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BIDEFORD(1)
1st 3loop Division
Lt.Cdr. J.H. Lewes, R.N.
29th May
1200
Sailed from Dover for Braye-Dunes
buoy. via the Downs and South Ruytingen
1645
Entered Dunkirk roads.
1700
Fired at a squadron of bombers. One
shot down. [During the next 3 hours
fire was opened at frequent intervals
on aircraft, but no further hits
were observed.]
1710
Attacked by a squadron of bombers.
4 bombs fell in a line on the port
side, 50 yards away. One casualty.
Machine gunned by a low flying
aircraft. No casualties.
1730
Arrived Braye - Dunes and hove-to.
[The ship remained hove-to for the
next 3 hours.
1750
The first boat loads of troops (mostly
French troops) came alongside.
"Confusion was evident. The boats
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 two
officers and a signalman were sent
in to endeavour to take charge on the
beach ..... this was next to impos-
sible. The men rushed the boats and
capsized them in shallow water, and
then left the boat without making
any attempt to right it and use it
again. There were only 2 motor
landing craft in the vicinity
[A.L.C's 16 and 17 (q.v.)] one A.L.C.
17] had one engine out of action;
the other was blown up subsequently
when lying alongside the ship."
1915ca
Dive bombing attack. 4 bombs fell 80
yards on port quarter.
2000ca
Machine gunned by a low flying A/C.
Several casualties.
2007
Dive bomb attack - 4 bombs dropped;
one landed 30 yards from the ship;
one hit the quarter deck and one
either hit or closely missed the
stern, detonating a depth charge.
Severe damage; about 40 ft. of the
stern blown away completely; a
further 40 ft. reduced to a tangled
mass of metal; the mainmast fell
0.5" m.g. platforms, wrecking both;
in 3 pieces on the searchlight and
severely shaken, a bulkhead dished
the bridge superstructure was
and several frames cracked. The
(1) Administered by Captain (D) Plymouth.
101

Details

Cockle Bawley Boats
THAMES ESTUARY COCKLE
BAWLEY BOATS (1)
S/Lt. in M.H.B. Solomon, R.N.V.R., S.O.
Defender.
Defender(L0.504)
(Skpr. E.A. Turnnidge)
Endeavour (L0.41)
(Skpr. F.C. Halls).
Letitia (LO. 220)
1
(Skpr. A.J. Dench)
Reliance(LO.64)
(Skpr. A. Legget)
Renown (LO.
Resolute (LO.57)
(Skpr. W.H. Noakes)
(Skpr. H.D. Osborne)
31st May
1230
The flotilla of 6 boats left Southend for
Dunkirk, in company.
1410
Passed Margate roads. The flotilla
was ordered to proceed direct to
Dunkirk.
1820/
Air attacks. The flotilla scattered.
1840
1850
Spitfires drove off enemy A/C. At
least 5 German planes crashed into
the sea.
1915
Dunkirk roads.
1930
Found it impracticable for the boats
to work off the beach.
2130
The boats embarked troops from outside
Dunkirk jetty, transferring them
to the Sk. Tilly and other ships.
2240
The swell made the work difficult, so
the flotilla,i formation, entered
the harbour.
2350
The flotilla embarked about 200 troops,
1st June
0145ca
100 of which were transferred by 4
of the Bawley boats to the drfr.
"Sarah Hayes" [1.e. Sarah Hyde];
the remainder to other ships.
From now on the Bawley boats worked
independently. Endeavour's rudder
being smashed, she was taken in tow
by the Sarah Hyde, which proceeded.
Letitia (q.v.) transferred her troops
to, and was taken in tow by, the
drfr. Ben and Lucy (q.v.) which
0300ca
Defender, proceeded. Resolute in company, proceeded
carrying the Col. Commdg. the
Worcesters, and officers of the
Camerons. Renown having broken down, made fast
to the end of Letitia's tow.
0330ca
Renown, with her crew of 3, was blown
to pieces by a mine.
0930
Troops were landed at Ramsgate as
Defender, follows: 60; Reliance, 80;
Resolute, 40.
Total 180(2)
In addition, the flotilla had ferried
about 1,000 men.
(1) 40 ft. long, 12 ft. beam, 2½ ft. draft, Diesel engines,
(2) Not 16-50 mentioned hp. in Dover or Ramsgate reports.

Details

ENDEAVOUR
M/B (owner,
G.H. Kent).
See "Cockle Bawley
30th May
1120 Left Portmouth Boats" in too or the hopper
Foremost 102,
31st May
1100
Left Ramsgato for bonkisk in company
with the 1/3 and the
Excellent's 35-foot feat W/B; all
1730oa
three being in too or the Cortment 102
Acrived OFF Braw beach. S/Lt. K.H.Martin
11.11. (1n the Forscost 102) and his
party of 12 naval maings manned the
three U/B's and ferried troops for
ships. 5 hours to the Foremost 102 and other
2230ca
S/Lt. Martin proceeded in the Poremont
102 to Remagate with two of the
but left the Enterprise to Curry
troops for the sk, Amazone,
2300
The Auterprise ran-aground and bed_so
be abandoned. She did not return -
from Dunkirk.
Authority - R.O.II, p.31.
R.O.III, p.104.
TO. 9436.
289

Details

LETITIA (L.0.220)
Cockle Bawley boat
A.J.Dench, Skipper
31st May
1045ca
Left Southend in company with the 5
other Bawley boats, Defender,
Resolute. Endeavour, Reliance, Renown and
-
At Reliance. the Nore L.V., taken in tow by
Defender toward Endeavour, and Renown
towed Resolute.
1410
On passing Margate received order
"proceed straight to Dunkirk".
Seeing hundreds of trawlers, etc.,
going to Dunkirk, we went with
them.
1900ca
Air attack. Made for Dunkirk beach.
Swell made beach work impossible.
-
Proceeded to Dunkirk je tty; embarked
2130
load of troops and transferred them
to the sk. Tilly. Ferried 3 more
-
loads, and towed a lifeboat full of
troops to a "trawler" [i.e. the drft.
Ben and Lucy]. The "trawler" was
towing another "trawler", [i.e. the
drft. Feasible] which in turn was
towing 2 lifeboats - one of them
being swamped and the other having
2 sailors on board.
1st June
0100ca
Letitia made fast to this tow.
0115ca
Shortly, the Renown made fast astern of
Letitia, the rope between the
2 cockle boats being about 3½ fathoms,
0330ca
An explosion took place and a hail of
wood splinters came down on Letitia's
deck.
"In the pitch dark we could see
nothing, and after the explosion we
heard nothing, and we could do
nothing, except pull in the tow rope
which was just as we passed it to the
Renown about KF. hour before...."
The Renown had been blown to pieces.
0830
Letitia left the tow and proceeded to
Ramsgate. Thence she sailed to
Southend.
Nil
Authority TO.9144.
168

Details

Skoot
PATRIA
Lt. Cdr. N.L.J. Pisani, D.S.C.,
Lt. Kirby, R.N.R., R.N. 1st (Retd.) Lieut,
1500
24th May
Patria R.N. commissioned with a crew
crew left. Barracks, Chatham, and the from Dutch
25th May
Sailed from Gravesend to Sheerness.
27th May
0300
Sailed for the Downs in company with 5
other skoots.
1045ca
Anchored off Deal.
1330
On receipt of route orders from N.C.S.O.
Dunkirk. Ramsgate, sailed via route Y for
-
At dusk was off the Traepegeer Bank
buoy, in company with the P/V Dorrien
Rose. Several H/C's and transports
passed homeward bound and signalled,
"Dunkirk has fallen; return".
-
Closed Nieuport Bank buoy. Two M.T.B's
circled the Patria and the Dorrien
Rose and refused to answer signals or
hails. One of them then closed the
Dorrien Rose and told her to anchor
and await orders. The Patria closed
the Dorrien Rose and was joined by the
Sk. Jutland.
28th May
0245
The 3 ships proceeded and
1200ca
anchored in the Small Downs.
-
The Patria sailed by route X for
Dunkirk in company with the sk. Tilly
2315ca
Entered Dunkirk roads and endeavoured
to obtain orders, those issued being
quite indefinite, and giving embarka-
tion points from Dunkirk east pier
to La Panne.
Numerous wrecks and the dark pall of
smoke from Dunkirk made navigation
very precarious, and in an endeavour
to locate a warship for orders, both
the Patria and Tilly closed the wreck
of the French destroyer Adroit, east
of Dunkirk.
-
Observed large bodies of men on
Dunkirk east pier, silhouetted against
the fires. Entered the harbour,
secured alongside and embarked troops.
The Tilly secured alongside the Patria
and the P.M/S Medway Queen outside
Conditions on the pier became chaotic
the Tilly.
and Lt. Cdr. Pisani landed and
regulated the flow of troops.
29th May
0200ca
The flow of troops ceased, but the
Left Patria harbour, taking in tow (alongside)
embarked a few odd parties.
0330ca
Tilly, which had a foul propeller. cleared
the the harbour the Tilly her
Outside her propeller and proceeded under
0845
Arrived own power. in the Downs. Ordered to
1430
Arrived Margate. Margate. Disembarked 200
troops. (1)
(1) Margate report. Lt. Cdr. Pisani states 280. 381

Details

SARAH HYDE
Harwich
drifter
Skipper Unit H.G. Meen, R.N.R.
Offr: Lt. J.I. Cruicks-
hank, R.N.V.R.
1330
31st May
Left with Ramsgate the for Dunkirk in company
vessels. dfr. Strive and other
1920
In 3 Dunkirk channel, in an air
2135
2300
Arrived Shifted off Malo beach. Boats crash. in.
enemy planes were seen to fight,
of shore bombardment.
billet 300 yards west because sent
1st June
0015
A motor boat, with two life boats in
tow, made fast astern of the
Sarah Hyde. No soldiers had been
located on the beach.
0145
Four smacks [Cockle Bawley boats]
put 5 officers and 95 men an board.
One of the smacks [the Endeavour]
having smashed her rudder was taken
in tow.
Proceeded. Air attack in Dunkirk
Channel.
0850
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 100
troops. (1)
Total 100(2)
Authority - - R.O.II, p.331-2.
)
x
(1) Ramsgate report states 88 B.E.F. and 2 Allied.
(2) Not mentioned in D.R.
94

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39
Page
Page
Page
40
Bervie Braes
2
Caleta
12
Coila
19
Dane Hill
Page
32
Caliban
12
Coldsnap
28
Daneman
23
Beryl
Eden
Page
30
Calliope
23
Colette
12
Beryl II
Daniel Clowden
8,25
Page
4
Calverton
16
Collena
37
29
27
Calvinia
12
Edward. Palmsley
2
Fawn
Beth
Collingwood
Danube III
29
12
Fazenta
28
21
Betsy Slater
Danube IV
13
Feaco
35
2
Cambridgeshire
3
Colne
20
Bilsdean
Danube V
12
10
Compina
Comely Bank
Edwina
12A
35A
4
12
Fear Not
Birch
Comet
D'Arcy Cooper
12
E. & F.
14
Feasible
30
Bishopsgate
20
Cape Argona
16
2
Cape Baracouta
Comitatus
Darnaway
14
Egeria
5
15
Fedalmo
Black Arrow
2
27
21
Commander Holbrook
Darnett Ness
26
11
Eileen Duncan
17
12
Felicity
Cape Comorin
25
Darogah
3
35
23
Blackfly
16
Fenella
Blackthorn
22
Cape Finisterre
14
Commander Horton
Eileen Emma
4
Darthema
12A
Eilla II
10
36A
Fentonian
20
4
Commiles
12A
Blackwater
Cape Mariato
3
Darwin
8
Elbury
9
Fernmoor
15
15
Commander Evans
29
Cape Melville
14B
David Ogilvie
35
Eldorado
16
Blighty
Ferry Belle
9
18
Cape Nyemetski
29
Commander Nasmith
Bluebell
11
Davey
23
E. Lauland
23
Ferryman
17
8
Commodator
28
17
Bluebird
20
Cape Palliser
21
Dayspring
Electra II
Ferry Prince
9
29
Cape Portland
25
Boom Carriers
Computator
9A
Dee
27
Elena
5
Fertile Vale
22
B. 0. Davies
Cape Spartel
8
Concertator
20
Elgin
35
24
8
Defiance
Fervent
11
Cape Trafalgar
19
Concordia
29
2
Borde
De la Pole
Elizabeth Angela
16
9
Fidget
11
9A
Cape Warwick
25
Conidaw
14B
Boscawen
Elizabeth Green
11
Fidra
10
Delphinus
22
12A
35
Conqueror
35
Filey Bay
Botanic
10
Capricornus
9A
Deo-Na-Mara
Elk
16
Bountiful
29
4
17
2
Capstone
Conquistador
Ellesmere
Fintray
21
12A
Deo Volante
9
Carbineer II
Consbro
28
9A
7
37
Elm
Fir
24
Bounty
Derby County
Consolation
4
25
Elna
Firefly
12A
Bouvet I
35
Cardiff Castle
15
8
Dervish
17
9A
Cardy
9A
Constant Friend
Eloquent
Fisher Boy
11
Bouvet II
35
12
Desiree
19
35
Fisher Lad
Bouvet III
35
Carency
5
12
Else Rykens
28
Constant Hope
Destinn
28
5
Consul
Elsie Carn
Fitzroy
16
Bouvet IV
35
Caribia
9
9A
Devon City
35
Flanders
20
21
29
Contender
Elsie and Nellie
Carina
19
15
Devon County
12
Flandre
12A
14
Bownet
El Tovar
Boy Alex
15
Controller
22
24
Carisbrook
14B
Dewey Rose
Fleming
13
27
Embrace
27
Flixton
17
Boy Allen
12A
Caroline
7
Convallaria
27
Dhoon
14
Emerald Wings
8
Flora
27
Boy Andrew
21
Caroline Moller
14
Conway Castle
29
Diana
9
Emilion
11
Floreat II
22
Boy John
26
Caryanda
9
Copious
28
Discovery II
30
Emperor of India
5610
Floreat III
22
Boyne
20
Carraig
18
Coral
32
Doctor Lee
29
Empress
9A
Florence Brierley
18
Boy Pat
13
Carry On
12
Coral Bank
18
Doggers Bank
9
Endeavour
17
Florio
4
Boy Philip
15
Castle Bay
35A
Corbrae
12A
Dolores
12A
Englishman
19
Flush
20
Boy Scout
12
Caswell
14A
Corcyra
5
Donna Nook
23
Enterprising
20
Flying Admiral
14A
Boyne Water
2
Caterina
12
Cordela
14
Doon
5
Epine
15
Flying Breeze
4
Boy's Own
17
Catherine
23
Cordelia II
18
Doonie Braes
17
Equerry
22
Flying Wing
7
Doorie Brae
36A
Erimo
3
Fontenoy
15
Brabant
21
Caulonia
3
Corena
13
Bracendale
26
Cayrian
35
Corfield
Dorade II
4
Erin
36c
Foray
27
12A
Bracon Heath
12A
Cayton Wyke
10
Cornelian
5
Dorando-Pietri
11
Erith
16
Force
12A
15
12
Dorienta
8
Erna
18,37
Forecast
10
Bracon Moor
Cecil Margetts
Cornelis
36A
Coronatia
12
Dorileen
37
Eroican
17
Forerunner
12A
Braemar
28
Cedar
8
28
Forfeit
27
Dorinda
2
Escalonia
Bramble
29
Cedric
36B
Coronet
9A
12
Esmeralda
9A
Forte
2
Branch
28
Ceresio
26
Cortina
35
Dorothy (B.D.V.)
28
Esperanza
4
Fortitude
19
Brecon Castle
2
Cervantes
12A
Coruscation
21
Dorothy
20
Ceto
2
Cotsmuir
Dorothy Lambert
15
Essex Maid
24
Fort Robert
35
Breda
15
Dragonet
29
Ethel Taylor
23
Fort Rose
14B
Brenda
Ceylonite
9
9A
Fort Ryan
29
21
36
Count
Drangey
13
Ethfra
Brigand
Chalcedony
18
Drummer
Ethiopian
29
Fortuna
23
29
22
Countess Betty
14A
7
Forward
9A
Brimness
21
Charde
8
Courtier
3
Drummer Boy
35
Etruria
35
Foss
29
Brine
29
Charles Doran
15
Coventry City
25
7
Etruscan
Duchess of Down
14A
Fox
30
Brinmaric
9A
Cherwell
8
Craig
22
13
Euclase
Duchess of Fife
14A
Foyle
20
British
16
Chestnut
10
Craig Alvah
26
10
Eunice and Nellie
Duchess of Rothesay
14A
Franc Tireur
14
British Guiana
7
Chico
11
Craig-Bo
26
2
Europa
Duenna
5
Friesland
35
British Honduras
7
Chiltern
2
22
21
Evadne
Craig Island
Dulcibelle
14
Freyer
21
Britomart
29
Chimaera
Craigmiller
36
16
Evelyn Rose
3
Dundalk
Broadland
28
27
Evening Primrose
14A
Friarage
24
23
Chorley
Frons Olivae
22
37
Craig Roy
17
Brock
Dundarg
10
Christine
36A
Craik
27
14
Everton
14B
Fumarole
28
Dunedin
Brontes
28
Christiana T. Purdy
29
Cramond Island
22
14B
Evesham
36A
Fyldea
10
B.T.B.
Dungeness
35A
28
Ewald
Chrysea
36B
22
36A
Cranefly
Dunluce Castle
Buckingham
2
Exchequer
12
Chrystobel II
28
14
12
Crannock
Dunnet
Bunting
Citron
17
27
Exyáhne
22
14
12
Dunraven Castle
E.&T.S.
G.
Burke
Creagh Mhor
10
City of Rochester
8
11
12
12A
Crestflower
Dusky Queen
Ex Fortis
22
21
Gadfly
Burlington
29
Clan McKay
37
17
21
Cuirass
Explorer
Gael
Burnbanks
Clarinet
12
5
12A
37
Curlew
Galatea
Burnhaven
14B
18
Claverhouse
21
Curtana
15
Galvani
Bush
35
5
Clavis
23
Cutty Sark
5
E.
14A
Garola
F.
20
Bushwood
3
Clevella
16
Cypress
8
Eager
5
36B
Garry
14
Buttermere
25
Clifton
Buzzard
23
6
Eaglet II
14
Fairhaven
14
Gava
Cysne II
9
12
Clio
Earl Essex
14
Fairway
28
Gelert
6
17
Bystander
11
Clorinde
Earl Kitchener
27
Fair Weather
14A
Geneva
12
15
Clotilde
D.
Easter Rose
Fairy Knowe
11
Genius
15
27
23
C.
Cloud
2
Ebor Abbey
17
Falconet
24
Geordie
12
Cachelot
28
Dahinda II
George and Albert
12
Cacorina
Cloughton Wyke
2
Daisy Bank
26
Ebor Jewel
29
Fano
14B
37
5
Cloverdale
14A
Dale Castle
19
29
Faraday
27
George Bligh
Cadella
Ebor Wyke
17A
Clythness
11
Dalmatia
Eccleshill
2
Favour
H
8
Cadorna
35
Cobbers
14A
Damito
9A
Caldy
Ecila
35
Cochrane II
20
Dane
22
(C38488)

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Page 12
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. HAVANT - Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent,
D.S.C., R.N.
HAVANT made 3 trips including 2 to the beaches. On the
first 2 trips she brought home 1,500 troops in all. On the
3rd trip, while alongside Dunkirk pier waiting for troops
to embark during an intense aerial bombardment, she saw
IVANHOE struck amidships and on fire so steamed out to her
assistance. Having taken off all the troops (about 500
including many wounded) HAVANT proceeded for Dover, but was
soon subjected to intense dive bombing, high and low level
bombing and bombardment from shore batteries. She was hit
by 2 bombs in the engineroom, and then a large delay action
bomb, which fell about 50 yards ahead of ship, exploded
right underneath her,
Further bombing caused more underwater damage and
HAVANT finally rolled over and sank after the troops and
crew had transferred to AEGIR.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent, D.S.C., R.N.
Evacuated troops from the beaches and from Dunkirk
during heavy bombardment. When his ship had been heavily
damaged by bombs, made every endeavour to save her when
still subject to intense aerial attack, though without
success.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Chief Stoker M. Gallon, P/K.59221.
The Engineer Officer and 2 E.R.A.s having been killci
and all the other E.R.A.s having been wounded, this
rating became in charge of the engineroom department.
He showed great initiative and resource by letting the
steam out of the boilers at a critical time, thereby
saving the ship from running on to a sandbank opposite
Dunkirk. He subsequently showed great calmness and
presence of mind in doing all he could to save the ship
and to keep the Captain informed of the state of affairs
below. He was the last rating to leave the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Sick Berth Attendant A. Keller D/X.6785.
When faced with a large number of wounded under
heavy fire, carried out his duties with the utmost calm,
deliberation and efficiency.
Recommended for mention.
Petty Officer Steward J. Lysaght, D/L.13388.
This rating showed great initiative and resource in
getting wounded men from HAVANT to AEGIR. He took charge
well and set a fine example.
Recommended for decoration.

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65
3-3-
59
"NEW PRINCE OF WALES" again after she was hit.
Shortly afterward I managed to obtain sight with
one eye and took charge of the wheel as the H.O. rating
did not appear to know how to handle her. This left
her Captain an R.N.R. Lieutenant free to direct
operations, we proceeded to carry on evacuating
military who were swimming in the sea. After about forty
five minutes, the launch being loaded to full capacity
we went alongside H.M.S. "MOSQUITO" where my crew and
military were embarked.
on arrival on board I was given a morphia
injection and remember nothing further until arrival in
Dover 0700 Saturday, 1st June.
I should like to bring to your notice for
favourable recommendation E.R.A. (5th class) White who
long continuous hours in an endeavour to maintain his
enginess in running order under most difficult conditions;
also the stoker whose name I cannot recall who untiringly
assisted the above.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd) P.H.E. Bennett,
Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Navy.

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275
253
From:- Sub. Lieut. W.D.F. Claydon, R.N.R.
Date:- 4th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
This is to report that during the visit to
Dunkirk on the night of 3rd June "Greater London"
(Southend Lifeboar) successfully refloated H.M.S.
Kellett, which had gone aground during operations
at the entrance to harbour.
Whilst ferrying troops to the transport outside
the entrance we were hailed by the Liaison Officer
to stand by H.M.S. Kellett. Upon reaching her,
her Commander asked me to endeavour to tow him off.
Whilst being somewhat doubtful as to our capability stern
to do this, we at once took a line from her
and within less than five minutes had her afloat.
then continued our ferrying and at 0250
picked We up our last batch and set off for Ramsgate.
compass had been hit by shrapnel and during we
made encountering the a considerable amount of fog we managed
a previous coast near Folkestone.
As our visit it became most unreliable However, after
to make Ramsgate at 1200.

Details

289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
31.5.40.
1230. In accordance from Southend, with Commander instead Boles' instructions, decided direct
closed up. us to our destination. although we had no charts, other traffic bound keep to France
Signalled Decided that to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to at Ramsgate. constantly
Dunkirk these instructions of closing the Examination Vessel to proceed
would lead
1410. Convoy of was 6 closed still up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler
ximately. us that Dunkirk open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 50° E. informed appro-
1820. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25
avoid bombardment.
enemy aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt to
1840. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in the neighbour-
hood subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near as fifteen yards
to the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance with instructions
they had received, skippers broke convoy formation and "starred".
1850. 3 or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the sea.
Identity of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably German.
1915. Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe bombardment
from shore batteries and aircraft.
1930. Attempted to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned idea - too much
ground swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and other equipment left,
destroyed by the B.E.F. on beach, endangered the safety of ships.
2130. Ordered ships to proceed to outside of jetty, instructing them to fill up
with soldiers and to ferry same to any larger ships unable to close harbour or beach.
Each ship was instructed to transport approximately 30 to 40 men (approximate total -
200) and they were transferred to H.V. Tilly and other ships cruising empty outside
harbour entrance.
2240. Instructed ships to keep permanently closed up and to return to inside of
harbour as swell made embarkation of troops from outside of jetty too difficult.
Contact between Bawley boats maintained by signal of one short flash every two
minutes. Formation preserved.
2310. Mole and harbour severely shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all occasions
I was there, was superb, and though exhausted and under constant fire, their only
thoughts were for the wounded among them, and of saving any equipment possible.
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; transferred same to the trawler Sarah Hayes
and various other craft returning to England not fully laden. Instructed convoy
to continue ferry work but if separated from me to return to Ramsgate laden with
soldiers.
1.6.40.
0140. Re-entered harbour; jetty crammed with British soldiers but no ships whatever
alongside. Started loading troops, sending back to shore two German prisoners
attempting to get to England, leaving them in charge of a Lance Corporal.
0200 - 0250. Jetty shelled, bombed and machine-gunned by enemy - very few casualties.
0300. Proceeded to Ramsgate fully laden with soldiers of 1st Division including the
Colonel in Charge of the Worcesters and Officers of the Camerons, accompanied by
Bawley boat Resolute. Arrived at Ramsgate 0930 approximately on 1.6.40.
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RAMSGATE.
DEFENDER.
Stem damaged. Returned with approximately 60 men.
RELIANCE.
Damaged side. Returned with 80 men.
LETITIA.
Undamaged. Returned towing Renown until latter was blown up.
(Troops transferred to trawler who took Bawleys in tow).
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering gear out of order; towed back by Sarah Hayes.
RESOLUTE.
Engine trouble. Returned with approximately 40 men.
RENOWN.
Mined and sunk off Dunkirk - all hands lost. (understand the 30
or 40 soldiers aboard were fortunately transferred to a trawler
before mining occurred).

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22
SECRET9
Page 2.
was lowered
and two officers and a signalman were sent in to endeavour
to take charge on the beach. It was reported to me after-
wards that this was next to impossible. The nen rushed the bee
boats and capsized them in shallow water, and then left the
boat without making any attempt to right it and use it again.
had one engine out of action; the other was blown up
There were only two motor landing craft in the vicinity; one
subsequently when lying alongside the ship.
9. At about 1915 a dive bombing attack was made on the
ship. The nearest of the pattern of four bombs fell about
eighty yards on the port quarter, and the ship recieved no
damage from this attack.
10. At about 2000 the ship was machine gunned again
by alow flying aircraft. This attack caused several casualties
both at No.2 Gun and on the signal bridge.
11. At 2007 (clock stopped!) the third bombing attack
arrived. This was also a dive bombing a tack, and the pattern
of four bombs landed on a line at an angle of about twenty
degrees to the keel. The first bomb was observed by an
officerto land about thirty yards from the ship. The fourth
bomb hit the quarterdeck the starboard side forward, From
this it is calculated that the third bombstruck either right
on the stern, or was avery close miss. It is considered that
one of the fifty depth charges was detonated; a portion of the
internal wall (where primer is inserted) found afterwards
supports this theory. (All primers and pistols had been
removed previously).
12. The damage caused was very severe. About forty feet
of the stern was blown away completely. A further forty feet
was reduced to a tangled mass of metal; No.2 Gun was put out
of action; the main mast fell in three pieces on the search-
light and 0.5" machine gun platforms, wrecking both; upper
deck fittings on the boat deck were bent and battered by
slinters; the bridge superstructure was severely shaken, a
bulkhead dished and several frames cracked; the compass
platform was loosened from the bridge screens; all woodwork
such as doors and furniture throughout the ship was
shattered, (including the sick bay door on the fore messdeck).
13. Thie attack was followed about ten minutes Jater
by athird machine gun attack from an aeroplane with an half
inch machine gun. (One bullet has been recovered from a hazel
rod fender, and part of another is embeddedin a davit). There
were no casualties from this attack.
14. At about 2020 it was reported that fire had broken
out in the cabin flat. Orders were given toflood the after
magazine and burn the signal books. Both orders were carried
out, but the fire was quickly under control and the magazine
was then pumped out. The ammunition was transferred to the
forward magazine.
15. At about 2030 the fourth and final bombing attack
was carried out. This was another dive bombing attack, but the
bombs fell wide on the starboard quarter.
16. H.M.S. Bideford anchored and H.M.S. Kellett came
alongside and took off about three hundred soldiers who had
embarked.

Details

Dynams 156 266
NARRATIVE 07 THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S.FRISO 282
OPERATION DYNAMO
H.M.S. OSPRST
PORTLAND.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of
"Dynamo". events whilst in command of the Skoot "FRESO" during Operation
Sunday 26th May. At Portsmouth - ship was being wiped, swung and
generally prepared for service.
at 1315.
Monday 27th May. Sailed fr on Portsmouth at 0500. Arrived Newhaven
Tuesday 28th May. Repairs were affected to for'ard Capatan.
2100. Sailed for Dover.
Wednesday 29th May. 0900. Secured alongside Submarine Basin Dover.
Watered and provisioned ship.
1230. Sailed for Dunkirk towing a pulling
Boat. During the passage every endeavour was made for receiving
and embarking troops. lty arew worked continuously at improving
ladders and guest warps, and preparing the holds.
2330 Entered Dunkirk Roads. I steamed as
close to the Beach as possible from about 6 miles to the East of
Dunkirk right up to Dunkirk, but was unable to see any signs of
troops. It appeared that FRISO was the first skoot to arrive in
the Roads.
0030 Entered Dunkirk and secured alongaide the
Mole. 1 then started ambarking troops until the skoot "SURSOM
CORDA" secured alongaide no when 1 transferred them across. At
about 0130 1 decided to commende filling ay ship alternately with
SURSOM CORDA. Between 0130 and 0300 several skoots endeavoured to
come alongaide SURSOM CORDA, I instructed the Commanding Officer
of SURSOM CORDA to tell them to berth further up the Hole. 1
left the Mole at about 0315 having got onboard about 350 nea and
4 officers. 1 arrived at Dover after an unsventful trip at about
1500 Thursday 30th May.
Having provioned and ambarked water tins
I sailed again for Dunkirk at about 2100. This time 1 proceeded
by the Calais Channel. ky crew worked axtraordinarily wall
Although up we were in the Beam of the Calais Searchlights for about
clearing the hold and preparing it again for more troops.
2 hours it appeared that we remained undetected.
Friday At about 0245 I observed shat appeared to be a
fairly 31st May. derelict two funnalled ship with & alight and list at the to
port. large I approached her avoide shoused for Help, to be same
time As took up & violent list to port and appeared for the
but sinking. 1 well have andangered the Boat and proceeded. arew, both The
the ship considered lowering a boat and searching Boats man,
as I might for the evacuation 1 regretrully that SURSOM
urgently required after 1 had passed her. I understand boat but was
CORDA who was some Shortly afterwards I observed afterwards
ship sunk just way astern of se did lower a a flare on the unable
water some 400 yards 250 yards on ay starboard completely
to find the nan- ahead of no, almost immediately how. At about 0415
a bomb fell about Harbour but as the Vola was I then proceeded deserted
I entered Dunkirk being shelled I left hurrisdly. the beach
and the place was until I saw dense columns such of troops gable on as necessary
where along the I anchored coast and ground, than I than lowered veared ay as Boats and started done to to load ships up.
An 80 Air as just Raid not occurred to at about 0630 but no damage was
in ay immediate visinity.

Details

DUPLICATE
271
- 287
At 1950/30 H.N.S. Fitaroy proceeded to Dunkirk
via the Western route and at 0210 anchored off
beach in three fathoms at a point 2) miles east
of Dunkirk. The ships boate vere sent in shore
in charge of Legutenant J.S. Horrez Only
3 soldiers could be found and these were embarked.
At 1 0300 ship veighed and proceeded to Dover
with
and the 3 soldiers
At 0825 proceeded and at (850 secured in
Granville dook and coaled
At 1850 ship proceeded to Rendesvous with
4th. Mineoweeping Plotilla at . long
Legutenant Bull, Scots Guards - on board and
subsequently of great help in embarking troops.
June
At 0180 /1/6 H.N.S. Pilargy anchored off
the beach at a point 8) miles cast of
Dunkirk.TheD/G gear call ht fire at alas
and became tem: orarily useless This is
attributed to shrapnel all the fore stay
vas also stranded at the name time Ships
boats were sent in ahore and Leautenant Bull
Sents Cuards directed the embarkation assisted
by Midehipman Bryce R.N.R and Signalman
Froggant. 67 British officers and soldiers
were embarked by 0345 By this time there
were only a for more troops laft on this section
of the beach and H.H.S. Lydd having arrived
I and them to enbark the remainder It ISA
my intention to proceed to join the Senior
Naval Officer 4th. Minesweeping Plotilla and
endeavour to embark troops to capacity
However shortly after weighing 1 received a
signal from H.N. subpre informing no

Details

277
TRIPLICATE
- 293
At 1950/30 H.N.S. Fitzroy proceeded to Dunkirk
via the Western route and at 0810 snohored off
beach in three fathoms at a point 2) miles east
of Dunkirk. The ships boats were sent in shore
in charge of Legutenant J.S. Horrex Only
3. soldiers could be found and these were embarked
31ˢᵗ.
At 1 0300 ship weighed and proceeded to Dover
with
and the 3 soldiers
At 0825 proceeded and at 0880 secured in
Granville dook and coaled
At 1850 ship proceeded to Rendezvous with
4th. Mineeweeping Plotilla at 1. Buoy
Decutenant Bull Scots Guards Y&S on board and
subsequently of great help in embarking troops.
1st June
At 0130 /1/0 H.M.S. Pilaroy anchored off
the beach at a point 2) miles east of
Dunkirk.Theb/G gear call ht fire at 0139
and became tem orarily useless This is
attributed to shrapnel as the fore stay
vas also stranded at the name time . Ships
boats were sent in shore and Leeutenant Bull
Scots Guards directed the embarkation assisted
by Midshipman Bryce R.N.R and Signalman
Froggast. 67 British officers and soldiers
were embarked by 0345 . By this time there
were only a few more troops left on this section
of the beach and H.M.S. Lydd having arrived
I asked them to embark the remainder It was
intention to proceed to join the Senior
Naval my officer 4th. Minesweeping Flotilla and
endeavour to embark troops to capacity
However shortly after weighing I received no a
signal from H.M.S. Sabore informing

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised Dynamso ds. 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
$5
10
55
1
An
Dynam
349
lasman
60
355
65
TER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
DNI
n
70
7010
3347
4
during daylight. About half-way across a French trawler with
an open boat in tow was hailed. He reported having picked the
boat up with soldiers off Dunkirk and it was thought this might
be the boat for which we were searching. To make sure we
proceeded to Dunkirk where two open boats and a Thames
barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from
the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spaniards,
the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French and
English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at
approximately 1330. This was found to contain about 320
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and
various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England
but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor
motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charts on board. The air compressor motor was
made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left 1st Lieut., Leiut. Dehammel with instructions
opened the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
to sail the my barge to Dover; and proceeded along the coast having
About two up miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to within
of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter
approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward
could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course
was set to intercept the Thames barge.
by approximately eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 were the dropped
At 1720 when out of sight of land bombs we were attacked
The fell at to attack in pairs out dive of the sun
and eight six distances or varying from 10 to 50 yards of and ship.
having bombers appeared their bombs continued their endeavour firing to machine- miss
guns. the Course was appeared to explode after entering water,
released altered frequently in an the
some bombs. Some the surface and & certain number appeared ahead and not the to
explode at all. the splash. A certain amount who were exposed was
on striking One exploded under the bow right of discomfort ship
passed through myself and members of the crew hours or 80. to
experienced the by eyes for the next twelve manning
Able-Seaman Power of the soldiers in the fore to peak. return to Dover now had
splash in the was wounded in the leg when As I the port
wounded on board ask for assistance for barge sailing
turret also one I considered it advisable the barge. A tug was
forthwith and approximately to 2100 and found the Deut. Dehammel well
sent out at from Dover. I consider Sub. bombing to
performed a very subjected had caused leaks for that night's the
about 10 miles creditable operation. The to the hull which and
petrol the ship tank had and been the ship was not used again
operation.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised Dyrams. & S. 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
$5
100
55
1
An
Dynam
355
349
Ahel Tasman. 60
65
TTER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
a
70
353
during daylight. About half-way across a French trawler with
an open boat in tow was hailed. He reported having picked the
boat up with soldiers off Dunkirk and it was thought this might
be the boat for 14 ich we were searching. To make sure we
proceeded to Dunkirk where - two open boats and & Thames
barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from
the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards,
the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French
and English. No then went alongside the Thanes barge at
approximately 1330.
This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and
various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England
but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, ⑉ note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new platon to the air compressor
motor while the let.Lieut. and myself trimed the sails.
They had no charge on board. The air compressor motor was
made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my 1st,Lieut., SublLient. Delhamel with instructions
to sail the barge to Dover, and proceeded along the coast having
opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing
approximately three miles of the coast alightly to the eastward
of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter
could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course
was set to intercept the Thanes barge.
by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bomba were dropped
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attached
The bombers at appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and
and fell distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
having released their bombs continued their dive firing machine- to
guns. Course was altered frequently in an endeavour miss
the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water,
at on striking exploded under the box right discomfort
a ome the surface and a certain,appeared ahead and not the to ship explode
passed all. One the splash* A certain amount who of were exposed was
the experienced by the x eyes for the next twelve manning the
through myself and members of the crew hours or 80. to
splash in wounded in the leg when part
Able-Seaman Power of was the soldiers in the fore to peak. return As to Dover I now had
wounded on board ask for assistance for the the barge. barge sailing well was
turrets also one I considered it advisable A tug
sent forthwith out and to 8100 and I consider found Sub.Lieut, Delfammel
about performed 10 a very creditable subjected had operation. caused leaks The for to bombing the that bull night's to which and the
the petrol ship tank had and been the ship was not used again
operation.

Details

21
20
.
20
'Alice' had to abandoned as bullets had penetrated the lubricating
system, causing a seize up of her engine on attempting to start up,
I flooded her ballast tanks in an endeavour to submerge the ship
below bullet holes, and thereby flood the engine room. I retrieved
'Alice's' charts and recognition signal tables and with her crew
boarded 'Caap Falga', taking over command from Lt.Culmer, R.N.V.R.
who had by this time refloated 'Caap Falga'.
We proceeded to a destroyer but was unable to inter-sept her, I
thence set course for the Downs.
'Able Tasman' unloaded small arms ammunition at La Panne and pro-
ceeded to Dover at 1715.
Mayes Mastin
(H.R. Wykeham-Martin)
Lieutenant R.N.
RC
*
JUN 14JUN 1940
ADMIRA AL ZOIN

Details

B.
24
29th. May. 00.00 off Dunkirk have great difficulty in finding out where to P 00.15.-
touched bottom 1.0 a.m. approx. entered Dunkirk and secured alongside Pier. Shore
arrangements very bad only one shore ladder available. Troops commence to board.
24
1.30 "San Antonio" came alongside. Troops cross our deck to feed San Antonio. 3.0
approx. San Antonio cast off. I endeavour to speed up loading. Note as much as 15
minutes go by at times without any troops boarding at other times the single ladder
is quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. No effort was made by the Military to use
the outside of the Pier 4.0 0 a.m. Wind freshening we have received approx 220 troops
cast off and proceeded in Company for Downs. Near by ships open fire at enemy aircraft
During passage three hunting destroyers drop at least five depth charges Our troops have
rifles ready to engage aircraft. Run ha been issued to those troops who are very fatigued
and wet also to ships crew. 2.0 Arrive off Downs ordered to proceed Ramsgate.2.
Pilot boarded took us to Margate discharged troops, received stores fresh water
and two ladders. I rece ve 50 feet rope from another ships 8.0 p.m. Proceed in
company with Carabia for Braye. Hands employed in rigging TS and cleaning ship
30th. May 5. a.m. anchored off Braye (falling tide) and enced receiving troops
shifted ship 5 times as tide fell. Under continuous enemy gunfire from the shore. 9.0 a.m.
we have received approx 430 troops and all available space is full (the shore arrangements fo
loading is under naval charge and most efficient. Also ;adders were most useful.
Weighed anchor and proceeded for Downs altering course as required to aviod enemy gunfire
until out of range. Issued run to fatigued troops and all crew.
Troops stand by to engage enemy aircraft 5.0 P.m. entered Ramsgate discharged troops
received stores and fresh water. I wrote a note to.C in C Dover drawing his attention to
the mutinous conduct of
Borrowed two naval ratings from shore
as night watchmen. Proceeded outside Harbour to anchor. Hands clean ship All hands to sleep
Watchmen keep look out.
31st. May 5.0 p.m. ordered to proceed Portsmouth
1st. June, Secured Kings stairs
2nd. June 12.00 ordered to proceed Poole 5.0 P.m. stopped off Yarmouth.
4th. June 6.30 p.m. Secured alongside at Poole.
This ships engines are fairly good but all other appointments are very bad
Signed S.Hoggan, Lt. Comdr. R.N.R.
"ATLANTIC"
I beg to submit the following report on this ships activities during the evacuation
from Dunkirk
Friday 29th. left Dover 9.30 a.m. 12. to waiting off N. Goodwin L. Vessel for
orders 3.30 proceeded 3.0 a.m. 30th. arrived La. Panne commence embarking troops
in ships lifeboat. Anchored as near shore as possible. Ship aground at Low water
embarkation slow at first in ships boats very hard work for the small crew later
expedited by Naval Commander S.N.O. who detailed motor launch and whaler to ship
embarked approx. 300 men. Sailed about 11. a.m. Beach and Channel being shelled
by Shore Batteries.
Arrived Ramsgate 23.00 30th. May arrived Dunkirk 05.00 31st. June about 1 mile
east of Dunkirk close in shore passed ashore to haul out boats, sea choppy and
boats getting swamped lost ships boats 10.00 was to out to deeper water, engines
fail to start. Embarked approx. 100 troops. Waited off beach for 24 hours but unable
to embark troops owing to being unable to obtain a motor launch to attend on ship
and no boats being available. Beaches and Channel being jected to shelling and air
bombardment all day and night. Two or three bombs fell close alongside.
05.00 1st rescued crew and passengers of Drifter which had struck sunken wreck [o?]
during operation, boat full close alongside striking at ketch which completely
dissappeared.
13.00 Ist. Arrived Ramsgate.
Note. The small amount of troops embarked on 2nd. trip was due to scarcity of motor launche
ato attend various ships, when I did eventually get one and sent it in shore the soldiers
would not wade out to the boat during dark hours.
L.E. Fordham It. Condr. R.N.R.
"KAAP FALGA"
B.
Kaap Falga (Lieut. G.E.B. ST.G Beale) in Command) loaded 300 tons Army Provisions
left Southampton 21.00 26/5/40 and beached off La Panne according to orders 0800
26/5/40 in Company with "Alice" and Able Tasman. At 12.00 Kaap Falga and Alice were
ordered to refloat as soon as possible and proceed to Bray beaches, 4 miles away.
8 hours later Kaap Falga floated of with the tide.
In the meantime Lieut. Beale had been wounded ashore (during air attacks on Ships)
whilst contacting the Military, Lieut. Slater (Captain of Alice) who was with him
was killed. Lieut. Beale was reported to have been taken to the Military Hospital
with a. paralised leg.
Alice was put out of action and ballast tanks flooded to make
her rest on bottom (Max, Depth H.W. about 14. feet).

Details

Dynam 156.
NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S.FRISO DURING
60
OPERATION DYNAMO
H.M.S. OSPREY
PORTLAND.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of
events whilst in command of the Skoot "FRTSO" during Operation
"Dynamo".
Sunday 26th May. At Portsmouth - ship was being wiped, swung and
generally prepared for service.
Monday 27th May. Sailed fr om Portsmouth at 0500. Arrived Newhaven
at 1315.
Tuesday 28th May. Repairs were effected to for'ard Capstan.
2100. Sailed for Dover.
Wednesday 29th May. 0900. Secured alongside Submarine Basin Dover.
Watered and provisioned ship.
1230. Sailed for Dunkirk towing a pulling
Boat. During the passage every endeavour was made for receiving
and embarking troops. My crew worked continuously at improving
ladders and guest warps, and preparing the holds.
2330 Entered Dunkirk Roads. I steamed as
close to the Beach as possible from about 6 miles to the East of
Dunkirk right up to Dunkirk, but was unable to see any signs of
troops. It appeared that FRISO was the first skoot to arrive in
the Roads.
0030 Entered Dunkirk and secured alongside the
Mole. I then started embarking troops until the skoot "SURSOM
CORDA" secured alongside me when I transferred them across. At
about 0130 I decided to commence filling my ship alternately with
SURSOM CORDA. Between 0130 and 0300 several skoots endeavoured to
come alongside SURSOM CORDA, I instructed the Commanding Officer
of SURSOM CORDA to tell them to berth further up the Mole. I
left the Mole at about 0315 having got onboard about 350 men and
4 officers. I arrived at Dover after an uneventful trip at about
1500 Thursday 30th May.
Having provioned and embarked water tins
I sailed again for Dunkirk at about 2100. This time I proceeded
by the Calais Channel. My crew worked extraordinarily well
Although we were in the Beam of the Calais Searchlights for about
clearing up the hold and preparing it again for more troops.
Friday 31st May. At about 0245 I observed what appeared to be to a
2 hours it appeared that we remained undetected.
fairly large derelict two funnelled ship with a slight list the
port. As I approached her avoice shouted for Help, and at to be same
time the ship took up a violent list to port and appeared the
but sinking. I might well have endangered the Boat and Boats crew, both The
I considered lowering a boat and searching for man,
urgently sunk after I had passed her. I understand
as required for the evacuation I regretfully proceeded. that SURSOM
ship who just some way astern of me did lower a boat but was the unable
CORDA the was Shortly afterwards I observed a flare afterwards on
water some about 250 yards on my starboard bow. At
to find 400 man. yards ahead of me, almost immediately about 0415
I entered being shelled I left hurriedly. I the beach
a bomb fell Dunkirk Harbour but as the Mole was completely then proceeded deserted
and the the place coast was until I saw dense columns of troops cable on as necessary
where I not to ground, I lowered my Boats and started to ships up.
along anchored and then then veered as much to load
An so Air as just Raid occurred at about 0630 but no damage was done
in my immediate vicinity.

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127
121
NARRATIVE OF M.V. "RIKA" DURING THE PERIOD 27TH MAY TO
5TH JUNE, 1940, ENGAGED IN EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
(Page 2 of Commanding Officer, M.V. "Rika"s" letter No.1/12
dated 6th June, 1940.)
30th May, 1940.
That
0830
Arrived at Dover and secured to Admiralty Wharf and
disembarked survivors. Reported to Captain Halifax-
at Lord Warden Hotel and was instructed to await
further orders.
31st May, 1940.
1430.
Instructed by Captain Fraser to proceed outside
Dover Harbour to tow M.V. "Vrede" who had developed
engine trouble.
1700.
Embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition and 6 Lewis
Gunners.
1st June, 1940.
0630.
Transferred 7 days stores and petrol for four
launches from M.V. "Vrede" and received instructions to
proceed to Dunkirk and report to Captain Pim, R.N.V.R.
in M.V. "Hilda".
0700.
Left Dover with launches in tow.
1300.
Contacted M.V. "Hilda" on approaching Dunkirk Roads and
received instructions from Captain Pim to return to
the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall.
1340.
Intercepted by French destroyer T.113, and was
requested to embark 80 French and 9 British survivors,
several of whom were badly wounded.
1400.
Proceeded to Ramagate, having instructed launches to
return to Dover under their own power.
1800.
Disembarked survivors at Ramagate and received
instructions from Captain Wharton R.N., to anchor in
the Roads.
2nd June, 1940.
2000.
Under orders from Captain Wharton, proceeded with
launch and one boat in tow, under command of
Lieutenant Commander Miller, R.N.R., to rendezvous
with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier.
3rd June, 1940.
0115.
Arrived off Dunkirk Entrance and, as M.V. "Rika" was
unable to approach the beach, launch and boat were
sent inshore to bring off B.E.F.
Owing to the heavy bombardment of the beach by the
enemy from the eastwards, the launch was unable to
contact the B.E.F. and returned at 0200. Launch was
then sent to the Pier to endeavour to contact the
B.E.F. there.
0215

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Dynamic 376
8/4/0/139
126
J .6633,
c/o Messrs. J.S. White & Co.
Cowes, Isle of White,
20th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
proceedings during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. 0.
1700/6/6/40.
In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief,
Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Majesty's Ship "SURSUM_
CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.M. Friday 24th May, 1940,
sailing for Portsmouth at 1600, arriving at 2130.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained in company with other Skoots
under the ordera of Lieutenant Commander Stuart in H.M.S
"FREDANJA" until P.M. 28th May, 1940, when ship was sailed for
Dunkirk from Dover at 1400 by order of Vice Admiral Dover, for
islbe
the evacuation of troops via North Goodwin and Middle Kirke.
On arrival off beaches at Dunkirk at approximately
2230, decided to enter harbour straight away having sighted
large number of soldiers on mole, but apparently no other ships
in the harbour, though a transport and other skoots were lying
off, and two ships just leaving. The western side of the harbour
was ablaze.
Having evacuated British troops, approximate number
three hundred and seventy, ship sailed for Dover at 0330; &
hospital ship and six or seven other skoots having entered and
secured to the mole were also embarking troops by this time.
Ship arrived off Dover 1130/29, no incidents of
30/5?
importance occurring on passage.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained at Dover, storing and provision-
ing until orders were received to sail again for Dunkirk at 2100.
Short routevia Calais was taken; ship proceeding
independently as visibility was decreasing and all skoots were
not ready.
On arrival off Western beaches of Dunkirk, a wreck
was sighted approximately half a mile to West of Harbour
31/5
entrance in the approach channel, and cries of & man in the
water were heard, a boat was lowered, but the rescue work was
Priso)
left finally to a Sloop's whaler the Sloop itself being on her
return passage to England. "SURSUM-CORDA" proceeded and arrived
off beaches Eastern side of Dunkirk at 0430/30.
Many men were sighted waiting on the beach approximately
two or three miles east of the mole, and on closing H.M.S. "FITZROY"
lying approximately three quarters of a mile off the beach, was
asked to assist in ferrying troops from small craft to ITZROY"
and "VANQUISHER", three to four cables to Westward.
For approximately half an hour my Ship remained stopped
three cables from the beach embarking as many troops as possible.
This process I considered far tooslow as the number of
small boats employed in that area amounted only to four or five
and these appeared to be in danger of being swamped by excessive
loads, so decided to close the beach while the tide was flooding
and endeavour to embark troops over my bows.

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127
-2-
This method was found successful and two trips were
carried out in same manner. For the third endeavour,
"VANQUISHER" and"FITZROY" having left for England, and no other
larger craft being in the vicinity, my intentions were to
close again, fill to capacity and proceed towards La Panne, to
transfer troops if requested, or return to England.
It is regretted that this effort failed in that
"SURSUM"CORDA" was beached too securely and no efforts ot my part
were successful in re-floating.
Thiswwas due to an error in judgement on my part in
allowing too many men on board at the time and my incorrect
appreciation of the time of the tide turning, no tide tables being
carried.
H.M.S. "HEBE" came to my assistance, but unfortunately
though a tow was passed, her lack of power and manoeuvreability
were strong handicaps, and she herself grounded two cables to
Eastward.
At 0800/30 it was realised there was no chance of the
ship moving until the following High Water.
During the period of waiting until High Water that
evening, I assisted where possible on the Beach in the vicinity
of the Ship, and during periods where there were no small craft
operating, took aboard soldiers for shelter and distributed
what food remained aboard "SURSUM-CORDA".
All members of my crew worked magnificently under
somewhat strained conditions, and with no consideration for
themselves.
Further endeavours to re-float were made between 1800
and 2030 using kedge anchor with soldiers onboard assisting.
At 1840 a shell from an enemy shore battery burst & few yards ahead
of the ship and four soldiers were hit by splinters. I ordered
these and one officer hit whilst on the beach to be placed below
and with the assistance of a stretcher bearer my First
Lieutenant, Lieutenant Brooks rendered first aid and made them as
comfortable as conditions allowed.
I then cleared the ship of soldiers and continued my
efforts to re-float, but with no success, delay being caused by
an influx of soldiers somewhat naturally seeking shelter after
the shell fire, whom L'ordered to stand by to board "HEBE" who
I could see appeared to shew hopeful signs of clearing the
beach. The majority of them carried out these orders and
"HEBE" was re-floated at approximately 1945. On receiving
report of my engines being temporarily out of action and on
point of "seizing-up") decided further efforts were fruitless,
and retaining only wounded and completely exhausted men onboard
for shelter, until small craft or ambulances could be commandeered
to take them off, decided to land and assist on beach where
possible.
(continued
ty
d,
that
too
Cing.

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Dynoms 182.
186
From ... Lieutenant R.H. Irving R.N.R. Motor Boat "TRITON".
Date ... 3rd June, 1940.
To ... Commodore Taylor, Sheerness.
Submitted,
with reference to the short report handed in on my
arrival at Sheerness, Saturday, 1st June, 1940, I shall now
endeavour to fill in details left out at that time, due to
inability to recollect everything and put it on record before
being refreshed and rested, after so many hours of exertion.
On Wednesday, the 29th May, 1940, while supervising
the cleaning and scrubbing of the Dutch Scoot "PRINCESS JULIANA"
of which vessel I was 1st Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander
Gwinnir, R.N., who was C.O., instructed me, to report immediately
to Commander Troupe for orders.
I reported as instructed, and was ordered to take
command of thirteen launches and get them to Ramsgate.
I got clear of Sheerness with the launches about
1200 29/5/40, and arrived Ramsgate about 1930. I reported to
Commander Davies there, and explained to him what had been said
tome by Commodore L. Taylor regarding the launch "SILVER QUEHON
and "BEVERLEY". "BEVERLEY", however, failed to turn up at
Ramsgate although I had sent back my fastest boat from Margate to
look for her, and waited for one hour to allow him to catch up.
Commander Davies consulted the N.O.I.C. and it was decided that
in the "TRITON" I should endeavour to get "SILVER QUESION and
seven more launches to La Panne.
The other launches for various reasons could not
proceed until the morning. Commander Davies said he believed
East of La Panne was devoid of Allied troops, and as far as he
knew no troops on beaches West of Braye Duns.
This meant I had to make the Belgian coast within
a three-mile limit, rather difficult without navigating
instruments or current charts.
Nevertheless, I thought I could
do it, so at 2200 on Wednesday I left the harbour with eight
launches.
I waited outside and shouted to them to keep close
up and follow me.
I steered for N. Goodwin Light Vessel, and
stopped there to count my fleet, though it was very dark.
I
counted five and was informed the other three had put back to
Ramsgate with engine trouble.
I then order "SILVER QUEIN® to render every assistance
in keeping boats together (Sub.Lt. in command) in order that the
five of us might carry out a successful crossing.
Only the
Seaman Cox.J. Keith could steer on my boat; this meant I had to
relieve him myself. Two of the crew were already seasick, but
kept their feet and showed spirit.
From N. Goodwin I proceeded.
It was very dark, and
on and off I passed ships heading N.W. or S.E. About 0300
30/5/40 visibility was very poor, with heavy rain, no ships in
however, to get into a position 15 miles north of La Panne, and then
sight, and I was a little doubtful of my position.
I decided,
steer South (mag) to make the coast.
At 0400 turned south, strong
wind and following sea, boat steering wildly. Still no ships in
sight or land.
About 0420 saw a cruiser loaded with troops,
recognised her as British, and closed her.
She had received heavy
punishment aft from shellfire.
I made signs as to whether I should hold on my course,
and she answered in the affirmative. At this time one of my
boats very foolishly crossed my bow and received a blow which
damaged her.
I instructed one of the others to watch her, and

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2.
364
342
Greatly to the Master's disappointment, X 213's
machinery was not in a good enough condition for her
to be used.
78. Owing to a misunderstending, not here, which I have
been unable to trace, the motor boats which should have
hours later. Suspecting that the fifth column was at work
reached Sheerness from the Thames Adid not arrive until 24 Lou 30ᵗʰ hi
I informed your Chief of Staff, D.S.V.P., V.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C.s Ramsgate and Margate of the circumstances, and
of my intention to ignore any such messages. No possible
harm could have been done by sending boats on, at any rate
as far as Ramsgate. Had these boats not been delayed, they
would have been available on the last day on which evacuation
from the beaches was still going on. Some of them were
employed on the last two days in the vicinity of Dunkirk.
8. The type of machinery fitted in many of the boats and
its defective state, presented F.E.O. and Sheerness Dockyard
with some difficult problems and a great deal of hard work,
which was tackled, night and day, with great zeal and energy.
Some of the boats broke down later on, much to the
disappointment of their crews, who had done their best. Most
of them, I think succeeded in joining other boats and msking
at least one trip to the French coast.
9. The total number of craft prepared for service and
sent out from Sheerness was as follows :-
100 Motor Boats
10 Lighters
7 Schuits
1 Oil tanker
6 Paddle Steamers
10. On Sunday June 2nd, having got away all the personnel
and everything afloat that was sufficiently in good condition
to do useful service, I went to Ramsgate with Commander Troup,
arriving about 1600, in order to help N.O.I.C. and to
endeavour to assist in the cooperation of motor boats with
larger vessels.
I went in with a group of Schuits and slow motor boats
to the beach at St. Malo les Bains, where a British Officer
who had just got back reported that there were British troops
who had been unable to get into Dunkirk. None were found. I
have no doubt however from later enquiries that they had got
into the town. A volunteer whose name I have not yet been
able to get, landed from one of the Schuits and walked along
the beach to make sure there were none left. We brought him
off and his boat's crew, and a number of French soldiers who
were pulling for England in a small boat.
Commander Troup took the fast Army motor boats into
Dunkirk alongside the centre pier and brought off 79 French
troops when his boat was rammed by a French tug and had to
be abandoned.
11.
On Monday night I took a group of slow motor boats
up to the Quay Felix Faure, at the top of Dunkirk harbour.
I went on ahead in the fast boat "Marlborough" to identify
the quay. The motor boats were led in by the "Mermaiden",
Sub Lieut
who did very well to find the place in
the dark, 300 French Marines were embarked in the motor
boats and a French Trawler. Their bearing was excellent.
As the quay was now clear, and machine gun fire
was getting a little near, I decided not to get the motor
boats back on the chance of another load of troops. At
this period through no fault of the Officer at the wheel, we
had the misfortune to scrape over some masonry that had fallen
from the quay, losing our propellers and rudder.
Sidmonth- willing (Sea cadel Great

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3.
365
Dover. Eventually a motor yacht got us in tow and took us to
Commander Troup went with the fast boats to the outer
- 343
port. He made himself piermaster on the western mole
and conducted the embarkation of about 10,000 French
troops. He also had some anxious moments, as the boat
which was to fetch him broke down. Another turned up
in which he embarked with a French General Lucas and
many StafffOfficers and men; and thus had the honour of
being the last man to leave Dunkirk.
12. As Officers and Coxswains pass through Sheerness,
endeavour is being made to extract full accounts of their
adventures. N.O.I.C. Ramsgate is doing the same. These
reports are being forwarded to Vice Admiral, Dover, but
copies of those obtained here are attached. Even so it
will be impossible to do justice to the services of these
young Officers, ratings and volunteers, most of whom were
acting independently, without anyone to see how they
conducted themselves. A list of those who came under my
personal observation is attached.
13. Until all reports have been compared and lists of
Officers, men, and volunteers going out and returning
have been checked, the number of casualties remains
unscertain. Many boats have had to be abandoned owing
to grounding, collision or fouled propellers, but in
most cases the crews transferred to other craft,
One craft is known to have been sunk by bomb.
"New Prince of Wales". Large motor craft. Officer
in command, Sub Lieut. .L.H. Bennett, R.N., now in R.N.
S.P.H.E.
Hospital, Chatham. Two ratings are believed to have been
killed, but I have not been able to get this confirmed.
Several motor boats sailed direct from Southend for
the beaches with volunteer crews who had not signed on.
There may be others, of which there will be no record.
Considering the heavy bombing, shelling and machine
gun fire experienced by many of the boats, the casualties
seem to be lighter than might well have been expected.
14. It would be impossible to speak too highly of the
spirit which has animated all those who have been concerned
in "Dynamo". Everyone tried to do their best for the Armies
at Dunkirk, and those whose fortunes it was to get across
and bring some of them off, will always look back on it with
deep satisfaction. Some of the crews got their boats as far
as Ramsgate, only to find that owing to the shortcomings of
their vessels, they could get no further, but many of them
succeeded in finding another boat with room for them.
A young Able Seaman, whose boat sank after bringing
off 1,000 men, did much, by his sheerful talk and bearing,
to bring about this happy result. His name is
Here at Sheerness the Commodore and his staff, H.M.S.
"Wildfire", and the dockyard did all that man could do to
hasten the preparation and sailing of the varied fleet of
craft which arrived here, some of them needing much attention.
With the exception of the Thames steamers, which could not
run in salt water, though they had a good try at it, very
few craft failed to achieve at least one trip to the French
coast. Many men from the "Wildfire" offered their would services,
have done so had it been possible to spare their services.
though only a few could be allowed to go, and more

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- 4
472
an open with soldiers off hailed. He reported having picked with the
during daylight. boat in tow was About half-way across a French trawler
boat up boat for in ich Dunkirk and it was thought this might
be the we were searching. To make sure we
barge with sail set were found approximately three miles from
proceeded to Dunkirk where хихаря two open boats and a Thames
the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards,
the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French
and English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at
approximately 1330. This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and
various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England
but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor
motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charys on board.
The air compressor motor was
made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my lst.Lieut., SublLieut. Dehammel with instructions
to sail the barge to Dover,and proceeded along the coast having
opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing
approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward
of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter
could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course
was set to intercept the Thames barge.
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attacked
by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bombs were dropped
and fell at distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
The bombers appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and
having released their bombs continued their dive firing machine-
guns. Course was altered frequently in an endeavour to miss
the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water,
some on striking the surface and a certain appeared not to explode
at all. One exploded under the bow right ahead and the ship
passed through the splash. A certain amount of discomfort was
experienced by myself and members of the crew who were exposed. to
the splash in the M eyes for the next twelve hours or 30.
Able-Seaman Power was wounded in the leg when manning the port
turrett also one of the soldiers in the fore peak. As I now had
wounded on board I considered it advisable to return to Dover
forthwith and to ask for assistance for the barge. A tug was
sent out at approximately 2100 and found the barge sailing well
about 10 miles from Dover.
I consider Sub ,Lieut, Dehammel
performed a very creditable operation. The bombing to which
the ship had been subjected had caused leaks to the hull and the
petrol tank and the ship was not used again for that night's
operation.
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.

Details

AID a go is to a tramp steams proceeding 4
French fishing assistance smask that Each had collected a few troops- 552 running
full speed in an endeavour eitile to avoid us, an straight into one
bows. Fortunately ic did damage, due 5 an decks you
but air was not known while doeslight.
Once alongside are fishing boat / enquired
civilly of the coxswain Whether or not he required towing,
and was promptly told 13 hop 's' in a most ungentle
manner while one of an Crew proceeded is but ML with
an oar. In are conversation Oat ensued is appeared Diat
I
was Drying to turu are boat back while the latter was
determined G save itself comme tous le auties! & Chey
still seemed adamant in their refusal 19 & Towed , and
appeared 13 be quite sappy in aim ignorance we eft Gen
19 make arein our way 4 the larbou entrance.
Further down au harbour we were hailed
by a moterboat which appeared 4 have gone aground off
one of the when pies. We had hoped G Tow has our, are
au idea was eventually abandoned as she had a ope round
her SCHEWS and a large beam of wood, G which as ope
was attached under her , forward of au propellers. 7 -
were then Taken on board, and twned not 6
be Vice- admissals, doven Garge we were leaving. The proceedings
were held up by be coxswain a Scotomian, insisting on
returning for his boots.
a hundred yards fund on we were you
bailed by a small open motorboat which had broken dan.
Taking her in Tow we eventually reached as intrance, located where
are Tow decided G part. after rescuring her again, we
ae motorboat was aen cast adaift
the tugs and the two chews were transferred is Crem -
The time was now after one. City so we
well ordered to stay by as tup , giving up our former
intention of visiting schools are were Nouveau working. awar lust Part, above as this quai time
an at German which are articlery opened fine on the Larbour shelling

Details

AD a go is to assistance a tramp steams proceeding 4
French fishing smask that Euch had collected a few troops. 552 Turning
full speed in au endeavour eitile to avoid us, an straight into one
bows. Fortunately ic did damage, due G an decks iron
strengseening but this was not known whil doeslight.
Once alongside are fishing boat / enquired
civilly of the coxswain wheller or not he required towing,
and was promptly told 13 hop 's' in a most ungentle
manner while one of an crew proceeded 19 but 3 with
an oar. in are conversation Oat ensued is appeared that
I was Drying to turu are boat back while the latter was
determined G save itself, comme tous le auties! & Chey
still seemed adamant in their refusal 19 & Towed and
appeared 13 be quite happy in air ignorance we eft Gen
19 make arein our way 4 the harbou entrance.
Further down au harbour we were hailed
by a motorboat which appeared to have gone aground off
one of the winer pies. We had hoped G Tow his one, auc
Cu idea was eventually abandoned as she had a ope round
her SCHOOL and a large beam of wood, G which as ope
was attached under her , forward of au propellers. The -
were then Taken on board, and twned one 6
be Vice- admissals, dover's barge we were leaving. The proceedings
were held up by the coxswain a Scotoman, insisting on
returning for his boots.
a hundred yards funcess on we were apain
hailed by a small open motorboat which had broken dan
Taking her in Tow we eventually reached as intrance, where
are Tow decided G part. after rescuing her again, we located
ae motorboat was Cheu cast adift
be tugs and the two chews were transferred is Chem -
The time was now after one. City so we
well ordered to stay by are tup. giving up our former
intention at of visiting schools are were Noweau working. awar lust Part, above as this quan time
an German which Due articlery opened fine on the Larbour shelling

Details

124
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 5.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
126
125
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
to S.N.O., Dunkirk by signal - timed 1555/28 - and provided
for the use of 3 Hospital Carriers, 7 personnel steamers and
2 destroyers at the East Pier, Dunkirk, while some 20
destroyers, 19 paddle and fleet sweepers, 17 drifters, 20 to
40 skoots, 5 coasters, 12 motor boats, 2 tugs, 28 pulling
cutters and life-boats were to be distributed between La
Panne and point 1½ miles East of Dunkirk, on the beaches; the
destroyers running continuous round trips.
It was estimated that the personnel vessels and hospital :o
carriers would be clear of the danger area by 0630. As
regards the beaching and other small craft which had not yet
reached the Dover Straits, arrangements were made with other
authorities to route all small craft, which had not already
been despatched, direct to the beaches East of Dunkirk,
provided they had charts, food, fuel, etc.
At this time some difficulty was experienced in having at
hand the large number of charts required for these additional
vessels.
17,
Owing to the suspension of daylight work by personne
vessels it was necessary to increase the number handled in
Dunkirk during the dark hours as the attempt to use the
surplus personnel vessels off the beaches by night seemed un-
likely to bear fruit. Accordingly, Dunkirk, was
asked whether personnel vessels could be berthed inside
Dunkirk harbour, the only information in Vice Admiral's
k.
possession having indicated that the East Pier of the harbour
entrance was the only suitable berth for such ships to which
British troops could have access. To increase the off-shore
forces, Commander-in-Chief, Nore, was asked to sail CALCUTTA
to be opposite La Panne at 2200 to embark troops using own
boats.
Orders were issued that all ships proceeding to Dunkirk
from Dover were to use the southern route Z provided that the
passage from No. 6 Calais Buoy to Dunkirk could be made in
darkness.
S
18.
At 1830 GRAFTON reported that several thousand
troops remained on beaches at Bray and that more were
arriving. At that time there were off Bray, one tow of
pulling boats, number uncertain, 2 power boats, at least
2 skoots, CALCUTTA, GALLANT, WAKEFUL, VERITY and GRAFTON,
using what survived of their own whalers and motor boats.
This force was reinforced by 2 minesweepers at 2115. Later
reports of concentrations of troops on the beaches were
received, particularly at La Panne and Bray. Craft approach-
ing the coast were directed accordingly. Naval Officer-in-
Charge, Ramsgate, was requested to maintain a continuous
evacuation service by skoots between Margate and Ramsgate and
the beach, and take over responsibility for servicing those
vessels. Meantime CALCUTTA, who was off La Panne, reported
that conditions for embarkation there were very bad owing to
heavy surf, but that they might improve with the rising tide.
Shortly after midnight CALCUTTA was informed that the
third corps of the B.E.F. and the Commander-in-Chief were all
now at La Panne. She was directed to make every endeavour to
concentrate all destroyers and light craft at that end of the
beach/

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149
38
1.1%
148
146
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 27
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
1/6
or
Saturday 1st June (continued).
and at 0815 was attacked by enemy aircraft. Ship was hit aft of
No.3 boiler room and put out of action. About 0945 another attack
took place but no hits were registered. A third attack took place
at about noon and the ship began to settle and the order to
abandon ship was given.
Destroyer KEITH attacked by enemy aircraft off Bray
r
severely hit and abandoned at anchor by No.8 buoy. Finally sank.
Harbour Defence Craft AMULREE sunk in collision by
VIMY at 0200.
2/6
Sunday, 2nd June.
80.
The arrangements to set in motion the night's evacua-
tion had proceeded smoothly as far as could be ascertained at
Dover. During the early hours, reports of sailings from Dunkirk
indicated that destroyers at least were doing well.
At about 0200, however, a signal was received from
LYDD, who was off the Dunkirk beach, as follows:-
"Brigadier tells me that C. in C. says it is essential that
rearguard B.E.F. embarks from the beaches east of Mole on
account of French congestion on Mole. Considerable number
British troops still on Mole. Military are expecting further
arrivals there. Rearguard expects to arrive at beach by 0230."
The Vice Admiral accordingly ordered all ships known to
y
be outside Dunkirk Harbour to endeavour to embark the rearguard
from the beach, remaining after 0300 if necessary. Owing to the
time in transit and coding it was feared that this signal would
reach few ships still on the coast, unless they had remained on
their own initiative after 0300, the previously ordered time of
withdrawal.
At 0200, authority was received from the Admiralty to
1
continue evacuation by destroyers from Dunkirk Harbour until
0700, transports to leave Dunkirk at 0300.
81. During the early hours there was considerable haze and
smoke off Dunkirk Harbour, Dunkirk East Beach, Dunkirk Roads and
the entrance therefrom to X Route. For this reason some of the
smaller vessels, including minesweepers, failed to make either
Dunkirk Harbour or Dunkirk East Beach, but on the whole it appears
Ly
that evacuation, both from the beach and from the harbour had
G
proceeded satisfactorily with the resources available.
Between 0200 and 0900, 6 personnel vessels reached
United Kingdom from Dunkirk Harbour with about 5,500 troops. 2
others had been turned back before reaching Dunkirk by 2 unknown
destroyers, and one had been in collision before reaching Dunkirk
and had to return.
82. Considerable doubt existed during the forenoon as to the
numbers remaining to be evacuated in Dunkirk. It was thought that
2,000, plus the 4,000 rearguard British troops, might well be
found in Dunkirk. The number of French troops remaining was in-
creasing from the 25,000 quoted the previous evening to figures
in the region of 50,000 to 60,000.
83. The Rear Admiral, Dover, arrived back from the coast
in a M.T.B. and during the forenoon a joint Naval and Military
conference was held to devise a plan for the forthcoming night's
evacuation. The fact that evacuation traffic was suspended in

Details

234
REPORT ON THE LOSS OF H.M.S. SKIPJACK, 1st JUNE 1940. 0845 222
(1).
Skipjack anchored at 0030 on June 1st, 1940 off La Panne.
She had only one serviceable small boat and that had no
rudder, the ship's boats having been left behind off Dunkirk
on a previous trip.
Puler 52
(2).
It was understood that embarkation of troops would commence
at once in boats believed to be organised by the Army and
beach parties ashore. No boats, however, arrived.
(3).
During the time Skipjack was anchored off La Panne there was
considerable enemy air activity, one parashutemine being
dropped about one cable inshore from the ship. There was
some shelling.
(4).
At break of dawn about 0330 it was decided to weigh and
1/6
endeavour to pick up and man any derelict boats that could
be found. Skipjack, therefore, set a course to the west-
ward and managed to secure three boats; some troops were
also picked up. As several of H.M. ships were in the
vicinity, course was continued to opposite a point on the
beach about one mile to the eastward of Dunkirk, where there
was only one small skoot operating. The boats were then
sent inshore and the embarkation of troops commenced. The
ship was kept under weigh owing to considerable enemy air
activity.
(5).
From this time onwards, thought to be about 0530, there were
continued enemy bombing attacks. Several W/T messages were
transmitted asking for fighter assistance. Except for one
period of about 5 minutes no fighters were seen.
(6).
At about 0600 a derelict motor launch was got in working
order and embarkation of troops continued apace.
P.T.O.

Details

Dynams 46.
N°.4.
253
H.M.S. "LYNX".
251
31st May, 1940.
The Commander M/S,
Dover.
ze NAUTILUS
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report:-
71
At 1700 on Tuesday 28th May H.M.T. "Nautilus" and "Comfort"
left Dover under my directions en route for La Panne.
At 0030 the 29th May in vicinity of Kwinte Bank Buoy we
heard cries for help and "Nautilus" picked up six survivors from
Destroyer "Wakeful" which had been torpedoed. "Comfort" picked up
sixteen, including her Captain.
I instructed "Comfort" to return to Dover and land survivors.
Was unable to transfer any of the survivors to "Comfort" owing to
weather conditions.
"Nautilus" proceeded to La Panne arriving there at 0540.
Closed "Calcutta" and transferred "Wakeful's" survivors to
her.
29/5
"Nautilus" then proceeded closer in shore and started
ferrying soldiers to the H.19 and when she left at noon we ferried
them to H.05 ("Greyhound").
Panne
At 1630 with 150 B.E.F. on board German bombers came along
and in the endeavour to hit "Sandown" and "Greyhound" straddled the
"Nautilus". Although not actually hit the engines and steering
gear of "Nautilus" were put completely out of action and the vessel
began making water rapidly.
"Nautilus" managed to get alongside Destroyer "Greyhound"
and embark troops. In the middle of this the "Greyhound" was
damaged by a bomb and her Captain decided to weigh anchor and proceed
towards Dover.
Decided on consulting Skipper of "Nautilus" and Captain
of "Greyhound" to abandon "Nautilus".
The Skipper poured petrol on C.B's and set them on fire.
He then set his bunk on fire pouring more petrol on same endeavouring
to set "Nautilus" completely on fire, as being a very stoutly built
wooden ship she would not sink.
About ten soldiers were wounded by bombs falling around
"Nautilus" but none fatally. None of the crew were injured.
Two of "Nautilus" crew were left behind as crew of a
large ship's lifeboat which was working in conjunction with a flat
bottomed motor punt.
The "Nautilus" transferred between 700 and 800 B.E.F. to
the two destroyers.
The crew of the "Nautilus" were grand, in particular the us
Skipper, 2nd engineer, and the cook.
(Continued over).

Details

258
3 -
131
King
255
this damage did not seem so serious as the fact that
the steering gear was out of action and that the steam
which prevented us from getting into the steering flat
being no stop valve accessible.
could not be cut off the boilers - there apparently
29/5
76
A fire had broken out in the Stewards' quarters on
the starboard side, but I was able to put this out
without much trouble. The holes made forward were of a
jagged nature, from three to four inches at greatest
width, and also a number of rivets were blown out. Some
damage to an oil bunker was apparent, as oil fuel was
coming into the seamen's sleeping quarters forward in
considerable but not heavy quantity. The worst hole in
the stokers' quarters was caused by the blowing in of a
completely deadlighted porthole.
All leaks were eventually stopped that were visible,
and the pumps seemed to be coping with any influx
successfully. Owing to the darkness it was difficult in
some parts of the ship to fully ascertain all damage or
possible hidden weaknesses.
I went ashore to discuss the situation with the
Senior Naval Officer and had to report that I did not
anticipate the ship being seaworthy before dawn, and that
she was certainly not in a fit state to take on troops.
The ship had in the meantime been secured alongside,
bow in.
It was considered from information now gained that
the ship would again become subject to attacks at dawn,
and would then most probably be destroyed. The Senior
Naval Officer instructed me to either proceed to sea or
endeavour to ground the ship on the East side of the Pier,
where she would be useful as a breakwater.
Soon after 0030 on the 30th May I decided to leave
30/5
the berth, as the ship was aground and might be difficult
to get off later. I also decided that if the ship was
sufficiently manoeuvreable to be grounded where required
that she could also possibly be extricated either bow or
stern first from Dunkirk Roads and possibly reach assistance
Ph
I found
thes:-
my hungomy :- one V.U and 4 scander wounded
hilding
:- 4 here killed / Officer and
nt men mounded.
tomage to the ship was rus tamed as follows
/. 55. coils severed
2. Two life loats badly boled
3- Boar back piered Priside
4. are rentilator holed and sundy
minor depects to wining etc

Details

92
CONFIDENTIAL
27SEP RAL
NL
11385
REGISTRY
/24AB/40.
1940
21st September, 1940.
Report of enquiry into the loss
of H.M. Paddle Minesweeper
GRACIE FIELDS
in Operation "Dynamo".
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter .6245/40 dated
1st August 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the
following report resulting from an enquiry held into the loss
of H.M.Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS on 29th May 1940.
2. Temporary Acting Lieutenant Commander A. C. Wicks,R.N.R.,
who was in command of GRACIE FIELDS, was interviewed on
21st September, 1940.
3. At about 2030, on 28th, when ship was in vicinity of
Middlekerk Buoy, she was subjected to attack by enemy bombers
for about a quarter of an hour. Two bombs scored direct hits
in the Engine Room, wrecking the control platform and bursting
steam pipes.
(ii) Endeavour was made to shut off steam at the main
stop valve on the upper deck near the funnel, but
the valve could not be closed.
(iii) The explosion put the steering gear out of action
by fracturing the nal and chain connection.
4. Fires were drawn, the Engine Room was flooding steadily
and by the time access could be gained, there was about 6 feet
of water in the compartment.
5. PANGBOURNE came alongside and took off all troops and
crew of GRACIE FIELDS, except those required for taking her
in tow.
6. PANGBOURNE towed GRACIE FIELDS till about 0200 when,
sponsons being awash and Engine Room and Stokehold flooded to
a depth of 10 feet, it was decided to abandon her. Tow was
cast off and remainder of crew were taken on board PANGBOURNE.
7. The ship was then in about 10 fathoms and sinking.
Although it was not revealed when she actually sank, it seems,
from the evidence, unlikely that she remained afloat more than
about half an hour after being abandoned.
8. C.B.'s and S.P.'s not in use were in steel chest in
Captain's cabin, which was so wrecked that it was not possible
to have them. Those in use were taken on board PANGBOURNE and
landed at the port of arrival.
SS
retary
he Admiralty.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 5.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
to S.N.O., Dunkirk by signal - timed 1555/28 - and provided
for the use of 3 Hospital Carriers, 7 personnel steamers and
2 destroyers at the East Pier, Dunkirk, while some 20
destroyers, 19 paddle and fleet sweepers, 17 drifters, 20 to
40 skoots, 5 coasters, 12 motor boats, 2 tugs, 28 pulling
cutters and life-boats were to be distributed between La
Panne and point 1½ miles East of Dunkirk, on the beaches; the
destroyers running continuous round trips.
It was estimated that the personnel vessels and hospital
carriers would be clear of the danger area by 0630. As
regards the beaching and other small craft which had not yet
reached the Dover Straits, arrangements were made with other
authorities to route all small craft, which had not already
been despatched, direct to the beaches East of Dunkirk,
provided they had charts, food, fuel, etc.
At this time some difficulty was experienced in having at
hand the large number of charts required for these additional
vessels.
17, Owing to the suspension of daylight work by personnel
vessels it was necessary to increase the number handled in
Dunkirk during the dark hours as the attempt to use the
surplus personnel vessels off the beaches by night seemed un-
likely to bear fruit. Accordingly, S.N.O., Dunkirk, was
asked whether personnel vessels could be berthed inside
Dunkirk harbour, the only information in Vice Admiral's
possession having indicated that the East Pier of the harbour
entrance was the only suitable berth for such ships to which
British troops could have access. To increase the off-shore
forces, Commander-in-Chief, Nore, was asked to sail CALCUTTA
to be opposite La Panne at 2200 to embark troops using own
boats.
Orders were issued that all ships proceeding to Dunkirk
from Dover were to use the southern route Z provided that the
passage from No. 6 Calais Buoy to Dunkirk could be made in
darkness.
18. At 1830 GRAFTON reported that several thousand
troops remained on beaches at Bray and that more were
arriving. At that time there were off Bray, one tow of
pulling boats, number uncertain, 2 power boats, at least
2 skoots, CALCUTTA, GALLANT, WAKEFUL, VERITY and GRAFTON,
using what survived of their own whalers and motor boats.
This force was reinforced by 2 minesweepers at 2115. Later
reports of concentrations of troops on the beaches were
received, particularly at La Panne and Bray. Craft approach-
ing the coast were directed accordingly. Naval Officer-in-
Charge, Ramsgate, was requested to maintain a continuous
evacuation service by skoots between Margate and Ramsgate and
the beach, and take over responsibility for servicing those
vessels. Meantime CALCUTTA, who was off La Panne, reported
that conditions for embarkation there were very bad owing to
heavy surf, but that they might improve with the rising tide.
Shortly after midnight CALCUTTA was informed that the
third corps of the B.E.F. and the Commander-in-Chief were all
now at La Panne. She was directed to make every endeavour to
concentrate all destroyers and light craft at that end of the
beach/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 27
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Saturday 1st June (continued).
and at 0815 was attacked by enemy aircraft. Ship was hit aft of
No.3 boiler room and put out of action. About 0945 another attack
took place but no hits were registered. A third attack took place
at about noon and the ship began to settle and the order to
abandon ship was given.
Destroyer KEITH attacked by enemy aircraft off Bray
severely hit and abandoned at anchor by No.8 buoy. Finally sank.
Harbour Defence Craft AMULREE sunk in collision by
VIMY at 0200.
Sunday, 2nd June.
80. The arrangements to set in motion the night's evacua-
tion had proceeded smoothly as far as could be ascertained at
Dover. During the early hours, reports of sailings from Dunkirk
indicated that destroyers at least were doing well.
At about 0200, however, a signal was received from
LYDD, who was off the Dunkirk beach, as follows:-
"Brigadier tells me that C. in C. says it is essential that
rearguard B.E.F. embarks from the beaches east of Mole on
account of French congestion on Mole. Considerable number
British troops still on Mole. Military are expecting further
arrivals there. Rearguard expects to arrive at beach by 0230."
The Vice Admiral accordingly ordered all ships known to
be outside Dunkirk Harbour to endeavour to embark the rearguard
from the beach, remaining after 0300 if necessary. Owing to the
time in transit and coding it was feared that this signal would
reach few ships still on the coast, unless they had remained on
their own initiative after 0300, the previously ordered time of
withdrawal.
At 0200, authority was received from the Admiralty to
continue evacuation by destroyers from Dunkirk Harbour until
0700, transports to leave Dunkirk at 0300.
81. During the early hours there was considerable haze and
smoke off Dunkirk Harbour, Dunkirk East Beach, Dunkirk Roads and
the entrance therefrom to X Route. For this reason some of the
smaller vessels, including minesweepers, failed to make either
Dunkirk Harbour or Dunkirk East Beach, but on the whole it appears
that evacuation, both from the beach and from the harbour had
proceeded satisfactorily with the resources available.
Between 0200 and 0900, 6 personnel vessels reached
United Kingdom from Dunkirk Harbour with about 5,500 troops. 2
others had been turned back before reaching Dunkirk by 2 unknown
destroyers, and one had been in collision before reaching Dunkirk
and had to return.
82. Considerable doubt existed during the forenoon as to the
numbers remaining to be evacuated in Dunkirk. It was thought that
2,000, plus the 4,000 rearguard British troops, might well be
found in Dunkirk. The number of French troops remaining was in-
creasing from the 25,000 quoted the previous evening to figures
in the region of 50,000 to 60,000.
83. The Rear Admiral, Dover, arrived back from the coast
in a M.T.B. and during the forenoon a joint Naval and Military
conference was held to devise a plan for the forthcoming night's
evacuation. The fact that evacuation traffic was suspended in
daylight/

Details

C.W.19295
(Revised-June, 1983.)
D-51.
1940
FROM WHOM
DATE
Merchant Service Vessels employed in Operation "Dynamo".
/
(Extracted from Case 5458).
Personnel Ships
Case 5458 Vol. III. 7.)
29.
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
"
III. 6.
sunk
1.
"
DORRIEN ROSE
"
1.
NEW PRINCE OF WALES
"
III. 6.)
sunk
1.
SCOTTISH CORPORATION
"
III. 6.)
1.
MASSEY SHAW
"
III. 6 & 8)
1.
LIGHTER X 209
"
III. 6.)
1.
C.E.in C. TUG PRIMA
)
"
III. 6.)
1.
"
HOPPER BARGE W.24)
1.
"
"
"
W.26)
1.
"
"
"
W.95)
1.
THYRA
1.
PUDGE
London and Rochester ( "
II.5.)
1.
CABBY
Trading Company,
1.
SEINE
)
Limited.
1.
BEFENDER
1.
RELIANCE
1.
LETITIA
Bawley Boats
III 8
1.
ENDEAVOUR
"
Civilian crews.
1.
RESOLUTE
1.
RENOWN (Sunk)
1.
QUEENSLAND,
Tilbury Dredging Company.
(Case 5458.Vol.III.8.)
1.
JOHANNA
"
(Dutch eel boat)
III.8. 1.
River M/L "MADAME SANS GENE" (sunk)
"
III.8.) 1.
M/V "SEA ROAMER"
"
III.8.) 1.
"FAAR BREEZE" Drifter
1.
Votor Boat "KIT CAT"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Southend Lifeboat "GREATER LONDON"
1.
Launch belonging to Skylark Shipbuilding
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Co. Poole.
opper " Barge "Lady Southborough"
1.
"
1.
QUEEN'S CHANNEL
"
"
GALLIONS RANCH
Tilbury
l.
"
(
"
"
FOREMOST 101.
Contracting
III.8.) 1.
"
"
FOREMOST 102.
& Dredging
1.
"
"
1.
JAMES 67.
Company.
Dutch eel boat "CHANTECLER"
(
"
III.8.) 1.
Motor Life Boat unnamed,
#
(S.Lt.Amos, R.N.V.R.)
III.8.) 1.
Motor Yacht "RYGATE II"
"
III.8. 1.
M/B "QUICKSILVER"
"
III.8. 1.
Motor Cruiser "BOBELI"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "RAPIDE"
"
III.8.) 1.
"NAID ERRANT"
"
III.8.) 1.
M/B "THARK"
#
III.8.) 1.
Total. 71.
Mainly civilian crew, but R.N. or R.N.R.Officer in command.

Details

Page 12
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. HAVANT - Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent
D.S.C., R.N
first trip, while alongside home 1,500 troops in all. On the the
HAVANT 2 trips made she 3 brought trips including 2 to the beaches.
3rd embark during an intense Dunkirk pier waiting for On
assistance. off offall the troops (about to
IVANHOE Having amidships taken and on fire so steamed out she saw her
to struck aerial bombardment, troops
including subjected many wounded) to HAVAN proceeded for Dover, 500
bombing bombs in the from hore batteries. She level
soon and bombardment intense di bombing, high and low but wa
by 2 which fell engineroom, and then a large delay was action hit
bomb, about 50 yards ahead of ship, exploded
right underneath her.
Further bombing caused more underwater damage and
HAVANT finally rolled over and sank after the troops and
crew had transferred to AEGIR
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent, D.S.C., R.N.
Evacuated troops from the beaches and from Dunkirk
during heavy bombardment. When his ship had been heavily
damaged by bombs, made every endeavour to save her when
still subject to intense aerial attack, though without
success.
D.S.C,
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Chief Stoker M. Gallon, P/K. 59221.
ing
ered
The Engineer Officer and 2 E.R.A.s having been killci
and all the other E.R.A.S having been wounded, this
rating became in charge of the engineroom department.
He showed great initiative and resource by letting the
steam out of the boilers at a critical time, thereby
saving the ship from running on to a sandbank opposite
Dunkirk. He subsequently showed great calmness and
presence of mind in doing all he could to save the ship
and to keep the Captain informed of the state of affairs
DSM D.S.M.
below. He was the last rating to leave the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Sick Berth Attendant A. Keller D/X.6785.
When faced with a large number of wounded under
heavy fire, carried out his duties with the utmost calm,
M
deliberation and efficiency.
P.S.M.M
Recommended for mention.
Petty Officer Steward J. Lysaght, D/L.13388.
IDSM
This rating showed great initiative and resource in
getting wounded men from HAVANT to AEGIR. He took charge
well and set a fine example.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 12
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
I.S. HAVANT - Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent
D.S.C., R.N.
HAVANT made 3 trips including 2 to the beaches. On the
first 2 trips she brought home 1,500 troops in all. On the
3rd trip, while alongside Dunkirk pier waiting for troops
to embark during an intense aerial bombardment, she saw
IVANHOE struck amidships and on fire so steamed out to her
assistance. Having taken off all the troops (about 500
including many wounded) HAVANT proceeded for Dover, but wa
soon subjected to intense di- bombing, high and low level
bombing and bombardment from lore atteries. She was hit
by 2 bombs in the engin room and then a large delay action
bomb, which fell about 50 yards ahead of ship, exploded
right underneath her.
Further bombing caused more und rwater damage and
HAVANT finally rolled over and sank after the troops and
crew had transferred to AEGI
Recommendations.
FFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Anthony Frank Burnell-Nugent, D.S.C., R.N.
Evacuated troops from the beaches and from Dunkirk
during heavy bombardment. When his ship had been heavily
damaged by bombs, made every endeavour to save her when
still subject to intense aerial attack, though without
success.
Recommended for mention.
ATINGS.
Chief Stoker M. Gallon. P/K.59221.
The Engineer Officer and 2 E.R.A.s having been killi
and all the other E.R.A.S having been wounded, this
rating became in charge of the engineroom department.
He showed great initiative and resource by letting the
steam out of the boilers at a critical time, thereby
saving the ship from running on to a sandbank opposite
Dunkirk. He subsequently showed great calmness and
presence of mind in doing all he could to save the ship
and to keep the Captain informed of the state of affairs
below. He was the last rating to leave the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Sick Berth Attendant A. Keller D/X.6785.
When faced with a large number of wounded under
heavy fire, carried out his duties with the utmost calm,
deliberation and efficiency.
Recommended for mention.
Petty Officer Steward J. Lysaght. D/L.13388.
This rating showed great initiative and resource in
getting wounded men from HAVANT to AEGIR. He took charge
well and set a fine example.
Recommended for decoration.

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

65
-3-
59
"NEW PRINCE OF WALES" again after she was hit.
Shortly afterward I managed to obtain sight with
one eye and took charge of the wheel as the H.O. rating
did not appear to know how to handle her. This left
her Captain an R.N.R. Lieutenant free to direct
operations, we proceeded to carry on evacuating
military who were swimming in the sea. After about forty
five minutes, the launch being loaded to full capacity
we went alongside H.M.S. "MOSQUITO" where my crew and
military were embarked.
On arrival on board I was given a morphia
injection and remember nothing further until arrival in
Dover 0700 Saturday, 1st June.
I should like to bring to your notice for
favourable recommendation B.R.A. (5th class) White who
long continuous hours in an endeavour to maintain his
enginess in running order under most difficult conditions;
also the stoker whose name I cannot recall who untiringly
assisted the above.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd) P.H.E. Bennett,
Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Navy.

Details

По troops could be seen on the pier and Captain Nicholso
proceeded along it towards the inshore end to pass the
that the ship WELS waiting and capable of taking thousan 18
opened on airoraft who could be heard overheard.
this time the pier was being shelled and fire was freque
French troops began to arrive in small numbers about 021
was ordered to leave about 0245 but as troops were then
better, and endeavour was made to embark more. Definate
to leave were however repeated and the ship esst off at
and proceeded to Folkestone. Troops were disembarked on
and I was instructed to return to Dover with my party.
I reached Dover about 1045 and was there instructed to TO
until 1300 and then return to the "TINWALD" at Folkestone
the same party and sail so as to reach Dunkirk at 0045/44
This WILLS done and this time after waiting off the entranc
about is hour "TYNWALD" was borthed at & shorter jetty to
west of the east pier. This jetty was crowded with French
Every possible means of embarkation was used, the Naval rum
took up previously arranged stations in gangways and at
ladders to ensure that the ship was filled from the bottom
wards, and in about is hour all space was occupied. From
observation and from conversation with French Officers who
know what units were enboard the number is estimated to have
been about 4000, No enemy interforence was experienced. The
return trip wes eventless except that is very heavy explosis
was folt shortly after leaving Dunkirk harbour. This was
thought to be sine that exploded about 2 cables astern.
Troops wore: -disembarked at Dover which was reached about 0°
on 4th June.
I was instructed to report at Admirality whenge I returne
H.M.S. "WIVERN"
to
I feel it right to remark that most of the officers and
ratings of "TINWALD" who declined to sail for Dunkirk
olderly non who had already been there and were poss)
shaken by the sight of their sister ship "FANELIA",
the and of the east pier. It vas also known that two while
transports had been sunk and hospital ships attacked.
At the same time I feel that very high praise is due to thos
who did sail, and who all remained completely calm and
efficient throughout this trying experience.
In this respect I would particularly mention the acting
Haster, Nr Thiteaway, and the noting Chief Officer, Its Wati
CAPTAIN
IDAH
371/191
FLATILA
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER.
11.
No.371/191
Vice Admiral, Dover.
Forwarded.
H.M.S. "Malcolm",
STOE
ADMINAL
sga. aws agar
JUL 1940
26th Juno, 1940.
Captain (D)
16th Destroyer Flot.
DOVER
08.20 anchored close inshore off Bray.
P.T.O.

Details

275
253
From:- Sub. Lieut. W.D.F. Claydon, R.N.R.
Date:- 4th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Dunkirk This on the night of 3rd June "Greater London" H.M.S.
is to report that during the visit to
Kellett, which had gone aground during operations
(Southend Lifeboat) successfully refloated
at the entrance to harbour.
Whilst ferrying troops to the transport Officer outside
the Kellett. Upon reaching
entrance we were hailed by the Liaison her,
Whilst her to stand Commander being by H.M.S. somewhat asked at once me doubtful took to endeavour 8 line as to from to our tow her cepability him stern off.
and to do within this, less we than five minutes had her afloat.
continued our ferrying and at 0250
picked We up then our last batch and set off for Ramagate.
a previous near Folkestone. However,
As our visit compass it became most unreliable after
had been hit by shrapnel and during we
made encountering the coast a considerable amount of fog we managed
to make Ramagate at 1200.

Details

289
DIARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AT DUNKIRK.
From. 31.5.40 3.6.40 incl.
1.5.40.
230. In accordance with Commander Boles' instructions, decided to proceed direct
Dunkirk from Southend, instead of closing the Examination Vessel at Ramsgate.
Signalled o these instructions to the Bawley boats, and ordered them to keep constantly
:losed up. Decided that although we had no charts, other traffic bound to France
would lead us to our destination.
IS 410. that Dunkirk was still open. Signalled convoy to steer course of S. 3. appro-
Convoy of 6 closed up and passed Margate Roads where passing trawler 50° informed
enemy 820. aircraft. Kept 1/4 mile to starboard of main stream of traffic in attempt
timately. Passing destroyers, etc.; subjected to severe air attack by approximately 25 to
avoid bombardment. Attacked by enemy aircraft. Our convoy of 6 and other ships in fifteen the neighbour- yards
to nood the ships - no damage however was sustained. In accordance "starred". with
1840. subjected to attack by several Heinkels, bombs falling as near instructions as
1850. 3 of crashing aircraft uncertain, though 5 at least were presumably bombardment
they or 4 Spitfires drove off enemy aircraft, 7 planes crashing into the Cerman. sea.
had received, skippers broke convoy formation and
1915. Identity Arrived Dunkirk Roads. Beach and shipping subjected to severe
from shore to beach boats, and take off men, but abandoned equipment idea - too left, much
batteries and aircraft.
ground B.E.F. beach, endangered the safety
1930. Attempted swell, and semi-submerged trucks, army wagons and of other ships.
destroyed by the to proceed on to outside of jetty, instructing to close them harbour to fill or up
with soldiers to transport approximately 30 to 40 empty outside -
2130. Ordered and ships to ferry same to any larger ships unable men (approximate total beach.
Each 200) ship and they was were instructed transferred to B.V. Tilly and other ships cruising
harbour entrance. keep permanently closed up and to return to difficult. inside of
2240. Instructed ships embarkation to of troops from outside of jetty flash too every two
harbour Contact between as swell Bawley made boats maintained by signal of one short
minutes. Formation preserved. shelled. Morale of the soldiers on all their occasions only
2310. I was there, Mole was and harbour superb, severely and though exhausted and of saving under constant any equipment fire, possible.
thoughts were for the wounded among them, transferred and same to the Instructed trawler Sarah convoy Hayes
2350. Embarked approximately 200 men; to England not fully laden. laden with
and to continue various other ferry craft work but returning if separated from me to return to Ramagate
soldiers.
1.6.40. jetty crammed with British soldiers two Cerman but no prisoners ships whatever
0140. alongside. attempting Re-entered to Started get harbour; to loading England, troops, bombed leaving and sending them machine-gunned in back charge to shore of of by a Lance enemy 1st Division Corporal. - very few including casualties. the
0200 0300. - Proceeded 0250. Jetty to Ramsgate shelled, fully laden and Officers with soldiers of the Camerons, accompanied 1.6.40. by
Colonel Bawley boat in Charge Resolute. of the Arrived Worcesters at Ramagate 0930 approximately on
CONDITION OF BAWLEY BOATS AT RANSGATE.
damaged. Returned with approximately 80 men. 60 men.
DEFENDER.
RELIANCE.
Stem side. Returned towing with Renown until latter was in tow). blown up.
LETITIA.
to trawler who back took Bawleys by Sarah Hayes.
out order; towed 40 men.
ENDEAVOUR.
Steering trouble. gear Returned with all approximately hands lost. (understand
the
30
RESOLUTE.
RENOWN.
Engine Mined 40 soldiers and sunk off aboard Dunkirk were fortunately - transferred to a trawler
or before mining occurred).

Details

Diprams. 230
Blude/1251
35
No. 3172/212.
FROM:- The Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
DATE:-
11th June 1940.
TO:-
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
RAMSGATE AND MARGATE : DYNAMO PROCEEDINGS.
On receipt of information that operation DYNAMO was likely
Naval Pier parties were arranged at Ramsgate and
Margate to commence, with the Wilitary, who were to take over all organisation
after disembarking troops on to the Piers.
Monday 27th May at 0500, information was received the that
DYNAMO was for landing troops, aliens and evacuees from transports functions
2. On running and a full meeting was held to perfect
at arrangements both ports. At this period it was not known that other
would be required.
were to be attached vessels were formed into two flotillas Comdr. sailed J.S.
3. On evacuated from the Dunkirk beaches. All available and
Tuesday 28th May, information was received that troops
amsgate hder Lt. Comdr. A. J. Cubison, R.N. (1st M.R.F.) and
Glendinning, R.N.R. with balance of Ramsgate vessels.
craft of all descriptions then commenced to arrive
at Ramsgate had to be found for them. There was a demands
4. Various for orders. Many of them were brought by delivery shortage crews of
and Naval and crews large number of breakdowns. To meet these 250 men
enginemen were phoned a for from the Depots and approximately were
arrived on the two ports. A number of recutive, Engineer, ratings
retings Wednesday 29th May. In all, over 900 ratings
utilised and through Accountant Officers - with their corresponding of whom gave -
Medical were sent to Ramsgate and Margate to assist, all
valuable assistance.
troops were disembarked at both ports on Tuesday the
5. The first Appendix 2 for numbers landed). On account craft of to use
28th May (see now arrangements were made for larger fuel and
Margate, coal ships were despatched to Margate, and there
tides from leaving on, small craft to Ramsgate. Supply used and for re-
servicing.
6. For were the made to send over water and food were for completely returning
first twenty-four hours of the operation, the no
arrangements result the first vessels to return provisioned
Medical each vessel and to Supply dumps were instituted on the Piers
denuded of all provide food and water for homeward troops. at Ramsgate
troops. As & provisions. Thereafter, the Military Naval
and Margate for re-serviging.
7. From this instructions point received F.O.C. Dover or Dynamo despatch Dover.
onward, evacuation was carried out in
accordance with made to relieve boats crews at the beaches This was by not
of small parties satisfactory of owing to the difficulty relieve of making Commanding on
Endeavour was retings in returning craft. contact
entirely found necessary to do
the other side. It of was certain craft who were unable conditions to of another
Officers and ratings reasons - temperament, varying able to
service trip for at various the other hours side - - and some the required like. twenty-four Some concerned. were hours - but
continue this in no after way reflects eight on the Officers and men
8.

Details

Dynam 230,
B14/0
33
1251
40
No. 3172/212.
FROM:- The Naval Officer in Charge, Ramagate.
DATE:-
11th June 1940.
TO:-
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
RAMSGATE AND MARGATE : DYNANO PROCEEDINGS.
On Naval Pier parties were arranged at Remsgate
receipt of information that operation DYNANO was and likely
Margate to commence, with the illitary, who were to take over all organisation
after disembarking troops on to the Piers.
2. On running and a full meeting was hold to perfect from
Monday 27th May at 0500, information vas received the that
DYNAHO was for landing troops, aliens and evacuees other transports functions
at arrangements both ports. At this period it was not known that
would be required.
3. On evacuated Tuesday from the Dunkirk beaches. All and
28th May, information was received available that troops
were to be attached vessels were formed into two flotillas and Lt.Comdr. sailed J.S.
Ramagate Lt. Condr. Am J. Cubison, R.N. (1st H.R.F.) vessels.
Glendinning, under R.H.R. with balance of Ramagate
4. Various for orders. Many of them were brought was by a shortage crows of
craft of all descriptions then commoneed delivery to arrive
at and Ramagate Naval crews had to number be found of breakdowns. for them. There To meet these 250 demands men
arrived two ports. A number ratings
ratings were on Wednesday 29th my. In all, over of 900 precutive, Engineer,
enginemen and phoned a large for from the Depots and approximately ratings were
utilised through Accountant the Officers - with their corresponding of whom gave -
Medical were sent and to Ramegate and Margate to assist, all
valuable assistance.
were disembarked at both ports on of Tuesday the
5. The first troops 2 for numbero landed). on account craft to use
28th May (see now Appendix on, arrangements were made for larger and fuel and
Margate, coal shipe leaving were despatched to Margate, and there
tideo from small craft to Ramagate. Supply used for re-
servicing.
6. For the first to send over water and food for completely returning
twenty-four hours of the operation, the no
arrangements As were a result made the first vessels to return were provisioned
troops. Thereafter, the Nilitary Naval
Medical each vessel and Supply to durape were instituted on the Piers
donuded of all provisions. provide food and water for homeward troops. at Ramsgate
and Margate for re-serviging.
From this point onward, evacuation F.O.C. was Dover carried or Dynamo out in Dover.
7. accordance Endeavour was with made instructions to relieve received boats crews craft. at the beaches This was by not despatch
of small parties of ratings owing to in returning the difficulty to relieve of making Commanding contact on
entirely the other satisfactory side. It was certain found necessary craft who were unable conditions to do of another
Officers for various and ratings reasons of - temperament, the like. varying Some were able to
service trip at the other hours side - - and some required twenty-four mon concerned. hours - but
continue this in no after way eight reflects on the Officers and
8.

Details

-3-
250
sailing barges "Glenway", "Lark" and "Spurgeon" similarly loaded
were towed over by the tugs "Persia" and "Cervia".
Lt. Comdr. R.G. Wardrop and Lieut. F.H. Whalley R.N.R. returned from
Dunkirk and reported back for duty on the Commodore's staff.
JUNE 1st, The C in C of the B.E.F. Lord Gort arrived at Admiralty
Pier at 0605.
The tugs "SunX1", "Sun X11", "Sun V11", 'Océan Cock", "Challenge"
"Crested Cock", and "Fairplay 17 with one sailing barge in tow left
for Dunkirk. The tugs were intended to assist disabled craft and
carried out this duty off the Belgian coast until they were forced
back by heavy air attack.
Numerous motor boats left the Prince of Wales Pier for Dunkirk beaches
in tow of drifters.
H.M.S. "Harvester" and "Salamander" arrived with extensive damage
sustained during the night operations and repairs were at once carried
out by H.M.S. "Sandhurst". At midnight enemy air craft attempted
to lay magnetic mines off the Harbour. Mines were laid outside
before the raiders were driven off by anti-aircraft fire. The
mines were swept up during the morning.
At 2130 the troops transport "Maid of Orleans" was badly damaged
by collision in the Harbour. Several of the troops were thrown into
the water but all were rescued by the tugs who happened to be in the
vicinity.
JUNE 2nd. The tug "Sun X1" towed in the self-propelled lighters
Sherfield" and "YeC. 63" with troops on board. At 1430 the tugs
coastal 87", and five motor-bosts in tow for the Dunkirk beaches.
"Foremost "Sun X", 'Sun X1", and "Fairplay 1" sailed with six
The tug life-boats Brassey" proceeded to the assistance of H.M.S. The "Mona's
Isle" "Lady received severe damage from enemy bombs. tug
X11", and "Ocean 22" Cock" refused to go owing to their lack of protection.
"Foremost which had sailed at 2000 for Dunkirk. The tugs "Sun V11", "Sun
JUNE the day troops were arriving in "Glenway" the Harbour returned in all
from of craft. beaches filled with soldiers, in the got channel.
kinds 3rd. During The sailing barges "H.A.C." and who had them off
and sailed the Dunkirk them until they were picked boats. up by tug
Some No troops came in Belgian to the fishing Dunkirk beaches on account Base made of a the
quantity of brows "Halcyon", "Speedwell", brows were used with
strong easterly wind. and ladders which were put "Vega", "Princess "Venimous",
boats could be sent During the day the Repair aboard H.M.S.
"Vanquisher", "Express", and "Malcolm". The numbers of troops
Elixabeth", splendid effect "Sutton" at Dunkirk Mole and large were
brought off during the night.
JUNE 4TH. Tugs "Sun V11", and "Sun X11" left towing H.M.S. "Bideford"
On completion of the up for the passage and following to days every
to Portsmouth for repairs. operation of disembarking their troops Home from Ports Dunkirk and
destroyers were patched During this day small craft, barges,
endeavour subsequently was sailed. made to return the numerous lighters
and tugs to their Ports.
NOTES.
ASUALTIES.
During the this H.M.S.
10th to Port, June of 4th whom a "Sandhurst" total of
dealt.wistely 6,880 wounded were and over 60 suffering from shock and
50 dead.
EFECTS.
The 26 Repair Base and H.M.S. "Sandhurst" by bomb and holes splinters temporarily rigging. in them and ai a
suffered repaired craft cannon. damage also the

Details

Dynom 376 302
308%
J .6633,
0/0 Messrs. White & Co.
This method was found successful and two trips were
Cowes, Isle of White,
carried out in issue manner. for the 20th June, 1940.
larger oraft being in the intentions
"VANQUISHER" laft for Regland, and DD
close Sir, n, fill to capacity and towards La Trims, to
transfer troops if
I have the honour to submit the following report of
proceedings during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. O.
1700/6/6/40. in re-floating,
Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Majesty Ship "SURSHM"
In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief,
CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.N. Friday 24th May, 1940, In
sailing for Portsmouth at 1600 arriving at 2130. tide being
carried.
"SURSUM_CORDA" remained in company with other Skoots
under the orders of Lieutenant Commander Stuart in H.M.S
"PREDANJA" until P.M. 28th May, 1940, when ship was sailed for
Dunkirk from Dover at 1400 by order of Vice Admiral Dover, for
the evacuation of troops via North Goodwin and Middle Kirke.
On arrival off beaches at Dunkirk at approximately the
2230, decided to enter harbour traight away having sighted
large number of soldiers on mole, but apparently no other ships
in the harbour though & transport and other skoots were lying
I
CONFIDENTIAL
300
301
Page 2 of
Enclosure to Commanding Officer D/C Unit's letter dated
14th June, 1940.
boat in tow hoping that self-bales would keep boat afloat.
motor boat making water and liable to sink. SUN tug took motor
2115. Transferred all survivors to a sur class tug. 40 ft.
2130. Abandoned 40 ft. motor boat in tow.
Monday, 3rd.
boat awash, due to leaks. 0800. Hoisted Crew
0415. Arrived Dover in tom. Secured. motor boat 0700 out. motor
returned to D/C motor boat.
Officer J. during the extremely Sunday, 2nd June, also at boat
I Luckins in obeying my helm difficult orders period when the
should like to bring to notice the with coolness calm and of Petty
was promptitude Dunkirk being on heavily 29th/30th attacked. May his coolness a was also noticeable.
The enemy aircraft with the Sunday, 2nd June. gun, was
accurate shooting and calmess stripped of A.B. Lawis Cole who
very hit at praiseworthy least one during the air attack on
50 01088 the beach my while bows. the tide was flooding
and AUGUS, endeavour DU 0001000 to embark troops over

Details

Dynami - 302
308
J .6633,
c/o Messrs. J.S.White & Co.
This
Cowes, Isle of White,
carried In 20th June, 1940.
larger in
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
proceedings 1700/6/6/40. during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. 0.
in
Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Hajesty Ship "SURSMM"
In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief,
CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.M. Friday 24th May, 1940,
sailing for Portsmouth at 1600 arriving at 2130.
"SURSUM_CORDA" remained in company with other Skoots
under the ordera of Lieutenant Commander Stuart in H.M.S
"FREDANJA" until 28th May, 1940, when ship was sailed for
Dunkirk from Dover at 1400 by order of Vice Admiral Dover, for
the evacuation of troops via North Goodwin and Middle Kirke.
On arrival off beaches at Dunkirk at approximately
2230, decided to enter harbour straight away having sighted
large number of soldiers on mole, but apparently no other ships
in the harbour, though & transport and other skoots were lying
off, and twosships just leaving. The western side of the harbour
was ablaze.
Having avacuated British troops, approximate number
three hundred and seventy, ship sailed for Dover at 0330; &
hospital ship and six or seven other skoots having entered and
secured to the mole were also embarking troops by this time.
Ship arrived off Dover 1130/29, no incidents of
importance
occurring
on
passage.
"SURSUM_CORDA" remained at Dover, storing for Dunkirk and provision-
ing until orders were received to sail again at 2100.
Short routevia Calais was taken; and ship all proceeding skoots
independently as visibility was decreasing were
not ready.
arrival off Weatern beaches Neat of Dunkirk, of Harbour a wreck
was On approximately half a mile aries to of a man in
water were heard, Sloop's & whaler she Sloop being on her
entrance in the boat was lowered, but itself was
sighted approach channel, and the rescue work the
off return beaches passage Eastern to side of Dunkirk at 0430/30.
left finally to a England. "SURSUM_CORDA" proceeded and arrived
were sighted waiting on closing the beach H.M.S. approximately "FITEROY"
two or three miles three quarters of a small craft to "g ITEROY"
Many men east of the mole, and mile on off the beach, was
lying approximately ferrying troops from to Westward.
and asked "VANQUISHER", to assist in three to four cables
For half an hour as many my Ship troops remained as possible. stopped
three cables from far to slow as the number of
small boats This employed process in be that in danger area amounted of being only swamped to four by excessive or five
and these appeared to to close the beach while bows. the tide was flooding
and loads, endeavour so decided to embark troops over my

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
On the following day (24th May), however, the Prime Minister again con-
ferred with M. Reynaud and General Weygand in Paris ; an extract is quoted
below from the telegraphic report of this conference which Lord Gort received
from the Secretary of State for War :
"Both are convinced that Weygand's plan is still capable of execution and only in
its execution has [?lies] hope. of restoring the situation. Weygand reports French
VII Army is advancing successfully and has captured Péronne, Albert, and
Amiens It is essential that you should make every endeavour to co-operate in
this plan. Should however, situation on your communications make this at any
time impossible you should inform us so that we can inform French and make
Naval and Air arrangements to assist you should you have to withdraw on the
north coast"¹.
Lord Gort says that he fully appreciated the importance of attacking
early, before the enemy could bring up his infantry in strength, but facts had
to be faced "!. These were some of the facts :-
(a) General Weygand's report of the recapture of Péronne, Albert and
Amiens was, says Lord Gort, 'inaccurate None of these three
towns on the line of the Somme had been recaptured.
(b) Two British divisions were still closely engaged with the enemy, and
three others were awaiting relief by the French and Belgians, and
would not become available for a further 48 hours.¹
(c) Only about 300 rounds per gun were immediately available to the
B.E.F., and with communications cut the prospect of further supply
was remote.¹
(d) Serious losses in Allied tanks had already been suffered and could
not be replaced.¹
(e) The Belgian cavalry was unlikely to be able to engage, at short notice,
in a battle 40 miles away, and on French soil.¹
Nevertheless, after consultation with General Blanchard, Lord Gort agreed
that in order to implement their share of the Weygand plan they should attack
southwards with 2 British divisions, one French division and a French Cavalry
Corps. The attack however, could not take place till the 26th May at the
earliest, owing to the reliefs in progress and the need to assemble the 2 British
divisions which were still closely engaged with the enemy.¹ Furthermore,
Lord Gort emphasised, both to the Secretary of State and to General Blanchard,
that the principal effort must come from the south, and that the operation of
the northern forces could be nothing more than a sortie.
It will be seen therefore that the British and the French Governments were
both urging a counter offensive on a large scale, barely 48 hours before the
Dunkirk evacuation became a desperately urgent necessity.
24TH MAY
The Allied position on the canal line was considerably strengthened during
the 24th May. On this day also Lord Gort prepared for the proposed counter-
attack southwards on the 26th May, with the ultimate objective Plouvain -
Marquion - Cambrai. In effect, this attack was never carried out.
Fighting troops hold on at Calais
In the meantime the evacuation of Boulogne was completed. At Calais
evacuation was limited to non-fighting personnel. The fighting troops held
on, and a supply ship [the Benlawers]² with stores and transport unloaded for
them at Calais.
1 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 38.
2 T.M. 6213/40.
11

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. IV
from the St. Seiriol and Queen of the Channel, in addition to the drifters'
beaches during the night
dinghies, enabled these drifters of the to 27th/28th lift some May. 2,000 troops from Malo and Bray own
Results of S.N.O. Dunkirk's 2005/27
assembling off the beaches on 1 cruiser, 27th/28th May the Wolfhound,
As a result of the action taken the on night S.N.O. of Dunkirk's signals, there
3 Channel skoots and (the the Lena, St. Hebe Seiriol). other II and All small Oranje) these ships boats, were ordered to use Queen of thers, their own
Wolsey and 6 other destroyers¹, a
pulling boats, were yet available.
boats for ferrying, as no power cutters, whalers or other
S.N.O. Dunkirk's signals had therefore a big result; but owing to the diffi-
culty of passing orders at night in a shattered harbour his decision to divert
vessels to the beaches had unforeseen repercussions, and it was associated with
a false report that Dunkirk had fallen, and the failure of one personnel vessel
and 7 skoots to reach the beaches that night. The circumstances are described
below.
The P/V Canterbury, which had entered Dunkirk harbour at 2000, left at
2058 with 457 troops, including 140 stretcher cases. Before leaving, she was
ordered by the Sea Transport Officer to turn back ships attempting to
enter Dunkirk the order, evidently intended to divert ships to the beaches,
was misunderstood. In the Dunkirk road, the Canterbury passed the order
to the P/V Maid of Orleans and to the H/C's Isle of Thanet and Worthing, and
those vessels thereupon turned back to Dover. Later the order became
definitely garbled, for the skoot Tilly (which was in company with the 4 skoots
Hondsrug, Jutland, Patria and Brandaris) met the Canterbury (in company
with the 2 hospital carriers) 8 or 9 miles from Dunkirk, and received from her
the signal "Dunkirk is in enemy hands. Keep clear." This signal was
variously recorded by some of the other skoots, as Dunkirk has fallen. Re-
turn"; and all five of them, as well as the skoots Bornrif and Twente, did in
fact return to the Downs, although the Jutland and the Patria first closed
Nieuport Bank buoy in an unsuccessful endeavour to obtain more definite
information. Some of the skoots, in turn, promulgated this false report to
other ships, notably to the P/V Dorrien Rose; this ship, which received the
signal, unsafe to approach Dunkirk," did at first alter course to the north-
ward, but, shortly after, again set course for Dunkirk. It was subsequently
thought by some of the vessels concerned that the false information had been
passed by fifth columnists," though there is very little proof of this.³
Chronic shortage' of beaching boats
Such was the beginning of the great build-up of ships4 and of the inaugura-
tion of beach evacuation. The successful development of the latter was
necessarily good in into I the The of northern situation the dependent chronic having sector shortage changed on between the by continuation the south-west of beaching and of boats⁵. fine north-east weather, A wind would and and of any Wakeful the have strength making made went
from Dunkirk. The Windsor remained time they arrived, Anthony the Gallant had not yet returned
2 Portsmouth whither she had escorted on the patrol. S.S. Kyno. The
Canterbury's report.
4 3 See Appendices H.30 and H.32.
5 Appendices D, E and F.
D.R. page 3, para. 11.
24

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

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
Later on 2nd June, on instructions from the N.O.I.C., the original crew took
charge of the Marsayru, but she did not, apparently, make a second trip to Dun-
kirk. Her skipper (G. D. Olivier) received the D.S.M. for his services, and her
engineer (C. Coggins) a mention in despatches.
The Cockle Bawley boats
Of the small craft that went over on this day, Admiral Ramsay speaks in
the following terms of the Cockle Bawley boats²:
"The conduct of the crews of these cockle boats was exemplary. They were all
volunteers who were rushed over to Dunkirk in one day, probably none of them
had been under gunfire before and certainly none of them under Naval discipline.
These boats were Thames estuary fishing boats which never left the estuary, and
only one of their crews had been further afield than Ramsgate before. In spite
of this fact perfect formation was maintained throughout the day and night under
the control of a Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R.³ in command of the Unit, and all orders
were carried out with great diligence even under actual shell fire and aircraft
attack."
One of these cockle boats, the Renown, was blown up by a mine while returning
to England disabled and in tow of the drifter Ben and Lucy. Her skipper,
W. H. Noakes, and his crew⁴ were killed. The Ben and Lucy had been towing
the drifter Feasible (disabled by a shell hit), 3 life-boats and the cockle boat
Letitia. At 0115 on the 1st June the Renown, by then disabled, attached
herself to this tow, but an hour later she was blown to pieces and a hail of wood
and splinters came down on the Letitia's deck. The Letitia's skipper (A. J.
Dench) says, In the pitch dark we could see nothing, and after the explosion
we hard nothing and we could do nothing, except pull in the tow rope, which
was just as we passed it to the Renown about 3 hour before.
French and Belgian ships arrive
Early on the 31st it became known that the Belgian Government were anxious
that several small Belgian fishing craft lying at Brixham should take part in
the evacuation and steps were taken to arrange this.
At 1335 the French destroyer Léopard routed from the Downs to Dunkirk
two French trawlers5, three French motor fishing vessels⁶, and ten Belgian
trawlers⁷.
The Belgian trawlers were under the orders of Pilote Malet; the remainder
of the ships under Lieutenant de vaisseau Drogou.
Other Allied ships that sailed for Dunkirk on this day were the French cargo
ships Ingénieur Cachin and Margaux, the trawlers Pierre et Marie, Emma and
Duperre, and the patrol vessel Diligente; the Belgian trawlers Lydie Suzanne
and Yvonne, and the drifters Gerard-Léon (H.64), Anne Marie and Thérèse
Compas. On her return journey the Pierre et Marie picked up 3 English sailors
from a drifting motor boat.
I The Marsayru's skipper says that throughout 31st May, and the days and nights that
followed (its all a complete jumble in my mind) we were
under constant fire
but
the
ship was not hit by anything." It seems, however, that Mr. Olivier was only in the evacu-
ation for 5 hours, i.e. from 1600 to 2100, 31st May.
2 Defender, Endeavour, Letitia, Reliance, Renown and Resolute.
3 S/Lt. M. H. B. Solomon, R.N.V.R.
4 L. V. Osborne, Mate, and F. W. Osborne, Engineer.
5 Chasse-Marée and Angèle Marie.
6 Margaux (D.692), Jeune France (Di.1213) and Du Guesclin (D.G.910).
7 Indépendence (0.308), Victor-Erna (H.63), Louise-Irène (H.80), Pharailde (H.42)
Raphael-Raymonde (H.43), O.L.V. Van Vlaandeven (N.49), John (O.210) Anna Marguerite
(Z.2), Buffalo Bill (Z.4) and the M.41.
73

Details

DUSK TO DUSK, 1ST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. X
very clear and the Rear-Admiral decided to get the ships away at 0300
now of 0330 as originally planned. The Admiralty orders that evacuation
Dunkirk Pier was to continue until 0700 did not
apparently Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker not receive the orders which went
by Dunkirk (Appendix did R.20, 23) ; and it is to be pre-
out from the Admiralty at 0115/2, that destroyers were to continue the evacua-
tion until 0700 (Appendix R.21). Although men were still coming down the
the Rear-Admiral was unwilling to run the risk of having ships sunk
alongside pier, and blocking the pier and harbour. Accordingly he told the ships
to leave and himself followed out of harbour the last of them, apparently the
destroyers Winchelsea and Whitshed about 0300.
British rearguard held up
Meanwhile, a most disquieting message had been received at Dover. At
0040 on the 2nd the Lydd, while embarking troops off Malo beach, was requested
by the Brigadier of the brigade then embarking to transmit to Rear-Admiral
Wake-Walker a message from Major General Alexander reporting that on
account of French congestion on the mole at Dunkirk a considerable number
of British troops were held up and further arrivals were still expected. It was
essential that the rearguard of the B.E.F. should embark from the beaches east
of the mole, where they were expected to arrive by 0230.
What had happened was, that French troops had cut into the flow of British
making their way along the road to the East Pier, by a converging route; and both
British and French troops were now being embarked at the pier.
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker apparently never received the message and
knew nothing of the state of affairs at the East Pier until he arrived there at
0200.
Vice-Admiral Dover, who received the message at 02001, at once sent orders
to all destroyers of Force K still on the coast, the minesweepers, and the gun-
boat Locust which was off Bray supporting the evacuation by covering fire, to
endeavour to embark the British rearguard from the beach, remaining after 0300
if necessary. The coding and transmission of the message took some time,
and the orders apparently went out too late; all ships had sailed, and the rear-
guard could not get away that night. Only the personnel vessel Portsdown
was left on the coast. This was an undegaussed ship manned by a naval crew,
which had anchored off Malo at 2205/1. After running to death her own two
dinghies ferrying troops she got hold of a large motor boat, and she sailed
about 0400. On the way home the ship collected further troops from a French
vessel aground off Dunkirk, and from two further vessels encountered, and she
eventually disembarked at Dover 168 British and 450 French.
Bombing of the hospital ships Worthing and Paris. (App. S)
There was a large number of wounded in Dunkirk because no hospital ships
had sailed for 24 hours, orders having been given to evacuate fit men in prefer-
ence, since, other considerations apart, embarking wounded would have taken
up too much valuable time. The cessation of daylight sailings rendered it
possible for hospital ships to occupy berths alongside, without detriment to
the operation, and jt was decided to get some of the wounded away in daytime
in hospital ships, in the hope that the Germans would respect them.
In order to afford the enemy no excuse to attack a warning signal was sent
0120. I Dover Report, p.27. The time of receipt on the flimsy of the decypher appears to be
103

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX G
6. D.M.O.' escorted 18 motor to VICE-ADMIRAL, by trawler boats and Asama. 17 DOVER whalers (R) left C.-in-C. Sheerness Nore, for N.O.I.C. Dover
1916/28
7. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to C.-IN-C. NORE (R) Admiralty
Request you will send every available to shallow off draft power boat capable
ing stocked from with beaches fuel to and ships, provisions direct for ships 2 days. lying beaches to eastward of of Dunkirk ferry-
2002/28
8. (ADMIRALTY) D.S.V.P. to C.-IN-C. Nore, S.N.O. DOVER, S.N.O. SHEERNESS
to Additional arrive before motor tomorrow boats up night to a 29th. possible 40 are being sent from Thames to Dover
Some boats will come await by lorries arrival direct of to boats. Dover. Runner 12 crews are being sent to
ness and 20 but to will Sheerness not proceed to further. crews take boats to Sheer- Dover
2031/28
9. N.C.S.O. THAMES N.O.I.C. to RAMSGATE COMMODORE SHEERNESS, C.-IN-C. NORE, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER,
have charts, food, fuel, they be sent to Sheerness first.
All small craft are being etc. route-ed If not direct complete to beaches will east of Dunkirk provided they
2301/28
Wednesday, 29th May
10. ADMIRALTY to COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS (R) C.-in-C. Nore V.A. Dover.
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate
All motor boats being prepared for service under V.A. Dover are to be sent
Naval-Officer-in-Charge. immediately they are ready to Ramsgate where they will recieve orders from the
0120/29
11. Wolfhound to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Have you any orders for fleet of motor boats now tied up alongside Wolfhound.
0224/29
Reply
12.
Make utmost endeavour to hasten departure of motor boats to La Panne beach.
0256/29
13. (ADMIRALTY) D.S.V.P. to C's-in-C. PORTSMOUTH, NORE, S.N.O.'s YARMOUTH, NEW-
HAVEN, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER,
Officers from S.V.P. are proceeding to requisition suitable motor boats reported
to S.V.P. under Emergency Statute² and otherwise, for immediate service on coast
from Portsmouth to Yarmouth.
In all about 140 are anticipated of which 40 have already been requisitioned in
the Thames Estuary for special service and ordered to Dover.
It is requested that boats when collected are placed under control until their
crews arrive as follows:
Area I-Lymington to Littlehampton including I.O.W. assembling at Hamble.
Area 2-Littlehampton to Rye, assembling at Newhaven.
Area 3-Brightlingsea to Harwich, assembling at Harwich.
Area 4-Southwold to Gt. Yarmouth, assembling at Yarmouth.
0940/29
2 I This Dynamo Maintenance Officer (Admiral Taylor) at Sheerness.
of Small Craft (Information) Order, 1940. It was issued 718, at the on 16th April 1940,
emergency statute was Statutory Order No. dated 10th May, 1940, entitled
the Admiral Sir Lionel Preston, request, view of
feet probable The in order, requirements briefly, called for small on Director all motor owners of craft. the of Small Vessels Pool, craft Admiralty, between 30 in and 100
Order length, to send particulars of their craft self-propelled to the Admiralty within 14 days. The
clearly At the time of the conception way, Order, May however, there was
the B.B.C. was published in the press in the usual and on 14th it was broadcast on
no question of a possible evacuation from and the issue Continent. of the
166

Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX H
20. Gossamer to VICE-ADMIRAL, from DOVER La
6,000 British marching Panne through Bray on Dunkirk.
0235/1
21. Gossamer to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER west
We must have more boats of La Panne.
0243/1
22. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Gossamer
It is now impracticable to send more boats. You must do your utmost with 0334/1 yours.
23. Niger to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Situation on beaches is critical. Third Division marching to Dunkirk. More
boats urgently required.
0345/1
24. Gossamer to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Thousands more (?moving) from La Panne westward. No boats.
0358/1
25. GENERAL WHITAKER to GENERAL DILL, WAR OFFICE
Absolutely essential provide many more small boats with motor boats to tow if
grave losses are to be avoided and remainder B.E.F. cleared. Matter utmost
urgency.
0430/1
26. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
All craft used for towing boats have returned in the night. They must be sent
back.
0611/1
27. Niger to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Number of towing and small boats are returning empty. Warn following ships
to stop them.
2150/1
20. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to FORCE K AND MINESWEEPERS (R) Admiralty
Reported that number of towing and small boats are returning empty. Essential
to arrest this. Keep good lookout and force them back.
2201/1
20. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY
Owing to severe conditions and enormous wastage on Dunkirk coast, small boat
flotillas, vital for beach work, can no longer be relied upon even in fair weather.
Information just received that at least two such flotillas have turned back tonight
Saturday.
2328/1
30. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to FORCE K AND MINESWEEPERS (R) Admiralty
False information and orders to return are being given to our inshore units by 5th
Column scoots or other vessels. Endeavour to keep our small vessels to their duty
on the coast.
2335/1
Sunday, 2nd June
31. ADMIRALTY (D.N.I.) to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Your 2335/1 : Please supply any information regarding the ships suspected of
5th Column activities.
1834/2
Monday, 3rd June
32. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY
Your 1834/2. Following is information to date :
On the morning of the 1st June it was reported that a number of small craft had
left Dunkirk beaches. An M.T.B. was sent out to round them up and send them
back. A signal was intercepted from Leda en route to Dunkirk saying that she had
met boats returning, and she was ordered to send them back.
171

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

2
very gingerly to the accompaniment of the most outrageous din and
guided by a furious blaze. Hell itself could not put up a better
show, I am pretty sure.
Various Destroyers & about six Yarmouth drifters were off the en-
trance, but owing to the presence of numerous wrecks they were (like
me) a bit chary of entering. A 'schoot' however came boldly past us
and entered with great confidence and I then hailed 'Clythmess' and
told her to follow 'Lord Grey' in at a respectable distance, so I
would have room to come astern & manoeuver if necessary. As I went
ahead the aforesaid schoot returned & shot out of the harbour en-
trance as if he had definitely decided that it was no place for him.
However we proceeded slowly in and tied up just ahead of the wreck of
H.M.T. Polly Johnson - alongside the Eastern mole. Clythness lay as-
tern of us. We now had time to survey thesituation by the eerie
light of numerous oil fires & the flaming wreck of a British Destro-
yer. Bombing was continuous as was the whine of whistling bombs.
There was no sign of anyone on the quay, which was - I now saw - com-
pletely severed just shoreward of us. Damage done probably by the
same bomb that sank 'Polly Johnson'. This of course meant that we
should have to move further into the inferno before I could land &
endeavour to report to Capt. Tennant. I may say I had the gravest
doubts about that officer's safety, for it looked impossible to exist
anywhere nearer the town. However I felt an effort must be made with-
out delay to carry out my very vague orders and so we moved - with
great difficulty - to the other side of the mole in the quay & again
made fast.
My opposite number in Clythness was no other than Tony Heckstall-
Smith, sub-Lt R.N.V.R., son of the famous Major - the pivot round
which all yachting seemed to revolve in the good old days of peace.
8/10
1156
6/4

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

Page 5.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY . 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
DOGGER BANK
HANDY BILLY
DORIA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
DREADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
DREADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
DUCHESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
DWARF
HYTHE (Coaster)
D.1 )
IOLANTHE
D.4
IOTE
D.7
(Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
D.9
Launches)
JABA
D.16
JACINTA (Trawler)
D.C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
D.G. 694
JANIS
D.G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
EASTBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
EDWARD NISSEN
JORDAN
EDWINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
ELIZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
E.M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
EMPRESS
KITCAT (M.B,)
EMPRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
ENDEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
ENTERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ERICA
LADY SHEILA
ESKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
FAIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
LANSDOWNE
FERVENT
LAROC
FISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
FOREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
FOREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
FORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
FORSA
MADAM SANSCENE
FOSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
FRIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
F.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
GALZAR
MARASOLE
GAY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
GLENWAY (Barge)
GLITTER II
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
GOLIATH
MARQUIS (Tug)
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
HAIG (W.D. Craft)
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
HALFWAY
M.F.H. (Lighter)
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

BEE
BAT
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
6.
appeared to be more needed.
While we were doing this, we were hailed by a Destroyer and
came alongside. We were instructed to take on board a portable
radio transmitting set, and two operators and to land them at a
certain place. (Signal Station at La Panne, not marked on our
chart, but readily visible on land).
Embarked signalman and equipment.
Cast off pontoons etc. so that they would, as far as possible,
drift onto beach near troops and so be of further use.
Picked up another whaler, and while doing so, passed close to a
transport using her remaining boat to evacuate troops from a crowded
paddle steamer recently bombed; aground and with her after part on
fire.
Went as close to beach as possible, transferred signalmen and
radio to whaler, and slipped them near "The Frenchman on the Horse".
Their plan was to get a volunteer party of soldiers to carry their
gear, and to leave the boat to be used by troops.
By this time (late afternoon), we had no electrical circuits and
no instruments (other than engine oil pressure, and water temperature)
still working, so we stood off and dipped the fuel tanks by hand. -
Found that there was only a small reserve over what we should need
to make the English coast again (about 40 galls.) Still making
water through strained chines - Neither hand nor power bilge -
pumps working (probably owing to leaks in suction lines)- Decided it
was advisable to return to England soon, without passengers.
29 May. 2045 hrs. Found one of the boats which had started with us
from Dover, still afloat and functioning. We had seen several others
beached or abandoned at various times, including the original Leader.
Reported to Lieutenant Garside, R.N.V.R. in command, as the
only available officer.
It appeared that he was in much the same state as ourselves,
except that he had a compass. Neither of us had charts which
showed minefields, etc., nor had we any other aids to navigation.
Agreed that be should endeavour to make Ramsgate, towing a
whaler which he still had; 'Advance' to follow, keeping as much
reserve fuel as possible in cans, in case we had to abandon during
the night.
One of Leader's crew found an empty tin so we came alongside
cue
cloths TO
The
in their pockets was explouing.
n
medical 120 men, whom they transferred to a French Trawier 102
ue
attention.
that day, so they returned to England, and were allowed
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
and were unable to remove any troops as, owing to Dunkirk
but a day's rest. Following this they again went to
to England. bombing, there were none on the beach, so they sholling returned

Details

COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH CLAIMS OF SMALL CRAFT EMPLOYED
IN THE DUNKIRK AND SUBSEQUENT EVACUATION
OPERATIONS.
Meeting held at 3.p.m. on MONDAY, 24th JUNE, 1940, at the
Ministry of Shipping, Room 8014.
PRESENT:- MR. ROBSON (CHAIRMAN) MR.SIMMONS (TREASURY)
MR. MOORE, MR. RIDDELL and MR. WAND.
AGREED to extend the work of the Committee to cover all
evacuation operations where conditions of short term service
apply.
AGREED to arrange in suitable cases for local payment
by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through Port
Fishery Officers, or by Ministry of Shipping Representatives,
of all sundry items of purchases.
AGREED to payment being made after necessary certification
of clearly defined and straightforward cases without direct
reference to the Committee; such payments to be scheduled and
reported to the Committee at the meeting following payment.
AGREED that the Consultative Officer attending Survey
shall, in suitable cases, endeavour to find a basis of
settlement for cost of repairs which shall be submitted for
the approval of the Committee.
AGREED that the Committee shall meet at 10.30.a.m. on each
WEDNESDAY, commencing JULY 3rd, 1940.
W.lobm 3/7/40.

Details

&
STATE
1989 / OF
COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH CLAIMS OF SMALL CRAFT EMPLOYED
IN THE DUNKIRK- AND SUBSEQUENT EVACUATION
Staff
of
OPERATIONS.
of
(e)
DEPARTMENT
Meeting held at 3.p.m. on MONDAY, 24th JUNE, 1940, Ministry of
Shipping, Room 8014.
PRESENT:-
MR. ROBSON (CHAIRMAN) MR,SIMMONS (TREASURER)
MR. MOORE, MR. RIDDELL and MR. WAND.
AGREED to extend the work of the Committee to cover all
evacuation operations where conditions of short term service
apply.
AGREED to arrange in suitable cases for local payment by
the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through Port Fishery
Officers or by Ministry of Shipping Representatives, all sundry
items of purchases.
AGREED to payment being made after necessary certification
of clearly defined and straightforward cases without direct
reference to the Committee; such payments to be scheduled and
reported to the Committee at the meeting following payment.
AGREED that the Consultative Officer attending Survey
shall, in suitable cases, endeavour to find a basis of
settlement for cost of repairs which shall be submitted for
the approval of the Committee.
AGREED that the Committee shall meet at 10.30.a.m. on
each Tednesday, commencing JULY 3rd, 1940.

Details

Details

17.020
81
CONFIDENTIAL.
nive
FROM. FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
DATE
26th October, 1940.
No. B14/0/1534/40.
you
TO
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copies to Commander in Chief, The Nore.
Commander in Chief, Portsmouth,
Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.
Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich.
Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.)
by
wa
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO".
26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
H.
Appendix I to Dover Despatch No. A14/0/876/40 of 18th
wh
June, 1940, report on Operation "DYNAMO", contained a brief
H.M. Ships, etc., which took part.
eme
2.
Endeavour has since been made to draw up a complete 11
both of H.M. Ships and other British Vessels and of Foreign ships
and vessels which were present.
for
3.
The result of this work is shown in the attached 1:
lxa
which is submitted for the information of Their Lordships.
view of the exceptional conditions under which vessels proceede
l
from ports all over the South and East coasts to their rendezv
without touching at Dover, it is impracticable for me to say
definitely that it is correct in every respect, but it has rec
a
the concurrence of:-
Commander in Chief, The Nore.
Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.
a
Commander in Chief, Portsmouth.
Commander in Chief, Rosyth.
he
Flag Officer in Charge, The Humber.
Flag Officer in Charge, Harwich.
Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.
MO
19/6
S.
VICE ADMIRAL.

Details

Page 5.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
DOGGER BANK
HANDY BILLY
DORIA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
DREADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
DREADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
DUCHESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
DWARF
HYTHE (Coaster)
D.1)
IOLANTHE
D.4
)
IOTE
D.7
(Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
D.9
Launches)
JABA
D.16
JACINTA (Trawler)
D.C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
D.G. 694
JANIS
D.G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
EASTBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
EDWARD NISSEN
JORDAN
EDWINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
ELIZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
E.M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
EMPRESS
KITCAT (M.B,)
EMPRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
ENDEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
ENTERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ERICA
LADY SHEILA
ESKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
FAIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
LANSDOWNE
FERVENT
LAROC
FISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
FOREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
FOREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
FORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
FORSA
MADAM SANSGENE
FOSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
FRIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
F.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
GALZAR
MARASOLE
GAY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
GLENWAY (Barge)
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
GLITTER II
MARQUIS (Tug)
GOLIATH
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
HAIG (W.D. Craft)
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
M.F.H. (Lighter)
HALFWAY
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
Sunk
Continued)

Details

COPY.
61
EXTRACTS FROM LOG WHILE AT DOVER
s.t. "FOREMOST 87"
160
Wednesday, 22nd May.
Lying in Dover Harbour awaiting orders. At 8-30 a.m., rec-
eived orders to proceed to Calais. Cleared Eastern Entrance Dover
Harbour at 8-45 a.m., arrived Calais Harbour 11-0 a.m. Air Raid on.
Received instructions immediately ón entering Harbour to force lock
gates which had been disabled by bombing by Enemy aircraft, air raid
still in progress. Forded locked gates, time taken being 12 hours,
and received orders to get S.S. "KATOWICE" loaded with refugees out
of Dock as soon as possible. I did this and towed S.S. "KATOWICE"
clear of Galais Harbour and into Calais Roads, finishing at 2-0 p.m.
then returned to Calais Harbour. Aerial combat going on overhead.
Immediately on entering Harbour again, received orders to
proceed to Calais Roads to assist S.S. "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH" from
Roads to Harbour and to get her in at all costs. "CITY OF CHRIST-
CHURCH" in company of Dëstwoyer being bombed from the air. Took
hold of steamer at 2-45 p.m. and towed same into Calais Harbour.
While endeavour to do this, three mines (magnetic) were exploded
by French Trawlers ahead of "FOREMOST 87" and "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH".
Things looked very uncomgortable. We managed to berth steamer
in outer Dock Calais, finishing at 4-30 p.m. I then received orders
to proceed to Calais Roads again for s.m. "WILLIAMSTOWN" as things
were a bit quieter. Took hold of vessel at 5-30 p.m. and towed same
from anchorage in Calais Roads to berth in Outer Dock Calais Harbour,
finishing at 7-30 p.m. Made fast astern of S.S. "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH"
at 7-45 p.m.
Thursday, 23rd May.
Lying in Calais Harbour. At 2-30 a.m. told to take hold
of S.S. "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH" and tow at once out of Harbour. While
taking hold of S.S. "CITY OF CHRESTCHURCH", orders were to let ship
lay. There was a 'Fifth column' scare and two men were put under
arrest. "FOREMOST 87", however, still kept ropes made fast to the
steamer. At 1-30 p.m., ordered to take hold of "CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH",
official this time, and to tow out clear of Harbour to Calais Roads.
Got vessel clear of Harbour and into Roads. At 2-40 p.m. returned
to Harbour and received orders from Naval Authority to proceed to Dover
for Water and Stores. Left Calais at 3-10 p.m. and arrived at Dover
at 5-30 p.m. Air Raid in progrees when leaving Calais.
Friday, 24th May.
Lying in Dover Harbour. Received on board stores and water.
At 11-6 a.m. received orders to proveed to Calais. Cleared Eastern
Entrance to Dover Harbour at 11-D a.m. and arrived Calais Roads at
12-30 p.m. Heavings Heavy gunning and bombardment on the shore.
Situation too bad for "FOREMOST 87" to attempt making entrance to
Calais. Steamed about vicinity of Calais Roads. Situation getting
worse, with gunfire and aerial bombing. I decided to return to Dover,
arriving there at 4-50 p.m.
Saturday, 25th May.
Lying in Dover Harbour, awaiting orders. At 4-30 p.m.
received orders to tow "O.R.P.BUZA" (Polish Destroyer) from Dover to
Portsmouth. "BURZA" having been bombed on the Forecastle head,
damaging plates and bulk head under water. Took Destroyer in tow,
stern first, at 5-80 p.m. and cleared Dover Harbour Eastern Entrance
6-0 p.m. (Arrived Portsmouth with "O.R.P. BUZA" 10-0 p.m. on 26th
May, Sunday.
(Continued)

Details

20
.
2)
'Alice' had to, abandoned as bullets had penetrated the lubricating
system, causing a seize up of her engine on attempting to start up,
I flooded her ballast tanks in an endeavour to submerge the ship
below bullet holes and thereby flood the engine room. I retrieved
'Alice's' charts and recognition signal tables and with her crew
boarded 'Caap Falga', taking over command from Lt. Culmer, R.N.V.R.
who had by this time refloated Caap Falga'.
We proceeded to a destroyer but was unable to inter-sept her, I
thence set course for the Downs.
'Able Tasman' unloaded small arms ammunition at La Panne and pro-
ceeded to Dover at 1715.
H Royes
(H.R.Wykeham-Martin)
Lieutenant R.N.
14 JUN 1940
ADMIRAL ALL ZOIN

Details

B.
24
29th. May. 00.00 off Dunkirk have great difficulty in finding out where to 00.15.
touched bottom 1.0 a.m. approx. entered Dunkirk and secured alongside Pier. Short
arrangements very bad only one shore ladder available. Troops commence to board.
24
1.30 "San Antonio" came alongside. Troops cross our deck to feed San Antonio. 3.0
approx. San Antonio cast off. I endeavour to speed up loading. Note as much as 15
minutes go by at times without any troops boarding at other times the single ladder
is quite inadequate to deal with the numbers. No effort was made by the Military to use
the outside of the Pier 4. 0 a.m. Wind freshening we have received approx 220 troops
cast off and proceeded in Company for Downs. Near by ships open fire at enemy aircraft
During passage three hunting destroyers drop at least five depth charges Our troops have
rifles ready to engage aircraft. Run ha been issued to those troops who are very fatigued
and wet also to ships crew. 2.0 Arrive off Downs ordered to proceed Ramsgate.2.3
Pilot boarded took us to Margate discharged troops, received stores fresh water
and two ladders. I rece 50 feet rope from another ships 8.0 p.m. Proceed in
company with Carabia for Braye. Hands employed in rigging ladd rs and cleaning ship
30th. May 5. a.m. anchored off Braye (falling tide) and CORE enced receiving troops
shifted ship 5 times as tide fell. Under continuous enemy gunfire from the shore. 9.0 a.m.
we have received approx 430 troops and all available space is full (the shore arrangements fc
loading is under naval charge and most efficient. Also ;adders were most useful.
Weighed anchor and proceeded for Downs altering course as required to aviod enemy gunfire
until out of range. Issued run to fatigued troops and all crew.
Troops stand by to engage enemy aircraft 5.0 P.M. entered Ramsgate discharged troops
received stores and fresh water. I wrote a note to.C in C Dover drawing his attention from to
the mutinous conduct of
Borrowed
two
naval
ratings
shore
as night watchmen. Proceeded outside Harbour to anchor. Hands clean ship All hands to sleep
Watchmen keep look out.
31st. May 5.0 p.m. ordered to proceed Portsmouth
Lst. June, Secured Kings stairs
2nd. June 12.00 ordered to proceed Poole 5.0 P.m. stopped off Yarmouth.
4th. June 6.30 p.m. Secured alongside at Poole.
This ships engines are fairly good but all other appointments are very bad
Signed Hoggan, Lt. Comdr. R.N.R.
"ATLANTIC"
I beg to submit the following report on this ships activities during the evacuation
from Dunkirk
Friday 29th. left Dover 9.30 a.m. 12. to waiting off N. Goodwin L. Vessel for
orders 3.30 proceeded 3.0 a.m. 30th. arrived La. Panne commence embarking troops
in ships lifeboat. Anchored as near shore as possible. Ship aground at Low water
embarkation slow at first in ships boats very hard work for the small crew later
expedited by Naval Commander S.N.O. who detailed motor launch and whaler to ship
embarked approx. 300 men. Sailed about 11. a.m. Beach and Channel being shelled
by Shore Batteries.
Arrived Ramsgate 23.00 30th. May arrived Dunkirk 05.00 31st. June about 1 mile
east of Dunkirk close in shore bassed ashore to haul out boats, sea choppy and
boats getting swamped lost ships boats 10.00 was to ed out to deeper water, engines
fail to start. Embarked approx. 100 troops. Waited off beach for 24 hours but unable
to embark troops owing to being unable to obtain a motor launch to attend on ship
and no boats being available. Beaches and Channel being subjected to shelling and air
bombardment all day and night. Two or three bombs fell close alongside.
05.00 1st rescued crew and passengers of Drifter which had struck sunken wreck [o?]
during operation, boat full close alongside striking a ketch which completely
dissappeared.
13.00 Ist. Arrived Ramsgate.
Note. The small amount of troops embarked on 2nd. trip was due to scarcity of motor launche
ato attend various ships, when I did eventually get one and sent it in shore the soldiers
would not wade out to the boat during dark hours.
L.E. Fordham It. Condr. R.N.R.
"KAAP
FALGA"
B.
Kaap Falga (Lieut. G.E.B. ST.G Beale) in Command) loaded 300 tons Army Provisions
left Southamp 21.00 26/5/40 and beached off La Panne according to orders 0800
26/5/40 in Company with "Alice" and Able Tasman. At 12.00 Kaap Falga and Alice were
ordered to refloat as soon as possible and proceed to Bray beaches, 4 miles away.
8 hours later Kaap Falga floated off with the tide.
In the meantime , Lieut. Beale had been wounded ashore (during air attacks on Ships)
whilst contacting the Military, Lieut. Slater (Captain of Alice) who was with him
was killed. Lieut. Beale was reported to have been taken to the Military Hospital
with a. paralised leg. Alice was put out of action and ballast tanks flooded to make
her rest on bottom (Max, Depth H.W. about 14. feet).

Details

Dynam 156.
NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S.FRISO DURING
60
OPERATION DYNAMO
H.M.S. OSPREY
PORTLAND.
9th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of
"Dynamo". events whilst in command of the Skoot "FRISO" during Operation
Sunday 26th May. At Portsmouth - ship was being wiped, swung and
generally prepared for service.
Monday 27th May. Sailed fr om Portsmouth at 0500. Arrived Newhaven
at 1315.
Tuesday 28th May. Repairs were effected to for'ard Capstan.
2100. Sailed for Dover.
Wednesday 29th May. 0900. Secured alongside Submarine Basin Dover.
Watered and provisioned ship.
1230. Sailed for Dunkirk towing a pulling
Boat. During the passage every endeavour was made for receiving
and embarking troops. My crew worked continuously at improving
ladders and guest warps, and preparing the holds.
2330 Entered Dunkirk Roads. I steamed as
close to the Beach as possible from about 6 miles to the East of
Dunkirk right up to Dunkirk, but was unable to see any signs of
troops. It appeared that FRISO was the first skoot to arrive in
the Roads.
0030 Entered Dunkirk and secured alongside the
Mole. I then started embarking troops until the skoot "SURSOM
CORDA" secured alongside me when I transferred them across. At
about 0130 I decided to commence filling my ship alternately with
SURSOM CORDA. Between 0130 and 0300 several skoots endeavoured to
come alongside SURSOM CORDA, I instructed the Commanding Officer
of SURSOM CORDA to tell them to berth further up the Mole. I
left the Mole at about 0315 having got onboard about 350 men and
4 officers. I arrived at Dover after an uneventful trip at about
1500 Thursday 30th May.
Having provioned and embarked water tins
I sailed again for Dunkirk at about 2100. This time I proceeded
by the Calais Channel. My crew worked extraordinarily well
clearing up the hold and preparing it again for more troops.
Although we were in the Beam of the Calais Searchlights for about
2 hours it appeared that we remained undetected.
Friday 31st May. At about 0245 I observed what appeared to be a
fairly large derelict two funnelled ship with a slight list to
port. As I approached her avoice shouted for Help, and at to the be same
time the ship took up a violent list to port and appeared the
but I might well have endangered the Boat and Boats crew, both The
sinking. I considered lowering a boat and searching for man,
urgently sunk just after I had passed her. I understand
as required for the evacuation I regretfully proceeded. that SURSOM
ship who some way astern of me did lower a boat but was the unable
CORDA the was Shortly afterwards I observed a flare afterwards on
water some about 250 yards on my starboard bow. At
to find 400 man. yards ahead of me, almost immediately about 0415
I entered being shelled I left hurriedly. I the beach
a bomb fell Dunkirk Harbour but as the Mole was completely then proceeded deserted
and the the place coast was until I saw dense columns of troops cable on as necessary
where I not to ground, I lowered my Boats and started to ships up.
along anchored and then then veered as much to load
An so Air as just Raid occurred at about 0630 but no damage was done
in my immediate vicinity.

Details

127
121
NARRATIVE OF M.V. "RIKA" DURING THE PERIOD 27TH MAY TO
5TH JUNE, 1940, ENGAGED IN EVACUATION OF B.E.F.
(Page 2 of Commanding Officer, M.V. "Rika's" letter No.1/12
dated 6th June, 1940.)
30th May, 1940.
That
0830
Arrived at Dover and secured to Admiralty Wharf and
disembarked survivors. Reported to Captain Halifax-In
at Lord Warden Hotel and was instructed to await
further orders.
31st May, 1940.
1430.
Instructed by Captain Fraser to proceed outside
Dover Harbour to tow M.V. "Vrede" who had developed
engine trouble.
1700.
Embarked two Lewis guns and ammunition and 6 Lewis
Gunners.
1st June, 1940.
0630.
Transferred 7 days stores and petrol for four
launches from M.V. "Vrede" and received instructions to
proceed to Dunkirk and report to Captain Pim, R.N.V.R.
in M.V. "Hilda".
0700.
Left Dover with launches in tow.
1300.
Contacted M.V. "Hilda" on approaching Dunkirk Roads and
received instructions from Captain Pim to return to
the Downs and make Dunkirk again at nightfall.
1340.
Intercepted by French destroyer T.113, and was
requested to embark 80 French and 9 British survivors,
several of whom were badly wounded.
1400.
Proceeded to Ramagate, having instructed launches to
return to Dover under their own power.
1800.
Disembarked survivors at Ramagate and received
instructions from Captain Wharton R.N., to anchor in
the Roads.
2nd June, 1940.
2000.
Under orders from Captain Wharton, proceeded with
launch and one boat in tow, under command of
Lieutenant Commander Miller, R.N.R., to rendezvous
with Admiral Taylor off Dunkirk Pier.
3rd June, 1940.
0115.
Arrived off Dunkirk Entrance and, as M.V. "Rika" was
unable to approach the beach, launch and boat were
Owing to the heavy bombardment of the beach unable by the to
sent inshore to bring off B.E.F.
from the eastwards, the launch was
contact enemy the B.E.F. and returned at 0200. Launch the was
then sent to the Pier to endeavour to contact
B.E.F. there.
0215

Details

Dynamic 376
8/4/0/139
126
J .6633,
c/o Messrs. J.S. White & Co.
Cowes, Isle of White,
20th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report of
proceedings during operation "DYNAMO" in accordance with P. G. 0.
1700/6/6/40.
In accordance with orders from Commander-in-Chief,
Portsmouth, I assumed command of His Majesty's Ship "SURSUM_
CORDA", (Ex Dutch Skoot) at Poole, P.M. Friday 24th May, 1940,
sailing for Portsmouth at 1600, arriving at 2130.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained in company with other Skoots
under the ordera of Lieutenant Commander Stuart in H.M.S
"FREDANJA" until P.M. 28th May, 1940, when ship was sailed for
Dunkirk from Dover at 1400 by order of Vice Admiral Dover, for
islbe
the evacuation of troops via North Goodwin and Middle Kirke.
On arrival off beaches at Dunkirk at approximately
2230, decided to enter harbour straight away having sighted
large number of soldiers on mole, but apparently no other ships
in the harbour, though a transport and other skoots were lying
off, and two ships just leaving. The western side of the harbour
was ablaze.
Having evacuated British troops, approximate number
three hundred and seventy, ship sailed for Dover at 0330; &
hospital ship and six or seven other skoots having entered and
secured to the mole were also embarking troops by this time.
Ship arrived off Dover 1130/29, no incidents of
30/5?
importance occurring on passage.
"SURSUM-CORDA" remained at Dover, storing and provision-
ing until orders were received to sail again for Dunkirk at 2100.
Short routevia Calais was taken; ship proceeding
independently as visibility was decreasing and all skoots were
not ready.
On arrival off Western beaches of Dunkirk, a wreck
was sighted approximately half a mile to West of Harbour
31/5
entrance in the approach channel, and cries of & man in the
water were heard, a boat was lowered, but the rescue work was
Priso)
left finally to a Sloop's whaler the Sloop itself being on her
return passage to England. "SURSUM-CORDA" proceeded and arrived
off beaches Eastern side of Dunkirk at 0430/30.
Many men were sighted waiting on the beach approximately
two or three miles east of the mole, and on closing H.M.S. "FITZROY"
lying approximately three quarters of a mile off the beach, was
asked to assist in ferrying troops from small craft to ITZROY"
and "VANQUISHER", three to four cables to Westward.
For approximately half an hour my Ship remained stopped
three cables from the beach embarking as many troops as possible.
This process I considered far tooslow as the number of
small boats employed in that area amounted only to four or five
and these appeared to be in danger of being swamped by excessive
loads, so decided to close the beach while the tide was flooding
and endeavour to embark troops over my bows.

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127
-2-
This method was found successful and two trips were
carried out in same manner. For the third endeavour,
"VANQUISHER" and"FITZROY" having left for England, and no other
larger craft being in the vicinity, my intentions were to
close again, fill to capacity and proceed towards La Panne, to
transfer troops if requested, or return to England.
It is regretted that this effort failed in that
"SURSUM"CORDA" was beached too securely and no efforts ot my part
were successful in re-floating.
Thiswwas due to an error in judgement on my part in
allowing too many men on board at the time and my incorrect
appreciation of the time of the tide turning, no tide tables being
carried.
H.M.S. "HEBE" came to my assistance, but unfortunately
though a tow was passed, her lack of power and manoeuvreability
were strong handicaps, and she herself grounded two cables to
Eastward.
At 0800/30 it was realised there was no chance of the
ship moving until the following High Water.
During the period of waiting until High Water that
evening, I assisted where possible on the Beach in the vicinity
of the Ship, and during periods where there were no small craft
operating, took aboard soldiers for shelter and distributed
what food remained aboard "SURSUM-CORDA".
All members of my crew worked magnificently under
somewhat strained conditions, and with no consideration for
themselves.
Further endeavours to re-float were made between 1800
and 2030 using kedge anchor with soldiers onboard assisting.
At 1840 a shell from an enemy shore battery burst & few yards ahead
of the ship and four soldiers were hit by splinters. I ordered
these and one officer hit whilst on the beach to be placed below
and with the assistance of a stretcher bearer my First
Lieutenant, Lieutenant Brooks rendered first aid and made them as
comfortable as conditions allowed.
I then cleared the ship of soldiers and continued my
efforts to re-float, but with no success, delay being caused by
an influx of soldiers somewhat naturally seeking shelter after
the shell fire, whom Lordered to stand by to board "HEBE" who
I could see appeared to shew hopeful signs of clearing the
beach. The majority of them carried out these orders and
"HEBE" was re-floated at approximately 1945. On receiving
report of my engines being temporarily out of action and on
point of "seizing-up") decided further efforts were fruitless,
and retaining only wounded and completely exhausted men onboard
for shelter, until small craft or ambulances could be commandeered
to take them off, decided to land and assist on beach where
possible.
(continued

Details

Dynams 182.
-
186
From ... Lieutenant R.H. Irving R.N.R. Motor Boat "TRITON".
Date 3rd June, 1940.
To ... Commodore Taylor, Sheerness.
Submitted,
with reference to the short report handed in on my
arrival at Sheerness, Saturday, 1st June, 1940, I shall now
endeavour to fill in details left out at that time, due to
inability to recollect everything and put it on record before
being refreshed and rested, after so many hours of exertion.
On Wednesday, the 29th May, 1940, while supervising
the cleaning and scrubbing of the Dutch Scoot "PRINCESS JULIANA"
of which vessel I was 1st Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander
Gwinnir, R.N., who was C.O., instructed me, to report immediately
to Commander Troupe for orders.
I reported as instructed, and was ordered to take
command of thirteen launches and get them to Ramsgate.
I got clear of Sheerness with the launches about
1200 29/5/40, and arrived Ramsgate about 1930. I reported to
Commander Davies there, and explained to him what had been said
tome by Commodore L. Taylor regarding the launch "SILVER QUEHON
and "BEVERLEY".
"BEVERLEY", however, failed to turn up at
Ramsgate although I had sent back my fastest boat from Margate to
look for her, and waited for one hour to allow him to catch up.
Commander Davies consulted the N.O.I.C. and it was decided that
in the "TRITON" I should endeavour to get "SILVER QUESION and
seven more launches to La Panne.
The other launches for various reasons could not
proceed until the morning. Commander Davies said he believed
East of La Panne was devoid of Allied troops, and as far as he
knew no troops on beaches West of Braye Duns.
This meant I had to make the Belgian coast within
a three-mile limit, rather difficult without navigating
instruments or current charts.
Nevertheless, I thought I could
do it, so at 2200 on Wednesday I left the harbour with eight
launches.
I waited outside and shouted to them to keep close
up and follow me.
I steered for N. Goodwin Light Vessel, and
stopped there to count my fleet, though it was very dark.
I
counted five and was informed the other three had put back to
Ramsgate with engine trouble.
I then order "SILVER QUEHON to render every assistance
in keeping boats together (Sub.Lt. in command) in order that the
five of us might carry out a successful crossing.
Only the
Seaman Cox.J. Keith could steer on my boat; this meant I had to
relieve him myself. Two of the crew were already seasick, but
kept their feet and showed spirit.
From N. Goodwin I proceeded.
It was very dark, and
on and off I passed ships heading N.W. or S.E.
About 0300
30/5/40 visibility was very poor, with heavy rain, no ships in
sight, and I was a little doubtful of my position.
I decided,
however, to get into a position 15 miles north of La Panne, and then
steer South (mag) to make the coast.
At 0400 turned south, strong
wind and following sea, boat steering wildly.
Still no ships in
sight or land.
About 0420 saw a cruiser loaded with troops,
recognised her as British, and closed her.
She had received heavy
punishment aft from shellfire.
I made signs as to whether I should hold on my course,
and she answered in the affirmative. At this time one of my
boats very foolishly crossed my bow and received a blow which
damaged her.
I instructed one of the others to watch her, and

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2.
364
342
Greatly to the Waster's disappointment, X 213's
machinery was not in a good enough condition for her
to be used.
78. Owing to a misunderstending, not here, which I have
been unable to trace, the motor boats which should have
hours later. Suspecting that the fifth column was at work
reached Sheerness from the Thames Adid not arrive until 24 Lou 30ᵗʰ hi
I informed your Chief of Staff, D.S.V.P., V.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C.s Ramsgate and Margate of the circumstances, and
of my intention to ignore any such messages. No possible
harm could have been done by sending boats on, at any rate
as far as Ramsgate. Had these boats not been delayed, they
would have been available on the last day on which evacuation
from the beaches was still going on. Some of them were
employed on the last two days in the vicinity of Dunkirk.
8. The type of machinery fitted in many of the boats and
its defective state, presented F.E.O. and Sheerness Dockyard
with some difficult problems and a great deal of hard work,
which was tackled, night and day, with great zeal and energy.
Some of the boats broke down later on, much to the
disappointment of their crews, who had done their best. Most
of them, I think succeeded in joining other boats and making
at least one trip to the French coast.
9. The total number of craft prepared for service and
sent out from Sheerness was as follows :-
100 Motor Boats
10 Lighters
7 Schuits
1 Oil tanker
6 Paddle Steamers
10. On Sunday June 2nd, having got away all the personnel
and everything afloat that was sufficiently in good condition
to do useful service, I went to Ramsgate with Commander Troup,
arriving about 1600, in order to help N.O.I.C. and to
endeavour to assist in the cooperation of motor boats with
larger vessels.
I went in with a group of Schuits and slow motor boats
to the beach at St. Malo les Bains, where a British Officer
who had just got back reported that there were British troops
who had been unable to get into Dunkirk. None were found. I
have no doubt however from later enquiries that they had got
into the town. A volunteer whose name I have not yet been
able to get, landed from one of the Schuits and walked along
the beach to make sure there were none left. We brought him
off and his boat's crew, and a number of French soldiers who
were pulling for England in a small boat.
Commander Troup took the fast Army motor boats into
Dunkirk alongside the centre pier and brought off 79 French
troops when his boat was rammed by a French tug and had to
be abandoned.
11.
On Monday night I took a group of slow otor boats
up to the Quay Felix Faure, at the top of Dunkirk harbour.
I went on ahead in the fast boat "Marlborough" to identify
the quay. The motor boats were led in by the "Mermaiden",
Sub Lieut
who did very well to find the place in
the dark. 300 French Marines were embarked in the motor
boats and a French Trawler. Their bearing was excellent.
As the quay was now clear, and machine gun fire
was getting a little near, I decided not to get the motor
boats back on the chance of another load of troops. At
had the misfortune to scrape over some masonry that had fallen
this period through no fault of the Officer at the wheel, we
from the quay, losing our propellers and rudder.
Sidmonth- willing (Sea cader lical

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3.
365
Eventually a motor yacht got us in tow and took us to
Dover.
Commander Troup went with the fast boats to the outer
- 343
port. He made himself piermaster on the western mole
and conducted the embarkation of about 10,000 French
troops. He also had some anxious moments, as the boat
which was to fetch him broke down. Another turned up
in which he embarked with a French General Lucas and
many StafffOfficers and men; and thus had the honour of
being the last man to leave Dunkirk.
12. As Officers and Coxswains pass through Sheerness,
endeavour is being made to extract full accounts of their
adventures. N.O.I.C. Ramsgate is doing the same. These
reports are being forwarded to Vice Admiral, Dover, but
copies of those obtained here are attached. Even so it
will be impossible to do justice to the services of these
young Officers, ratings and volunteers, most of whom were
acting independently, without anyone to see how they
conducted themselves. A list of those who came under my
personal observation is attached.
13. Until all reports have been compared and lists of
Officers, men, and volunteers going out and returning
have been checked, the number of casualties remains
unscertain. Many boats have had to be abandoned owing
to grounding, collision or fouled' propellers, but in
most cases the crews transferred to other craft,
One craft is known to have been sunk by bomb.
"New Prince of Wales". Large motor craft. Officer
in command, Sub Lieut.P.L.H. Bennett, R.N., now in R.N.
S.P.H.E.
Hospital, Chatham. Two ratings are believed to have been
killed, but I have not been able to get this confirmed.
Several motor boats sailed direct from Southend for
the beaches with volunteer crews who had not signed on.
There may be others, of which there will be no record.
Considering the heavy bombing, shelling and machine
gun fire experienced by many of the boats, the casualties
seem to be lighter than might well have been expected.
14. It would be impossible to speak too highly of the
spirit which has animated all those who have been concerned
in "Dynamo". Everyone tried to do their best for the Armies
at Dunkirk, and those whose fortunes it was to get across
and bring some of them off, will always look back on it with
deep satisfaction. Some of the crews got their boats as far
as Ramsgate, only to find that owing to the shortcomings of
their vessels, they could get no further, but many of them
succeeded in finding another boat with room for them.
A young Able Seaman, whose boat sank after bringing
off 1,000 men, did much, by his sheerful talk and bearing,
to bring about this happy result. His name is
Here at Sheerness the Commodore and his staff, H.M.S.
"Wildfire", and the dockyard did all that man could do to
hasten the preparation and sailing of the varied fleet of
craft which arrived here, some of them needing much attention.
With the exception of the Thames steamers, which could not
run in salt water, though they had a good try at it, very
few craft failed to achieve at least one trip to the French
coast. Many men from the "Wildfire" offered their services,
though only a few could be allowed to go, and more would
have done so had it been possible to spare their services

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- 4
472
an open with soldiers was off hailed. He reported having picked with
during daylight. boat in tow About half-way across a French trawler
boat up for h ich Dunkirk and it was thought this might the
be the boat we were searching. To make sure we
barge with set were found approximately three miles from
proceeded to sail Dunkirk where хихария two open boats and a Thames
the coast. The first open boat yielded five Spanieards,
the second one about 6 soldiers, Belgian, French
and English. We then went alongside the Thames barge at
approximately 1330.
This was found to contain about 220
soldiers including two Colonels and a Major of Artillery, and
various wounded. They were endeavouring to sail to England
but had made approximately three miles in 10 hours, see note below.
Motor-mechanic Whittaker fitted a new piston to the air compressor
motor while the 1st Lieut. and myself trimmed the sails.
They had no charts on board. The air compressor motor was
made to run but all efforts to start the diesel failed.
I then left my lst.Lieut., SublLieut. Dehammel with instructions
to sail the barge to Dover,and proceeded along the coast having
opened up the distance to search for the "Girl Gladys".
About two miles to the east I found an open boat containing 18
soldiers who were embarked, after which we approached to withing
approximately three miles of the coast slightly to the eastward
of La Panne. Visibility was good and no sign of the drifter
could be seen, the search was therefore abandoned and course
was set to intercept the Thames barge.
At approximately 1720 when out of sight of land we were attacked
by eight six or eight dive-bombers, 20 to 30 bombs were dropped
and fell at distances varying from 10 to 50 yards of the ship.
The bombers appeared to attack in pairs out of the sun and
having released their bombs continued their dive firing machine-
guns.
Course was altered frequently in an endeavour to miss
the bombs.
Some appeared to explode after entering the water,
some on striking the surface and a certain appeared not to explode
at all.
One exploded under the bow right ahead and the ship
passed through the splash. A certain amount of discomfort was
experienced by myself and members of the crew who were exposed. to
the splash in the x eyes for the next twelve hours or 30.
Able-Seaman Power was wounded in the leg when manning the port
turrett also one of the soldiers in the fore peak. As I now had
wounded on board I considered it advisable to return to Dover
forthwith and to ask for assistance for the barge. A tug was
sent out at approximately 2100 and found the barge sailing well
about 10 miles from Dover. I consider Sub Lieut, DeHammel
performed a very creditable operation. The bombing to which
the ship had been subjected had caused leaks to the hull and the
petrol tank and the ship was not used again for that night's
operation.
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.

Details

AD a go is to a tramp steams proceeding 4
French fishing assistance smask that Each had collected a few troops- 552 running
full speed in au endeavour eitile to avoid us, an straight into one
bows. Fortunately ic did damage, due 5 an decks you
strengseening but air was not known whil doeslight.
Once alongside are fishing boat / enquired
civilly of the coxswain Whether or not he required towring,
and was promptly told 13 hop is in a most ungentle
manner while one of an crew proceeded 19 but ML with
an oar. In are conversation Oat ensued is appeared Diat
I
was Drying to turu are boat back while as latter was
determined G save itself, comme tous le auties! & Chey
still seemed adamant in their refusal 19 & Towed and
appeared 13 be quite sappy in air ignorance we left Gen
chatter
13 make arein our way 4 the harbou entrance.
Once
Further down au harbour we were hailed
Then
by a moterboat which appeared 4 have gone aground off
used
one of the winer pies. we had hoped G Tow his our, as
au idea was eventually abandoned as she had a ope round
which
her SCHOOL and a large beam of wood, G which as ope
was attached under her , forward of au propellers. 7 eyes
were then Taken on board, and twned not 6
be Vice- admissals, dover's Garge we were leaving. The proceedings
were held up by be coxswain a Scotomian, insisting on
stering
returning for his boots.
tained
a hundred yards fram on we were yain dan.
ork
bailed by a small open motorboat which had broken where
Taking her in Tow we eventually reached as entrance located
are Tow decided G part. after rescuring her again, we
ae motorboat was aen cast adift
the tugs and the two chews were transferred is Crem -
The time was now after one. city so we
behind
well ordered to stay by as tup , giving up our former
intention of visiting schools are were Nouveau working. awar last Part, above as this shelling quar time
Lost
an at German which are articlery opened fine on as Larbou
ake

Details

AD a go is to assistance a tramp steams proceeding 4
French fishing smask that Euch had collected a few troops. 552 Turning
full speed in au endeavour eitile to avoid us, an straight into one
bows. Fortunately ic did damage, due G an decks iron
strengseening but this was not known whil doeslight.
Once alongside are fishing boat / enquired
civilly of the coxswain wheller or not he required towing,
and was promptly told 13 hop 's' in a most ungentle
manner while one of an crew proceeded 19 but 3 with
an oar. in are conversation Oat ensued is appeared that
I was Drying to turu are boat back while the latter was
determined G save itself, comme tous le auties! & Chey
still seemed adamant in their refusal 19 & Towed and
appeared 13 be quite happy in air ignorance we eft Gen
19 make arein our way 4 the harbou entrance.
Further down au harbour we were hailed
by a motorboat which appeared to have gone aground off
one of the winer pies. We had hoped G Tow his one, auc
Cu idea was eventually abandoned as she had a ope round
her SCHOOL and a large beam of wood, G which as ope
was attached under her , forward of au propellers. The -
were then Taken on board, and twned one 6
be Vice- admissals, dover's barge we were leaving. The proceedings
were held up by the coxswain a Scotoman, insisting on
returning for his boots.
a hundred yards funcess on we were apain
hailed by a small open motorboat which had broken dan
Taking her in Tow we eventually reached as intrance, where
are Tow decided G part. after rescuing her again, we located
ae motorboat was Cheu cast adift
be tugs and the two chews were transferred is Chem -
The time was now after one. City so we
well ordered to stay by are tup. giving up our former
intention at of visiting schools are were Noweau working. awar lust Part, above as this quan time
an German which Due articlery opened fine on the Larbour shelling