Details

Details

Details

DOGGERSBANK
Skoot
Lieut. D.T. McBarnet, R.N.
Lieut. P.G.C. Dickens, R.N.,
lst Lieut.
26th May
Took over the Doggersbank from her owner
captain at Gravesend.
p.m.
Sailed for Sheerness.
2000ca
Arrived Sheerness.
27th May
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk, but anchored in the
Thames estuary during darkness.
28th May
1200ca
Arrived Dunkirk. (1) Ordered to Bray,
where the ship was grounded. Depth
too great for troops to wade out, so a
boat and a raft were sent in; on
arrival they were rushed and swamped.
Later, they were righted, and army
officers and military police organised
the traffic.
2000ca
About 450 on board. Shifted berth
closer inshore. Transferred troops
to destroyers
2310ca
[including the Grafton].
29th May
Picked up some abandoned boats and
embarked more troops.
0400
Shifted to La Panne.
0750ca
Reported to the dr. Codrington, which,
joined by another destroyer
]
returned with the
Doggersbank to Bray. (Whilst Lieut.
McBarnet had been reporting to the
Codrington, the Doggersbank's boats
went inshore to embark some French
troops. "They immediately mobbed
and capsized the boats, threatening
my sailors with revolvers when they
tried to evict some").
During the day, transferred another
ship-load of troops to destroyers,
being much assisted by Codrington
leaving her boats behind for
Doggersbank's use.
29th/30th
-
During the night the Doggersbank was
May
beached for about 1/01 hour either side
of low water, and 300/350 troops were
able to walk out of the ship.
30th May
Refloated 2 hours after low water, and
-
Disembarked 350 troops at Margate, where
sailed for Margate.
1200ca(
"I was very much impressed by the
efficient organisation of the pier
Sailed staff". for Dunkirk.
"Night" - Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
31st May
a.m.
Sailed Disembarked for Margate. 400 troops at Margate. (3)
1855
(1) Lieut. McBarnet says this was on 27th May.
(3) Margate report.
(2) Margate report states 2100.
242

Details

I
DOGGERSBANK Continued
2nd June
1200ca
Sailed On the for Dunkirk with 4 M/B's in tow.
an way across, was waved back by
unknown ship, but decided to
-
Arrived at a beach [probably Malo],
continue in fulfilment of orders.
but few of the French troops there
would embark. Collected some British
troops from boats. Shifted to
Dunkirk where a P/S was seen secured
alongside, and very few troops were
embarking. Decided to return.
Sailed for Margate. En route, 18
aircraft attacked for 40 minutes,
but were driven off by 7 British
fighters. No damage to the
Doggersbank.
3rd June
a.m.
Disembarked 50 troops(1) at Margate.
Total 800
Authority R.O.II, p.53.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lieut. D.T. McBarnet, R.N.
D.S.M.
E.R.A. 4th Cl. E.M. Horne.
(1) Not mentioned in Margate Report.
243

Details

GRAFTON
1st Destroyer Flotilla
1400. Sailed from wover nicompana will
dr. greyhound (V.V.)
Cdr. Lieut. C.E.C.
28th May
1100ca
Arrived Dover from Dunkirk.
R.N. R.N.
1210ca
Disembarked 860 troops.
beame
1445
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
Braye. Anchored close inshore.
Embarked and the troops, using ship's whalers
2100ca
580 troops had been embarked. Boats
cr. Calcutta's power boats.
now ordered to ferry to skoots
2310ca
lying closer in shore.
The sk. Doggersbank transferred about
280 troops to Grafton. Four of
Grafton's ratings sent to augment
Doggerabank's crew.
29th May
0015
Left for Dover. Considerable traffic;
all ships showing navigation lights.
0230ca
The wreck was seen of the dr. Wakeful,
which had been tcrpedoed in the
vicinity 01 Kwinte Bank buoy.
Lowered both whalers to rescue
survivors. Signalled the M/S Lydd
asking for information; Lydd was
darkened.
0240ca
Observed a small darkened vessel 3
cables on the port quarter.
Signalled her to pick up survivors.
Almost at once a torpedo on the
port side was reported - followed
immediately by a violent explosion
and then a second explosion.
The Grafton's bridge was wrecked;
4 killed including the Captain - due
apparently to a bomb hit. The
torpedo hit had blown off Grafton's
stern, abaft the after magazine
bulkhead, and had apparently broken
Ship's boats and rafts were prepared. off
her back.
0350ca
An approaching M.T.B. was driven H.M.
drifter by Comfort which was subsequently
gunfire. [It was in fact
rammed and sunk by the M/S Lydd]. and
0400
The P/V Malines came alongside
embarked Grafton's troops, except
0430
Five the destroyers seriously wounded. were seen approaching the
Dover. One of them, closed
Ivanhoe from was She detached embarked and the listing seriously
Grafton. Grafton was now
wounded. and the after end Ivanhoe was awash. fired
heavily ship" ordered about
"Abandon shells into the Grafton at to
Dunkirk. 500 3 yards and [Malines then Proced 800 men at
Dover].
Total 860
Authority - R.O.I., p.36.
Lid

Details

High Speed Launch 120
R.A.F. Stn. Calshot
R.N.
Lieut. lide Berry, R.N.V. R., let
See under "Seaplane Tenders".
Lieut.
26th May
1000
The ship commissioned at Tilbury,
27th May
0500
Sailed for Southend and thence to
Sheerness for stores.
1800
Proceeded to Southend for route
instructions.
2030ca
Left Southend in company with the 8%.
Doggersbank. Anchored at dusk.
28th May
0400
Proceeded "by the medium length route"
probably route 2]-
1200ca
Arrived Dunkirk and went alongside.
Ordered to the beaches. Proceeded
to Bray-Dunes and went close inshore
where there was a large concentration
of troops. The troops waded out
"on masse", and very soon surrounded
the ship. They overcrowded the
ladders, which ware too steep for
them to climb unaided, and got into
difficulties by getting out of their
depth. Had great difficulty in
getting the exhausted and water-logged
soldiers on board.
1900
Transferred the 500 troops on board to
8. destroyer, and went in again.
Embarked about 100 troops by the
ship's boat.
2000ca
The Hilds grounded and could not get
off.
29th May
0130
400 troops waded off and embarked
(there was than only about 2 feet
or water round the ship).
0400cm
The ship refloated and the troops
were transferred to a destroyer
[probably the Rsk].
-
Embarked 6. forther 100 troops,
including some very severe casualties
and transferred them to a destroyer.
-
Proceeded to La Panne and was ordered
by the dr. Keith to transfer troops
from a grounded 2/8 to the destroyers,
This proved to be impossible, 00 the
Hilda enchored and used the ship's
bonts.
p.m.
Embarkation continued all the afternoon.
The dinghy, holed by bomb splinters
was abandoned.
1900
With 600 troops on board, haved
eastward in search or & destroyers
The only ones visible were moste
distance away, and were being heavily
hombed. Two were seen to be hit. (1)
Sailed for Dover by Y route.
30th kay
0800ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarred 305
troone.(2)
01% a/Lieute. R.N.R. and 25 ratings
joined for boats' GIVING.
(1) Bo destroyers were hit at this time. Probably they
appeared to be hits
(2) D.R.
30

Details

HILDA
Skoot
Lieut. A. Gray, R.N.
Lieut. H.J. Berry, R.N.V.R., lst
Lieut.
26th May
1000
The ship commissioned at Tilbury.
27th May
0500
Sailed for Southend and thence to
Sheerness for stores.
1800
Proceeded to Southend for route
instructions.
2030ca
Left Southend in company with the Sk.
Doggersbank. Anchored at dusk.
28th May
0400
Proceeded "by the medium length route"
[probably route z].
1200ca
Arrived Dunkirk and went alongside.
Ordered to the beaches. Proceeded
to Bray-Dunes and went close inshore
where there was a large concentration
of troops. The troops waded out
"en masse", and very soon surrounded
the ship. They overcrowded the
ladders, which were too steep for
them to climb unaided, and got into
difficulties by getting out of their
depth. Had great difficulty in
getting the exhausted and water-logged
soldiers on board.
1900
Transferred the 500 troops on board to
a destroyer, and went in again.
Embarked about 100 troops by the
ship's boat.
2000ca
The Hilda grounded and could not get
off.
29th May
0130
400 troops waded off and embarked
(there was then only about 2 feet
of water round the ship).
0400ca
The ship refloated and the troops
were transferred to a destroyer
[probably the Esk].
-
Embarked a further 100 troops,
including some very severe casualties
and transferred them to a destroyer.
-
Proceeded to La Panne and was ordered
by the dr. Keith to transfer troops
from a grounded P/S to the destroyers.
This proved to be impossible, BO the
Hilda anchored and used the ship's
boats.
p.m.
Embarkation continued all the afternoon.
The dinghy, holed by bomb splinters
was abandoned.
1900
With 600 troops on board, moved
eastward in search of a destroyer.
The only ones visible were some
distance away, and were being heavily
bombed. Two were seen to be hit. (1)
Sailed for Dover by Y route.
30th May
0800ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 305
troops. (2)
Six Lieuts. R.N.R. and 25 ratings
joined for boats' crews.
(1) No destroyers were hit at this time. Probably they
appeared to be hit.
(2) D.R.
31

Details

HYTHE
Coaster (s. Ry. Co. Ltd.)
R.W. Morford, Master.
31st May
0230
Left Dover for No.3 beach Dunkirk.
The Captain states that he "was given
May
an Army road map to navigate on".
In the narrowest part of Dunkirk
channel, the sunken P/V Normania
was passed, "her flags still flying,
only her mast and funnels showing".
0634
0545
Arrived at the beach. Observed the P/V
0600
Lorina broken-backed and aground.
Wind and sea conditions were bad, so
0800
decided to enter Dunkirk, and berthed
at the east pier.
1001
1130
Proceeded with 650 officers and men, 18
wounded, and 4 French and 2 Belgian
To
Officers.
1640
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 749
troops. (1)
the
turn
No damage. by Total 749.
towed
clear
the
1600/
Jaguar domaged. The
1630
Clan Nacalister
dr. Express went to assist Jaguar.
Authority - TM. 6213/40.
dr. Na.100.m(5) assisted the Clan
Tearus under way but
continued mabarking.
1730
Doggersbank commenced to transfer
about 470 troops to Icarus.
Air attack.
1830
Doggersbank's transfer completed.
Долгов proceeded by X route.
Near to Dushirk, sir attack by about
to A P.M/8. Just sheed of
Icarus and approaching an opposite
course WEB sunk. (4) Icarus attacked
by about 10 dive bombers. Slight
damage from near misssa; 1 killed 25
wounded.
At 5W buoy attacked by single
sircraft.
2050
Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (5)
30th May
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, under orders of
Javelin, in company with dre.
Intropid, Ivanhoe and Impulaive.
1715
X route to Dunkirk under orders of
Ivanhoe, in company or des. Impulsive
and Harvestor.
2100ca
orr Briv Reberked troops by 2
whalers.
31st May
04000a
The M.L.B. Lord Southborough now
in the embarkation.
0700
Proceeded.
1000
Dover, Disembarked 781 troops.
(1) Icarus onits to Vanguisher.
(2) Icarus this.
(3) Cares but
the for 1730.
(4) This
(5) D.R. not mention
(1) D.R.
5049
49

Details

ICARUS (D.03)
20th Destroyer Flotilla
Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud R.N.
28th May
2300
Arrived Dover from Plymouth, drs.
Intrepid and Ivanhoe in company.
29th May
0145
Sailed for Dunkirk with drs. Javelin,
Intrepid, Ivanhoe and Vanquisher(1)
in company.
0425
Ivanhoe detached (2) to assist dr.
Grafton off Kwinte bank buoy.
0545
Anchored off Dunkirk.
0600
Javelin and Icarus proceeded alongside
the eastern arm; Icarus inside,
embarked troops.
0800
Proceeded.
1130
Dover. Disembarked 950 troops.
1215
To Dunkirk by Y route.
1515
Anchored off Zuydcoote under orders of
dr. Codrington.
Later, grounded with the turn of the
tide. Subsequently Icarus's stern
was towed clear by the sk. Doggersbank
No damage. Embarked troops.
1600/
Air attack. Jaguar damaged. The
1630
freighter Clan Macalister hit aft.
dr. Express went to assist Jaguar.
dr. Malcolm assisted the Clan
Macalister. Icarus got under way but
continued embarking.
1730
Doggersbank commenced to transfer
about 470 troops to Icarus.
Air attack.
1830
Doggersbank's transfer comp leted.
Icarus proceeded by X route.
Near to Dunkirk, air attack by about
40 aircraft. A P.M/S. just ahead of
Icarus and approaching an opposite
course was sunk. (4) Icarus attacked
by about 10 dive bombers. Slight
damage from near misses; 1 killed 25
wounded.
At 5W buoy attacked by single
aircraft.
2050
Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (5)
30th May
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, under orders of
Javelin, in company with drs.
Intrepid, Ivanhoe and Impulsive.
1715
X route to Dunkirk under orders of
Ivanhoe, in company of des. Impulsive
and Harvester.
2100ca
off Bray Dune. Embarked troops by 2
whalers.
31st May
0400ca
The M.L.B. Lord Southborough now
assisted in the embarkation.
0700
Proceeded.
1000
Dover. Disembarked 781 troops.
(1) Icarus omits to mention, Vanquisher.
(3) Icarus says this was the Codrington, but the latter left
(2) Icarus does not mention this.
the area for Dover at 1430.
(4) This was probably the Waverley.
(5) Estimated. D.R. does not mention
50

Details

NAVAL STEAM PINNACE
M/B MARSAYRU
S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
[s/Lt. Godman had previously been to Dunkirk in
the yacht Seriola. While there, he had
transferred to the yacht Noneta, in which he
took over the Naval Steam Pinnace.
returned to Ramsgate. At 0530 on 1st June, he
1st June
0600
Left Ramagate with a crew of 5 and
0830
fuel for six hours steaming.
A passing trawler temporarily repaired
the Steam Pinnace's engine and
gave her 3 sacks of coal. She then
took the steam pinnace in tow.
1030
The tow rope broke for the third time.
The steam pinnace was taken in tow by
another trawler which had overtaken
her.
1200
Slipped the tow outside Dunkirk harbour
and proceeded towards La Panne.
Air attack on a sloop off the harbour
entrance it was the G/B Mosquito]
the sloop half submerged, ceased fire.
-
Just west of La Panne, picked up a
dinghy and making several trips,
ferried 15 British troops to the
steam pinnace.
1400ca
Off La Panne, sighted the M/B Marsayru,
drifting with the tide and unoccupied.
[She had broken away on the previous
night when in tow of the lighter
X.217].
The Marsayru was found to be in work-
ing order; the engine was started
up, and an A.B. and a soldier were
taken as crew.
P.O. Morrison was left in charge of
the steam pinnace, with orders to lay
off and wait for the return of the
Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow, the Marsayru
proceeded to the western end of the
beach and anchored; the dinghy
ferried about 24 troops to her.
There was insufficient room in the
Marsayru to take any more.
1700
The Marsayru weighed anchor, cast the
dinghy adrift, and proceeded eastwards
to pick up the steam pinnace. She
was found anchored, near the harbour,
and deserted. It was decided to
leave her there.
The Marsayru proceeded to Ramagate.
1900
Closed the sk. Doggersbank which gave
the Marsayru some fuel and the
course for Ramsgate. It was
observed that the steam pinnace's
crew were on board the Doggersbank.
2330
Made fast to a conical flashing buoy
and waited for daylight.
2nd June
0430
A trawler took the Marsayru in tow
to Ramsgate.
0800
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 19
troops.
326

Details

Page 120
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. BRANDARIS &c. (Continued).
In the majority of these voyages was under constant
bombing and machine gun attack, as also when in
Dunkirk harbour and lying off the beaches. This
officer worked unceasingly without rest throughout
the 9 days of the operation, with conspicuous
success.
Recommended for mention.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK - Lieutenant Donald Terry
McBarnet, R.N.
This vessel remained off the Flanders coast for a
greater period than the other skoots, and whilst under
incessant attack from the air succeeded in recovering
from the beach and from Dunkirk harbour more than
1,500 troops.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N.
Displayed exceptional initiative and pertinacity
in a variety of difficult circumstances off Bray
beach, in Dunkirk harbour and Dunkirk beach. When
necessary grounded his ship on the beach and devised
many ingenious and seamanlike methods of taking off
troops from the beach by means of life rafts,
abandoned life-boats and other craft which came to
hand, normal boat work being impossible with his
small crew. At all times undeterred and undismayed
by frequent air attacks to which his vessel and
boats were subjected.
Recommended for deocration.
RATING.
Engine Room Artificer, 4th Class, Eric Matthew Horne, MX.62572.
In charge of the engine room department of
DOGGERSBANK. Took over the engines from Dutch
engineer who spoke no English, and succeeded in
keeping the engines running perfectly throughout
the 10 days of the operations.
In addition to engine room duties, generally
assisted the Commanding Officer at all times in
work outside the department, assisting in the
operation. Behaviour under fire was exemplary.
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch

Details

DSC.
Lieutenant Alexander Harper Turner,
Skipper George Hattan, W.S.3022, REED.
Skipper William Francis
L Sub-Lieutenant John Kenneth Barton
Miles, R. R.V.R.,
Sub-Lieutenant Robert Walter Timbrell, R.C.N., H.M.M.M.M.
Lieutenant Robert Hunter Irving, R.N.R., TRITON.
Sub-Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, E.M.B. R.N.,
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, R.N.R., VERNON Motor Boat I, etc.
BONNIE HEATHER.
Sub-Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N., Motor Boat
Sub-Lieutenant John Cambridge Clarke, R.N.V.R., Etc. Motor
SWALLOW,
Captain Master, W. Thompson, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Boat RAPIDE.
Chief Engineer B. Murphy, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Ans kvimate, T.O. Hanlon S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Captana Master, J. Freyer Tug FOREMOST Thames 87. Cockle Boat Flotilla.
Sub-Lieutenant Michael Herbert Bernard Soloman, R.N.V.R.,
&
Lieutenant Commander Stratford Hercules Dennis, R.N.,
Lieutenant Christopher William Stuart Dreyer, Base, R.N.,
Commanding M.T.B. Dover.
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N., M..T.B. Dutch 102. Skoot
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing, H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK. Dutch Skoot
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, H.M.S. R.N.R., HILDA. Dutch Skoot
Engineer Mr. J. Crockett, - BIARRITZ.
H.M.S. HONDSRUG.
Captarize Master, Charles Archibald Hancock,
Captain Master, Ernest Leonard Hill, CANTERBURY.
Captain Master, Robert Mallum McLean, Hospital Personnel GUERNSEY. Carrier ISLE GEORGE OF
Captaus Master, Reginald Richard Pittman, Transport
Captained Master, William Oswald Young, H.M. Ship LEVENWOOD. KING
Second Second Officer Frank Edward Martin, - St. - ST. Helier. HELIER
xv Sub Acting Chief Able hightenant Seaman Engineer Officer Allan Seaman Watterson, Ronald Thirwall, - TYNWALD Medal. C/JX. H.M.S. - ROYAL 139421,
HARVESTER DAFFOD
(Cook) J.H. Elton, LT/JX.180250, H.M.S. MOSQUITO. R.N. Patro
Service,
H.M.Y. BYSTANDER

Details

DSM
Able Seaman W.J. Morris,
Able Seaman S. Palmer, P/JX.26097, 148052, Motor
Leading Stoker W.A.S. Horn,
Stoker D.T. Banks, KX/86174, R.F.R., Motor Boats Motor
Able Seaman L.F. Strand, C/J.69009, Motor
Lewis Gunner T.W. Watson, SoSo: DORIEN ROSE.
Able Seaman J. O'Rawe, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Ordinary Seaman W. Bassett, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Fireman A. Gilson, S.S. DORIEN ROSE.
Mr. A.B. Devine, Motor Doat LITTLE ANN.
Deckhand W. Absolom, S.S. QUEENSLAND.
Deckhand M. Hains, S.S. QUEENSLAND.
Leading Officer Steward Edmund Samuel Lawrence, P/L 8649,
H.M.Tug St. ABBS.
Seaman Harry Griffith, Tug JAVA.
Sub. Officer Aubrey John May, London Fire Brigade Fire Float
MASSEY SHAW.
Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class William Hymas, MX. 49826,
VV
Able >eaman Albert R.C. Stephens, X.131369, M.T.B. 102.
MT.B. 102.
Ordinary Seaman Vincent Wakeham , P/JX. 194588, Newfoundland
Engine Room Artificer, 4th Class Eric Matthew Horne, MX. 62572,
Rating, Dutch Skoot H.M.S. AMAZONE.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK.
Acting Petty Officer Leslie Charles Curd, C/JX.155644, Dutch
Skoot H.M.S. HILDA.
Able Seaman George Edward Godfrey., C/JX.144633, Dutch Skoot
H.M.S.. HILDA.
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92816,. Dutch Skoot H.M.S.
Leading Seaman Willie Haggar, P/J.95873, H.M.S. PATRIA HONDSRUG.. (Dutch
Leading Seaman Reginald William Legg, .107221, Dutch Skoot) Skoot
Able Seaman George Henry Baker, D/SSX. 27349, Dutch Skoot H.M.S.
H.M.S. TWENTE.
rxv Able Seaman Donald Joseph McKinnon - PERSONNEL TWENTE. SHIP KING
Viv
Fireman Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight, H.M. Transport LEVENWOOD.
GEORGE V.
(Private Frederick William John Rushy - PRAGUE.
Acting Boy Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX. 5187, NEPHRITE.
Robert Moody, H.M. Transport LEVENWOOD.
George iam Crowther oth Field Ambulance, B. Co.
Chief Yeoman of Signals J. Collier, - C/J.69513 LYNX.)
Seaman Thomas Gimmin, TYNWALD.
73544861
Signalman Yeoman of Signals F. Laister, C/J.69665, (H.M.S. H.M.S. KEITH.
Signalman J. Mulheron,
Arthur Waters, JX.142009.
Able Signalman D.W. Simmons, JX. ..183281.
Acting Seaman William. C. Grainger, 133346.
Able Able Seaman Petty J.W. Officer Swales, E.W. Spickett, SSX.22139. JX.12846.
Able Signalman Seaman Seaman E. G.A. Hall JX. 12846.
Leading Able Able Ordinary Able Able Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman Seaman T.D.D. FLetcher, John Doig, Spanton, JX. D.961. 145091. JX. .114468. 172487.
1XU Able Seaman C.Foster, D.112.
Able Able Seaman Seaman H. Fletcher SSX.20706. (J.99712) B.23221.
Able Seaman R.
Petty
Sick
Signalman Berth F.
are Scaman J. Jones,
Bar Fowles. to The John.144282. ISLE OF C/SBR.X.8022. GUERNSEY.
Able Seaman Arthur Victor Distinguished Johnson, P/J.24724. Service Medal

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Dynam. 97.
H.M.S. Tynedale.
52
c/o Alex. GOvan Stephen & Sons Ltd.
Glasgow.
7th. June 1940
Sir,
In accordance with verbal instructions received from the
Commodore's secretary R.N. Barracks, Chatham, I have the honour
to make the following report of proceedings of H.M.S. Doggers-
bank for the period Sunday 26th. May to Wednesday 5th. June,
in connection with the evacuation of military personnel from
Dunkirk beaches.
2.
I took over the Dutch Scoot "Doggersbank" from her owner
captain at Gravesend and commissioned her with a crew of one
other Lieutenant R.N. and 9 ratings. We sailed P.M. for Sheerness
where we secured alongside at about 2000. Stores adequate in
quantity and description were all ready to be loaded into the
ship on arrival, the whole organisation being extremely good.
Ship was swung at 0930 next mOrning and we sailed at I600 for
Dunkirk, anchoring in the Thames estuary during the hours of tark
darkness.
3. We arrived at Dunkirk about noon on Tuesday 27th. and
were told to proceed to Brai Beach where I grounded the ship
with a kedge anchor payed out from astern. Our draught (6ft.)
proved however to be too great to enable the soldiers to wade
out to us so the life-boat and life saving raft were hoisted out
and used to ferry the men from beach to ship. The boats were inx
immediately mobbed on arrival inshore and swamped. They were
righted and bailed out but considerable difficulty was experienced
in preventing too many men trying to embark each trip. Later in
the day the Army officers ashore organised their men and military
police prevented the men rushing the boats and shot anybody
who attempted to do so. This very much expediated the embarkation
By about 2000 Ihad embarked some 450 men most of whom had been
on the beach 3 days without food or water though a great many
had water bottles full of Whisky. Our stores and fresh water
were consequently finished within an hour.
5.
At this time there was a great lack of boats on the
beach so I considered that I would be most usefully employed
going as close inshore as I was able, colecting a full load X
and then transferring them to bigger craft further out which
I accordingly did, collecting water and biscuits when alongside
Destroyers.
6.
About this time Imanaged to pick up some abandoned boase
but had not got the hands to work them so Ijoined all my lines
to-gether, sent one end to the beach where I had it hauled up
beyond high water mark, the other end I secured to my life-
saving raft which I anchored as far out as my length of lines
would allow me. We then proceeded as close inshore as we could,
picked up the grass and used it as a ward between ship and
shore. The soldiers were very reluctant to wade out to the
boats after dark so embarkation became slow despite the guest
warp. I had however collected another load by the morning
and as there were no Destroyers or other larger craft near the
beach I was on I had to take my load up to La Pan.
As far as I....
The Vice-Admiral
Dover.
(Copy to the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.)

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19.
The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
4
Acting Leading Seaman Ronald Thirlwall, C/JX.159421, H.M.S.
mer.
Seaman Cook Jesse Harry Herbert Elton, LT/JX.180250, H.M.Y. Mosquito.
Bystander.
Bar to the Distinguished Service Medal.
WE
Able Seaman Arthur Victor Johnson, P/J.24734.
The Distinguished Service Medal.
Chief Petty Officer Albert William Cobley, C/J.22075, H.M.S.
Chief Petty Officer Ernest George Dewey, C/J.104364, H.M.S. Speedwell. SAbre.
Chief Petty Officer Arthur Henry Herbert Gutsell,P/J.28475,
H.M.Y. Thele
Chief Petty Officer Rowland Evan Lines, C/JX.142401, Pensioner
S.
e.
11254, H.M.S. Malcolm.
Chief Petty Officer Percy Simeon Thomas Munn, C/J.10033, H.M.S.
Royal Eagle.
Chief Petty Officer Stanley Freeman Piggott, P/J.15784, H.M.S.
Hebe.
Chief Petty Officer Francis Withington, C/J.8739, H.M.S. Worcester
Chief Petty Officer Reginald Frank Tupper, P/J.94060, H.M.S. Icaru
Chief Yeoman of Signals Fred Laister, C/J.69665, H.M.S. Keith.
Chief Engine Room Artificer ХИЛКАЙ Redvers Woodhead Atkinson,
C/MX.47004, H.M.S. Malcolm.
Chief Engine Room Artificer George Bertram Head, P/M.34498,
H.M.S. Leda.
Chief Engine Room Artificer Andrew Millar McOwan, C/M.18445, H.M.S
Sabre.
Chief Engine Room Artificer Francis Henry Patrick, C/M.14987,
H.M.S. Vanquisher.
Chief Engine Room Artificer Sidney Arthur Wilkins, P/M.18465,
H.M.S. Worcester.
Chief Mechanician Second Class Frederick Arthur Ford, P/K.21534,
H.M.S. Whippingham.
Chief Stoker Martin Gallon, P/K.59221, H.M.S. Havant.
Chief Stoker Horace Frederick Goddard, P/KX.95692, H.M.S. Icarus.
Engine Room Artificer First Class Charles Henry Andrew, D/M.28768,
H.M.S. Salamander.
Engine Room Artificer Third Class George William Hymas, P/MX.49826
Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class Eric Matt Horne, C/MX.62572,
on,
H.M.Skoot Doggersbank.
Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class Joseph Edric Whitenstall,
P/MX.57728, H.M.S. Winchelsea.
Engine Room Artificer First Class James Barton, R.N.R., Portsmouth
32EE, H.M.S. Express.
Electrical Artificer First Class Kenneth Simpson, C/MX.45564,
H.M.S. Wolsey.
Petty Officer Hyacinth Alec George Adam, P/JX.131408, H.M.S. Express.
41.
Petty Officer Harold Beasley, C/J.93287, H.M.S. Sutton.
S.
Petty Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX.127274, Elizabeth. H.M.S. Princess
Petty Officer John Collins, P/J.90457, H.M.S. Leda.
Petty Officer George Albert Coussens, P/J.7788, H.M.S. Dward.
Petty Officer Maurice William Crisp, P/J.100655, H.M.S. Express.
Shaw
Petty Officer Alfred Ernest Crossley, C/J.103237, H.M.S. Queen. Medway.e

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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

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Page 120
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. BRANDARIS &c. (Continued).
In the majority of these voyages was under constant
bombing and machine gun attack, as also when in
O
Dunkirk harbour and lying off the beaches. This
officer worked unceasingly without rest throughout
the 9 days of the operation, with conspicuous
success.
M
Recommended for mention.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK - Lieutenant Donald Terry
McBarnet, R.N.
This vessel remained off the Flanders coast for a
greater period than the other skoots, and whilst under
incessant attack from the air succeeded in recovering
from the beach and from Dunkirk harbour more than
1,500 troops.
be
nel
Recommendations.
sh
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N.
Displayed exceptional initiative and pertinacity
in a variety of difficult circumstances off Bray
beach, in Dunkirk harbour and Dunkirk beach. When
necessary grounded his ship on the beach and devised,
many ingenious and seamanlike methods of taking off
troops from the beach by means of life rafts,
abandoned life-boats and other craft which came to
DSC
hand, normal boat work being impossible with his
small crew. At all times undeterred and undismayed
by frequent air attacks to which his vessel and
boats were subjected.
Dsc
Recommended for deocration.
RATING.
Engine Room Artificer, 4th Class, Eric Matthew Horne. MX.62572
In charge of the engine room department of
DOGGERSBANK. Took over the engines from Dutch
engineer who spoke no English, and succeeded in
keeping the engines running perfectly throughout
the 10 days of the operations.
In addition to engine room duties, generally
assisted the Commanding Officer at all times in
work outside the department, assisting in the
operation. Behaviour under fire was exemplary.
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch

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Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. Page
1
tch Skoot H.M.S. BRANDARIS &c. (Continued).
In
the
majority
bombing Dunkirk officer the 9 days harbour worked and machine of and these voyages as was under constant beaches. in
success. of the operation,witht conspicuoushout This
Recommended for mention.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. DOGGERSBANK - Lieutenant Donald Terry
McBarnet, R.N.
greater incessant attack the other skoots, and whilst for a
This period vessel than remained off the Flanders coast
from the beach and from the air succeeded in recovering under
1,500 troops.
from Dunkirk harbour more than
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Donald Terry McBarnet, R.N.
Displayed exceptional initiative and pertinacity
in a variety of difficult circumstances off Bray
beach, in Dunkirk harbour and Dunkirk beach. When
necessary grounded his ship on the beach and devised
many ingenious and seamanlike methods of taking off
troops from the beach by means of life rafts,
abandoned life-boats and other craft which came to
hand, normal boat work being impossible with his
small crew. At all times undeterred and undismayed
by frequent air attacks to which his vessel and
boats were subjected.
Recommended for deccration.
RATING.
Engine Room Artificer, 4th Class, Eric Matthew Horne. MX.62572.
DOGGERSBANK. keeping engineer the who engines spoke a generally
In charge Took of the in
the engine room department of room
of the operations times in
operation.
Recommended for decoration.
Dusah/

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
had all come under fire from the shore guns at Calais and Gravelines. At
0415 on the 28th May the Queen of the Channel, loaded with 904. troops, was
attacked by one aircraft; 3 or 4 bombs were dropped, which straddled the ship
abaft the mainmast and broke her back, the starboard propeller shaft and the
rudder. By good fortune the Dorrien Rose, en route for Dunkirk, was in the
vicinity and rescued the troops : the Queen of the Channel sank about 1/2 hour
later. The St. Seiriol, which left Dunkirk at about 0415 with 494 troops,
reached Folkestone in safety.
Civilian crews feel the strain
Some 45 personnel vessels were used during operation "Dynamo"
Of these eight were sunk, at least six were so damaged by bombing or gunfire
as to render them unfit for further use during the operation, and two were
damaged in collision. Nine of the largest of these personnel vessels had been
engaged prior to "Dynamo" in operations at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne,
and their Captains and crews were beginning to feel the strain when Operation
"Dynamo" started.
Thus it was that the Master of the Canterbury, which had already completed
2 round trips to Dunkirk in operation "Dynamo", reported, on the 28th May,
that he was too worn out to make a third trip. The P.S.T.O. went on board
and explained the gravity of the situation to the Master, and the Canterbury
sailed at 0930 the next day. On her return voyage from Dunkirk she was
bombed and damaged, and after landing her 1960 troops went into dock for
repairs. In the 3 trips she made the Canterbury brought back 4,416 troops;
her Master, Captain C. A. Hancock, was awarded the D.S.C.
Personnel vessels not to be employed during full daylight
On the 28th May, however, it had become apparent that development of
the German air threat over the evacuation area, and the increasing artillery
fire from shore batteries covering the sea approaches to Dunkirk, prohibited
the employment of personnel and similar vessels during daylight, until the
position was restored, and that evacuation from Dunkirk by day must for the
moment be confined to warships and small vessels².
It was not, therefore, until later in the day, that the P/V Royal Daffodil
sailed for Dunkirk, and eight other personnel vessels and a hospital carrier³
received their sailing orders during the afternoon and evening.
The northern Route Y was by this time in general use⁴, but ships proceeding
from Dover to Dunkirk were ordered to use the southern and shorter Route Z,
if the passage from Calais Bell buoy to Dunkirk could be made in darkness.
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate responsible for servicing skoots
In these circumstances some 20 skoots reached Dunkirk, or arrived off the
beaches during the day and evening of the 28th May; others were on the way.
Their speed varied, but most of them were very slow. Eight of them went
into Dunkirk harbour⁵, and four to Bray beach⁶. The Abel Tasman, loaded
with ammunition, the Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with food, and three
I This number includes 3 store ships, 3 motor vessels and a few freighters, coasters and
tramps.
2 D.R. p. 4, para. 13.
3 The Scotia, Malines, Prague, Manxman, Royal Sovereign, Tynwald, Lochgarry, Killarney
and the H.C. Paris.
4 Appendix K.1.
5 The Caribia, Fredanja, Friso, Jutland, Tilly, Patria, Sursum-Corda, and Twente.
6 The Amazone, Doggersbank, Hilda, and Oranje.
29

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
and Hilda), two power boats and Kellett a tow and pulling Leda, but boats ; the(Doggersbank
with the Calcutta¹, the Gallant, Wakeful, of Verity, two skoots
was joined by the minesweepers the number there were insufficient
boats and motor launches to cope with of troops on the beach.
Calcutta had already lost one of her two whalers2.
70 wounded (cot cases) ; heavy embarkation difficult and the
Off La Panne, at 2157, the Calcutta, surf assisted made by the skoot Reiger, embarked
By the 28th May beach evacuation had become a vitally essential part
complete lack of small beaching craft, other than ships' boats - aftermath
Operation Dynamo". It was, however, severely restricted by the almost of
the wish, already noticed, to prevent early information of the operation be- of
coming known to the enemy; and an urgent and persistent cry for boats arose
from the ships off the beaches.³
Beach craft are sailed for Dunkirk
Steps had already been taken, however, to begin the provision of small boats.
At 0800 on the 28th May, 8 motor boats were sailed from the Thames for the
South Downs. At noon the tug Sun V with 8 cutters and 2 whalers in tow,
and the tug St. Clears with 11 cutters in tow, left Sheerness for Ramsgate, and
both tugs sailed for Dunkirk late in the evening. Of these two tows, however,
only 7 cutters reached the beaches, the remainder being lost en route.4
At 1500 the tug Java left Ramsgate for Dunkirk, in company with four
drifters⁵ and 5 motor launches⁶. They arrived off Bray at 0100 on 29th May,
and were the first arrivals of small motor craft off the beaches. With them,
at 1500 on the 28th May, 5 drifters of the 1st Mine Recovery Flotilla left Rams-
gate for Dunkirk⁷, and at 1845, 18 motor boats with 17 whalers left Sheerness
for Dover.⁸
Supply of small craft is accelerated
These supplied only a portion of what was required. There was still a lack
of small craft, and at 2002 V.A. Dover asked that every available shallow draft
power boat should be sent to the beaches⁹. The Admiralty's vigorous reaction
to this request became fully evident on the following day, the 29th May, when
the Portsmouth and Nore Commands, the Thames estuary and the Port of
London Authority were combed for motor boats, lighters and barges¹⁰. To
accelerate the journey arrangements were made to route them direct to the
beaches, provided they had charts, food, fuel etc.¹¹, though some difficulty was
experienced in providing the large number of charts required. Indeed, on the
road map" to navigate on.
31st May the Master of the coaster Hythe states that he was given an army
I 2 The Calcutta reported she was off La Panne.
Appendix H.2.
3 Appendices H.1 and H.2.
Five gunfire from Clears' cutters were lost en morning route to Dunkirk a collision with the destroyer the result of enemy
4 The of the Sun St. V's tow was lost early next in Montrose.
up 5 by The the Sp. Gravelines Serv./V. Crested and Nieuport; Eagle. one of the 5 was, next however, day, as subsequently picked
6 The Lord Walker Rodney, I, Lord Keith, Lord Collingwood
7 8 9 The Appendix Lord Cavan, G.6. Walker Fidget, II, Jacketa, New Britannic, Silver Dawn Nayland, and and Fisher and Lord Angler Boy St. Vincent. (Appendix II. G.5).
Appendix G.7.
II 10 Appendices G.13 to G.18.
Appendix G.9.
32

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. VI
return to Dover at 15 knots, and could take no further part in "Dynamo."
The personnel vessel Lorina was bombed and sunk at about this period, but
no details are forthcoming.
Icarus damaged
The destroyer Icarus, which had been embarking troops off Zuydcoote, and
in addition had embarked about 470 from the skoot Doggersbank, was attacked
by 10 dive bombers at 1830. She received only slight damage from near
misses but had 1 killed and 25 wounded.
King Orry sunk
The armed boarding vessel King Orry arrived at Dunkirk harbour at about
1900, to find it apparently occupied only by burning and sinking ships. She
herself was immediately subjected to a bombing attack which put her steering
gear out of action and shattered all her instruments. Further air attacks,
and damage by near misses ensued. Realising the risk of the ship blocking
the channel, S.N.O. Dunkirk instructed her Captain, shortly after midnight,
to take her out of harbour. She struggled out at 0230/30, but when clear of the
harbour entrance the King Orry foundered. Several ships, including the drifter
Vivacious, the trawler Lord Grey, and a D.C./M.B., picked up survivors.
Isle of Guernsey deliberately bombed
At about the same time that the King Orry was being bombed, the M/S
Halcyon witnessed the deliberate bombing of the hospital carrier Isle of
Guernsey. She was bombed by 10 planes off Dunkirk harbour while attempting
to pick up an airman. The airman was subsequently picked up by the Halcyon.
Although damaged by near misses, the Isle of Guernsey entered the harbour
after dark and embarked 490 wounded in the early hours of 30th May. She
then proceeded to Newhaven, but was not repaired in time to make another
trip to Dunkirk.
Bideford's stern blown off
The air onslaught had not yet, however, come to an end. The sloop Bideford
had arrived off Bray beach at 1730. At 1750 the first boat loads of troops
(mostly French) came alongside. 'The boats," says her Captain, Lt. Cdr.
J. H. Lewes, R.N., were dangerously overcrowded and several swamped on
the way off from the shore. On arrival alongside, the men would all jump on
board and let their boats drift off on the tide. Paddles were lost overboard,
rendering the boats useless. Bideford's M/B was lowered and ordered to
collect and tow inshore any empty boats. The whaler was lowered and 2
officers and a signalman were sent in to endeavour to take charge on the
beach
this was next to impossible. The men rushed the boats and capsized
them in shallow water, and then left the boats without making any attempt
to right them and use them again. There were only 2 motor landing craft in
the vicinity. One [A.L.C.17] had one engine out of action; the other
[A.L.C.16] was blown up subsequently when lying alongside the ship."
Dive-bombing attacks commenced on the Bideford at about 1915. She was
then machine-gunned by low flying aircraft. At 2007 four bombs were
dropped; one landed 30 yards away one hit the quarter deck; and one hit
or near missed the stern, detonating a depth charge. About 40 feet of the
Bideford's stern was blown away completely; a further 40 feet was reduced
to a tangled mass of metal; the mainmast fell in 3 pieces on the searchlight
45

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Calcutta contacts Lord Gort
On receipt of this signal at 0345 the Calcutta, which had already been embark-
ing troops from La Panne beach, sent her boats in again, in charge of Mr. F.J.
March, Gunner. Mr. March made personal contact with Lord Gort about
8 miles inland, and placed the Calcutta at his disposal for his or his staff's evacua-
tion. Lord Gort, however, courteously refused to be evacuated at this
stage¹.
La Panne beach cleared of troops
Meanwhile the Calcutta was proceeding with the embarkation, having en-
listed the assistance of the minesweepers Sutton and Salamander, the tug Java,
five drifters2, and three motor launches³. By 1357 the Calcutta had embarked
1200 troops, with whom she proceeded to Sheerness.
In addition to the ships assisting the Calcutta, 7 minesweepers4, 4 skoots5,
and 5 destroyers⁶ also embarked troops from La Panne beach. Of the
destroyers, the Greyhound was bombed and severely damaged (see p.42).
The minesweepers embarked, in all, 3415 troops, the skoots 1137 and the des-
troyers 2100. The tramp Yewdale and the motor vessels Beal and Bullfinch
between them brought off 1,854. The assault landing craft A.L.C.15 ferried
about 750 troops from the beaches to off-lying ships, and finally transported
25 to Dover ; the A.L.C.5 also ferried troops throughout the day.
The paddle-minesweeper Oriole had beached herself at La Panne at about
0600, thus permitting about 2,500 troops to pass over her decks to be embarked
by other ships before she refloated at about 1800. In this connection, Sub-
Lieut. Croswell, who had been landed at La Panne at about 0600 with a small
beach party in the Harvester's motor skiff, says : " On the beach we found
14 boats which we launched. A line ferry was established from a paddle-
steamer [the Oriole] which was aground close inshore, and this steamer served
as a pier alongside which other boats were able to come.
Throughout
the
day embarkation continued."
Later in his report, Sub-Lieut. Croswell says " About 1400
bombing
commenced - there were no casualties though 8 heavy bombs fell within 100
yards of the place of embarkation. A supply ship [the danlayer Nautilus]
to the right of the beach was fired and destroyed by a near miss, and a destroyer
[the Greyhound] was hit by an incendiary bomb [in fact she was severely
damaged by a near miss] but continued in action. I joined up with the Army
Staff controlling evacuation - there were no other naval officers at La Panne.⁷
About 2300
I requested that piers should be built but was told nothing
could be done that night.
Lord Gort arrived on the beach on Thursday
morning [30th May] and asked what could be done to assist. I again sug-
gested erection of piers, and under Colonel Porter's direction this was begun,
the pier at La Panne being ready and in use by 1400".
I Calcutta's report.
2 The Golden Sunbeam, Lord Rodney, Lord Keith, Lord St. Vincent, and Lord Collingwood.
3 The Angler II, Nayland and New Britannic.
4 The Emperor of India, Gracie Fields, Halcyon, Hebe, Oriole, Princess Elizabeth and
Waverley.
5 The Reiger, Doggersbank, Jutland and Oranje.
6 The Shikari, Harvester, Anthony, Sabre and Greyhound.
7 Sub. Lt. Croswell was not given orders by his commanding officer to remain ashore.
He says as at La Panne there was no liaison between Army and Navy, I realised I could
do a much more useful job by remaining there," and he stayed there until 1st June. Com-
menting on this, Lt. Cdr. M. Thornton, R.N., Captain of the Harvester says: " This young
officer wisely accepted responsibility of missing his ship and then took charge of the beaches
and embarkation.
(C.W.23187/40.)
47

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
thousands of troops, tired, depressed, for the and whole without food or water for
broke into a double and kept it up I length of the Eastern Arm days,
more than two hours. During that period estimate that more than 15,000 for
troops were embarked. The Army certainly responded splendidly".
about 2100, eight destroyers² embarked embarked east pier an aggregate and
Cdr. Maund's estimate was triumphantly from confirmed: the between 1802
and other vessels, including the skoots Reiger well and Doggersbank, also embarked
8,528 troops; four personnel vessels³ an aggregate of 5,694 troops of
number of wounded.
troops, while the hospital carrier Dinard, down the pier, embarked a
Anthony and Sabre damaged
to Dover was attacked by a single aircraft which dropped 5 when returnich
Of the eight destroyers referred to above, one, the Anthony,
extinguished her lights, stopped her engines, and put her compasses and W/T
and the Keith escorted her into Dover.
out of action. She was subsequently able to proceed, steering by her engines,
on her way to Dunkirk by Route Z, came under fire from shore batteries and
Earlier in the day another destroyer, the Sabre, when near No. 6 Calais buoy,
received several hits on the bridge and upper works. A shell went through the
gyro-compass, an oil fuel tank was pierced, the magnetic compass put out of
action, and she had to return to Dover for repairs.
The destroyer crews, who had hardly slept since the operation began, were
beginning to show signs of exhaustion, and at 2341 (May 30th) the Admiralty
ordered reliefs. a spare destroyer's crew to be sent to Dover to provide temporary
Air patrols
In the air low visibility checked the enemy's activity, but as on the previous
day patrols were again carried out by Fighter Command at three-or four-
squadron strength, the largest number of aircraft on the line at any one time
being 44, and the smallest 26. Sixteen squadrons again operated, the total
number of sorties amounting to 265. Small Coastal Command patrols operated
as before throughout the day along the line North Goodwins-Gravelines
Ostend, and at night the patrol over Dunkirk by single Blenheims continued
but the governing factor of the air operations over Dunkirk on the 30th May
was the low visibility, which restricted the enemy's activities.⁴
Summary of troops landed in England
Thus the day was one of reviving hope. It ended with the numbers going
up, and a record number were embarked from the beaches. (See table P. 65).
Arrangements for evacuation of B.E.F. rearguard
of the B.E.F. had attended a conference representatives with the Vice-Admiral, the Dover.
Meanwhile, during the forenoon, of Commander-in-Chief
to Ist hold the as the latest reasonable date to which the gave B.E.F. daylight on be expected
The June, Commander-in-Chief's plan was explained it Saturday,
eastern perimeter with an up available force of about might 4,000.
Keith 3 The (1200), Anthony Winchelsea (1137), (925) Codrington and (1100), Esk (1041), Vimy (948), Impulsive (1112),
2 I The Cdr. Maund's report (R.O.III, p.443).
4 R.A.F. Prague Narrative, (1039), P. Royal 331. Sovereign Wolsey (1502), (1065). St. Helier (2000) and Tynwald (1153).
64

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
Typical of the urge which characterised sailed from Ramsgate this movement at 0205 of small craft was
escorting the trawler motor Strathelliot, boats, 8 which of which were disabled and in tow of on various the 31st May
the M/B Skylark, disabled, was in tow of Strathelliot. At 0640 the Skylark's vessels
towing bollard tore away and she was taken the in tow stern first. Then the M/B
embarked the Skylark in also the in became Strathelliot. tow-and damaged, later Shortly taken after in tow this stern the first-and M/B Malden crew Annie Lad ber, IV
crew were transferred to the Strathelliot and she and was Mary sunk after Rose was her sunk. Her
Mary Rose, which had been in tow of M/B the Rapid I, was damaged.
had to be taken she arrived
water fast, and dritting on to the was She
Dunkirk beaches with her pumps beach choked, she bilge abandoned. full of rubbish fund making off
useful purpose, however, by being used as a pier.
It is impossible to give the story of every ship, although each ship has its
which went over on the 31st May in company with the lighters X. 217 (S/Lt.
story. Here, for instance, is the unvarnished history of the M/B Marsayru
R.A. W. Pool, R.N.) X. 213 and X. 149. They arrived off Malo beach at about
1600. During an air attack X. 213 and X. 149 were sunk. The Z. 217 was
beached and, assisted by the dinghy, embarked 95 troops which were transferred
to the yacht Llanthony. The X. 217 continued to embark troops using the
Marsayru and a cutter. At about 2100 that evening, with the Marsayru's
skipper and crew and about 200 British and French troops on board, the X. 217
left for home towing the Marsayru and a cutter.
Shortly after sailing the Marsayru broke adrift, and in darkness could not be
found. Next day, the 1st June, however, at 1400, S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
in a Naval steam pinnace, off La Panne, sighted the Marsayru drifting with the
tide and unoccupied. She was found to be in working order; the engine was
started up and Sub-Lieut. Godman took an A.B. and a soldier as crew. He
left Petty Officer Morrison in charge of the steam pinnace with orders to lay off
and wait for the return of the Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow the Marsayru proceeded to the western end of the
beach capacity. and anchored; the dinghy ferried 19 troops to her, which filled her to
In the meantime the crew of the steam pinnace had embarked in the skoot
Doggersbank and had left the steam pinnace anchored near Dunkirk harbour.
Sub-Lieut. Godman decided to leave her there and sailed in the Marsayru for
England; from her. he overtook the Doggersbank on the way and obtained some fuel
and in tow waited for daylight. At 0430 on the 2nd June a trawler a took the Marsayru
At 2330 on the Ist June the Marsayru made fast to conical flashing buoy
embarked. to Ramsgate, which was reached at 0800, and the 19 troops were dis-
the Queen's pleasure launches Enterprise and Wave Queen), the Foremost Southborough,
White Heather,Westeriey,A Lansdowne, hopper barge .26. The M/B's. Marsayru,
and the 101, Lady Minotaur,
The motor coaster Hythe. M/B, the Dolphin's Balquhain, power Tigris boat, I, Rapid the Nelson's I, picket
the motor X lighters launch 95, 149, 209 (towing a boat), 213, Sherfield,
motor launches Grouse, Nanette II the lighter Y.C.63. The and War 217. The motor barge seven 30 knot
eighth, The skoot the Pigeon, Hilda went Haig, over on Kestrel, 1st June. Marlborough, Swallow, Department's Wolfe and Vulture an
Gipsy Three King, more Golden of towed Spray over II the and motor two life-boats. boats Moss Rose, Rose Marie, Lady Haig, Britannic
and
the M.F.H. Pickford & Co. Ltd.'s motor vessels went over, viz the Chamois, Hound
72

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
Teteghem, the event this was postponed 2000 and when it took place some
on a front of two miles. The until French intended to counter-attack at
There was no movement in the port. Later Admiral
was in the hands of the enemy, but they had not
advanced beyond. Further attacks were expected by the French this day,
when the situation regarding munitions might become critical.
Sailing of the night flight from England
The movement from England towards Dunkirk commenced at 1700. The
armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers,
5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters,
6 skoots, 2 armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc.,
formed either in organised tows or proceeding individually. For various
reasons, however, not all of these ships evacuated troops.¹
The composition of the French contingent was not known at Dover. Actually,
3 French torpedo boats, two minesweeping trawlers, two patrol vessels, and
17 trawlers and motor fishing vessels landed troops in England on the 3rd June.
One Belgian patrol boat and 16 or 17 trawlers brought troops.
B.E.F. evacuated, 2330/2
The first destroyers to reach Dunkirk were the Sabre and Shikari, which
sailed together from Dover at 1845. As the latter ship rounded No. 6 W buoy
enemy shore batteries opened fire, but caused no damage. Berthing was
carried out by an officer with a loud speaker at the pier head. Both destroyers
sailed again at 2200, the Sabre with 500 and the Shikari with 700 troops. The
Venomous, which arrived at 2150, had difficulty in going alongside the East Pier.
This was not a solid jetty, but was built of concrete piles through which the
west-going tide set. This, coupled with a fresh easterly wind, made it very
I The following ships (other than those on patrol which picked up survivors and landed
them) landed troops in England on 3rd June, (numbers in brackets) :-
BRITISH Destroyers - Codrington (44), Esk (500), Sabre (500), Shikari (700), Vanquisher (37),
Venomous (1500), Whitshed (82), Winchelsea (152), Windsor (1022) ;
Gunboat Locust (800)
Minesweepers - Albury (200), Duchess of Fife (300), Dundalk (399), Gossamer (490),
Halcyon (416), Kellett (364), Marmion (198), Medway Queen (481), Niger (430),
Oriole (750), Pangbourne (47), Speedwell (300), Westward-Ho (48) ;
Special Service Ship Golden Eagle (1);
Drifters - Forecast (108), Golden Sunbeam (163), Lord Howard (100), Midas (43),
Netsukis (119), Starlight Rays (319), Ut Prosim (49), Yorkshire Lass (103)
Trawler Cayton Wyke (300) ;
Skoot Doggersbank (50) ;
Yacht Sargasso (252) ;
Personnel ships - Côte d'Argent (955), King George V (1460), Newhaven (396),
Lady of Mann (18), Rouen (1286), Royal Sovereign (1500), St. Helier (2000),
Tynwald (1200) H.M.S. Nelson's M.B. (27)
Tugs - St. Olaves (200), Sun X (211), Sun XI (188), War Dept. M.Ls. (69)
Sailing barge Glenway (213)
R.N.L.I. Lifeboats Cecil & Lilian Philpot (51), Michael Stephens (52) :
3 motor boats and launches (300).
FRENCH Torpedo boats - Bouclier (340), La Flore (410) ;
Destroyer Léopard (19) ;
S/M Chaser 6 (50, apparently disembarked at Havre) ;
M/S trawlers - Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes (79), Ste. Denise Louise (78) ;
Patrol vessels - Lucien Gougy (78), Reine des Flots (500) ;
17 trawlers and M.F.V's. (1663).
BELGIAN Patrol boat A.5 (229) ;
17 trawlers (1583).
107

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Details

INDEX
Discipline. See British Expeditionary Force and French troops.
Disembarkation ports, 25.
Docksey, Capt. T. E., 21.
Doggersbank, 20, 29n, 32, 45, 47n, 64, 72, 107n.
Dolphin's power boats, 72n.
Donald, Lt. Cdr. C. G. W. Died of wounds, 10.
Dorienta, 71n.
Doris, 71n, 94 (sunk).
Dorrien Rose, 24, 29, 62.
Dove, Cdr. J. S., 50n (reports Dunkirk blocked), 59.
Dover, mined, 38.
Dowling, Lt. Cdr. D. B., 82.
Drifters, 23, 24 (flare burning).
Drogou, Lt. de V., 73.
Duchess, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Duchess of Fife, 28n, 54n, 101, 107n, 109.
Du Guesclin, 62n, 73n.
Dundalk, 86, 107я, 109.
Dunkirk, S.N.O. See Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Dunkirk: water supply destroyed, 8; demolitions, 8, 19, 106; inundations, 12; bridge-
easier, munications 27, 30; limitations, 48; reported blocked, 50; ships not to close, 51 ; com-
head, 15, 18, 35; damaged, 15, 18; out of action, 23 ; reported fallen, 24; conditions
established with Dover, 51; reduced number of ships sent, 61-2 bom-
barded, 70; harbour deserted, 87; harbour full of ships, 88; growing number of
wrecks described, off, 117. 94; pier damaged, 97; blocking of inner harbour, 111-112, 119-20 piers
Duperre, 73.
Dwarf, 60.
Eastbourne Queen, 74.
E-boats, activity). 27-8, 36, 37n, 49 (fail to discover change of route), 68-9, 85 (recrudescence of
Edmond René, rams Kingfisher, 116.
Edvard Nissen, 111-12.
Edward Z. Dresden, 114n.
Eggington, Ldg. Sea., 119.
Eileen Emma, 23n, 83n (damaged), 95 (sunk).
Eilla II, 71n, 74.
Elizabeth Green, 53, 114n.
Ellwood, Cdr. M. 0. D. (i/c Communications), 67.
Emerald Wings, breaks down, 111.
Emile Deschamps, sunk, 119.
Emma, 73.
Emperor of India, 28n, 47n, 54n, 100.
Empire Henchman, 7In.
Endeavour, 73n.
Enterprise, 72n, 75n.
Epervier, 99.
Escaut, 60.
Esk, 28n, 49, 79 (takes across R.A. Dover and Beach parties), 54n, 55, 58, 64n, 92, 97,
102, 107n.
Ethel Everard, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Evans, W. L., 110.
Excellent's A/A M.B., 72n, 75n.
Excellent's 35 ft. M.B., 71n, 75n.
Exhaustion of ships' crews, 29, 113.
Express, back 28n, 41-2, 54n, 55, 59 (flag of R.A. Dover), 62n, 83 (slightly damaged), 109 (sent
empty), 112n, 114n, 118.
Fagalde, General, 12, 68, 85.
Fairplay I, 71n.
Fair Breeze, 60, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Feasible, 71n, 73 (disabled).
Fenella, 34, 43 (sunk), 46.
Fidget, 32n, 51n.
"Fifth Column", 24, 100.
198

Details

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)

Details

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)

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Dynam. 97.
H.M.S. Tynedale.
52
c/o Alex. GOvan Stephen & Sons Ltd.
Glasgow.
7th. June 1940
Sir,
In accordance with verbal instructions received from the
Commodore's secretary R.N. Barracks, Chatham, I have the honour
to make the following report of proceedings of H.M.S. Doggers-
bank for the period Sunday 26th. May to Wednesday 5th. June,
in connection with the evacuation of military personnel from
Dunkirk beaches.
2.
I took over the Dutch Scoot "Doggersbank" from her owner
captain at Gravesend and commissioned her with a crew of one
other Lieutenant R.N. and 9 ratings. We sailed P.M. for Sheerness
where we secured alongside at about 2000. Stores adequate in
quantity and description were all ready to be loaded into the
ship on arrival, the whole organisation being extremely good.
Ship was swung at 0930 next mOrning and we sailed at I600 for
Dunkirk, anchoring in the Thames estuary during the hours of tax
darkness.
3.
We arrived at Dunkirk about noon on Tuesday 27th. and
were told to proceed to Brai Beach where I grounded the ship
with a kedge anchor payed out from astern. Our draught (6ft.)
proved however to be too great to enable the soldiers to wade
out to us so the life-boat and life saving raft were hoisted out
and used to ferry the men from beach to ship. The boats were inx
immediately mobbed on arrival inshore and swamped. They were
righted and bailed out but considerable difficulty was experienced
in preventing too many men trying to embark each trip. Later in
the day the Army officers ashore organised their men and military
police prevented the men rushing the boats and shot anybody
who attempted to do so. This very much expediated the embarkation
By about 2000 Ihad embarked some 450 men most of whom had been
on the beach 3 days without food or water though a great many
had water bottles full of Whisky. Our stores and fresh water
were consequently finished within an hour.
5.
At this time there was a great lack of boats on the
beach so I considered that I would be most usefully employed
going as close inshore as I was able, colecting a full load X
and then transferring them to bigger craft further out which
I accordingly did, collecting water and biscuits when alongside
Destroyers.
6.
About this time Imanaged to pick up some abandoned boats
but had not got the hands to work them so Ijoined all my lines
to-gether, sent one end to the beach where I had it hauled up
beyond high water mark, the other end I secured to my life-
saving raft which I anchored as far out as my length of lines
would allow me. We then proceeded as close inshore as we could,
picked up the grass and used it as a warp between ship and
shore. The soldiers were very reluctant to wade out to the
boats after dark so embarkation became slow despite the guest
warp. I had however collected another load by the morning
and as there were no Destroyers or other larger craft near the
beach I was on I had to take my load up to La Pan.
As far as I
The Vice-Admiral
Dover.
(Copy to the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore.)