Details

BLEI MOR (1.3126) 3126)
French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available.
under
the
Captain
E.
Authority - inistere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
2nd/3rd June
dr. Vivacious,
U.A/S.B.7.
M.T.B,107, and the
West Cove,
Blei mor AD 381
Edvard Nissen,
3rd/4th June
auxiliary mine Tweeper
and
the
blockshipa
of the Dunkerque
command
Pacifico
blockships were sunit on the way to the
harbour; was lost the Holland in a gale collision
the 27th of March 1940 to have been 8 the
and the evidently operation the did not was by than
take been part in Dynamo or 100 to 120
UBG left unobstructed on the of the
this gap, however, was of the
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
bank.
The following the
Mention in Depostches.
Capt. E. R.N.
R.A.9. Homp, R.H.
(1)
106

Details

BLOCKSHIPS
Blocking of Dunkirk Inner Harbour.
This operation was carried out on 2 successive nights,
under the command of Captain E. Dangerfield R.N. The ships
employed were as follows:
2nd/3rd June
dr. Vivacious,
M.A/S.B.7.
M.T.B.107, and the blockships
West Cove,
Edvard Nissen,
Holland.
3rd/4th June
dr. Shikari,
M.A/S.B.10,
M.T.B.107, and the blockships
Gourko,
Moyle,
Pacifico.
Two of the blockships were sunk on the way to the
harbour; the Holland by collision with an unknown personnel
ship; the Gourko by what is said to have been a magnetic mine(1).
The blocking operation was made difficult by the ebb tide,
and the strength of the out-going current was greater than had
been expected. Consequently, a gap of about 100 to 120 feet
was left unobstructed on the west side of the channel; part of
this gap, however, was shoal water, because of the shelving
bank.
The following awards were made to the operation staff;
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. E. Dangerfield R.N.
Lieut. R.A.F. Heap, R.N.
(1) Gourko was de-gaussed, and had been wiped in Chatham
Dockyard on 31st May.
107

Details

EDNA (Y.H.119)
M.F.V. (owner, H.V. Little)
2nd June
2015
Bailed from the Downo
Took no part in Operation Dynamo.
the
[See Under Eastern District Fishing Fleet].
3rd June
0215
Anchored ore Dunkirk less Holland,
Authority - TO.9436.
which 989 comeunere
T0.9144.
Weighed and proceeded.
0310
Passed Dunkirk 3
astern of Gestcove.
When 0 cable end a half past the
occulting light on the inner uset
pier, Westerve remed the play
and swung athwart the Channel, The
out-flowing streem (about 2 knoto),
however, reduced her athwariship
angle, 80 by arrangement with Neatory
the Nissen endervoured to striks
stern as she passed on her way to
ren the cast breakwater.
The strength of the ebb stream was
however misjudged, and the Nissen
passing close under gesteove's
rammed the east breakeater,
of the Westcoxe. Wiesen let go an
anchor and spplied full port helm
and all engine power to increase this
blooking angle.
Westcove then "blew up and caught
fire aft's and it WEB seen that the
gap between the 2 ships' sterns had
increased from 20 feet to 00 feet,
owing to the current. The motor boes
run a howeer to the yestcoye's
and by heaving on this the gap was
reduced to 50 rest.
Niesen was then abendomed and the
scuttling charges fired from the
0413
Edvard Nissen blew up and settled
rapidly. The ware transferred
to M.A/8.B.7*
Anthority - M.011431/40.
The following
pention In pespatohes.
King-Wood, H.N.R.
4/Ltout. I.R. Griffiths, R.M.
O.P.O. its Woods.
270

Details

EDVARD NISSEN
Blockship
Lt. E.J. King-Wood, R.N.R.
2nd June
2015
Sailed from the Downs in company with
Westcove and Holland, Vivacious
way. (with M.T.B.107 in tow) leading the
2117
M.A/S.B.7 L.V. joined company off S.Goodwin
3rd June
0215
Anchored off Dunkirk - less Holland,
which was somewhere astern.
0240
Weighed and proceeded.
0310
Passed Dunkirk outer breakwater 3 cables
astern of Westcove.
When a cable and a half past the
occulting light on the inner west
pier, Westcove rammed the pier
and swung athwart the Channel. The
out-flowing stream (about 2 knots),
however, reduced her athwartship
angle, so by arrangement with Westcove
the Nissen endeavoured to strike her
stern as she passed on her way to
ram the east breakwater.
The strength of the ebb stream was
however mis judged, and the Nissen
passing close under Westcove's stern,
rammed the east breakwater, abreast
of the Westcove. Nissen let go an
anchor and applied full port helm
and all engine power to increase the
blocking angle.
Westcove then "blew up and caught
fire aft", and it was seen that the
gap between the 2 ships' sterns had
increased from 20 feet to 80 feet,
owing to the current. The motor boat
ran a hawser to the Westcove's stern
and by heaving on this the gap was
reduced to 50 feet.
Nissen was then abandoned and the
scuttling charges fired from the boat.
0413
Edvard Nissen blew up and settled
rapidly. The crew were transferred
to M.A/S.B.7.
Authority - M.011431/40.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches.
Lt. E.J. King-Wood, R.N.R.
S/Lieut. I.R. Griffiths, R.N.
C.P.O. H. Woods.
271

Details

HOLLAND
Blockship
Lt.Cdr.E.C. Coats R.N.
2nd June
2010
Weighed and sailed from the Downs to
Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious
leading, and towing M.T.B.107;
the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen.
2117
M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8.
Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland
was unable to maintain the 7½ knots
of the convoy and soon lost sight of
it.
Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing
a very long line of boats" crossed
Hollands bows and further delayed her.
3rd June
0315ca
Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into
Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long
line of destroyers came out" of
Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was
a gap of over a mile and then a
large and fast transport."
[Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover
at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher
(0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248)
Codrington (0250), Express (0250).
The following transports left Dunkirk at the
times stated in brackets:
Newhaven
1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines
(0245)
Tynwald
2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines
0300)
Rouen
1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines
was in Dunkirk
in the early
hours of 3rd
June (see
Thomas Kirk
Wright, p.240))
Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed
troops at Dover
on 3rd June)]
I.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap
etween the destroyer line and the
Note
Anceuse allution a
ransport. When the transport was
cables away, and steaming very
'ast with the first streaks of dawn
ehind her, the danger of collision
my abordage n'afparait
ecame apparent, and Holland sounded
ne blast and put the wheel hard to
daws Bizafforth du
tarboard. The transport, says
t. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c
Newhaven / du Rown
to starboard to pass well clear....
owever she appeared to alter to
ort". She struck Holland hard on
et de Pa cote d Argent
he bridge and just before the boiler
Dom bulkhead. The transport "did
ot appear to sustain much damage,
be Rouen n'a pas appareises' de
acked out and carried on". As
olland had no buoyancy in hand, her
Dewkergue cette nuit la
aptain ordered "abandon ship" a
etant zaste' ichour a P 'oceast
W seconds before she was struck.
de Pa fatee' d' Embacquat age
feesgee are miliere de Pa fournea
due 3 freen
Foremost 87.
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
37

Details

HOLLAND
Blockship
Lt.Car.E.C. Coats R.N.
2nd June
2010
Weighed and sailed from the Downs to
Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious
leading, and towing M.T.B.107;
the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen.
2117
M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8.
Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland
was unable to maintain the 7½ knots
of the convoy and soon lost sight of
it.
Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing
a very long line of boats" crossed
Hollands bows and further delayed her.
3rd June
0315ca
Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into
Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long
line of destroyers came out" of
Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was
a gap of over a mile and then a
large and fast transport."
[Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover
at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher
(0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248),
Codrington (0250), Express (0250).
The following transports left Dunkirk at the
times stated in brackets:
Newhaven 1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines
(0245)
Tynwald
2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines
0300)
Rouen
1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines
was in Dunkirk
in the early
hours of 3rd
June (see
Thomas Kirk
Wright, p.240))
Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed
troops at Dover
on 3rd June)]
M.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap
between the destroyer line and the
transport. When the transport was
6 cables away, and steaming very
fast with the first streaks of dawn
behind her, the danger of collision
became apparent, and Holland sounded
one blast and put the wheel hard to
starboard. The transport, says
Lt. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c
5° to starboard to pass well clear....:
However she appeared to alter to
port". She struck Holland hard on
the bridge and just before the boiler
room bulkhead. The transport "did
not appear to sustain much damage,
backed out and carried on". As
Holland had no buoyancy in hand, her
captain ordered "abandon ship" a
few seconds before she was struck.
(1) Either Sun X, Sunk XI or Foremost 87.
37A

Details

M.A/S.B.7
89th A/S Group, Portland s/Lt. A. Ecclestone,
R.N.
27th May
1700
Arrived Dover from Felixstowe,
1952
M.A/S.B.6 in company.
Embarked the "Chef de Cabinet" and the
"Secretaire" of the King of Belgium;
also the "Ancien Ministere".
1955
Left Dover for Nieuport, M.T.B.107(1)
in company.
28th May
0300
Disembarked Belgian Ministers at
Nieuport jetty.
0315
Left Nieuport jetty, M.T.B's 107(1)
and 22 in company.
0330
Set course for Dover. The two M.T.B's
set course for Harwich.
0525
Arrived Dover.
30th May
0020
Left Dover for Dunkirk with 13 Military
Officers carrying secret messages.
0240
off Dunkirk. The military officers
were landed at the 3 beaches.
Entered harbour to deliver secret
message to S.N.O. Dunkirk. 38 French
troops embarked.
I
0725
Proceeded.
1035
Arrived Dover.
1100
Disembarked 38 French troops.
1135
Left Dover to rendezvous off Ramsgate
31st May
with M.A/S.B. No.6 to escort convoy
of small craft.
1147
Off Deal, developed a fire in port
1203
Fire engine. extinguished. M.A/S.B.7 taken in
tow by tug Doria.
1517
Arrived Dover for repairs.
1730
Repairs completed.
2nd June
2100
Left Dover.
2117
Joined 3 blockships, in convoy off
South Goodwin L.V.
3rd June
0200
Proceeded to lead the 3 blockships
Westcove, Edvard Nissen and Holland]
0230ca
The rear blockship Holland] was
into Dunkirk Channel.
"rammed and sunk by a troopship
this blockship to take off the C.O. to
leaving Dunkirk". Went alongside
and Vivacious]. Proceeded of
crew, who were transferred
a the
THE the
them
107 to brought off the crew
Left blockship. Dunkirk. 7 miles to lifeboat, the westward,
0400
picked down and on fire [the
up the crew of a Jane
Holland]. broken Abandoned the life boat.
0625
2100
Left Arrived for Dover. Dunkirk ]. escorting an R.A.F.
M/B [
(1) Error for M.T.B.67.
254

Details

by
OOEL
DEAL
boy date
M.T.B.102 (continued) M.T.D. Flotilla
Ment. J.Cameron, R.H.V.
May
0800
Authority - R.O.II, p.459.
Lofa Dover, Portsmouth for Felizatows via
DOS
28th May
1200
1830
Arrived Felixatowe.
Left Felixatove on patrol.
The following awards were made: to Felixatowe.
D.S.C. May
0600
Left Pelizatowe for Dover.
Lieut. C.W.S. Dreyer, 1745 R.N. Left Dover in company with N.R.B.67.
Off Dunkirk. M.T.B.67 closed dr.
D.S.M.
Keith (R.A. Dover on board) for
00
E.R.A.3rd Cl.
orders. Proceeded to La Panno with
G.W. Hymas.
M.T.B.67.
YOU tall
A.B.
A.R.C. Stephens. ed out various duties, including
some rescue work, and cruised in
company with M.T.B.67.
2100
Proceeded to Dover in company with
M.T.B.67=
2315
Arrived Dover.
1st June
1100
Left Dover with Odre. T.J. Hallett on
board. Patrolled route X.
1600
Proceeded to Dover.
east JBI
1830ca
Dover.
2nd June
1845
Left Dover for the Downa, where the
Captains of the blockships Westerve,
Edvard Niesen and Holland were
embarked and transferred to dr.
Vivacious.
2020
Proceeded in tow or Vivacious.
2230
Blipped tow) embarked Capt. Danger-
2330ca
field from Vivacious end set course
for Dunkirk, Arrived 233008.
Landed Capt. Dangerfield at Seet Pien
On his return left harbour to search
for blockships. Two only found,
[Westoove and Edvard Nissen}; the
third Holland had been Bunk in a
collision on the way.
enot brrs
3rd June
03200a
In harbour, embarked all the crew of
the 1st and part of the orer of the
and blockships, and transferred them
to the Vivacions which was lying
outside.
0345
Prodeeded, Vivagious and N.A.B.D.7
in company.
0630
Dover.
snot DIE
1735
Loft Dover. Rebarked the Captains or
the blockships Gourko, Novle and
Pacifico and transferred them to the
dr. Rhikari.
2030
Proceeded in tow of shimari, blockship
in company.
4th June
0245
Followed blockship dourko into Dunkirk
Heavy explosion in COMPRO 00 ane
smit and
entered the haroouts
(1) M.T.B.107 wes only received from the builders to stand on
23rd May 1940. she no
(1)
315316

Details

M.T.B.107(1)
10th M.T.B. Flotilla
Lieut. J.Cameron, R.N.V.R
27th May
0800
Left Dover. Portsmouth for Felixstowe via
28th May
1200
1830
Arrived Felixstowe.
Left Felixstowe on patrol.
29th May
0400
Retd. to Felixstowe.
31st May
0600
1600
Left Felixstowe for Dover.
1745
Left Dover in company with M.T.B.67.
Off Dunkirk. M.T.B.67 closed dr.
Keith (R.A. Dover on board) for
orders. Proceeded to La Panne with
M.T.B.67.
-
Carried out various duties, including
some rescue work, and cruised in
company with M.T.B.67.
2100
Proceeded to Dover in company with
M.T.B.67.
2315
Arrived Dover.
1st June
1100
Left Dover with Cdre. T.J. Hallett on
board. Patrolled route X.
1600
Proceeded to Dover.
1830ca
Dover.
2nd June
1845
Left Dover for the Downs, where the
Captains of the blockships Westcove,
Edvard Nissen and Holland were
embarked and transferred to dr.
Vivacious.
2020
Proceeded in tow of Vivacious.
2230
Slipped tow; embarked Capt. Danger-
2330ca
field from Vivacious and set course
for Dunkirk. Arrived 2330ca.
Landed Capt. Dangerfield at East Pier.
On his return left harbour to search
for blockships. Two only found
[Westcove and Edvard Nissen]; the
third [Holland] had been sunk in a
collision on the way.
3rd June
0320ca
In harbour, embarked all the crew of
the lst and part of the crew of the
2nd blockships, and transferred them
to the Vivacious which was lying
outside.
0345
Proceeded, Vivacious and M.A/S.B.7
in company.
0630
Dover.
1735
Left Dover. Embarked the Captains of
the blockships Gourko, Moyle and
Pacifico and transferred them to the
dr. Shikari.
2030
Proceeded in tow of Shikari, blockships
in company.
4th June
0245
Followed blockship Gourko into Dunkirk.
Heavy explosion in Gourko as she
entered the harbour.
(1) M.T.B.107 was only received from the builders by road on
23rd May 1940. She had no astern gear.
316

Details

20018
g
PACIFIC - Continued
Lt.odr.
O.H.P.
1st June
20
0400
OOSI
You area
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 272 B.E.F
0011
and 142 French troops. (1)
June
0130
The blockshipe anchored
0230
Weighed and proceeded Total 945
OEAO
herbour entrance.
0245ca
OECO
Gourko usa seen to be sinking by the
Vall 4232
storm and turning over on her
/
Authority - R.O.II, pp.25, 101. side. to the dr. Shikari that
Pacifico would be scuttled in the
Gourko's allotted position.
0010
The Pacifico intended to proceed
:
TSM HATS
between and beyond the wrecks of
the Edvard Nissen and Westooye
and then drift down between them
brondside one
0020
The current was too strong to pensit
0500E1
of this manocuvre, 30 Pacifico remed
the Westcove abreast her after hold,
dropped the anchor into her end
secured the cablo. The store then
came over to port towards the Nissen,
but after a certain point would not
DOES
turn further owing to the tide race
between the two shipo.
Pacifico THE then ordered to scuttle
the ship. The scuttling was
occoupanied by t. considerable sheet
0050
VaN does
of flame, us in the case of the
but in this instance
probably due to oil fuel vapour.
0345
The orew - pduked up by
Authority - H.011431/ho.
До
BI
The following swards were mass
0
tell NJOE
O
Cdp, O.H.F. Owles, R.N.
Meen. B₂ Phillpott.
Pension in Despatches.
VISSUE D.M. Johnson, R.N.V.S.
150. A.J. Wilson.
Yes JUIE
A. ImeDonald, R.N.H.R.
(1) D.R. attribute this disembarkation and
to and the Ramsgate "Pacifico". report The Pacifico was a blockship
(1)
transported no troops.
374

Details

PACIFICO
Blockship
Lt.Cdr. G.H.F. Owles, R.N.
3rd June
2030
Sailed from " position off the S.
Goodwin L.V. in company with the
blockships Moyle and Gourko (q.v.)
4th June
0130
0230
The blockships anchored off Dunkirk.
Weighed and proceeded towards the
harbour entrance.
0245ca
Gourko was seen to be sinking by the
stern and turning over on her
starboard side.
Signalled to the dr. Shikari that
Pacifico would be scuttled in the
Gourko's allotted position.
The Pacifico intended to proceed
between and beyond the wrecks of
the Edvard Nissen and Westcove
and then drift down between them
broadside on.
The current was too strong to permit
of this manoeuvre, BO Pacifico rammed
the Westcove abreast her after hold,
dropped the anchor into her and
secured the cable. The stern then
came over to port towards the Nissen,
but after a certain point would not
turn further owing to the tide race
between the two ships.
Pacifico was then ordered to scuttle
the ship. The scuttling was
occompanied by a considerable sheet
of flame, as in the case of the
Westcove, but in this instance
probably due to oil fuel vapour.
0345
The crew was picked up by M.A/S.B.10.
Authority - M.011431/40.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lt. Cdr. G.H.F. Owles, R.N.
D.S.M.
Ch. Mech. H. Phillpott.
Mention in Despatches.
9/Lieut. D.M. Johnson, R.N.V.R.
P.O. A.J. Wilson.
A.B. A. MacDonald, R.N.V.R.
375

Details

when in company with the drs Shikan and
Esk and the G.B. Mosquito a
VIVACIOUS (continued)
1700
By this time 175 British troops had
been evacuated.
1800
A
15 (including 3/00C)
/ She shore battery got Vivacious's range.
was hit and had/some casualties
and damage. She retired out of range.
31st/lst June
Throughout the night Vivacious
patrolled between La Panne and Bray.
1st June(1)
0530ca
R.A. Dover (in dr. Keith) ordered
Dunkirk. Vivacious to embark troops from
0610
Whilst waiting to enter the harbour
Vivacious was dive-bombed.
0630
Alongside Dunkirk.
0645
650 troops had been embarked. Proceeded
stet
HAT.
0915
Dover. Disembarked 650 troops. (2).
2nd June
1800
Left Dover with Capt. Dangerfield on
board to escort the 3 blockships
"Westgrove" (4), Edvard Nissen and
Holland.
2030
Vivacious leading the blockships, with
n
M.T.B.107 in tow, and M.A/S.B. No.
in company sai led from the Downs
and proceeded for Dunkirk by Z route.
3rd June
0220
Off Dunkirk.
0230
Capt. Dangerfield embarked in M.T.B.107
and proceeded to Dunkirk. The block-
ships were anchored.
0245
Blockships weighed and proceeded with
the intention of blocking the channel.
The Holland, lastin the line, was
rammed and sunk about 5 miles west
of Dunkirk. (3)
0300
Blockship Westcove entered Dunkirk.
0310
Edvard Nissen entered Dunkirk.
the block was not complete ...
[access] to the docks was still
possible" (5)
0320ca
M.A/S.B. No.7 and M.T.B.107 brought off
the crews of the blockships to
Vivacious, which had in the meantime
moved 3 miles to the westward.
0350
Shore batteries to the eastward open
fire on Vivacious. Proceeded.
0630
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 38 men. (6)
4th June
1145
Sailed for Portsmouth, dr. Icarus in
company. (7)
1830
Both ships arrived Portsmouth.
1999
Authority - R.O.I. p.161
Total 2206
(1) Vivacious's report gives this date as 31st May.
(2) D.R. gives 427 troops.
(3) Vivacious's report.
(4) Vivacious's report. This is an error for Westcove. A vessel
evidently an error derived from Vivacious's report; she
named "Westgrove" is included in D.R's list of ships,
is not in Lloyds Register.
(5) Vivacious's report.
(6) Evidently the blockship's crews. Recorded in D.R. as if
(7) D.R. states were that Vivacious disembarked 463 troops on 4th June.
they "troops".
(8) D.R. makes the total 2,612.
286

Details

Blockship
WESTCOVE
2010
Sailed and other from the Downs, Vivacious lead-
Ltd.Cdr. A.M. McKillop, R.N.
2nd June
blockships in company.
0215
3rd June
Anchored No. 16 W off buoy. Dunkirk to the west of
0240
0300
Weighed and proceeded.
Passed western between Dunkirk eastern
into the outer breakwater and proceeded. and
inner harbour.
channel leading to the
When in her allotted position,
Westcove put her wheel hard
astarboard, to ram the inner west
pier. Her bows struck mud about 50
feet from the pier, with the ship
about 30° across the channel. This
angle was increased to 50° by going
full ahead on the engines.
The Edvard Nissen which was following
with the intention of ramming the east
breakwater, endeavoured to strike
Westcove's stern a glancing blow so
as to increase her angle to the
Channel before she was scuttled. The
strength of the current was under-
estimated however, and the Nissen
passed close under Westcove's stern,
heading for the east breakwater.
Westcove then fired her scuttling
charges, which, probably owing to coal
gas in the bunkers, caused a large
column of flame and smoke to cover
the ship's stern. When this had
cleared, and the boat with the crew
on board had pulled clear, it was
seen that Westcove had slid off the
sloping bank of the channel; she was
lying on an even keel in the line of
causing a minimum of obstruction.
the piers, almost in midstream thus
The crew embarked in M.A/S.B.7.
Authority - M.011431/40.
The following awards were made:
Mention Lt. in Despatches.
C.E.R.A. W.H. Pryor.
Cdr. A.M. McKillop, R.N.
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THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
to were seen and no ships Dunkirk of No. 604
2120 on the 2nd June, to clear reported the air being for the attacked. night's work. Blenheims No enemy air-
craft Squadron then continued to patrol singly over throughout the night.
reported, and R.A.F. fighters intercepted successfully 3rd on three.
Only on three occasions during the 2nd June were enemy all aircraft formations
evacuation effort. Eighteen Blenheims a level (1,000-3,000
series of attacks on the batteries near bombed Gravelines, from low to coincide with the
During the early morning hours of Pointe the de June the R.A.F. carried out a
feet), but were unable to observe results.
By night, the policy was continued of directing a small proportion of our
effort to targets near the battlefront and the main weight against Germany ;
and air in conformity with this policy twelve Wellingtons attacked Bergues.
Blocking of Dunkirk Inner Harbour (Operation C.K.) (See Plan 4 and
Appendix Z)
The blocking of the inner harbour at Dunkirk was under the command of
Captain E. Dangerfield, R.N., and was carried out on two successive nights.
The operation was first timed to be carried out on the night 1st-2nd June, but
at 1808 on the 31st the Admiralty ordered its postponement.
On each night three blockships, escorted by a destroyer, an MA/S.B. and an
M.T.B., were employed. The blockships assembled in the Downs, and (as
usual) they were such crocks that one, the French built Emerald Wings (Govern-
ment Yard, Cherbourg, 1920) broke down soon after leaving Portsmouth for
the Downs and had to be towed back to harbour; a second could not keep up
with the convoy; and a third, the Moyle, developed defects which, however,
by dint of working on her all night, were remedied in time.
The ships finally employed on the night 2nd-3rd June were as follows :-
Vivacious (destroyer)
M.A/S.B. 7
M.T.B. 107
Blockships Westcove 2734 tons, built 1912
Edvard Nissen 2062 tons, built 1921.
Holland Dutch M.V. 895 tons, built 1923.
Early on the 2nd of June Admiral Nord asked that the blockships might be
sent over to arrive at the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at 0300 on the 3rd, the
latest hour at which they could enter on that night, by which time it was hoped
the evacuation would have been completed. During the afternoon of the 2nd
however, the Admiralty received a message from the Admiral postponing the
operation because the evacuation would not be completed that night. However,
the Admiralty still hoped to complete the evacuation and ordered the block-
ships to sail.
At 2030 on the 2nd the Vivacious, with Captain Dangerfield on board and
with M.T.B. 107 in tow and M.A/S.B. 7 in company, sailed from the Downs,
leading the three blockships, and proceeded to Dunkirk by Route Z. The
Holland, unable to maintain the 71 knots speed of the convoy, was soon lost
to sight astern. Nearing Dunkirk a tug (either the Sun X, Sun XI or Foremost
87), towing a very long line of boats, crossed her bows and still further delayed
her, but she eventually made contact with M.A/S.B. 7 and asked to be led
into the harbour. The other two blockships had anchored at 0230, and a
1 This is her correct name
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CHAP. XI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
quarter of an hour later they all three proceeded, with the Holland last in the
line, to carry out their part in blocking the port. As they neared Dunkirk a
"long line of destroyers came out of the harbour. " Astern of them", stated
the Holland, there was a gap of over a mile and then a large and fast trans-
port". M.A/S.B. 7 led the Holland through the gap between the destroyer
line and the transport. When the latter was 6 cables away, and steaming very
fast with the first streaks of dawn behind her, the danger of collision became
apparent, SO the Holland sounded one blast and put her wheel hard astarboard.
Lieutenant-Commander E. C. Coats, R.N., captain of the blockship, reported
that the transport had then only to alter course 5° to starboard to pass well
clear. However, she appeared to alter to port", with the result that she struck
the Holland hard on the bridge and just before the boiler room bulkhead. The
transport, which did not appear to have sustained much damage, backed out
and carried on her way. The Holland had no buoyancy in hand, and, a few
seconds before she was struck, her captain ordered abandon ship", seeing
that it was inevitable she would be rammed. The bows sunk at once and rested
on the bottom, there being apparently only 8 feet of water under her keel;
the stern remained above water. Two seamen were crushed and seriously
injured in the collision. M.A/S.B.7 took off the crew and transferred them to
the Vivacious. The wreck of the Holland came within an ace of being rammed
a second time, for two more ships, reported to be destroyers, passed and missed
the Holland's stern by no more than a few feet.
At 0300 the blockship Westcove entered Dunkirk, followed ten minutes later
by the Edvard Nissen. Both ships proceeded into the channel leading to the
inner harbour. When in her allotted position the Westcove put her wheel hard
astarboard to ram the Inner Western Jetty, but her bows struck mud about
50 feet from the pier, with the ship at an angle of about 30° across the channel.
By going full speed ahead on the engines, the athwartship's angle was increased
to 50°.
As the Edvard Nissen came in with the intention of ramming the East Pier
she endeavoured to strike the Westcove's stern a glancing blow in order to in-
crease her angle to the channel before scuttling herself; but underestimating
the strength of the ebb stream she passed close under the Westcove's stern, and
rammed the East Pier abreast of the latter. Letting go an anchor, she applied
full port helm with all engine power to increase the blocking angle. The
Westcove now fired her scuttling charges, which probably owing to coal gas in
the bunkers, caused a large column of flame and smoke to envelop the ship's
stern. When this had dissipated, the crew, who had pulled clear in their boat,
saw that the Westcove had slid off the sloping bank of the channel and was
lying on an even keel in the line of the piers, almost in mid stream, thus causing
a minimum of obstruction. Between the sterns of the two ships there was
now a gap of 80 feet which was reduced to 50 feet by heaving on a hawser run
by the Edvard Nissen's motor boat from the ship's stern to the Westcove. No
more could be done and the Edvard Nissen abandoned ship and fired her
scuttling charges from the boat. M.A/S.B. 7 took out both ship's crews to
the Vivacious.
1 No transport reported being in collision at this time and it has not been possible to
identify any of the vessels concerned. The following destroyers and transports sailed from
Dunkirk at the times given destroyers - Vanquisher 0230, Whitshed 2045, Malcolm 0248,
Codrington 0250 and Express 0250; transports Newhaven (French 1,888 tons) 0245,
Tynwald (British 2,376 tons) 0300, Rouen (French, 1,882 tons time not known but ship
was in Dunkirk in the early hours of 3rd June), and Côte Argent (French 3,047 tons, time
not known but ship landed troops at Dover on 3rd June.)
112

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX Z
APPENDIX Z
SIGNALS RE OPERATION C.K.
THE BLOCKING OF DUNKIRK INNER HARBOUR
Sunday, 2nd June
1. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
night. He will signal if their placing to postponed.
Admiral Nord requests that blockships is will be arrive at entrance at 0300 tomorrow
0405/2
2. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER STRAITS, S.N.O.
DUNKIRK
My 1600/31st May, not to S.N.O. Dunkirk. Operation is to be carried
forces sailing from the Downs about 1900 today Sunday. E.T.A. Dunkirk roads out,
0200 3rd June.
Final order to block is to be given by Captain Dangerfield who will enter Dunkirk
ahead of forces and consult with Admiral Nord as necessary.
Owing to the tide, blockships cannot enter Dunkirk harbour after 0300 on night
2nd/3rd June.
1300/2
3. ADMIRALTY to S.N.O. DUNKIRK (R) V.A. Dover, R.A. Dover Straits
French now state that following has been received from Admiral Nord.
"Evacuation will not be completed during the night of 2nd/3rd. Blocking of
Dunkirk must not take place for the moment".
We hope, however, to complete evacuation tonight and blockships are being
sent. Captain Dangerfield has orders to proceed to Dunkirk in advance of block-
ships and get in touch with Admiral Nord and arrange time of blocking with him.
1552/2
[Here see Appendix Y.15].
Monday, 3rd June
4. Vivacious to ADMIRALTY (R) VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Operation C.K. completed. Two blockships¹ sunk between breakwater, but
regret obstruction of channel not achieved.
T.O.R. 0445/3
I The two blockships were the Westcove and Edvard Nissen. The third block-
ship, the Holland, was lost en route.
5. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER STRAITS
My 1300/2 [Appx. Z.2]. Operation is to be repeated tonight June 3rd, forces
sailing from the downs about 2000 today Monday. E.T.A. Dunkirk roads 1158/3 0130/4.
RESTRICTED
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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