. 2. and As many of the remainder which [?as] are in light condition are to be taken these 3. C.-in-C. Nore is requested to for the and assembly of vessels which when ready will be arrange placed at the disposal organisation of V.A. Dover. 4. Names of ships to be reported as they became ready for service. Sheerness. 5. Arrangements are being made for sets of charts to be sent to Chart Depot personnel 6. Further for manning. signal will be made re dispoasl of Dutch crews and provision of I Was not available. 164
Source: The National Archives, Kew, CAB 103 191. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
OPERATION DYNAMO. VESSEL OWNER REMARKS ABDE BEAUCLARK Lifeboat ABEL TASMAN Dutch AEGIR Dutch ALICE Dutch AMAZONE Dutch ANTJE Dutch BART Dutch BORNRIFF Dutch BRENDARIS Dutch CARIBIA Dutch DELTA Dutch DESPATCH II Dutch DOGGER BANK Dutch FERDANTA Dutch FRISCO Dutch. CORECHT Dutch Dutch HEBE HONSDRUG Dutch Dutch HORST Dutch JAVA Dutch JUTLAND Dutch KAAPFALGA Dutch Aground on Brady beach. LENA Dutch ORANJE Dutch PACIFIC Dutch PASCHULL Dutch PATRIA PRINCESS JULIANA Dutch Dutch REIGER Dutch RIKA Dutch RUJA Dutch SANANTINO Dutch SURSUM CORDA Dutch TILLY Dutch TWENTE Dutch VREDE Dutch WEGA Dutch ZEOS
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 36. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
OPERATION DYNAMO DUTCH. YESSELS. VESSEL OWNER REMARKS lamy ABDE BEAUCLARK Lifeboat Mr.Bellamy (Dutch) ABEL TASMAN Dutch Mr.Bellamy (Dutch) AEGIR Dutch Mr.Bellamy ALICE Dutch Mr.Bellamy AMAZONE Dutch Mr. Bellamy ANTJE Dutch Mr.Bellamy BART Dutch Mr. Bellamy BORNRIFF Dutch Mr. .Bellamy BRENDARIS Dutch Mr.Bellamy CARIBIA Dutch Mr.Bellamy DELTA Dutch Mr. Bellamy DESPATCH II Dutch Mr. Bellamy DOGGER BANK Dutch Mr.Bellemy EN Very twing FERDANTA Dutch Mr. Bellamy FRISO Dutch Mr.Bellamy WI GORECHT Dutch Mr. Bellamy H H H ZEO HEBE Dutch Mr.Bellamy HONSDRUG Dutch Mr. Bellamy HORST Dutch Mr.Bellamy JAVA Dutch Mr.Bellamy JUTLAND Dutch Mr.Bellamy KAAFALGIA Dutch Mr.Bellamy
Durch Vessds: B OPERATION DYNAMO VESSEL OWNER REMARKS ABDE BEAUCLARK Lifeboat Mr.Bellamy (Dutch) ABEL TASMAN Dutch Mr.Bellamy (Dutch) AEGIR Dutch Mr.Bellamy ALICE Dutch Mr.Bellamy AMAZONE Dutch Mr.Bellamy ANTJE Dutch Mr.Bellamy BART Dutch Mr.Bellamy BORNRIFF Dutch Mr.Bellamy BRENDARIS Dutch Mr.Bellamy CARIBIA Dutch Mr.Bellamy DELTA Dutch Mr.Bellamy DESPATCH II Dutch Mr.Bellamy DOGGER BANK Dutch Mr.Bellamy FERDANTA Dutch Mr.Bellamy FRISO Dutch Mr.Bellamy GORECHT Dutch Mr.Bellamy HEBE Dutch Mr.Bellamy HONSDRUG Dutch Mr.Bellamy HORST Dutch Mr.Bellamy JAVA Dutch Mr.Bellamy JUTLAND Dutch Mr.Bellamy KAAFALGIA Dutch Mr.Bellamy
Page 3.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
v. 4 ("Vernon's pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
Sunk
(Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, MT 40 66. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Page 3.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft)
V. 4 ("Vernon's" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S' A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
#
Sunk
(Continued)
Source: The National Archives, Kew, Unclassified 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
| DESPATCH II 51 |
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
Dyramnerz Bin/ch243 H.M.S. "Despatch II", 51 7th June 1940. 50 Sir, I have the honour to submit the following Report of Proceedings of this vessel, during Operation "Dynamo". A "Log" is enclosed. 2. Due to engine, and other, defects, vessel did not reach Dover till 1740/28. 3. Two trips were made: First on 29th-30th May to West of La Panne, and Second on 31st May-lst June to East of Dunkirke. On each occassion no assistance could be obtained from small boats in embarking troops, and all the 267 French on the First Trip, and the 160-170, mostly Middlesex Regiment, on the Second Trip, were umbarked by Ship's Company in Ship's Boats. On 1st Trip Ship's Coy. were able to work 8 hours on this boat work, but on 2nd Trip they were exhausted after 6 hours, and I decided to sail with the "half loaf" we had, and not risk waiting while the crew rested before further boat work. The unreliability of the engines was a further reason for sailing On 1st Trip, when I tried to sail from La Panne, engines broke down, with 3 ft of water in E.R., E.R Bilge Pump not working, no air in the Air Bottles, and belt connection from Aux. Diesel to Air Compressor broken: temporary repairs took 6 hours: On 2nd Trip Air Compressor had broken down, and engines had to be kept running, as they could not be restarted without repairs to the Air Compressor. 4. "Despatch II" was one of the smallest and slowest of the Dutch Coasters, being under 200 tons gross, and about 6g knots. Due to a lot of luck, and a little "low cunning" of always trying to be in sight of some larger and more important ship, no hits or casualities were suffered on board. 5. All the Ships Company behaved well. In addition to my 1st Lieutenant, Lieut. R.M.Miller, who carried out his duties exceptionaly well, I wish to recommend to your notice :- Archibald J.M.Upton L.Sea. S.T. P/SSX 13505 who showed exceptional determination and stamina during the boat work embarking troobs, Walter H.Dibden A.B. L.R.3 P/JX 148504 who appeared to enjoy bombing and machine-guning, while manning his Lewis Gun against low flying Aircraft. These two ratings' work was only just more noticable than that of: Herman B.Ketchley A.B. L.R.2(P) P/J 109346 Sam L.Greenwood Ord.Sea. P/JX 130095 Kenneth A.Clark Sto.1 P/KX 90924 VICE ADMIRA William J.Allen Sto.l P/K 61172 12 JUN 1940 * I have the honour to be, Sir, DOVER Your obedient servant, Fewilmot-Sitwell Lieutenant Commander. Vice Admiral Commanding, Dover. (Copy to Co in C., portsmouth)
52 OPERATION "DYNAMO" H.M.D.B. "DESPATCH II" 51 1940 MAY 24th p.m. Commissioned at Poole. 1600 sailed from Poole for Portsmouth. 2100 Berthed at Portsmouth Dockyard. Ship "Wipped" during the night. 25th 0430 Left Dockyard for Spithead, Adjusted Compasses. Returned to Dockyard 1700 with defects. 26th 0400 Engines failed to start. 0420 Sailed from Portsmouth for Newhaven. 1400 Berthed at Newhaven. 27th 1130 Engines failed to start. Air Compressor broken down; Temporary repairs executed by Southern Rly by 21.45. 28th 0600 Engines failed to start. 0630 Sailed from Newhaven for Dover. 1740 Arrived off Dover. 2115 Anchored 29th 0410 Started to weigh Anchor; anchor foul of Sub. Cable; 0620 Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Downs for Route Orders. 0930 Left Downs for La Panne by Route "Y". Ship was not attacked by any of the large number of enemy aircraft seen being engaged by Naval Patrol vessels hear W.Hinder and Kwinte Bk Buoys, or by Aircraft seen engaged by Fighters off La Panne; none of the bad shots aimed? by Nieuport Battery at 2 Destroyers North of Nieuport Bk Buoy fell neared than a cable to this vessel. 2000 Anchored 2 miles west of La Panne, and commenced embarking French troops. 30th 0400 Weighed and Proceeded 0405 Engines broke down, reanchore Contact was made by Semaphore with a Destroyer close, who promissed a tow when he had filled-up with troops, but temporary repairs were eff/ected by 1030, and ship proceeded under own power. Course was set to return by Route "Y", but D.B. Paschol close ahead being heavily shelled by Nieuport Battery, in company with Paschol, course was altered NW, across the banks, to Buoy "Y". About 6 miles S of "Y" Buoy a low flying aircraft attacked with 2 bombs which went well over. About 1 mile further on Lewis Gun fire was opened on another low flying enemy aircraft, who did not attack. 1915 Berthed at Ramsgate. 31st 0915091 Left Ramsgate; set course by Route "X" for Dunkirke. 1640 Dunkirke abeam; air raid in progress, nearest bombs, aimed at Destroyer, to for cable from this vessel. 1725 Anchored 31 East of Dunkirke off Battery de Dunes; commenced embarking Middlesex Regiment. Constant High bombing Air Raids till dark; after dark low bombing and machine gun raids. 23.00 All available Middlesex Regiment embarked. June 1st 0001 Weighed, and set course by Route "X" for Ramsgate. 0100 Dunkirke abeam. 0900 Berthed at Ramsgate; Reported ship unable to proceed to sea without repairs. June 4th p.m. Operation "Dynamo" cancelled. 22.00 Proceed from Inner Basin to anchor in Roads. 5th 0400 Sailed from Ramsgate for Newhaven. 2000 Berhhed Newhaven. 6th 0705 Sailed from Newhaven for Poole. 1807 Amchored off Poole. 7th a.m. Proceeded into Poole Harbour. p.m. Paid Off: Crew returned to R.N.B Portsmouth by train. HWilmot-Sitwell Lieutenant Commander.
Movements recorded for Despatch II during the evacuation period, as plotted on the Operation Dynamo map.
| Departed | Route | Arrived | Troops | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 May 1940, 09:15 | Ramsgate → Channel | 1 Jun 1940, 09:00 | — |
Attempt
Engine broke down
|
NMM 940.542.1 1940 Orde vol i, page 238 |
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