Details

292
Officers but was before only to the fact that they were waiting for official orders
Perhaps the this men may due have refused to take orders from English Naval and Army
from their Commander at the end embarking. of English officers trying to persuade them to
proceed to ships this the jetty, shouted "Allez" at them, but the French
naturally.considered. nothing more than an insult, which maymhave added to the
general
As for the B.E.F. words cannot praise them too highly. They were under constant
bombing and shelling, and unable to do anything active, many, too, having marched
as much as 80 miles in 3 or 4 days, yet on no occasion was a single grumble or com-
plaint overheard. They all just seemed to want to get back at it.
I understand that one R.A.F. mechanic was the only other survivor, besides myself.
He was picked up by a destroyer, clinging to remains of the motor boat. According to
him, the rest had already died from exposure.
Although I realise that it is of no consolation to those bereaved, I feel that
the extraordinary courage of all the poor fellows in the water should be recorded.
Even though they must have known that the end was near, they never grumbled, nor were
they afraid; they even went so far as to ask permission of Conmander Cluston before
removing their tin hats. When I left them clinging around the wreck, although already
suffering from exposure, they were singing and discussing old times together.
Commander Cluston's example must have helped them all as it helped me. Although
exhausted himself, he continued to chat, encourage and white-lie to the end.
Mata Soloner
(M. Solomon)
Sub. Lieut, R.N.V.R.

Details

giving embarkating da anne points from East
Dunkerk" ts human in
the dark pall . from Drunk
narifation very precarions rm an h
locale a was vessel for orders, both "Til
closed the wrech of admit", East of I
Per to endeavors to obtain instructions
found that the ship was a week who
50ydo their but, at the Same time
large bodies freen on Dunkuh Lash
honelted afainst the this then dear
the harbous, informing "Tilly of by inter
I secured about half
the Pier remmediates started embart
"Tells" then Came almpide me, but, a
having fould her propellor, she strue
deck, bending stanchions there r also on
my starbd light screen was carried and
Suen" then secured alenpide her.
forced to her were suite in adequale
The fang plants who
inclined to "ush" them. I would S
these hosp were the one ones I one
who all shewed lach of discipline, all It
having discardes their arms.
on the Pier becoming chaotic I then
regulated on the the flow of troop, tap ping
shoulder who the next to
The soldin usponded was to encourage
had I control they and must The to choso the Jeter to men ation Tilli I eased There ordered as as
Amo did, life bells unforting which ater taking with had any
each
man

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
DIAMOND
Cosens & Co.
Released 3.6.40.
DIANA MARY
C/o Toughs
Returned to owner.
COP
MA J
DIANTE
E.W. Tyler
T.98. A.P.S.
DOLPHIN
c/o Watercraft
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
MAJO1
DOREEN
E. Brown
T.98. Returned to owner 6/6.
MALDO
DORIAN
E.S. Webberley
A.P.S. Hamble.
DREADNOUGHT II
G. Murrell
No information of return from Dunkirk.
MALVI
DREADNOUGHT III
G. Murrell
No information of return from Dunkirk.
MOLLY
DUCHESS OF YORK
W. & P. Robinson
Returned to owners.
MARE
DUKE
S. Williams & Sons, Ltd.
Returned to owners.
MARCH
D.L.G.
C.B. Wright
Released 3.6.40. Re-allocated to
MARGH
S.P.L. Admy. Service (6A).
DANDY
Wackett
A.P.S.
MARINA
DIANTHUS
J. Tims & Sons
Returned to owners,
MARSAY
DINKY (10' Boat)
H.H. Miramo
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
MARINA
DORIS (Wherry)
T.H. Read
Reported lost by owner.
DUMPLIN (Boat)
G. Stead
Reported lost at Dunkirk.
ARICE
Now presumed lost.
ARY
ARY HC
ARY IR
EASTBOURNE BELLE
Allchorn
Returned to owners.
ARY ROB
EDWARD & MARY
C. Adams (6A)
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
ELIZABETH GREEN
H. Green
T.98. Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RY SPE
ELLA
W. Wills
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
RY SPE
ELVIN
E.W. Vincent
T.98. Returned to owner.
ILDA
EM
Messrs. Hill
Released - unsuitable.
EMPRESS
E. Crouch
Abandoned at Dunkirk.
BELLE
ENCHANTRESS
Allohorn & Sons
ENCOURAGE
Abandoned at Dunkirk.
LOWER
Bob Leach & Sons
Released 1.6.40. Re-allocated for
ENDEAVOUR
W. Robinson
Spl. Admy Service (6A).
DER
ENTERPRISE
Damaged - returned to owner.
G.J. Kent
AIDEN
T.98. No report received from ciron.
EY
list of missing vessels.
EOTHEN
ANT
Lt. R.H. Edmead
A.P.S.
E.R.V.
E. Harvey
T.98. Returned to owner 5.6.40.
ERIC
LICENT
H.S. Redman
T.98. Returned to owner.
ESPERANZA
Bond's Boatyard
Returned to owners 31.5.40.
ETHEL ELLEN
E.S. Amey
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
DSA
ETHEL MAUD
P.H.C. Wills
T.98. Returned to owner.6.6.40 -
IKOI
damaged.
ELAINE
J.R. Brown
A.P.S.
DRU II
EDWINA
Geo. Reid & Ors.
No trace Remagate List 31.7.40.
No information of return from Dunkirk.
TAUR
EASTER MORN (WY61)
H. Duke
Prepared, but did not go to Dunkirk.
ENDEAVOUR (WY)
T. Hutchinson
EDINA (Wherry)
Prepared, but did not go to Dunkirk.
T.H. Read
Reported lost by owner.
RASOL
EX-SERVICE DINGHY
6th Ramsgate Scouts
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
EDNA
H.V. Little
Returned to owner.
08
EASTBOURNE QUEEN
H. Sayers
Reported lost at Dunkirk.
MADGE
MING
$ MODESTY
PAH
WA
RCH
ROSE
Motor BOE
Motor Boa
vior 2 Torpedo
top Ferries
SME

Details

292
Perhaps the men may have refused to take orders from English Naval and Army
Officers but this was due only to the fact that they were waiting for official orders
from their Commander before embarking. English officers trying to persuade them to
croceed to ships at the end of the jetty, shouted "Allez" at them, but the French
naturally considered this nothing more than an insult, which may have added to the
general difficulties.
As for the B.E.F. words cannot praise them too highly. They were under constant
bombing and shelling, and unable to do anything active, many, too, having marched
as much as 80 miles in 3 or 4 days, yet on no occasion was a single grumble or com-
plaint overheard. They all just seemed to want to get back at it.
I understand that one R.A.F. mechanic was the only other survivor, besides myself.
He was picked up by a destroyer, clinging to remains of the motor boat. According to
nim, the rest had already died from exposure.
the extraordinary courage of all the poor fellows in the water should be recorded.
Although I realise that it is of no consolation to those bereaved, I feel that
Even though they must have known that the end was near, they never grumbled, not before were
removing they their tin hats. When I left them clinging around the wreck, although already
afraid; they even went so far as to ask permission of Commander Cluston
suffering from exposure, they were singing and discussing old times together.
Commander Cluston's example must have helped them all as it helped end. no. Although
exhausted himself, he continued to chat, encourage and white-lie to the
(M. Solomon)
Sub. Lieut, R.N.V.R.

Details

OF
OWNER
REMARKS
DIAMOND
Cosens & Co.
Released 3.6.40.
DIANA MARY
C/o Toughs
Returned to owner.
DIANTE
E.W. Tyler
T.98. A.P.S.
DOLPHIN
c/o Watercraft
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
DOREEN
E. Brown
T.98. Returned to owner 6/6.
DORIAN
E.S. Webberley
A.P.S. Hamble.
DREADNOUGHT II
G. Murrell
No information of return from Dunkirk.
DREADNOUGHT III
G. Murrell
No information of return from Dunkirk.
DUCHESS OF YORK
W. & P. Robinson
Returned to owners.
DUKE
S. Williams & Sons, Ltd.
Returned to owners.
D.L.G.
C.B. Wright
Released 3.6.40. Re-allocated to
S.P.L. Admy. Service (6A).
DANDY
Wackett
A.P.S.
DIANTHUS
J. Tims & Sons
Returned to owners.
DINKY (10' Boat)
H.H. Miramo
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
DORIS (Wherry)
T.H. Read
Reported lost by owner.
DUMPLIN (Boat)
G. Stead
Reported lost at Dunkirk.
Now presumed lost.
EASTBOURNE BELLE
Allchorn
Returned to owners.
EDWARD & MARY
C. Adams (6A)
Re-allocated to Spl. Admy. Service.
ELIZABETH GREEN
H. Green
T.98. Re-allocated to A.P.S.
ELLA
W. Wills
T.98. Returned to owner 6.6.40.
ELVIN
E.W. Vincent
T.98. Returned to owner.
EM
Messrs. Hill
Released - unsuitable.
EMPRESS
E. Crouch
Abandoned at Dunkirk.
ENCHANTRESS
Allchorn & Sons
Abandoned at Dunkirk.
ENCOURAGE
Bob Leach & Sons
Released 1.6.40. Re-allocated for
Spl. Admy Service (6A).
ENDEAVOUR
W. Robinson
Damaged - returned to owner.
ENTERPRISE
G.J. Kent
T.98. No report received from circn.
list of missing vessels.
EOTHEN
Lt. R.H. Edmead
A.P.S.
E.R.V.
E. Harvey
T.98. Returned to owner 5.6.40.
ERIC
H.S. Redman
T.98. Returned to owner.
ESPERANZA
Bond's Boatyard
Returned to owners 31.5.40.
ETHEL ELLEN
E.S. Amey
T.98. Returned to owners 6.6.40.
ETHEL MAUD
P.H.C. Wills
T.98. Returned to owner.6.6.40 -
damaged.
ELAINE
J.R. Brown
A.P.S.
EDWINA
Geo. Reid & Ors.
No trace Ramsgate List 31.7.40.
No information of return from Dunkirk.
EASTER MORN (WY61)
H. Duke
Prepared, but did not go to Dunkirk.
ENDEAVOUR (WYL)
T. Hutchinson
Prepared, but did not go to Dunkirk.
EDINA (Wherry)
T.H. Read
Reported lost by owner.
EX-SERVICE DINGHY
6th Ramsgate Scouts
No trace of return from Dunkirk.
EDNA
H.V. Little
Returned to owner.
EASTBOURNE QUEEN
H. Sayers
Reported lost at Dunkirk.

Details

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE.
MEETING at the HELD AT 11 a.m. on Wednesday 21st August,1940
Ministry of Shipping Room 8021 A.
AGENDA
1
2
Minutes of Meeting held on 14th August, 1940.
Matters Arising.
3
4
Report Cases for of Payments for week ended 20th August,
discussion and settlement on the table:- 1940
1. Total Loss:-
"RENOWN"
Osborne Bros.
"LANSDOWNE" Messum & Sons Ltd.
11. Hire:-
5
Any other business.
"ENCOURAGE" etc Bob Leech & Sons

Details

DUNKIRK COMMITTEE
Meeting held at 11. a.m. on Wednesday 21st August, 1940,
at Ministry of Shipping, Room 8021A.
Present:-
MR. ALLEN (CHAIRMAN)
11 SIMMONS
11 RIDDELL
" WAND
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 14th August were agreed.
2. Matters arising were discussed:
(a) "IOTE" Agreed to increase the offer to
£1,525 in full settlement.
(b) "BEVERLEY" Considered position arising from
1
recent correspondence and interview
e
with Mr. Thompson who has undertaken
to try to obtain Mr. Cordery's written
agreement to permit him to act for both
parties. Agreed that in the event of
no settlement between the parties,
solicitors opinion will be sought.
3. Report of Payments for week ended 20th August amounting
to £884.6.2₫ was presented and passed.
4. The following cases were discussed:
1. Total Loss:
(a) "Renown" Agreed to offer £800 which is
the insured value.
(b) "Lansdowne" Agreed to offer £500 which
is the insured value.
11. Hire:
"Encourage": etc., owned by Bob Leach &
Sons. S.T.O's report
considered; agreed to write
that no case has been made
for further payment.
111. Lost effects:
"Kit Cat": Claim for lost compass
considered: Agreed first to
try and recover it.
5. Next Meeting fixed for 11.a.m. on Wednesday, 4th September, 1940.
4/8/80

Details

Details

Details

early
at beachearricades always we Bray appeared part to know of to the when have as of day, far tanks, this no out.townrds.evening fighter patrevening there the enemy were seemed times when
sh
tide which and it was came La plank Panne. pier of venthes, footway Wi as lorries, the handrail so water etc., R.E. mark were did
westward. As the afternoon wore a the abandoned the enemy's hit and saw "VI bu
and "CLAN
the to - get or outer twor-boats that men alongside. At could out walk ong out the to
brunt boats many the late ships boats his on grass staff in embarked a get to
of the evening a number of wind powe cl
in most like closely to thele THE in these or three - would states In bar this have of
the evening. the C. tide England MA/SB.
Friday, to 1,200 May men. 31. was in the region of 5-6 time hours to water load - line power that 18, for except 1,000 from the
Saturday
June 1 under very was as
There
with During the bet
encourage high the enough boats and sea dry the broached for twelve to at northerly high water work breeze most and a heavy
and the La Dunkirk. were good general
that west towards there the direction of numbers of enem
in holding Dunkink therolding Dunkirk as it the tonly real hoperds the the hours. We all that and were Many left of
be by The off from not them. The more rate than and getting the a fraction a beaches was & The beaches was & beache armies evacuation on Dunkirk, so from slow
to of and close in was possible lay to
At TOTAL offing, on Ke
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< THE
when patrols little there trouble were sky entirely was during clear, adequate the but earlier despite part this of the the enemy aircraft could
part staff much of his transferred own were way again and to many some bombs gaps until were during the which late the day. afternoon Our and fighter evening, gave
87's though was skipjack Keith All an
It close
of The this bad weather and other H.M.S. days in "KEITH" small off craft dropped. Bray. up and He At enemy spent 0645, had a R.A. large things and
attack on on hit
the on most the beaches of the almost small craft and onshore near wind, coupled with down the stranding coast.
these time after At the 0805 second a further or third The strong ship salvo imme was diatelya moving at boiler a hi fre qu
off day, the and it became tovident that toyal evident that there been was slowed the no hope greater down the of the part work of
THE sar
Bray. shelled About We from proceeded noon the "HEBE" eastwards at La and Panne were reported originally that they planned. were bringing
side, then. M.T.B.
noon trouble. to try An to locate up the to shore La Panne in forced "KEITH" to withdraw towards being
eastward spotting work. of La enemy Panne A observation and may have balloon battery been was which up was a early few causing in the the
after-
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< with w s
1430 down off by aircraft La Panne but signal 1t was was still made there asking able for to this do some miles useful to
the
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 10-15 attack
number and at of the same time we a came tremendous under fire aerial from in a the hidden evering. shore to be At shot about
executed. frequent escorting STATE THE on broke while overhead. they engaged Our a the
fighters battle in which battery, large
type the most her the hit went off <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< the to from atta B
"KEITH" was bombed ships at 1500, and beaches without through. were success. mostly The ill
and
-3-
- 2 -

Details

early
part
of
we
the
appeared
to
day,
but
towards
beaches always Barricades to know when have of tanks, this no fighter was the patrols, case. evening and there the enemy were seemed times when
the 4
westward. a
at Bray and and La out plank Panne. as far as At lorries, the Bray low the water etc., R.E. mark S were did thrown the
causing the brunt wre
the tide which it came that
boat
top approach in connection, most of high water. a was like closcly to thew the to isloping, - in get or these twotor-boats beach operations. or end. three men At alongside. of a distinct - would states The In this have to of
man
ri
Friday, to the 1,200 beaches men. was in the region of 5-6 time hours to load - power the that testroyer that destroyer boats to 1,000 from the bar
May 31.
as the thenelding Dunkirk therolding Dunkirk encourage high the enough it boats and There sea dry the broached was inshore for a twelve fresh the to to to only at make northerly move hours. high real boat westwards water work We breeze did about most and all this 0830, difficult. that morning, and was were possible and Many left a of heavy
be The off from not them. The more rate than of and a flow fraction getting at the as of beaches many the men evacuation was off so from slow
by to the end, hope of a complete close in on Dunkirk, lay to
when patrols little there wers tirely trouble sky was during clear, the but earlier despite part this of the enemy aircraft armies could
part staff much transferred his again and to many adequate some bombs gaps until were during the which late the the day. afternoon Our and fighter evening, gave
of The bad other H.M.S. days in "KEITH" small off craft dropped. Bray. He At enemy spent 0645, had a R.A. things and
off the on most the day, beaches of the weather small craft and onshore near wind, coupled up and with down the the stranding coast. large
noon Bray. trouble. shelled the About to An noon to locate the La La and Panne Panne had were been reported forced in originally was to that slowed the withdraw no they down were the work
eastward of enemy "KEITH" early in towards being after-
executed. number frequent. escorting and fighters spotting at off the aircraft La were work. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< aircraft same Panne La Panne time but A we it bombed was was ships made at 1500, and beaches broke able in was which for the to up they engaged the were was this evering. do a few some causing mostly to miles be useful the a battery, At shot the large to about the
without
ill
success.
- 2 -
ate the
ny observ
Panne and

Details

gwing embarkating La points from Eas
Dunkurk" ts anne human i
the dark pall . from Drunk
narifation very precarions rm an h
locale a was vessel for orders, both Ti
closed the wrech of admit", East of )
Per to endeavors to obtain instructed
found that the ship was a week we
50ydo ofher but, at the Same time
large bodies freen on Dunkuh Lash
honelted afainst the this then dea
the harbous, informing "Tilly of by inter
I secured about half
the Pier started embar
"Telly" then Came almpide me, but, a
having fould her propellor, she stru
deck, bending stanchions there r also n
my starbd light screen was carried an
Suen" then secured alenpide her.
forced to her were suite in adequale
The fang planks who
inclined to "ush" them. I would S
these hoops were the one ones I one
who all shewed lach of discipline, all It
having discardes their arms.
regulated on the the flow of troop, tap pin
on the Pier becoming chaotic I then
The soldin usponded was to encourage
shoulder who the next to
had I must the men I eased ordered as
control The Jeter alion as
they and to choso to Tilli There
Amo did, life bells unforting which ater taking with had any
each
man