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LIBURY (continued)
1st June
-
Ordered by R.A. Dover (afloat) to
proceed alongside Dunkirk pier and
embark troops. Air attack while
doing so.
0800ca
The dr. Ivanhoe was hit by a bomb
outside the harbour.
Two ships went to her assistance
[dr. Havant and M/S Speedwell]
0805ca
The Albury proceeded at full speed
for Sheerness.
While leaving Dunkirk channel and
coming up to Breedt Bank, intensive
air attacks took place. The M/S
0900ca
Gossamer ( just ahead) received 5 near
misses. The Havant (which had just
passed) received a direct hit; she
described a large circle to starboard
and when last seen was steaming south
[The Havant was hit 3 times and was
not under control]. There were also
near misses on the Albury.
-
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 200
troops. (1) Coaled ship.
2nd June
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
3rd June
0015
Arrived Dunkirk harbour. Went along-
side the east pier.
Embarked French troops, some of which
had to be collected from the town.
0215
Sailed with 200 on board.
-
Off U buoy, sank a floating mine.
0730ca
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 200
troops. Coaled ship.
1630
Sailed for Dunkirk in company with the
M/S's Leda and Gossamer.
2030ca
Off W buoy, the Albury was detached to
act independently.
4th June
0020
Arrived Dunkirk harbour and was ordered
alongside the West pier. Filled up
with French troops.
0130
Sailed.
0300ca
Encountered fog between U buoy and the
N. Goodwin L.V. Overtook the Leda
which had been in collision [with
the Belgian trawler Marechal Foch,
which sank]. The Albury stood
by the Leda until relieved by
the M/S Kellett.
0600ca
Near Elbow buoy, [North Foreland] the
French auxiliary vessel Emile
Deschamps, crowded with troops and
refugees was passed. When about 5
cables astern of the Albury, the
French vessel blew up on a mine and
sank within half a minute.
Albury turned back to pick up
survivors. The London Fire Brigade
Fire-float Massey Shaw also assisted
and transferred 40 survivors to the
Albury.
(1) D.R. states these were disembarked on 2nd June.

Details

ANNA (N.38)
Belgian trawler
2nd June
1415
The Anna and M.L.C.21 together
disembarked at Ramsgate 37 B.E.F.
and 63 Allied troops. (1)
3rd June
0900
Disembarked 47 Allied troops at
Ramsgate. (1)
Total 97
Anna Margurite 22
Belge, area & armement
français a bord
a transporte' 120 housenes
at particips and sametage
Darchames das furvivants Emile
Arrive a Margate ea
4 juin daus Pa matiner
Note by 0dr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
(1) (which does not, however, if this state vessel that
Ramsgate Anna report was N. 38). It is doubtful was
responsible the for both trips.

Details

ANNA-MARGUERITE (2.2)
Belgian trawler
31st May
1930
Routed by the dr. Leopard from the
Downs to Dunkirk in company with
the tr. Pharailde (q.v.), 4 other
Belgian trawlers and the French
vessel M.41. No other details
available.
Anna Marguerite 22
belge, arec armement
français a' bard.
a transporte' 120 hournes
et particife' are sametage
Deschanes. del turvivants de P' 'Emile
Arrive' a Margate ea
4 juin daus Pa matinee
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
60

Details

EMILE DESCHAMPS
French fleet
auxiliary
4th June
-
This vessel was en route for England
from Dunkirk, crowded with troops
and refugees.
0558ca
The M/S Albury, about 5 cables ahead
of the Emile Deschamps, signalled her
the course to the N. Goodwin L.V.
which she had missed.
0600
21 miles east of the N. Foreland (near
the Elbow Buoy), the Emile Deschamps
struck a mine and sank in about a
minute. The fire-float Massey Shaw,
which was about 1 cableaway, picked
up 40 French sailors and transferred
them to the Albury.
Nelson's M/B picked up survivors, the
most seriously injured of which
she transferred to the Albury.
The P/V King George V which had just
passed the Emile Deschamps before
she was sunk, lowered 4 boats and
picked up 67 survivors; she put 10
aboard "H.M.S. Leader" [this was (1)
either the M/S Kellett or the Albury
0615
The M/S Kellett, to whom the Albury had
signalled, picked up some very
badly injured survivors.
A fog came down as the rescue
operations were completed.
The survivors which included 7 French
women and a boy, were landed at
Margate.
Authority - R.O.I., pp.221, 281.
R.O.III, p.51.
RM,6213/40.
TO.9144/41.
Emile Deschamps
AD 20
accx. M/S
Enseigne de vaineau
Tellier
(Kifled 4 th your)
Note by Cdr. Cras of French
Historical Dept.
(1) There damaged was M/S no vessel Leda was present some distance named "Leader". away, being The escorted
by the corvette Kingfisher.
280

Details

KELLETT (continued)
3rd June
-
0730
Sailed for Sheerness.
Arrived troops. Sheerness. Disembarked 364
1530
Sailed for Dunkirk.
4th June
0100
Arrived off Dunkirk harbour. Attempted
to go alongside the west pier, but
the Kellett's bows grounded.
Obtained a life-boat [the M.L/B
Greater London] which towed the
Kellett's stern away from the wall,
so that she was able to back away.
Embarked troops from M/B's. Ordered
to leave by R.A. Dover.
0220
Sailed for Margate.
0530
Encountered the M/S Leda with her
bows damaged(1) and escorted by the
M/S Albury. Sent the Albury on to
Margate, while Kellett proceeded with
Leda.
0615
The Albury reported that a ship had
been mined. Kellett went to her
assistance. (2) She was the French
auxiliary Emile Deschamps. Picked
up survivors who were nearly all
very badly injured.
Also in the vicinity were the P/V
King George V and a "Belgian scoot"
[the French M/S/Ste. Elisabeth full
of soldiers. As soon as the survivors
were picked up, a rog came down.
0830
The Kellett led the "scoot" into
Margate.
The Kellett disembarked 30, plus 3
French women. (3)
Total 1456
Authority - R.O.I, p.279.
R.O.III, p.275.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Ord/Sea. J.F. Shiret.
Mention in Despatches
Cdr.
R.C. Haskett-Smith, (4) R.N.
E.R.A.4th Cl. G.H. Redmoud.
L/Tel.
E. Hatch.
(1) She had collided with and sunk the Belgian trawler
(2) The Marechal corvette Foch. Kingfisher escorted the Leda to Margate.
(3) (4) Margate Referred report. the London Gazette of 16th August 1940,
Supplement to in No. 34925, as "Hasket-Smith".
117

Details

KINGFISHER - continued
4th June
0010
Making a little water, the Kingfisher
proceeded at 7 knots.
0505
In company with the "Lida" [1.e. the
M/S Leda] which had been in collision
[with the Belgian trawler Marechal
Foch], and requested Kingfisher to
stand by.
0540
Sighted French destroyer at anchor
near N. Goodwin L.V.; she also had
been in collision.
0615
Observed heavy explosion in position
51° 23' N., 1° 31' E., [near Elbow
Buoy, North Foreland] and "unknown
ship" [the French auxiliary Emile
Deschamps] sink. The M/S's Albury
and Kellett and other ships nearby
picked up survivors.
0714
The Leda and the Kingfisher arrived
off Margate.
0745
Thick fog. The P/V King George V hit
the Kingfisher on the starboard bow
when entering Margate road. Only
minor damage.
Total 640
Authority - R.O.II, p. 265.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Sto. 1st Cl. F.F. Beer.
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. Cdr. G.A.M.V. Harrison, R.N.
L/Sea.
P.J. Ball.
A.B.
S. Collie.
A.B.
A.B. Harkin.
A.B.
T.O. Pigg.
A.B.
R.H. Shipp.
A.B.
E.G. Webster.
Sig.
S. Thompson.
120

Details

LEDA - Continued
2nd June
2350
Ordered by the berthing officer to
(contd.)
ship and proceed.
3rd June
0010
Left harbour with no troops on board.
Proceeded to Margate and thence to
0928
Sheerness.
1600
Proceeded towards Dunkirk in company
and
/
with the M/S Gossamer [the Albury]
2310
In accordance with the berthing
arrangements, secured alongside
Dunkirk West Pier and commenced
embarking French troops.
4th June
0022
Sailed with 484 French troops. Lt.-Cdr.
Unwin here pays "tribute to the
excellent arrangements at West Pier
for the embarkation, and also the
high standard of discipline of the
French troops, they were magnificent".
0300
Fog encountered, in which the Belgian
trawler Marechal Foch was rammed
by the Leda and sunk. Leda sustained
damage to the bows, but the forward
bulkhead held. It is not known how
many survivors were taken off.
The M/S Albury stood by the Leda until
relieved by the M/S Kellett, which
escorted the Leda to Margate. (1)
1020
Arrived Margate in fog. Disembarked
500 French troops. (2)
1100
Received the signal that Operation
Dynamo had been completed. (3)
Total 2848(4)
Authority - R.O.I., p.284.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lt. Cdr. H. Unwin, R.N.
D.S.M.
C.E.R.A. P.O. G.B. Head
J. Collins.
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. W. McKee, R.N.R.
(1) At 0615, the Kellett went to the assistance of the mined
French auxiliary Emile Deschamps.
(2) (3) Margate Officially, report. Operation Leda Dynamo gives 484. was terminated by Admiralty
(4) The total according 1423/4. to the Leda was 3,034.
Message (D.R.)
159

Details

MASSEY SHAW
Thames fire float
Sub. Officer A.J. May
31st May
1400
Left command. Ramagate, S/Lt. R.P. Lucey in
1900
Arrived Dunkirk. Anchored 3 miles
east of the harbour. Dinghy swamped
by surf.
2000
Air raid.
2300
Embarked 30 troops by means of a vag-
ed pulling boat.
2330
Embarked a further 30 troops.
1st June
0100
Weighed, and towed a disabled M/B to
her parent ship.
0700ca
Arrived Remsgate. Disembarked 60
British troops. (1)
[s/Lt. Lucey then transferred to the
Nelson's M/B] Lieut. G.F. Walker,
R.N.V.R. assumed command.
1820
Left Ramsgate with a landing party of
20 Naval ratings.
2345ca
Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried about 500
troops in 10 trips.
2nd June
0340
Proceeded with 46 troops on board.
0750
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 46
troops. (2)
1840
Left Ramsgate.
3rd June
0115
Arrived Dunkirk. Entered the harbour.
Not possible to embark any troops,
0315
Bo proceeded to Ramsgate.
-
Arrived Ramsgate. (3)
4th June
0530
Left Ramsgate for London.
0600
2 ¹/2 miles east of the N. Foreland, the
French auxiliary Emile Deschamps,
200 yards away, struck a mine and
sank in about 2 minutes.
The Massey Shaw rescued 40 French
sailors, which were transferred to
the M/S Albury.
Total 106
Authority - - R.O. III, p.47, 282.
T0.9144/41.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M. Sub-Officer A.J. May, London Fire Brigade.
Mention in Despatches. Fire Service, London Fire Fire Brigade. Brigade.
Fireman Fireman H.A.W. E.G. Wright, Ray, Auxy. Auxy. Fire Service, London
(1) (2) Ramsgate Not mentioned report in states D.R. or "27 Ramsgate Br. and report. 1 Allied". D.R. states but
(3) Lt. 27 Walker troops. says that the Massey Shaw made 4 trips -
this appears to be incorrect.
258

Details

2
NELSON'S M/B (continued)
2nd June
2400
Anchored off Dunkirk beach.
Embarked 2 men by Carley float.
Proceeded into Dunk1rk harbour and
embarked 25 French troops.
3rd June
0200
Proceeded.
0215
Centre engine breakdown. Continued
on port engine.
0800
Ramsgate. Disembarked 27 troops.
2130
Left Ramsgate.
2300
Thick fog.
2330
Lights failed. Turned back.
2400
L/Sea. Eggington lost overboard with
candle-lantern.
4th June
0400
Stopped waiting for fog to clear.
0500
Sighted N. Foreland. Went to assistance
of a mined French trawler [ viz. the
Emile Deschamps] Picked up some
survivors and transferred them to a
"sloop in attendance" [the M/S Albury]
0700
Ramsgate. Disembarked 6 survivors,
4 of them stretcher cases.
Total 55
Authority - R.O.III, pp.46, 322.
332

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Details

STE. ELISABETH (A.D.385)
French M/S
( Registered number CAEN,
trawler
Enseigne de vaisseau
port of origin - C.1478)
Section. Vergonzane, S.O., 156th
[Note: The G.M.T.] times in this report appear to be
1st June
1300
Sailed from Dunkirk harbour, in company
with the M/S Ste. Bernadette de
Lourdes, to sweep the channel up to
No. W buoy. [see La Majo]
Carried attack. out sweeping during an air
1545
Several shells from enemy guns at
1548
Mardyck fell between the two ships.
Returned to Dunkirk.
3rd June
2200
With her fuel tanks and minesweep
damaged, the Ste. Elisabeth sailed
from Dunkirk for England with
Lieutenant de vaisseau Monrousseau(1)
on board.
4th June
0700ca
Observed the A.D.20, Emile Deschamps;
exchanged position signals, and
proceeded about 4 cables astern of
her en route for Dover.
Shortly after, the Emile Deschamps
struck a magnetic mine.
The Ste. Elisabeth at once lowered
boats, but by the time they could
reach the spot the survivors had
been picked up by various English
ships [among them the M/S Kellett].
-
Set course for Margate. (2)
0930ca
Arrived Margate.
Disembarked 60 troops and 4 Belgian
refugees. (3)
6th June
-
Arrived Cherbourg.
Total 60
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folios No. 20 and 29.
(1) Lieutenant de vaisseau Mourousseau had been carrying of out
the functions of second in command of the Group
(2) The minesweepers states that a "Belgian Scoot" Margate. appeared on
and patrol craft of Dunkirk.
the M/S Kellett that she led the "scoot" into 0845
(3) Margate scene, and which however, gives the 389". time as
[B.S.T.] report, and names the trawler "A. D.
76

Details

Page 34.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
O.M.S.
VIVACIOUS.
must Lieutenant-Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine
Parish, 27th - p.m. 29th May.
Commander Emile Frank Varlaine Dechaineux, R.A.N.
p.m. 29th and after.
VIVACIOUS made 4 trips to the beaches, remaining off
Bray for 24 hours on the 30th and 31st May and bringing hone
a total of 2381 troops. On the night of 2nd/3rd June she
crews. escorted the blockships to Dunkirk and brought back their
On the 27th May she was heavily attacked whilst on
passage by 25 aircraft, at least 100 bombs being dropped.
She avoided all these and brought down 2 bombers, a 3rd
being damaged but not seen to crash.
P.M. 29th Lieutenant Commander Parish was sent on sick
leave due to overstrain and was relieved by Commander
Dechaineux, R.A.N.
At 1800/30 a battery East of Bray, which had carried
out desultory and inaccurate fire on the anchorage all the
afternoon, commenced a controlled and accurate fire on
VIVACIOUS who was hit on the forecastle (3 killed and 12
wounded) and had many holes on the water line from shrapne..,
and Commander Dechaineux ordered a retirement of ship to
the westward out of range.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker. R.N.
Was wounded in the leg and in spite of wounds
carried on his duties as 1st Lieutenant and after
control officer for eight hours before being attended
to.
Recommended for decoration.
Sub. -Lieutenant John Teague Gilhespy, R.N.
Carried out his duties of Gunnery Control officer
in a most efficient manner and succeeded in shooting
down three enemy planes.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. John George Revolta, Commissioned Engineer.
Throughout the whole operation kept his engine
room in an efficient state and was an example of how
an officer should behave under fire.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer E. R. Meredith, P/J.95625.
During He acted in an outstanding under
the operations was Chief Bosun's Mate
manner and Director and was Layer. an example to all whilst severe
bombing attacks.
Recommended for decoration

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
DESTROYERS.
H.M.S. GRAFTON.
Officers:
Lieutenant Hugh Charles James McRea, R.N.
Lieutenant Leslie Edney Blackmore, R.N.
H.M.S. GRENADE.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Richard Courtney Boyle, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant John Bremer Richards Horne, R.N.
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE.
Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John David Lewis Williams, R.N.
H.M.S. JAGUAR.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John Franklin William Hine, R.N.
H.M.S. JAVELIN.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Anthony Follett Pugsley, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant James Isaac Arthur Mitchell, R.N.
Ratings.
Leading Stoker Leslie A. F. Gollop, P/JX.136910
Acting Leading Stoker F. C. Smith, P/JX.138236.
Leading Stoker Robert Keith, P/K.57158.
Stoker Lawrence Robinson, (2nd Class) P/JX.27218.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Emile Frank Narlaine Deschaineux, R.A.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine Parish, R.N.
Sub. Lieutenant Thomas Keath Metcalfe, R.N.R.
Midshipman Rupert Blackwood Hallowes, R.N.R.
H.MS. WAKEFUL

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Details

Details

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List E
DESTROYERS
H.M.S. GRAFTON.
Officers:
Lieutenant Hugh Charles James McRea, R.N.
Lieutenant Leslie Edney Blackmore, R.N.
H.M.S. GRENADE.
Commanding Officer.
DSC
Commander Richard Courtney Boyle, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant John Bremer Richards Horne, R.N.
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE.
Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John David Lewis Williams, R.N.
H.M.S. JAGUAR.
Commanding Officer.
1
Lieutenant Commander John Franklin William Hine, R.N.
H.M.S. JAVELIN.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Anthony Follett Pugsley, R.N.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant James Isaac Arthur Mitchell, R.N.
Ratings.
Leading Stoker Leslie A. F. Gollop, P/JX.136910
Acting Leading Stoker F. C. Smith, P/JX.138236.
Leading Stoker Robert Keith, P/K.57158.
Stoker Lawrence Robinson, (2nd Class) P/JX.27218.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Commending Officer.
Commander Emile Frank Narlaine Deschaineux, R.A.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine Parish, R.N.
Sub.Lieutenant Thomas Keath Metcalfe, R.N.R.
Midshipman Rupert Blackwood Hallowes, R.N.R.
H.MS. WAKEFUL/

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 34.
VIVACIOUS.
-
Lieutenant-Commander Parish, 27th - p.m. Frank 29th Reginald May. Woodbine
Commander Emile p.m. Frank 29th Varlaine,Dechaineux, R.A.N.
Bray a total VIVACIOUS for of 24 2381 hours made troops. on 4 the trips 30th On to the the and night beaches, 31st May remaining and bringing off home
crews. escorted the blockships to Dunkirk and brought of 2nd/3rd back June their she
passage avoided all aircraft, these at least 100 bombs being whilst on
On by the 25 27th May she was heavily attacked
She damaged but not and brought down 2 bombers, dropped. a 3rd
being seen to crash.
leave and was relieved by Commander on
P.M. due 29th to overstrain Lieutenant Commander Parish was sent sick
Dechaineux, R.A.N.
out afternoon, desultory commenced inaccurate fire on the anchorage carried all the
At 1800/30 and a battery East of Bray, which had
VIVACIOUS who was hit on the forecastle (3 killed and on
a controlled and accurate fire
wounded) and Commander and had many holes on the water line from shrapnel, 12
the westward out of range.
Dechaineux ordered a retirement of ship to
? Mention Parish.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker, R.N.
Was wounded in the leg and in spite of wounds
carried on his duties as 1st Lieutenant and after
control to. officer for eight hours before being attended
D.S.C.
Recommended for decoration.
Sub. -Lieutenant John Teague Gilhespy, R.N.
ing
ered
Carried out his duties of Gunnery Control officer
ors
in a most efficient manner and succeeded in shooting
down three enemy planes.
IS
10m
Recommended for mention.
Mr. John George Revolta, Commissioned Engineer.
Throughout the whole operation kept his engine
room in an efficient state and was an example of how
an officer should behave under fire.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer E. R. Meredith, P/J.95625.
and He acted in an outstanding
During the operations was Chief Bosun's Mate
manner Director and was Layer. an example to all whilst under severe
bombing attacks.
D.S.M
Recommended for decoration

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
DESTROYERS.
H.M.S. GRAFTON.
Officers:
Lieutenant Hugh Charles James McRea, R.N.
Lieutenant Leslie Edney Blackmore, R.N.
H.M.S. GRENADE.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Richard Courtney Boyle, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant John Bremer Richards Horne, R.N.
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE.
Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John David Lewis Williams, R.N.
H.M.S. JAGUAR.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John Franklin William Hine, R.N.
H.M.S. JAVELIN.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Anthony Follett Pugsley, R.N.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant James Isaac Arthur Mitchell, R.N.
Ratings.
Leading Stoker Leslie A. F. Gollop, P/JX.136910
Acting Leading Stoker F. C. Smith, 138236.
Leading Stoker Robert Keith, P/K.57158.
Stoker Lawrence Robinson, (2nd Class) P/JX.27218.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Commending Officer.
Commander Emile Frank Narlaine Deschaineux, R.A.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine Parish, R.N.
Sub. Lieutenant Thomas Keath Metcalfe, R.N.R.
Midshipman Rupert Blackwood Hallowes, R.N.R.
H.MS. WAKEFUL

Details

Page 34.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.M.S. VIVACIOUS. - Lieutenant-Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine
Parish. 27th p.m. 29th May.
Commander Emile Frank Varlaine Dechaineux, R.A.N.
p.m. 29th and after.
VIVACIOUS made 4 trips to the beaches, remaining off
Bray for 24 hours on the 30th and 31st May and bringing home
a total of 2381 troops. On the night of 2nd/3rd June she
escorted the blockships to Dunkirk and brought back their
crews.
On the 27th May she was heavily attacked whilst on
passage by 25 aircraft, at least 100 bombs being dropped.
She avoided all these and brought down 2 bombers, a 3rd
being damaged but not seen to crash.
P.M. 29th Lieutenant Commander Parish was sent on sick
leave due to overstrain and was relieved by Commander
Dechaineux, R.A.N.
At 1800/30 a battery East of Bray, which had carried
out desultory and inaccurate fire on the anchorage all the
afternoon, commenced a controlled and accurate fire on
VIVACIOUS who was hit on the forecastle (3 killed and 12
wounded) and had many holes on the water line from shrapnel,
and Commander Dechaineux ordered a retirement of ship to
the westward out of range.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Francis Peter Baker. R.N.
Was wounded in the leg and in spite of wounds
carried on his duties as 1st Lieutenant and after
control officer for eight hours before being attended
to.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
Sub. -Lieutenant John Teague Gilhespy, R.N.
Carried out his duties of Gunnery Control officer
in a most efficient manner and succeeded in shooting
M
down three enemy planes.
Recommended for mention.
Mr. John George Revolta, Commissioned Engineer.
Throughout the whole operation kept his engine
M
room in an efficient state and was an example of how
an officer should behave under fire.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer E. R. Meredith, P/J.95625.
During the operations was Chief Bosun's Mate
and Director Layer. He acted in an outstanding
manner and was an example to all whilst under severe
DSM
bombing attacks.
Recommended for decoration

Details

Details

THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
The Locust also, after embarking troops ferried out to her from 2300, came
alongside the East Pier at 0225, and when she sailed ten minutes later had on
board 196 troops.
Mining of the Emile Deschamps
The personnel vessel King George V which left the East Pier about 0300 with
817 troops, ran into thick fog off the English coast. About 0615, near the
Elbow Buoy 21/2 miles east of the North Foreland, she passed a "small French
naval vessel." Suddenly there was a heavy explosion astern of her, and
within a minute the vessel had sunk.
The small French ship was the Fleet Auxiliary Emile Deschamps which had
sailed from Dunkirk for England at about 2100 on 3rd June, crowded with
troops and refugees. About 0558 the minesweeper Albury, 5 cables ahead of
her, gave her a course for the North Goodwin Light Vessel, which the French
ship had missed. A quarter of an hour later the Emile Deschamps struck the
magnetic mine which sank her.
Several vessels were near and hastened to rescue the survivors. The fire-
float Massey Shaw, on passage from Ramsgate to London, was only 200 yards
away at the time and picked up 40, reported to be all sailors, which she trans-
ferred to the Albury. The King George V lowered four boats and picked up
67. The minesweeper Kellett, called up by signal from the Albury, rescued
some very badly injured people as did also H.M.S. Nelson's motor boat, whose
log contains the apparently, but no doubt unintentionally, casual entry
' 2400. L/Sea. Eggington lost overboard with candle-lantern." Fog came
down again as the rescue operations were completed. Among the survivors
landed at Margate were 7 French women and a boy.
Blocking Operation repeated night 3rd-4th June
Owing to the failure of the blocking operation of the previous night to close
the port, the Admiralty, during the forenoon of the 3rd June, ordered it to be
repeated on this night with Admiral Abrial's concurrence. Captain E. Danger-
field, R.N. was again in charge. The ships employed were as follows :-
destroyer :
Shikari;
coastal craft: M. A./S. B. 10,
M.T.B. 107
blockships
Gourko, 1975 tons, built 1911,
Moyle, 1761 tons, built 1907,
Pacifico, 687 tons, built 1905.
The force sailed from the Downs at 2030 on the 3rd by Route Z, M.T.B. 107
being in tow of the Shikari, and anchored at 0130 on the 4th between No. 14 W
and 16 W buoys, near the entrance to Dunkirk harbour.
At 0230 Captain Dangerfield, who had transferred to M. A/S. B. 10 ordered
the ships to weigh and the Shikari proceeded to lead them to the entrance.
The Gourko's anchor was barely aweigh when a violent explosion occurred aft,
caused, it is reported, by a magnetic mine, although the ship was degaussed
and had been wiped in Chatham Dockyard as recently as the 31st May. The
Gourko began to sink rapidly and was ordered to be abandoned. She sank
stern first in 3 minutes. M. A/S. B. 10 took off 9 survivors and transferred
them to the Shikari. M.T.B. 107 rescued 7 others, some of them from the
water. One of the crew was missing, and 8 were wounded.
Meanwhile, the other two blockships carried on with the operation. The
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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.
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