Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

ABEL DEWULF (N.58)
Belgion trawler
3rd June
-
Together with the tr. Andre Lucienne
(N.53) disembarked at Dover 35
May
troops. (1) Dover,
stori in company were the skoots
Alica and KARD Falgu, both londed
with food. Total 17 Senior
Officer.
usy
0500en
Arrived La Panner The 3 skoots were
beached shortly after high seter.
Lt. Cdr. went ashore to arrange for
07300a
unlonding. He located 0.11.0. and
reported to General who
was of puramount importance to
evacuate troops.
1400ca
Six bombers attack the 3 skoots and 15
beach. Lt. Car. Crick wounded,
Licot. Griffiths subsequently died
of his wounds. One rating tus mm
Liest. O.E.S. Beal R.N. commenting
the KS80 Falga assumed the daty or
senior officer of the 3 skoots, and
took command of the Abal Tasman.
Lt. Cdr. Crick took passage to
England in the or. Calcutta.
1530
Emberked troops.
1700
Kasp Falgs and Alice refloated on the
rising tide and got under way.
1730ca
The Alice broke down while trying to
tow the Abel Tasmon's atern off.
1765
High water. The Abel Tasman refloated
and proceeded.
time
0700
Arrived Dover. Discrborked
and 20 French start officero.
2200
Sailed to Newhaven to disembark
ammunition.
Took no further part in Operation
Dynamo.
Total 220(1)
- R.O.II, vp.3, 6.
the Abel Yoamon, 8h 29th on Alice and MAY. Knap THIS Palga 10
900
(1) D.R.
the Alles were abundoned 4 troops. at Dunkirk and the
brought
5

Details

ABEL TASMAN
Skoot
Lt. Cdr. T.G.P. Crick, R.N.
Lieut. Griffiths R.N.V.R., 1st
Lieut.
27th May
1900
Sailed from Dover, loaded with ammuni-
tion; in company were the skoots
Alice and Kaap Falga, both loaded
with food. Lt. Cdr. Crick, Senior
Officer.
28th May
0500ca
Arrived La Panne. The 3 skoots were
beached shortly after high water.
Lt. Cdr. went ashore to arrange for
0730ca
unloading. He located G.H.C. and
reported to General Adam who said it
was of paramount importance to
evacuate troops.
1400ca
Six bombers attack the 3 skoots and the
beach. Lt. Cdr. Crick wounded.
Lieut. Griffiths subsequently died
of his wounds. One rating was killed.
Lieut. C.E.S. Beal R.N. commanding
the Kaap Falga assumed the duty of
senior officer of the 3 skoots, and
took command of the Abel Tasman.
Lt. Cdr. Crick took passage to
England in the cr. Calcutta.
1530
Embarked troops.
1700
Kaap Falga and Alice refloated on the
rising tide and got under way.
1730ca
The Alice broke down while trying to
tow the Abel Tasman's stern off.
1745
High water. The Abel Tasman refloated
and proceeded.
29th May
0700
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 200 troops
and 20 French staff officers.
2200
Sailed to Newhaven to disembark
ammunition.
Took no further part in Operation
Dynamo.
Total 220(1)
Authority - R.O.II, pp.3, 6.
(1) According to D.R. the Abel Tasman, Alice and Kaap Falga
together disembarked 900 troops on 29th May. This is
incorrect; the Alice was abandoned at Dunkirk and the
Kaap Falga only brought back 4 troops.
6

Details

in
ALBATROSS
M/B (Owner
?
H.W. Copeland).
THE
20th May
1200
Left
Did not return from Operation Dyanmo.
the
5th
2130
Arrived off Bray bench- Sent boats
inshore to embark troops. Tide low,
and 0 smill but troublesome surf.
Authority - TO.9144
Troops in good spirite though short
of rations.
TO.9436
Landed dry provisions in the skiff.
2330
A bomb dropped about 1 mile to seasord
of the Albery.
29th May
0230
Proceeded to Margate.
1340
Arrived Margate, Disemburked 162
troops.
Sailed for the beaches,
1930
Arrived off Malo. Considerable bombing
in progress.
Proceeded towards 8 grounded and
burning paddle-steamer [the Created
Eagle which was full of troops and
survivore and in a bad way. All
boats and Carley floats were sent away
and many survivors picked up. Bonba
dropped continually around the
Albury and the P/S during this
operation.
Signalled for fighter assistance,
which arrived later in the evening.
57 cot cases were brought off, mostly
suffering from severe burns. The C.O.
and other survivors from the dr.
Gronade were also embarked.
Having embarked all known survivors, the
Albury proceeded to Bray and embarked
troops from several boats. A
Captain Churchill, from the H.O. Staff
came off and said that he had to get
over to England to see his uncle, the
Prime Minister, by 0600.
Proceeded to Margate,
30th May
0550
Arrived Margate. Disembarked AS
and survivors and Captain Churchill,
Bailed to Shoerness for coal and
comunition.
That usy
USDO
Left Sheerness for the beaches.
OTTO
Arrived off Malo benon. Considerable
surf. Embarkation greatly nosleted
by a large power boat.
1230
Bailed for Margate.
1700
Arrived Margate, Disembarked 130 troops
18000s
Sailed from Margate under the orders
of the 8,0,, 5th M.S.F.
2200
The 51h M.S.F. rendezvoused at W buoy.
2345
Anothered off T.S. Funne, Spasmodic
bombardment by shore gune.
2310 riotilla VISA ordered to carry on
ambarkation, using shiph' boats.
AUGUSTER
now en there were practically
construons bombing attreke, mostly
W DAVA nombers.
to the M/D Speedwell
903 aground and towed her off.
18

Details

ALBURY (N.41)
5th M.S.F.
Cdr. C.H.Corbet-Singleton
R.N.
28th May
1200
Left Harwich in company with the 5th
M.S.F.
2130
Arrived off Bray beach. Sent boats
inshore to embark troops. Tide low,
and a small but troublesome surf.
Troops in good spirits though short
of rations.
Landed dry provisions in the skiff.
2330
A bomb dropped about 1 mile to seaward
of the Albury.
29th May
0230
Proceeded to Margate.
1340
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 161
troops.
-
Sailed for the beaches.
1930
Arrived off Malo. Considerable bombing
in progress.
Proceeded towards a grounded and
burning paddle-steamer [the Crested
Eagle] which was full of troops and
survivors and in a bad way. All
boats and Carley floats were sent away
and many survivors picked up. Bombs
dropped continually around the
Albury and the P/S during this
operation.
Signalled for fighter assistance,
which arrived later in the evening.
57 cot cases were brought off, mostly
suffering from severe burns. The C.O.
and other survivors from the dr.
Grenade were also embarked.
Having embarked all known survivors, the
Albury proceeded to Bray and embarked
troops from several boats. A
Captain Churchill, from the H.Q. Staff
came off and said that he had to get
over to England to see his uncle, the
Prime Minister, by 0600.
-0020
Proceeded to Margate.
30th May
0530
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 445 troops
and survivors and Captain Churchill.
Sailed to Sheerness for coal and
ammunition.
31st May
0300
Left Sheerness for the beaches.
0930
Arrived off Malo beach. Considerable
surf. Embarkation greatly assisted
by a large power boat.
1230
Sailed for Margate.
1700
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 130 troops.
1800ca
Sailed from Margate under the orders
of the S.O., 5th M.S.F.
2200
The 5th M.S.F. rendezvoused at W buoy.
2345
Anchored off La Panne. Spasmodic
bombardment by shore guns.
lst June
0230ca
The flotilla was ordered to carry on
embarkation, using ships' boats.
0400ca
From now on there were practically
continuous bombing attacks, mostly
by dive bombers.
0500ca
Passed a wire to the M/S Speedwell
which was aground and towed her off.
19

Details

A.L.C.16
Landing Craft
S/Lt. R.O. Wilcoxon,
R.N.V.R.
29th May
0900ca
Off Dunkirk the first A.L.C. to be
hoisted out of the S.S. Clan Macalister
Proceeded to Dunkirk beach and ferried
troops. After about 7 successful
trips, "she was boarded by a mob of
French soldiers, who overwhelmed the
boat to such an extent that she
became partially swamped, the star-
board battery was flooded and both
engines failed".
"Eventually, sufficient French were
evicted to enable A.L.C.16 to be
floated off and the port engine
started."
1800ca
In going astern however, the port stern
tube was damaged and water poured in
to the boat.
Continually pumping and baling,
A.L.C.16 continued ferrying for a
further 1½ hours.
She then went alongside the sloop
Bideford and transferred her load of
troops. S/Lt. Wilcoxon went on board
Bideford to arrange for a tow back
to England.
2007
Dive bomb attack. Bideford's stern
blown off; S/Lt. Wilcoxon, in
Bideford, mortally wounded; (1)
A.L.C.16 was heavily damaged, and
sank in a few minutes.
2030
M/S Kellett came alongside Bideford,
and took off the crew of A.L.C.16
together with other survivors and
wounded.
Note: The capacity of the A.L.C's was
about 50 men, so that A.L.C.16
probably ferried about 600 troops
Authority - R.O.III, p.523.
(1) S/Lt. Wilcoxon was found by P/O Gill and Sto. Hardstaff
of A.L.C. 16 sitting on a bollard, just for'd of the
Bideford's Q.D. with one of his legs blown off above
the knee. They used a rifle pull-through as a tourniquet.
s/Lt. Wilcoxon sent them in search of a doctor, but they
were unable to rind one.
29

Details

BART
BARBE JUGUSTE (D.812)
'ronch M.F.V.
(Rata.)
3rd June
-
Discmburked 65 troops in England. 1)
26th
Day
Taken
27th
May
Arrived
300
100
Barbe 1830 Auguste A1)396
thence
8
further
240
28th May auxiliary menetweeper
Lieutenant de vaetteau
RAOUL
7th
June
to
and
und
Note by Cdr. Cras, of French Historical Section
(1) D.h., D. which numes the ship "Barbara upuste". un
84

Details

R.N.
0300
h May
Arrived Dover from Sheerness.
0815
Left Dover in company with 5 other
boats, (see Viewfinder). Later
joined by M/B Reda.
1730ca
Arrived La Panne. Towed boats from
beach to ships. Received some damage
while alongside a destroyer which
suddenly went full ahead.
2400ca
Lngines giving trouble; foul screw
and rudder.
-
Made fast to the M/S Albury, which
th May
a.m.
later proceeded to Margote. [The
Boheli was apparently left behind]
[s/Lt. Bonham transferred to the Sk. Horst on
31st]
d June
-
Bobeli, stranded on the beach at
Dunkirk, was sighted by the M/B
Advance. She did not return to
England.
Nil
uthority - R.O.II, p..392, 393.
R.O.III, p.320.
TO.9436.
111

Details

Details

CALCUTTA
Cruiser (lst A/A Squadron)
Capt. D.M. Lees, R.N.
27th May
2310
Sailed from the Downs for La Panne.
28th May
0125
Torpedo track crossing from port to
0135
starboard missed ship 100 yards astern
M.T.B. heard and vaguely seen bearing
green 60°.
No subsequent torpedo tracks seen.
0248
Anchored off La Panne. Motor cutter
and 2 whalers sent into beach, to
ferry troops to the P.M/S. Sandown
and Gracie Fields. The drs. Grafton,
Greyhound and Impulsive also
evacuating from this beach.
0615
Impulsive ordered to Dunkirk east pier.
0625
Evacuation of beach completed.
Grafton and Greyhound proceeded.
Sandown and Gracie Fields transferred
their 700 troops to Calcutta.
0715
Proceeded to Sheerness.
1215
Sheerness. Disembarked 700/troops.(1)
1710
Sailed for La Panne.
2157
Arrived La Panne. Sent boats in to
same beach as before. Only 1 skoot
[the Reiger] to assist embarking 70
wounded.
29th May
0300
All wounded taken by the skoot and
ships boats to Calcutta. The skoot,
with some wounded, sent back to
England.
0345
Boats sent in again. Mr. F.J. March,
Gunner, the officer in charge of then,
contacted Lord Gort 8 miles inland
and placed Calcutta at his disposal.
At this stage however, Lord Gort did
not wish to be evacuated. (2)
0430
One of Calcutta's whalers lost.
0710
Embarkation continued.
0735
M/S Sutton alongside to transfer her
troops to Calcutta.
0810
M/S Salamander alongside for same
1210
A purpose. partyof tugs and drifters towing
own boats, and proceeding homewards
full of troops, ordered to transfer
them to Calcutta.
1227
Tug Java, towing a launch, alongside
to transfer troops.
1228
dfr. Golden Sunbeam alongside to
transfer troops.
1230
dfr. Lord Rodney alongside to transfer
dfr. troops. Lord Keith towing launch alongside
1237
to transfer troops.
1247
dfr. Lord St. Vincent alongside to
transfer troops.
1250
dfr. Lord Collingwood alongside to
transfer troops.
(1) D.R. gives 581.
(2) D.R. states that shortly efter midnight may, the Calcutta was
informed that the 3ʳᵈ Corps efthe B.E.F. and the C:-ai-C.
(1)
were all at La Panue.
151

Details

CHAMOIS( 1)
M/V (Pickford's Ltd.)
A.E. Brown, Captain.
1330ca
L. Church, Engineer.
29th May
Left Portsmouth with a Lieutenant
a 5 naval ratings on board "and towing and
tug".
30th May
1700
Arrived Ramagate.
31st May
a.m.
Ordered to Dunkirk. Obliged to come
back twice owing to air raids, but got
away on the 3rd attempt.
-
When 2 or 3 miles from Dunkirk saw 2
troop transports being heavily bombed.
Went to the rescue - found the
survivors were French and Belgian
troops.
Their clothes were on fire and the
ammunition in their pouches was
exploding as they were lifted out of
the water. Several got caught up in
our propeller and had to be released
with boat hooks.
Rescued about 120 and transferred
them to a French trawler, which was
on the way to Dunkirk.
1st June
0400ca
Unable to reach Dunkirk as it was day-
light and the beach was being
heavily bombed and shelled.
2000
Arrived at a south-east coast port
?Ramsgate
2nd June
"We had a day off".
3rd June
"started off for Dunkirk".
"Unable to reach the beach owing to
the air raids and shells ..... no troops
on the shore as it was daylight .....
BO returned to England without any
troops."
Nil
Authority - Pickford's Ltd.
(1) The Brown's report are one day accordingly. ahead of
the dates correct in Captain dates. They have been amended
173

Details

DEMOK I(1)
Dutch Yacht.
D.R. records that this vessel landed 100
troops in England on 31st May, and 114 on
1st June.
It is also stated elsewhere in D.R. that the
"Demog I" was a Dutch yacht, under French
orders, and that she was sunk. No date 1s
given for the sinking.
Total 214
(1) Also to in D.R. as "Demog I" of and this shown name. as a
The skoot. ship There 18 not was mentioned in Lloyd's ships
referred however, no skoot Register of
or of yachts.
228

Details

Details

DU GUESCLIN (D.G.910)
French M.F.V.
30th May
1030
The Du Guesclin and the Surcouf together
landed 35 troops in England.(1)
31st May
1335
Routed from the Downs to Dunkirk by
2000
the destroyer Leopard.
(see under Margaux (D.692)) left
1st June
0920
With 4 naval ratings 18 sailed
from Remagate, wi Total Princess,
both tugs towing the I.O.W. forry
boat Fishbourne.
1030ca
But the Duke's tow rope into the
Princess and went ahead.
[1120ca
The Princess's tow rope broke, She
got another connected.]
1250ca
The Commander on board the Fishbourne
ordered the Dute to contact the
tog Bun III and her 4 sailing barges.
Did DO, and took the 8/B Heate Away
from the Bun III.
Bed visibility, lost contact with
other tugs and the Fishbourne.
The B/B Ada Mary having twice broken
away from the Sun III. the Dake took
her in tow.
1440ca
Approx. 2 miles from Denkirk. Air raid
in progress. Picked up 20 soldiers
from n drifting life bost and left
20 others and 1 naval rating for the
Sun III to pick up.
1620es
Took from the dr. Basilisk's lifeboat
11 ratings and midshiman; their
lifeboat WILLS then put astern or the
2 sailing barges.
1705
Directed by 2 aircraft to net course
181508
south, and was led to two lifeboate.
The Sun III tock the larger; the
Duke took from the other, 13
Spaniards and 1 Canadian.
20200a
Another 8/B [the Bhannon) broke adrift
from the Sun III and the puke look
her in tow.
7x8 June
0600ca
Arrived Ramagate. Small craft were
sent out to take off the 44 survivors.
0730ea
The Duks left the 3 sailing barges off
the DOWNE, and went into harbour.
083000
Was sent out to retch the Fichbourgs
This was done- [See tog Primeral
into herbour, as she was diasbled,
Jane
0800(2)
Proceeded with the Log context to
Shosburyness.
7000140
Authority W.W.
(1) D.R., which records that "Sourcouf du Quesclin" lunded
the
35 troops. 1115.
258

Details

EASTBOURNE BELLE
M/B (Owner, Allchorn)
1st June
a. m.
Her motor having broken down, she was
M/B Skylark 6.
towed in to Dunkirk beach by the
The Skylark 6 then reports that the
Eastbourne Belle ran on to a
submerged car.
full
The Eastbourne Belle '18 however,
reported to have returned to England.
Nil
Authority - T.0.9144/40.
(1)
265

Details

EDINA
ESEX
Wherry (Owner, T.H. Read)
The
Did not return from Dunkirk.
3rd June
2255
Went alongaide vest pier, Dunkirk
harbour, and #dbarked 210 French
troops who possessed practically
Authority - TO.9144.
all their equipment.
TO.9436.
Slipped and proceeded. There was
considerable congestion in the
harbours
2331
Just cleared harbour entrange where
Kingfleher was purmed by French
travier Edmond Rend and her port bow,
20 fest from the stern, opened up
to the water line.
The too ships owung alongside one
another after the collision, and
the troops transferred to the
trawler which was undamaged.
The Edmond Rene is not mentioned
in any report as having transported
the troops to England.
Total 210
Authority - R.O.II, P.267.
Edmond Resca
AD 51
varbeau
GUÉZENNEC
aux. M/S
Hase Fronth
STATE
268

Details

EDMOND RENE
French trawler
The corvette Kingfisher reports:
3rd June
2255
Went alongside west pier, Dunkirk
harbour, and embarked 210 French
troops who possessed practically
2319
all their equipment.
Slipped and proceeded. There was
considerable congestion in the
harbour.
2331
Just cleared harbour entrance where
Kingfisher was rammed by French
trawler Edmond Rene and her port bow,
20 feet from the stern, opened up
to the water line.
The two ships swung alongside one
another after the collision, and
the troops transferred to the
trawler which was undamaged.
The Edmond Rene is not mentioned
in any report as having transported
the troops to England.
Total 210
Authority - R.O.II, p.267.
Edmoud Rene'
AD 51
vaiseau Enseigue are
GUÉZENNEC
aux. M/S
Note of French
Historical Section
269

Details

EDWARD z. DRESDEN
R.N.L.I.
(Clacton)
Lt. Cdr. R.W. Faulkner,
life boat
R.N.R.[?Reta.]
W.P. Trotter (Bank of
England), a Lieut. R.N.R.,
a Lieut. R.N.V.R. and the
Naval crew.
2nd June
p.m.
Left Ramsgate too late to get to
Dunkirk and had to return.
3rd June
Lt. Cdr. Faulkner joined on this day.
1730ca
Left Ramsgate with several other vessels
in company. Outside Ramsgate was
taken in tow by a London tug,
[the Tanga] bound for Dunkirk. Four
other vessels were on the tow, one
of them being the M/B Madame Sans-
Gene.
-
En route, the Sans Gene and another M/B
got rope round their propellers, and
the latter had to be cut adrift.
-
Sighted a floating mine. Unsuccessfully
tried to sink it by M/G fire.
2300ca
Off Dunkirk, the tug cast off the tow.
One of Edward Z. Dresden's propellers
became fouled.
-
Attempted to tow off a stranded skoot
[the Lena] without success. Ferried
French and other troops to ships
outside the harbour. Made several
such trips.
4th June
0300
Proceeded.
10 miles out picked up a ship's life
boat full of soldiers, and embarked
them.
0730ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked troops.
Estimated Total 50(1)
Authority - J.D.C.
(1) Ramsgate report states "Two life boats - 184 Allied troops."
272

Details

EM
GERBERA
M/L's
WINDSORA
(Owner, Charles Hill & son, Windsor)
[+++
10% June
0715
Taken in tow by the are. Thettix.
Other ships in the top sere the N.L/Ba
These vessels were unsuitable and took no 1975,
part 0725 in Dynamo. d White Bear.
Moid
Left Dover.
1537
Net the Yvonne of Mombe (of Oravalines)
with 1 English soldier heading for
England - she turned and headed
towards Dunicise.
1615
Air attach Tow broken by blast.
Men thrown in water; all picked up.
About this time, the Yvonne 03 Nombe
was sunk by a direct hit.
1635
Air attack continues.
1652
Bombe heard dropping. Drifters heading
home without leaving orders. Some
small boats turn back.
1710
Abdy Beanclork, only, in company.
1718
The life boat "Hosa Bood" [1.00 the
ROBS good and Phyllis Lunn Joined
company. The None Wood and Phyllis
Lunn decided to return to Dover.
1740
Closed B. drifter.
1821
Air attack continues, The Abdy
Resueler's and the Rosa wood turn back.
1854
Lieut. Meed in the carried on
towards Dunkirk.
1926
The M/B Cairngory in reply to B query,
signalled "steer 0.55 E. for Dustirk".
2030ca
Joined company with the tog SUN IV .
2044
Arrived off Dunking vith son IV.
2100
Lt. Mond boarded the Sen IT-
2135
Dunkirk harbour. PASSION Eroope to the
M/S Nisst and other ships lying out-
side the harbour, shilst coming
alongside the towing a boat in
which was Bee Codet Jest, 31dmouth-
Willing), a sholl exploded nearby;
Lientenent Head WSS mortally wounded,
and died in 15 minutes.(1)
2nd June
0423
The left Dankirk in tow of the
1010
Arrived Bun IV.
1030
The Bun XY and the LEER together
disembarked 142 $20000. (See Qua IV)
3rd June
1026
Left Benagate.
1355
Arrived Dover-
Total S
Authority - R.O.II, D.230+
The following evards
Hentton in Degratches (Posthunous)
17, Linot. R.H. Head, B.S.V.R.
Brassen in Despatchee
A.D. Tol. Wells Gooley*
Mecksnus.
(1) Report by Burg. Lieut. 278 of EXHIR

Details

X
E.M.E.D.
Walton & Frinton
life boat
Lieut. R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
[see Tel. W.H. Cooley.
1st June
0715
Taken in tow by the dfr. Thrifty.
Other ships in the tow were the M.L/Bs
Greater London, Abdy Beauclerk,
and the M/B's P.E.42 Summer Maid
and White Bear.
0725
Left Dover.
1537
Met the Yvonne et Moabe (of Gravelines)
with 1 English soldier heading for
England - she turned and headed
towards Dunkirk.
1615
Air attack. Tow broken by blast.
Men thrown in water; all picked up.
About this time, the Yvonne et Moabe
was sunk by a direct hit.
1635
Air attack continues.
1652
Bombs heard dropping. Drifters heading
home without leaving orders. Some
small boats turn back.
1710
Abdy Beauclerk, only, in company.
1718
The life boat'Rosa Wood" [i.e. the
Rosa Wood and Phyllis Lunn] joined
company. The Rosa Wood and Phyllis
Lunn decided to return to Dover.
1740
Closed a drifter.
1821
Air attack continues. The Abdy
Beauclerk and the Rosa Wood turn back.
1854
Lieut. Mead in the E.M.E.D. carried on
towards Dunkirk.
1926
The M/B Cairngorm in reply to a query,
signalled "steer S.55 E. for Dunkirk".
2030ca
Joined company with the tug Sun IV.
2044
Arrived off Dunkirk with Sun IV.
2100
Lt. Mead boarded the Sun IV.
2135
Dunkirk harbour. Ferried troops to the
M/S Niger and other ships lying out-
side the harbour. Whilst coming
alongside the Niger [towing a boat in
which was Sea Cadet Lieut. Sidmouth-
Willing], a shell exploded nearby;
Lieutenant Mead was mortally wounded,
and died in 15 minutes. (1)
2nd June
0423
The E.M.E.D. left Dunkirk in tow of the
Sun IV.
1010
Arrived Ramsgate.
1030
The Sun IV and the E.M.E.D. together
disembarked 142 troops. (See Sun IV)
3rd June
1026
Left Ramsgate.
1355
Arrived Dover.
Total 39
Authority - R.O.II, p.230.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches (Posthumous)
Ty. Lieut. R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
Mention 1n Despatches
P.O. Tel. W.H. Cooley.
A.B.
J.L. MacManus.
(1) Report by Surg. Lieut. of Niger.
279

Details

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

Details

EMMA OF INDIA French trawler
E.E
See under Pierre & Marie
Disldays Ender.
Fill
28th May
2034
Left Dover for La Panne via 20016 PATAL 2.
29th May
0315
0415
Anchored off beneh armiting daylight.
Sufficient collect to Tannch honts
which towed the shelers until potrol
troops. Assisted by a U/E
ran out.
0908
1921
Proceeded by route Y to Dover
Dover, Disemberked 274 EXPORT
30th May
1000
1735
Left Dover via route I for Malo beach.
Anchored off Malo benon, Embarked
troops with ship's two sholers.
The fire. beach under sir attack and shall
1930
2117
Proceeded by route X to Doves.
Enemy destroyer. A/C simed 4 bombs as coarby
31st May
0100
Anchored daylight. off No Goodwin L.V., swaiting
0430
Dover. Disembarked 215 troops.
lat June
1558
Left Dover by route L. N.L/B Mary
Goott in toy [the M/B Bluebird was
also in tow].
2315
Anchored off Malo beach. Mary Scott
ferried troops to the Emperor of
India and towed the ship's whalers,
until she broke down and had to be
abandoned on the beach. (1)
[8/Lt. Diokinson who was in charge
of her, obtained a passage in M.L/B.
Louise Stephene (2)].
200 June
0230
Proceeded by route X towards Dover.
0300
The 2 whalers broke away from the toy
in Dunkirk Channel one TO CSTA
1015
Dover, Disemberked 733 troops.
3rd June
Under repair.
Total 642
Authority - R.O.I, D+237.
G sary Referred Boott to eventually in Lt. Pasley's returned report so England. as "Louise stephenson".
283282

Details

EMPEROR OF INDIA (P.M/S) 10th M.S.F Ty.Lieut. C. Pawley,
R.N.R.
28th May
2034
Left Dover for La Panne via route Z.
29th May
0315
0415
Anchored off beach awaiting daylight.
Sufficient daylight to launch boats and
collect troops. Assisted by a M/B
which towed the whalers until petrol
ran out.
0908
1921
Proceeded by route Y to Dover.
Dover. Disembarked 214 troops.
30th May
1000
Left Dover via route X for Malo beach.
1735
Anchored off Malo beach. Embarked
troops with ship's two whalers.
The beach under air attack and shell
fire.
1930
Proceeded by route X to Dover.
2117
Enemy A/C aimed 4 bombs at nearby
destroyer.
31st May
0100
Anchored off N. Goodwin L.V., awaiting
daylight.
0430
Dover. Disembarked 215 troops.
1st June
1558
Left Dover by route X, M.L/B Mary
Scott in tow [the M/B Bluebird was
also in tow].
2315
Anchored off Malo beach. Mary Scott
ferried troops to the Emperor of
India and towed the ship's whalers,
until she broke down and had to be
abandoned on the beach. (1)
[s/Lt. Dickinson who was in charge
of her, obtained a passage in M.L/B.
Louise Stephens( 2)
2nd June
0230
Proceeded by route X towards Dover.
0300
The 2 whalers broke away from the tow
in Dunkirk Channel and were lost.
1015
Dover. Disembarked 213 troops.
3rd June
Under repair.
Total 642
Authority - R.O.I, p.237.
(1) (2) Mary Referred Scott to eventually in Lt. Pawley's returned report to England. as "Louise stephenson".
283

Details

FOUDROYANT
French torpedo boat
Flotilla) (2nd Division, 2nd
Capitaine de corvette
Fontaine
30th May
1000ca
1530ca
Sailed from Dover for Dunkirk. (1)
Off Zuydecoote, met the T/B Bourrasque
-
coming from Dunkirk. (2)
Returned to England, with 763 troops(
31st May
-
Went to Dunkirk.
-
Returned to England with 487 troops(
1st June
0800
Sailed for Dunkirk.
The M/S Speedwell reports:
1030ca
When some distance south-east of W buoy,
two consecutive salvos of bombs were
seen to hit a French destroyer which
was in company with another vessel.
"This vessel [presumably the French
destroyer] sank within 2 or 3 minutes
of being hit. (4)
The tr. Gava reports:
1400ca
Embarked from a damaged French trawler
137 members of the Foudroyant's
ship's company.
The M/B Naiad Errant reports:
-
About 3 miles from Dunkirk a French
destroyer blew up. The Naiad Errant
picked up about 20 survivors and
transferred them to a nearby French
tug.
The French M/S Bernadette also picked
up survivors. (5)
Total 1250
(1) Cyclone's report.
(2) Bourrasque's report.
(4) The D.R. was sunk in Dunkirk channel, Landriau, at commanding the beginning
(3)
of route X Flotilla of the Pas No.17. de
Foudroyant TReport by Rear Admiral Calais).
(5) French the French Admiralty record, Folio
338

Details

FRONSAC (517 tons) French cargo ship
No movements reported, but on lst June, D.R.
records that the "Fransah" [?Frousac] landed
Tixier) 500 troops in England, (see also Francois
4th June
The Fronsac, Margaux and Normanville
left Dover in company for Brest,
escorted by the sloop Belfort.
Total 500
be Fronsac est
Signale' anx Dunes
b fer frim 2amenaut
500 hournes.
(Regishe des
signaux du Savorguan
de Brazza)
Note by Cdr. Cras of French
Historical Section
347

Details

GAVINE
M/B (Owner F.A. Cooper)
31st May
-
The M/B Mary Spearing II, at Dunkirk,
sighted the Gavine ashore.
The Gavine 1s reported (T0.9144/40) to
have returned to England and
subsequently 1s recorded (T0.9436/40)
to have become a total loss.
Authority - R.O.II, p.392.
363

Details

GOLDEN LILY
M/B (Owner,
Capt. Cullen
Lt. Cdr. - ?
29th May
2200
Left Ramsgate in company with the
Lily out-distanced the eel-boats.
With her superior speed the Golden
eel-boats Johanna and Chantecler.
The Golden Lily evidently got to
Dunkirk - and returned to England -
but ties. there is no report of her activi-
Nil
Authority - T.O.9436/40.
387

Details

GUIDE OF DUNKIRK(1)
R.N.L.I. life boat
S/Lt.
[s/Lt. M/B Iote Amos and had S/Lt. already been to Dunkirk
Frinton.
1700 Wallace in M. L/B Orient in the IV]
3rd June
S/Lt. and Wallace sailed embarked in the
the tug Sun from XV. Ramsgate in V.L/B tow of
2200ca
The tow rope parted and fouled the
propeller. Signalled many ships but
0400ca
could get no reply.
S/Lts. Amos and Wallace went over the
side and made an unsuccessful
attempt to clear the screw with
knives. Blankets were then rigged
as sails in order to keep the vessel
away from the French coast.
1300
Cleared the propeller and set course
N.W. for England, having no charts
and not knowing the position.
4th June
2000
Contacted No.82 light-ship near
Harwich, and the M.L/B's complement
of 7, put up in her for the night.
5th June
0800
Left for Sheerness.
1130
Arrived Sheerness.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.391.
R.O.III, p.307.
Na Date William Lad
had
just ink she

Details

HILDA - Continued
31st May
0600
Six volunteer motor boat drivers
joined.
Lieut. Beery, suffering from
exhaustion, was discharged ashore,
sick. The Hilda sailed for Deal.
0830
Arrived Deal. The ship was placed
under the orders of Captain R. Pim,
R.N.V.R.
-
Sailed for Dunkirk, towing six M/B's
[ the Britannic, the Rose Marie, the
Lady Haig, the Moss Rose, the
Golden Spray II and the Gipsy King] (1)
and two life boats [ex the Belgian
steamer Flandres (1).
1600ca
Arrived La Panne. Lay off for 30
minutes until the enemy shore guns
ceased shelling.
1630ca
Closed the beach slightly and Capt.
Pim went ashore to organise the
embarkation.
2030
Having embarked 600 troops, they were
transferred to the dr. Scimitar.
Returned to the beach and embarked
100 troops. Capt. Pim re-embarked
and the Hilda shifted to the westward.
1st June
0400ca
Closed the beach and embarked about 100
stragglers from the main body of
troops marching on Dunkirk.
0800ca
Closed the dr. Keith, which was flying
the flag of Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker.
Captain Pim reported the situation
and was ordered to close the beaches
east of Dunkirk and if there were no
troops to proceed to England.
0820ca
Shortly after, the Keith was repeatedly
attacked by strong formations of
bombers, put out of action and
abandoned. During this period,
the Hilda remained under way, zig-
zagging (as apart from the Keith and
the M/S Skipjack, there was little
else for the A/C to attack).
The Hilda at once proceeded to
rescue Keith's survivors, and assisted
by M/B's, recovered a large number,
including 2 British brigadiers and a
French general. (2) While so engaged,
0849
aircraft re-appeared and sank the
Skipjack half a mile distant.
Hilda then proceeded to pick up all
Skipjack's survivors( except
about 12, which were recovered by
a tug [the St. Abbs].
1100ca
Sailed for England with more than a
full load of troops.
1130ca
Passed Dunkirk breakwater. Shortly
after passing 6 W buoy, was overtaken
and passed by the P/V Scotia and a
paddle steamer [the P.M/S Brighton
Queen] laden with troops. When
these 2 ships were about 1 mile
ahead, dive bombers appeared and
sank them very rapidly.
The Hilda proceed to the spot and
(1) George Hammond & Co. Lloyd's Agency, Deal.
(2) Capt. Pim says "some 50, including the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F.
and other Staff Officers".
(3) Capt. Pim says "some 60 or 70".
32

Details

INDEPENDENCE (0.308)
French
Belgian trawler
vessel
31st May
1335
Routed from the Downs to Dunkirk by
31st May
0550
the dr. Leopard, she sailed in
company with the tr. Chasse-Maree
and six other trawlers.
Cap
D'Antifer,
Francois
Tixier
No other details are available.
1.
1200
Arrived Dunkirs [and unloaded
munitions].
There 1s no further information, but
D.R. states that troops were landed in
England 8.8 follows:
On 31st May, 600, by the "Cachin".
On 1st June, 1, by the Ingenieur
Cachin.
Total 601
Ingrien Cachin X 24
Licutenant de veitreau Helie
was an auxiliary minelayer
She disemberkad I 778
Soldiers of the French Goally
Corple in Le Havre
1st june 21 30.
Note by Car. Cres of French Historical Sootier
(1) Also referred to as an auxiliary minesweeper.
56 57

Details

INGENIEUR CACHIN
French cargo
May
vessel (1)
31st May
0550
Sailed from Dover to Dunkirk, escorted
by the patrol vessel Reine des Flots;
in company were the cargo ships
Cap D'Antifer, Francois Tixier
and Emma.
1200
Arrived Dunkirk [and apparently unloaded
munitions].
There is no further information, but
D.R. states that troops were landed in
England as follows:
On 31st May, 600, by the "Cachin".
On lst June, 1, by the Ingenieur
Cachin.
Total 601
Ingrien Cachin X 24
Lieutenaut de vaitreau Helie
was an auxiliary minalayer.
She disemBarKed 1 778
solder's of the French Cavalry
Corpse in Le Havre
1st june 21 30.
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Section
(1) Also referred to as an auxiliary minesweeper.
57

Details

JESUS FLAGELLE (B.1853)
French M.F.V.
4th June
0900
The Jesus Flagelle disembarked at
Ramsgate about 90 French troops
May
1335
and about 8 French sailors. (1)
the
Total 98
Disembarked 12 in England. (2)
(1)
(1) Ramagate report states that the Meuse, B.1853, H.81 and
LHWD disembarked 354 Allied troops and 33 French sailors.
(2)
91

Details

JEUNE FRANCE (D1.1213)(1
French M.F.V.
30th May
Disembarked about 174 troops in
England. (See under Chasse-Maree)
31st May
1335
Routed from the Downs to Dunkirk by
2200
the Destroyer Leopard (see under
Margaux (D.692)).
Cdr.
in
3rd June
-
Disembarked 12 troops in England. (2)
The
Golden
esl-boats, whic Estimated total 186
separated from
Having no charts, the Johanna secured
to B ship near the North Goodwine,
and stayed there the night.
May
Ballo
Returned to Remegate.
1530ca
In company with the M/B Constant
and a outter and a whaler, was towed
to Dunkirk beaches by the sk.
Jutland. (1)
2330
The Jutland enchored 2 miles east of
Dunkirk, The Constant Nymph towed
in the outter and whaler. About
200 troops were ferried to the
Jutland and the Johanna, the letter
assisting to load the former.
May
0300
Proceeded with 10 troops on board
[whether in company with, on to
of, the Jutland is not closs].
1100ca
Disamberged TO
8/16 Cares-Russ then the
Total 10
Authority - R.O.III, pp.302, 308, 329.
(1) Believed to be referred to in D.R. as the "Dame Franche".
No vessel named the "Dame Franche" is known by the
Ministere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
(2) D.R.
the
May.
9202
92

Details

KEITH (continued).
May
1st (continued). June
Some of Keith's survivors reached the
wreck of the S.S. Clan Macalister
when they were taken off by a motor
lighter and transferred to the lighter
1110
Y.C.63, (which already had a full
load of soldiers). Survivors of
Keith thus reached England in the
1220
following ways:
1530
The Captain, 3 Officers and 13
ratings in Y.C.63;
1 Officer, 83 ratings and 10 officers
1830
of the Army H.Q. Staff in the
Vincia;
1950
2 Officers, and 20 ratings in the
Hilda;
7 ratings in the Salamander;
1 Officer swam to Dunkirk and took
passage in a M.A/S.B.
3 officers and 33 ratings were lost.
[the
St.
2100
2200
Left the Total 1,200
the
Gracie Fields [about 3 hours
the Gracis Fields had to be
Authority - M.017681/40.
T bucy].
30th
May
R.O.III. p.374.
Margate.
1020
Disembarked 550 (1)
1130
for Sheerness to
The following awards were made:
1600
Sailed for Bray beach.
D.S.C.
Lieut. C.P. Adams, R.N.
Arrived off Bray. The expected boats
had not arrived. A military officer
came aboard with 40 troops.
D.S.M.
0130
Lt. Odr. Craig embarked. Shelling of
Ch. Yeo.Sigs. F. Laister.
the
beach
commenced
and
continued.
Actg. P.O.
E.F. Standley. The troops could not be induced to
L/sea.
E.I.J.A.G. Joplin. off in the ship's
A.B.
E.B. Wilkinson. gun fire and shelling of
A.B.
G.E. Davies, R.F.R. beach.
to find troops
so
Mention in Despatches.
Capt.
E.L. Berthon, D.S.C., R.Noned by 3
Lieut.
R.W. Highes, R.N.
Lieut.
G.J.A. Lumsden, R.N. found the
Midshipman L/Tel.
H.B. Poustie, R.NeRtsod.
E.J.M. Beeley.
A.B.
T.F. Asprey.
A.B.
I.A. Nethercott.
A.B.
J. Wallis.
troops. for
A.B.
G.J. Woodger.
the
for
350 and
of
Wargate
a disembarkation
Le
110

Details

LADY HAIG (D.R.19)
M/B (H. Meakins)
31st May
1100ca
Left Deal in tow of the Sk. Hilda
1800
with 5 other M/B's and 2 life boats.
Worked off the beaches.
There is however no information as to
her activities, except that she
returned to England.
Authority - T.O.9436/40.
136

Details

I)
LA NANTAISE - Continued.
Bon)
8/Lt, R.A.E.Cornich, R.N.V.D
4th June
Sailed for Cherbourg with a convoy of
1500
17 ships.
2030
dr. Openn Broces.
bench, ferried troops to the
Ocean leaving her proce whale Total 15. magate,
Lenadowne.
2100
Lanadowne and the whaler forried troops
to the Sk. Atlantic.
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folio No.6. ble to clear 15.
1st June
0300
Left Dunkirk in tow of the Atlantic.
0445
The Lansdoyne broke adrift and to
be absndoned.
She did not return to England.
[on 3rd June s/Lt. Minchin embarked in the
N/B Hilfranor].
Authority - R.O.II, pp.33, 393, 547-
TO. 9436.
148

Details

LANSDOWNE
M/B (Owner,
V. Messum & son)
S/Lt. E.A.E.Cornish, R.N.V.R
31st May
-
1500
Towed over to Dunkirk.
Off Malo beach, ferried troops to the
dfr. Ocean Breeze.
2030
Ocean Breeze proceeded to Ramsgate,
leaving her whaler with the
Lansdowne.
2100
Lansdowne and the whaler ferried troops
to the Sk. Atlantic.
2400ca
Propeller fouled. Unable to clear it.
1st June
0300
Left Dunkirk in tow of the Atlantic.
0445
The Lansdowne broke adrift and had to
be abandoned.
She did not return to England.
[on 3rd June S/Lt. Minchin embarked in the
M/B Hilfranor].
Authority - R.O.II, pp.33, 393, 547.
TO. 9436.
149

Details

LEOPARD - Continued
1115
(contd.) 3rd June
Disembarked at Dover the 19 rescued men.
1300
Sailed for Cherbourg.
[The
1940
Arrived Cherbourg.
4th June
1200
Sailed for Dover.
May
2130
Anchored off Dover.
5th June
0900
Sailed for Cherbourg, the T/B
Incomprise in company.
Dover.
Total 19
May
1600ca
for
30
the
left
or
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folio No.18.
1st June
0300ca
120
engineers, although orders MM been
given not to 100
per tragler,
0530
Sailed with 12 ships - not in rermation,
80 no not to attract the attention
of bonbers. H.76 took the lead, the
convoy having delayed;
her skipper had no charts, no compane,
and no precise information of the
channels to England,
1800ca
The convoy arrived at Dover with about
800/900 troops (2)
[Six other ships of the original
convoy landed 350 troops at Remagate
(see 3.50).
Received orders to proceed to Romagate.
-
The convoy errived at Ramsgate and
disembarked troope.
report is not sufficiently
accurate to enable details to be
2100ca
Bailed givenj. in a convoy or 12 ehipe [see
8.50] for Dankirk.
2nd June
Arrived off Dunkirk beach [i.e. Malo]
010000
The 1476 grounded on a sand bank.
Onnole to get off on the falling tide,
No Terrier boarded the convoy
Lesder's ship.
0400
At drun be re-embarked in the 11.76 and
after an hour's effort, by
another trawler, he got his ship
afloat. The other trawler not wishing
to enter the harbour, the H.75
alone, and embarited 80 English
troops including "s commodore and a
09000a
11. 76 then sailed, after having seen that
young Lientenant*.
there were no more troops.
(1) According to 2.50, there wore 17 ships in the convoy,
(2) Dover and their registered a numbers number are of small given. vessels "chalutier" by name,
such Report mentions River (120 troops), Marie
French BE 68 the Goston (100 troops). the Chasseur Reine Plots (117
troops), (62 the Onders the Patrie (157 troops), names or DO
one (95 troopa), the but there is
information troops), to and show that these were the
V. Terrier's ships.
164

Details

LEOPOLD ANNA (H.76)
Belgian
trawler
Maitre de Manoeuvre
(M.F.V.
R. Terrier, Skipper.
[The times in this account are from the Z.50's and
St. Pierre IV's reports. M. Terrier gave none]
29th May
Took command of H. 76 at Havre.
30th May
0400ca
Sailed a convoy (commanded by
Dover. Officer des equipages Vigne) for
2000ca
Arrived Dover.
31st May
1600ca
Sailed for Dunkirk in a convoy of
about 30 ships;( (1) the H.76 leading
the left hand column of ships.
1st June
0300ca
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Embarked 120
engineers, although orders had been
given not to embark more than 100
per trawler.
0530
Sailed with 12 ships - not in formation,
so as not to attract the attention
of bombers. H.76 took the lead, the
convoy commander having been delayed;
her skipper had no charts, no compass,
and no precise information of the
swept channels to England.
1800ca
The convoy arrived at Dover with about
800/900 troops. (2)
[Six other ships of the original
convoy landed 350 troops at Ramsgate
(see Z.50)
-
Received orders to proceed to Ramsgate.
-
The convoy arrived at Ramsgate and
disembarked troops.
Ramsgate report is not sufficiently
accurate to enable details to be
given].
2100ca
Sailed in a convoy of 12 ships [see
z.50] for Dunkirk.
2nd June
-
Arrived off Dunkirk beach [1.e. Malo]
0100ca
The H.76 grounded on a sand bank.
Unable to get off on the falling tide,
M. Terrier boarded the convoy
leader's ship.
0400
At dawn he re-embarked in the H.76 and
after an hour's effort, assisted by
another trawler, he got his ship
afloat. The other trawler not wishing
to enter the harbour, the H.76 entered
alone, and embarked about 80 English
troops including "a commodore and a
young Lieutenant".
0900ca
H.76 then sailed, after having seen that
there were no more troops.
(1) According to there were 17 ships in the convoy,
(2) Dover and Report their registered mentions Z.50, a numbers number are of small given. vessels by name,
such as the Gaston River (120 troops), "Chalutier"
[French = trawler] (100 troops), the Chasseur Marie (117
troops), the Onders Ons (95 troops), the Reine de Flots
(62 troops), and the Patrie (157 troops), but there is no
information to show that these were the names of
Terrier's ships.
165

Details

MADELEINE CAMILLE (H.81) Belgian trawler
Reported by D. Geselle, Belgian telegraphist
"We saved 350 soldiers at Dunkirk".
From Ramsgate report:
4th June
0900
354 B.E.F. and 33 French sailors
were landed by the following 4
vessels: B.1853, H.81, L.H.W.D.,
E
and the Meuse.
(Estimated) Total 90
Authority - C.W. 26612/41.
La Madeleine Camille
with 3 french naval
latings on board in
a convoy commanded by
Ensergued various
DuvaR, landed
173 troops in
England
(hate by bat bras of french
Phystomal Dept)
216

Details

1462
MARETTA
Oropesa trawler
vessel
25th my
Maretta was damaged at Calais on 26th May and
was 3 weeks refitting].
26th May
Took no part in Dynamo, but shown in D.R. as
having done BO.
There is no Further information, bot
according to DiRey 00 31st May, the
"Margeanx" landed 369 troops in
England. (1)
4th June
Salled from Dover for Brest escorted by
the Bloop Belfect, the
and Propase in company.
Total 369
Plate by the la)
Margaws left
Deen Kurk with
134 3 twops
one of them died
(night of 30 02/3/14
of May)
Ican't pracise
if sha Panded Harry
in U.K. arin France.
(1) D.R. "Mergeanx" monz the French destroyers) The destroyer
Maroeau 1a took given no part 10 D.R's 1141 of visits
there was, however, in Dynamidy eud S worships.
places the not one of that DRIVE vossel named
235

Details

MARGAUX (1462 tons) French cargo vessel
25th May
-
The Margaux and the French S.S. Hebe
were escorted to the Downs by the
sloop Belfort.
26th May
Anchored in the Downs.
There is no further information, but
according to D.R., on 31st May, the
"Margeaux" landed 369 troops in
England. (1)
4th June
Sailed from Dover for Brest escorted by
the sloop Belfort, the Normanville
and Fronsac in company.
Total 369
Phote by film fros of french In see)
Margaux left
Dunkirk with
1343 troofs
one of them died.
(night of 30 ,H/3/50
of May)
Ican't precise
if she Panded them
in U.K. os in France.
(1) D.R. "Margeaux" among the French destroyers; The
there places the not one of that name. named destroyer
Marceau larceau is took given no in D.R's list of French
was, however, part in Dynamo, but a vessel warships.
236

Details

MARY SCOTT
R.N.L.I. (Southwold) M.L/B
1st June
1558
Left Dover, by route X, in tow of
the M/S Emperor of India; also on
the tow was the M/B Bluebird.
2315
The Emperor of India anchored off Malo
beach. Towing the ship's whalers,
the Mary Scott ferried troops from
the shore, until she broke down,
and was abandoned on the beach.
S/Lt. S.C. Dickinson, R.N.V.R.
(of the Emperor of India) who was in
charge of the Mary Scott, got a
passage home in the M.L/B Louise
Stephens.
2nd June
0845
The Mary Scott proceeded independently
to England. (see Appendix S.17).
Authority - R.O.I., p.238.

Details

MARY SPEARING( 1)
M/B (Owner, W.G.S.
Crouch & Sons)
s/Lt.W.G.M. Christian,
R.N.V.R.
[Date?]
Ran aground at Dunkirk.
-
Later she was sighted in tow of a
tug.
[s/Lt. Christian sighted the M/B
at
Margherite floating but abandoned].
The Mary Spearing did not return to
England.
Authority - TO.9144/40.
TO.9436/40.
R.O.II, p.392.
1) referred to in D.R. as "Mary 15 Spearing I".
Incorrectly

Details

2
M.A/3.B.6 - Continued.
31st May
2400ca
(contd.
On return to the Keith, General Leese
was embarked and instructions were
given to collect Lord Gort from the
M/S Hebe and return to England.
1st June
0030ca
By the time the Hebe was reached, Lord
Gort had gone over to the Keith;
M.A/S.B.6 therefore returned to the
Keith.
0304
Sailed for Dover with Lord Gort and
General Leese.
0547
Arrived Dover. Disembarked Lord Gort
and General Leese.
2nd June
1201
Left Dover to search for the dfr.
Girl Gladys (reported broken down
7 miles east of Dunkirk) and also
for about 30 soldiers in an open
boat (reported by aircraft to be 3
miles off Dunkirk).
1330
3 miles off Dunkirk, collected 5
Spaniards and about 6 troops from 2
open boats. Then went alongside a
Thames barge( 1) (containing about 220
troops including 2 colonels, an
artillery major and some wounded),
which was endeavouring to sail to
England. An attempt to repair the
barges diesel engine was unsuccessful.
M.A/S.B.6's First Lieutenant,
S/Lt. T.E.B. de Hammel, R.N.V.R. was
transferred to the barge with
instructions to sail the barge to
M.A/S.B.6 Dover. continued unsuccessfully to
search for the Girl Gladys.
Two miles to the east, M.A/S.B.6
When east of La Panne, abandoned the
picked up 18 troops from an open boat.
search for the Girl Gladys, and set
to intercept the barge.
When course out of sight of land, M.A/S.B.6 was 20
1720ca
attacked by about 7 dive bombers.
50 ahead and M.A/S.B.6 passed
to yards of the ship. One exploded
30 bombs were dropped within 10 to
through just the splash. Two casualties.
Arrived Dover. Sent out a tug to troops search
Proceeded to Dover.
1922
for the barge. Disembarked 24
The and barge 5 was found by the tug(2) about.
Spaniards.
[2100
10 miles fron Dover.]
Total 26(3)
Authority - R.O.II, pp. 391, 468.
(1) Not identified.
(2) Not identified
(3) Not mentioned in D.R.
253

Details

MEANDER
M/B (Owner, H. Graham) Skpr. G.W. Halliday,
R.N.R.
2nd June
-
went over to Dunkirk.
There 1a no report of her activities,
except that she returned to England.
Authority - R.O.II, p.392.
263

Details

la
MOSQUITO - Continued.
1st June
0500ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 620
troops. (1)
0830
[1024]
Sailed for Dunkirk.
15 miles from Dunkirk attacked by 1
dive-bomber. One near miss caused
damage, (2) but was able to continue
on course.
1230ca
Arrived off Dunkirk. Embarked about 30
French and Belgian troops from a M/B
[the Rapid] with life-boat in tow.
Telling the M/B to follow, the
Mosquito proceeded to the assistance
of a transport [the Scotia] reported
to be sinking at the west end of the
channel. Almost immediately, the
1330ca
Mosquito was attacked from different
directions by at least 6 of a flight
of 20 Ju.87's. The 4th Salvo
"literally enveloped" the ship; there
was a direct hit and a near miss.
Boiler and engine rooms were badly
holed, the sick bay wrecked, and the
steering gear jammed with the rudders
hard over; the ship took a heavy
list to port. The pom-pom's crew
were all killed or knocked out except
L/Sea. Thirlwall; he "although
shockingly badly wounded in at least
4 places", kept the one undamaged
barrel firing until ammunition ran
out. Able seaman Hirschfield proceeded
aft, where the 0.5" gun's crew were
all wounded, and single-handed
brought the gun into action.
After giving the order to abandon ship
Lieut. Gardiner went below to burn
the books. The executive officer,
Lieut. A.H. Manwaring, R.N., having
been mortally wounded, S/Lt. Flint
took charge of the abandoning of the
ship. Survivors were picked up by a
motor boat [the Rapid] and 2 drifters
(one of them the Lord Cavan) (3).
Mosquito then had a list to port of
about 20 degrees and water was pouring
in through 3 holes in the boiler room
and a large hole in the condenser.
Lieut. Gardiner was taken [in the
Lord Cavan] to Dunkirk where he
embarked in the dr. Worcester. During
an air attack on the way to England
he was wounded.
Total 1183.
Authority - M.017681/40.
(2) Calcutta says, "At 1024 detached Shearwater to stand by
(1) D.R. states 610.
(3) Lieut. Hosquito." Gardiner says, the "Earl of Cavan".
303

Details

E
EGI
ONLY
[Open] Motor life boat
-
S/Lt. R.H.C. Amos, R.N.V.I
S/Lt. R.H. Wallace, R.N.V.
3rd June
1700
2300
Left Ramsgate in tow of the tug Sun XV.
Tow parted and fouled propeller.
Signalled many ships but could get
no reply.
4th June
1300
Propeller cleared. Set course N.W.
for England. No charts, and where-
abouts unknown.
2000
Contacted No.82 L.V. near Harwich.
10.2
Stayed on board the L.V. for the nigh
10.8
additional
5th June
1130
Arrived Sheerness.
Took no part in the evacuation.
1D 78
Authority - R.O.III, p.307.
)
Bourgain
any M/S
(hotoly form of
learn)
1
306

Details

OPERATION C.K.
COMMITION
7.5,
CARRIED our NT
See under "Blockships".
Can Plan
Nsval Denolition Party under the document of
Consider U.S. Banks , Ban Banded RE Duskiss ON 23:0 Eng.
on the duy, A PTR hold with the
vrenche at WHICH the fallowing demollisions 16 the dockyard DO
DC undertaken by the Grition French Pospectively were
agreed uponse
arindon responsibility: The Toaky the Tryation look
and the Qualimin 100%
Presen responsibility: Lo Ests Look (betseen the
Commercial Dook and the tinks
and all The sampling
atations and the pridgen other the
looks and
Communder one seateted by A Royal Englaner desolition
party unier Captain Scot, this private emberged for
ongland on 2608 MAY The French Gemolition jurty consisted or
an officer and 20 sounch ratings,
On 27th May, on the orders of do 80M
Abrial), charges were placed end primot at the Weng Prystram
and Outlloin Looks. The charges of the Last too Yorks were
later hauled up egain DD permit or e-cmer this going through
On 28th May, the B.H.L.D. Henderson)
introduced Commandee Docks to the Donkirk who approductly
wus unaware of the proposed Operation X.D. (ach alan appendix
No signal 14.22),
Commander Banks then subscried to the Grifter of Promis and
apent an hour OF two seateting in the evacuation or trdops.
A rether confused situation 145 to Communder Banks misbakonly
returning to England before the demolitions had bach entried
out; he returned to Demkinst, hosever, the following days 30th
Jana.
It was not until 205 June that Admirsi Abrici necided
to carry out the following codified programs of
Yes lock.
Gates and bridge to be
Trystree look,
The two gates of the action Add inter
ends to be compliated,
Cuillain look. The two northven gates to be comolished.
Le Wain look. The gate 80 be
421 bridges had to be left, ou 1arge numbers of Freich trooph
Para ##111 withdrowing BAUCOS the
Das By the 20d June, COOM prémore bed been exploded but supplies OF
however, two of the charges which by heab sere
under tive; water they and had been replaced and pe-fused,
demolition stores were running short.
363

Details

OPERATION X.D.
DEMOLITIONS CARRIED OUT AT DUNKIRK
(See Plan )
Naval Demolition Party "E", under the command of
Commander W.E. Banks, R.N. landed at Dunkirk on 23rd May.
on the following day, a conference was held with the
French, at which the following demolitions in the dockyard to
be undertaken by the British and French respectively were
agreed upon:-
British responsibility: The New lock, the Trystram lock
and the Guillain lock.
French responsibility:
Le Main lock (between the
Commercial Dock and the tidal
basin), and all the pumping
stations and the bridges over the
locks and canals.
Commander Banks was assisted by a Royal Engineer demolition
party under Captain West, R.E., this party embarked for
England on 26th May. The French demolition party consisted of
an officer and 20 Beamen ratings.
On 27th May, on the orders of Amiral du Nord (Admiral
Abrial), charges were placed and primed at the New, Trystram
and Guillain locks. The charges at the last two locks were
later hauled up again to permit of some ships going through.
On 28th May, the B.N.L.O. (Commander H.P. Henderson)
introduced Commander Banks to the S.N.O. Dunkirk who apparently
was unaware of the proposed Operation X.D. (see also Appendix
N, signal N.22).
Commander Banks then embarked in the drifter Ut Prosim and
spent an hour or two assisting in the evacuation of troops.
A rather confused situation led to Commander Banks mistakenly
returning to England before the demolitions had been carried
out; he returned to Dunkirk, however, the following day, 30th
June.
It was not until 2nd June that Admiral Abrial decided
to carry out the following modified programme of demolitions:-
New lock.
Gates and bridge to be demolished.
Trystram
lock. The two gates at the outer and inner
ends to be demolished.
Guillain lock. The two northern gates to be demolished.
Le Main lock.
The gate to be demolished.
All bridges had to be left, as large numbers of French troops
were still withdrawing across them.
not under water and four primers had been exploded by bomb or
By the 2nd June, however, two of the charges which were
shell fire; they had been replaced and re-fuzed, but supplies
of demolition stores were running short.
364

Details

3
PANGBOURNE - Continued.
0646
30th May
Sighted the S. Goodwin L.V. and was
(contd.
Mosquito. (1)
led into Dover by the G/B
1000
At Dover, disembarked 450 troops, and
the wounded and dead.
2000
1st June
Damage repaired but compasses still
out of action. Sailed to rendezvous
with the M/S Halcyon at N. Goodwin.
Did not find her. (2)
-
Now too late to go to the beaches, BO
proceeded eastward to assist ships
returning in difficulties.
2nd June
0532
Passed T buoy.
Off S buoy, transferred 23 British
troops from the tr. Stella Rigel.
1030
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 23 troops.
2000
Proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
the M/S's Halcyon and Speedwell.
3rd June
0030
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Ordered by
R.A. Dover to wait outside, as there
were no troops.
0200
A life-boat with 43 French troops and
4 officers came alongside and embarked
They stated that they were from a
French vessel, which had run aground
on a sandbank. (3)
Ordered by R.A. Dover to return to
England.
0215
Followed the M/S Albury until clear
of the channel and then made for
Folkestone.
-
Arrived Folkestone. Disembarked 47
troops.
Total 920
Authority - R.O.I, p.327.
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Actg. Cdr. F. Douglas-Watson, R.N.
C.G.M.
L/sto. R.K. Robb.
Mention in Despatches (Posthumous)
P.O. W.G. Hoare.
Mention in Despatches.
L/Sea. A. Reid.
(1) Not mentioned in Mosquito's report.
(3) Probably the French mail packer Rouen.
(2) She was delayed and had not left harbour.
378

Details

PAULETER
MIRASOL( 1)
M/B 35 ft. (Owner, M/B (Owner R.C. Kyle) Mrs. D. Ashton) Sto.D. T. Banks
[sto. Banks cannot remember any times or
dates for the nine trips he says he made;
nor does he know the names of his crew].
[29ᵗʰ May?]
-
-
Arrived at Dunkirk beaches.
The Pauleter sailed from Ramsgate.
Embarked about 40 British and French
troops. Proceeded.
-
Air attacks.
-
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked troops.
sto. Banks with his crew of 2 ordinary seamen then
transferred to the Mirasol, and sailed to Dunkirk.
-
The Mírasol, alongside Dunkirk Mole was
damaged by a near mios. She was taken
in tow by a trawler, but later, sank.
At Ramsgate, Sto. Banks returned with
his crew to the Pauleter and in her
"did seven more trips to the beaches
or mole", bringing to "England a
total of about 400 Allied troops".
On one trip, 2nd, June, Sto. Banks rescued 3
survivors from the tr. Blackburn Rovers, which
was sunk by a mine between T and S buoys.
on the same day, the Pauleter is reported by
M.L.C.21 to have come alongside for a supply
of petrol and ammunition.
On one night Sto. Banks says he gave his men
"a run ashore" in Dunkirk, and they spent 1/2
hour collecting souvenirs.
Total 400
Authority - R.O.III, pp.304, 532.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
Stoker D.T. Banks.
(1) Referred to in Sto. Banks report as the "Marasole"

Details

M/B (Owner F. Bridge)
PEGGY IV
S.H. Hughes, Skipper.
Reported by Mr. Bridge.
company
with
the
soth [Date?] gay
The Peggy IV went to Dunkirk.
0200ca
31st usy
She did 2 trips from the shore to a
1000ca
motor boat - carrying about 150
troops.
On the 2nd trip, the boat was over-
crowded and shipped a lot of water.
After the troops had been transferred
to the motor boat, the Peggy IV
was abandoned. She did not return
to England.
and broke the steering.
Closed the dr. Woroester, about 1]
miles off-shore. Ordered by the
Worcester to abandon ship. An effort
Authority - TC.9144/40.
TO.9436/40.
to sink the ship during on of attack
was unsuccessfal,
1st June
0500ca
The Pellag II was found adrift by a
party of Royal Engineers, which under
Major M.C.A. Henniker R.E., had left
Dunkirk in rowing boats. They boarded
the yacht and managed to got the
engines running.
0545
The G/B Locust closed the Pellag IL.
transferred her troops and took her
in tow. Shortly afterwards the tow
parted. Two further attempts were
made to tow, but as enemy aircraft
were in the vicinity, it was events-
ally decided to abandon her. An
attempt to sink the Peling II by
gunfire was not DDS she
may have
Nill
Perried 33 troops.
Additionalty R.O.II, 241.
H.O. Case 6256.
Not 1dentiried. (England) B.K.
Vilson Ltd
not -

Details

PRESIDENT BRIAND
French M/S
trawler
Brought back 283 troops.
Left Portamouth for Remogate.
Lieutenant Talaer. de vaisseau( ?)
you
0630 See under Left Denis Remagate, Papin board, with in 0 M/L with navel
Near "D.16" the Prenoh [i.e. 0.91 tooj the
with Deatroyers started attack. shore sinking. one in in action of tow. them
destroyer
1030ca
Air under own power. Slipped the M/L which got
Tug in 0.9 "warned off", 80 proceeded
Picked company with her to
M/B Bonny Heather.
up the partially Dunkirk. disabled
Proceeded through yessels heavily
1130ca
attacked by air.
The M/S Brighton Queen, the P/V
1200ca
Slipped the M/B and rescued 75 British
Scotia and another ship, sinking,
and French survivors. Bombed and
machine gunned. "Warned off" by a
French destroyer.
1250ca
Proceeded back to England, tug 0.9(2)
1730ca
towing the Bonny Heather.
Arrived Ramagate. Disembarked 75 troops
Total 75(1)
Authority - R.O.III, D.87.
The mentioned Remagate report sives "Prima and
0.9 tory"i?]n tary does not 55" mention D.R.
407

Details

Tug (C.E. in C. Portsmouth)
J.B. Morran,
Master.
0130
Arrived Ramsgate.
Left Portsmouth for Ramagate.
2030
10th May
0630
Left ratings Ramsgate, with a M/L with 3 naval
on board, in tow; the
1st June
coaling tug C.9 in company.
Near the French coast, passed destroyer
"D.16" [i.e. the Ivanhoe in tow.
Destroyers on port hand in action
with shore batteries; one of them
started sinking.
1030ca
Air attack. Slipped the M/L which got
under own power.
Tug C.9 "warned off", BO proceeded
in company with her to Dunkirk.
Picked up the partially disabled
M/B Bonny Heather.
Proceeded through vessels heavily
attacked by air.
The M/S Brighton Queen, the P/V
1130ca
Scotia and another ship, sinking.
1200ca
slipped the M/B and rescued 75 British
and French survivors. Bombed and
machine gunned. "Warned off" by a
French destroyer.
Proceeded back to England, tug C.9(2)
1250ca
towing the Bonny Heather.
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 75 troops
1730ca
Total 75(1)
Authority - R.O.III, p.87.
(2) (1) Not report gives"Prima and
Tug not in 55" mention D.R. Ramsgate this.
408

Details

PROVIDER (R.19) (1)
M.F.V. (Owner,
Stanley Rowden)
F. Hannaford, Skipper
a.m.
31st May
At Mr. Dunkirk, embarking troops.
1420
drowned Penn, one of the crew,
30th pay
in when the small boat was he
The was swamped. Scate (montly was
Provider returned to England.
2000
Arrived or the boats beach Nil ratinges pont One
bunking
2.2,
3100 HAT
The boats ferried troops to the life
bost and the life boat to off+lying
ships. About 800 Ferried on
Authority - T.O. 9144/40.
the 00 Mr. Enight
BOYS that troope were refried to the
One Mian, which proceeded to Esmagate
with faulty engines (sea 11th 2 of
Prodentials' ozew on board to state
in mavigation).
let June
The life best continued ferrying
throughout the night or 32st Ney/
1st June.
0130
Left Dunkirk.
0630
Applyed
an
evener of trough Cervice
2600
THE ns these occretions
wherries
Authority - TO-9144/41.
The following awards were meder
D.S.K.
NPC H.P.O. Enight, Coxsvain.
(1) Ramsgate fishing trawler.
119

Details

Details

M/B (Owner C.L. Hunt)
QUEST
0500ca
31st May
Arrived Sheerness from Putney.
This boat went over to Dunkirk, with the
Hurlingham Yacht Club burgee nailed to the
mast stepping.
No information of her activities at Dunkirk
is available. She returned, damaged, to
England.
0100
Authority - TO.9436/40. TO.9144/40.
two
enslare.
50
beach
and
sent
in
I
by
but
the
were
by
Quicksflver,
with
0
in
steamed
along
off
the
beach.
0400ca
to Hilda but found she
to proceed,
Quickstlyer went into the
25 Allied
Air
attack.
0900
Disembarked
20
2100
Left Insurate with Capt. Revoir (Fre
NAD on board. [He intended to
go in the D/M.L. Swallow which
however, left at 20001- Delayed
weather,
Arrived Dunkirk. by French
N.A. to
Encountered tog.
0800
Arrived Deal.
20
Da
571.
s/Lt.
"31st trip the
2000 as the
"let the
422

Details

ROSE EFFEUILLEE (C.2716)
French M.F.V.
1st June
1755
31st
May
Disembarked at Ramsgate about 65
French troops. (1) the Hilds,
2
lifeboats
also in the tow,
on arrival off Dunkirk, 4 of the W/B's
were taken over by 5 motor launch.
1740
Two or the W/B's and the 2 lifeboate
were sent into the beaches.
No other information, except that the
Rose Marie eventually returned to
England.
Authority - TO.9436/40.
J.D.C.
gate Ramsge ; Ramsgate report, which names the ship "Rose Fenilla".
36

Details

ROSE MARIE (D.R.78)
M/B (Owner,
F. Upton)
31st May
1100ca
28th May
Left Deal in tow of the skoot Hilda,
1210
Le
with 5 other M/B's and 2 lifeboats
also in the tow.
2140
On arrival off Dunkirk, 4 of the M/B's
were taken over by a motor launch.
1740
Two of the M/B's and the 2 lifeboats
were sent into the beaches.
29th May
0506
No other information, except that the
Rose Marie eventually returned to
0828
England. to rendezvous
with the M/S Gosssmer at N. Goodwin
L.V. The two M/S's swept the
channel between the Dyck and Middel-
Authority - TO.9436/40.
kerke buoys. No mines were found.
J.D.C.
Both M/S's commenced double Oropesa
sweep along route X, from W buoy
towards No Goodwin L.V. No mines
were swept.
2100
Gosssmer and Ross proceeded by route X
towards Dunkirk.
30th May
0210
Off 11 W buoy in Dunkirk channel,
closed the P/V Normania, which had
been bombed and was sinking by the
stern, and took off 53 survivors
including 43 troops [the G/B Mosquito
which had been towing the Normania,
also picked up survivors].
Proceeded.
0405
Anchored off Bray.
0630
Sailed by route X for Margate, with a
further 410 troops on board.
1032
Arrived Margate.
1240
Disembarked 453 troops. (2) Proceeded
to Sheerness to coal.
31st May
0248
Left Sheerness, the M/S's Sutton and
Lydd in company. by route X to
Dunkirk.
0815ca
Cdr. Apps slipped on the bridge, fell
heavily and broke a rib. The 1st
Lieutenant, Lieut. Gadd took command.
0910
Anchored off Zuydooote and embarked
troops.
The army had constructed an improvised
jetty of motor lorries and other
vehicles; unfortunately the wind
had got up during the night, causing
a wind of about 3, which made boat
work difficult. Beveral boats were
damaged when going alongside the
jetty, by striking under water
projections of the vehicles.
Consequently, after 2 hours, only
121 troops were embarked.
1110
Transferred 121 troops to the Lydd,
and proceeded in company with Button
and Lydd by route X.
1553
Rose anchored off Margate. Cdr. Appa
was landed by boat and taken to
hospital.
300.
3⁻
37

Details

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

Details

SAMBRE
Ex-Belgian Canal
Boat
S/Lt. C.A. Thompson, the R.N.V.R. (M/B Cordelia)
reports on Sambre as follows:
29th May
1800
Three the ex-Belgian boats, the Sambre,
1815
tow of the drifter G.R.1740.6) (2)
Yser and one other left Dover in
One Belgian boat got a rope round its
1830
propeller and returned to Dover.
The M/B Cordelia now joined company
with G.R.1740 and the 2 remaining
Belgian boats.
2000
A destroyer( 1) took one of the two
Belgian boats in tow.
[2010
The Cordelia tied up astern of the
remaining Belgian boat and proceeded
in tow of G.R.1740 towards La Panne].
I
According to Cdre. A.H. Taylor:
170
30th May
The Sambre was towed over to Dunkirk
with a sister ship the Ambleve, by
the M/S Skipjack.
The Sambre, subsequently returned
to England.
Total Unknown
Authority - R.O.II, pp.239, 391.
)ᵃ
(1) No mentions this.
(2) destroyer Gerrais Bentrus where Fishing Number 740;
11 designation "G.R.17ap" s incomect. 86

Details

M/L
SHAMROCK
A. Barrell, Owner Skipper
PRINCESS MAUD(1)
CANVEY
M/L's
QUEEN OF ENGLAND (2)
1138
29th May
The Shamrock left Southend; in
ep.
(manned by naval ratings), the
company were the M.L's Princess Maud
Canvey Queen (1 naval rating and 1
civilian), and the Queen of England
(manned by 3 civilians).
About 10 miles west of Dunkirk, the
Queen of England was rammed amidships
by one of H.M. ships(3) and sank
immediately. The crew were picked
up by the Shamrock and transferred
to the ship, which proceeded.
der
30th May
-
Canvey Queen's engines stopped and she
was taken in tow by Shamrock.
0430ca
Arrived Dunkirk.
Shamrock, Canvey Queen and Princess
Maud ferried troops to destroyers,
including the "H.40" [i.e. the Anthony]
During these operations the
Princess Maud went aground and had to
be abandoned.
Shamrock's propeller became fouled
and she was towed by the Canvey Queen
31
to the "H.40" which embarked her crew.
The Shamrock was abandoned.
1645
The Canvey Queen at this time was able
to perform useful service towing
boats for the drifter Fairbreeze.
-
The Canvey Queen fouled her propeller,
and was abandoned off Dunkirk. (4)
1)
Mr. Barrell estimates that about 1500
troops were ferried by the above
motor vessels.
Authority TO.9436.
TO.9144.
(1) Owner - W.H. Wilson.
(3) Owner According - E. to Crouch. TO.9144, this was the M/S "Tilly";
but there was a report no minesweeper in of that name, the skoot
(4) Tilly does the matter.
Report by N.C.S.O. not mention Thames, dated 15/6/40.
124

Details

SODALITY
(107)
F.T. Everard & Sons
Ltd.
R. Roberts, Master.
3rd June
This ship did not take part in England Operation 16 troops. Dynamo. (1)
[She was at Dunkirk from 22nd to 24th May].
Soizle 40414
aux M/S
officiences Equapages
SUEUR
(hot by finbus
of treach of beated
E D.R. records the "Sarzik" landed 16 troops.
160

Details

SOIZIC (L.4107)
French M.F. V.
3rd June
Disembarked in England 16 troops. (1)
Soizic AD 414
aux. M/S
officier des Equipages
SUEUR
(hote by
of French Histonical Socition)
(1; D.R. records that the "Sarzik" landed 16 troops.
161

Details

SPINAWAY
M/V (Owner, S. Figg
Kaygee Contracts)
1630
1st June
Sailed tow from Sheerness for Dunkirk in
of the P. M/S Duchess of Fife.
2310
Apparently arrived at Malo beach, but
there is no information of the
Spinaway's activities.
The Spinaway returned to England.
Total -
Authority - T.O. 9436/40.
C. in C. Nore, 1640/1
169

Details

SURCOUF (D.G.921)
French M.F.V.
-
30th May
The landed Surcouf and the Du Guesclin together
35 troops in England. (1)
Total 17
70.9144.
(1) D.R. which records that "Sourcouf du Quesclin" landed
35 troops.
196

Details

SURCOUF (D.G.921)
French M.F.V.
-
30th May
The Surcouf and the Du Guesclin together
landed 35 troops in England. (1)
Total 17
I
is landed

Details

SWIFT WING
M/S drifter
French torpedo boats.
1.143
see under Yarmouth Base (H.M.S. Watchful).
According troops to D. R., these three vessels transport 1
to England on 4th June G.B. follows:
T.112 - 117 troops.
T.113 - 275 troops.
T.143 - 406 troops.
Note: These HT" numbers are probably pendents,
but of which vessels is not known.
T. 112 et 113
are 4'Incomprise
and Branlebas
T 143 = la Flore
( hate by bdr.breo of
Fren eh Histon cal Section)
206

Details

French torpedo boats.
According to to D. R., these three vessels transported
troops England on 4th June as follows:
T.112 - 117 troops.
T.113 - 275 troops.
T.143 - 406 troops.
Note: These "T" numbers are probably pendents,
but of which vessels is not known.
T. 112 et 113
are L'Incomprine
and Bzaulebas
T 143 = la Flore
(hate by bdr.bruo of
Inen Histon cal Section)
207

Details

THERESE LOUIS (B.1741)
French M.F.V.
30th May
Together Angele with the Chasse-Maree,
disembarked 697 troops in England. (1)
Marie and "Dame Franche",
Estimated total 174
[see also under Chasse-Maree].
1
in
the
to
Possa
(1) D.R. The "Dame Franche" is not known by the Ministere de
la Marine Marchande, paris.
It 1s probably a miscript for Jeune France.
222

Details

M/L.
TIGRIS I
H. Hastings, Owner, Skipper
-
28th May
Left Kingston for Sheerness.
0230
29th May
Left Sheerness for Ramsgate.
1100
Arrived Ramsgate. "We were still
without a pilot, having one naval
officer and two ratings".
1430
30th May
Left for Dunkirk, with orders "to
follow a pilot boat".
-
31st May
The "Pilot boat" broke down. Tigris I
was ordered to steer for the flames of
Dunkirk, about 2 hours distant.
a.m.
Arrived Dunkirk.
Tigris I ferried troops in conjunction'
with the M/B's Lansdowne and
Princess Lily, off La Panne.
-
Engines gave trouble and the boat went
back to Dunkirk, where 5 ferrying
trips were made.
-
On the 4th ferrying trip at Dunkirk,
Mr. Hastings was blown overboard by
bomb blast, but got back on board.
-
The Tigris I became disabled and was
abandoned.
1st June
-
The crew returned to Ramsgate "in the
same boat as the troops".
The Tigris I eventually returned to
England.
Mr. Hastings estimates that 800 troops
were ferried.
Authority - TO.9144/40.
233

Details

TUNG [?]
This vessel is stated by D.R. to have been a
Dutch skoot and to have landed 400 troops
in England on 4th June.
There was no skoot of this name among those
reported to be lying in the port of London
(Admty. Tel. 1704/22 of 22nd May 1940);
nor was she among those lying at Poole
(Admty. Tel. 1703/22 of 22nd May 1940).
There is no ship named "Tung" mentioned in
Lloyds Register of ships.
Doubtless 400 troops were landed by a ship
on the 4th June - but not apparently by
the "Tung".
Total 400
246

Details

Details

VENUS (A.D.76)
French M/S trawlers
MOUSSAILLON
(2nd Section of
Enseigne de vaisseau
Minesweepers)
de R. Rosec.
[Note: The times in this report appear
to be G.M.T.]
29th May
0700
Sailed from Cherbourg for Dover, in
(s.o. 2nd Section), President Briand
company with the trawlers Denis Papin,
and Moussaillon.
30th May
0500
All four trawlers anchored off Dover.
1400
The four trawlers sailed for Dunkirk
to bring French troops to England.
2100
Arrived Dunkirk and went alongside
the quay opposite the "gare maritime
Shelled by a 4 inch battery; one
shell exploded on the Venus's stern
rail.
Embarked 115 troops and 1 officer in
1 hour.
2120ca
Sailed for Dover.
31st May
0400
Arrived Dover. The Denis Papin and the
1
President Briand first disembarked
their troops. After which the Venus
and the Moussaillon disembarked theirs
The numbers disembarked were as
0
follows:
Denis Papin 177(1);
President Briand 166(2);
Venus 116 (3);
Moussaillon
1000
The Venus wastordered to wait for the
Moussaillon; the Denis Papin and
President Briand sailed for Dunkirk.
1115
The Moussaillon having disembarked her
troops, she and the Venus sailed for
Dunkirk.
2000
The Venus and Moussaillon arrived at
Dunkirk after having been delayed
at No. 5 buoy off Mardyck by an air
attack.
2045
Secured alongside the landing quay and
embarked 350 troops in all, in the
two ships.
2055
The Venus and Moussaillon sailed,
during an artillery bombardment.
1st June
0400
The Venus and Moussaillon arrived at
Ramsgate.
0955(5)
The Moussaillon disembarked 156 French
1040(5)
The troops. Venus disembarked 102 British
troops. (7)
(1) D.R., which names the ship "Devins Papin".
D.R., which names the ship "president Buars".
(3)
Not mentioned in D.R.
Estimated; not mentioned in D.R.
(6) B.S.T.
Ramsgate report, which names the ship "Mensaillon".
D.R. does not mention.
(7) Ramsgate report.
268

Details

VISCOUNTESS WAKEFIELD
R.N.L.I.
(Hythe)
life boat
According to the Coxswain of the Ramsgate life boat
(the Prudential) on
31st May, he had seen the Hythe life boat approaching La Panne.
"She was put aground. The soldiers waded
out to her, and with the men on board she was
knocking up on the shore, and there she stopped"
The Viscountess Wakefield was the only R.N.L.I. life boat
which did not return to England.
a
284

Details

WESTERLEY (1)
M/B (Owner, R.A.B. Christie)
0400
31st May
Left motor Ramsgate boats among in company them with the 7 other
Naiad Errant.
1425
1st June
The tween M/B Sundowner - half way
the 25 Ramsgate ft. and Dunkirk - out be-
and from Dunkirk, Westerley, down
returning motor cruiser sighted
Dunkirk) (and badly 3 naval on fire. ratings The picked broken crew of at 2
Sundowner and the Westerley was
were transferred to up the
abandoned. England. She did not return to
[The Sundowner continued on to Dunkirk].
Authority - TO.9144/41.
TO.9436/40.
(1) Naiad both refer to a a "Westerly" Westerley
AUZZI and DOODL Boe D. ame was among the
and the Sundowner GLORemeyer only record vessels

Details

WHITE HEATHER
M/B (Owner,
E. Smith &
Lt. Seal. ?
Sons)
1400
30th May
Left Sheerness for Ramsgate with a
convoy of 9 craft, among them the
M/Y Naiad Errant. M/B Forty Two
1630ca
also with 9 craft, in company.
The White Heather broke down, and was
taken in tow. Her convoy was taken
over by Lt. R. Nimmo, R.N.R. of the
M/B Forty Two.
[s/Lt. I.F. Smith R.N.V.R. in the M/Y Jong, returning
to Ramsgate from Dunkirk on 1st June, sighted the
White Heather "empty but at anchor". The White
Heather eventually returned to England].
Authority - TO.9436/46.
R.O.II, pp.391, 582.

Details

11A
NORE COMMAND
12
DOVER
RAMSGATE-continted.
LONDON.
NORE COMMAND continued.
Fast Motor Boats.
Base Ship-Pembroke.
(THE NORE AREA.)
THAMES AND MEDWAY.
THAMES AND MEDWAY-continued.
Jano
Ramsgate.
M/S Craft.
Harbour Defence Patrol Craft.
Cirrus
Boom Defence Gate Trawlers.
Portland.
New Prince of
Sea Lord
[45] Aisha
[45] Ristango
Wales I
Sheerness.
Mireille
Ramsgate.
[43] Amalfi
[45] Natal II
Colette
-
-
[45] Caleta
[45] Coronatia
Sheerness.
Buzzard
Girl Pat
-
-
[45] Caterina
Contraband Control Base closed.
[45] Chrystobel II
Sheerness.
Collingwood
(All C.C. vessels are being considered for allocation
to other services.)
[43] Clorinde
Echo Sounding Yacht.
[32] Myris
-
[45] Glala
-
Boom Defence Gate Lighters.
[43] Majesta
f.o. Cowes.
[45] Idyll
I
-
[45] Ma Joie II
Sheerness.
Guardship.
[45] Cecil Margetts
-
Ramsgate.
Auxiliary Patrol Vessels.
Janetha IV
Inverness.
[18] D Holdfast
[45] Song
-
(Motor Boats.)
[45] Lizard
Acushla.
Sheerness.
Bluebird.
[45] Lyric
Armed Boarding Vessel.
Comet II.
[45] Dorothy
-
Chatham. Repairs. Completes
Crescent.
[18] P Monas Isle D
18 July.
Eyaine.
[45] Ode
-
-
Exile.
Drifters.
[45] New World
Falaise.
[45] Constant Friend
Fidalga.
Forrard Away.
Ocean Retriever
Other C.C.B. Vessel.
Goddess.
Ocean Toiler
Mooring Lighter.
New Pride of Essex
Ramsgate.
Grilse.
Sheerness.
Gull.
Peacemaker
Sheerness.
[45] Sparsholt
Ingloo.
Receptive
Ineen Dhu.
Iris.
Phyllis Rose
-
Rescue Tug.
Isis.
Ocean Treasure
Examination Vessels.
Kenia
Ramsgate. Refit. Completes
Ivaly.
[45] Danube III
2 Aug.
Jake II.
Sheerness.
Le Bon.
[45] Danube IV
Miss England.
Mullion.
[45] Danube V
Chatham.
Repairs.
Date
Murghabi.
uncertain.
Musca.
Boom Defence Tenders.
[45] Keverne
Narisa.
Sheerness.
Narwale.
[45] Glitter II
Sheerness.
[45] St. Katherine
Nomad III.
Pengouin.
[45] Queen of South I
f.o. Queenborough.
Safari.
[45] Queen of South II
Balloon Barrage Drifters (Sheerness).
Samaki.
Sarah Munro.
Boy Scout
J.T. Hendry
[45] Crevice
Scorpion.
Carry on
Kiddaw
Shemaun,
[45] Kelpy
Sheerness.
Vivace.
Citron
Lavinia L.
Wanda.
[45] Silver Queen
Comely Bank
Marinus
Wanderbird.
Wanderlust.
Constant Hope
Newspray
Sheerness.
Wanganui.
Elsie and Nellie
Our Kate
Water Gipsy.
Ex Fortis
Rose Emma
Weno (Tug).
West Breeze.
Boom Defence Vessels.
George and Albert Triumph
Westcliffe Belle.
White Ghost II,
[45] Buckingham
Inverugie
Young Alfred
Wima.
[45] Caliban
Sheerness.
Windelf.
Winona.
[45] Sarba
Rescue Tug.
Wittington.
[45] Moorgate
Chatham.
Zwarte Zee D
Falmouth.
[45] Thomas Conolly
Sheerness.
(Dutch)
(C38488)
that

Details

Details

Details

Details

Page 9
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. GRENADE of Commander Richard C. Boyle, R.N.
Lost as a result of damage from four large bombs
during heavy air attack on her second trip to Dunkirk.
Bi
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Mr. Reginald William Clare, Gunner (T) R.N.
Acted with great coolness and courage, taking
complete control of after end of ship when burning
and sinking. Closed and flooded magazine at correct
moment thereby minimising disaster. Example of
gallantry under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
Mr. Reginald James Crew B.Sc., Schoolmaster, R.N.
Displayed conspicuous coolness and devotion to
duty during and after the disaster.
Saved a number of lives by rescuing ratings in
distress in the oil covered water, landing with a
party of survivors in Dunkirk. Took charge and
eventually navigated an old motor boat back to
England.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Pottv Officer Harold Richard Emery C/JAJh439.
Petty Officer Samuel Bennion. C/JX.102723.
These two Petty Officers ably backed up Mr.Crew,
displaying marked initiative and coolness.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Stoker Frederick Staples, C/KX.84191.
Acted as right hand man to Mr. Clare, taking
charge of younger stokers, by calm bearing dispelling
any tendancy to panic.
Assiduous in his attention to wounded, both in
GRENADE and later in the trawler which rescued
survivors.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 10
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. GREYHOUND - Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A'Deane.R.N.
GREYHOUND made 3 trips, 2 to the beaches and 1 to
Dunkirk pier, landing about 1,200 men in England, apart
Bi
from wounded. On the 3rd trip, whilst embarking troops
from La Panne beach, an attack was made by bombers and
2 near misses damaged the engine room and No.3 boiler
room, splinters killing 20 and wounding 70.
GREYHOUND withdrew to Dover to land the wounded,
leaving her boats to continue ferrying troops from
shore to ship, often under fire and bombing.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A'Deane, R.N.
For efficient handling of his ship when evacuating
troops from La Panne beach and Dunkirk.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Leading Seaman A. W. Saunders, P/SSX. 15620 and
Leading Seaman S. H. Setterfield, P/J.102005.
Evacuating troops from La Panne beach in
difficult conditions and under fire, displaying
ability and great endurance.
Recommended for mention.
Stoker Petty Officer E. Teichert, P/K. 59694.
In charge of No. boiler room, showed initiative
in quickly shutting down the boiler and keeping a
fan running, thus enabling the extent of damage to
be discovered, when the whole ship was shaking from
bomb explosions and splinters had caused damage in
his boiler room.
Recommended for mention.
in
ge

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. VANQUISHER. - Lieutenant-Commander Conrad Byron Alers-Hankey,
R.N.
VANQUISHER had been at sea from 22nd to 26th May
patrolling off S.W. Ireland, and arrived at Dover early 28th
May - although Officers and men were therefore tired on
that date, 7 trips were made to Dunkirk between the 28th May
and 4th June, about 4,000 troops being brought home.
Having made one trip on 28th and two on 29th, her
Commanding Officer found his sight and judgment to be so
seriously impaired by lack of rest that he did not consider
himself fit to retain command and he therefore arranged for
temporary reliefs for himself and his Gunner. During the
operation a total of 4 officers and 9 ratings had to be
landed to obtain rest.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant-Commander Conrad Byron Alers-Hankey. R.N.
For skilful handling of his ship throughout the
evacuation of Dunkirk, thereby evacuating about 4,000
troops to England.
Recommended for mention and early promotion.
Lieutenant Reginald Noel Hankey, R.N.
For outstanding devotion to duty and ability in
arranging the embarkation of troops and handling the
ship's company in very trying circumstances.
Recommended for mention.
Lieutenant Cecil William Clarence Checcucci, R.N.
For outstanding skill and devotion to duty as
Navigating Officer in difficult and trying conditions.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
C.E.R.A. Francis Patrick, C/M.14987.
For outstanding devotion to duty and skill in
acting as Engineer Officer, in the absence ashore sick
of the Lieutenant (E), in very arduous and difficult
times.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Seaman David Anderson, C/J.107567.
Outstanding devotion to duty and for playing an
important part in maintaining the morale of the rest ship's
company when they were suffering from lack of
extending over a long period.
Recommended for mention and advancement.
qhief/

Details

Page 50
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. HALCYON. - Commander Eric Percival Hinton, R.N.
This ship completed 6 trips to the beaches and Dunkirk 40)
harbour, embarking and bringing back a large number of
troops. Whilst working off the beaches boats were sent
ashore. On one occasion two of the whalers embarking were
riddled with bullets. Ship was shelled from shore
batteries and subjected to many attacks from the air.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Commander Eric Percival Hinton, R.N.
Showed great skill and seamanship in the
manoeuvring of his ship whilst lying off the beach and
also in entering Dunkirk harbour during dark hours due
to the number of wrecks in the vicinity. By his
perseverance and devotion to duty over 2300 were
brought back to England.
Recommended for decoration.
Sub. -Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R.
Proceeded ashore in order to control the troops,
who at that time were in a disorganised state.
Further, whilst in charge of ship's whaler, remained
perfectly cool whilst under fire transporting a large
number of troops.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Able Seaman Clarence Edward Jarmill, D/J.95955.
Showed great devotion to duty and determination
as coxswain of a whaler whilst bringing off troops
from the beaches under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
S.P.O. John Henry Salmon, D/K. 66811.
In addition to his work in the Boiler Room took
devotion to duty and an example to the stokers.
charge of a pontoon to bring off troops, showing a great
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 55
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. MEDWAY QUEEN - Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook. R.N.R.
This ship completed 7 trips to Dunkirk and the beaches
between the 27th May and the 3rd June. During the time she
was off the beaches she used her own boats for evacuating
troops. The boats, whilst embarking the troops, were
continually under fire, and the ship herself was bombed
and machine gunned several times. Two enemy aircraft were
shot down and altogether over 3,500 troops were brought back
to England.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS,
Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R.
By his great skill, pertinacity, devotion to duty
and able seamanship, was able to complete 7 trips.
The entries into Dunkirk harbour were made in the dark,
and under very difficult conditions, due to wrecks and
the congestion in Dunkirk. Although the ship was
bombed many times, by his skill he was able to avoid
any damage being done to the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Sub. Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R.
With great gallantry and devotion to duty whilst
under fire, evacuated troops from the beaches in the
boats belonging to the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Engineer Sub. Lieutenant James Irvin, R.N.R.
By his devotion to duty and leadership kept the
engines in an efficient state, although the 1st and
3rd Engineers had collapsed through exhaustion.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Petty Officer Henry McAllister, C/P.23168.
Was in general charge of the boats, and with great
gallantry and devotion to duty evacuated many troops
from the beaches whilst under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
Petty Officer Alfred Ernest Crossley, C/J.103237.
With great devotion to duty and gallantry remained
ashore during the evacuation, organising the troops
and arranging for their embarkation in the small boats.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 60
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. PRINCESS ELIZABETH. - Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
stopping Ship was attacked days, bringing back over 1,600 go without
Did for four four trips, being continuously on the
the boats when by aircraft on many occasions and troops. also
working from the beach.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
By his skill, seamanship and great devotion
duty throughout the operation a large body of troops to
were brought back to England without any serious
damage to his ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Sub.-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R.
Was in charge of boats during the operation off
the beaches. His ingenuity, courage and gallantry
under ceaseless shell fire and bombing was outstanding
and his tenacity and leadership in getting his boats
loaded created a great impression.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX.127274.
Showed great initiative and leadership during
the operation. His general bearing, conduct and
ability, coolness and devotion to duty under fire
whilst towing large numbers of boats from the beach
was an example to all.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Ernest Baker, T.124.
Showed great zeal and initiative apart from his
ordinary work in volunteering for boatwork in which
he was thereafter employed. Further, he took charge
of the loaned motor-boat.
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Ernest Savidge, R.N.V.R.
Did very valuable work as a volunteer in boat's
crew. Although crushed and badly bruised between
two boats he continued his work with a cheerfulness
and total disregard for his own comfort.
Recommended for mention.
L2

Details

Page 70
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. BIDEFORD - Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N.
being bombed and machine-gunned on the way across. While May,
This vessel proceeded to Bray beach on the 29th
bombing attack took place. The ship was struck on the
off the beach embarking troops in the evening, the third
blown away, No.2 gun put out of action and the 0.5 machir
quarter deck, about 40 feet of stern being completely
gun platforms wrecked, in addition to much other damage.
In spite of the damage done, of the fact that the ship
was grounded aft and of the casualties suffered (3 office
and 13 men killed, 1 officer and 18 men wounded), BIDEFOR
continued to embark troops during the night, and when
eventually towed off and home, carried 400 troops to
England on the 31st May.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS,
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N.
In spite of the severe damage to his ship by
bombs and the fact that his ship was aground, he
continued to rescue troops from Bray beach, and
eventually carried 400 to England.
Recommended for mention.
Surgeon Lieutenant John Jordan. M.B.. B.Ch., R.N.
Displayed zeal and unswerving devotion to duty
throughout the period 29th-31st May, when he was an
outstanding example to all. His sick berth
attendant seriously wounded, he dealt with some 50
casualties, many horribly mutilated or dangerously
wounded, and performed several major operations,
having organised his limited resources to their
utmost. Throughout the period tended his patients
continuously and at all times displayed great
ability, patience and understanding. No effort was
too much for him - no call was left unanswered.
He was completely selfless and upheld the traditions
of the Royal Navy and of his profession in a most
worthy manner.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
Private George William Crowther, 6th Field Ambulance
B. Company, No. 7354480.
This man had been embarked from Bray beach. After
the ship was struck by bombs he immediately volunteer
to assist the Surgeon. An hour later, when the troop
board had been transferred to another ship,
Crowther on said he would remain in BIDEFORD and continu was
his work there, knowing full well that BIDEFORD time
very it was considered highly improbable that the to
severely damaged and aground; and at that ship
would reach England, but he gave up his chance
Carried get away out his voluntary duties for all but 48 hours
in order to tend his wounded comrades.
continuously in a most efficient manner.

Details

Page 106,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
85 foot Motor Boats PAULETEER and MARASOLE. - Stoker D. T. Banks,
Recommendations.
KX/86174.
RATINGS:
Stoker D. T. Banks, KX/86174.
Lewis gun and a compass he did not know how to gun,
With crew of two Ordinary Seamen, a Bren a
boats. Brought back more than 400 troops to England.
completed seven or eight trips in one or other use, of these
Was sunk with his crew in MARASOLE, undeterred resumed
duty with PAULETEER. Endured frequent machine gunning
from the air. During six days' work off the coast his
idea of relaxation was to take "a run ashore" in Dunkirk
with his crew, this town burning furiously and under
bombardment at the time. Displayed remarkable
leadership, initiative and courage under fire.
Recommended for decoration and
early advancement.
Shipwright 2nd Class (Pensioner) Charles Greenwood P/M.8899.
Indefatigable in preparing Portsmouth small
craft for the operation. As a volunteer proceeded to
Dunkirk beaches to effect repairs to boats there.
Served in Yacht ERICA and H. M. Drifter ROBERT CLIFF,
exceptional devotion to duty.
off the beaches assisting in evacuation work. Displayed
Recommended for mention.
Ships Boats, Fast Motor Boat VERNON I, W.D. Fast Launch PIGEON.
(Sub.Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.)
Recommendations.
OFFICER:
Sub.Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.
This enterprising and determined officer commanded
in succession a number of small craft working from
Ramsgate and ferried off a large number of troops from
the beaches, in surf, and from Dunkirk harbour, on four
successive days and nights. Brought off almost the
last part from Dunkirk in the PIGEON. Frequently under
fire, displayed courage and leadership of high order.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 107.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
ft.
Motor Lieutenant Boat BONNIE Charles HEATHER (Chris Kraft Boat 18 knots)
Waterland Read, R.N.R.).
Recommendations.
FFICER:
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read. R.N.R.
420 troops. from On the last night ferried off about
trips beaches, carrying to England complete
Between to Dunkirk 29/5 and a.m. 4/6 made seven round
personnel troops Dunkirk Mole to transports lying about off. 600
the water. vessel SCOTIA sank rescued 40 personnel When
and was Was periodically bombed and machine from
part in under the gunfire in Dunkirk harbour. Played gunned
endurance evacuation and showed great determination a great and
under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
TARIOUS SMALL CRAFT:
Recommendation.
Sub. Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
Commanded in succession a motor lighter, a tug and
motor boat SWALLOW. Completed five round trips between
p.m. 30/5 and a.m. 4/6. On first trip made beach between
Gravelines and Calais, landed, encountered two German
soldiers, shot both, re-embarked and proceeded to Dunkirk.
On all trips did very well using pulling boats as well as
his own craft. Finally left Dunkirk harbour on 4/6 when
German troops penetrated into the harbour area.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M. TRANSPORT - LEVENWOOD (Continued).
RATINGS.
Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight.
gun the enemy planes, although being machine
Throughout at the operation he continued firing his
bringing down an enemy plane.
gunned and bombed the whole time. He succeeded in
Recommended for decoration.
Fireman Robert Moody.
Whilst attempting to take troops off the beach
the soldiers had to wade out to the boats, and this
Fireman, throughout the whole time swam from the
beach to the lifeboats with soldiers who were too
weak to do this.
Recommended for mention.
MAID OF ORLEANS - Gordon Dyer Walker, Master. (Decorated for this
operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
This ship completed four trips to Dunkirk, and in
addition, three trips prior to Operation Dynamo to Calais
and Boulogne. A very large number of troops were brought
back to England. Ship continually being bombed by
aircraft. In one trip the crew discharged a large number
Dunkirk. of petrol cans, containing water, on to the jetty at
NEPHRITE - Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E.. Master.
Recommendation.
RATING.
Acting Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX.5187.
Showed great gallantry whilst under bombing
attack, firing his gun all the time. Was observed
to have brought down at least one enemy plane.
Recommended for decoration.
PRAGUE/

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Page 138
Operation "DYNAMO"
ted
Recommendations of Personnel.
Ramsgate and Margate Base Organisation (Continued).
Since the outbreak of hostilities he has borne
the brunt of all the difficult problems of
organising Contraband Control and Naval Officer's
in Charge Offices, during which time he never spared
himself working long hours and proving an invaluable
adviser on all Merchant Shipping and Mercantile
problems as well as an able Secretary.
Lieutenant Commander St. John George Hanson Pitt, R.N. (Retd.)
(Maintenance Lieut. Cdr. MERRIE ENGLAND).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
Maintenance Officer in MERRIE ENGLAND Barracks.
Throughout the operation he met successfully all the
many demands made upon his department. He accommod-
ated and detailed all ratings lent, turned part of
the building into a casualty clearing station, ran
snack bars and clothing depots with the aid of local
residents, returned Naval casualties and survivors
in large numbers without hitch to their depots and
successfully competed with each new aspect of the
situation.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Paymaster Sub. Lieutenant Maxwell Kerr Hamilton, R.N.V.R
(Assistant Secry)
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty. This
young officer, normally Assistant Secretary in my
office, was sent to Margate to prepare and take
charge of a temporary office instituted for the
officer sent to take charge there. Throughout the
whole time he remained on duty with only odd hours
snatched for sleep and meals, maintaining his
office with a complete record of Naval personnel
landed there, arranging burials, accommodation,
transport, casualties, stores and provisions, all
of which he successfully coped with despite his
limited experience.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Lieutenant George Christopher Newman, R.N.V.R.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty while
acting as Pier Officer at Margate throughout the
operation. He received and despatched all vessels
ut
sent there, arranged re-servicing for coal, fuel
and provisions, and acted as liaison with the
Military.
Recommended for mention.
Paymaster Lieutenant Normal William Collop, R.N.V.R. (Assistant
to Base Accountant Officer).
This officer was sent to Margate to represent the
Base Accountant Officer there. He took charge of all
accountant duties, provisions, stores and cash and
most/

Details

Page 139
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recomm endations of Personnel.
Ramsgate and Margate Base Organisation (Continued).
most ably performed the multifarious duties required
of him throughout the operation.
Recommended for mention.
Temporary Surgeon Lieutenant Basil Henry Palmer, R.N.V.R. (Base
Medical Officer).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty in his
attention to casualties and survivors both personally
and through his Sick Berth Staff. This officer
worked continuously on the Pier at Ramsgate and many
times went out into the anchorages to vessels waiting
to come alongside. He got away all casualties with
utmost promptitude and worked in conjunction most
successfully with the Military Medical Officers.
Recommended for mention.
Engineer Captain John Lewis Deacon. R.N. (Retd.) M.V.O. (Base
Engineer Officer).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty in his
attention to the fuelling and re-servicing all craft,
through his department, at both Margate and Ramsgate.
A very large number of mechanically propelled craft
were used and all had to be re-fuelled after their
various trips, at all hours of the day and night.
That there was no hitch in these arrangements
throughout, is testimony to the effectiveness of his
organisation. 170 vessels were actually repaired
during the operation.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
Sick Berth Petty Officer Wilfred Harry Groves, C/MX.48183.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as the
senior member of the Medical Officer's Staff throughout
the operation. He remained on duty long hours
untiringly, and assisted at the temporary casualty
clearing station in MERRIE ENGLAND as well as going
afloat to ships waiting to come alongside.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Yeoman of Signals Lawrence Hamer Hanson, P.229251.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty while
in charge of the signal bridge at the end of the
East Pier, Ramsgate, during the entire operation.
The signal bridge had to deal with a bewildering
complexity of signal work - by day and by night -
and/

Details

Page 140
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Ramsgate and Margate Base Organisation (Continued).
hours and this throughout. Chief Petty Officer remained on duty
branch The success of the communications long
throughout the operation is, in
measure, and efficiency. due to this Chief Petty Officer's no small keenness
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer Frederick George Charman, KX. 75070.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty while
receiving and despatching craft as they came
on East Pier, Ramsgate, throughout the operation,
alongside with troops. He remained on duty consist-
ently sleep. long hours with only odd hours for meals and
Recommended for decoration.
Petty Officer Alexander Hood Bruce Ireland, J.6530.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty
fulfilling the function of Gunner's Mate in MERRIE
ENGLAND throughout the operation. He kept up a
running supply of all necessary ammunition and
arms throughout, remaining on duty very long hours.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Petty Officer Cook James McGilray, P/M. 364250.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
Chief Cook in MERRIE ENGLAND mess. He cheerfully
and successfully coped with a large number of meals
and produced them at any hour day or night - for
numbers very much in excess of those to which he
is accustomed.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Signalman James William Bown, C/J.102529.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
signalman in charge at Margate Pier. He remained
on duty throughout very long hours maintaining
communication with all craft arriving at Margate
to unload.
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Wilfred Tracy Burton, P/J. 35971.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
Signalman assisting the above at Margate Pier. He
remained on duty throughout very long hours main-
taining communications with all craft arriving at
Margate to unload, in very difficult circumstances.
Recommended for mention.
Chief/

Details

Wt. 20906/9711 40M 8/39 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671
Register No.
Min 1)
Minute Sheet No.
Captain Eric Fitzgerald Wharton, R.N. (Retd.) (Lent from
Admiralty S.V.P.)
Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander John Wissett Edelsten, R.N.R.
(Secretary to N.O. in C.)
Lieutenant-CommanderSt. John George Hanson Pitt, R.N., (Retd.)
(Maintenance Lieutenant-Commander MERRIE ENGLAND)
Temporary Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant Maxwell Kerr Hamilton, R.N.V.R.
(Assistant Secretary)
Engineer Captain John Lewis Deacon, R.N., (Retd.), M.V.O.,
(Base Engineer Officer)
Sick Berth Petty Officer Wilfred Harry Groves, C/MX.48183,
Chief Yeoman of Signals Lawrence Hamer Hanson, P.229251
Stoker Petty Officer Frederick George Charman, KX.75070
Petty Officer Alexander Hood Bruce Ireland, J.6530
Surgeon-CommanderWilliam Gordon Fitzpatrick, R.N.
Sick Berth Petty Officer Harry Munro Hawkins, C/M.37726,
Sick Berth Petty Officer (R) Rupert Arthur Lockwood, C/MX.49872
Sick Berth Petty Officer (R) George Robert Wright, X.6227
Sick Berth Attendant (R) Alfred Bassford, X.8080
Captain John George Lawrence Dundas, R.N.
Commander Frederick John Walker, R.N.
Commander Lewès George Gardner, R.N., (Retired)
Mr. William Pearce, Commissioned Signal Boatswain, R.N.,
(Retired)
VAV
Chief Yeoman of Signals John William Baker, P.29166,
Chief Yeoman of Signals Francis George Ward, C/J.31094
Captain Lionel George Dawson, R.N., (Retd.)
Lieutenant-Commander William Canning Eykyn, R.N., (Reted.)
Paymaster Commander Cecil John Leary, R.D., R.N.R.
Commander Desmond Adair Stride, R.N., (Retd.)
N
Captain William Vesey Hamilton Harris, M.V.O., D.S.C., R.N.,
(Retd.)
Commodore John Stewart Gordon Fraser, D.S.O., R.N., (Retd.)
Commander Francis John Lambert, D.S.C., R.N., (Retd.)
Lieutenant-Commander (E) Weston Smith, R.N.
Surgeon Captain Arthur Rowland risher, R.N., (Retd.)
Surgeon Lieutenant Godfrey Fraser Carey, R.N.V.R., M.B., CH.B
M.R.C.S., M.R.C.P.
Surgeon Lieutenant George Atherton Hart, R.N.V.R., M.B., B.S.,
M.R.C.S., M.R.C.P.
Captain John Fawcett, R.N., (Retired)
Lieutenant-CommanderRobert Glen Wardrop, R.N.R., (Retired)
Regulating Petty Officer F.J. Phillips, C/X.39981
Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class Hugh Duffie, X.2957, E.A.
Regulating Petty OfficerG. Stapley, C/M.39658
Chief Electrical Artificer Edgar James Lovell (Pensioner),
P.N.11998, P/M.27540
Leading Sick Berth Attendant Norman Clyde Martin, C/MX.49373
Mr. William Ferguson, Naval Store Officer
Mr. R.W.W. Corbitt, Assistant Naval Store Officer
Mr. Bakewell, Victualling Store Officer
Mr. D.J. Woods, Armament Supply Officer
Lieutenant A.A. Raymond MacKewn, R.N.RSea Transport Officer
Major Lieutenant-Commander Steele Wilkinson, R.M. Sea Transport Officer
Allan Ralph William Soper, R.N.R.
Signalman James Walter, R.N.V.R., C/LDT.4178
Lionel S. Duffy, R.N.V.R., C/TDX.1412
Lieutenant Signalman Ronald Charles H. Edward Stoker, R.N.R. Sea Transport Officer
Petty office Edward Bastable, PIJX. 127305.
X
Chief office John William Ailwyn Jones. Hospital Camer DINARD.
Stewardess has A. Goodrich.
Chief Enjures Norman Smith
5r

Details

:- CAPTAIN M/S HARWICH.
E :-
7th June, 1940.
:-
FLAG OFFICER IN CHARGE, HARWICH.
BJECT :-
REPORT No. OF OF OF OTIONS, II Officer, May Trawler 31st "GAVA",June, 1940, from
Fleetwood also Fishing Section,
"EDWINA", "VELIA", EVELYN ROSE", "DHOON", "JACINTA".
his by Lieutenant return I have to pleasure Harwich. F.J. Jordan, in forwarding R.N.R., of the the attached Trawler reports "GAVA", given since me
on follows Monday, The :- above 27th May, ships and were the apparently work accomplished requisitioned by them at Fleetwood is as
D.
(i) Eight enemy airplanes destroyed.
(ii) Damaged Belgian trawler No. 26 towed into Dover.
(iii) 137 French Naval Officers and men rescued.
.
(iv) A total of 855 French troops brought to England.
Casualties sustained:
Two ratings wounded in the "EDWINA".
The "JACINTA" holed but successfully beached in Pegwell
Bay (England).
RESUME.
"GAVA"
-
Report of doings attached.
"VELIA"
-
Skipper J. Clarkson (F.124 Agreement.)
One plane hit and set on fire by a 12 pdr.
shell. No troops embarked, ship being
detailed to assist damaged Belgian Trawler
No. 26 which she successfully towed into
Dover.
"EDWINA"
-
Skipper G. Bedsford (F.124 Agreement).
Ship heavily machine gunned by 'planes
31"
using 1" Cannon. Two of crew and twelve 120
of evacuated French troops wounded.
French Moorish Troops landed.
"DHOON"
-
(Fleetwood have Skipper's name).
Ship No casualties. 130 French Troops
heavily machine unned Moorish and bombed -
landed.
"EVELYN ROSE" -
(Fleetwood have Skipper's name).
Ship heavily machine gunner one Tropeller landed and bombed.
on
Only lost damage on wreck. sustained 130 French -

Details

Details

landed them Lovely at Painsgate on Mai 31ˢᵗ imme-
smight I took another 100 English Loldiers on board, I
diately If Lailed back to Dunkenque and managed
to take another 110 English foldiers on board which
I lauded Lovely eat Romsgate on June 14.
the evening. In spite of the fierce bardments which
On your 2nd y returned back to Dinkergue during
we had to fustain during the whole night, y was
able to take once more 98 bughish Loldiers mboard
and handed them at Paintgate.
On June 3rd If returned once again to Dunkerque
but owing to the remorklett and heavy to bombardments take
which we experienced I was only able a
10 furthermore English Loldiers on board, which bere
lavely landud cat Ranulgate
On June 4th I was ordered not to sail back to Tukergue
the harbour was object to intende bombardments the
by the "luftroaffe" and the every leas near
point of taking fottetion of Dunkerque on
this fort I was ordered by the Freuch Seine to
On June 6th y failed to be House, authorities arriving at to
ferry troops and refugeed across the river Service till
Cronoille. of have done this forrying June 10ᵗʰ
During aireal the bombard following ment night eec which we fultained my thip received a heavy
or direct hit and was Lunk with the loss of all
my On June property I was fortunate to get the on Bhaunel board
another ship which took me across to
further theated as a Beligian refuges. in
England. On your 13th I handed at Phoreham and was
Later on I joined my father London who

Details

North Finchley, 7.7.41
The Admiralty,
Whitehall, S.W.1.
y I, Georges Ragaert, kindly drawn your attention to the following matters.
earned recently that the men who took part in the evacuation of the B.E.F.
erque last have been rewarded by the Admiralty. I am a Belgian
of Zeebruge, year and deemed it my duty to make it known to you that I also took
1 these operations of which feats no acknowledge was received.
I have these facts to my own Government on two occasions without the
test results, reported and are inclined to doubt wether this report ever reached you.
il
fore Dear Sir, allow me to make the following statement.
On Mai 18th Zeebruge in command of the fishing motorboat at 2.50
ppe d and ZUZANNA, with France several as days. On Mai 29th I received orders arriving the
LYDIE 1940, I left destination. I arrived the next day by
10
ere I was ordered Authorities by the to English Authorities to proceed to Dunkerque
noh Naval stayed there for proceed with my vessel to Ramsgate On and to
sist in the evacuation.
p.
li
with 100 English Soldiers on night board, I soon took
th
nother fter On landing Mai 30th these arrived men I at sailed Ramsgate back to I Dunkerque landed them and savely during at the Ramsgate another 110 on Mai
ii
Soldiers on board, Dunkerque and managed to take 1st.
c
sailed back which to I landed savely at Ramsgate on In June spite of
a
2nd I returned on board, back to Dunkerque during during the the evening. whole night, Ramsgate. I was able the
fierce to take bombardments once more 98 which English we had Soldiers to sustain on board but and landed owing to them the at remorseless and
On June 3rd I returned once again to Dunkerque only able to take a 10 furthermore
16
which board, we landed at Ramsgate.
On June 4th on I was ordered by not the to "luftwaffe" sail back to and Dunkerque the enemy the was harbour near the was
point object of to taking intense possession bombardments of Dunkerque.
I
was
ordered
by the On June 6th I sailed to to ferry Le Havre, troops service on and arriving refugees till June at across this in 10th. which port the During my river ship Seine the received to
Brouville. following French night I Authorities done this ferrying heavy the loss aireal of all bombardment my property. ship which took me
hit 12th I was England. fortunate to get on board another threated as & Belgian
across On the Channel to
refugee. On June Later 13th on his I I landed joined poor savings at my Shoreham father he had in and London to was fit in further who me this out was struggle with staying a new forfreedom, there suit as of a clothes. I
refugee. Out 1940, Royal anxious Navy, Sheldon. and to do are my proud share to be serving at the present and time
in H.M.S.
as
taking the father's adress: Jules Ragaert, 42 Woodside Park Road,
a 1 truet Dear Sirion you the will Services give these rendered, matters I will your expect kind attention, a favorable reply
which Finchley you N.12.
I am, Sir,
Y
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) Ragaert Georges

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over,
before
taking
V.Iydie Zusanne.
If we send the case to us
M. Ragaert, a Belgian, brought his
is ing motor-boat Lydie Zuzanne to and
depe when his country was over-run. any
From there he was sent to Ramsgate, after
thence he sailed on May 29th to Dunkirk,
there he took on board 100 British
soldiers. These mon he landed at
Ramsgate, returning at once to Dunkirk
for another 110 mon. Having landed them,
he made a third passage to Dunkirk
Where he took 98 men on board and brought
them to Remagate. The next day, June
3rd he went back again to Dunkirk, where
the bombardment was BO heavy that only
10 men could be got on board. These
too were landed surve at Ramagate.
For
30
On June 6th Iydie Zusame went back
to Le Havre to ferry troops across the
basiene, and here she WELS sunk by a bomb.
Your gaert found his way back to England Seaman
he now serving as a Leading
berrihe Royal Navy.

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Treasury Thambers,
B.H.A.C. (B)
Whitehall, S.U.
B.H.A.M. (B)
7th April, 1942.
My dear gleadowe
The following Belgian seamen have been honoured for services
in the evacuation from Dunkirk.
M.B.E. (Civil Division) (Admy. number C.W.26235/40 of 17th Sept. 1940).
Captain Maurice Coppin, Master, " Trawler S.S. "Julia". "Guido Gazelle", 0.225.
Captain Rene Lusyne,
If
"
"Maréchal Foch", 0.274.
Captain Pierre Lusyne,
B.E.M. (Civil Division)
Engineer Albert Rooman, Trawler " "Cor Jesu", 0.87. 0.227.
Seaman Prosper Luca,
If
S.S. "Julia".
Seaman Victor Goes,
"
"Guido Gazelle", 0.225.
Seaman Hector Annys,
11 Boats based on Dartmouth Dunkirk. and manned The with "Julia" volunteers,
braved every These danger Belgian in transferring Gazelle" 403, troops the from "Cor Jesu" 274. The last named
the
"Guido
boąt embarked made 1007, one trip, the others two.
The "Marechal Foch" of the went soldiers alongside to jumping Dover the in on quay another board at grounded Dunkirk trawler Foch" and but her. and set on went a The
Master falling and tide his the one weight assistant day, embarked returned 300 men the in vessel the "Marechal was run of down the by troops. a Warship,
which back out for again took England. the next Off these the Goodwin two brave Light Belgians and some 150 these
on board 1,800 the and men pertinacity of sea."
volunteer Troops and are
D.S.C.
George François Rayaert, Master of a Belgian (Admy. fishing boat.
Letter 13 Nov. 1941).
"For services at Dunkirk.
The
R.M.Y. Gleadowe, Esq..
cw26612/41 Phare set

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D. GESELLE.
COPY TRANSLATION.
Belgian Telegraphist.
G.1. Mess.
R.N. Barracks.
Devonport.
19th May 1942.
Dear Madam,
address and I am sending you this letter, which will perhaps
It is quite by chance that I have learned your
be a surprise to you.
I am a telegraphist in the Royal Navy, Section Belge
I do not know, Madam, if you are conversant with
the events which took place during the dark days of Dunkirk, but
I would like to have some details on the suject of the
decoration bestowed on G. Ragaert.
I myself have nothing against this young man, but at
Newlyn, Penzance and Brixham, there are nunerous Belgians who
remember the fishing-boat 81.
It is a scandal that the Belgian Press and its
journalists should only learn the truth through the foreign pres
I was, with two other Belgians, on board the English
aircraft carriers "Furious" and "Illustrious" for seven months;
I I was in America for four months on board the latter vessel.
the to papers, but I have and now, when I come
have had splendid opportunities of having my story appear in
England Independant
were soldiers at Dunkirk, 600 soldiers at Havre. We
With This I see is the just what 81, such always I civilians would "Madeleine a story refused like in and Camille", you them, the 50 to "Belgique know, we Madam: saved 350 -
hours the last to leave Le were waiting for thr
were for a rear-guard of Havre French , soldiers, where we of which only 50 men
able to be rescued.
London; Germans for At For half the an entrance hour. to the port to we run were round bombed the by offices the
3
G. Ragaert myself, has I his have no one
Ostende; I was father. Royale de Ibis at
Navy I at have I the been age a pupil of at 191. sea of the since Oeuvre I was 14 years old, my and affairs, entent
you and be that have no relatives here would I look do that not after want my letter to import will
in advance,
I remain,
P.N.L.O.
(signed) Désiré Geselle.
27

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COPY TRANSLATION.
D. GESELLE.
Belgian Telegraphist,
G.1. Mess.
Barracks.
Devonport.
19th May 1942.
Dear Madam,
It is quite by chance that I have learned your
P.N.L.O. address and I am sending you this letter, which will perhaps
be a to you.
2
surprise telegraphist in the Royal Navy, Section with Belge
which I do not took know, place during the dark days of of Dunkirk, the but
I am a Madam, if you are conversant
Letter the would events like to have some details on the subject
decoration bestowed Ragaert.
on G. nothing against this young Belgians man, but who at
Newlyn, Penzance I myself and have Brixham, H. 81. there are numerous and its
remember I aircraft I journalists was in had the America carriers It I splendid should was, fishing-boat is a with "Furious" for only scandal opportunities four two learn months that other and the the "Illustrious" Belgians, truth on of Belgian board having through the on my Press board for latter story the seven foreign the when appear vessel. months; English I pres in come
the to have England papers, I but see I just have such always a story refused in 350 We
This is what H.81, I Havre.
were soldiers the able for last at a to With At Dunkirk, rear-guard be to the the rescued. leave entrance 600 Le of Havre French to the , soldiers, port where we we were of round which bombed the only by offices for the 50 men thre 2
hours were Germans for half an hour. no one to run at
London; G. For I Ragaert was myself, been a pupil has at I his sea have of father. since the Oeuvre I was Royale 14 years de after old, l'Ibis my and affaire entent
the Ostende; and Navy at I have I the have age no of relatives 191/2. here you. would I do look that not want my letter to importy will
be you a
With thanks in
I
(signed) Désiré Geselle.
4
on
P.N.L.O.

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SECRET
9
6
Subject.. Personnel. Recommendations for Services in Action.
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. BIDEFORD.
Date
June 6th. 1940. No
To
The Vice Admiral Commanding. Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on
the conduct of my officers and ships company during the
period May 29th - May 31st. 1940.
2. The general behaviour of the personnel was
excellent. There was a feeling of great satisfaction throughout
the ship when the orders td proceed to Dunkirk were recieved,
3. The behaviour of the men under fire was exemplary.
There were no signs of panic or fear; orders were
passed and recieved clearly, and were executed rapidly and
correctly. All did their duty calmly and efficiently.
4. Great credit for the general organisation of the
ship to meet emergencies is due to the late Lieutenant PAUL
ALISTAIR STEWART R.N., the Executive officer and Gunnery
officer of the ship.
5. No acts of exceptional gallantry were observed,
but I wish to bring to your special notice the two following
cases of very great devotion to duty :-
I. Surgeon Lieutenant JOHN JORDAN. MB. B.Ch. R.N.
This officer by his conduct, zeal and unswerving
devotion to duty throughout the period May 29th - May 31st.
was an outstanding example to us all. His Sick Berth Attendant
seriously wounded; with limited resources, he competed with some
fifty casualties, many horribly mutilated or dangerously
wounded. He performed several major operations; he organised
his limited resources to their utmost,; throughout the period
$
he attended his patients continuously, and at all times display-
ed great ability, patience and understanding. No effort was
too much for him, no call was left unanswered; he was completely
selfless. He upheld the traditions of the Royal Navy and of his
profession in a most worthy manner. It is considered that he WO
would be the very worthy recipient of a decoration in recognition
of his services.
GEORGE
II. No.7354480. Private/WILLIAM CROWDER.
6th. Field Ambulance. 'B' Company.
This man wasembarked from Bray Beach for passage to
England. After the ship was struck by bombs he volunteered
immediately to assist the Surgeon in tending the wounded, About
an hour later H.M. Kellett came alongside to take off all troops
embarked, because this was considered most advisable. Crowder
promptly said he would remain in H.M.S. Bidefoed and continue
tending the wounded. He did this knowing full well thatH. M.S.
Bideford was very severly damaged and aground; that at that time
it was considered highly improbable the ship would reach
England

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10
Page 2.
7
would reach England;
yet in he was prepared to give up his chance of getting away
order to tend his wounded comrades. He remained in
of the greatest possible help to our Surgeon. Crowder
H.M.S. Bideford after H.M.S. Kellett had proceeded, and was
carried out his voluntary duties for all but forty eight
hours continuously, in a most efficient manner. I consider
this man showed a great sense of duty and displayed great
personal courage in his decision to remain onboard. I wish
decoration. to recommend him as being worthy of consideration for a
6. The following men of this ship are recommended
for their services. They are placed in order of merit.
I.S.P.O. Charles William Donnelly. D/K.59925.
A/Ck. Albert Victor HOCKING. D/MX.58549.
When the ship was bombed everyone aft was
killed or badly wounded, except these two men. S.P.O.
Donnelly's duty was "in charge of the after fire and repair
party". Hocking formed one of the "First Aid Party".
The fire main aft wasblown away, and fire brue
out in the cabin flat immediately above the after magazine.
These two men working entirely on their own,
ran hoses aft from the first sound connection, and succeeded
in getting the fire under sontrol, and hoses down the after
magazine hatch to flood the magazine, (the magazine flooding
arrangements were destroyed) and partly flooded it before
assistance came, I consider their very prompt and efficient
action probably saved the ship, and I consider them both
worthy of consideration for the Distinguished Service Medal.
II. Iconsider the following three men worthy of being
"mentioned in despatches" for the services set forth against
their names.
(a) Signalman Charles Raymond CRAIG.D/JX.141848.
He was landed with Lieutenant Davey, when that
officer landed to organise the embarkation on the beach. Craig
joined one of the embarkation posts, took charge of the
signalling apparatus and got into communication with several
ships. When the station was destroyed by bombing, Craig
improvised a signal lamp out of the head light of a lorry, and
used this till the battery ran down. He remained ashore all
night and was eventually sent off by the embarkation officer.
On arrival at Dover he volunteered immediately to go over to
Dunkirk Pier, where signalmen were required, and spent
another night there.
(b) P.O.Tel. Frederick PERRY. D/JX. 127240.
After the main mast
and all aerials
were destroyed this man succeeded in rigging a jury aerial and
getting through an importatnt signal to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
(c) AB. Leslie Kenneth FOSTER. D/J.108109.
This man was quartermaster throughout the time the
ship was in Dunkeerke Rade. He performed his duties in a most
efficient manner. After the stern was blown off and there was

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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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447
over inshore a hundred yards out to sea. A long rolling surf flows
most of the time and even the shallow draught motor-
boats could not approach closely with any degree of safety.
Open boats of all kinds from naval cutters and whalers to
seaside dinghies were towed over from England by the motor-
boats themselves and by other craft. Some of these pulling
boats were manned by odd naval ratings, others by the soldiers
themselves.
One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling
the motor-boats' screws with painters and odd lines attached
to these pulling boats. It is amazing how much sea-room a
soldier can take up with a couple of fathoms of rope! Carley
floats and inflated motor inner tubes also played their part
in carrying men from the beach to the motor boats, which in
turn took aboard those on these more precarious perches and
towed the loaded pulling boats to larger craft lying off in
waiting, picking up their own or any other empty boats and
towing them back inshore for further loads.
As petrol ran short each motor boat would pick up such
men as it could carry and set off back to England for more
petrol, then out again for further service.
During Wednesday, May 29th, the Mole at Dunkirk was
apparently rendered temporarily useless so that most, if not
all of the troops had to be taken from the beaches. During
this day, too, and for at least a part of the following day,
air attack continued almost unabatedly from dawn to dusk;
dive-bombing for the larger ships and machine-gunning for the
smaller.
Later in the week, although the R.A.F. were present in
greater numbers to relieve the pressure from the air, shelling
added to the difficulties and men were being hit in the pulling
boats as they carried on their work.
By the week-end evacuation from Dunkirk harbour was in
full swing again and the beaches were often almost deserted.
- 7

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448
The as they slower motor boats still removed stragglers and odd parties
with were encountered whilst the faster types co-operated
larger ships inside the harbour, even when the enemy had
reached the inner part of the harbour itself.
Those who lost their little commands returned to England
as best they could, some aboard other small motor craft, others
aboard larger ships lending a hand with the wounded or snatching
a few hours sleep aboard before reporting for further duty.
Many officers spent sixty hours or more at a stretch before
gaining a much needed sleep.
The total number of such small motor craft engaged in the
operation cannot at present be assessed. It is doubtful if
the exact figure can ever be computed since many who took a
part did so with their own boats manned by their own relatives
or friends; did their best, shared the dangers and discomforts
and, when no further work remained to be done, stole quietly
away unrecognised and unrewarded.
The numbers, too, of soldiers taken off the beaches by
these motor boats can never be more than estimated. Lieut.
Read's report of 600 men ferried to transports and 420 brought
direct to England in one 35' motor launch gives some idea of
the usefulness of this "miniature armada".
of

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Report on DYNAMO OPERATION in Merrie England. Base.
ployment of ratings
5225
On commencement consisted of of 45 the operation the base personnel
were working on berthing duties for all ships and Margate
ratings. party employed These were divided ratings, up mostly between pensioners Ramsggte and working some H.O. and
week, harbour, during the day operation. and night and not leaving the entering pier for the the
During the Lowestoft fol lowing three days drafts were sent from Devonport,
Bortsmouth, and Chatham, amounting to about 950 men.
These were mostly without bedding or clean clothes and WEEE
accomodated on the floors of the ball room and buildings adjacen
t Merrie England. They were mostly Hostility Ratings with little
or no training. Any rating with training or any volunteers were
detailed for the various ships and motor boats going to Dunkirk.
the remainder being used for base duties, sandbags, carting of
ladders, anchors, rope, etc to the ships.
Merrie England.
The base was used as a clearing station for wounded from the
Army and Navy, the supplying of clothing for all survivors and
the feeding of them, this duty being carried out by the Womens
Volunteer Service to whom the highest praise is due.
Routine duties commenced generally about 0300 and continued to
Clothing 2400. was supplied by the people of Ramsgate, in answer to a
broadcast appeal, and the reply to the appeal was overwhelming.
&
AFGIR

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41
30th May 30 Th
45
Passenger transport KING ORRY which had been
damaged by a near miss p.m. 29th May, still alongside the
Pier at midnight. I saw the Captain and told him he must
go and gave him the alternative of beaching himself on the
Eastern beach if his ship was not seaworthy, or of proceeding
wathout Crooks well
to England = the escort of a trawler. At 0230 he was
^
observed endeavouring to clear the harbour. It was
subsequently found out that he sunk about 4 cables outside
the entrance.
At 0039/30 made the following signal to Dover:-
"There is a shortage of ships and boats. I have no
destroyers".
There were no air attacks in the early morning
Later when ships began to arrive,
and all was quiet. 1 In view of the heavy target presented by
a number of ships being alongside the Mole at one time,
destroyers were ordered alongside the Pier one at a time.
Arrival of the first destroyer was a signal for an attack by
one bomber. Subsequently, however, the bright sunshine of
yesterday gave way to mist and it was possible to speed up
embarkation without undue risk.
0755 following signal was made:-
"Great opportunity missed during night when only three
drifters arrived. No water or food yet provided on
Dunkirk beach for large number of troops. Sporadic
bombing".
Attbout 0800 store ship arrived with provisions
but no water. This caused so much congestion on the Pier
that in view of the urgent need to send off every possible man,
about half the foodhad been unloaded.
unloading was, after abandoned and the store
ship filled with troops. A certain amount of water was
obtained from destroyers.
One personnel ship arrived about 0920, the first one
since the previous day. Other ships (three drifters) filled
shortly

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page 5.
83
Sub Lieut. Galbraith.
ship 6. was on fire and took some of gun's crew forward to deal with
I was by Y gun for first attack. After hit I though
it, ordering & torpedoman to start jettisoning Port forrard depth
charges, which appeared to be in danger. Found no fire but
hauled on board two burned men who were in water Port side. Went
aft where it was reported that shell room was flooding. Had all
hatches closed. Assisted Gunner with jettisoning depth charged.
Tried to render cabin flat water tight. Went forward to assist
with tow forward observed bow to be bulged by close bomb near
water line. Took cover in P.O's mess for start of 2nd. attack.
Captain ordered me to get Vickers in action. Found torpedoman who
knew its action and managed to get only three single rounds off
during attack. Complete Jam resulted. Later saw G.M. who
declared nothing could be done. Took cover for 3rd. attack.
Watched destruction of A/S fannel. Tas ordered by 1st. Lieut. to
load.Army boat and supervise its manning. Accompanied Sub. Lt.
Ellis to Captain's cabin to get C.B's for destruction. Just
reached deck when last attack started. Took cover by Y gun and
inside after screen. On order to abandon ship, saw boat manned,
threw some C.B's which I saw on U.D. over the side and then
jumped for boat. A/S C.B's were not destroyed.
Lieut. Sowry.
bridge 7. on the G.C.O's phones. Soon after bombers were sighted I
At the beginning of the first attack I was on the
gave the order "All guns with H.E:T.F - load" and "Rapid Salvos".
Planes were sighted astern, angle of sight about 60° and at no
time was the Director Layer able to report Director on during
this attack due to the A of S being too great. Consequently no
executive order to shoot was given.
After this attack I was told by the Captain to take the
motor boat away and commandere two fishing smacks which were
passing 12 miles away. The first of these was abandoned and I
returned in the second and stood by to tow. A wire was passed
and made fast round a stout bean in the smack, which carried away
some 15 minutes later. A second wire was then made fast round the
foremast but as the tow was not clear of the deck house, the smack
veered round and had to be pulled back into position by the motor
boat. An additional rope was passed and made fast on the other
quarter and the ship was turned through about 60 degrees., but the
smack was again in the wrong position for towing, being alongside
the forecastle bowe pointing aft. At this point second bombing
attack took place and I slipped tow and stood off to about 1 mile,
the smack being machine-gunned by four planes. When attack was
over I returned and reconnected tow which later parted due to
taking up the slack too vaolently. This was due to the language
difficulty of giving orders to the French crew of the smack, the
only other man on board the smack being an R.A.P. pilot. A
further bombing attack started, the final one, and I again stood
off from the ship. When I returned the crew was abandoning ship
and I picked up all men in the water, two Carley floats, one RE
pontoon and some men from each whaler. At this point, with 70
men aboard, Whitehall appeared in the distance and we made out
to intercept her, using the smack's airen and the French ensign
half way up the foremast. We met her about 12 miles away and
passed information to her and requested her to collect men from
remaining boats. I then set out on a course for England and in
mid-chainel we transferred everyone to H.M. Trawler Olvina.

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84
Page 6.
Leading Seaman Wohdhouse.
Motor hoat.
Whilst pushing the towing vessel into position,
the bombing formation came over. I let go and sheered off,
the first salvo lifting the boat almost out of the water.
Messerschmidt fighters attacked us with machine gun and
cannon (Bombs were also dropped) for just a few minutes
short of an hour. L.S. Hicks watched their flight and gave
me helm and engine orders, the boat not being hit though a
couple of cartridge cases dropped into us. We found our-
selves out of sight of the ship, had a little council of
war, and decided, knowing the ship was out of wireless
communication to make Dunkirk for help. We headed west,
and not far outside the harbour two troopships were bombed
and sunk. We picked up what we considered a safe complement,
tried to get in touch with a vessel to assist Basilisk.
In t.is were not successful and were told to make England.
We drew a rough chart and set our course, arraving
Ramsgate roughly eight hours later. I then turned over the
boat to the Naval authorities. We reported that Basilisk
was badly hit and were assured that help had been sent.

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97
101
Sub Lieut. Galbraith.
6.
I was by Y gun for first attack. After hit I though
ship was on fire and took some of gun's crew forward to deal with
it, ordering a torpedoman to start jettisoning Port forrard depth
charges, which appeared to be in danger. Found no fire but
hauled on board two burned men who were in water Port side. Went
aft where it was reported that shell room was flooding. Had all
hatches closed. Assisted Gunner with jettisoning depth charged.
Tried to render cabin flat water tight. Went forward to assist
with tow forward observed bow to be bulged by close bomb near
water line. Took cover in P.O's mess for start of 2nd. attack.
Captain ordered me to get Vickers in action. Found torpedoman who
knew its action and managed to get only three single rounds off
during attack. Complete jam resulted. Later saw G.M. who
declared nothing could be done. Took cover for 3rd. attack.
Watched destruction of A/S Pannel. Tas ordered by 1st. Lieut. to
load.Army boat and supervise its manning. Accompanied Sub. Lt.
Ellis to Captain's cabin to get C.B's for destruction. Just
reached deck when last attack started. Took cover by Y gun and
inside after screen. On order to abandon ship, saw boat manned,
threw some C.B's which I saw on U.D. over the side and then
jumped for boat. A/S C.B's were not destroyed.
Lieut. Sowry.
7.
At the beginning of the first attack I was on the
bridge on the G.C.O's phones. Soon after bombers were sighted I
gave the order "All guns with H.E:T.F - load" and "Rapid Salvos".
Planes were sighted astern, angle of sight about 60° and at no
time was the Director Layer able to report Director on during
this attack due to the A of S being too great. Consequently no
executive order to shoot was given.
After this attack I was told by the Captain to take the
motor boat away and commandere two fishing smacks which were
passing 18 miles away. The first of these was abandoned and I
returned in the second and stood by to tow. A wire was passed
and made fast round a stout beam in the smack, which carried away
some 15 minutes later. A second wire was then made fast round the
foremast but as the tow was not clear of the deck house, the smack
veered round and had to be pulled back into position by the motor
boat. An additional rope was passed and made fast on the other
quarter and the ship was turned through about 60 degrees., but the
smack was again in the wrong position for towing, being alongside
the forecastle bows pointing aft. At this point second bombing
attack took place and I slipped tow and stood off to about 1 mile,
the smack being machine-gunned by four planes. When attack was
over I returned and reconnected tow which later parted due to
taking up the slack too vaolently. This was due to the language
difficulty of giving orders to the French crew of the smack, the
only other man on board the smack being an R.A.F. pilot. A
further bombing attack started, the final one, and I again stood
off from the ship. When I returned the crew was abandoning ship
and I picked up all men in the water, two Carley floats, one RE
pontoon and some men from each whaler. At this point, with 70
men aboard, Whitehall appeared in the distance and we made out
half way the foremast. We met her about 12 miles away and
to intercept her, using the smack's siren and the French ensign
passed information up to her and requested her to collect men from
mid-chai.nel we transferred everyone to H.M. Trawler Olvina.
remaining boats. I then set out on a course for England and in

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98
Page 6.
102
Leading Seaman Wordhouse.
Mator boat.
Whilst pushing the towing vessel into position,
the bombing formation came over. I let go and sheered off,
the first salvo lifting the boat almost out of the water.
Messerschmidt fighters attacked us with machine gun and
cannon (Bombs were also dropped) for just a few minutes
short of an hour. L.S. Hicks watched their flight and gave
me helm and engine orders, the boat not being hit though a
couple of cartridge cases dropped into us. We found our-
selves out of sight of the ship, had & little council of
war, and decided, knowing the ship was out of wireless
communication to make Dunkirk for help. We headed west,
and not far outside the harbour two troopships were bombed
and sunk. We picked up what we considered a safe complement,
tried to get in touch with a vessel to assist Basilisk.
In this were not successful and were told to make England.
We drew a rough chart and set our course, arraving
Ramsgate roughly eight hours later. I then turned over the
boat to the Naval authorities. We reported that Basilisk
was badly hit and were assured that help had been sent.

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121
Sub Lieut. Galbraith.
6.
I was by Y gun for first attack. After hit I though
ship was on fire and took some of gun's crew forward to deal with
it, ordering a torpedoman to start jettisoning Port forrard depth
charges, which appeared to be in danger. Found no fire but
hauled on board two burned men who were in water Port side. Went
aft where it was reported that shell room was flooding. Had all
hatches closed. Assisted Gunner with jettisoning depth charged.
Tried to render cabin flat water tight. Went forward to assist
with tow forward observed bow to be bulged by close bomb near
water line. Took cover in P.O's mess for start of 2nd. attack.
Captain ordered me to get Vickers in action. Found torpedoman who
knew its action and managed to get only three single rounds off
during attack. Complete Jam resulted. Later saw G.M. who
declared nothing could be done. Took cover for 3rd. attack.
Watched destruction of A/S Pannel. Tas ordered by 1st. Lieut. to
load.Army boat and supervise its manning. Accompanied Sub. Lt.
Ellis to Captain's cabin to get C.B's for destruction. Just
reached deck when last attack started. Took cover by Y gun and
inside after screen. On order to abandon ship, saw boat manned,
threw some C.B's which I saw on U.D. over the side and then
jumped for boat. A/S C.B's were not destroyed.
Lieut. Sowry.
7.
At the beginning of the first attack I was on the
bridge on the G.C.O's phones. Soon after bombers were sighted I
gave the order "All guns with H.E:T.F . load" and "Rapid Salvos".
Planes were sighted astern, angle of sight about 60 and at no
time was the Director Layer able to report Director on during
this attack due to the A of S being too great. Consequently no
executive order to shoot was given.
After this attack I was told by the Captain to take the
motor boat away and commandere two fishing smacks which were
passing 18 miles away. The first of these was abandoned and I
returned in the second and stood by to tow. À wire was passed
and made fast round a stout beam in the smack, which carried away
some 15 minutes later. A second wire was then made fast round the
foremast but as the tow was not clear of the deck house, the smack
veered round and had to be pulled back into position by the motor
boat. An additional rope was passed and made fast on the other
quarter and the ship was turned through about 60 degrees., but the
smack was again in the wrong position for towing, being alongaide
the forecastle bows pointing aft. At this point second bombing
attack took place and I slipped tow and stood off to about 1 mile,
the smack being machine-gunned by four planes. When attack was
over I returned and reconnected tow which later parted due to
taking up the slack too vaolently. This was due to the language
difficulty of giving orders to the French crew of the smack, the
only other board the smack being an R.A.P. pilot. A
further man on attack started, the final one, and I again stood
off from bombing the ship. When I returned the crew was abandoning ship
and I picked all men in the water, two Carley floats, one RE
pontoon and up men from each whaler. At this point, with 70
men Whitehall some appeared in the distance and we made out
half the foremast. We met her about 12 collect away and
to intercept aboard, her, using the smack's siren and the miles French ensign
remaining boats. I then set out on a course Trawler England Olvina. and in
passed way information up to her and requested her to for men from
mid-cha.nel we transferred everyone to H.M.

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Page 6.
122
Leading Seaman Wordhouse.
Mator boat.
Whilst pushing the towing vessel into position,
the bombing formation came over. I let go and sheered off,
the first salvo lifting the boat almost out of the water.
Messerschmidt fighters attacked us with machine gun and
cannon (Bombs were also dropped) for just a few minutes
short of an hour. L.S. Hicks watched their flight and gave
me helm and engine orders, the boat not being hit though a
couple of cartridge cases dropped into us. We found our-
selves out of sight of the ship, had a little council of
war, and decided, knowing the ship was out of wireless
communication to make Dunkirk for help. To headed west,
and not far outside the harbour two troopships were bombed
and sunk. We picked up what we considered a safe complement,
tried to get in touch with a vessel to assist Basilisk.
In this were not successful and were told to make England.
We drew a rough chart and set our course, arraving
Ramsgate roughly eight hours later. I then turned over the
boat to the Naval authorities. We reported that Basilisk
was badly hit and were assured that help had been sent.

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Dynam 106
153
H.M.S. *Pangbourne*
158
At Sea.
5th.June 1940.
Sir,
1 have the honour to forward the following narrative
in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6.
At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. May, H.M.S.
remainder
of
the
5th.4.S.
147
SLYDLE'S-CLOSE,
152
HIGHTOWN,
RINGWOOD.
From Lieut.-Commander H.G.Boys-Smith, R.N.R.
To
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Date June 7th, 1940.
Subjet:- Summarized report of part taken by ships
and craft under my commend during the evacuation of
Dunkirk.
th a.m.
Joined Dutch Scoot "Trente" at filbury in command.
Sailed p.m. for Shoerness where vessel 403 prepared for
operations.
th p.m.
Sailed from Sheerness direct for Dunkirk beaches
via Rest Bindar Buoy in company with other "scoots".
3th 6330
When approaching Beaches was turned back by
Naval M.L. with orders to return to Ramagate. Half an
hour later was attacked by one salvo of bomba and
machine gun fire by a German comber which appeared to
be returning from the direction of England. Arrived
Ramsgate 8.m. same day.
18th p.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk via Buoys U, V, 1, and 6 West.
Dunkirk harbour entrance was reached just before midnight.
A full load of British troops was ferried off in drifters
(380). Ship sailed immediately by same route. Fierce
fires were blazing all over Dunkirk, lighting up the
sea. Continuous distant firing was heard. Local

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161
Sheet 4. & final
embarkation.
At 0200 a lifeboat with 43 French troops and 4 Officers
came alongside and embarked. They stated that they were
from a French vessel which had run aground on & sandbank.
Whilst getting this party inboard I was ordered by R.A.D to *
return to England. As Albury was leaving harbour at this
time I followed her out clear of the channel and then
proceeded to Folkestone and disembarked troops, then
proceeded to Dover and coaled as I had only 15 tons of
coal remaining. Owing to being unable to leave Granville
Dock until 2130 Pangbourne did not take part in any further
operations.
1 have the honour to be Sir,
Your Obsdient Servant
VICE ADMIRAL
Commander R.N.
9- JUN 1940
*
*
DOVER

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196
211
5.
cortly assist after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with him
tack on the way. I then embarked General Alexander and transferred
these on the pler and in the control and berthing of shipping had been parties over
dly damaged to be of use. She was sent back to England.
sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine out of action and was too
were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Commander Clouston sent
by by 2200. There was a fresh Northerly breese and this, coupled with the
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
Road tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in berthing until the
haft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
de turned and the breeze dropped. Large numbers of French fishing and other
230 the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Captain Tennant and the rest of the
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to berth by pushing them. By
lival party left in M.T.B. 102. The absence of the naval borthing parties,
abarked with the last of the B.E.F., was much felt, and the French did nothing
replace them.
There was then a very long pause before any French troops
Roaded. name down to the East pier. One ship was alongside * hours before she was
B°
There were large numbers of French troops at the West Quay and
wo Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the ROUSE, went
ground when clearing and I was reluctant to risk any more. Also this plar
as supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did go there.
OUEN refoated at High tide next day and returned safely.
9.
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the ships
vailable could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
several Fleet Sweepers empty and also at least two Personnel Ships.
50.
This was a disappointing night. For scose reason the French did not
some down and did not appear in any numbers until about half an hoghe before dam.
The reason given was that a dounter-attack had to be made. At 0300 there were
three Personnel Ships alongaide and I had to order then to leave at 0310. The
Slockships arrived at 0310 and I laft for Dover shortly aftermatis.
Light 3/4 June.
51.
For this night the time available for embarkation, 2230 to 0230, was
reduced by an hour, and it was planned to use both Bast and West piers in addition
from small boats. For upper the West pier schools, minesweepars, and two correttes
to small craft at the quays of the harbour. Vessels also lay off for loading
were detailed. East pier was to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, and 4 Paddlers.
WEITSHED was to land berthing parties at 2200.
52.
I want over in M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to find the harbour
swarming with French fishing boats on their way in and the piers full of troops.
very 53. was tide turned at 2330. WHITSHED and three Ships
There again a fresh Northerly wind and berthing conditions Personnel were
and later difficult until the for over an hour to get alongaide, and finally I took in
some of SABRE were trying off WEITSHED and landed them. No ship succeeding
berthing the berthing party until 2330 so that only three hours was available for
at the It East is pier remarkable that in spite of this only case paddler was unable
the East pier.
54. continual Owing to fresh ships, the harbour entrance got very which
the delay in borthing, the mmbers of small craft congested and and the
the ships there were handled no collisions in these constricted waters. Time and again feared
that arrival of is ude solely to the magnificent way in I
a ship would were go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

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218
5.
not on the way. I than embarked General Alexander and transferred him
assist on the pier and in the control and borthing of shipping had been sent over
rtly after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with parties
these were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Communder Clounton
ly damaged to be of use. She ms sent back to England.
sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine out of notion and was too
by 2200, There was a fresh Northerly breese and this, coupled with the
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
od tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in borthing until the
le turned and the brease dropped. Large mmbers of French flabing and other
ft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to borth by pushing them.in. By
so the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Capisin Termant and the rest of the
7al party left in N.T.B. 102. The absence of the naval borthing parties,
barked with the last of the B.E.F., was much folt, and the French did nothing
replace them. There was then a very long pause before any French troops
aded. no down to the East pier. One ship was alongside 28 hours before the -
There were large mmbers of French troops at the Yest Quay and
O Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the ROUN, went
round when clearing and I was reluctent to risk any more. Also this plar
S supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did go there.
USN relibated at High tide next day and returned safely.
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the ships
milable could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
veral Fleet Sweepers expty and also at least two Personnal Ships.
This was a disappointing night. For some reason the French did not
one down and did not appear in any mmbers until about half an hour before dam.
be reason given was that a counter-attack had to be made. At 0300 there were
free Personnel Ships alongside and I had to order then to leave at 0310. the
lockships arrived at 0310 and I left for Dover shortly aftermatis.
1ght 3/4 June.
1.
For this night the time available for enharitation, 2230 to 0230, WAS
educed by an hour, and it was planned to use both Bast and West yders in addition
rom small boats. upper the West pier schools, minosweepers, and two correttes
o mall druft at the quays of the harbour. Vessels also lay off for loading
are detailed. East For yder YEAR to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, and 4 Paddlers.
HTTSHED was to land borthing parties at 2200.
ai
swareding with want French over flating boats on their way in and the piers full of troops.
I in M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to fini the harbour
some of SABRE were trying WHITSHRD and landed them. No ship succesding
and later until the for over an hour to get alongside, and finally in
very 53. difficult There was again tide a turned at 2330. SHIPPING and three I Ships took
fresh Northerly wind and borthing conditions Pursonnel were
borthing party until off 2330 so that only three hours was available was for
the It East is pier remarkable that in spite of this only one paddler unable
the East pdor.
3
Owing to the ships, the harbour antrance got very congested in which
delay in borthing, the mmbers of small cruft and and the
continual that arrival of fresh is ulo solely to the magnificant way
the ships there were were handled no collisions in these constricted unters. Time and again I feared
a ship would go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

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Page 3.
embarked.
ship in tow, but it was found that the vessel was held
17. At about 2130 H.M.Tug St.Clears endeavoured to tak
endoned the attempt.
aground aft, and at about 2215 the tow parted, and the tu &
18. At about 2300 H.M.S. Havavt endeavoured to take us
tow but without success.
19. During the night a further 350 French and 50
glish troops were embarked, and these were brought to England.
20. At 0300 on the 30th. H.M.S.Locust was ordered to
ke Locust. us in tow, and by 9400 the ship was waterborne and in tow
21. Between 9400 and 0700 the tow parted three times,
we had progressed only three miles. But after 0700 the tow
satisfactory and H.M.S. Locust towed us across to the
glish coast, arriving at the North Goodwin Light Vessel at
00. Speed made good since 0700 2.4 knots.
22. A single Junker bomber appeared for a moment above
fog near the North Goodwin, but made off eastwards.
23. Shaped course to pass eastward of the Goodwins.
2245 a French soldier, fully equipped, was seen to jump over
e sideby two of Bidefords shipscompany. The tow was stopped.
though a buoy was dropped and a boat lowered to search, it 1
regretted the nan was not recovered. The sea was calm and
ae visibility at that time was good. The nan's name is not
nown.
24. At 2315 we proceeded. The tow parted again at
330/31st, but after that no further trouble was experienced a
nd we arrived at Dover at 1130 on th31st May.
25. The casualties to personnel were :-
(a) H.M.S.Bideford's ships company
(i) Killed. Three officers and nine men.
(11) Missing, believed killed. Four nen.
(111) Dangerously wounded. Two nen.
(1v) Seriously wounded. Ten men.
(v) Slightly wounded. One officer & six nen.
Total ship's company casualties. Four officers
and thirty one men.
(b) Passengers.
(11) Nounded. Two officers (one dangerously).
(1) Killed. Two officers & ten other ranks.
Total passenger casualties. Four officers and
ten men.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Sir, servant,
TOE
ADMIRA
10JUN 1940
Lieutenant Commander in Command.

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had embarked.
17. At about 2130 H.M.Tug St. Clears endeavoured to tak
the ship in tow, but it was found that the vessel was held
fast aground aft, and at about 2215 the tow parted, and the tu 5
abandoned the attempt.
18. At about 2300 H.M.S. Havavt endeavoured to take us
in tow but without success.
19. During the night a further 350 French and 50
English troops were embarked, and these were brought to England.
20. At 0300 on the 30th. S.Locust was ordered to
take us in tow, and by 9400 the ship was waterborne and in tow
of Locust.
21. Between 9400 and 0700 the tow parted three times,
and we had progressed only three miles. But after 0700 the tow
was satisfactory and H.M.S. Locust towed as across to the
English coast, arriving at the North Goodwin Light Vessel at
2100. Speed made good since 0700 2.4 knots.
22. A single Junker bomber appeared for a moment above
the fog near the North Goodwin, but made off eastwards.
23. Shaped course to pass eastward of the Goodwins.
At 2245 a French soldier, fully equipped, was seen to jump over
the sideby two of Bidefords shipscompany. The tow was stopped.
Although a bucy was dropped and a boat lowered to search, it 1
is regretted the nan was not recovered. The sea was calm and
the visibility at that time was good. The man's name is not
known.
24. At 2315 we proceeded. The tow parted again at
0330/31st, but after that no further trouble was experienced a
and we arrived at Dover at 1130 on th31st May.
25. The casualties to personnel were :-
(a) H.M.S.Bideford's ships company
(i) Killed. Three officers and nine nen.
(11) Missing, believed killed. Four nen.
(111) Dangerously wounded. Two men.
Total ship's company casualties. Four officers
(v) Slightly wounded. One officer & six men.
(1v) Seriously wounded. Ten men.
and thirty one men.
(b) Passengers. (1) Killed. Bwo officers & ten other ranks.
Total passenger casualties. Four officers and
(11) Wounded. Two officers (one dangerously).
ten men.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Sir, servant,
VICE ADMIRA
10JUN 1940
Lieutemant Commander in Command.

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SECRET²⁴¹
Subject.. Personnel. Recommendations for Services in Action.
From.....
Date
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S.BIDEFORD.
June 6th. 1940. NO.....
To
The Vice Admiral Commending. Lover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on
the conduct of By officers and ships company during the
period May 29th - May 31st. 1940.
2. The general behaviour of the personnel was
excellent. There was a feeling of great satisfaction throughout
the ship when the orders to proceed to Dunkirk were recieved,
3. The behaviour of the nen under fire was exemplary.
There were no signs of panic or fear; orders were
passed and recleved clearly, and were executed rapidly and
correctly. All did their duty caluly and efficiently.
4. Great credit for the general organisation of the
ship to meet emergencies is due to the late Lieutenant PAUL
ALISTAIR STEWART R.N., the Executive officer and Gunnery
officer of the ship.
5. No acts of exceptional gallantry were observed,
but I wish to bring to your special notice the two following
cases of very great devotion to duty :-
I. Surgeon Lieutenant JOHN JORDAN. MB. B.Ch. R.N.
This officer by his conduct, zeal and unswerving
devotion to duty throughout the period May 29th - May 31st.
was an outstanding example to us all. His Sick Borth Attendant
seriously wounded; with limited resources, he competed with some
fifty casualties, many horribly autilated or dangerously
wounded. He performed sever 1 major operations; he organised
his limited resources to their utmostn; throughout the period h
he attended his patients continuously, and at all times display-
ed great Dility, patience and understanding. No effort was
too much for him, no call was left unanswered; he was completely
selfless. He upheld the traditions of the Royal Navy and of his
profession in a most worthy nanner. It is considered that he TO
would be the very worthy recipient of a decoration in recogniti
of his services.
GEORGE CROWDER
II. No.7354480. Private WILLIAM CROWDER.
6th. Field Ambulance " Company.
England. After the ship was struck by bonbs he volunteered
This man wasembarked from Bray Beach for passage to
an hour later S.M.S.Kellett came alongside to take off all troops
immediately to assist the Surgeon in tending the wounded, About
promptly said he would remain in H.W.S.Hideford and continue
embarked, because this was considered most advisable. Crowder
Bideford the very severly damaged and aground; at that time
tending wounded. He did yhis knowing full well that thatH.M.S.
it was considered was highly improbable the ship would England. reach

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would reach England;
yet in he was prepared to give up his chance of getting away
of the greatest possible help to our Surgeon. Crowder
H.M.S. Bideford after H.M.S.Kellett had proceeded, and was
order to tend his wounded comrades. He remained in
hours continuously, in a most efficient manner. I consider
carried out his voluntary duties for all but forty eight
this man showed a great sense of duty and displayed great
personal courage in his decision to remain onboard. I wish
to decoration. recommend him as being worthy of consideration for a
.The following men of this ship are recommended
for their services. They are placed in order of merit.
I.S.P.O. Charles William Donnelly. D/K.59925.
A/Ck. Albert Victor HOCKING. D/MX.58549.
When the ship was bombed everyone aft was
killed or badly wounded, except these two nen. S.P.O.
Donnelly's duty was "in charge of the after fire and repair
party". Hocking formed one of the "First Aid Party".
The fire main aft wasblown away, and fire brue
out in the cabin flat immediately above the after magazine.
These two men working entirely on their own,
ran hoses aft from the first sound connection, and succeeded
in getting the fire under sontrol, and hoses down the after
magazine hatch to flood the magazine, (the magazine flooding
arrangements were destroyed) and partly flooded it before
assistance came, I consider their very prompt and efficient
action probably saved the ship, and I consider them both
worthy of consideration for the Distinguished Service Medal.
II. Iconsider the following three nen worthy of being
"mentioned in despatches" for the services set forth against
their names.
(a) Signalman Charles Raymond CRAIG.D/JX.141848.
He was landed with Lieutenant Davey, when that
officer lande to organise the embarkation on the beach. Craig
joined one of the embarkation posts, took charge of the
signalling apparatus and got into communication with several sh
ships. When the station was destroyed by bombing, Craig
improvised a signal lamp out of the head light of a lorry, and
used this till the battery ran down. He remained ashore all
night and was eventually sent off by the embarkation officer.
On arrival at Dover he volunteered immediately to go over to
Dunkirk Pier, where signalmen were required, and spent
another night there.
(b) P.O.Tel. Frederick PERRY. D/JX. 127240.
After the main mast was destroyed and all aerials
were destroyed this man succeeded in rigging a jury aerial and
getting through an importatnt signal to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
(o) AB. Leslie Kenneth FOSTER. D/J.108109.
This man was quartermaster throughout the time the
ship Dunkeerke Rade. He performed his duties in a most
efficient was in manner. Afterethe stern was blown off and there was

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230
245
city
port on operations in connection with the evacuation of
the B.B.F. from the Duniciple aroa. (Continued).
Wednesday 20th May.
500
All wounded that could be moved evacuated into
Schoot or ships boats all of which returned to
"Calcutta".
Schoot, with a certain number of wounded, sent back
to England as she was nearly unmanagoable with her
stooring goar in a precarious state.
345
Doats sent in again to collect HOTO troops as they
arrived and 18 possible to connect with Lord Corb
in view of your message 0127/20th May.
Officer in charge of "Calcutta's" bonts, If P.J. Harch
Cunner, made personal contact with Lord Corb about
0 miles inland, and placed "Caloutta" at his
disposal for his or his staff's evacuation. Lord
Cart courteously refused to be evacuated at this
stage.
430
One of "Calcutta's a shalers lost.
580
Opened fire on one Dornier.
7710
"Calcutta's" boats returned with more troops and sent
in again to La Panno with relief crows.
735
"Sutton" alongside to disembark her troops into
"Caloutta" and return close inshore opposite La
0010
Panno. "Salemander alongside and as for "Subton" above.
1810
Party of tuge and drifters towing own boats aighted,
proceeding homewards full of troops. All ordered
alongside "Calcutta"to disembarkttheir troops and
return to La Panno for mr.
1227
"Java" towing launch alongside.
1328
"Colden Sunbean" towing launch alongaide.
1230
"Lord Rodney" alongside.
1237
"Lord Keith" towing Launch alongaide.
1247
"Lord St Vincent" alongsido.
1250
"Lord Collingwood" alongaide.
1335
Panne at this time, informed that bugs and drifters
Captain (D) 1st D/Y, who WAD senior officer at La
were being sent in to load up again.
1350
"Calcutta's" boats returned to ship.
1357
1000
Weighed. Arrived Shoorness. Diserbarked 1000 troops and
completed with oil fuel and amition.
Priday 31st Hay.
1040
Anchored off East Margato buoy with "Mallard" and
Slipped from buoy at Shoorness.
3130
"shoorwater" in company.
Saturday 1st June.
0315
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" between and W "sheerwater". and X
0500
Commonded patrolling on X route
buoyse to return to Sheerness.
0038
ordered fire on one Heinkel who shot had down. attached and
1015
1018
damaged Opened fire on two more Heinkels diving from
Opened "Mosquito". Heinkel
Detached "she reator" to stand by "Mosquito".
broken clouds.
1024
1312 ********

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338
7.
mostly suffering from severe burns; the Commanding
Fifty seven cot-cases alone were brought off,
Officer and other survivors from His Majesty's Dest-
cleared the steamer out as far as was known, I pro-
royer Grenade were amongst those embarked, After having
ceeded down the coast towards Bray, and picked up troops
from several boats, which they had found on the beach. A
Captain Churchill, from the Headquarters Staff, off
and told me that he had to get over to England to see
his uncle, the Prime Minister,by 0600.
8.
I proceeded to Margate, arriving at 0550 on May
30th, disembarked troops,survivors and Cartain Churchill,
then sailed for Sheerness for coal and Ammunition.
9.
I left Sheerness at 0300 on the 31st and arr-
ived without incident off the beach just to the Bast of
Dunkirk, at 0930. The rate of embarkation was slow ording
to considerable surf on the beach, but valuable assist-
ance was given by a large power boat, It was necessary
for me to leave at 1230 in order to unload and be at By
render-vous by 8300 on May 31st for the evening oper-
ations.
10.
I sailed from liargate to comply with previous
instructions and proceeded, under the orders of the
Senior Officer 11 the Fifth Minesweeping Flotila, to By
appointed station off the beach; navigation at this
period was difficult,a the absence of wind allowed the
smoke from Dunkirk to settle over the channel, that
visibility The poor. On enchoriz at 2345 a shell from 8
shore battery landed about a cable to securd; this ma
repeated spasmodically. Reports were then received of
magnetic nines being dropped in the channel.
on 11, embarkation, using ships' boats, Short y after a
About 0832 the Flotil a ms ordered to carry
bombing attack took place,and from then on these
attacks were practically continuous. Several Heinkel III
type aircraft were observed, but the majority of the
attackers were identified as Junkers 87 Dive-bombers.
Embarkation was carried out, though the rate ha slow,
this operation the ship case under machine-gun fire
aground; 12. a vire was passed and I towed her off. During
His Majesty's Ship Speedwell ma seal to be
tenant for the speed and coolness with which be carried
from the air, end great credit is due to ay First Lieu-
out the ution.
afloat 15. to proceed alongaide in Dunkirk harbour, and to
I then received orders from the 7108 Officer
comp. ete with troops there. As troops vere being and a
machine-gun embarked, attack me delivered, but no casualties were
bombs were dropped in the harbour
incurred.
14. board, His Majesty's Dostroyer Ivanhoe to was her hit
Just before I al ipped, with a full load of
by troops a bomb on outside the herbour. Two ships went
assistance, 80 I proceeded at full speed,

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
320c. (For use with S. 1320b).
NAVAL MESSAGE.
(Revised Dynams 805. 356
October, 1935.)
te
$$
100
ECRE
SS
1
An
60
Dynam
355
65
TER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
DN
a
70
Decreases 20H. 010
3160
-3-
with engines stopped when boats and planes could be detected by sound
at a far greater range than visibility permitted. It is submitted
that this course might profitably be employed during patrols.
May 31st 1940. 1140 to June 1st 1940. 0547.
Instructions were received to proceed to Ramsgate, rendezvous and
escort small boat convoy to Dunkirk. The Convoy sailed at 1453
approximately 3 hours after scheduled time. Opportunity was taken
at Ramsgate to off-load all depth charges as it was considered
inadvisable to continue carrying these. The convoy consisted of
5 tugs and 5 drifters each towing between three and fifteen small
boats. The convoy straggled somewhat on the way over and when
the Reutigen bouy was reached the leaders were eased down to enable
the convoy to arrive together. At this time & large force of
German bombers and fighters were seen approaching. There were
inumerable ships of all shapes and sizes in the vicinity and &
general bombing raid was commenced. British fighters arrived at
this time and the attack became disorganised, - the bombers
eventually disappearing inland. The convoy arrived off Dunkirk
from Keith who directed the convoy to the various beaches as
at approximately 2110, S.0.6. embarked Lieut. Comdr. Wynne-Edwards
required. approximately 2315 when returning to the Keith
a collision At occurred with what appeared to be as medium-sized yacht.
S.0.6. astern but the yacht's stern swinging
round was put into to port stove in S.0.6. on the starboard
bow as she altered course ribs and making & large out in the planking the aid
above fracturing several the damage was being inspected by
On shaded torch fire General Leese was embarked and instructions
of a waterline. While was opened on 9.0.6. from at German aeroplane.
were arrival given at Keith Lord Gort from Hebe, and to return to England
Keith. at Hebe it as Keith and approximately three-quarters embarked
dropping arrival General Leese discovered that Lord Gort crossed to
to collect in Dunkirk if Lord Gort approved. had
of an 9.0.6. returned Gort to also arrived there. He to Dover. was
forthwith and the and that it was the first time be any desired. the crew had
hour later Lord General Leese taken direct of
fire fact their behaviour left nothing to
June 2nd 1940. 1201 to 1982
Gladys" Instructions were received down 7 miles east about 3 miles off
to carry out a of search Dunkirk for drifter and for "Girl
approximately reported 30 broken soldiers in an was open set boat from Dover direct to Dunkirk towards
reported tho by aircraft. Course than intended to proceed to slowly put out to
clear of land and make allow for the set promised and
the coast to search for another the approach to the of coast the tide fro BI the
outer Reutigen. It was open boat, subsequently approximately sea
10 miles east of Dunkirk to escort had been
time caution the had report to be was exercised received. as Air no ships were operating off Dunkirk

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 356
October, 1935.)
te
ECRE
ss
10
55
1
PA
Alel Tasman.
60
Dynam 355
65
THER OF PROCEEDINGS - EVACUATION.
a
70
352
346
with engines stopped when boats and planes could be detected by sound
at a far greater range than visibility permitted. It is submitted
that this course might profitably be employed during patrols.
May Slst. 1940. 1140 to June 1st. 1940. 0547.
Instructions were received to proceed to Ramsgate, rendenvous and
escort small boat convoy to Dunkirk. The Convoy sailed at 1453
approximately 3 hours after scheduled time. Opportunity was taken
at Ramsgate to off-load all depth charges as It was considered
inadvisable to continue carrying these. The convoy consisted of
5 tugs and 5 drifters each towing between three and fifteen small
boats.
The convoy straggled somewhat on the way over and when
the Reutigen bouy was reached the leaders were eased dom to enable
the convoy to arrive together. At this the a large force of
German bombers and fighters were seen approaching. There were
Anumorable ships of all shapes and sizes in the vicinity and a
general bombing raid was commenced. British Mighters arrived at
this time and the attack because disorganised, The bombers
eventually disappearang inland.
The convoy arrived off Dunkirk
at approximately 2110, S.0.6. embarked Lieut.Comdr.@ynne-Edwardes
from Keith who directed the canvoy to the various beaches as
required. At approximately 2315 when returning to the Keith
a collision occurred with what appeared to be at medium-sized yacht.
S.0.6. was put into astern but the yacht's stern subcking swinging
round as she altered course to part stove in S.O.6. on the starboard
bow fracturing several ribs and making a large out in the planking
above waterline. While the damage was being inspected by the aid
of a shaded torch fire was opened on S.0.6. from a German aeroplane.
were given at to collect Lord Corb from Hebe, and to return to England
On arrival Keith General Leese was eurbarked and instructions
dropping General Leese in Dunkirk if Lord Gort approved.
Keith. arrival at Hebe returned to Keith and approximatly three-quarters
On it was discovered that Lord Cort had crossed to
of Inc. S.0.6. Lord Gort also arrived there. He was embarked
forthwith an hour later and General Leese taken direct to Dover.
Considering fire the their behaviour laft nothing to desired.
and he fact that it was the first time be any of the crew had
June 2nd. 1940. 1801 to 1922.
Gladys" were broken down 7 miles east of Dunkirk 3 miles and off for
Instructions received to carry out a search for drift."Girl
approximately reported 30 soldiers in Course an open was boat set about from Dover direct Dunkirk to
reported the by aircraft. It was then intended subsequently to proceed to slowly put out towardds to
the outer Reutigen. for the open boat, approximately sea
clear coast to search make another approach to the coast the tide from the
10 of land and Dunkirk to allow for the set of been promised and
time miles east of received. Air escort had off Dunkrik
causion the had report to be was exercised as no ships were operating

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

366
ENCLOSURE TO REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS - DUNKIRK OPERATIONS.
H.M.S.EXPRESS,
eutenant Commander
As Navigating Officer was of
Deane R.N.
the greatest assistance in keeping the
ships reckoning under most difficult
conditions, in charting the routes and ever
increasing number of wrecks. Has most
ably carried out his duties in this and
all minelaying operations in which "Express"
has been employed.
eutenant D.H. Maitland-
An exceptionally able Officer
kgill-Crichton R.N.
whose attention in promoting the efficiency
of the ships company,in the performance of
their Seamanlike and at action duties was
fully proved by the highly satisfactory
manner in which the ship embarked approx:
3500 troops, and was fought when attacked
by aircraft and shore batteries. This
Officer has maintained an excellent spirit
and state of efficiency in all the various
services on which the ship has been
employed throughout the var.
Reficient and 0001 as G.C.O.
b Lieutenant
ships fire as directed
L. Aldridge R.N.
R.F.
Ably dealt with the large
rgeon Lieutenant
of casualties embarked in the
C. Shelford R.N.V.R.
number ship for the passage to England.
As Officer of the (marters of
fire
R.J.A.Baker
nner street
aft displayed valuable
and on which the has
the var ship
in airing
been employed.

Details

SECRET
4
2.
......and as there were
only 4 Officers for the three ships only two of the ships
sailed. I consider that this was a proper decision having
regard to the circumstances. The inexperience of the crew
and the strangeness of the ships and also the locality made
a passage an extremely arduous affair.
The close proximity of the German army made it
imperative to return to England as soon as possible.
Accordingly I was put on board H.M.S. "Calcutta" early to-day
en route for Chatham Hospital.
4.
During the time ashore at La Panne I was
beseiged with requests for a passage to England or France
from French and Belgian Officers. These Officers all
stated that their desire was to reform and fight again.
I informed them all sympathetically that I
could not give them a passage without the approval of
General Adam. As this was not forthcoming in the majority
of cases, about 20 of them got & Diesel engined boat from
the beach and requested that they might come across to
England in company with me. I readily acceded to this
request and was prepared to tow them if necessary.
5.
I understand that the Admiralty were informed
by the Military that my 1st Lieutenant and myself had
become casualties.
6.
I regret that I am unable to inform you
of the present whereabouts of the three ships.
from 7. Dover I considered it proper that this report should
As routeing and instructions were received
be submitted to you. If this is not correct it is requested
that this report may be forwarded to the proper authority.
VIOE ADMI
ADMIR
7.5.8.a.
A
Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.
DOV

Details

68
I
-
67
to the westward and anchried opposite the
French battery until daylisht. During the
might I shifted borth further to the
westward to avoid "oras" from the
Perman batteries shelling the French fort.
June 1ˢᵗ
1/6
At darr [ closed the beach
ajain where some troops were seen marching
lowards Dushisk. They should no
particular clesse Is come off and only
about 100 straggles were embarled, the
main body antioning along the beach.
At about 0800 therefore [ closed
the "Kith flying the flag of hear Admiral
wake-walhor. Captain Pin reported the
situation and was andered IS close the
beaches close castward of Danhih, and
if there were no troops there to proceed
Is England.
Shortly often this stung formating
of enemy chise bonkers appeared and Kith
was aepeatedly attached until put out
of action and chandmed ship. During
this period E remained under way
3ig zagging as apart from Keith
and Skipjack there appeared the

Details

69
68
little else for the arrift 5 cittach.
I about proceedure to the
aid of "Huths survivors and with the
heep of mater bouts recovered a large mumber,
including two British Brigadies and a
French seneral. while this was taking
place enemy chise bonhare appeared your
and Sanh "Skipsack about half mile
from n2. As soon as possible i
proceded K their and and piched up
all the Survivors except ⑆ but 12 of
were recovered by a they. They were
in a rong pitcous state being conced
in oil fact, and in some uses service
wounded. By the time this was
completed E had Are then a full
load, emadering their condition, and maraded
for England. Dive bombus appeared your
and finished off the "Kith but by
some oversight child not attack Hilda
althnish she appeared to the only
craft left eflout in the roads.
I passed Dunkish breakwah chat
1130.
Shortly after passing No bbuy

Details

74
73
-2-
6. I approached a number of trawlers and other small
vessels which seemed to be getting under way for Great Britain
and asked them to remain until I could fill them up with
troops. It seemed to me that the orders which they said
they had received to return to Great Britain were not bona fide.
7. I proceeded ashore and interviewed various military
officers at as many of the beaches as possible. At the
request of a senior military officer I agreed to assume the
duties of Beach Master and arranged to continue the organisation
until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told
them that if anything went wrong during the night we would
return at dawn. I learned that some of the men had been in
the dunes for two or three days awaiting embarkation, and they
were obviously much cheered up to learn that they would get
out that night. The flat-bottomed boats which the military
had been using themselves were extremely dangerous in the surf
which, although not very great, was sufficient to capsize
these boats.
8. I found from experience that it was much quicker to run a
load of troops in a single motor boat rather than to fill up
one or more lifeboats and tow the greater number. The dangers
of controlling boats in tow when they were crowded both near
the shore and alongside H.M. ships were considerable. During
the night I acquired in one way or another five additional
lifeboats, and in many cases the military themselves acted as
crews.
9. The pontoon bridges which had been built by the military
the previous day were extremely useful, and were largely res-
ponsible for the rapid evacuation of troops. It is interesting
to note that a few moments after the last men had been taken
off one of these bridges it was hit by enemy artillery.
10. All the troops that I could find were embarked by midnight
and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before
midnight I went along certain of the beaches to look for
stragglers. A Staff Officer informed me that no more troops
would embark from these beaches but that they would march to
Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be shelled
and would probably be in German hands the following day. This,
as it turned out, was a correct forecast.
11. I estimate that from pontoon bridges and beaches approxi-
mately 5,000 troops were probably embarked.
12. The soldiers, though obviously extremely tired, made no
complaints of the delay or of the wettings which they got in
wading out in the surf to get into the motor boats, and were
more than thankful for the kindnesses which were shown them in
the various ships. One could not but be impressed by the
amount of friendly cheering which occurred when H.M. ships
passed the troop ships at sea. The great majority of the
troops were carrying their rifles and side-arms, and I insisted
that in no case must they be thrown away. I was impressed to
notice that the military padres were always amongst the last to
leave the beach in their respective parties.
13./

Details

74
-3-
13. Several of the motor boats had now broken down and
between midnight and 3 a.m. complete repairs were done to
these boats, which was most creditable to the R.N.R. and
R.N.V.R. officers and ratings sent from EXCELLENT and KING
ALFRED to man them.
14. I found it necessary to shift my anchorage to the west
during the night, as shells meant for the beaches were
ricocheting over H.M.S. HILDA.
15. In accordance with my undertaking to the troops, I sent
off all boats again at 3.15 a.m. to search the beaches, starting
from the western end of Bray-Dunnes. During the next three
hours approximately only 250 men were taken off the beaches,
and these in small parties; they were apparently stragglers.
A large rearguard party marching along the beach decided to
continue to Dunkirk.
June.
16. At 7.30 a.m. approximately I closed H.M.S. KEITH and
reported the position to Admiral Wake-Walker. He told me to
continue my search of the beaches and if possible transfer my
troops to another ship, subsequently returning to England.
17. Unfortunately, with the exception of KEITH, SKIPJACK,
one destroyer a considerable distance away and an Admiralty tug,
there were no vessels to whom I could transfer these troops,
besides which, with the dive bombing and shelling, it would, as
it turned out, have been impossible.
18. dive bomber and was abandoned shortly afterwards.
At approximately 8 a.m. H.M.S. KEITH received at direct
hit closed from KEITH a and picked up some 50 survivors out of the water,
including this stage I jettisoned all my spare petrol. The off Admiralty the
I the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F. and other Staff Officers.
At went alongside KEITH before she sank and took the east
majority make a final inspection of the beaches and to see motor-
tug of the survivors. I then proceeded to that no to
boats had been left behind.
19. dive bomber Half an and sank immediately. I closed SKIPJACK picked
hour later SKIPJACK received a direct hit and from a
up some 60 or 70 survivors.
20. Dive bombing had been more while or less HILDA continuous proceeded since towards early
morning Dunkirk Germans or narrowly 21. three At on and seemed missed 10.30 occasions, passage the to attacks be home. but in in complete during went the British on the control fighters greater for of bomba, of England, two part sink. the were of and air. of H.M. seen being after the transports on day an two the
hour's I saw the steaming, latter while struckby dive bombers and
22./

Details

75
-4-
22. As I now had some 530 troops on board my small vessel,
many of whom were in an extremely critical condition or
badly wounded, and as there were some 15 ships standing by to
pick up the survivors from these transports I thought it better
to continue my course to England, but succeeded in picking up
a number of French survivors. I was impressed by the splendid
action of one British army officer, who several times went
overboard to tie lines round those in the water. I did not
ascertain his name.
23. I passed a signal to V.A. Dover through a destroyer
giving E.T.A. for Ramsgate and asking for ambulances.
24. I arrived at Ramsgate at 5.30 p.m. and landed all my
British and French troops together with survivors from H.M. ships.
One man had died and two others were in an extremely critical
condition.
25. I telephoned a full report of the operations and of the
final evacuation of the beaches to an officer on the Staff of
V.A. Dover, and at 7.30 sailed for Dover. While on passage
home I passed a number of motor boats being towed to Dunkirk,
and after consultation with the Q.M.G. advised them to continue
their journey and ask for instructions on arrival, as they
might be of use to the Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation at
Dunkirk beach. The only boats brought home by me were two
which were completely out of order. The other lifeboats,
whalers etc. were left at Dunkirk for further use.
26. HILDA arrived at Dover at 10 o'clock but was not permitted
to enter. While at anchor outside at approximately 11 o'clock
a magnetic mine was dropped 50 yards south-east of the ship,
and this was duly reported to the Examination Officer and
sweeping operations carried out next morning.
June.
27. Reported at the office of V.A. Dover the results of the
operation which I had been ordered to carry out, and was told
to submit a full report in writing.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
28. The evacuation was carried out without injury to any of
the troops, but a number were killed on the beaches by shrapnel
while standing by or moving along.
29. I found that the crews of the motor boats, all young
officers and ratings, were very steady both under shell fire
and while close to dive bombing.
30. The great majority of the troops were carrying their
rifles and equipment, and I was particularly struck by the fact
that I heard no complaint at any time from these tired men,
even when up to their shoulders in water in the surf. They
appreciated to the full the efforts we were making.
31./

Details

75
-4-
22. As I now had some 530 troops on board my small vessel,
many of whom were in an extremely critical condition or
badly wounded, and as there were some 15 ships standing by to
pick up the survivors from these transports I thought it better
to continue my course to England, but succeeded in picking up
a number of French survivors. I was impressed by the splendid
action of one British army officer, who several times went
overboard to tie lines round those in the water. I did not
ascertain his name.
25. I passed a signal to V.A. Dover through B destroyer
giving E.T.A. for Ramsgate and asking for ambulances.
24. I arrived at Ramogate at 5.30 p.m. and landed all my
British and French troops together with survivors from H.M. ships.
One man had died and two others were in an extremely critical
condition.
25. I telephoned a full report of the operations and of the
final evacuation of the beaches to an officer on the Staff of
V.A. Dover, and at 7.30 sailed for Dover. While on passage
home I passed a number of motor boats being towed to Dunkirk,
and after consultation with the Q.M.O. advised them to continue
their Journey and ask for instructions on arrival, as they
might be of use to the Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation at
Dunkirk beach. The only boats brought home by me were two
which were completely out of order. The other lifeboats,
whalers etc. were left at Dunkirk for further use.
26. HILDA arrived at Dover at 10 o'clock but was not permitted
to enter. While at anchor outside at approximately 11 o'clock
a magnetic mine was dropped 50 yards south-east of the ship,
and this was duly reported to the Examination Officer and
sweeping operations carried out next morning.
June. 27. Reported at the office of V.A. Dover the results of the
operation which I had been ordered to carry out, and was told
to submit a full report in writing.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
28. The evacuation was carried out without injury to any of
the troops, but a number were killed on the beaches by shrapnel
while standing by or moving along.
29. I found that the crews of the motor boats, all young
officers and ratings, were very steady both under shell fire
and while close to dive bombing.
30. The great majority of the troops were carrying their
rifles and equipment, and I was perticularly struck by the fact
that I heard no complaint at any time from these tired men,
even when up to their shoulders in water in the surf. They
appreciated to the full the efforts we were making.
S1./

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
97
96
ORANJE's dated 10th June 1940 (cont)
communicate.
At this time a Blenheim bomber -1th British markings, flew
overhead. towards the beach where st dropped all number of small
bombs and was fired at with mechine runs and rifles. It was
then presumed that the beach was held by German troops, but
it was later ascertained that the Germans had obtained and
were using a number of aircraft with British markings.
Alongside the Barrage vessel we were informed by el number of
soldiers wearin British and French uniforms that the B.E.F.
was being evacuated, and that they had been told to find
their own way back to England as best they could, all their
officers having already left them. They also stated that they
had nothing to eat and asked us to provide them with bread.
I informedthem that I was proceeding to Dunkirk, but would
consider pickin them on the return journey. ORANJE then
proceeded on her way.
7. On approaching Dunkirk ORANJE met snother scoot
coming away who informed us that we were too small to be of
use alongside, nor could we land stores there, and should
return home. ORANJE turned about, recovered 5 soldiers from
the barrage vessel after insuring that they were genuine,
supplied the remaining Frenchmen with bread, and sailed for in
hom_e. A number of rafts, boats and lifebuoys were observed
on the way home, all of which were investigated, but no
survivors were found nor were any names found on any of the
ORANJE wreckage. arrived off the North Goodwin Light Vessel at 1500 and
was ordered to Ramsgate, proceeding alongside about 1630. The
majority of the bomb dam_age was made good, and ORANJE sailed
at 1930. with orders to disembark provisions at Le Panne,
about 10 miles east of Dunkirk.
8. Wednesday 29th May. ORANJE arrived off Le Panne
at 0430 and picked up one man off a raft in an exhausted sond
condition. An attempt was then made to beach the ship after
streaming a kedge anchor, but the kedge would not hold, and
so the bower anchor was let go and the ship allowed to swing
round with the tide. In view of the fact that the ship was
drawing eight feet of water and that the beach shelves very
gradually it was not possible to get closer in than è of 8
mile.
I then proceeded ashore personmally to interview
the military 9. authorities and returned on board at 0730 to
move the ship to a more convenient place. An arrangement had
been made for one working party to come on board to unload
the holds, ano ther to muster on the beach to unload the boats,
and as many large boats as pos ible would be commandeered.
It was now.
- slum Skut who We arbbiny lud ashin, of
pan Pacific beauty Kasi then hor
and of : belowed, about he the Pause.
steat Vein was this party 5 anim at the White
of at Here spend have in ausurs & trey our
Proceded the beach Ildius were
directed C/C for Guild was But &
hail In nituition we is line is Cuch or.
Here Me Guamanding offer a Inimo

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 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.

Details

-3-
The situation was unchanged during the night;a guard
being placed on board and making repeated attempts to signal
larger craft passing close to send assistance for bne wounded,
who were not in a fit state to be moved to the beach.
Lieutenant Brooks was despatched with two seamen on
a raft to commandeer small boats seen drifting down channel
approximately half a mile to seaward, but was caught by the
tide and eventually picked up by & destroyer and retained
onboard as a watchkeeper. This officer had been of the greatest
assistance during the operations.
At 0430 an ambulance was procured and three of the
wounded transfered to a field station, and at 0520, & motorboat
was at last successfully hailed and the remaining wounded were
embarked,
Shortly afterwards & whaler and motorboat from H.M.S.
"KINGFISHER" which was endeavouring to work from the beach
close to the ship came alongside and took off parties of twenty
to thirty. Use was made of "SURSUM-CORDA" in such & manner during
the remainder of the forenoon, parties of men embarking onboard
and being transferred to Whalers or Motorboats from the stern.
I had reported the situation to the Commanding Officer
H.M.S. "KINGFISHER" and asked him if he would take my men onboard,
as I had no further use for them.
At approximately 1230 I was informed that the mole
was to be used again and ships were alongside waiting and that
all British troops were to proceed there, but I continued
taking off stragglers where necessary. Orders were then received
from "KINGFISHER" that myself and crew were to repair onboard.
In reporting to the Commanding Officer, I was informed
he was returning straight to Ramsgate.
My crew were discharged to Ramsgate and ordered to
report to Naval Officer-in-Charge.
I returned myself in "KINGFISHER"to assist where
necessary.
Two members of my crew, Leading Seaman Whalley and Sto.
Hobbs, volunteered to return with me, but considered that they
should remain for some rest and if necessary would be required
for other craft later.
These two ratings were of very great assistance to me
during the operation and had no consideration for themselves
whatever.
"KINGFISHER" secured alongside the mole at approximately
1930, and I reported to the S.N.O. at Dunkirk informing him
of the grounding of "SURSUM-CORDA" and offering to assist where
required.
I was ordered to return to England again in the
"VANQUISHER" arriving in Dover approximately 0200 Saturday,
1st June.

Details

138
147
132
11
From Lieut.-Commander H.G.Boys-Smith, R.N.R.
To
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Date June 7th, 1940.
plain
Subjet:- Summarized report of part taken by ships
and craft under my command during the evacuation of
Dunkirk.
th a.m.
Joined Dutch Scoot "Ewente" at Tilbury in command.
Sailed p.m. for Sheerness where vessel was prepared for
ded
operations.
th p.m.
Sailed from Sheerness direct for Dunkirk beaches
300.
via West Hinder Buoy in company with other "scoots".
3th 6330
When approaching Beaches was turned back by
ans
Naval M.L. with orders to return to Ramsgate. Half an
hour later was attacked by one salvo of bombs and
machine gun fire by a German bomber which appeared to
1.
be returning from the direction of England. Arrived
Erik
Ramsgate a.m. same day.
00
8th p.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk via Buoys U, V, If, and 6 West.
situal
Dunkirk harbour entrance was reached just before midnight.
A full load of British troops was ferried off in drifters & k.
(380). Ship sailed immediately by same route. Fierce
Leh
fires were blazing all over Dunkirk, lighting up the
sea. Continuous distant firing was heard. Local
I
4R
ICE ADMIRAL
Ell day light an air
JUN 1940
the durlsping at
*
DOVER
- disausanted toops,
promium stares.

Details

Dyram 162
158
153
The Commanding Officer,
HMS "Vernon".
From Commanding Office,
HMS "Bystander."
Isv. June 1940.
Report upon the action of seaman cook J.H.H. Elton (RM.
Patrol Service) in reseuring survivors from Hims King
Orry on 30st cllay 1940.
"
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report upon the action of
man cook J.H.H. Elton. a member of the of this
ship, when this ship was engaged in reseuring survivors
HMS "King Orly: when she foundared off Dunkirk at about
+5 30 th ellay, 1940.
This ship. an echo-sounding vessel was in the process
refitting at Ramsgate when she was given route orders for
unkink to assist in transporting troops to England.
During this operation. I arrived at Dumkink at
30 of 29th ellay 1940 I was instructed to proceed to HMS
ing Pry" and take off her arew as she was in danger of
bundering as a result of a bombing raid earlier in the day.
the Commanding officer of King Drry : however, decided to attempt

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159
154
beach thank her outside the harbow and I therefore left
and proceeded to take on board my ship 72 soldiers
Dunkirk for transporting to england
I left Dumkirk hasbour at 0130, 30sh ellay 1940 and
ountered "King Qry smiking in the fairway. The ship turned
S and pundered in about fifteen minutes, but I was
le to approach her and launch the 8 ft boat with a
w of two - seaman cook Elton and seaman R. Scott.
These men found that the crew of King Only were
impting to swim to my ship but that they were in a
ak state owing to the effects of the bombing vaids they had
enienced and toof the very cold water. Elton thereupon
ed into the water and supported as many of the survivors
he could find while Scott rowed boatboads of men back
"Bystander: In my estimation Elton remained in the water
a half-hour at first supporting swimmers and then swimming
and endeavouring to recover chose who could be heard
roning. On the last trip back to "Bystander, eight 02 ten
were recoured as Elton was able to put survivors on
-rafts and tow them across.
I regret there was not more time at my disposal to
over more men and I was aware of at least two presons

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&
I
187
made for the coast.
All five of us had so far crossed safely.
At 0500 arrived at beach near La Panne, and recognised
it as Cupola, hundreds upon hundreds of troops waiting to be
taken off. I proceeded, stopped just out off the surf and
commenced towing boatloads of soldiers to Destroyers and Trawlers.
I continued without stopping for any reason until about
1200 30/5/40, when alongside a Destroyer, a voice hailed me, saying,
"Well done, motor boat, wait for me".
An Officer wearing a
lambskin coat came on board. He was wet through, however, he
said he wanted me to carry on as I was doing and that then he would
have one or two other jobs for me.
So I carried on taking off troops to ships. In the late
afternoon the Officer above mentioned, whose name I then leanred
was Commodore Stephens or Stevens, asked me to run him down to a
certain position on the beach, and he instructed me not to do
anything until he returned as he was going ashore to look for Lord
Gort, and, if he got him, I was to take him straight to England.
Enemy shore batteries were now on and off dropping heavy shells
quite close. Commodore Stephens waded ashore through the surf,
up to the neck in water. In an hour's time he returned, waded
out again, but did not mention Lord Gort's name, and I did not ask
him why he had not come.
I made a good guess.
The Commodore
then ordered me to close a destroyer, and I had the honour of
receiving my Admiral on board with C.O.S. ( I can't remember his
name). I closed the surf to land him by his whaler which I was
towing. However, he ddd not land and I returned him aboard
his ship. shells stillfalling around.
Commodore Stephens and I then carried on taking troops
to ships.
Long before this I had spoken to "SILVER QUEEN" and
made sure she had distributed her petrol supplies.
She
disappeared about this time and I did most of the rescue work myself,
(with one or two boats from destroyers) from now on until the
following afternoon. At 0100, rescued 7 soldiers from drowning.
Continued rescue work until 0200 (approx.) 31/5/40
when, being in very close inshore, I went aground; I knew the tide
was rising so didn't worry, but put out my anchor astern and tried
to heave her off.
Succeeded in floating her at 0400 and carried
on as before.
Now I was feeling the strain somewhat, but worse
lay ahead. At about 0800 strong North wind and very heavy swell,
boat rolling and pitching at every turn and going alongside ships
was very difficult.
Commodore Stephens now asked me to take him out to an
M.T.B. which had come in, and he asked me to continue the good work
alone.
He said I had done good work, but could not allow me to
rest, too much remained to be done.
I might say that the
Commodore said I was "A good fellow", and on other occasions said
I was "a bloody fool". It is not my place to pass remarks about
Senior Officers, but this Officer, without cap, soaked through,
without food, was a great example to me.
He helped me to steer,
to pass lines, to haul drowning soldiers aboard, and very often
would say, "Come on the Army".
"Where have I seen you before,
you are so good looking, I'm sure I know you".
Other times he
cursed the lot as stupid.
I carried on after he left me and so I come to 1330 on
31/5/40. sight, and heavy shelling was taking place, suddenly the shelling
I was heading close inshore at this time, no boats in
became terrific, and my Cox. called out "For God's sake get off,
Sir, look, all the destroyers have left".
It was as he said,
but a small Merchant ship remained.
I closed her and saw she
too was heaving up. so I proceeded after the destroyers towards
Dunkerque. the last Naval Boat. The troops had all disappeared from the
I was the last Naval Officer to leave La Panne, and
beach. to the most Easterly position from Dunkerque in which our ships
I proceeded along the beach close inshore, until I came
lay.
I got a very heavy boat load of troops in tow.

Details

Dynam 232
205
192
LOG of H.M. Motor Boat LADY CABLE of Torquay
during operations carried out June 2md
and 3rd, 1940.
In command: Acting Sub-Lieutenant G.A. Cadell, R.N.
Cadet Rating G.R. Price
Stoke Worsall
Able Seaman or Ordinary Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland,
Sunday, June 2nd, 1940.
Took over boat during forenoon from Mr. Gooding who
operates boat for owner at Torquay. She had done one trip
to the beaches near Dunkirk. Took on provisions, water,
petrol, etc. Mr. Gooding showed Stoker Worsall the working
of the engines Cylinder Atlantic - running on petrol.
At about 1500 went over to Prince of Wales Pier and was
then taken in tow by SUN VI, together with two life-boats
and one other craft. Started for Dunkirk at approximately
1530, having been handed previously copy of Sailing
Instructions to Drifters, together with rough sketch map
of course to follow. After uneventful trip arrived off
Dunkirk harbour at about 2230 and received orders to
proceed in harbour and go a long way up the Mole to embark
soldiers - fill up and return to tug, then go in for
further loads. At times had difficulty in persuading
French troops to embark in LADY CABLE, the reason apparently
being reluctance to break their units or to act without
definite orders from their officer who was probably still
in the town of Dunkirk. However, we took four boat loads
off - each load containing between 40 and 50 soldiers.
Three loads I took to tugs and one to H.M.S. WISHART when
tug was not in usual position. Spoke to tug after fourth
trip and was informed that it would soon be light and that
she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. craft (later found to
be HAIG) who I imagined from her position was watching us and
would/

Details

208
195
my left foot.
especially as I was partially incapacitated by a wound on
As we were a long way from the French coast I decided
that there was very little chance of HAIG falling into enemy
hands and that no doubt help would soon be forthcoming in
reply to the wireless message I had asked X440 to send.
I hauled down HAIG's ensign and took it aboard LADY CABLE and
we tried to make towards the English coast. Unfortunately
the engine kept stopping and we made very slow progress and
finally nothing would make our engine start again. We
drifted helplessly for several hours and then sighted a Bell
Buoy which I believe may have been the N.W. Goodwin Bell
Buoy, but we did not get close enough to make sure. At
last we sighted a warship and waved HAIG's White Ensign to
try to attract stention. We were seen and the ship altered
course towards us and came up close to LADY CABLE. She was
the French transport ROUEN of Dieppe and was packed with
troops from Dunkirk. An officer asked what I wanted and I
told him that we were broken down and asked to be taken
aboard. To my surprise my appeal was met with a blunt
"No" - with no explanation, and the ROUEN steamed away.
My crew and I felt angry at this in view of the fact that
we had rescued over 200 French soldiers during the night.
No doubt the ROUEN had good reasons for not taking us aboard
but no explanation was given and I would like if possible
to discover why she was unable to help us.
Luckily another ship some considerable distance away
had noticed the ROUEN and observed that she had not picked
us up. This ship was the CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH and she
came up and took us in tow to the Downs where she was bound
for in ballast. On arrival in the Downs where CITY OF
CHRISTCHURCH dropped anchor, we were able to start up the
engine of LADY CABLE and I decided once again to try to make
for Dover. However, we broke down after a run of about
15 minutes and were picked up by a tug (Operational I
don't know her name). She had orders to proceed to Ramagate
with H.M. Drifter VIKING in tow and was about to do this
when we broke down near her. She towed us to the VIKING
and I boarded the VIKING to have my injured foot attended
to and get some rest. VIKING and LADY CABLE were towed round
to Ramsgate where we arrived about 2100. I was landed and
taken to "Merrie England" and then to Ramagate General
Hospital.
The Commanding Officer of VIKING at my request reported
the return of LADY CABLE and that one member of my crew,
Cadet Rating Price was missing but might be aboard French
warship X440. He also reported direct to C. in C., Dover,
about HAIG. A little later, while I was still at "Merrie
England", the Commanding Officer of VIKING arrived to tell
me that he had been informed from Dover that HAIG was safe.
Unfortunately he had no news for me of Cadet Rating Price.
The behaviour of my crew throughout the operation had
been magnificent. The taking off of over 200 French troops
and 6 British from the Mole was conducted quickly and
calmly under difficult and hazardous conditions. Later,
Cadet Rating Price's work in helping to get the HAIG along-
side LADY CABLE cannot be too highly praised. Without the
great initiative and efficiency he displayed the operation
would not have been successful and the HAIG would have
drifted ashore to the S.W. of Dunkirk.
After/

Details

OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 14 2100
Ship: R.N.L.B. "WALTON AND FRINTON" E.M.E.D.
Written up by Petty Officer Tel.Cooley
Officer Reporting: Commanding Officer Lt.R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
Sat. June 1st. 0400 Manned Walton Life Boat RNLB - EMID.
0500 To sea.
0536 Made to signal Station "where are drifters
that are going to tow lifeboats". From
signal station "go alongside".
0550 Lay off drifters. Proceeding to make enqui-
ries as regards intentions.
0600 Small boats informed what we are doing.
0614 Secure alongside P.O. steps; Captain ashore
for enquiries.
0630 Left P.O. steps.
0645 Lay off drifters.
0715 Taken in tow by drifter "Thrifty". Ships in
our tow Southend-on-Sea Lifeboat
"Abdybeauclark" lifeboat Walton E.N.E.D.
Lifeboat P.E.42 "Summer" Maid" Motor Boat
"White Bear".
0725 Left Dover.
0729 Tow slipped second from end.
0733 Tow O.K. Under way - sighted South Goodwin
Light Vessel at 0730.
0900 To passing sloop "are there many more to
take off".
0901 Reply "Yes".
0910
Destroyers wash parted tow.
0928
Tow O.K. Under way.
1027
Passed E. Goodwins.
1256
Captain H-M passed.
1404 Destroyer H-15 passing broke tow on last boat
in line.
1407 Tow O.K. Under way.
1502 Tow broken on last boat in line.
1516 Tow O.K. Under way.
1517 3 planes attacked around. Sloop bombed.
1522 Mine sighted floating. Mine fired at.
Result uncertain.
1537 Ybonne et Moabe of Gravelin French Flag
with one English soldier with Brenn Gun
onboard heading England. Turned on communica-
ting with us and headed towards Dunkirk.
(Boat just mentioned was sunk about 1615 by
bombs direct hit.)
1550 Searching around among very large wreckage.
1605 Turned back for few miles while drifter
reports and await results of message by W/T
regarding ship in distress further up main
1615 Bombed channel. by (about 30) many planes - 1 trawler
sunk (not in our company). Bomb dropped by
our trawler and broke tow throwing men in
water. Men picked up. Our planes arrived.
1624 Proceeding to investigate Trawler.
1635 Air attack still on.
1652 Bombs heard dropping Drifters heading home
1640 Departed planes.
without leaving orders. Tried to communicate
with drifters to ask their intentions with
Aldis but could get no reply. Tried to
collect small boats and motioned life-boat
to stop (scored out in log "Comd. Gunner
onboard") Lifeboat went on but stopped by
Aldis.
1710/

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293
Copy.
274
R.N. Chatham. Barracks,
The Commanding Officer,
H.M.S. "Crested Eagle".
Sir,
I have the honour to report that during the intense
beaching, and burning of the vessel, all men under my con-
aerial bombardment of the pier, and the subsequent bombing,
trol remained steady at their posts and carried out their
duties with great coolness. I should like especially to
report on the following men:
Tilbury A.B.
1e
Frend. A.B.
Plack, A.B.
Patrick.
for their work in keeping the vessel alongside the quay and
for assisting the wounded men to board the vessel. I have
to report that an unknown A.B. or O.S. a survivor from the
"Grenade" suffering from severe facial injuries, requested
that he should assist to men the A.A. guns. Being short-
handed I posted him as gunlayer and Captain of the Gun at
No.2 Pom pom. This Gun he kept in action for 20 minutes
after the bombing of the vessel.
Four German Prisoners on board were of great
al
assistance in rescuing wounded from the damaged compart-
ments, these men were handed over to a French N.C.O. on
reaching shore.
side
Engineer Lieut. Turnbull, R.N.R. was placed in
hospital in a large hotel about 2 miles East of Dunkirk.
He was badly burnt about the hands and face and suffering
slightly from shock. Owing to the congested state of the
beaches it was impossible to collect all survivors. All
men seen were instructed to return to England by the earliest
availableboat.
in.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R.M. Roberts,
Sub.Lieut. R.N.R.
1035. Observed large number of troops waiting by
Zuidcoote Sanatarium'and no boats or ships in immediate
vicinity.
1040 Anchored in 2½ fathoms in position
Dunkirk High lighthouse bearing 237 deg. 3.25 miles.
Established communication ashore by using ship's ropes
secured ashore and by using two ship's boats and two small
boats salved from beach, ferried troops from beach to ship.
Owing to falling tide, shallow water and inshore swell
operations were difficult and troops had to wade into 3 feet
of water to keep boats afloat but by changing the boats
creews for every trip - about 60 troops per hour were
embarked.
During this time bombing, shelling and aerial
and machine gunning took place, and gun's crews were
continually on the alert and in action and embarking operations
continued without a break.
Embarked about 340 troops.

Details

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

Details

Dynams 121.
367
I
St. Malo Les Bains. June 2nd - 3rd.
- 345
on the 2nd. from operations were to be for fast craft only,
I reached The Ramsgate with Commander Troup about 4 p.m.
but hearing a Colonel, who had just come ashore, that
2/6
he thought there were some British troops and others near
St. Malo who had not been able to get into Dunkirk, I got
permission from V.A. Dover to go there with a group of
Schuits, motor boats and life boats. Commander Troup was
to take the fast boats into the Avant Port and Commendant
Anduse - Faru arranged for the French motor fishing boats
to go *mto St. Malo and ferry troops to a French ship and
a paddle steamer. The larger ships, however did not sail,
and the fishing boats went to Avant Port instead of St.
Malo. 3 Schuits and 12 motor boats were available. They
sailed between 1800 and 1900. I was expecting a M.A.S.B
from Harwich and waited as long as I could for her, as I
thought her armament might be useful during our withdrawal.
As she did not come I went in the 12 know motor boat "White
Wings", Sub Lieut. Mullins. We left about 2045 and owing
2/6
to a head sea and some trauble with the starboard engine,
did not overtake the slow convoy.
2.
I found the three Schuits in the appointed place
between E.12 buoy and the shore and went in to close the
motor boats. They had already been in and found the beach
deserted. After giving one boat which had broken down to
a Schuit to tow, I ordered them all to return to Ramsgate
and went back to the beach to make sure no one was left
behind.
6
3.
The battery of four/inch guns near Nieuport,
which had been shelling a point somewhere near La Panne,
where I supposed some Allied troops to be holding out,
and had been dropping an occasional shell in our neigh-
bourhood, now started to register on the Eastern Mole.
They got the range with about four rounds, and then landed a
salvo on the mole itself, these direct hits wore just short
of me! Though evidently fired at entreme range, the salvo
fell well together. Another round struck and sank a
transport which was entering. It was now time to leave,
but as it got lighter we made out S ship's lifeboat
pulling off with very tired men in her. This was a party
from the Schuit "Hilda", in charge of a volunteer from
one of the yachting associations. I Ashou hope it will be
possible to get his name. He had been and along the beach
to make sure therewas no one there.
4.
There were hundreds of troops lined up on the
Mole, but it was clearly impossible for us to do anything
but report. We also discovered a motor boat ashore (The
"Singapore") at the foot of the mole. The lifeboat went
ashore and our volunteer waded along the beach to help her
off. The boats's crew decided to wait till the tide lifted
them, keeping under cover so that aircraft should think
the boat deserted. As my boat drew too much to get any-
where near her, I decided to withdraw. The "Singapore" got
away and returned to Ramagate in company with the motor
boat "Kitcat", which had been into Dunkirk.
who 4. were pulling for England in a small fishing boat. I
Off Dunkirk we picked up 6 French soldiers
saw in the distance another of my boats towing a life boat
full of troops, but I do not know her name. 8 German bombers
flew out of the smoke cloud, but turned off to the westward,
ignoring us. Many British aircraft were seen on the return
voyage.

Details

Dynam 195. 369
Car. HR Troup's report
347
I left Ramsgate on the night 2nd - 3rd June in
War Ministry fast motor boat "Haig" with three other fast
W.M.M.B's. I took with me the French Naval Attache Captain
de Revoir who came over to see how the embarkation was going
on on the pier. I gave instructions to the Offi ers in
charge of boats to act independently and ferry troops to
ships taking a final boat load back to Ramsgate.
I entered Dunkirk harbour and proceeded alongside
the centre pier and with great fifficulty persuaded 40
French soldiers to come aboard. These I took to a big
ship outside and returned for more. After loading 39
I again proceeded out and just in the entrance was
rammed by a French tu on the prto beam; as the hole
was a good foot above the water line I went on. I had
not gone more than 200 yards when another French tug
altered course and rammed me in the forecastle, cutting
halfway through the upper deck and right up to the keel.
I managed to get clear quickly and took the boat alongside
the "Westward ho" and got the soldiers out, one of whom
got his shoulder smashed in the collision. A destroyer
coming across the bow of the "Westward ho" caused her
to go astern and the wash from her paddle filled the boat
up with water and washed her away from the ship. Asx soon
as the ship stopped I again got alongside and as it was now
three oclock and the Captain had been ordered to clear out
everyone else having gone, I decided to abandon the boat
and get on board the ship with my crew and return to
Margate. On the way over Captain de Revoir told me there
was some difficulty on the pier and suggested he should go
there the following night and help. I therefore arranged
to take him.
On night on 3rd- 4th I left gsate in the
W.M.M.B. "Swallow" at 2000, but I left without Captain
de Revoir who missed the boat, arriving at Dunkirk at
2230 going straight alongside the centre pier where I
landed and sent the boat off ferrying, with orders to
come back at 0330 for me.
I found I could be useful as was suggested by
Captain de Revoir in making ships fast, finding out the
number of men they could take and then getting the French
Officers to help me embark the troops quickly, So I
decided to make myself Piermaster and everything else
combined. The French soldiers were very loath to be
separated from each other, their companies or their
Officers but by promising them they would only be
separated for two hours and would meet again in England
The French Officer Captain le Comte leChartier de Sedouy
they moved quicker. I embarked at least 10,000 troops.
on the staff of General Lucas of the 32nd Division was
and a staff off with me not later than 0330, I had some
very helpful and I arranged with him to take the general
somewhat I instructed the Officer in the boat if order
qualms about the boat returning for me as her engines were he
was in groggy doubt to close one of the other boats and
him to any in by 0300 at the latest. It so happened
that he come broke down altogether and told no one and it was
into harbour about 0305 just at the time I was beginning
Just by luck that the motor boat which took me off came
to wonder.
I would like to put on record the wonderful
discipline of the French troops when the last ship left
about 0300.

Details

1594/07
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO: Flag Officer 1/c Portland.
Dupram 353
-397
371
narrative. 6th June, 1940, the honour to submit the following of
In I have accordance with your Memo No. 2912
proceeded she became to Dover in company with "Topaze". During the
On Wednesday, 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina"
night detached and reached Dover independently
at 1045/30 May. The Examination Vessel was hailed for
instructions, and at 1230 orders were received to proceed
to the Downs, where the Examination Vessel would have our
a steamer off the Goodwins, directed us to the Examination
sailing orders. This ship, which was engaged in towing
Tug at the North Goodwin Light Vessel, where we anchored
at 1545 to await instructions from the shore, since the
Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders were received
pick up troops.
to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of Dunkirk, to
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to
east of Dunkirk, when visibility was very low owing to
smoke clouds. Orders were then received from a destroyer
to investigate a reported enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward.
Anchor was weighed at 2221, and we steamed to Bray beaches
without encountering the M.T.B. Pilotage was somewhat
hazardous in the intense darkness, owing to wrecks obstruct-
ing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was dropped as
close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after
midnight, and brought off two loads of troops totalling
32, including one stretcher case, which was put aboard a
destroyer. Owing to deterioration of conditions, no more
troops were embarked until daylight, when the boat was
pulled ashore on two more occasions.
At about 0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of
troops and ready to proceed to England, so it was arranged
that "Olvina" should provide a crew for "Sabre"s" motorboat
and use it for embarking troops. Accordingly, after re-
filling with petrol from "Icarus", the motorboat was manned
and proceeded to tow off ships' boats and Royal Engineer's
pontoon floats from the pier to vessels anchored off. The
pier consisted of motor lorries driven into the sea at low
water, having planks lashed to the roofs. Owing to a
northwesterly breeze, which freshened to force 3/4 at 1100,
only the eastern side of the pier could be used, and some
difficulty was experienced in handling the boats. Probably
about 300 to 350 troops were removed in this manner, of
which 240 were put aboard "Olvina".
No interference by enemy action was experienced
during the embarkation, although enemy aircraft were sand being
dunes. fired at, and shrapnel was observed to burst on the

Details

- 3 -
-
471
with engines greater stopped range when than boats and planes could be detected 443 by sound
at a that far this course might profitably visibility be employed permitted. during patrols. It is submitted
May 31st. 1940. 1140 to June 1st. 1940. 0547.
Instructions were received to proceed to Ramsgate, rendezvous and
escort small boat convoy to Dunkirk. The Convoy sailed at 1453
approximately 3 hours after scheduled time. Opportunity was taken
off-load all depth charges as it was considered
inadvisable to continue carrying these. The convoy consisted of
5 tugs and 5 drifters each towing between three and fifteen small
boats.
The convoy straggled somewhat on the way over and when
the Reutigen bouy was reached the leaders were eased down to enable
the convoy to arrive together. At this time a large force of
German bombers and fighters were seen approaching. There were
inumerable ships of all shapes and sizes in the vicinity and a
general bombing raid was commenced. British fighters arrived at
this time and the attack became disorganised, - The bombers
eventually disappearing inland.
The convoy arrived off Dunkirk
at approximately 2110, S.0.6. embarked Lieut Nyme-Edwardes
from Keith who directed the convoy to the various beaches as
required. At approximately 2315 when returning to the Keith
a collision occurred with what appeared to be a medium-sized yacht.
S.0.6. was put into astern but the yacht's stern swinging
round as she altered course to port stove in S.O.6. on the starboard
bow fracturing several ribs and making a large out in the planking
above waterline. While the damage was being inspected by the aid
of a shaded torch fire was opened on S.0.6. from a German aeroplane.
On arrival at Keith General Leese was emvbarked and instructions
were given to collect Lord Gort from Hebe, and to return to England
dropping General Leese in Dunkirk if Lord Gort approved.
On arrival at Hebe it was discovered that Lord Gort had crossed to
Keith. S.0.6. returned to Keith and approximatly three-quarters
of NX an hour later Lord Gort also arrived there. He was embarked
forthwith and he and General Leese taken direct to Dover.
Considering the fact that it was the first time any of the crew had
been under fire their behaviour left nothing to be desired.
June 2nd. 1940. 1201 to 1922.
Instructions were received to carry out a search for drift "Girl
approximately 30 soldiers in an open boat about 3 miles off Dunkirk to
Gladys" reported broken down 7 miles east of Dunkirk and for
reported by aircraft. Course was set from Dover direct
the coast Reutigen. to search for the open boat, subsequently to put out
the outer It was then intended to proceed slowly towardds to sea
clear of land and make another approach to the coast approximately the
10 miles Dunkirk to allow for the set of the tide from and
time the east of was received. Air escort had been promised
causion had report to be exercised as no ships were operating off Dunkrik
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.

Details

- 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

left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Duskinh at
2.45pm.
as 4pm her were off the Sandethe Bany, other
550
good Yes o
-
520
From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. MacIntyre.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
28th May.
2000
Reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate.
2200
Left in Silver Moon for beaches three miles to
eastward of Dunkirk.
29th May.
0800
Arrived at beaches - bombed.
Ferried soldiers to
ships at anchor.
1400
No ships left. Departed for England. No charts
or compass.
1800
Off Calais; shelled for twenty minutes.
2230
Arrived Ramsgate.
30th May.
?312r
0900
Took over Balaquain.
0930
Proceeded for beaches.
1300
Arrived off beaches; ferried soldiers during
continued shelling.
1700
Rope round port screw.
1710
Given tow by drifter.
1730
Arrived Dunkirk; loaded up with soldiers.
1740
Left for Ramsgate.
2230
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May.
0900
Reported to Lt. Cdr. Wilson.
1600
Left in "Encore" with him for Dunkirk.
2000
Picked up soldiers in lifeboat.
2200
Arrived Dunkirk. Filled up with soldiers.
2215
Proceeded for Ramsgate.
1st June.
0545 Arrived Ramsgate.
2nd June.
1900
Took out "Santosy"; broke down; returned 2000.
3rd June.
0945
Took over "Letitia".
1630
2300
Arrived Left off Dunkirk; proceeded inside harbour and 9 took
in tow with tugs.
off troops under the orders of Commodore ---
2400
Arrived alongside gunboat and embarked demolition party.
(presumably Rear-Admiral Taylor).

Details

618
I, E.W. Filley am Master of the auxiliary barge "THYRA"
582
6
We were requisitioned on the 29th May at Millwall 11.30 p.m.,
towed to Tilbury where three days rations were put aboard.
Proceeded in tow of Tug "SUN 12" with other barges, to Southend,
thence ordered to Remsgate and thenoe to Dover Harbour, arriving
2.30 p.m. on the 30th May and lying at Prince of Wales Pier.
May 31st. Volunteers were called for to go to Dunkirk and all
the barges crews offered their services.
We proceeded outside breakwater with barge "H.A.C." in tow.
We were both taken in tow by tug "ST. ABBS" and proceeded to
Dunkirk, arriving there at 5.0 a.m. on Saturday June 1st.
We were shot off by the tug at Dunkirk Pier Head and told to
beach barges. Towed "H.A.C. with me into beach and with their
assistance we got eleven French Soldiers off the beach on to our
barge. Other groups of Soldiers refused to come as they wanted to
di
go to France and not to England.
ed
At that time bombing was very bad and we had no protection of any
kind, not even helmets and we went into the beach as close as
possible and picked up the crews of the barge "GLENWAY" and the
barge "LARK", also eight British Soldiers that were aboard them
as they had been left on the beach with 8 tor in for the Frenchmer
to get when the tide went out, and the crews had been told to get
out of it. Including "H.A.C." crew, we had 28 men aboard.
As the tugs had disappeared, the only thing I could do was to
proceed with what I had got and come away to England. I sailed
half way across and was picked up by the tug "EMPIRE HENCHMAN"
arriving at Dover 11.45 p.m. on June lst.

Details

104
101
31-1
M.011883/40
got
Evacuation of allied Troops from N.W. France. 26.5-4.6.40
10 peration "Dynamo")
Report submitted by V.A.Dover including:-
Narrative of Events.
HM ships taking part.
31-1 H.M. ships lost.
sembarkations in U.K. ports.
-
103
numbers disembarked in England.
the French Troops
1
2 destroyed by ships fire.
too freatrate operation.
Noted.
Carb
:
28/5
ate etc etc
e thing officers.
tobe
co-operation requested in
ing recommendations.
28/5
40.
O.D. (H)
VCNS tells me this
has been dealt with
&
servens
30/5.
NAVY BILL
ISSUED

Details

104
f
52
drance
101
31-1
M.011883/40
90.1
Evacuation of allied Troops from N.W. France. 26.5-4.6.40
10 peration "Dynamo")
Report submitted by V.A.Dover V. including:-
Narrative of Events.
HM ships taking part.
31.1 H.M. ships lost.
Daily list of disembarkations in u.k. ports.
Daily record of numbers disembarked in England.
Co - operation of the French Troops
Enemy aircraft destroyed by ships fire.
Enemy efforts too frustrate operation.
40-19-0 air Co. operation.
control of Troops.
atc etc etc
Report to be forwarded to all thing officers.
90-1 air Ministry & Was Office co-operation tobe requested in
analysing report and froming recommendatious.
1940.
NAVY BILL
ISSUED

Details

111 12
109
CONFIDENTIAL to
Report on Operation "DYNAMO".
MILITARY BRANC
19 JUN1940
*
(Dover Despatch A. 14/0/876/40 of 18th June, 1940). A DMIRALI
STATEMENT OF CONTENTS.
1
Pages.
Report dated 18th June, 1940
...
1 - 8
Introduction
...
...
1 - 2
Narrative of Events
...
...
1 - 40
Appendix I
: .
H. M. Ships, etc. taking part.
1 - 2
Appendix II
:.
H. M. Ships, etc. lost during
1 - 2
Operation "DYNAMO".
d
Appendix III
:
Daily list of disembarkations
1 - 10
in U. K. ports.
"
:h
Appendix IV
:
Daily record of numbers
1
disembarked in England.
Appendix V : Co-operation of the French
le e
1
troops.
Appendix VI : Enemy aircraft destroyed by
1
ships' fire.
istribution made by
over. lag Officer Commanding,
No. of Copies.
dmiralty
...
... 12, together with
...
original stencils
Ornander-in-Chief, Nore.
1
...
Portsmouth.
1
ve
1
...
1
er
Sheerness
1
an
aval Officer-in-charge, Ramsgate. Dover.
1
he
1
0/
: was
rench

Details

112
CONFIDENTIAL
110
Office of
The Flag DOVER. Officer Commanding,
No. A.14/0/876/40.
18th June, 1940.
Sir,
Be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the
following report on Operation "DYNAMO", namely the evacuation
of the Allied Armies from Dunkirk and neighbouring beaches
between 26th May and 4th June, 1940. The report takes the
form of this covering letter, together with detailed
narrative and appendices.
2. THE POLICY AND THE PROGRESS OF THE EVACUATION.
During the course of the operation 316,663 troops
reached safety in England after being evacuated from Dunkirk,
and from the beach stretching 10 miles eastward from the
entrance to Dunkirk Harbour. To those on the French coast,
when in the early stages anything up to 50,000 troops were
waiting to embark on a 10 mile sea front, the presence of
perhaps 20 small warships offshore, and 200 small boats spread
along the length of coast at any given moment, must have
appeared as a feeble effort to tackle this great task.
Furthermore, it was impossible to adjust the arrival of ships,
either at Dunkirk or opposite the beaches, to synchronise with
the ebb and flow of the troop concentrations.
Broadly speaking, for the first 5 days of the move-
ment, had more beaching craft been available to ferry from the
beach to offshore vessels, it would have been possible to have
evacuated a greater number. For the last 3 to 4 days, however,
when the main bulk of the B.E.F. had already been evacuated,
the rate of lifting was governed by the availability of the
troops during the limited hours evacuation was possible.
3.
Throughout the operation one of the greatest
difficulties was the ever changing situation presented.
Within 24 hours of the start, the operation took the shape of
a forlorn hope to rescue the maximum number, say up to
45,000 before the whole force was to be overwhelmed by the
enemy.
Next, the military situation became more stable, and
it appeared that some three to four days would be available
to complete evacuation of the B.E.F., estimated at some
175,000. During this stage evacuation by British resources
of French troops was introduced, some 25,000 being mentioned.
decision to lift the rearguard of the B.E.F. off the beaches
During the course of the fifth day (30/5) a tentative
at a definite time, viz. 0130/1, was reached. 24 hours later
this plan was altered by military considerations, involving an
Naval definitely committed to provide for the
extension of the period of evacuation. At the same time, the
50,000. evacuation or French forces, then mentioned as about 40,000/
Later, the French number rose and 150,000 or more was
quoted. Finally no agreement could be reached with the French
Secretary
as/
London,,Salty, 1.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
113
Report OR Operation "DYNAMO".
Page 2. 111
as to any termination of the operation which threatened to
drag on painfully, and finally to lose momentum and expire
through the exhaustion of Naval personnel and the liquidation
of shipping.
It will be seen, therefore, that the initial problem
called for a maximum effort over a limited period regardless
of the future, and accordingly all resources in the way of
small boats were thrown on the beaches, before adequate
provision had been made for their maintenance off the coast
in such matters as relief of the personnel and the provision
of large beach parties.
It was only due to the foresight of the Admiralty
in making arrangements for a continued flow in ever increasing
numbers of small power boats and beach craft, which became
available on the fifth day onwards, that the continued
evacuation from the beaches remained a reasonable proposition
after the initial crisis had passed.
4. A perusal of the signals that passed between Dover
and the French coast reveals the many occasions on which the
responsible officers stationed on the coast considered so
little had been achieved from the beaches that they advocated
restriction of evacuation to Dunkirk Harbour. Many compaints
of "no boats", "no ships", might lead a detached observer to
the conclusion that the great effort that was being made was
proving abortive.
At Dover, where the whole operation could be viewed
in truer perspective, the number and origin of the troops being
landed in England being always to hand, it was clear that the
evacuation from the beaches required by the military situation,
was, in fact, achieving a considerable success, as the
following figures will show. Of the 226,000 troops landed in
the United Kingdom, between May 28th and June 1st inclusive -
the period during which both Dunkirk and the beaches eastward
were available day and night except for enemy interference -
49,000 were landed by personnel vessels and hospital carriers
direct from Dunkirk Harbour, 95,000 were lifted from the
beaches, leaving 82,000 as having been lifted from Dunkirk
Harbour by vessels other than troop transports.
5. WEATHER CONDITIONS.
The operation was favoured by extremely good weather.
It was found, however, that any northerly wind caused a surf,
which greatly reduced the rate of lifting from the beaches.
It must be fully realised that a wind of any strength in the
northern sector between South West and North East would have
made beach evacuation impossible. At no time did this happen.
6. DISPOSAL OF TROOPS AFTER REACHING ENGLAND.
On arrival in England the despatch of troops from the
points of disembarkation proceeded with great smoothness under
the War Office movement control organisation.
7./

Details

Report on Operation "DYNAMO".
CONFIDENTIAL18
Page 7.
Boulind
116
WAVERLEY. abandoned 600 in troops were on board before ship
picked up.
sinking condition, but only 200-300 was were
have through these and similar disasters on
In been all lost it is regretted that about 2,000 troops must
the return voyages to England.
14.
CO-OPERATION OF THE FRENCH NAVY.
French warships and other vessels were employed
evacuating French troops from Dunkirk harbour, and on the last
three nights from the beach 1½ miles eastward from Dunkirk.
Details are given in Appendix V.
15.
BASE ORGANISATION.
An operation of this magnitude involving the
maintenance and movements of close on 900 vessels and boats
could not have been conducted without the wholehearted and
unceasing efforts of the base establishments at Dover and
Ramsgate, as well as those at Sheerness and Harwich in the
Nore Command, At all these places officers and men, Naval
and civilian, laboured unceasingly throughout the Operation.
In particular I wish to acknowledge the great
assistance received from the Commander-in-Chief, Nore, who
in many cases anticipated my requests for assistance through
his constant watch on the progress of the Operation.
The prompt and unfailing assistance afforded by
the Chatham Depot in providing personnel for the numerous
small craft, working parties and beach parties, was a feature
essential to the successful outcome of the Operation.
The Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate, by taking
over the servicing and control of the great majority of the
small craft of the inshore flotillas relieved Dover of an
immense volume of work which it would otherwise have been
impossible to handle.
It was also broughtto my notice that at Harwich an
exceptional Naval and Military system was in being for
assisting those ships which called there to make a quick
turn round, relieving the tired ships' companies of the work
of cleaning and clearing their vessels.
16.
SERVICES OF STAFF, INCLUDING OFFICERS
TEMPORARILY APPOINTED.
I was fortunate in having the services or
Rear Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker, C.B., O.B.E., as Flag Officer
afloat off Dunkirk, and Captain W.G. Tennant, C.B., M.V.O.,
as Senior Naval Officer, Dunkirk on shore. Admiral Wake-
Walker was responsible for supervising the embarkation afloat
and Captain Tennant for organising embarkation from the shore,
keeping touch with the French Naval Authorities and the Staff
of the British Commander-in-Chief.
Detailed particulars of their services were given
in Dover Despatch No. B.23/862/40 of 4th June, 1940.
I cannot conclude this despatch without reference to
the splendid work of my staff under the guidance of my Staff/ Chica

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132
130
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst
the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell
those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was
held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already
out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be
expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the
coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

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139
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 18.
137
Operation "DYNAMO". Narrative of Events.
31/5
Friday, 31st May (Continued).
Goodwins and commenced to hunt.
55. The arrivals at the home ports indicated that in
spite of the frequent requests for more ships and more boats
received from the various authorities on the French coast, the
rate of evacuation was steadily increasing and would permit,
all being well, of implementing the final evacuation plan
during the night 31/5 - 1/6, Accordingly, instructions were
issued for the special tows to leave Ramsgate at 1300/31 for
Dunkirk via Route X, and Commander-in-Chief, Nore, and Flag
Officer-in-Charge, Harwich, were requested to provide all
available M.T.B.'s to escort this convoy for as much of the
outward passage as possible, which was timed to commence from
Ramsgate at 1300/31. Speed of advance - 5 knots. A party
of Naval officers had been assembled at Dover to embark in
these tows and had been given detailed instructions on the
plan. Two M.A./S boats and 2 M.T.B,'s in the Dover Command
were ordered to accompany the boat convoy and subsequently
embark the Commander-in-Chief, B.E.F. and Staff off the
beaches.
31MAY
56. Shortly after sunrise an on-shore wind arose and
boat work became difficult, many whalers capsizing, and the
prospects of completing the evacuation to plan began to be
less favourable. The following extract from the report of
Captain Howson, S.N.O., on the beaches illustrates conditions
at Bray at this time:
"At 0400 there was a very considerable number of
destroyers, paddlers, trawlers, skoots, etc, off Bray,
and embarkation was proceeding satisfactorily, but a lop
had already started. There were about 10 motor yachts
which had arrived from England, These craft drew 6-7
feet and were unable to get close in to any of the
beaches. During the forenoon, considerable towing of
empty craft towards the beach was carried out, and only
about 2 boats were allowed to get adrift and ultimately
ground. With the falling tide, however, a number of
boats were seen to ground and romain ashore until the
tide rose in the afternoon. These included an A.L.C.,
New
motor boat and a lifeboat. Other power boats broke
down. Nevertheless, the embarkation, much hindered by
the lop, proceeded satisfactorily. As further destroy-
ers and sloops arrived, they were directed to lower their
motor boats and whalers as this had not already been done,
these boats were quite invaluable. About noon, the lop
began to subside and with the rising tide conditions for
embarkation very greatly improved, more boats were sent
in and more boats floated off and matters were proceeding
very well, when the gun at La Panne started to shell the
beaches and foreshore with great accuracy. A certain
number of light craft were sunk. The A.L.C. broke down
and was towed away by a steamer, MOSQUITO, destroyers
and sloops proceeded westward clear of the firing.
57/

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144 33
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 23
142
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events,
1/6
Saturday, 1st June, (continued)
machines being noted. During this attack BASILISK was put out
of action off La Panne and later sank while struggling home.
KEITH, SALAMANDER and SKIPJACK, who were moving westward along
the coast as the Bray and La Panne beaches had been emptied,
were heavily bombed, t. e former was hit and set on fire and
the latter sank. KEITH was abandoned and finally sank.
Nearly all troops on board KEITH and the crews of both vessels
were rescued by other ships. A third attack started over
Dunkirk, extending well out along Route X, and occurred between
1000 and 1040, to be again resumed at noon. After that there
was a lull until 1550, when another attack was delivered on
Dunkirk Harbour and all shipping therein for over half an hour.
At 1800 the Vice Admiral received the following signal from
Dunkirk: "Things are getting very hot for ships; over 100
bombers on ships here since 0530, many casualties. Have
directed that no ships sail during daylight. Evacuation by
transports therefore ceases at 0300. If perimeter holds will
complete evacuation tomorrow, Sunday night, including most
French. General concurs." The sense of this message was
passed on to Rear Admiral, Dover, off the coast.
69. In addition to the heavy scale of air attack during
the afternoon the sea traffic was very seriously interrupted by
artillery fire brought to bear on X Route near No.5 buoy. The
fire appeared to be accurate and it is believed some French
ships were sunk. 2 French Destroyers in the vicinity stopped
British ships approaching from England on X Route short of this
point, and it became evident that a very serious threat to
daylight evacuation was in being. Meantime, the toll of
casualties of ships during the day was mounting particularly
amongst the destroyers and shortly after midday the Commander-
in-Chief, Nore, called the attention of the Admiralty to this,
suggesting the discontinuation of the use of destroyers by day
off the French Coast. The summarisation of all these incidents
led to the Admiralty directing the Vice Admiral, Dover, to
suspend evacuation from Dunkirk at 0700, Sunday 2nd June, and
for it to be resumed the following night or from 1730/2,
depending upon the circumstances. From the above it will be
seen that there were to be no ships proceeding to Dunkirk
between 0700/2 and 1730/2. The above Admiralty directions
crossed a message from the Vice Admiral stating that all ships
had been ordered to withdraw from Dunkirk before daylight the
following day, owing to the heavy casualties to shipping.
70. In spite of enemy action more than 60,000 troops
were landed in the United Kingdom during the 24 hours, thanks
to the unremitting determination of Naval vessels who all
executed a succession of round trips, interrupted only by
necessary refuelling. The majority of the surviving vessels
had been operating ceaselessly for at least 5 days, and officers
and men were approaching a condition of complete exhaustion.
the
71./
each
of
the
on

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153
CONFIDENTIAL,
Page 34.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
155
Inshore Flotillas and Naval Shore Parties (continued).
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.
in command of the Unit and all orders were carried out with
great diligence even under actual shell fire and aircraft
attack.
103. The difficulties of passage from the United
Kingdom to the Flanders coast were great. With compasses
of doubtful accuracy and no navigational instruments other
than a lead pencil, once a boat lost contact with a main
convoy the chances of making a correct landfall in the strong
currents of the straits were slight. Many of the small
craft had not even a compass, yet all who left the Flanders
coast in safety managed to reach the English coast to refuel
and the majority set off again to repeat the adventure.
Cases occurred, however, of boats attempting to enter Calais
instead of Dunkirk, where they received a rousing reception
from the Boche, and yet another case where the landfall was
made between Gravelines and Calais and the Sub-Lieutenant in
command landed, finding it necessary to shoot 2 German
soldiers before leaving for his proper destination of Dunkirk.
Open boats of all kinds, from the naval cutters
and whalers to seaside dinghies, were towed over from
England by the motor boats themselves or in special tows by
tugs. Some of these pulling boats were manned by odd naval
ratings as boat keepers, and others by soldiers off the beach.
One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling the
motor boats' screws with painters and lines attached to all
these pulling boats. Carley floats and infl: 1 motor inner
tubes also played their part in carrying men from the beach
to the motor boats.
104, Having reached the coast the business of ferrying
from the water line to the offshore craft was by no means
easy. Apart from the surf, which was usually experienced
for some hours every day, derelict lorries, which had been
abandoned below the high tide mark, proved a serious danger
to boats. Another source of much trouble close inshore was
the large amount of floating grass rope which various craft
had used and lost in their rescue work, and numerous articles
of military equipment such as great coass jettisoned during
the evacuation. A great number of small power boats were
put temporarily out of action by such ropes and garments
fouling the screws, usually resulting in broaching to and
being swamped while they were thus unmanageable.
The number of' soldiers taken off the beaches by
motor boats cannot be estimated, One 35 ft. motor launch,
however, ferried off 600 men to transports and carried 420
direct to England.
105. Of the pulling boats used, the main difficulty
was insufficient provision made for Naval boat keepers to
take charge of the outgoing boats and bring them back to the
disembarkation points. As a result, the soldiers detailed
to act as boat keepers for an outward trip, failed to return
the boat on the inward trip and it was necessary for the
Naval boat keepers to swim or to wade out to the drifting
boats/

Details

page 5.
198
Sub Lieut. Galbraith.
196
6.
I was by Y gun for first attack. After hit I though
ship was on fire and took some of gun's crew forward to deal with
it, ordering a torpedoman to start jettisoning Port forrard depth
charges, which appeared to be in danger. Found no fire but
hauled on board two burned men who were in water Port side. Went
aft where it was reported that shell room was flooding. Had all
hatches closed. Assisted Gunner with jettisoning depth charged.
Tried to render cabin flat water tight. Went forward to assist
with tow forward observed bow to be bulged by close bomb near
water line. Took cover in P.O's mess for start of 2nd. attack.
Captain ordered me to get Vickers in action. Found torpedoman who
knew its action and managed to get only three single rounds off
during attack. Complete jam resulted. Later saw G.M. who
declared nothing could be done. Took cover for 3rd. attack.
Watched destruction of A/S Pannel. Was ordered by 1st. Lieut. to
load.Army boat and supervise its manning. Accompanied Sub. Lt.
Ellis to Captain's cabin to get C.B's for destruction. Just
reached deck when last attack started. Took cover by Y gun and
inside after screen. On order to abandon ship, saw boat manned,
threw some C.B's which I saw on U.D. over the side and then
jumped for boat. A/S C.B's were not destroyed.
Lieut. Sowry.
7.
At the beginning of the first attack I was on the
bridge on the G.C.O's phones. Soon after bombers were sighted I
gave the order "All guns with H.E:T.F - load" and "Rapid Salvos".
Planes were sighted astern, angle of sight about 60° and at no
time was the Director Layer able to report Director on during
this attack due to the A of S being too great. Consequently no
executive order to shoot was given.
After this attack I was told by the Captain to take the
motor boat away and commandere two fishing smacks which were
passing 1/2 miles away. The first of these was abandoned and I
returned in the second and stood by to tow. A wire was passed
and made fast round a stout beam in the smack, which carried away
some 15 minutes later. A second wire was then made fast round the
foremast but as the tow was not clear of the deck house, the smack
veered round and had to be pulled back into position by the motor
boat. An additional rope was passed and made fast on the other
quarter and the ship was turned through about 60 degrees., but the
smack was again in the wrong position for towing, being alongside
the forecastle bows pointing aft. At this point second bombing
attack took place and I slipped tow and stood off to about 1 mile,
the smack being machine-gunned by four planes. When attack was
over I returned and reconnected tow which later parted due to
taking up the slack too väolently. This was due to the language
difficulty of giving orders to the French crew of the smack, the
only other man on board the smack being an R.A.F. pilot. A
further bombing attack started, the final one, and I again stood
off from the ship. When I returned the crew was abandoning ship
and I picked up all men in the water, two Carley floats, one RE
pontoon and some men from each whaler. At this point, with 70
men aboard, Whitehall appeared in the distance and we made out
to intercept her, using the smack's siren and the French ensign
half way up the foremast. We met her about 12 miles away and
passed information to her and requested her to collect men from
remaining boats. I then set out on a course for England and in
mid-chai.nel we transferred everyone to H.M. Trawler Olvina.

Details

Page 6.
197
Leading Seaman Wordhouse.
Motor hoat.
199
Whilst pushing the towing vessel into position,
the bombing formation came over. I let go and sheered off,
the first salvo lifting the boat almost out of the water.
Messerschmidt fighters attacked us with machine gun and
cannon (Bombs were also dropped) for just a few minutes
short of an hour. L.S. Hicks watched their flight and gave
me helm and engine orders, the boat not being hit though a
couple of cartridge cases dropped into us. We found our-
selves out of sight of the ship, had a little council of
war, and decided, knowing the ship was out of wireless
communication to make Dunkirk for help. We headed west,
and not far outside the harbour two troopships were bombed
and sunk. We picked up what we considered a safe complement,
tried to get in touch with a vessel to assist Basilisk.
In this were not successful and were told to make England.
We drew a rough chart and set our course, arraving
Ramsgate roughly eight hours later. I then turned over the
boat to the Naval authorities. We reported that Basilisk
was badly hit and were assured that help had been sent.

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219
217
SECRET.
Appendix II. to report of sinking of H.M.S. GRENADE.
After the explosion aft I observed a large number
of ratings blown into the oily water, several of whom were
badly injured. With the aid of the Gunner T. I cut away
the lashing of the after Carley float and launched it. I
swam after the drifting float and with the mutual help of one
or two ratings we hauled each other on board. I then
collected the seriously injured and one or two uninjured men.
The First Lieutenant was heard to order men to
to
remain in the ship and I took the float back to the ship
collecting a steward en route. The ship lurched heavily
to port as I reached the side and since the forecastle was
blazing I ordered the raft to stand off. At this juncture
another rating was observed in a patch of oil fuel about 40
yards from the ship. I rescued this man with the float and
took in tow a T.S.D.S. float which was supporting two P.Os
who had since abandoned ship. Two destroyers and two trawler
passed without stopping and a French tug landed our party
on the west side of the docks amid the blazing ruins. An
ambulance picked up our party and proceeded towards the heart
of the town. When the ambulance stopped for more casmalties
the party disembarked, and were forced to leave one seriously
injured seaman (Coates) who WELE then taken to the base
military hospital. At this point a lost Bren gun crew
joined forces and the idea of escaping to England in a small
boat was formulated.
I took the whole party, eight sailors and eight
soldiers, and proceeded on the carrier to the docks.
A
gendarme prevented our embarkation in a drifter, the captain
of which had signified his willingness to take us. We then
proceeded on the carrier towards the eastern jetty, but our
progress was halted by a blazing ammunition lorry. The
commencement of intense aerial bombardment forced us to seek
shelter in the vaults where Army officers and men provided us
with dry clothing etc.
I then reported the Naval party to the S.N.O.
Dunkirque and after suggesting we remained in the town he
gave the party full permission to seek a boat and sail to
England. We made our way towards the pier and P.O. Emery
and myself became detached from the main party. In the course
of a talk with a French soldier I discovered he possessed a
motor boat with which he was desirous of escaping to England.
P.O. Emery sought out and brought along the remainder of the
party, including the Bren gun crew and with P.O. Bennion
managed to embark the whole party, with equipment, and
against the wishes of the Frenchman. Then after considerable
tactful persuasion and adjustment of top weight, plus the
encouragement of casting off the painter, the engine was
started and the bows pointed towards England at 21.00/29.
P.O. Bennion took the wheel and I shaped a course
for the harbour mouth and channel buoys. After darkness fell
I checked my compass on the stars and found it had a variation
of about 10° W. I.was then able to set a course for the S.E.
coast of England. All lights were extinguished outside the
small cabin and most of the party fell asleep after having
eaten a little food. The boat was well equipped with fuel
and stores and the small engine gave us an estimated speed of
five knots.

Details

-2-
was stopped to other engined
The trip allow across a German was diesel uneventful. The
Several passed one destroyers floating At 03.30 and mine the which engine craft I decided stopped passed to us, leave while we
time two drifters hove in sight. I decided to hail th
untouched. and about the
drifter because I was uncertain of my position, having
chart or maps. The drifter altered course towards us
took us aboard and the boat in tow. I found my positi
to be about 15 miles S.E. of Ramsgate and I estimate the
my course made good would have brought us to a point S.
Ramsgate (Deal?) at about 0800 on Thursday, May 30th.
P.O. Bennion remained at the wheel continuousl
from 2100 to 0200 and with P.O. Emery brought the wounde
seamen safely to the Naval base in spite of attempts by
the Army to claim him as a casualty. The two P.O's
mentioned carried out all duties with precision and showe
great initiative in the handling of the situation. The
behavious of the naval party was exemplary and their
unflagging energy and support enabled us to escape and at
the same time bring eight English and two French soldiers
safely to England.
(Sgd) Reginald J. Crews.
5.6.40.

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224
"
Page 5.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
Junel
51. As the ship was getting lower the order to abandon
ship was given and the majority of men, who were able to find
some timber to hold on to or to find a place in the floats,
left the ship. At this moment the enemy launched a further
dive bombing attack and a bomb struck our exposed starboard
side in the engine room, making a large hole. Several bombs
fell very close to and one fell among the men who had
abandoned ship. The aircraft were engaged by pom poms and
lewis guns.
52. Some twnety minutes later the tug "St. Abbe" was
sighted and eventually came alongside to take men off the ship.
This she did with the exception of volunteers who remained or.
board. She was ordered to go and pick up "Keith's" men in the
water.
In this she was assisted by the tug "Vincia" which
took back to Margate: Lieutenant Beauchamp, 83 ratings from
"Keith" and about ten of the General Headquarters Staff,
together with six seriously injured ratings.
A grey scoob also assisted and recovered Lieutenant
Verney, Pay. Sub. Lieutenant Craig-Waller, P.N.V.R., and about
four of "Keith's" men. Having a full load of soldiers, she
returned to England.
53. "Keith" was again bombed by dive bombers at this time.
54. After an interval, in which a search was made for
wounded and any confidential matter remaining, the tug "St.
Abbs" returned and, the ship now being not only immoveable
but without H.A. ammunition and sinking slowly, the remaining
men left the ship in her at about 0840.
1/6
55. Signals were made to "Salamander" and to "Basilisk"
asking them to sink "Keith" finally but both replied that they
were out of control and required tug assistance. The minesweep
er however proceeded westwardsand shelled "Keith" in vicinity
of Asdic cabinet.
ed
56. "St. Abbs" proceed/to the recovery of a number of men
in the water and on a wreck
of the "Skipjack"
which had been sunk during, it 1s believed, the last attack on
"Keith".
57. After recovering all these men and a number of
soldiers from a ship's lifeboat, the "St. Abbe" was attacked
by part of a large formation of enemy aircraft but without
result.
58. However, somewhat later, another extremely large
formation was sighted consisting mainly of high level bombers.
These did not attack the "St. Abbs" but proceeded to destroy
the "Keith" and attacked "Basilisk" some miles to the East.
"Keith" sank in a heavy salvo of bombs at about 0915.
59. A single, high flying twin-engined bomber was then
seen returning from Dunkirk. Again the "St. Abbs" circled as
fast as she could but this time a single bomb hit her
amidships and she sank very rapidly in about 30 seconds and
with her many wounded survivors at about 1000.

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223
Page 6
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
59 continued.
All who had reached the water swam for the shore and a
1/6
number reached the wreck of the "Clan MacAlister" which was
resting on her stern after being sunk in one the of the above
raids. They were later taken off by a lighter and transferred
to Sheerness Yard Craft No.63 then loaded with troops from the
beach.
60. Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his Staff by M.T.B.
1 Officer and 88 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. Staff.
2 Officers and 4 ratings by a scoot.
Captain, 3 Officers and 13 men, some of whom
were wounded, in Yard Craft 63.
1 Officer and an II.A.S.B. from Dunkirk, after
swimming ashore from "St. Abbs".
7 ratings by "Salanander".
D.Jon. Barthan D.jon.
CAPTAIN.
P.S. In continuation of paragraph 40:-
Lord Gort came onboard "Keith", had about 25
minutes conference with Rear Admiral Dover, and then
proceeded in a British M.T.B., accompanied by his Chief
Staff Officer, for Dover.
VICE AD MIRAL
#
DO
O
Tu
O
S

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34.
La
Panne
anchorage
was
Nieuport passed or La until Caxide the and town this and became under more shell fire
under time continuous shell and machine beach at
withdrawn from this gun
hit and proceeded to the westward.
troops were area. "Vivacious
proceeded now reaching. Braye, which the anch
35. At at 0030 slow speed on 1st towards June "Keith" weighed
at artillery 0206. were The ship arrived of
36. As dawn broke ships embarking men from
weighed anchor, the beach being clear to the eastwa th
before returning to England.
the ships proceeded towards Dunkirk to fill up with
37. At 0510 ten enemy fighters attacked the
"Keith" and other ships with bursts of machine gun
which were inaccurate but might have caused serious
to bridge personnel if pressed home.
38. Shells, apparently fired from shore batter
the eastward, again fell close to the ship at 0520
off Braye.
4.7" 39. barrage and pom-pom fire. This barrage was eff
At 0555 enemy bomber aircraft were engaged
and split the formation. A fuze setting of 18=4000
considered to be the shortest practical setting
than firing this be used the aircraft are above the
was at formations of aircraft. If a shorter elevation setti
the guns before they get into range.
0630 "Keith" was standing off between ships with
and collected La from the beaches during the night.
40. Panne From superintending the departure of
At 0737 a very large number dive
heavy 41. bomber and fighter round aircraft were vertical
"Keith" bombers circling which rapidly carried out extremely a no doubt that at the
releasing dive five as bombs 80° and each. that the There bombs is good are released as no with mass tar
was 900 is as feet. offered steep The and each flying pilot was delivered extremely was attack
able skill ammunition and dash. was The exhausted, enemy
normal. attack. effect effective gunners gun 42. until in All keeping The addition 3" 3" H.A.gun ammunition the to attackers the proved hit ship's was in this attack a beating but lineaused there
action several jamb 43. of bombs the steering very "Keith" eteering.gearterwards.com near across was misses the not after and one part of of these, the Fore as enemy was manoeuvrentro for
hand ship engines continued steering aft to by circle at high vouched
were in
(NOTE: continually Times from sight. now forward cannot .44. be At about

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PAGE 7.
22?
H.M.S. "KEITH" - FINAL REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS 30th MAY - 1st
229
JUNE, 1940, WITH HER EVENTUAL DESTRUCTION.
(Captain Berthon's No.31 of 1st July, 1940 to V.A. Dover.)
62. At about 0950 a single high flying twin-engine
bomber was seen returning from Dunkirk. Again"St. Abbs"
circled as fast as she could but this time a single bomb
hit her amidships and she sank very rapidly, (in about 30
seconds), with her many wounded survivors. The "Keith's"
medical officer Surgeon Lieutenant R.H.A.Turner Royal Navy,
Ret'd, who was attending to wounded below and the Gunner (T)
Mr.Gedric James Brown Rpyal Navy, were both lost.
63.
All who had reached the surface of the water swam
to the shore and a number reached the wreck of the "Clan
MacAlister", which was now resting on her step off Braye after
being sunk in one of the above raids. They were later taken off
by a motor lighter and transferred to Yard Craft 63 which with
a full load of soldiers proceeded for England and after further
trials by bombing on passage landed at Dover at 0800 Sunday,
2nd June. One officer swam to the shore and returned via
Dunkirk in a M.A.S.B.
64.
Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
Following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his staff by M.T.B.
Captain, 3 officers and 13 men by yard craft 63.
1 officer and 83 ratings by tug "Vincia": also
H.Q. staff.
2 officers and 20 ratings by scoot "Hilda"
About 7 ratings by "Salamander"
1 officer by M.A.S.B. from Dunkirk after swimming
ashore.
There are 3 officers and 33 men lost.
65.
The discipline and cheerfulness of the ship's company
was most marked and I consider was due to the personality of my
predecessor the late Captain David Simpson R.N. who lost his life
while in command of "Keith" about ten days previously, and to all
the officers. No credit for this high morale can be attributed
to myself as my active command of "Keith" amounted to 48 hours
only.
66.
The cause of "Keith's" loss was the heavy enemy dive
bombing attacks carried out when the ship's movements were very
restricted owing to shoals, magnetic mines and wrecks and to the
lack of effective A.A. fire owing to H.A. ammunition having been
expended. The conduct of all officers and men was exempliary
but it is desired to bring certain officers and men to your
notice who from my personal observations were outstandingly
forward in the execution of their duty in action under very
trying conditions. Recommendations of these officers and
ratings are being made in a separate letter.
VICE ADMIRAL
JUL 1940
D
CAPTAIN.
for Dover uy zuyuevote rass and North channel. The night was

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260
2
Royal Naval Hospital,
Cha tham.
Dynamo 251,
B14/0/1276
263
6th
June,
1940.
259
H.M.S. GRIVE - REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS. 262
to GRIVE
(Report from Sub Lt. J.K.B. Miles, R.N.V.R.,
dated 6th June, 1940.)
the movements of
1 The Hon. L.J.O. Lambart
bn
II.
5m Portsmouth on Wednesday
to notify the changes in
80
and which may possibly
y in compiling CR ualty list
No. 0221/80.
ers to proceed from
VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
5-40) S/Lt. F.B. Hobson
seen the Medical Officer
Forwarded. It is suggested that
e of which he was
recommendations for awards to officers should
meantime Captain Lambert
be made on the contents of this letter, and
Lee-on-Solent as an
after further reference to Sub Lieut. Miles
operations and he joined
as regards ratings. I would like to add
that Captain the Hon. Lionel Lambart was 67
years of age and was one of the happiest men
th at 1530 on the
in England when he came to say goodbye before
2400 awaiting further
sailing for Dover.
re at 0800 30th and
mander-in-Chief Dover,
the evening tide at
Hames
00 and we proceeded
Portsmouth.
ach with our two whalers
10th June, 1940.
Admiral.
ed however that for the
d carry this method was
CADMIRAL
VE" remained about two
ver A.M. 31st with
n air raid on the town
13JUN 1940
but the beach remained
SV-R
attack at the Eastern
guns.
at 1400 31st, "GRIVE
bout 2000, and took O
psoy 400 troops Irom the Jetty, more might have been
e 2891 but there was a very severe air raid and as the
This were three abreast at the jetty Captain Lambart
theade 1 to withdraw and reduce the target. This air maid
BMS'S med out to sea and just after clearing the harbour
1th0 uconfidentally thought that "GRIVE'S" after 12 pounder
£8006 for an enemy machine. Returning to Dover by
Heanr 6. June, "GRIVE" landed her troops, and although having
ounds of ammunition per gun, set out again at 0300.
IBB-0 moon
a NORBE. Joproaching Dunkirk about 0800 "GRIVE" proceeded in
spett to a signal to the assistance of H.M.S. "IVANHOE",
gruer Accourival found another vessel alongside already. I
EBHI SETho armanted to Captain Lambart that I could see a group
contien anrine owne on the jetty and he accordingly proceeded alongside
ca Bk them off undergoing very heavy bombing attacks
in De Domenthe babunately left us unharmed although one salvo dropped
Lunde the jetty while we were on the inside. We
mcvoe.dh edot missenrom the harbour and proceeded to sea, a tremendous
was proceeding all this time.
and
[over

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Decrame 33V.
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with the idea of 2%
swimming across its bow to attract its attension. The??
next he know was when he was being dragged ouboard
a earley floor. This carley theats occupants and many
1/6
on $ bilor timber were picked up by a motor boot which
took them to Ramegate. Sub- that is now in
97
The Royal Surrey County Itospital as fuildford and he
forwarded me a report of what had happened to him and his
party. I consider that this officer throughout the while
operation displayed nictiation resource and devotion
to duty; he is a reserve oftice of the very best type.
10. Two drifters eventually came alongside and after
satisfying myself that then were wo tiering left onbrand,
particularly in the Engine and briler 200ms, I lep the ship
in the drifter Earl of Canan with the last of the wounded
Mosquito then had a list to port of about 20 depects and
ce
water was pouring in through three holes in the builes wohn
anda laye hole in the wondenser. The Earl Cavan took
us into Dunkerque while the other drifter look the unainder
direct to England. The very badly wounded, including
Throwith, had to he left at the medical post at the shore
in
end 51 the pier to wait for the Hospital slip. I and my
party returned in H.M.S. Worcester where I sustained wounds
in the thigh. I would like to pay Kibule to the magnificant
way in which the Worcester, although liter ally Eurounded
by borbs, beat more ofr the attacks and jot her load home.
11. There are oneh Hier and two more whom I wish to bring
K your notice. Surgeon Lientenant N.L. Fox RN., an
australian who joined the Name on the out break of crar,
worked unceasing through out these operations. During our
first trip he undoubtedly samed the lives of many soldiers;
after we were his, he remained onboard to the last making
certain that there were no living Left orkoard and knding

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0
with the idea of 27
ue,
swimming across its bow to attract its attension. The?? 279
next he know was when he was being dragged ouboard
a early floor. This carley thats occupants and many
1/6
on $ bito of timber were picked up by a motor boot which
took them to Ramegate. Sub- that is now in
The Royal Surrey County Itospital as faildford and he
97
forwarded me a report of what had happened to him and his
party. I consider that this officer throughout the while
operation displayed nictiat in resource and devotion
to duty; he is a reserve oftice of the very best type.
10. Two drifters eventually came alongside and after
satisfying myself that them were 40 tioning left onboand,
particularly in the Engine and briles 200ms, I lep the ship
yer
in the drifter Earl of Canan with the last of the wounded
Hosquits then had a list to ports? about 20 defices and
take
water was pouring in through three holes in the builes wom
men
a
anda laye hole in the condenser. The Earl Cavan took
us into Dunkerque while the other drifter look the unwander
had
direct to England. The very badly wounded, including
ties
Throwith, had to he left at the medical post at the shore
d.
rain
and or the pier to wait for the Hospital slip. I and my
f
anne
party returned in H.M.S. Worcester where I sustained wounds
and
in the thigh. I would like to pay Kibuli to the magnificat
id
to
way in which the Worcester, although liter ally Eworounded
set
by bombs, beat ofr the attacks and jot her load home.
ions
11. There are more and two more whom I wish to bring
i/c
se
to your notice. Surgeon Lientenant N.L. Fox RN,, an
austialian who joined the Name on the out break J/war,
worked unceasingly through out these operations. During our
frist trip he undoubtedly samed the lives of many soldiers;
after we were hit, he remained onboard to the last making
certain that there were no living Legr orkoard and knding

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Dynamo 65.
Dyrans. 33V.
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
202
90
:que,
285
15th June, 1940.
13
sir,
I at have the honour to report the loss of H.M. Tug"St Abbs"
0
at Dunkirk 0930 on 1st June 1940, Lieutenant Brooker in command.
5
2.
Blst May, three barges in tow, the "Duchess", the "H.A.C." and
H.M. with Tug"St Abbs" sailed from Dover at 10 a.m. on Friday,
the "Doris", bound for Dunkirk.
ng
3. At 2100 31st May the last barge of the tow, the "Doris"
31/5
ne
or
broke adrift and was taken in tow by a sloop, name not known.
ing
4. At 0030, 1st June, H.M. Tug"St St Abbs" anchored approximately
say
six miles from Dunkirk, Lieutenant T.E. Brooker considering it
unadvisable and dangerous to proceed further before daylight.
5. At 0330 anchor was weighed and ship proceeded towards
Dunkirk.
6. At 0600 H.M. Tug"St Abbs" passed the piers and proceeded
LE
towards the beaches. Enemy aircraft commenced bombing the piers and
shipping.
yer
7. At 0630 the barges were slipped and ordered to proceed
it:
inshore to the beaches, the "Duchess" towing the "H.A.C."
H.M. Tug"St Abbs" anchored and waited for soldiers to embark.
8. At 0730 attacks by enemy aircraft intensified and anchor
take
was weighed, it being intended to proceed closer to the beach to
a men
on
facilitate embarking of soldiers.
9. At 0800 approximately, H.M.S. "Keith" was struck by a bomb
ng
and settled in the water. H.M.Tug " St Abbs" proceeded alongside
s:
H.M.S. "Keith" and took off survivors. Captain(D) of Nineteenth
S
Le
had
Flotilla, First Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Keith" and other ratings
remained on board to estimate the damage and consider the possibility
of S. "Keith" being towed back to England. H.M.Tug "st Abbs"
rties
ed.
I
proceeded to pick up survivors from ship's boats and from the water.
train
10. At 0830 H.M.S. "Skipjack" was struck by a bomb and sank
of
quickly. "Salamander" who was also rescuing survivors
Panne
sailed for H.M.S. entrance of the harbour. The bombing was very heavy. the
Lo and
remainder "St Abbs" then continued to pick up survivors. Bombing
H.M. Tug the returned alongside H.M.S. "Keith" and took off
re
and
became so of heavy the that crew, it was necessary to keep the ship at full speed
S to
and at 0900 H. M. Tug "St Abbs" sailed for the entrance.
O set
11. Tug "St Abbs" was blown up by four delay-action and
ations,
bombs At 0930 the water ahead of the ship. The bottom
stern dropped were completely into shattered and the ship sank in approximatel
p
i/c
hit
45 seconds.
nise
1
H. 12. were swimming in the water and after
M. Tug "St About Abbs" thirty sank. men Approximately one hundred thirty
que
al
ratings and soldiers were on the ship.
ark
0
13. June, I reached a wreck believed two to ratings be the
si
"Clan MacAlfister", At 2400, 1st in company with two "Salamander"s" soldiers, whaler's
from crew. H.M.S. "Skipjack" and were one from Captain(D), H.M.S. Nineteenth Flotilla, survivors
the First Also Lieutenant on the wreck of H.M.S. "Keith" and eight other

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2
(4)
291
Dark oil tanks when we arrived near Dunkerque. burnin
above. lighted up the sky, with Flames from smoke
at anchor Saw a ship (CLAN MACALLISTER) a black pall of
provided a off Braye: burning until the on fire offshore but
plight. Another deserted merchant ship was in similar and
guns. useful diversion for German bombers end, deserted, shore
0400 30th May. time, parties in destroyer's boats. South, All landing
the We approached beach Dunkerque beaches from the
Cdr. and it was not until 0400 that we found HEBE this took (Lieut.-
the John Temple) off Braye and transferred to her. At
Flat same time the 2 Commodores were put into drifters.
to boats off the beaches. Bush (who was in HEBE) seemed
and calm: difficult to see in dark; many ships, drifters
be rather despondent, having seen the shore black with
men standing up to their waists in water; embarkation
process being extremely slow.
Dawn
Arrived ahead. in HEBE off La Panne and got some idea of the task
(5)
Physical description of the beach. Long stretch of sand
dunes rising fairly steeply in places from a gently
shelving beach which dries for 200 yards or more at L.W.
Offshore the water deepens very gradually and a destroyer
cannot get nearer than half a mile, etc.
Large groups of men all over the beaches and a dark line
of men at the water's edge. Off Braye BIDEFORD was ashore
with her stern completely blown off by a bomb: LOCUST -
river g.b. - trying to tow her off, which she eventually
did and got her back to England. Farther towards Dunkerque
another ship (CRESTED EAGLE ?) was high and dry and burnt
out; also many boats broached to on the beach. Lying off
were destroyers, sloops, drifters, etc., and men making
their way off in whalers, motor boats and pontoon craft.
A slight swell made landing difficult, and many boats
broached to and were stranded on a falling tide. The
visibility was not good, with low-lying clouds: very
thankful for this, a blessing we were not always to enjoy.
Daylight
Could now get a clearer idea of situation and conditions.
Beaches were packed with troops, but they appeared to be
orderly and under proper control. A few ships were lying
as close in as possible and were being slowly filled up
by their own boats and a few local craft. Ships' motor
boats were towing off the whalers assisted by motor launchen
but these could not get very close in; pontoon craft were
being paddled off by soldiers, but it was not easy to get
them back ashore again and often they were left to float
away empty. As soon as a sloop or destroyer was full up
I
she left and took her boats with her - the boats' crews
were guns' crews and no one wanted to be without them.
To anyone with the appreciation of the practical difficult-l
ies of embarking in small boats with a long pull to seaward'
the sight of that beach black with troops was dismaying.
The number steadily increased and at back of our minds all ore
the time was question and fear of how long the defence
line could hold and the weather remain fair.
(6) 0630
Crux of matter was boats, boats' crews and towage; and at
0630 I signalled the urgent need of these. By about 0730
0730
most of the ships had loaded up and were leaving: I asked r
for more ships and again stressed need of boats.
I now moved down to Dunkerque to get in communication with
hit.
Tennant and went alongside pier in response to a signal.
nore
Description of Dunkerque (see plan). Outer harbour is
formed by 2 breakwaters approx at right angles, leaving a
and
narrow entrance between. Western Arm of solid stone:
que
Eastern Arm (called here East Pier) only solid for short
al
part of inshore end, the rest being built of concrete piles.o
wide enough for 4 men walking abreast. Alongside short
through which tide flows and on which is a narrow pathway East isi
Pier is channel to inner harbour and docks. A
length

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296
VA, A destroyer Dover, having reported that Dunkerque was
293
0830 I asked me if ships should be sent there. usable,
0830
signalled from HEBE that destroyers could At into
Dunkerque in succession and that troops were waiting come close
to the pier. Loading off beaches was proceeding slowly:
conditions were not bad, but the slight swell running in
was enough to render boats liable to broach to. At La
Panne and Braye, lorries were being driven into the sea to
form a sort of breakwater.
Noon
About midday there was an air attack on ships and on La
Panne. Later, when it had cleared a bit overhead, there
was an attack on Dunkerque. Several French destroyers
came in by Y channel and were fired on from the north of
La Panne; some guns tried to shell beach between Braye
and La Panne, but the steep dunes protected it.
On returning to La Panne met Stevenson who had transferred
to a motor launch and was doing excellent work. He saw
(9)
Lord Gort who was anxious to see me. As conditions were
getting worse and I did not want to get stranded, decided
to go to Dunkerque and drive to La Panne from there.
HEBE could not be detained any longer, so sent her back to
Dover with troops and wounded and told Bush to explain the
boat situation and point out vital necessity for sending
out boats and crews.
1530
Transferred my staff to WINDSOR and went into Dunkerque in
MTB 102, sent at my request. Badly wanted some means of
getting about quickly and a fast boat of light draught
would have been invaluable: when I did get one its endur-
ance was so low that it had to return almost at once to
Dover.
On getting to Dunkerque found Tennant was with Gort and
that to drive there would take up more time than I cared
to be away: decided to land from a boat after all.
The MTB had not enough fuel to reach La Panne and return
to Døver, SO boarded GOSSAMER and took her to La Panne
1730
where I transferred to WORCESTER at about 1730.
La Panne was in telephonic communication with England;
also received W/T messages from Dover. One (1749) said
ships were urgently wanted off La Panne: actually, at
1900, there were 4 destroyers and 1 minesweeper there and
situation was constantly changing.
G.H.Q. was in touch with Admiralty and VA, Dover, and gave
views and criticisisms of what was happening. This
probably accounts for signal from 1st SL on this day asking
if boats were distributed along beaches to best advantage.
Actually, only boats that could get inshore, except distri- pontoons
bution depended on position of ships they belonged but
and a few local craft, were the whalers, and their to.
(10)
badly So hampered by lack of quick transport: once ships had
far as possible kept ships off all beaches, was
boats away a re-distribution was impracticable.
1900
beaches; with ammunition. Told her to beach cleared at as La
Small and about this time the TINY puffer herself
their numbers of aircraft attacked La Panne and arrived, ships off
loaded tide being then high; did so and was of was
Panne, tide fell, though think that a good deal cargo
finally on beach in slight swell (thied attempt visual to see Gort),
dumped in the sea.
2000
Landed Flag-Lieut. and a few signalmen to and open General
went with them to GHQ - last villa but one on
communication taking with GHQ. Met by Tennant south edge Lees;
of La Panne. situation. Seemed obvious to me back that more the
(11)
Discussed felt they had successfully fallen it now or
soldiers intact inn face of great odds and that was not making up
to less the Navy to get them off, but that Navy were
Stressed of large scale embarkation from beaches; off said from
any real difficulty, effort to do slowness so. and dependence on fine
weather that bulk of any troops should move westward and come This
Dunkerque.

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8
300
KEITH'S I learnt boats he sent in, but Gort was not in 207 and
No one his staff: heavy air attack trips necessary time.
to bring off was in HEBE already. Three first boat
(21)
ships and was hit, though narrow escapes. Many during this on
increase beaches; HEBE shot down a Heinkel. attacks
(19)
of shell fire off Braye, where CLAN Great
was and a valuable decoy: she was hit and bombed MACALLISTER several times
blindly into this area, as shells fell near CLAN MACALLIS-
started burning again. Enemy guns seemed to be firing
TER but not among ships loading which were some inshore
of her. Later, these ships did come under fire, way and
VIVACIOUS was hit twice and had 11 casualties - 2-300
troops on board. Ordered her to go into Dunkerque and
fill up there.
Lees was Senior Staff Officer of H. Q. Staff, and I thought
it would be a good education for him to see something of
what the naval problem was, so I kept him on the bridge
with me. As Gort was in HEBE I felt he was safe, and as
HEBE was doing good work embarking troops I did not send
her back to Dover with him at once. Therein, perhaps, I
was wrong, as I had not realized the anxiety of Government
to have him safe and sound at home, but felt he would
1st
sooner the ship helped to bring off more men than he should
land a few hours earlier in England.
During the day made signal to all ships with instructions
for supporting fire against enemy tanks and lorries on the
beach. Critical place likely to be at La Panne after the
line was evacuated; intended to be there myself in KEITH
at daybreak next morning. Also kept BASILISK free of
(22) troops for same purpose.
1700
Weather improved gradually. Signal = "Weather off beaches
now good: many more boats should come into use again as
tide rises. General movement of troops westward towards
Dunkerque. No petrol supply yet and many boats getting
short off La Panne and Braye. Movement from Dunkerque
continues. Great air activity. "
1815
Drifters with petrol arrived.
After embarking H. Q. Staff I returned to Dunkerque and
found Wynne-Edwards had been doing good work. Saw for the
first time that strange procession of craft of all kinds
that has become famous - small motor yachts, motor launches
drifters, Dutch schuyts, Thames barges, fishing boats,
pleasure steamers, tugs towing dinghies, lifeboats and all
manner of pulling boats.
(20)
As tows of boats appeared they were told to which beach be
they should go; particularly anxious there should
sufficient at La Panne which was farthest off. Directed 10
miles up the coast; and as light was beginning the remaining to fail,
several tows to go on to La Panne, telling them it was
Motor I left and Wynne-Edwards went on up to in La a MA/SB Panne myself. to direct Off Panne Braye were I saw
tows I had feared - that tows ordered to La
stopping what at Braye: got there just in farther time to on. warn
CODRINGTON (off Braye) to send them
out to Lees how easy it was to talk about ten-mile distribu-
Pointed boats and craft at certain places along different a
ting of coast, but that it was a very craft which thing
stretch it done in practice, in the dark, by to help
to get not been there before and with no lights the first place them. they
had inevitable tendency was to stop assembled. at
The where other craft were
In the (on a his return to me at about off was La Panne.
came to end pretty fair distribution was 2230) made, and able Wynne- to
Edwards report that it was there this were evening a number that of I boats saw 2 would transports be bombed. go into
Dunkerque and out was just as it was getting from dark, that direction.
I think very nervous that they and shortly
They moved heard very heavy bombing aircraft attacking off
Actually, afterwards bombing was from our NOW own dark and I remained
batteries La Panne in down company the coast. with HEBE and several other Stayed ships.

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may 301 208
by Stayed moving off La Panne during the night, as could do much
Shelling was continuous and by the sound anywhere. some were
about after dark. No lights not
falling among the ships at the anchorage. News shells
(21)
no boats; ship message = boats found no one on beach.
conflicting: shore message = thousands of men waiting, very but
Probable truth was - Germans had range of lorry breakwater
and beaches near it and they shelled them heavily. Boats
went in there and found no one, as troops had moved farther
west clear of shell fire. Don't know what really took
place. Off shore one felt helpless, etc.
Aircraft passed close overhead flying down the anchorages
and fairway; MALCOLM off Braye reported a number of para-
chute mines dropped to westward of there, and suggested
ships should leave by Zuidcoote Pass in the morning as
passage to west was so heavily mined. Noise of MTB engines
often heard to seaward and eastward: ? our own patrol.
2300
Received urgent signal from Admiralty asking where Gort was
and why I had detailed the MTBs sent for him to other work.
Gort had just left HEBE in a motor launch: after long
search for him in the dark, at last found him, transferred
1st (24) June. As a result of the bombing the day before, asked for
him to the MA/SB and sent him off to Dover with Lees.
fighter protection at dawn.
0215
Heard that troops were moving westward and decided that
embarkation at La Panne was no longer possible. MALCOLM
and HARVESTER ordered from La Panne to Dunkerque. Also
told ships to keep close to fairway buoys to avoid mines
in the channel.
0235 (22) To Admiralty and VA, Dover:- "Yesterday ships off Braye
under fire. Today's shorter front will bring dangerous
area westward. Consider beach work too costly and evac-
uation must be confined to Dunkerque. Small craft will be
moved westward at dawn.
VA, Dover, reply = "While leaving this to your discretion,
essential that beaches be used until found impossible.
0330
Growing light. BASILISK with me - kept empty for support- La
fire against tanks or lorries along beach. Up by and
ing beach was deserted except for lorry breakwater - boats
Panne scattered cars. Sea also seemed deserbed small to the
westward. some of the boats adrift. Off Braye Ships were
had One or two motor launches about: there them was to a
vanished, a few empty ones drifting on tide told
collect and a paddle minesweeper ashore. and men were
minesweeper still loading off Braye and to the westward,
moving down westward off Braye along and the hailed beaches. a tug which and was try on to its tow way
Moved some soldiers on board to go in was
back with minesweeper. Master paid no attention; him and sent an only
(86)
off the get away. Trained a gun on board
anxious to to take charge, put the soldiers on
RNVR Sub-Lt. which was nearby, and go off to help the minesweeper with
SABRE, was that tugs had been told to regarded go over them-
Real trouble boats in tow and load up, and never they informed of this
pulling transports only. I was tugs.
selves as them as tugs and for use as by
All the night, but the degaussing possible. and
and regarded this time I was moving in waters mined proved effieient aircraft
(27)
during to edge of fairway when of the
I kept low clouds. Most ships were though full.
0400 (23)
Misty with that were not I sent into Dunkerque, and some for of the
Those were still many men on beaches, of small craft
there small gone back boats to for were England. the still night there, Did and not were majority then going realise back June. as they intended. Troops had had been
Reported are evacuating gradually directing to Dunkerque all boats as and eastern small beaches craft
sent over "Situation report at 0600, 1st
to
0625
are untenable. and loading Am all ships at Dunkerque. and fighter More attacks ships
vicinity required. Heavy bombing on Dunkerque About
(28)
on ships."

Details

313
310
- 5
30/5
at 1017 water. Off shore the water deopons very gradually and a destroyer
connot get nosrer than half a mile. At intervals along the coast there ore
small towns, seaside resorts, which apposr perched on the top of the dunos
which slope there more gently to the beach. Such are La Panno, Braye and
St. Malo - red brick houses, protentious villes and the typical modern
seaside architecture. But now the growing light showed a different picture -
at the water' S câge was a dark line of men and there were large groups of mon
all over the beaches. Off Brayo the "BIDEFORD" was ashore with her storn
completely blown off by a bomb; the "LOCUST" - a shallow draft river-gunboat -
was trying to take her in tow and eventually did BO and got her off and back
to England. Further down towards Dunkirk another ship was high and dry and
burnt out on the beach - this, I think, was the "CRESTED EAGLE" and there
were also many boats of one sort and another broached to on the beach.
Lying off the beaches were Destroyers and Sloops, Drifters and other
X
craft, and men were making their way off in whalers, motor boats and portoon
craft.
There was a slight swell which made landing difficult and many boats
broached to and were stranded by the tide. The visibility was not good and
overhead there were low lying clouds - a blossing for which tye were preatly
thankful, and which we were not always to enjoy. As soon as it Was light
I was able to get some clearer idea of the situation and conditions. The
beaches were packed with troops, but they appeared to be orderly and under
X
proper control. Off the beaches were a few ships as close as they could got
and these were being slowly filled up by their own boats and a fow local
craft. Ships' motor boats were towing off the whalers assisted by NOVOR
launches, but these could not get very close in. Pontoon craft were
being paddled off by soldiers but it was not easy to got them back inshere
again, often they were left to float away empty. All soon as a Sloop 02'
D. Destroyer was full up she left and took her boats with her - the boate'
crews were guns' crews and no-one wanted to be without thom.
To anyone with an appreciation of the practical difficultion of
embarking in small Boats with a long pull to seaverd, the sight of that
beach black with troops was dismaying. The musibers increased stoudily as
more men filed down the sand dunes and at the back of our minds all the

Details

317
311
M 9 -
30/5
the conditions inshore were getting worse and I did not want to get
stranded I decided to go into Dunkirk and drive to La Panne from there.
All this time the large number of mon and wounded in "НЯ" had
been on my mind. Feeling that I could not keep her any longer I decided
to send her back to Dover with Captain Bush to explain the boat situation
and point out the vital necessity of sending out boats and crews.
Accordingly at 3.30 I transferred my staff to "WINDSOR" and went
into Dunkirk in M.T.B. 102 which had come at my request. I had folt
badly in need of means of getting about quickly, and a fast boat of
X
light draft would have been invaluable. The trouble was that when I did
get one its endurance was so low that it had to return almost immediately
X
to Dover.
On arrival at Dunkirk I found that Tennant was with Lord Gort and
that to drive there would be likely to take a longer time than I cared
to be away so I decided that I must land from a boat after all.
The M.T.B. had not onough fuel to reach La Panne and roturn to
Dover, so I boarded the "GOSSAMER" and took her up to La Panne where
I transferred to "WORCESTER" at about 5.30 p.m. There I again found
Commodore Stevenson and lent him my spare pair of trousers and underclothea
as he got soaked through whenever he landed.
La Panne was in telephonic communication with England and sometimes
I received messages by W/T from Dover about the situation there - 80 for
31
instance one timed 1749 saying that ships were urgently wanted off In
Panne actually at 1900 there were four destroyers and one minesweeper
X
at LO. Panne and the situation was constantly changing. G.H.Q. wear in
touch with Admiralty and Vice Admiral, Dover, and gave their views and
criticisms of what was happening. This probably accounts for a signal
from the First Sea Lord on this day asking if boats were distributed
along the beaches to the best advantago. Actually of course practically
the only boats that could get inshore except the pontoons and D. few
local craft were whalers and their distribution was dependont on the
position of the ships they belonged to.

Details

327
321
- 19 -
31/5
and bombed several times and started burning again. I got the impression
that these guns were firing blindly into this area, as sholls foll near the
Olan Macallistor" and over her but not among the ships loading which were
some way inshore of her. Later, however, these chips did COMO under fire,
and "VIVACIOUS" reported she had been hit twice and had eleven casualties,
and two or three hundrod troops on board, I ordered her to 80 into Dunkirk
and fill up there.
General Lees 172.S the Senior Officer of the H.Q. Staff and I thought it
2
would be a good education for him to see something of what the naval problem
was, so I kept him on the bridge with ICC. As Lord Gort was in the "EdEE"
I felt that he WGB safe, and as the "HEBE" was doing good work caberking
troops I did not send her back to Dover with him at once. Thorein perhaps
I was wrong, as I had not realized the anxiety of the Government to have
him safe and sound at home but had felt he would soonor the ship helped to
bring off more men rather than that he should land a few hours carlier in
England.
During the day I made a signal to all ships with instructions for
supporting fire against enemy tanks and lorries on the boach. The critical
place was likely to be at La Panne after the line was evacuated, and I intended
to be there myself in "KETTH" at deybreak the noxt morning. I also kopt
"BASTLISK" free of troops for the same purpose.
The weather improved gradually and at 1700 I was able to signal:-
" Weather off beaches now good. Many more boats should come into use again
Q.B tido rises. General movement of troops westward towards Dunkirk. No
petrol supply yet and many basts are getting short off La Panno and Braye,
Movement from Dunkirk continuos. Great air activity."
Actually drifters with petrol arrived not long after at 1815.
31/5
After embarking the Headquarters Staff I returned to Dunkirk to DOG
how the boat situation was getting on. There I found Wynne-Invardo who had
been doing good work, and I saw for the first time that strange procession
of craft of all kinds that has become Pamous - tuge towing dinghise, life-
boats and all manner of pulling boats - small motor yachts, motor Isunchos,
drifters, Dutch scoots, Thames barges, fishing boats, pleasure ateamoro,

Details

331
323
- 23 -
1/6
At 0400 it was misty with low clouds and I hailed these conditions with
reliof, but unluckily they did not last, Most of the ships were full, Those
that were not I sent into Dunkirk for though thore were still many mon on the
beaches, and some of the small boats were still there, the majority of small
craft had disappeared back to England. Here again I did not realize that they
had beon sent over for the night and were making their way back as intended.
At 0625 I reported "Situation report at 0600 1st June. Troops DIC
evacuating gradually to Dunkirk as Eastern beaches are untonable. I an
directing all boats and small craft to vicinity and Ideding all ships at Dunkirk.
More ships required. Heavy bombing on Dunkirk and fighter sittacks on ships."
About this time I suddenly saw a Bolgian fishing boat appear on the scone
Zudcote
from seaward down the Ruytigon pass. I WOD suspicious 01 hor and ordered
"BASILISK" to investigate, She turned out to be the first of a dozen such beats
which shortly after appeared. They were on their way into Dunkirk to assist in
the evacuation.
As the mists and clouds dispersed many aircraft appeared on the scone and
X
fighters constantly came low over us. Mot'c often than not they were Spitfires,
but owr ships were not taking chances and nearly always opened fire indis-
criminately on them. As this kept happening I hoisted 6 Flag "Coase firo,"
and blow the syren to draw attention and try and stop the firing. In spito of
this I can remember our own machine gun aft in "KEITH" firting away regardless
of the "cease fire" gong; once started firing they could hear nothing.
"KETTH" by this time was running very short of П.А. amminition and had
only about 30 rounds left for her H.A. gun. The 4.7's could be used for
barrage fire only and had n. limited elevation. I decided in conseguence that
I would shortly transfer my flag to "BASILISK" and and "KEX" into Dunktik
to fill L13) and return to Dover. Before I had time to do SO a very heavy bombing
attack developed, first of all in and around Dunkink itsolf. I remember someone
saying "B destroyer has blown up off Dunkirk" and I looked and DAY D. ship
entirely enveloped in smoke just off the entrance. This was the "IVANEROS"
but she did not below use and = couple of hours later I BOW her boing howell back
to Dover- In this attack the "HAVAN was also sunk near the entrence.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Admiralty, S.W.1.
years
1st September, 1940.
y Dear Stack,
In reply to your letter of August, 24th
enclose a statement of Private Crowther's
ervices.
VX
Yours sincerely,
EARLY VERIFICATION
SERVING LEADING STWARD
E WAS THE ONLY STEWARD
r later, when the troops on board had been
nsferred to another ship, he offered to
dn in BIDEFORD and continue his work there,
hough he knew that the ship was badly
aged and aground, and it was considered
y improbable that she would reach England.
EARLY VERIFICATION
les.
remained to tend his wounded comrades and
ked continuously and with great efficiency
ERVING LEADING STWARD
nearly 48 hours.
th
WAS THE ONLY STEWARD
encils.
His decision to remain on board showed
at courage.
SEP
1940

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Lyness
VX
ADM LDN. ACOS. PASS TO ADMIRALTY
ADDRESSED ADMIRALTY
FROM PROSERPINE
A F 0 3178 PAGE 14 LINE 32. REQUEST EARLY VERIFICATION
CHRISTIAN NAMES AND OFFICIAL NUMBER OBSERVING LEADING STWARD
BERTIE LAWRENCE P/I 12007 OF PROCERRINE WAS THE ONLY STEWARD
Admiralty, S.W.1.
1st September, 1940
vate George William Crowther, 6th Field
Ambulance B. Company, No. 1354480.
This man had been embarked from Bray
ch after the ship was struck by bombs he at
e volunteered to help the Surgeon. An
r later, when the troops on board had been
nsferred to another ship, he offered to
in in BIDEFORD and continue his work there,
hough he knew that the ship was badly
aged and aground, and it was considered
y improbable that she would reach England. EARLY VERIFICATION
Les.
remained to tend his wounded comrades and
ERVING LEADING STWARD
ced continuously and with great efficiency
th
nearly 48 hours.
WAS THE ONLY STEWARD
encils.
TUC
His decision to remain on board showed
it courage.
SEP 1940

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Report on Operation "DYNAMO".
(Dover Despatch A.14/0/876/40 of 18th June, 1940).
STATEMENT OF CONTENTS.
Pages.
Report dated 18th June, 1940
1 - 8
...
Introduction
1 - 2
...
...
Narrative of Events
1 - 40
...
...
Appendix I
: H. M. Ships, etc. taking part.
1 - 2
Appendix
II
H. M. Ships, etc. lost during
1 - 2
:
Operation "DYNAMO".
Appendix III
Daily list of disembarkations
1 - 10
:
in U. K. ports.
Appendix
IV
:
Daily record of numbers
1
disembarked in England.
Appendix V
:
Co-operation of the French
1
troops.
Appendix VI : Enemy aircraft destroyed by
1
ships' fire.
stribution made by
lag Officer Commanding,
over.
No. of Copies.
Admiralty
...
...
... 12, together with
original stencils.
Commander-in-Chief, Nore.
...
1
ommander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.
...
1
Commander-in-Chief, Western Approaches.
...
1
Flag Officer-in-Charge, Harwich.
...
1
Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness
...
1
Commodore Superintendent, Dover.
...
1
Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate.
...
1

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Office of
The Flag Officer Commanding,
DOVER.
No. A.14/0/876/40.
18th June, 1940.
Sir,
Be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the
following report on Operation "DYNAMO", namely the evacuation
of the Allied Armies from Dunkirk and neighbouring beaches
between 26th May and 4th June, 1940. The report takes the
form of this covering letter, together with detailed
narrative and appendices.
2. THE POLICY AND THE PROGRESS OF THE EVACUATION.
During the course of the operation 316,663 troops
reached safety in England after being evacuated from Dunkirk,
and from the beach stretching 10 miles eastward from the
entrance to Dunkirk Harbour. To those on the French coast,
when in the early stages anything up to 50,000 troops were
waiting to embark on a 10 mile sea front, the presence of
perhaps 20 small warships offshore, and 200 small boats spread
along the length of coast at any given moment, must have
appeared as a feeble effort to tackle this great task.
Furthermore, it was impossible to adjust the arrival of ships,
either at Dunkirk or opposite the beaches, to synchronise with
the ebb and flow of the troop concentrations.
Broadly speaking, for the first 5 days of the move-
ment, had more beaching craft been available to ferry from the
beach to offshore vessels, it would have been possible to have
evacuated a greater number. For the last 3 to 4 days, however,
when the main bulk of the B.E.F. had already been evacuated,
the rate of lifting was governed by the availability of the
troops during the limited hours evacuation was possible.
3.
Throughout the operation one of the greatest
difficulties was the ever changing situation presented.
Within 24 hours of the start, the operation took the shape of
a forlorn hope to rescue the maximum number, say up to
45,000 before the whole force was to be overwhelmed by the
enemy.
Next, the military situation became more stable, and
it appeared that some three to four days would be available
to complete evacuation of the B.E.F., estimated at some
175,000. During this stage evacuation by British resources
of French troops was introduced, some 25,000 being mentioned.
During the course of the fifth day (30/5) a tentative
decision to lift the rearguard of the B.E.F. off the beaches
at a definite time, viz. 0130/1, was reached. 24 hours later
this plan was altered by military considerations, involving an
extension of the period of evacuation. At the same time, the
Naval authority was definitely committed to provide for the
evacuation of French forces, then mentioned as about 40,000/
50,000.
Later, the French number rose and 150,000 or more was
quoted. Finally no agreement could be reached with the French
e Secretary
as/
of the Admiralty,
London, S. W. 1.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Report OAL Operation "DYHAMO".
Page 2.
as to any termination of the operation which threatened to
drag on painfully, and finally to lose momentum and expire
through the exhaustion of Naval personnel and the liquidation
of shipping.
It will be seen, therefore, that the initial problem
called for a maximum effort over a limited period regardless
of the future, and accordingly all resources in the way of
small boats were thrown on the beaches, before adequate
provision had been made for their maintenance off the coast
in such matters as relief of the personnel and the provision
of large beach parties.
It was only due to the foresight of the Admiralty
in making avrangements for a continued flow in ever increasing
numbers of small power boats and beach craft, which became
available on the fifth day onwards, that the continued
evacuation from the beaches remained a reasonable proposition
after the initial crisis had passed.
4. A perusal of the signals that passed between Dover
and the French coast reveals the many occasions on which the
responsible officers stationed on the coast considered so
little had been achieved from the beaches that they advocated
restriction of evacuation to Dunkirk Harbour. Many comdaints
of "no boats", "no ships", might lead a detached observer to
the conclusion that the great effort that was being made was
proving abortive.
At Dover, where the whole operation could be viewed
in truer perspective, the number and origin of the troops being
landed in England being always to hand, it was clear that the
evacuation from the beaches required by the military situation,
was, in fact, achieving a considerable success, as the
following figures will show. of the 226,000 troops landed in
the United Kingdom, between May 28th and June 1st inclusive -
the period during which both Dunkirk and the beaches eastward
were available day and night except for enemy interference -
49,000 were landed by personnel. vessels and hospital carriers
direct from Dunkirk Harbour, 95,000 reve lifted from the
beaches, leaving 82, 000 as having been lifted from Dunkirk
Harbour by vessels ot er than troop transports.
5. WEAT DR CONDITIONS.
The operation was favoured by extremely good weather.
It was found, however, that any northerly wind caused a surf,
which greatly reduced the rate of lifting from the beaches.
It must be fully roalised that a wind of any strength in the
northern sector between South West and North East would have
made beach evacuation impossible. At no time did this happen.
6. DISPOSAL OF TROOPS AFTER REACHING ENGLAND.
On arrival in England the despatch of troops from the
points of disembarkation proceeded with great smoothness under
the War Office movement control organisation.
7./
(a)/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Report on Operation "DYNAMO".
Page 7.
WAVERLEY. 600 troops were on board before ship was
abandoned in sinking condition, but only 200-300 were
picked up,
In all it is regretted that about 2,000 troops must
have been lost through these and similar disasters on
the return voyages to England.
14.
CO-OPERATION OF THE FRENCH NAVY.
French warships and other vessels were employed
evacuating French troops from Dunkirk harbour, and on the last
three nights from the beach 1½ miles eastward from Dunkirk.
Details are given in Appendix V.
15.
BASE ORGANISATION,
An operation of this magnitude involving the
maintenance and movements of close on 900 vessels and boats
could not have been conducted without the wholehearted and
unceasing efforts of the base establishments at Dover and
Ramsgate, as well as those at Sheerness and Harwich in the
Nore Command. At all these places officers and men, Naval
and civilian, laboured unceasingly throughout the Operation.
In particular I wish to acknowledge the great
assistance received from the Commander-in-Chief, Nore, who
in many cases anticipated my requests for assistance through
his constant watch on the progress of the Operation.
The prompt and unfailing assistance afforded by
the Chatham Depot in providing personnel for the numerous
small craft, working parties and beach parties, was a feature
essential to the successful outcome of the Operation.
The Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate, by taking
over the servicing and control of the great majority of the
small craft of the inshore flotillas relieved Dover or an
immense volume of work which it would otherwise have been
impossible to handle.
It was also broughtto my notice that at Harwich an
exceptional Naval and Military system was in being for
assisting those ships which called there to make a quick
turn round, relieving the tired ships' companies of the work
of cleaning and clearing their vessels.
16.
SERVICES OF STAFF, INCLUDING OFFICERS
TEMPORALLY APPOINTED.
I was fortunate in having the services of
Rear Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker, C.B., O.B.E., as Flag Officer
afloat off Dunkirk, and Captain W.G. Tennant, C.B., M.V.O.,
as Senior Naval Officer, Dunkirk on shore. Admiral Wake-
Walker was responsible for supervising the embarkation afloat
and Captain Tennant for organising embarkation from the shore,
keeping touch with the French Naval Authorities and the Staff
of the British Commander-in-Chief.
Detailed particulars of their services were given
in Dover Despatch No. B.23/862/40 of 4th June, 1940.
I cannot conclude this despatch without reference to
the splendid work of my staff under the guidance of my Chica
Staff/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst
the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell
those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was
held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already
out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be
expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the
coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 11.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May(continued).
36. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded from Dover in ESK
at about 1900 for passage to HEBE off the coast where he was
to carry out the duties of S.N.O., Dunkirk in charge of all
embarkation arrangements, taking over from Captain Bush who
had been working in HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
37. As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst
the destroyer force, particularly the misfortunes which befell
those of the larger and more modern types, a consultation was
held between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral which led to a
decision to withdraw destroyers of the 'H', 'I' and 'J' classes
from DYNAMO. All destroyers of the 'G' class were already
out of action.
There remained available for DYNAMO 15 destroyers:-
ESK
MALCOLM
VERITY
EXPRESS
WHITEHALL
VANQUISHER
ANTHONY
WINCHELSEA
SABRE
KEITH
WORCESTER
SCIMITAR
CODRINGTON
WINDSOR
SHIKARI
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be
expected to maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the
coast and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
38. The day closed with a formidable list of ships lost
or damaged, a marked reduction in the number of destroyers
available and with failure to achieve the high rate of
evacuation hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in England
during the 24 hours, but the effect of the day's occurrences
was to be more marked next day when instead of some 50,000 to
60,000 which had been calculated as the probable achievement
only 48,000 odd were in fact transported.
39.
Casualties to H.M. Ships - 29th May.
Destroyer WAKEFUL torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Destroyer GRAFTON torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. off
Kwinte Whistle buoy.
Special Service Vessel CRESTED EAGLE, whilst off the
beaches at Dunkirk, was bombed and set on fire. Ship was
beached and gutted.
Personnel Vessel NORMANIA attacked by enemy aircraft
and sunk.
Personnel Vessel LORINIA attacked off Dunkirk by enemy
aircraft and sunk.
Personnel

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 18.
Operation "DYNAMO". Narrative of Events.
Friday, 31st May (Continued).
Goodwins and commenced to hunt.
55. The arrivals at the home ports indicated that in
spite of the frequent requests for more ships and more boats
received from the various authorities on the French coast, the
rate of evacuation was steadily increasing and would permit,
all being well, of implementing the final evacuation plan
during the night 31/5 - 1/6. Accordingly, instructions were
issued for the special tows to leave Ramsgate at 1300/31 for
Dunkirk via Route X, and Commander-in-Chief, Nore, and Flag
Officer-in-Charge, Harwich, were requested to provide all
available M.T.B.'s to escort this convoy for as much of the
outward passage as possible, which was timed to commence from
Ramsgate at 1300/31. Speed of advance - 5 knots. A party
of Naval officers had been assembled at Dover to embark in
these tows and had been given detailed instructions on the
plan. Two M.A./S boats and 2 M.T.B.'s in the Dover Command
were ordered to accompany the boat convoy and subsequently
embark the Commander-in-Chief, B.E.F. and Staff off the
beaches.
56. Shortly after sunrise an on-shore wind arose and
boat work became difficult, many whalers capsizing, and the
prospects of completing the evacuation to plan began to be
less favourable. The following extract from the report of
Captain Howson, S.N.O., on the beaches illustrates conditions
at Bray at this time:
"At 0400 there was a very considerable number of
destroyers, paddlers, trawlers, skoots, etc, off Bray,
and embarkation was proceeding satisfactorily, but a lop
had already started. There were about 10 motor yachts
which had arrived from England. These craft drew 6-7
feet and were unable to get close in to any of the
beaches. During the forenoon, considerable towing of
empty craft towards the beach was carried out, and only
about 2 boats were allowed to get adrift and ultimately
ground. With the falling tide, however, a number of
boats were seen to ground and remain ashore until the
tide rose in the afternoon. These included an A.L.C.,
motor boat and a lifeboat. Other power boats broke
down. Nevertheless, the embarkation, much hindered by
the lop, proceeded satisfactorily. As further destroy-
ers and sloops arrived, they were directed to lower their
motor boats and whalers as this had not already been done,
began to subside and with the rising tide conditions for
these boats were quite invaluable. About noon, the lop
embarkation very greatly improved, more boats were sent
in and more boats floated off and matters were proceeding
very well, when the gun at La Panne started to shell the
beaches and fore hore with great accuracy. A certain
number of light craft were sunk. The A.L.C. broke down
and was towed away by a steamer. MOSQUITO, destroyers
and sloops proceeded westward clear of the firing.
57/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 23
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Saturday, 1st June, (continued)
machines being noted. During this attack BASILISK was put out
of action off La Panne and later sank while struggling home.
KEITH, SALAMANDER and SKIPJACK, who were moving westward along
the coast as the Bray and La Panne beaches had been emptied,
were heavily bombed, the former was hit and set on fire and
the latter sank. KEITH was abandoned and finally sank.
Nearly all troops on board KEITH and the crews of both vessels
were rescued by other ships. A third attack started over
Dunkirk, extending well out along Route X, and occurred between
1000 and 1040, to be again resumed at noon. After that there
was a lull until 1550, when another attack was delivered on
Dunkirk Harbour and all shipping therein for over half an hour.
At 1800 the Vice Admiral received the following signal from
Dunkirk: "Things are getting very hot for ships; over 100
bombers on ships here since 0530, many casualties. Have
directed that no ships sail during daylight. Evacuation by
transports therefore ceases at 0300. If perimeter holds will
complete evacuation tomorrow, Sunday night, including most
French. General concurs." The sense of this message was
passed on to Rear Admiral, Dover, off the coast,
69. In addition to the heavy scale of air attack during
the afternoon the sea traffic was very seriously interrupted by
artillery fire brought to bear on X Route near No.5 buoy. The
fire appeared to be accurate and it is believed some French
ships were sunk. 2 French Destroyers in the vicinity stopped
British ships approaching from England on X Route short of this
point, and it became evident that a very serious threat to
daylight evacuation was in being. Meantime, the toll of
casualties of ships during the day was mounting particularly
amongst the destroyers and shortly after midday the Commander-
in-Chief, Nore, called the attention of the Admiralty to this,
suggesting the discontinuation of the use of destroyers by day
off the French Coast. The summarisation of all these incidents
led to the Admiralty directing the Vice Admiral, Dover, to
suspend evacuation from Dunkirk at 0700, Sunday 2nd June, and
for it to be resumed the following night or from 1730/2,
depending upon the circumstances. From the above it will be
seen that there were to be no ships proceeding to Dunkirk
between 0700/2 and 1730/2. The above Admiralty directions
crossed a message from the Vice Admiral stating that all ships
had been ordered to withdraw from Dunkirk before daylight the
following day, owing to the heavy casualties to shipping.
70. In spite of enemy action more than 60,000 troops
were landed in the United Kingdom during the 24 hours, thanks
to the unremitting determination of Naval vessels who all
executed a succession of round trips, interrupted only by
necessary refuelling. The majority of the surviving vessels
had been operating ceaselessly for at least 5 days, and officers
and men were approaching a condition of complete exhaustion.
71./

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 340
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Inshore Flotillas and Naval Shore Parties (continued),
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.
in command of the Unit and all orders were carried out with
great diligence even under actual shell fire and aircraft
attack.
103. The difficulties of passage from the United
Kingdom to the Flanders coast were great. With compasses
of doubtful accuracy and no navigational instruments other
than a lead pencil, once a boat lost contact with a main
convoy the chances of making a correct landfall in the strong
currents of the straits were slight. Many of the small
craft had not even a compass, yet all who left the Flanders
coast in safety managed to reach the English coast to refuel
and the majority set off again to repeat the adventure.
Cases occurred, however, of boats attempting to enter Calais
instead of Dunkirk, where they received a rousing reception
from the Boche, and yet another case where the landfall was
made between Gravelines and Calais and the Sub-Lieutenant in
command landed, findi it necessary to shoot 2 German
soldiers before leaving for his proper destination of Dunkirk.
Open boats of all kinds, from the naval cutters
and whalers to seaside dinghies, were towed over from
England by the motor boats themselves or in special tows by
tugs. Some of these pulling boats were manned by odd naval
ratings as boat keepers, and others by soldiers off the beach.
One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling the
motor boats' screws with painters and lines attached to all
these pulling boats. Carley floats and inflated motor inner
tubes also played their part in carrying men from the beach
to the motor boats,
104. Having reached the coast the business of ferrying
from the water line to the offshore craft was by no means
easy. Apart from the surf, which was usually experienced
for some hours every day, derelict lorries, which had been
abandoned below the high tide mark, proved a serious danger
to boats. Another source of much trouble close inshore was
the large amount of floating grass rope which various craft
had used and lost in their rescue work, and numerous articles
of military equipment such as great coads jettisoned during
the evacuation. A great number of small power boats were
put temporarily out of action by such ropes and garments
fouling the screws, usually resulting in broaching to and
being swamped while they were thus unmanageable.
The number of soldiers taken off the beaches by
motor boats cannot be estimated, One 35 ft. motor launch,
however, ferried off 600 men to transports and carried 420
direct to England.
105. of the pulling boats used, the main difficulty
was insufficient provision made for Naval boat keepers to
take charge of the outgoing boats and bring them back to the
disembarkation points. As a result, the soldiers detailed
to act as boat keepers for an outward trip, failed to return
the boat on the inward trip and it was necessary for the
Naval boat keepers to swim or to wade out to the drifting
boats/

Details

Details

Page 21.
Operation "DYNAMO" Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. KEITH - Captain Edward Lyon Berthon, D.S.C., R.N.
After completing a short refit at Chatham the KEITH
sailed for Dunkirk at 1732/30/5 when she took off about
1400 troops, these being disembarked at Dover. At
0305/31/5 she again sailed for Dunkirk where she acted as
-
flagship of the Rear-Admiral, Dover, in charge of all sea
forces on the coast.
From the time of her arrival until she finally sank
at about 0940/1/6 she was patrolling along the French and
Belgian coasts during which time she was almost continually
opening fire on enemy aircraft, two of which were shot down..J
It is to be noted that the 3" H.A. gun was found to be most
effective in warding off the attackers and that all 3"
ammunition was expended before the arrival of the final
attacks which sank the ship.
It is evident that few if any ships had to face more
severe bombing attacks and that during the whole time the
conduct of the ships company was exemplary.
On the afternoon of 31st May, the ship survived both
dive and high level bombing attacks and early the next day
was subjected to machine gun attack followed by an intensive
dive bombing attack. A second powerful dive bombing
attack followed as a result of which the ship was lost.
Further bombing and machine gun attacks took place while
the ship was being abandoned. Many survivors went to the
Tug St. Abbs, which after escaping one dive bombing attack,
was sunk in a further attack; many of "Keith's" survivors
being lost in her.
Apart from the names given below, there were many
incidents of gallant conduct by men who were lost either in
"Keith" or after they had left the ship. 3 officers and
33 men in all were lost.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
OFFICERS:
Captain Edward Lyon Berthon, D.S.C., R.N.
The Rear-Admiral reports: "Under shell fire and
bomb attacks Captain Berthon handled his ship with great
coolness and judgment, and met all the calls put upon
him and his ship".
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Charles Paynder Adams, R.N.
By his personal example in action maintained a hig
state of discipline and fighting spirit in the ship when
subjected to heavy bombing attacks. Later organised the
return passage of survivors to England in Yard Craft 63.
Recommended for decoration

Details

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.
St. James's Palace, S.W.1.
August, 1940.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the
following Appeintments to the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire, for good services in orgainising the withdrawal to England,
under fire and in the face of many and great difficulties, of
335, 335,490 Officers and Men of the Allied Armies, in about one thousand
of His Majesty's Shipa and other craft between the 27th of May and
the 4th of June, 1940:-
said
To be Additional Commanders of the Military Division of the/Most
Excellent Order:
Captain william Raigersfield Phillimore, Royal Navy / (Retired).
Commodore Edward Glyn de Styrap Jukes-Hughes, Royal Navy, (Retired).
To be an Additional Officer of the Military Division of the said
Most Excellent Order:4
0
Commander Robert Gordon Hood Linzee, Royal Navy / (Retired).
To be an Additional Member of the Military Division of the Said
Most Excellent Order:-
ing Inspector of Shipwrights Frederick Hercules Harvey.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards
for good services in the thdrawal of the Allied Armies from the
beaches at Dunkirk:-
The Medal of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of
the British Empire, for Meritorious Service:
Acting Master-at-Arms Sidney Welfare, C/M.36212.
Chief 6XXXXXXXX Petty Officer Telegraphist Alexander Arthur
Lee, C/J.96386.
Chief Shipwright Joseph William Heathcote, P/M.23064
Chief Chief Sick Stoker Ingine Hoom Herbert Artificer John Baxter, Reginald C/K.2659. Francis Fox, P/M.5545.
Berth Petty Officer CEcil Ernest Jelley, C/M.39618.

Details

30th July, 40.
C.W.22953/40.
H.M.S. WORCESTER: Aid given to the Royal
Artillery at Dunkerque,
June lst.
Commander-in-Chier,
H. M. Ships and Vessels, Nore.
I am to inform you that General the Viscount Gort has
requested that an expression of his thanks and appreciation
may be conveyed to the Commanding Officer, the Officers and
men of H.M. WORCESTER for the gallant assistance rendered
by them on June 1st, when a number of Officers and men of the
2nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, was embarked at Dunkerque
and brought to England. to the
at
Lord Gort has expressed warm admiration of the cool
and skilful handling of WORCESTER during and after enemy air
attacks; he has emphasized the calmness and efficiency with
which the troops were assisted during the embarkation and he
has drawn attention to the bravery and persistence of the
guns' crews who served their guns throughout in spite of
casualties.
Their Lordships cordialls endorse Lord Gort's
appreciation and 1 am to request you to cause it to be
conveyed to WORCESTER accordingly.
by lat, BY COMMAND OF THRIR LORDSHIPS, the
erque
to
Angland,
of
hir
he has the ith
the he
has to What
sweet crows who
casualties.
Their Lordships cordially endorse Lord Gort's
appreciation and I am to request you to cause it to be
conveyed to WORCESTER accordingly.
BY COMMAND OF THEIR LORDGHIPS,
51-6446

Details

23187
20th August
0
22953/40.
40
DATE
)
18.7.40
è
The Flag Belfast. Officer-in-Charge,
3/40
I am to enclose a copy of a letter
from the Military Secretary, B.E.F., and to
wester".
request that you will bring it to the notice
Croswell
of
C. Gesowell. R.N.
Commander F
A
30th July, 40.
C.W.22953/40.
to
H.M.S. WORCESTER: Aid given to the Royal
Artillery at Dunkerque,
June lst.
Commander-in-Chief,
H. M. Ships and Vessels, Nore.
I am to inform you that General the Viscount Gort has
requested that an expression of his thanks and appreciation
4
may be conveyed to the Commanding Officer, the Officers and
men of H.M.S. WORCESTER for the gollant assistance rendered
by them on June lst, when a number of Officers and men of the
2nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, was embarked at Dunkerque
and brought to England.
Lord Gort has expressed warm admiration of the cool
and skilful handling of WORCESTER during and after enemy air
attacks; he has emphasized the calmness and efficiency with
which the troops were assisted during the embarkation and he
has drawn attention to the bravery and persistence of the
guns' crews who served their guns throu hout in spite of
casualties.
Their Lordships cordially endorse Lord Gort's
appreciation and I am to request you to cause it to be
conveyed to WORCESTER accordingly.
BY COMMAND OF THEIR LORDGHIPS,
51-6446

Details

With
the
Compliments
of the
29685/40.
Under Secretary Affairs of State admiralty Esq.,
12.
for Foreign FOREIGN OFFICE,
DATE
19
Dec. 23 1940. 21st S.W.1. December,
1940.
- July 1940
7106/6374/372)
(Ref: EO. letter eldey ho: T7106/6374/372
Sir,
of Dec. m
19
The King has informally approved
award of decorations and medals
the of to the the Order officers of and the British men of the Empire
Belgian Merchant Navy, whose names,
HONOURS AND
together with details of their
valuable services in connexion with
the evacuation of Allied troops from
Dunkirk, are given in the annexed
that, without revealing
has been approached
these proposals,
and inform so as
shother the awards
be agreeable to
These Belgian Boats based on Dartmouth and manned
with volunteers, braved every danger in transferring
troops from Dunkirk. The "JULIA" embarked 1007, the
"GUIDO GAZELLE" 403. the "COR JESU" 274. The last named
boat made one trip, the others two.
The "MARECHAL FOCH" went alongside the quay at
Dunkirk but on a falling tide the weight of the soldiers
jumping on board grounded her. The Master and his one
assistant returned to Dover in another trawler and went
back again the next day, embarked 300 men in the
"MARECHAL FOCH" and set out for England. Off the Goodwin
Light the vessel was run down by a Warship, which took on
board these two brave Belgians and some 150 of the troops.
Mr. Gooding of the Torquay Motor Boat "LADY CABLE" -
with two Naval Ratings,- carried some 560 men in seven
trips between Dunkirk beach and two transports. His
seamanship was of a high order and his voluntary service
of great value.
The bravery, seamanship, high enthusiasm and
pertinacity of these volunteer Rescuers effected the
saving of some 2,500 men of the Allied Troops and are
worth of the highest traditions of the sea.
;inued)

Details

Page 9
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. GRENADE of Commander Richard C. Boyle, R.N.
Lost heavy as a air result of damage from four
during attack on her second trip large to Dunkirk. bombs
Recommendations,
OFFICERS
Mr. Reginald William Clare, Gunner (T) R.N.
C D,S.C.
and complete control of after end of ship when taking
Acted with great coolness and courage,
moment sinking. Closed and flooded magazine at burning correct
gallantry under fire.
thereby minimising disaster. Example of
Recommended for decoration.
Mr. Reginald James Crew B.Sc., Schoolmaster, R.N.
M
Displayed conspicuous coolness and devotion to
duty during and after the disaster.
Saved a number of lives by rescuing ratings in
distress in the oil covered water, landing with a
party of survivors in Dunkirk. Took charge and
eventually navigated an old motor boat back to
England.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Patty Officer Harold Richard Emery C/JE 144399.
k
Petty Officer Samuel Bennion. C/JX.102723.
M.
These two Petty Officers ably backed up Mr.Crew,
M
displaying marked initiative and coolness.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Stoker Frederick Staples, C/KX.84191.
D.S.M.
Acted as right hand man to Mr. Clare, taking
charge of younger stokers, by calm bearing dispelling
any tendancy to panic.
Assiduous in his attention to wounded, both in
GRENADE and later in the trawler which rescued
survivors.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 10
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. GREYHOUND - Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A'Deane.R.N.
Dunkirk from wounded. On the about 1,200 men in England, and 1 to
GREYHOUND pier, made landing 3 trips, 2 to the beaches
from misses an attack was made by bombers troops
La Panne beach, 3rd trip, whilst embarking apart
room, GREYHOUND killing 20 and wounding 70.
2 near splinters damaged the engine room and No.3 boiler and
leaving to to continue ferrying troops from
her boats withdrew to Dover to land the wounded,
shore ship, often under fire and bombing.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
X
Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A'Deane, R.N.
tr8ops from La Panne beach and Dunkirk.
For efficient handling of his ship when evacuating
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Leading Seaman A. W. Saunders, P/SSX.15620 and
Leading Seaman S. H. Setterfield, P/J.102005.
Evacuating troops from La Panne beach in
difficult conditions and under fire, displaying
ability and great endurance.
Recommended for mention.
Stoker Petty Officer E. Teichert, P/K. 59694.
In charge of No.3 boiler room, showed initiative
in quickly shutting down the boiler and keeping a
fan running, thus enabling the extent of damage to
be discovered, when the whole ship was shaking from
bomb explosions and splinters had caused damage in
his boiler room.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 21,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. KEITH - Captain Edward Lyon Berthon, D.S.C., R.N.
sailed for Dunkirk at 1732/30/5 when she took off about
After completing a short refit at Chatham the KEITH
1400 troops, these being disembarked at Dover.
0305/31/5 she again sailed for Dunkirk where she At acted
flagship of the Rear-Admiral, Dover, in charge of all sea as
forces on the coast.
at about 0940/1/6 she was patrolling along the French and
From the time of her arrival until she finally sank
Belgian coasts during which time she was almost continually
opening fire on enemy aircraft, two of which were shot down.
It is to be noted that the 3" H.A. gun was found to be most
effective in warding off the attackers and that all 3"
ammunition was expended before the arrival of the final
attacks which sank the ship.
It is evident that few if any ships had to face more
severe bombing attacks and that during the whole time the
conduct of the ships company was exemplary.
On the afternoon of 31st May, the ship survived both
dive and high level bombing attacks and early the next day
was subjected to machine gun attack followed by an intensive
Sive bombing attack. A second powerful dive bombing
attack followed as a result of which the ship was lost.
Further bombing and machine gun attacks took place while
the ship was being abandoned. Many survivors went to the
Tug St. Abbs, which after escaping one dive bombing attack,
was sunk in a further attack; many of "Keith's" survivors
being lost in her.
Apart from the names given below, there were many
incidents of gallant conduct by men who were lost either in
"Keith" or after they had left the ship. 3 officers and
33 men in all were lost.
RECOMMENDATIONS,
or
OFFICERS:
Captain Edward Lyon Berthon, D.S.C., R.N.
The Rear-Admiral reports: "Under shell fire and
bomb attacks Captain Berthon handled his ship with great
coolness and judgment, and met all the calls put upon
him and his ship".
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant Charles Paynder Adams, R.N.
By his personal example in action maintained a when hig
subjected to heavy bombing attacks. Later organised 65. the
state of discipline and fighting spirit in the ship
return passage of survivors to England in Yard Craft
OF
nu
Recommended for decoration

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 29.
N.M.S.
VANQUISHER. VANQUISHER - Lieutenant-Commander had Conrad Byron Alers-Hankey,
off S.W. Ireland, been at sea from 22nd to
patrolling May and that 4th - Having date, although June, 7 made trips about Officers were 4,000 made and troops men and to Dunkirk were arrived being therefore between at Dover 26th tired the early May 28th on R.N. 28th May
Commanding seriously impaired by lack his of sight and judgment 29th, to her
Officer one found trip on 28th and two brought on home.
himself fit to retain rest that he be so
temporary reliefs for himself command and he therefore did not consider
operation landed to obtain a total rest. of 4 officers and and his 9 Gunner. ratings had arranged During to be the for
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
/
Lieutenant-Commander Conrad Byron Alers-Hankey, R.N.
M
troops evacuation to England. of Dunkirk, thereby evacuating about 4,000 the
For skilful handling of his ship throughout
Recommended for mention and early promotion.
x
Lieutenant Reginald Noel Hankey. R.N.
For outstanding devotion to duty and ability in
arranging the embarkation of troops and handling the
ship's company in very trying circumstances.
X
Recommended for mention.
Lieutenant Cecil William Clarence Checcucci, R.N.
M
M
For outstanding skill and devotion to duty as
Navigating Officer in difficult and trying conditions.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
C.E.R.A. Francis Patrick, C/M. 14987.
D.S.M.
For outstanding devotion to duty and skill in
acting as Engineer Officer, in the absence ashore sick
of the Lieutenant (E), in very arduous and difficult
times.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Seaman David Anderson, C/J.107567.
company when they were suffering from lack of
important part in maintaining the morale of the rest ship's
Outstanding devotion to duty and for playing an
E
extending over a long period.
Recommended for mention and advancement.
Thiof/

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. Page
51
Page 50
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
0)
HALCYON. - Commander Eric Percival Hinton, R.N.
harbour, Whilst bringing back a large number
This embarking ship completed and 6 trips to the beaches and Dunkirk
troops. On one working occasion off the beaches boats were of
riddled and Ship was shelled from shore
ashore. with bullets. two of the whalers embarking sent were
batteries subjected to many attacks from the air.
Recommendations.
CERS:
Commander Eric Percival Hinton, R.N.
Showed great skill and seamanship in the
manoeuvring of his ship whilst lying off the beach and
also in entering Dunkirk harbour during dark hours due
to the number of wrecks in the vicinity. By his
perseverance and devotion to duty over 2300 were
brought back to England.
S.O.D.S.O ? (Vice Cox)
Recommended for decoration.
Sub. -Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R.
Proceeded ashore in order to control the troops,
who at that time were in a disorganised state.
Further, whilst in charge of ship's whaler, remained
perfectly cool whilst under fire transporting a large
number of troops.
?m.
Recommended for mention.
ter
vor
ATINGS:
non
Able Seaman Clarence Edward Jarmill. D/J.95955.
DSM.
Showed great devotion to duty and determination
as coxswain of a whaler whilst bringing off troops
from the beaches under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
S.P.O. John Henry Salmon, D/K. 66811.
D.SM.?
charge of a pontoon to bring off troops, stokers. showing a great
In addition to his work in the Boiler Room took
devotion to duty and an example to the
Recommended for mention.

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 55
H.M.S. MEDWAY QUEEN - Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook. R.N.R.
between This the the ship 27th completed May and 7 the trips 3rd to June. Dunkirk and the beaches
was troops. off The beaches boats, whilst she used her own the
continually under fire, embarking the the
and shot down and altogether several times. Two was bombed
machine gunned and the ship herself
to England. over 3,500 troops enemy were aircraft brought were back
Recommendations.
OFFICERS,
Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R.
The and entries seamanship, was able to complete 7
By able his great skill, pertinacity, devotion to duty
and under into Dunkirk harbour were made in trips. the
the very difficult conditions, due to wrecks dark, and
bombed many times, by his skill he was able to was avoid
congestion in Dunkirk. Although the ship
any damage being done to the ship.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
\
Sub. Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R.
With great gallantry and devotion to duty whilst
under fire, evacuated troops from the beaches in the
boats belonging to the ship.
DSC IDSC in
Recommended for decoration.
X
Engineer Sub. Lieutenant James Irvin, R.N.R.
By his devotion to duty and leadership kept the
rin
engines in an efficient state, although the 1st and
ter
3rd Engineers had collapsed through exhaustion.
vor
M
Recommended for mention.
as
hom
is
RATINGS.
Petty Officer Henry McAllister. C/P.23168.
Was in general charge of the boats, and with great
gallantry and devotion to duty evacuated many troops
from the beaches whilst under fire.
Mail
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
Petty Officer Alfred Ernest Crossley, C/J.103237.
DSM ashore great the evacuation, organising the small
With devotion to duty and gallantry troops remained
OF
and arranging during for their embarkation in the boats.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 60
H.M.S. PRINCESS ELIZABETH. four - Lieutenant Cecil John Carp,
stopping Did for four on the R.N.V.R. go without
the Ship boats was attacked when working from the on beach. many over occasions 1,600 and troops. also
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
duty brought the operation a large body devotion of troops to
By throughout his skill, seamanship and great
were damage to back to England without any serious
his ship.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Sub.-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R.
under ceaseless shell fire and bombing was outstanding
the beaches. His ingenuity, courage and gallantry
Was in charge of boats during the operation off
and his tenacity and leadership in getting his boats
loaded created a great impression.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX.127274.
Showed great initiative and leadership during
the operation. His general bearing, conduct and
ability, coolness and devotion to duty under fire
whilst towing large numbers of boats from the beach
ring
was an example to all.
tered
DSM
vors
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Ernest Baker, T. 124.
as
hom
Showed great zeal and initiative apart from his
ordinary work in volunteering for boatwork in which
he was thereafter employed. Further, he took charge
of the loaned motor-boat.
D.S.M
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Ernest Savidge, R.N.V.R.
Did very valuable work as a volunteer in boat's
crew. Although crushed and badly bruised between
two boats he continued his work with a cheerfulness
and total disregard for his own comfort.
DSM
Recommended for mention.

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Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. Page
70
H.M.S. BIDEFORD This - Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N.
being off the bombed beach vessel and proceeded machine-gunned to Bray on beach the on the 29th May
bombing blown was quarter gun In spite platforms grounded away, deck, attack of No.2 the aft embarking wrecked, about took damage and gun 40 place. put of done, feet in the troops out addition casualties of The of of stern in the action ship the to fact being was much evening, way and that struck other completely the across. the 0.5 the on damage. ship machi While the third
and continued 13 men killed, 1 officer and 18 men suffered (3 BIDEFO offic
eventually England towed off and home, carried 400 troops and when to
to embark troops during the night, wounded),
on the 31st May.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N.
In spite of the severe damage to his ship by
D.S.C
bombs and the fact that his ship was aground, he
continued to rescue troops from Bray beach, and
eventually carried 400 to England.
M
Recommended for mention.
Surgeon Lieutenant John Jordan, M.B., B.Ch., R.N.
Displayed zeal and unswerving devotion to duty
throughout the period 29th-31st May, when he was an
outstanding example to all. His sick berth
attendant seriously wounded, he doalt with some 50
casualties, many horribly mutilated or dangerously
wounded, and performed several major operations,
having organised his limited resources to their
utmost. Throughout the period tended his patients
continuously and at all times displayed great
ability, patience and understanding. No effort was
too much for him - no call was left unanswered.
He was completely selfless and upheld the traditions
of the Royal Navy and of his profession in a most
worthy manner.
D.S.O. D.S.C.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
Private George William Crowther, 6th Field Ambulance
B. Company, No. 7354480.
DSM.
(D.M)
This man had been embarked from Bray beach. After
was Office
to assist the Surgeon. An hour later, when the troop
the ship was struck by bombs he immediately volunteer
on said he would remain in BIDEFORD and continu was
board had been transferred to another ship,
Crowther work there, knowing full well that BIDEFORD time
his severely damaged. and aground, and at the that ship
very considered highly improbable that to
would it was reach England, but he gave up his comrades. chance
Carried get away out his voluntary duties for all but hor
in order to tend his wounded 48
continuously in a most efficient manner.

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Page 106
e
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
n.
85 foot Motor Boats PAULETEER and MARASOLE. - Stoker D. T. Banks,
KX/86174.
7
Recommendations.
N
RATINGS:
Stoker D. T. Banks, KX/86174.
With crew of two Ordinary Seamen, a Bren gun, a
Lewis gun and a compase he did not know how to use,
completed seven or eight trips in one or other of these
boats. Brought back more than 400 troops to England.
Was sunk with his crew in MARASOLE, undeterred resumed
duty with PAULETEER. Endured frequent machine gunning
from the air. During six days' work off the coast his
idea of relaxation was to take "a run ashore" in Dunkirk ar,
with his crew, this town burning furiously and under
bombardment at the time. Displayed remarkable
leadership, initiative and courage under fire.
D.S.M.
Recommended for decoration and
early advancement.
Shipwright 2nd Class (Pensioner) Charles Greenwood P/M.8899.
Indefatigable in preparing Portsmouth small
craft for the operation. As a volunteer proceeded to
Dunkirk beaches to effect repairs to boats there.
Served in Yacht ERICA and H. M. Drifter ROBERT CLIFF,
off the beaches assisting in evacuation work. Displayed
M
exceptional devotion to auty.
Recommended for mention.
during
;istered
vivors
Ships Boats, Fast Motor Boat VERNON I, W.D. Fast Launch PIGEON.
was
Sub.Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.)
whom
d
Recommendations.
en
m
4
rk
1:
OFFICER:
as
Sub. Lieutenant George Arthur Gabbett-Mulhallen, R.N.
en
This enterprising and determined officer commanded
3
in succession a number of small craft working from
Ramsgate and ferried off a large number of troope from
in
the beaches, in surf, and from Dunkirk harbour, on four
*
successive days and nights. Brought off almost the
ar
last part from Dunkirk in the PIGEON. Frequently under
10
fire, displayed courage and leadership of high order.
1
of
D.S.C
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Person:
Motor Launch MERMAIDEN: - Petty Officer F.J. Norton. May 31st
Sub, ieutenant Charles Edward Stew
R.N. June 3rd - June
MOT
Page 107.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
or
32 ft. Motor Boat BONNIE HEATHER (Chris Kraft Boat 18 knots).
eat
(Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, R.N.R.)
a
nn.
Recommendations.
the
rsear,
OFFICER:
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read, P.N.R.
Between 29/5 and a.m. 4/6 made seven complete round
trips to Dunkirk beaches, carrying to England about
420 troops. On the last night ferried off about 600
troops from Dunkirk Mole to transports lying off. When
personnel vessel SCOTIA sank rescued 40 personnel from
the water. Was periodically bombed and machine gunned
and was under gunfire in Dunkirk harbour. Played a great
part in the evacuation and showed great determination and
endurance under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
$ during
egistered
urvivors
VARIOUS SMALL CRAFT:
he was
of whom
Recommendation.
78
am
Sub. Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
itr
ei
Commanded in succession a motor lighter, a tug and
:e,
motor boat SWALLOW. Completed five round trips between
p.m. 30/5 and a.m. 4/6. On first trip made beach between
Gravelines and Calais, landed, encountered two German
soldiers, shot both, re-emberked and proceeded to Dunkirk,
On all trips did very well using pulling boats as well as
his own craft. Finally left Dunkirk harbour on 4/6 when un
German troops penetrated into the harbour area.
cer
an
ASC
Recommended for decoration.
suc
ed
ect
person

Details

The
Page 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M. TRANSPORT - LEVENWOOD (Continued).
RATINGS.
Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight,
Throughout the operation he continued firing his
gun at the enemy planes, although being machine
gunned and bombed the whole time. He succeeded in
bringing down an enemy plane.
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
Fireman Robert Moody.
Whilst attempting to take troops off the beach
the soldiers had to wade out to the boats, and this
Fireman, throughout the whole time swam from the
beach to the lifeboats with soldiers who were too
weak to do this.
D.S.M
Recommended for mention.
MAID OF ORLEANS - Gordon Dyer Walker, Master. (Decorated for this
operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
This ship completed four trips to Dunkirk, and in
addition, three trips prior to Operation Dynamo to Calais
and Boulogne. A very large number of troops were brought
back to England. Ship continually being bombed by
aircraft. In one trip the crew discharged a large number
of petrol cans, containing water, on to the jetty at
Dunkirk.
NEPHRITE - Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E., Master.
Recommendation,
RATING.
Acting Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX.5187.
Showed great gallantry whilst under bombing
attack, firing his gun all the time. Was observed
to have brought down at least one enemy plane.
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
PRAGUE,

Details

Dane 7113
Page 139
1
Page 138
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Recommendations of Personnel.
Ramsgate and Margate Base Organisation (Continued).
Since the outbreak of hostilities he has borne
the brunt of all the difficult problems of
organising Contraband Control and Naval Officer's
in Charge Offices, during which time he never spared
himself working long hours and proving an invaluable
adviser on all Merchant Shipping and Mercantile
problems as well as an able Secretary.
Lieutenant Commander St. John George Hanson Pitt.R.N. (Retd.),
(Maintenance Lieut. Cdr. MERRIE ENGLAND).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
Maintenance Officer in MERRIE ENGLAND Barracks.
Throughout the operation he met successfully all the
many demands made upon his department. He accommod-
ated and detailed all ratings lent, turned part of
the building into a casualty clearing station, ran
snack bars and clothing depots with the aid of local
residents, returned Naval casualties and survivors
in large numbers without hitch to their depots and
successfully competed with each new aspect of the
situation.
M.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Paymaster Sub. Lieutenant Maxwell Kerr Hamilton, R.N.V.E
Assistant Secry)
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty. This
young officer, normally Assistant Secretary in my
office, was sent to Margate to prepare and take
charge of a temporary office instituted for the
officer sent to take charge there. Throughout the
whole time he remained on duty with only odd hours
snatched for sleep and meals, maintaining his
office with a complete record of Naval personnel
landed there, arranging burials, accommodation,
transport, casualties, stores and provisions, all
of which he successfully coped with despite his
limited experience.
M
Recommended for decoration.
lou
Temporary Lieutenant George Christopher Newman, R.N.V.R.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty while
acting as Pier Officer at Margate throughout the
operation. He received and despatched all vessels
sent there, arranged re-servicing for coal, fuel
and provisions, and acted as liaison with the
Military.
Recommended for mention.
Paymaster Lieutenant Normal William Collop, R.N.V.R. (Assistant
to Base Accountant Officer).
This officer was sent to Margate to represent theons
Base Accountant Officer there. He took charge of al]nd
accountant duties, provisions, stores and cash and
most/

Details

Darre 71.2
Page 139
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Ramsgate and Margate Base Organisation (Continued).
most ably performed the multifarious duties required
of him throughout the operation.
Recommended for mention.
Temporary Surgeon Lieutenant Basil Henry Palmer, R.N.V.R. (Base
Medical Officer).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty in his
attention to casualties and survivors both personally
and through his Sick Berth Staff. This officer
worked continuously or the Pier at Ramsgate and many
times went out into the anchorages to vessels waiting
to come alongside. He got away all casualties with
utmost promptitude and worked in conjunction most
successfully with the Military Medical Officers.
Recommended for mention.
Engineer Captain John Lewis Deacon. R.N. (Retd.) M.V.O. (Base
Engineer Officer).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty in his
attention to the fuelling and re-servicing all craft,
through his department, at both Margate and Ramsgate.
A very large number of mechanically propelled craft
were used and all had to be re-fuelled after their
various trips, at all hours of the day and night.
That there was no hitch in these arrangements
throughout, is testimony to the effectiveness of his
organisation. 170 vessels were actually repaired
during the operation.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
Sick Berth Petty Officer Wilfred Harry Groves, C/MX.48183.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as the
senior member of the Medical Officer's Staff throughou
the operation. He remained on duty long hours
untiringly, and assisted at the temporary casualty
clearing station in MERRIE ENGLAND as well as going
afloat to ships waiting to come alongside.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Yeoman of Signals Lawrence Hamer Hanson. P.229251.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty while
in charge of the signal bridge at the end of the
East Pier, Ramsgate, during the entire operation.
The signal bridge had to deal with a bewildering
complexity of signal work - by day and by night -
one
and/
nd

Details

Page 143.
Page 140
141
Operation
"DYNAMO"
- Recommendations of Personnel.
sgate and Margate Base Organisation (Continued).
and this Chief Petty Officer remained on duty long
hours throughout. The success of the communications
branch throughout the operation is, in no small
measure, due to this Chief Petty Officer's keenness
and efficiency.
M
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer Frederick George Charman, KX. 75070.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty while
on East Pier, Ramsgate, throughout the operation,
receiving and despatching craft as they came
alongside with troops. He remained on duty consist-
ently long hours with only odd hours for meals and
sleep.
M
1.
Recommended for decoration.
Petty Officer Alexander Hood Bruce Ireland, J.6530.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty
fulfilling the function of Gunner's Mate in MERRIE
ENGLAND throughout the operation. He kept up a
running supply of all necessary ammunition and
arms throughout, remaining on duty very long hours.
M
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Petty Officer Cook James McGilray, P/M. 364250.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
Chief Cook in MERRIE ENGLAND mess. He cheerfully
and successfully coped with a large number of meals
and produced them at any hour day or night - for
numbers very much in excess of those to which he
is accustomed.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Signalman James William Bown. C/J.102529.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
signalman in charge at Margate Pier. He remained
on duty throughout very long hours maintaining
communication with all craft arriving at Margate
to unload.
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Wilfred Tracy Burton, P/J.35971.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
Signalman assisting the above at Margate Pier. He
remained on duty throughout very long hours main-
taining communications with all craft arriving at
Margate to unload, in very difficult circumstances.
one
Recommended for mention.
and
Chief

Details

Page 9
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. GRENADE ets Commander Richard C. Boyle, R.N.
Lost as a result of dama from four large bombs
during heavy air attack on her second trip to Dunkirk.
Recommendations,
OFFICERS.
Mr. Reginald William Clare, Gunne, (T) R.N.
Acted with great coolness and courage, taking
complete control of after end of ship when burning
and sinking. Closed and flooded magazine at correct
moment thereby minimising disaster. Example of
gallantry under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
Mr. Reginald James Crew B.Sc., Schoolmaster, R.N.
Displayed conspicuous coolness and devotion to
duty during and after the disaster.
Saved a number of lives by rescuing ratings in
distress in the oil covered water, landing with a
party of survivors in Dunkirk. Took charge and
eventually navigated an old motor boat back to
England.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Patty Officer Harold Richard Emary C/JE, 1/1/1399,
Petty Officer Samuel Bennion, C/JX.102723.
These two Petty Officers ably backed up Mr.Crew,
displaying marked initiative and coolness.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Stoker Frederick Staples, C/KX.84191.
Acted as right hand man to Mr. Clare, taking
charge of younger stokers, by calm bearing dispelling
any tendancy to panic.
Assiduous in his attention to wounded, both in
GRENADE and later in the trawler which rescued
survivors.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 10
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. GREYHOUND - Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A R.N.
GREYHOUND made 3 trips, 2 to the beaches and 1 to
Dunkirk pier, landing about 1,200 men in England, apart
from wounded. On the 3rd trip, whilst embarking troops
from La Panne beach, an attack was made by bombers and
2 near misses damaged the engine room and No.3 boiler
room, splinters killing 20 and wounding 70.
GREYHOUND withdrew to Dover to land the wounded,
leaving her boats to continue ferrying troops from
shore to ship, often under fire and bombing.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Commander Walter Roger Marshall-A'Deane, R.N.
For efficient handling of his ship when evacuating
troops from La Panne beach and Dunkirk.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Leading Seaman A. W. Saunders, P/SSX. 15620 and
Leading Seaman S. H. Setterfield, P/J.102005.
Evacuating troops from La Panne beach in
difficult conditions and under fire, displaying
ability and great endurance.
Recommended for mention.
Stoker Petty Officer E. Teichert, P/K.59694.
In charge of No. 3 boiler room, showed initiative
in quickly shutting down the boiler and keeping a
fan running, thus enabling the extent of damage to
be discovered, when the whole ship was shaking from
bomb explosions and splinters had caused damage in
his boiler room.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 29.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. VANQUISHER. - Lieutenant-Commander Conrad Byron Alers-Hankey, R.N.
VANQUISHER had been at sea from 22nd to 26th May
patrolling off S.W. Ireland, and arrived at Dover early 28th
May - although Officers and men were therefore tired on
that date, 7 trips were made to Dunkirk between the 28th May
and 4th June, about 4,000 troops being brought home.
Having made one trip on 28th and two on 29th, her
Commanding Officer found his sight and judgment to be so
seriously impaired by lack of rest that he did not consider
himself fit to retain command and he therefore arranged for
temporary reliefs for himself and his Gunner. During the
operation a total of 4 officers and 9 ratings had to be
landed to obtain rest.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant-Commander Conrad Byron Alers-Hankey, R.N.
For skilful handling of his ship throughout the
evacuation of Dunkirk, thereby evacuating about 4,000
troops to England.
Recommended for mention and early promotion.
Lieutenant Reginald Noel Hankey. R.N.
For outstanding devotion to duty and ability in
arranging the embarkation of troops and handling the
M
ship's company in very trying circumstances.
Recommended for mention.
Lieutenant Cecil William Clarence Checcucci, R.N.
For outstanding skill and devotion to duty as
Navigating Officer in difficult and trying conditions.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
C.E.R.A. Francis Patrick, C/M.14987.
For outstanding devotion to duty and skill in
acting as Engineer Officer, in the absence ashore sick
of the Lieutenant (E), in very arduous and difficult
times.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 50
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. HALCYON. - Commander Eric Percival Hinton, R.N.
This ship completed 6 trips to the beaches and Dunkirk
DSO
harbour, embarking and bringing back a large number of
troops. Whilst working off the beaches boats were sent
ashore. On one occasion two of the whalers embarking were
riddled with bullets. Ship was shelled from shore
batteries and subjected to many attacks from the air.
Recommendations.
)FFICERS:
Commander Eric Percival Hinton, R.N.
Showed great skill and seamanship in the
manoeuvring of his ship whilst lying off the beach and
also in entering Dunkirk harbour during dark hours due
to the number of wrecks in the vicinity. By his
perseverance and devotion to duty over 2300 were
brought back to England.
Recommended for decoration.
Sub. -Lieutenant John Francis Worthington, R.N.V.R.
Proceeded ashore in order to control the troops,
who at that time were in a disorganised state.
Further, whilst in charge of ship's whaler, remained
perfectly cool whilst under fire transporting a large
number of troops.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Able Seaman Clarence Edward Jarmill, D/J.95955.
Showed great devotion to duty and determination
as coxswain of a whaler whilst bringing off troops
from the beaches under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
S.P.O. John Henry Salmon, D/K. 66811.
In addition to his work in the Boiler Room took
charge of a pontoon to bring off troops, showing a great
devotion to duty and an example to the stokers.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 55
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. MEDWAY QUEEN - Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R.
This ship completed 7 trips to Dunkirk and the beaches
between the 27th May and the 3rd June. During the time she
was off the beaches she used her own boats for evacuating
troops. The boats, whilst embarking the troops, were
continually under fire, and the ship herself was bombed
and machine gunned several times. Two enemy aircraft were
shot down and altogether over 3,500 troops were brought back
to England.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS,
Lieutenant Alfred Thomas Cook, R.N.R.
By his great skill, pertinacity, devotion to duty
and able seamanship, was able to complete 7 trips.
DSC.
The entries into Dunkirk harbour were made in the dark,
and under very difficult conditions, due to wrecks and
the congestion in Dunkirk. Although the ship was
bombed many times, by his skill he was able to avoid
any damage being done to the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Lieutenant John David Greaves, R.N.R.
With great gallantry and devotion to duty whilst
DSC
under fire, evacuated troops from the beaches in the
boats belonging to the ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Engineer Sub. Lieutenant James Irvin, R.N.R.
By his devotion to duty and leadership kept the
M
engines in an efficient state, although the 1st and
3rd Engineers had collapsed through exhaustion.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS.
Petty Officer Henry McAllister, C/P.23168.
Was in general charge of the boats, and with great
gallantry and devotion to duty evacuated many troops
28ml
from the beaches whilst under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
Petty Officer Alfred Ernest Crossley, C/J.103237.
With great devotion to duty and gallantry remained
ashore during the evacuation, organising the troops
Drin
and arranging for their embarkation in the small boats.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Page 60
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. PRINCESS ELIZABETH. - Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
Did four trips, being continuously on the go without
stopping for four days, bringing back over 1,600 troops.
Ship was attacked by aircraft on many occasions and also
the boats when working from the beach.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
By his skill, seamanship and great devotion to
duty throughout the operation a large body of troops
were brought back to England without any serious
damage to his ship.
Page 59
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. PORTSDOWN - Sub.Lieutenant Richard Hepworth Church, R.N.R.
This ship spent the night of lst/2nd June evacuating
troops from Dunkirk beaches under heavy gun fire. On
return to Ramsgate on the 2nd, she was not allowed to
take part in any further operations at Dunkirk as she
had not been degaussed.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Sub. Lieutenant Richard Hepworth Church, R.N.R.
Displayed great initiative, determination and
good seamanship.
Recommended for mention.
3
RATINGS.
Leading Signalman Percy Alfred Kent. P/JX.137932.
Showed consistent attention to duty under
heavy gunfire. Displayed exceptional qualities.
Recommended for mention.
E.R.A. Henry White, P/MX.51366.
Carried out engine room duties with exceptional
ability without a complete equipment of tools.
Recommended for mention.
Stoker Petty Officer William Ramel, P/11878.
Performed valuable service on the uppenti sonennes
in addition to his engine room duties.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 60
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. PRINCESS ELIZABETH. - Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
Did four trips, being continuously on the go without
stopping for four days, bringing back over 1,600 troops.
Ship was attacked by aircraft on many occasions and also
the boats when working from the beach.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Cecil John Carp, R.N.V.R.
By his skill, seamanship and great devotion to
duty throughout the operation a large body of troops
were brought back to England without any serious
damage to his ship.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Sub.-Lieutenant James Tomkin, R.N.V.R.
Was in charge of boats during the operation off
the beaches. His ingenuity, courage and gallantry
under ceaseless shell fire and bombing was outstanding
and his tenacity and leadership in getting his boats
loaded created a great impression.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
Petty Officer Henry George Coalbran, P/JX. 127274.
Showed great initiative and leadership during
the operation. His general bearing, conduct and
ability, coolness and devotion to duty under fire
whilst towing large numbers of boats from the beach
was an example to all.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Ernest Baker, T.124.
Showed great zeal and initiative apart from his
ordinary work in volunteering for boatwork in which
he was thereafter employed. Further, he took charge
of the loaned motor-boat.
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Ernest Savidge, R.N.V.R.
Did very valuable work as a volunteer in boat's
crew. Although crushed and badly bruised between
two boats he continued his work with a cheerfulness
and total disregard for his own comfort.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 70
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. BIDEFORD - Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N.
This vessel proceeded to Bray beach on the 29th May,
being bombed and machine-gunned on the way across. While
off the beach embarking troops in the evening, the third
bombing attack took place. The ship was struck on the
quarter deck, about 40 feet of stern being completely
blown away, No.2 gun put out of action and the 0.5 machin
gun platforms wrecked, in addition to much other damage.
In spite of the damage done, of the fact that the ship
was grounded aft and of the casualties suffered (3 office
and 13 men killed, 1 officer and 18 men wounded), BIDEFOR
continued to embark troops during the night, and when
eventually towed off and home, carried 400 troops to
England on the 31st May.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS.
Lieutenant Commander John Hugh Lewes, R.N.
In spite of the severe damage to his ship by
bombs and the fact that his ship was aground, he
continued to rescue troops from Bray beach, and
D&C eventually carried 400 to England.
Recommended for mention.
Surgeon Lieutenant John Jordan. M.B., B.Ch., R.N.
Displayed zeal and unswerving devotion to duty
throughout the period 29th-31st May, when he was an
outstanding example to all. His sick berth
attendant seriously wounded, he doalt with some 50
casualties, many horribly mutilated or dangerously
wounded, and performed several major operations,
having organised his limited resources to their
DSD.
utmost. Throughout the period tended his patients
continuously and at all times displayed great
ability, patience and understanding. No effort was
too much for him - no call was left unanswered.
He was completely selfless and upheld the traditions
of the Royal Navy and of his profession in a most
worthy manner.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
Private George William Crowther, 6th Field Ambulance
B. Company, No. 7354480.
= Dsmandard byour
This man had been embarked from Bray beach. After
to assist the Surgeon. An hour later, when the troops
the ship was struck by bombs he immediately volunteere
board had been transferred to another ship,
Crowther on said he would remain in BIDEFORD BIDEFORD and continue
his severely damaged and aground, and that at the
work there, knowing full well that that time was
very considered highly improbable chance ship to
would in order to tend his wounded for all but
it was reach England, but he gave up his comrades.
get away out his voluntary duties manner. 48 hours
Carried continuously in a most efficient

Details

Page 108.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Launch
MERMAIDEN:
otor
- Petty Sub,Lieutenant Officer R.N. F.J Charles Norton, Edward May 31st Stewart - June Beale, 3rd
June 3rd - June 4th.
Page 107.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Motor Boat BONNIE Charles HEATHER (Chris Kraft Boat 18 knots).
Lieutenant Waterland Read, R.N.R.).
Recommendations.
CER:
Lieutenant Charles Waterland Read. R.N.R.
Between 29/5 and a.m. 4/6 made seven complete round
trips to Dunkirk beaches, carrying to England about
420 troops. On the last night ferried off about 600
troops from Dunkirk Mole to transports lying off. When
personnel vessel SCOTIA sank rescued 40 personnel from
the water. Was periodically bombed and machine gunned
and was under gunfire in Dunkirk harbour. Played a great
part in the evacuation and showed great determination and
endurance under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
OUS SMALL CRAFT:
Recommendation.
Sub. Lieutenant William Ronald Williams, R.N.
succession a motor lighter, a tug between and
motor p.m. boat SWALLOW. on first trip made German
Commanded in Completed five round trips beach between
30/5 and a.m.
Gravelines shot and to as Dunkirk, well as
On soldiers, all trips did very well left using Dunkirk harbour on 4/6 when
his German own troops craft. penetrated Finally into the harbour area.
Recommended for decoration.
1

Details

Operation "DYNAMO"
TRANSPORT Recommendations of Personnel. Page
3.
130
H.M. - LEVENWOOD (continued).
RATINGS.
Merchant Navy Gunner George Knight,
Throughout
the
gun gunned at the and bombed enemy planes, the operation although he continued being firing his
bringing down an enemy whole plane. time. He succeeded machine in
Recommended for decoration.
Fireman Robert Moody.
Fireman, the to wade out to the the beach this
Whilst soldiers attempting had to take troops off
beach to throughout the whole time boats, and
weak to do the this. lifeboats with soldiers swam who from were the too
Recommended for mention.
Dewr
MAID OF ORLEANS
- Gordon Dyer Walker, Master. (Decorated for this
operation in London Gazette 7th June, 1940).
86
This ship completed four trips to Dunkirk, and in
addition, three trips prior to Operation Dynamo to Calais
and Boulogne. A very large number of troops were brought
back to England. Ship continually being bombed by
aircraft. In one trip the crew discharged a large number
of petrol cans, containing water, on to the jetty at
Dunkirk.
NEPHRITE - Cyril Gifford West, O.B.E., Master.
Recommendation.
RATING.
Acting Able Seaman Albert Edward Mellis, C/LDX.5187.
Showed great his gallantry gun all whilst the time. under enemy Was bombing plane. observed
attack, to have brought firing down at least one
Recommended for decoration.
PRAGUE
of

Details

Page 143.
Page 138
ation "DYNAMO"
-
Recommendations of Personnel.
and Margate Base
the brunt Since the of he has borne
organising Charge Offices, and Naval of
himself in working during Officer's
adviser on all
problems as an
as well
utenant
Commander St. Maintenance John George Hanson Pitt,R.Ns
Lieut.Cdr. MERRIE ENGLAND (Retd.)
Maintenance in MERRIE ENGLAND Barracks.
For outstanding Officer zeal and devotion to duty as
Throughout demands the operation he met successfully all the
many made upon his department. He accommod-
ated and detailed all ratings lent, turned part of
the building into a casualty clearing station, ran
snack bars and clothing depots with the aid of local
residents, returned Naval casualties and survivors
in large numbers without hitch to their depots and
successfully competed with each new aspect of the
situation.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Paymaster Sub. Lieutenant Maxwell Kerr Hamilton, R.N.V.R
(Assistant Secry).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty. This
young officer, normally Assistant Secretary in my
office, was sent to Margate to prepare and take
charge of a temporary office instituted for the
officer sent to take charge there. Throughout the
whole time he remained on duty with only odd hours
snatched for sleep and meals, maintaining his
office with a complete record of Naval personnel
landed there, arranging burials, accommodation,
of which he successfully coped with despite his
transport, casualties, stores and provisions, all
limited experience.
Recommended for decoration.
Temporary Lieutenant George Christopher Newman, R.N.V.R.
For outstanding Officer at Margate throughout all vessels
zeal and devotion to duty the while
acting as Pier coal, fuel
operation. sent the
and provisions, there, and
Military.
Recommended for mention.
Paymaster Lieutenant Normal William to Officer) (Assistant
was sent to Margate took shargent and all the
Base accountant This Accountant officer duties, Officer provisions, there. stores and cash most/

Details

Page 143.
Operation "DYNAMO" to Recommendations of Personnel. Page 139
sgate and most Margate ably Base Organisation (Continued).
of him throughout performed the the operation. multifarious duties required
Recommended for mention.
Temporary Surgeon Lieutenant Basil Henry Palmer, R.N.V.R. (Base
attention worked and through his Sick Berth and Staff. survivors This both duty personally in his
For outstanding to casualties zeal and devotion to
Medical Officer).
times went continuously out into on the Pier at Ramsgate officer
to come alongside. the anchorages to vessels and many
utmost He got away all casualties waiting with
successfully with the Military Medical Officers. most
promptitude and worked in conjunction
Recommended for mention.
Engineer Captain John Lewis Deacon, R.N. (Retd.) M.V.O. (Base
Engineer Officer).
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty in his
5
attention to the fuelling and re-servicing all craft,
through his department, at both Margate and Ramsgate.
A very large number of mechanically propelled craft
were used and all had to be re-fuelled after their
various trips, at all hours of the day and night.
That there was no hitch in these arrangements
throughout, is testimony to the effectiveness of his
organisation. 170 vessels were actually repaired
during the operation.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
Sick Berth Petty Officer Wilfred Harry Groves, C/MX.48183.
senior For member of the Medical Officer's Staff hours throughout
outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as the
the operation. and assisted at the temporary well casualty going
He remained on duty long
untiringly, station in MERRIE ENGLAND as as
clearing afloat to ships waiting to come alongside.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Yeoman of Signals Lawrence Hamer Hanson, P. 229251
zeal and devotion the end to duty of the while
For outstanding signal at
East in charge Pier, of Ramsgate, the -
The complexity signal bridge of signal had work to - by and/

Details

Page 143.
Operation "DYNAMO" Recommendations of Personnel. Page 140
sgate and Margate and Base Organisation (Continued).
branch hours this Chief Petty 0
measure, due to this the
and efficiency. Officer throughout Recommended Chief for Petty decoration. the
keenness
Stoker Petty Frederick George Charman, KX. 75070.
receiving on alongside and to operation, duty
East For outstanding Pier, zeal and while
ently long with hours He remained came
sleep. with only odd hours on for duty meals consist- and
Recommended for decoration.
Petty Officer Alexander Hood Bruce Ireland, J.6530.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty
fulfilling the function of Gunner's Mate in MERRIE
5
ENGLAND throughout the operation. He kept up a
86
running supply of all necessary ammunition and
arms throughout, remaining on duty very long hours.
Recommended for decoration.
Chief Petty Officer Cook James McGilray, P/M. 364250.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as
Chief Cook in MERRIE ENGLAND mess. He cheerfully
and successfully coped with a large number of meals
and produced them at any hour day or night - for
numbers very much in excess of those to which he
is accustomed.
Recommended for mention.
Leading Signalman James William Bown, C/J.102529.
signalman very long hours
For in charge at Margate Pier. maintaining He
outstanding zeal and devotion to duty remained as
on communication duty throughout with all craft arriving at Margate
to unload.
N'L
Recommended for mention.
Signalman Wilfred Tracy Burton, P/J.35971.
and devotion at Margate to duty Pier. as He
Signalman For the the the craft long hours arriving main- at
remained Margate taining to unload, very difficult circumstances.
Recommended for mention.
chief/

Details

Name of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
PRINCESS LILY
OWNER
31/5/40
REMARKS
Unknown
LOST
approx.
OUR BOYS (Boat)
"
11
RENOWN (Cockle Boat)
"
Lifebont
11
Dutah
Mined and sunk with
"
"
Duton
all hands.
ROBERTA
Unknown
"
ROSABELLE
"
Dutch
"
ST. PATRICK
"
Dutch
ASSUMED LOST
"
SANTOSY
"
Dutch
LOST
11
"
SARAH & EMILY
"
11
"
SEA FALCON (Boat)
11
Dutch
Abandoned - Dunkirk
"
SHAMROCK
11
Dutch
"
"
17
SKYLARK 3. (SM281)
"
Dutch
11
Dutch
Unknown
19
SCENESHIFTER
11
"
SONIA
"
"
"
SKYLARK 2.
"
Duton
"
11
SKYLARK 3.
11
Dutals
"
"
SOUTHERN QUEEN
11
Dutan
"
"
STONEHAVEN
"
"
"
SUNSHINE
"
Dutch
"
"
SUE SUE (Rowboat)
"
Dutor
11
11
THETIS
If
Lost while being towed
"
from Dunkirk
TRITON
11
Unknown
"
TWO RIVERS
"
"
If
VIEWFINDER
"
"
11
VIKING 3.
"
"
12
VANITEE
11
"
"
WARRIOR
"
Abandoned off Dunkirk
"
WAVE QUEEN
"
Unknown
11
COMMODORE
"
"
11
WESTERLEY
"
On fire and abandoned -
If
Dunkirk
GRACE DARLING
If
Unknown
ASSUMED LOST
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
"
Sunk in collision with
LOST
S.S. TILLY.
MARY SPEARING
"
Unknown
"
"
"
"
CANVEY QUEEN
"
HAZARD
Did not return from
Dunkirk
PREVIOUSLY
MISS JOSEPHONE I.
11
Do.
REQUISITIONED
If
"
MOSS ROSE
AND ON NAVAL
"
11
SERVICE BUT
PELLAG 2.
11
If
UTILISED FOR
SEAMEW
"DYNAMO".

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REM ARKS
PANDORA
A. E. Turner
Returned to Owners.
PANTO
Murray King
Repaired, Fuelled, Floated but not
00
taken over.
PAPILLION
C.P. Macenrot
Returned to Owners 19/6
PAPAKURA
R. Grayson
(Returned 1500 3.6.40
II
OJ
Re-allocated to A/P.
II
PAULETER
Mrs. D. Ashton
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
PEGGY IV
F. Bridge
Sunk off Dunkirk
PETRA
R.Lewis
Returned to Owner.
PIKE
Golding Bros.
Prepared did not go.
PIONEER
R.F.
Bicketts
No report received from list of
05
Missing Vessels.
POLLY
R. Hayes
T.98 Returned Owners 6.6.40
POMPADOUR
Mr. Ager
btb
Returned to Owners 19/6. Did not go
Dunkirk
PRINCE OF WALES E. Golding
Returned to Owners 19/6.
PRINCESS FREDA
G. Whatford & Son
Returned to Owner.
PRINCESS
LILY
C. Whatford & Son
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
PRINCESS MAUD
H. Wilson
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
PRIDE OF FOLKESTONE J. Brazier
Returned to Owner did not go.
PROVIDER
R19
Mr. Rowden
Returned to Owner.
PRINCE
S. Wiliams & Sons
Returned to Owners.
PRINCESS
Returned to Owners.
REARL
Cozens
Released 3. 6.40.
PILOT ME WY12
J.R. Storr to
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk.
PORTHLEVEN CORNWALL
14 Fishing Boats
Prepared did not go.
QUEEN
H. Hurrell
At Surrey Commercial Docks
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
Turmaine
&
Jones
Returned to Owners.
QUEEN BOADICEA
Mrs. Smith
Harbour Duties Sheerness.
QUEEN BOADICEA II
Mrs. Smith
Returned to Owner 20/6
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
E. Crouch
Sunk Collision with S.S. Tilly.
QUICKSILVER
F. Jones
Re-allocated to A. P.S.
Q.J.& J.
S. Cooper
Returned to Owners.
QUISISANA
S. Eldridge
A.P.S.
QUEST
H. BIDGOOD
Taken for Dynamo but did not go.
QUEST
C.L.
Hunt
Returned to Owners.
RAYON
R.L. Glover
T.98 A.P. S.
REDA
0. A. Reed
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RELIANCE
W. Meddle
Damaged - Returned to Owner.
REMEMBRANCE
F. Good
Returned to Owner.
RENOWN (Cockle Boat E.
Osbourne
Mined and sunk with all hands.
RESOLUTE
-do-
Damaged - returned to owner.
ROBERTA
R.B. Grey
No information of return from Dunkirk
ROBINA TENANT
H. Leach
(Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
Service (6A)
ROCINANTE
R.F. Fryers
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels presumed lost.
ROSE
0. Grime
To V.A. Dover
ROSIT YNE
Gapt.C. 8. Dines
Released 1.6.40
ROSE MARIE
нозда if
Returned to Owner
ROYAL THAMES
J. Mears
Returned to Owners
RUMMY II
A.G. Smith
A.P.S
RYEGATE II
A.E. E. Ryland
Re allocated to A.P.S. of
RAPID
P.G. Broom
Returned to Owners
RUBY
J.F. Caine
Prepared for Dynamo but aid not go.
ROSABELLE
J.O. Wood
No trace of return from Dynamo
ROSE
A. Large
Returned to Owner 7. 6.40.

Details

(En clair)
DISTRIBUTION A AND EMPAX.
From: MOROCCO.
FROM TANGIER TO FOREION OFFICE.
Mr. Gascoigne
D. 1.17 p.m. 30th April, 1941.
No. EMPAX.
30th April, 1941.
R. 7.05 p.m. 30th April, 1941.
Depeche Marocaine of 30th April publishes offensive
anti-British article from Vichy. Heading as follows: "A page
of history. The truth on the epio of Dunkirk. Chivalrous
Mr. Churchill claims for the British Army the honour of
co-operating in covering the retreat of Allied troops. 3a
disregards the orders he gave. Admiral Darlan had to intervene
directly with Churchill in order that the British Nest should
not abandon one hundred thousand Frenchmen". Summary of
article as follows:
(Begins): Gaullist propaganda during last for days had
claimed that France should be grateful to her former Allies for
help given latter during tragedy of Dunkisk. During Supreme
War Council held Paris end May, 1940, Churchill had in
chivalrous manner insisted that British troops should fight but side
by execution the British military Commanders Hill had
side with French poilus to cover retreat towards adopted Duskirk
different British help could only be given *as Admiral
in actual tactics. During Supreme Council General much $
stated that General Cort, however, had informed his best Abrial,
Governor of best division. Following day immediately Alexander leaving
possible". Dunkirk, that he would send to latter General
General and his battalion which he embarked complete the
arrived with one duty of defending position. tragedy, To National
precise to French and alone irrefutable today exposé following of Dunkirk new at particulare: Dunking had The
French radio broadcast what conditions French army armies without
assistance covered from British Army, assistance Navy had first refused then
have stated rearguard in and evacuation of Allied which had been promised.
accepted to evacuations. participate Because this It Dunkirk operation
We haveralso stated how British during last 48 is necessary hours in one that of all most 10
will give French you and British THE Prench. repeat
possible difficult light statistics should be of Dankirk AP# I aloguent. 204,000
Darlan operations England. troops British night these 31st May 1st figures which that Darlan beach soldiers June Sands should some had sent Gort (sic). and announced have THE only of THE the I to consider Supreme On and Connoil, telegrams Admiralty had the Alexander arrived to French Impossible request at abandoning 'As varaed 1.45 appoaed and in remain that his During must of on to
THE soldiers Admiral what Dunkirk last THE Churchill in wall and day only of and 224,000 35,000 vigarous night French from
THE sare June/
3rd/4th June. by reason avacuated 3rd/4th
was

Details

COPY 3.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that, in accordance with
the Instructions of 10 June 1940 received by me from the
Secretary of State for War, I duly left SOUTHAMPTON by
ship at 1400 hours on 12 June, and reached CHERBOURG at
2130 hours the same evening.
For reasons connected with local French orders, it was
not possible to disembark until 0030 hours on 13 June when
Brigadier G. Thorpe (Base Commandant) came out to the ship
in a tug and took me ashore with my staff.
2. At 0800 hours 13 June I left CHERBOURC by car, and
reached LE MANS at-1400 hours after & journey much hampered
by the crowds of refugees on the roads.
Communication Troops, and Brigadier J.G. des R. SWAYNE.
KARSLAKE, Major-General P. de FONBLANQUE, G.O.C., Lines of
There I was met by Lieutenant-General Sir Henry
General I at once KARSLAKE. I instructed him to return to England,
took command of all British troops in France from
which he did by plane that afternoon.
3. At 1500 with General WEYGAND and, after a journey 1 Mission
hours I left LE MANS with Brigadier SWAYNE of for
)
an interview reached the Headquarters of 2000 No. hours that
(Major-Ceneral some 170 miles, Sir Richard HOWARD-VYSE) at
evening. was away at a Cabinet meeting, would see but, me on
his return, General he WEYGAND sent a message to say that he
at 0830 hours on 14 June.
4. I had left as my it was known by The General general inference
staff at LE MANS to get KARSLAKE in touch and with of
to bulk be of that, the after troops crossing engaged
would the SEINE move South in to encircle PARIS.
/ The
FOOTNOTE: ( ) THE THE
MARKET

Details

6
15. At 0810 hours I considered that my position at LE MANS
was too exposed, since there was no known body of troops
covering that area. I therefore moved my Headquarters back
to VITRE, just west of LAVAL. I took with me the G.O.C.
L. of C. Area, a part of whose Staff I had amalgamated with
my own since I was entirely dependent of L. of C. Signals
for my communications. My own staff consisted only of 4
officers and 2 clerks, the remainder having been stopped at
ST. MALO and sent back to England.
16. At 1230 hours the C.I.G.S. telephoned to say that
the Prime Minister was anxious about the withdrawal of the
52nd Division (less the detachment with Tenth French Army).
The Prime Minister wished the embarkation to be cancelled,
as he feared the effect of such a withdrawal on the morale
of the French.
I pointed out that my plans had already received
approval, that orders had been issued for the move, and that
CHERBOURG and might well endanger it. The C.I.G.S., however,
any alterations now would complicate the embarkation of at
said that the Prime Minister did not wish the division to be
embarked without the approval of His Majosty's Government.
of At whereabouts of the enemy on the LE MANS front towards caused
17. this time the complete absence of any information
me the as any penatration of enemy troops safety
LAVAL some and anxiety, RENNES would have seriously endangered the
of the B.E.F.
18. again to the C.I.G.S. at 2150 hours. and I I
more explained to on him the need to evacuate 52nd The
I spoke him the situation as I knew it, Division once
(less impressed with Tenth French Army).
necessary kept idle. The air situation was also at
the detachment shipping was available at CHEREOURG that and time was being
favourable.
half later the C.I.G.S. gave and permission other
details the infantry of 52nd of the Division. Orders implementing
to embark one Division which were not needed these
An hour and Field a Regiment, one Field Company to support
instructions were at once issued.
CORNWALL'S tank Guns from orders for the protection of
19. Later that 52nd Division were put under the CHERBOURG
night another battalion and General a troop MARSHALL- of Anti-
peninsula at ST. SAUVEUR.
of the enemy's movements moment could to have be
obtained, No information but he did not appear at the
exploited the gap at LE MANS.
were 20. During reported the to have been avacuated from
preceding 24 hours just over the 12,000 different troops
ports.
/ 16 JUNE

Details

5
SECRET
8
Page 3.
had embarked.
17. At about 2130 H.M.Tug St. Clears endeavoured to take
the ship in tow, but it was found that the vessel was held
fast aground aft, and at about 2215 the tow parted, and the tu :
abandoned the attempt.
18. At about 2300 H.M.S. Havant endeavoured to take us
in tow but without success.
19. During the night a further 350 French and 50
English troops were embarked, and these were brought to England.
20. At 0300 on the 30th. H.M.S.Locust was ordered to
take us in tow, and by 9400 the ship was waterborne and in tow
of Locust:
21. Between 9400 and 0700 the tow parted three times,
and we had progressed only three miles. But after 0700 the tow
was satisfactory and H.M.S. Locust towed us across to the
English coast, arriving at the North Goodwin Light Tessel at
2100. Speed made good since 0700 2.4 knots.
22. A single Junker bomber appeared for a moment above
the fog near the North Goodwin, but made off eastwards.
23. Shaped course to pass eastward of the Goodwins.
At 2245 a French soldier, fully equipped, was seen to jump over
the sideby two of Bidefords shipscompany. The tow was stopped.
Although a buoy was dropped and a boat lowered to search, it 1
is regretted the man was not recovered. The sea was calm and
the visibility at that time was good. The man's name is not
known.
24. At 2315 we proceeded. The tow parted again at
0330/31st, but after that no further trouble was experienced a
and we arrived at Dover at 1130 on 31st May.
25. The casualties to personnel were :-
(a) Bideford's ships company
(1) Killed. Three officers and nine nen.
(11) Missing, believed killed. Four nen.
(111) Dangerously wounded. Two men.
(iv) Seriously wounded. Ten nen.
(v) Slightly wounded. One officer & six nen.
Total ship's company casualties. Four officers
and thirty one men.
(b) Passengers.
(1) Killed. Swo officers & ten other ranks.
(11) Wounded. Two officers (one dangerously).
Total passenger casualties. Four officers and
ten men.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
VICE AUNIRAL 1940
*
DOVER
Lieutenant Commander in Command.

Details

SECRET
9
6
Subject.. Personnel. Recommendations for Services in Action.
From.....
The Committing Officer. B.M.S.BIDEFORD.
Date.....
June 6th. 1940. No.
To
The Vice Admiral Communiting. Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on
the conduct of my officers and ships company during the
period May 29th - May 31st. 1940.
2. The general behaviour of the personnel vas
excellent. There ISS % feeling of great satisfaction throughout
the ship men the orders to proceed to Dinkirs rere reclaved,
3. The behaviour of the sen under fire 138 exemplary.
There were no signs of panio OF car; orders were
passed and received clearly, and were executed ragidly and
correctly. All 414 their duty calaly and efficiently.
4. Great credit for the general organisation of the
ship to neet mergencies is the to the late Lieutenant PAUL
ALISTAIN STEWART falley the Executive officer and Cunnery
officer of the ship.
5. No acts of exceptional gallantry vere observed,
but I wish to bring to your special notice the the following
cases of very great devotion to duty :-
I. Surgeon Lientement JOHN JORDAN. 12. 10. LL
This officer by his conduct, real and inswerving
devotion to daty throughout the period May 20th 16. May 31st.
was an outstanding example to 15 all, His St.ck Birth Attendant
serioualy wounded; with limited resources, be competed with 2019
fifty casualties, many horribly miliated or tangerously
wounded. Be performed several sajor operations; De organised
his limited resources to their throughout the period
he attended his patients continuously, and at all times display-
ed great ability, patience and understanding. to affort was
too such for his, 30 call was laft managered; 30 vas completely
selfless. Be upheld the traditions of the Royal Navy and of his
profession in a noat worthy nanner. It is considered that be NO
would be the very worthy recipient of a lecoration in recognition.
of his services.
GEORGE
II. No.7354480. Private/WILLTIM CROWDER.
8th. Piaid Anbulance . 1BA Chapany.
This an wassabarked from tray Beach for passage to
England, After the ship vas struck by homba be volunteered
imadiately to austst the Surgeon in tending the wounded, About
in hour later H.M.S.Kellett saus alongatile to take off all troops
embarked, because this was considered nost advisable, Crowder
promptly said he would reads in and continue
tending the wounded. He did this knowing fall well thath.M.S.
Bideford was very severly imaged and aground; that at that time
it was considered highly improdable the ship would England. reach

Details

SECRET
10
7
Page 2.
would reach England;
yet he was prepared to give up his chance of getting away
in order to tend his wounded comrades. He remained in
H.M.S.Bideford after H.M. S.Kellett had proceeded, and was
of the greatest possible help to our Surgeon. Crowder
carried out his voluntary duties for all but forty eight
hours continuously, in a most efficient manner. I consider
this man showed a great sense of duty and displayed great
personal courage in his decision to remain onboard. I wish
to recommend him as being worthy of consideration for a
decoration.
6.The following men of this ship are recommended
for their services. They are placed in order of merit.
I.S.P.O. Charles William Donnelly. D/K.59925.
A/Ck. Albert Victor HOCKING. D/MX.58549.
When the ship was bombed everyone aft was
killed or badly wounded, except these two men. S.P.O.
Donnelly's duty was "in charge of the after fire and repair
party". Hocking formed one of the "First Aid Party".
The fire main aft wasblown away, and fire brue
out in the cabin flat immediately above the after magazine.
These two men working entirely on their own,
ran hoses aft from the first sound connection, and succeeded
in getting the fire under sontrol, and hoses down the after
magazine hatch to flood the magazine, (the magazine flooding
arrangements were destroyed) and partly flooded it before
assistance came, I consider their very prompt and efficient
action probably saved the ship, and I consider them both
worthy of consideration for the Distinguished Service Medal.
II. Iconsider the following three nen worthy of being
"mentioned in despatches" for the services set forth against
their names.
(a) Signalman Charles Raymond CRAIG.D/JX.141848.
He was landed with Lieutenant Davey, when that
officer landesto organise the embarkation on the beach. Craig
joined one of the embarkation posts, took charge of the
signalling apparatus and got into communication with several
ships. When the station was destroyed by bombing, Craig
improvised a signal lamp out of the head light of a lorry, and
used this till the battery ran down. He remained ashore all
night and was eventually sent off by the embarkation officer.
On arrival at Dover he volunteered immediately to go over to
Dunkirk Pier, where signalmen were required, and spent
another night there.
(b) P.O.Tel. Frederick PERRY. D/JX. 127240.
After the main mast
and all aerials
were destroyed this man succeeded in rigging a jury aerial and
getting through an importatnt signal to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
(c) AB. Leslie Kenneth FOSTER. D/J.108109.
This man was quartermaster throughout the time the
ship was in Dunkeerke Rade. He performed his duties in a most
efficient manner. After the stern was blown off and there was

Details

10
SECRET
13
2.
Report on operations in connection with the evacuation of
the B.E.F. from the Dunkirk area. (Continued).
Wednesday 29th May.
0300
All wounded that could be moved evacuated into
Schoot or ships boats all of which returned to
"Calcutta".
Schoot, with a certain number of wounded, sent back
to England as she was nearly unmanageable with her
steering gear in a precarious state.
0345
Boats sent in again to collect more troops as they
arrived and if possible to connect with Lord Gort
in view of your message 0127/29th May.
Officer in charge of "Calcutta's" boats, Mr F.J. March
Gunner, made personal contact with Lord Gort about
8 miles inland, and placed "Calcutta" at his
disposal for his or his staff's evacuation. Lord
Gort courteously refused to be evacuated at this
0430
One stage, of "Calcutta's If whalers lost.
0520
Opened fire on one Dornier.
0710
"Calcutta's" boats returned with more troops and sent
in again to La Panne with relief crews.
0735
"Sutton" alongside to disembark her troops into
"Calcutta" and return close inshore opposite La
0810
Panne. "Salamander alongside and as for "Sutton" above,
1210
Party of tugs and drifters towing own boats sighted,
proceeding homewards full of troops. All ordered
alongside "Calcutta" to disembarktheir troops and
return to La Panne for more.
1227
"Java" towing launch alongside.
1228
"Golden Sunbeam" towing launch alongside.
1230
"Lord Rodney" alongside.
1237
"Lord Keith" towing launch alongaide.
1247
"Lord St Vincent" alongside.
1250
"Lord Collingwood" alongside.
1335
Captain (D) 1st D/F, who was senior officer at La
Panne at this time, informed that tugs and drifters
were being sent in to load up again.
1350
"Calcutta's" boats returned to ship.
1357
1900
Weighed. Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 1000 troops and
completed with oil fuel and ammunition.
Friday 31st May.
1940
Slipped from buoy at Sheerness.
2130
Anchored off East Margate buoy with "Mallard" and
"Sheerwater" in company.
Saturday 1st June.
0315
Weighed and proceeded with "Mallard" and "Shearwater"
0500
Commenced patrolling on X route between and Y
buoys.
0938
Ordered to return to Sheerness.
1015
Opened fire on one Heinkel who had attacked and
damaged "Mosquito". Heinkel shot down.
1018
Opened fire on two more Heinkels diving from
broken clouds.
1024
Detached "Shearwater" to stand by "Mosquito".
1312

Details

87
81
P.G.O's 1700 & 1723. VESSELS TAKING PART IN OPERATION DYNAMO.
C.E.in C. Dept. Tug "Prima"
Report of Master
Left Portsmouth 1.30 a.m. Thursday 30/5/40 on passage to
Ramsgate. Arrived there at 8.30 p.m. and moored alongside
H.B.95, was later ordered to proceed to No. 3 buoy and await
orders. 31/5/40 waiting orders, received Arms and Ammunition
to repel air attacks. 1/6/40.6.30 a.m. received orders to
accompany Coaling Tug C.9 to Dunkirk. Left Ramsgate with
motor Launch with 3 naval ratings on board in Tow. Nearing
French Coast, passed D.16 Destroyer Damaged and in Tow. Off
Port Hand Destroyers in Action with shore batteries, one
warned away 30 proceeded in company to Dunkirk Roads, picked Taken up
rescue, slipped motor boat who got under own power. Tug 0.9
damaged started sinking. Air attack commenced when going to
partially disabled motor cabin cruiser Bonnie Heather.
Vessels H.M.S. Brighton Queen, S.S. Scotia, and another, and
from Air bombing. Vessela hit and sinking, proceeded to resoue.
in Tow, proceeding ahead through vessels being heavily attacked
British arriving survivers, on ace was again bombed and machine gunned, with
were slipped motor boar and rescued 75 French warned
away by French Destroyer. Proceeded back to England at
Ramagate survivors, landed Tug wounded and survivers. To anchor and awaited
0.9 Towing Bonnie Heather, on arrival
3/6/40 received 2/6/40 sailing orders. Left Ramagate 0.9 with with Coaling
orders. waiting orders to return to Portsmouth.
Launch in was joined off Dover by Tug
Arrived damaged X Portsmouth 6.45 a.m. 4/6/40 and reported
C.3 Boat Tow, 21 in tow, proceeded in Company to arrival Portamouth. to
F.W.D. Dredging Office.
Sir,
by Mate, I wish Eng., to Stokers place on and crew in resoue and running vessel.
record the assistance rendered of to me
(sa.) J.R. Morran, Master.

Details

0's 1700.&.1723. VESSELS TAKING PART IN OPERATION DYNAMO.
TILBURY CONTRACTING & DREDGING CO. LTD. STEAM
HOPPER BARGE "LADY SOUTHBOROUGH" - REPORT OF MASTER.
I received orders on May 29th to have steam for sailing
at 3.00 a.m. on May 30th. We left Portsmouth in company of
other Steam Hoppers and proceeded to Ramsgate, arriving there
at 9.30 p.m. I was boarded by a Naval Officer who have me
my route instructions and charts and orders to leave in the
morning at 5.00 a.m. I left Ramsgate on May 31st at 5.40 a.m.
and sailed to Dunkirk arriving there at 12.30 p.m. I
steamed along the beach to the Eastward of the Harbour, and
anchored as near to the beach as I could. I gave orders for
the port boat to be lowered and three hand rowed into the
shore with instructions to fill up a motor launch and fetch
the troops back to us. After being ashore for an hour trying
to get a motor launch and failing, they brought back a boat
from the in the form of bombing, machine gunning and
load of troops. During this time we were under heavy attacks
and to load a motor boat with troops, another air raid
artillery enemy fire. Sent boat ashore again with three fresh hands
and lifted place boat out of water, luckily nobody was hurt but
taking proceeded in which four bombs were dropped quite close to the us
boat was useless having opened all her planks. Later I was told
that the tide was just right for beaching. I got underweigh I
ordered starboard boat away for troops. Seeing a motor
and steamed head first for the beach. After beaching
pleasure the handy filling up with troops my mate the sent
a craft quite have him alongaide and took off under troops. heavy
This line to him and was we carried out four times while still load of 478
enemy attacks from orders to hoist the boat which ahead and
procedure the air. After getting a full had done
full astern we England. While steaming down but we two
splendid work. were at last clear of the sands the fairway we
troops on board I After gave about half an hour of full and began
German bombers from their course and once at again 7.30 we a.m. were and lucky was
our journey for dived at us and machine gunned us,
sheered away We arrived at Margate Pier at 8 a.m.
not to get hit. Went alongside Margate provisions
disembarked troops, sent off to anchor to await orders go
told to anchor. took in fresh water and to for
fresh to Dunkirk load again. and was Laid at Margate Portsmouth until June at 4th 3.00 when a.m. orders on
came off that Underweigh we were at sailing 3.20 for a.m. but was stopped cleared. at North Hove
Goodwin the 5th. and told at to anchor 7.15 a.m. until steamed channel down was channel with a fair
and
proceeded
P.T.O.

Details

Details

-2-
eat
01
Dyscum
259.
170
30
E
You
ovelved mian 60 innon dud
INSURANCE THE GENERAL
21
1
and proctions in an of income hub
M/V S.S. Royal Dover Doffored
5.6.40
14t
163
no
rat
Sheet 2.
162
YAWJIAR иязтгаз нтяои &
de kestone, disembarked and the vessel coaled and watered and prepared
which port was reached by 1300 and berther by 1330. for Troops the
20
OT
ТИЗМТЯА930
countered Generally was the navigational one, there was plennyof sea. enemy
voyage. speaking, as regards this voyage the only serious sotion difficulty but
ere direct attack upon the ship, by sir or
tie
MOITATS
May was 30th. no 1200 the ship proceeded to anchorage off Folkestone, weather
01881 AMOT,
ense
£08. accordance orders received, the numerous ship got craft unde
0'
RUOY
ay and proceeded small, nával and merchant. Certain minor departures but the
1700. In to Dunkink by route EXT in company with from the
fficial route fine and much clearer, and "Prague" arriving the Eastern jetty. at
arge and were made necessary by the draft of the ship, off Dunkirk
TOTAL
2030 eather was well inside the outer harbour alongside before the
Troops were the low water depth alongside was only ten feet, was well on
berthed embarked immediately so as to clear the ship but despite
tide went as full load of troops when ready to the ship and both engines
the ground and to get the ship afloat which was Dunkirk there were sir
this, with 8 it took the combined efforts of two tugs eventually done by
working at full ship power left for England again. Thile in was however &
raids in the vicinity of shellfire, and several projectiles from the ship. as 4"
2245 when the but no attack on the ship. There estimated
105
considerable and amount burst in the water about a hundred yards Roads was made
6" fell and along the western part of the Dunkirk back in the
To
trade
Downs at slow at speed 0600 but on the 31st. whence she was ordered to Folkestone
The voyage back was otherwise uneventiul, the ship arriving where she
zlao attario efdiesog elsos [Lean for DO
she duly arrived at 0648 considerable and disembarked difficulty her troops. was experienced and the the
of
птобтО
fills
coal During which was this of voyage a type unsulted to the ship's furnaces, speeds
all
obtained far below the ship's best.
Dre
end
Das
and May watering 31st. and From preparing for the next voyage, after which went
were 0800 when the troops were clear was spent the in coaling ship
0 ₫ 9dd the %0 thems
to off Folkestone.
anchorage 0315. Orders to proceed having been received, "I" again, the ship where was
Jl trado STASON to
got under way at by 0715. From about 0700 onwards the ship was made what
June 1st. 0922 and proceeded to Dunkirk by Route subject to
viderablanoo elsoa Liama 10 and
she arrived attacks in company with other craft, and we that reyly the
as 500 J.M. 979W only evoud efgain NL to
we intense could air with one Lewis gun and one Bren gun whenever we judged
of
hostile aircraft were within range.
casualties were observed among Ships, but we were take precise too busy
VIOV
notice of what was side of the outer harbour, close outside the is estimated. then
berthing the ship, happening in this direction. The ship locks and
Several and later shifting across the harbour, finally to berthed
at proceeded the Western to load about three thousand French troops it for England
1st. 0903. Having completed loading the ship ,left channel th once
more and of No.6. Buoy, the ship was subjected to a the shells
June proceeded down the Western Roads. At the end of the considerable
the vicinity shellfire from the shore. The great majority of the buoy and fell
amount and of none hit the ship, and apparently after passing and the firing
short, to the northwards, we passed out of range this where
altering ceased. Ships course passing us on the opposite coursecwere warned of
it was
1009, possible. Buoy "" just past the Ruytingen was passed and the ship making by
homeward route towards Buoy "V", another intense air the attack vicinity
along dive bombers the developed. Heavy fire was opened by all ships in

Details

a
206
189
27/5
entiring, and reaching the quay, I was
ordered out immediately by S.T.O. O.
without em bar king a Soldier I obey id
orders, & remained off the Mar bour for
hirly minutis but was not recalled and
memy planes again gol active, Therefore
decided to return is England, and
anchored in the Downs about 11. opm
time 28th may to 2nd June, I made four Voyages
Wunkirk. Un 30d may 10. 15/min after leaving
unkirk, fully loaded will French Troops, Scame
collision with H.M.S. sharp Shoolis approx live
iles W. of Dunkirk, striking her a violent blow
2 her starboard bow, immediately ordered
l boals to be swring out ready for use
: the same time had my ship Sounded Through
the extine. of my damaged sofar as could be
certained, reported to me on the bridge, as
ickly as possible, as the port bow was holed
ell above the water, and autough The bows
are badly buckled both sides the fore peaks
mained dry, during this time I kepli my
if going slow ahead to prevent the Sudden
wish of waler collapsing Sharp shoolir's
ilkheads, Inemained in this position until
Commander salisfied himself that it was
for me is withdraw, Islood by her whilsh
Jug got hold of her, then agreed to escosts
is Dover, at 11. 12pm whild crawling ahead
the yow. the Paddle Sliamur Primass Elenor ayr
ame out of the darkness and struck - stem
sured me his slip was alrig Li; going alexa
heavy blow, Islood by her until her traster
owly again found my ship periously near a
reck, which we avoided by an act of
ovedence. During this Sexies of mis Raps, enemy

Details

LIST OF MORE SERIOUSLY WOUNDED CASES TREATED.
230
"St Hilier".
Fracture base of skull. Wound right elbow. Dressed. Morphine.
A.G.Serum I0000 units, Name unknown. French Poilu.20.5.40,
Compound fracture L.Humerus. Bullet wd R.Thigh. Wd right 5th digit.
Morphine. Wds dressed. A.G.Serum. Name unknown.
Pesan. Louis. Wd right thigh & leg. Morphine. A.G.Serum Dressed,
Wallet. Alle. Infection right arm and fingers. Dressed.
Berthon. Jean. Shrapnel wds L.Hand, R.Thigh. Morphine. A.G.Serum.
dressings.
Andust. Charles. Shrapnel wd. left buttock. Morphine. Dressing.
A.G.Serum.
Peilleux. Louis. Shrapnel wd. It. shin, Dressed, Morphine.
Relley. - Shrapnel wd. R.Elbow. Dressed. Morphine.
Florentin. R. Shrapnel wd right buttock, Morphine. Dressed,
Lagoutte. Morice. Wd. right knee. Morphine. Dressed.
Nury. Adrien. Shrapnel wd right thorax. Dressed. Morphine.
"Vimy".
Dunlop. John. Shrapnel wd right chest 23.5.40. Svacuated from
Dunkirk 31.5.40. Discharged to R.N.S.Q. DOVER.
MOTOR BOATS.
Bruen. Lt. Francis. RN. Bomb splinter L.Hand. Previously treated
by own M.O. A.T.S. M.&.B. 693 4 tablets. To attending list.
"Maid of Orleans". 1.6.40.
Revd. A. McLeman. C.F. (Cameronians). Shrapnel wd. L.Thigh, Perfor-
Wd. of abdomen. A.G.Serum. Morphine M & B. 4 tablets statim.
Immediate discharge to hospital upon arrival. (Urgent case).
MacDonald. R.W. Comp. fracture left humerus. Dressed, A.G.S. M & B.
Immediate transfer to hospital upon arrival in England,
Leadbetter. Wallace. Sergt. Shrapnel wd. left buttock and leg.
Dreased, A.G.S. M & B.
Newberry. Shrapnel wd. R.Buttock. Dressed, A.D.S. M&B.
Lean. E.R. 2nd Lieut. Lancashire Regt. Shrapnel wd. L. Thigh. Morph
A.G.S. M.&.B.
Taylor. F.R. 5111033. Shell blast abdomen. Injury L. knee. Rest.
Pimm. M.&B. F. RASC. 134203. Large shrapnel wd. L.Thigh, Injury L.Knee,
Morphine. A.E.S. M & B. Dressed,
Fraser. Revd. Exhaustion. Rest.
Morley. T. Shrapnel wd of foot..
Whyte. W. Shrapnel wd. 1. elbow. Morphine. Dressed.
Hsoskin. W. Injury right ankle. Bandaged.
The remaining cases were not recorded owing to non severity and
lack of paper for doing SO. Labels giving names, treatement carried
out and diagnosis, were however attached to each patient prior to
to discharge to hospital.

Details

Dynamo 171.
304
281
Admiralty House,
Sheerness. 7th.June 1960
REPORT OF STOKER D.T.BANKS, Off.No. KX/86174.
(Given verbally to Lieut.Commander D.H.Holland-Martin, R.N.)
Banks could not remember any dates nor the names of his men.
He sailed from Ramagate in the "Pauleter", a 35ft.motor boat
with 2 Ordinary Seamen as crew, a Bren gun, a Lewis gun and a compass
which he didi not know how to use. He found his way to the beaches
guided by the blaze from Dunkirk. On arrival there some 40 British
and French soldiers, including several woynded, waded and swam off to
his boat. There were no larger graft near and so he took them on
beard and set course for home. It was now night but the fires in
Dunkirk illuminated his boat and he was subjected to both bombing
and machine gin attacks; one bullet is still in the woodwork of
"Pauleter"s" stern sheets. In one attack the plane dived so low
that Banks thought it would hit his boat. The Ordinary Seaman
the Bren gun seemed frightened of it and so Banks gave him the
on wheel and manned the gun himself and "put his finger on the trigger
when about 12 came out - a bit of sport!"
Banks got safely back to Hamagate and transferred to the
"Marasole" with his two Ordinary Semen. He was just taking her
alongside the nole when a near miss damaged the boat. She was
taken in tow by a trawler but later sank, Banks and his crew
transferring to the trawler.
The French troops on the sole were very cool, joking
and laughing with two lady ambulance drivers whom Banks later saw
in Ramagate.
At did seven more trips to the beaches or mole, bringing On
Ramagate he returned with his grow to the "Paulater"
and in her to England a total of about 400 Allied wounded, troops.
one straight of these back trips be resousd 3 survivors, one badly form
from the trawler "Blackburn Rover".
an leaving hour collecting the souvenirs including a mall rosary aloga.
One "Paulater" night secured alongaide the nole, they and spent some half
be gave his non a "Shin ashore" in Dunkirk
Banks finally brought the "Paulater" single-handed from
Ramagate to Sheerness on June 7th.
He was drafted from R.N.Barracks, Chathas for the
Dynamo operation.

Details

Emprome 195
307
284
285
Report from Sub Lieutenant R.H.C. Amos, R.N.V.R.
44
Date
The engine of the secong boat I started in for
Bunkirk failed at Ramsgate on June 2nd. Engine was
put in order and we left in tow of Tug "SunXV" June
3rd. About 2300 the tow rope parted and fouled our
propeller. We signalled many ships but could get no reply
As soon as it was light, Sub Lieut. Wallace and I
went over the side to see if we could clear the screw
with knives but failed. We went astern for two hours
rigging blankets as sails to keep away from the French
coast. At 1300 the screw was cleared and we set
course N.W. for England, having no charts and not
knowing our position.
At 2000 on June 4th we contacted No. 82
Lightship near Harwich. Mr. R.H. Wingfield (in
charge) and his crew were very good to us, and put
the seven of us up for the night, ours being an open
life boat (motor).
at 0800 June 5th left for Sheerness arriving
1130.

Details

309
Dynamo. 149.
286
ADMIRALTY,
8th June, 1940.
My dear Cull
I understand that Captain Tennant's report
on the Dunkirk evacuation has been sent to Vice
Admiral Dover, and doubtless attached to it was a
list of recommendations for Good Service.
I have been told by many who were there - Army
officers and others - of the splendid services per-
formed by Commander E. R. Lewis, Sea Transport
Officer, who after evacuating British refugees from
Ostend, arrived at Dunkirk on 20th May and was
continuously on duty there until he returned to
England with the final party on 2nd June. He
handed over charge to Captain Tennant on the latter's
arrival on 29th May, but remained to assist Captain
Tennant to the end.
Several of those who saw Lewis's work under
the most arduous conditions have rung me up today
to say how disappointed they are at the omission
of his name from today's Honours List. I have
pointed out to them the announcement that this List
is a first one only which implies that 8 further
List will be issued! In case, however, Lewis's
exceptional services may have been overlooked where
everyone did such wonderful work, I feel it my duty
to bring the foregoing to notice in case you may
see fit to submit it to the Vice Admiral, and I can
only hope that my action will be understood.
Please do not trouble to reply. The award
of the K.C.B. to Admiral Ramsay has given tremendous

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

Thursday
30th May.
325
May
Passenger transport KING ORRY which had been
damaged by a near miss p.m. 29th May, still alongaide the
Pier at midnight. I saw the Captain and told him he must
go and gave him the alternative of beaching himself on the
Eastern beach if his ship was not searorthy, or of proceeding
without troops
to England = the escort of a trawler. At 0230 he was
observed endeavouring to clear the harbour. It was
subsequently found out that he sunk about 4 cables outside
the entrance.
At 0039/30 made the following signal to Dover:-
"There is a shortage of ships and boats. I have no
destroyers".
There were no air attacks in the early morning
Later when Ships seganta arrive
and all was quiet., In view of the heavy target presented by
a number of ships being alongaide the Hole at one time,
destroyers were ordered alongside the Pier one at a time.
Arrival of the first destroyer was a signal for an attack by
one bomber. Subsequently, however, the bright sunshine of
yesterday gave way so nist and 10 was possible to speed up
embarkation without undue risk.
0755 following signal was made:-
drifters arrived. No water 02 food yet provided on
"Great opportunity missed during night when only three
Dunkin's beach for large number of troops. Sporadie
bombing".
Attbout 0800 store ship arrived with provisions
but no water. This caused BO such congestion on the Pier
that in view of the urgent about half need Thatoad to send had off beer every unloaded possible man,
unloading was, after should Has, abandoned and the store
ship filled with troops. A certain amount of water was
obtained from destroyers.
One personnel ship arrived about 0920, the first one
Reyal
since the previous day. Other ships (three drifters) filled
shortly

Details

377
351
5.
2/3/6
attack on the way. I then embarked General Alexander and transferred him
shortly after to the first Destroyer to leave. Two motor boats with parties
to assist on the pier and in the control and berthing of shipping had been sent over
but these were attacked by aircraft on passage, and one with Commander Clouston
was sunk. The other arrived, but had one engine cut of action and was too
badly damaged to be of use. She was sent back to England.
46.
The evacuation was timed to start at 2100 and four Destroyers had got
away by 2200. There was a fresh Northerly breeze and this, coupled with the
flood tide, set ships off the pier and they had difficulty in berthing until the
tide turned and the breeze dropped. Large mmbers of French fishing and other
craft moving in and out of the harbours added to the difficulties.
2230 7. the B.E.F. were all away and at 2300 Captain Tennant and the rest of the
M.A/S.B. 10 assisted two destroyers to berth by pushing them.in. by
Naval party left in M.T.B. 102, The absence of the naval berthing parties,
embarked with the last of the B.E.F., was much folt, and the French did nothing
to replace them. There was then & very long pause before any French troops
came down to the East pier. One ship was alongside 20 hours before she vas
loaded.
TWO 8. Personnel Ships were sent in there. The second of these, the 300321, went
There were large mmbers of French troops at the Test Quar and
ground when clearing and I was reluctant to risk any more. Also this ydar
ras supposed to be used by French ships and some French Destroyers did & there.
OUEN refloated High tide next day and returned safely.
vailable 9. could not be filled in the time and I sent back three destroyers and
The flow of troops was so slow that it was obvious that the alige
several Fleet Sweepers empty and also at least two Personnel Ships.
cme 0. down and did was not & appear in any mumbers until about half an hour before there were dam.
This disappointing night. For some reason the French did not
he was that a counter-attack had to be made. At 0300 The
hree reason Personnel given Ships alongside and I had to order then to leave at 0310.
lockships arrived at 0310 and I left for Dover shortly afterwants.
1ght 3/4 June.
educed by an hour, quays of the harbour. Teasels and lay two correttes
1. For this and night it was planned to use both East and West also piers off for addition loading
the time available for embartation, 2230 to 0230, in YES
rom ere detailed. small boats. East For pier was to have 10 Transports, 6 Destroyers, Padilers.
0 small creft at the upper the West pier schoots, minesweepers, and s
HITSHED was to land berthing parties at 2200.
M.T.B. 102 and arrived at 2200 to find full the harbour of
warming 2. with I went French over fishing in boats on their way in and the piers troops.
There was again a fresh Northerly wind WHITSHED and berthing and three conditions Personnel were Ships
ary 3. difficult until the tide for turned over an at hour 2330. to get them. alongaide, No ship and succeeding finally I took in
nd later SABRE were trying WHITSHED and landed available for
abarkation. erthing at the It is remarkable pier that in spite of
one of the berthing East party until off 2330 so that only this three only hours one was paddler was unable
load from the East pier.
Owing to ships, the harbour entrance got in which
the delay in berthing, the numbers of mall very craft congested and and the
hat he there were handled no in these constricted waters. feared
ontinual arrival of collisions fresh is usle solely to the magnificent Time and way again I
ship ships would were go ashore in some impossible position.
/55 I

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395
2.
369
into two parties, one to work from Le Panne to Bray and
one from Bray to Dunkirk. Commander Gorton proceeded
along the beach with his party to work East of Bray and
later I with Commander Otway-Ruthven and two other officers
also proceeded along the beach to Bray. There were vast
numbers of troops on the beaches round Malo le Baine.
Enemy aircraft were heard overhead and they and the guns
west of Dunkirk were bombing and shelling Malo and Dunkirk
Fort. The night was very dark, the tide was low and
as we proceeded to Bray we met many large bodies of troops
making their way westward including a certain number of
French, who asked if they could be sent off.
I informed these that French ships might be expected
in due course.
Half way to Bray were sighted some ships at
anchor off the beach but heard nothing in reply to our hail.
Later we passed the CRESTED EAGLE high and dry and still
burning. A little further another ship was sighted to
seaward and a boat just observed. On hailing her, she
also,
proved to be from MEDWAY QUESN lying off. Later & second
boat and a power boat also came in. Te sent off 700 to
750 troops in these boats to MEDWAY QUEEN. As we approached
Bray in the lightening dawn, a number of destroyers, sloops
and scoots were seen to be lying off and embarkation was
proceeding in such boats as were available. Several boats
were aground, others were hold, and some had no cars.
At about 0500 (?) I reached Bray and made contact
If
had cleared for England and there were no further ships
with Headquarters. By about 0600 all destroyers, sloops, etc.,
available. At Bray I also met some Naval Officers who and had
apparently been working on the beaches for some time had
some Naval Lieutenants and Naval ratings who
apparently later arrived from EXCELLENT and VERNON. The lamps. latter
were leaving Dover I had understood that there be
few in number and a a certain amount of signal would
with 24 Aldis lamps, but these I never saw, and so was
Before Signal Ratings along the beaches adequately their supplied need
certainly felt. In any case, communication along if not
many with so many troops on the shore, with passing also
miles of flat beaches was very difficult and I
sorely ships anchored off beaches. Similarly between La Panne was
impossible felt the need of communication there
ship communication or until Thursday afternoon Dunkirk.
and no Bray and never any between Bray and
About 0800 I proceeded on a motor bicyle in to at La
very with whom I discussed the position. La Panne and some were
Panne fatigued where and ineffective condition. There to
I met Commander Dover who I felt He was took me
see Q.M.G. French troops between Bray and British ships, but
very many had been allowed to embark in had been
before I move westward to Malo. Off Le embarkation were
of these took steps to stop this, the French Panne there
ordered three to destroyers and sloops, and Not
appeared were to in evidence on the beaches, but to Bray an
two or be proceeding satisfactoriny. possibly many British they
were inshore the sky was then overcast and a the
troops among the dunes. On the return Scotch mist
hour later which was a Godsend, for throughout British forenoon
vast masses were proceeding along the beaches, and aircraft
prevailed of French troops quite apart from had
attacked, troops the carnage would have been dreadful.
No/

Details

397 4.
371
Th-3015
tide, arrangements were to be made to ensure that all craft
should be kept afloat in not less than one foot of water
pending ships being available to embark troops. I also
discussed with the Brigadier, the need for ensuring that
troops would be properly fallen in when the final evacuation
took place to prevent so far as possible an almost inevitable
ugly rush, but nothing definite could be fixed up in this
matter pending the promulgation of the final plan not then
received.
I learnt that the Brench final evacuation was expected
to take place on Friday, completing on Friday night, in view
of the closing in of the enemy and as soon as I had specific
instructions that my beach parties were not to be taken
prisoner and in order, for psycholigical reasons, to avoid
the undesirability of the Naval personnel embarking to the
possible exclusion of Military personnel (even if they could
do so), I left instructions that half of the personnel were
to embark between midnight and the early hours of Friday.
At about 2000 I again set off for La Panne intending to
return that night as soon as I had seen the Rear-Admiral.
There were many men embarking in the few boats available
going off to about 2 or 3 destroyers and sloops lying off
La Panne and I had considerable difficulty in getting a
WORCESTER as his Flagship, but he himself was ashore.
passage off. I eventually found the Rear-Admiral was using I
decided to wait for his return which did not occur until
about 2230. Meanwhile, enemy aircraft were active in the
vicinity and destroyers were filling up with troops. I
stressed to the Rear-Admiral the urgent need for ships
and boats already obvious), and maintained to him the question
of covering fire during the evacuation, but my main object
was to get his concurrence which he gave me, to my embarking
the following day in at motor boat off the beaches to
rectify the projected recurrence of emptied boats being cast
adrift.
It was too late to return to Bray that night by
she sailed for Bray in the early hours, disembarking me
land, and after the Rear-Admiral had transferred to EXPRESS
into the trawler OLVENA at about 0400(?) At this time
there were a very considerable number of destroyers, paddlers,
trawlers, acoots, etc., off Bray and embarkation was proceeding
satisfactorily, but at 1010 had already started. From Bray I
of about ten motor yachts which arrived from England.
transferred to SCIMITARY motor boat and later to ANNI, These one
31/5
craft drew 6 to 7 feet and were unable to get across any of
the beaches. I used ANRH as my headquarters during the day,
and instructed half the yachts to proceed to La Panne and
the other half to work off Bray. During the forenoon,
considerable firing of empty craft towards the beach was
carried out and only about two boats were allwed to get adrift
and ultimately aground. with the falling tide, however,
till the tide rose in the afternoon. These included the ALC, a
quite a number of boats were seen to ground and remained ashore
fast motor boat and a lifeboat. Other power boats broke down.
Nevertheless the embarkation, much hindeedd by the lop, proceeded
satisfactorily. As destroyérs and sloops arrived, I instructed
them to lower their motor boats whalers where this had not
already been done. These boats, sepecially destroyers motor
boats were quite invaluable. During the morning, at certain
[Contained in Vol 4, p112 amount/

Details

10.
407
381
at La Panne was contenuing to embart hooton-
06 was too late to return to Anay that evening
and the adminal Gamij abtormed my proposal
as a my - sous afroat the following day.
told me he would disembark me off Bray on
his way Hour her coast durning the early hour
15. an anival off Bray above 0300? 20day.
houstener E H.M. Prower Olvina" and Cales G
Scivitar's motor boat which was engand -
busing off- Caren boat, in various destroyan
sloops, scoots etc and 8th Bray.
26. Later when 20ml 10 - 12 moter yaoah
amired from England to ANKH
% and her as my H.Q. for the remarkship of
the day. staff of them ordered K La
Paune, the remainder to work off Bray.
Jesse araft monthly druw 6-7 fast and
therefore could not work clan wishon 4- a
bracher. du addition then was an
and order sower book
and as valuable A.L.C.
Same of the small yourk Good water boat
and was weaken conditions framilas Convence
them. but in new Cor then small free Board
snaluded ram Gun's much ua Cus.
27. Dunn's reu early hours and termoon
then wen amsa scuti tor

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139
409
3.
The S.N.O. addressed several groups of these men, enjoining
them to keep calm and to keep as much as possible under cover.
He told them that there were plenty of ships coming and that they
would all be able to embark and get back to England safely. His
words had a very heartening effect upon them.
A signal was made to Dover asking for alli available craft
the S.N.O. decided to make use of the beaches
and of the Eastern Arm for embarking troops.
During our walk along the beaches we had noticed some
small boats coming in each of which went off with its load of
troops. These boats were not, however, coming in sufficient num-
bers.
We returned to the Bastion, and awaited the dawn.
"WOLFHOUND" and"NORCESTER" had been sailed for England
to
both full of troops.
10
Tuesday 28th. May.
The S.N.O. went down to the Pier to see what the dawn might
and I went down to the beaches to await the dawn there.
bring vessels or small craft put in an appearance, but berthed later on
Very few and other vessels started to arrive and were ered to
destroyers the East Pier. The men opposite Malo were or almost
inside march into Dunkirk and by Noon the beaches there were
clear of troops.
I returned to Dunkink and eported the position to the
S.N.O.
meantime many more destroyers and small craft and I inc-
luding some Torpedo Boat which had arrived, and On our way to
In the Dutch Scoots had arrived off Bray Beaches, went in her
took a Motor of the embarkation down there. opened fire
Bray to take we charge were attacked by three Heinkels, He but plunged we into
down there guns and brought one of down. smoke
with the sea our leaving machine nothing but a cloud

Details

4122
6.
and a trawler which were loaded with 500 troops and sailed for
home.
I afterwards visited the burning wreck of H.M.S. "GRENADE"
in the Drifter "LORD CAVAN" in which the S.N.O. was flying his
broad pendant. The vessels was a white hot mass and there could
have been no doubt that the confidential matter had been destroved
Thursday 30th May.
No ships had entered the Port of Dunkirk last night.
The Transport "KING ORRY" which had endeavoured to enter the
port yesterday evening despite signals made to her to keep out,
was attacked by bombers when she was attempting to turn in the
Western basin, and was damaged by & near miss. Although her en-
gines remained undamaged, her steering gear was put out of action
and in her attempt to get alongside the 3 stern Mole ,she ranned
and made a breach in the mole itself, thus rendering 8 great length
of the mole inaccessible to troops Ships had accordingly carried to be
berthed to the landward side of this gap, The KING ORRY herself
but
was making water, and it was decided, although she had managed to
get alongside, that it would be undesirable to embark troops in
her. She was, however, advised to sail, making use of her engines
to clear the harbour and to navigate to England. I SAW her sail
at about 2.30 a.m. and she managed to clear the mouth of the
harbour. She was making water, and sunk about 4 cables outside the
harbour entrance. Her crew or the majority of then were resoued.
We were in urgent need of ships but none came, and at
10000 signal was received from PRINCESS MAUD to sar that she
& fired at by shore butteries 5 ailes to the westward of
had been that in consequence of this she had turned back German to
Dunkirkand Dover. This was proved to be erroneous, as there were no
batteries in this position.
advised ще that he was proceeding to G.H.V. of to
The S.N.O. and instructed ne to carry out the duties decision S.N.O.
Dunkirk, see Lord in Gort, his absence. It will be remembered that the
She we hit 3 times bad 3 Kollow
wounded,

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415
9.
burst close to us and threw us off our feet. Henderson was
wounded in the neck and the back and after dressing him, sent him
onboard a destroyer for passage to England.
I should like to pay my tribute to Commander Henderson who
proved himself a loyal and gallant Officer, and who was quite
unmoved however black things night look. His cheerfulness and
sangfroid was an example to everyone. Coupled with his name I
should like to mention Paymaster Lieutenent Brockett.
A signal was sent to V. Dover informing him that lights
would be exhibited on the Piers at Dunkirk in order that ships
might make the entrance at night.
Despite this only one ship enetered Dunkirk during the
dark hours and that was the destroyer "IVANHOB".
Saturday 1st June.
Ships continued to arrive and embarkation proceeded
satisfactorily.
More air attacks were experienced and our losses
mounted up. KRITH and IVANHOE were bombed and MOSQUITO on
her way to entering the port WAS bombed and sunk. The enemy
carried out very severe bombing attacks on vessels which were
loaded with troops and which were on their way home.
It was therefore decided not to continue the daylight ear
barkation but to carry on the evacuation at night only.
At 2130 I proceeded to the mouth of the harbour in & motor
by & Dutch Naval Officer with a Dutch naval crew
boat and led commanded ships into harbour and allocated to then their berths, any
2300 all the night had grown pitch dark, and sometimes once as
By were endtering the port of Dunkirk at
as 6 or 7 craft leaving at the same time. All were without
whilst others were can be too high for the seamenship displar- along-
lights, and no praise Sloops, Transports and other craft coming collision.
side ed by Destro ers, the Mole. I did not witness & single Embarkation
and leaving French troops had collected at the were sent
Pier A large in the number Western of Harbour and the requisire vessels
thither
her propellers The Dutch Motor and her speed was reduced to 6 knots. sccordingly
to embark them. Boat collected a long length of net I round

Details

8.
42457
British Representatives.
Lieut Colonel Jesper.
Commander E.R.Lewis
At the first meeting held in the abri of the office of the
Ponts et Chaussees Major-General Lindsell opened the proceedings by
appealing to the members that they should give eachother every ass-
istance and work for the mutual benefit of both France and England.
Certain decisions were taken and everything was arranged in armost
amicable manner.
Work continued under extremely difficult conditions when Comdr.
Musson R.N.R. arrived with Lieutenants McEwen and Whittle R.N.R. By
this time close co-operation with the military authorities and the
Admiral (through the B.N.L.O) was essential 30 I placed Commander
Musson in charge of the S.T.O's office and set up my own in the
Bastion 32 next door to the B.N.L.O.
I attended another conference presided over by Major-General
Lindsell when he informed us the-t the Tax Cabinet had decided to
evacuate the B.3.F. through Dunkirk using the beaches as much as
possible and the hole alongside which several ships could borth at
the same time. Captain W.G.Tennant and at naval staff would arrive
as soon as they could be got together to organise therecuation but
that meanwhile all available ships should be utilised to embark troops.
I had to report that the dook area had become almost untenable and
that it was doubtful if we should be able to discharge any more cargo
from ships.

Details

428
9.
45
During the forenoon of 29th I received a message from S.T.O's
that the building next door had been hit. by an incendary
ffice omb and that it was considered desirable to evacuate it and would
find alternative accommodation. I spent some time arranging for
his and finally settled to share the abri office of the Police de
lavigation close to the Tristram lock. The staff was preparing to
nove into this office when H.M.S.Wolfhound arrived with the naval
party under Captain Tennant/for the final evacuation. After consult-
ation with Captain Tennant, and as the port was entirely out of action
for Sea Transport work except personnel and this was being taken ove
by the Navy I decided to send my staff home to the United Kingdom.
the orders to the military were to "travel light" and that no kit of
any sort should be taken I gave the same orders to the staff and thi
order accounts for the fact that on arrival noone had any gear with
him. On arrival in England they were instructed to report to the
nearest D.S.T.O. for further orders.
In view of the fact that I was au fait with the port generally
and knew personnallyall the local French and military authorities
Captain Tennant accepted my offer to remain and assist him to the
best of my ability. The naval party finally embarked on the night of
June 1st/2nd and I arrived in Dover during the forenoon of Sunday 2nd
June reporting my arrival to the D.S.T.O of that port.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your obedient servant
COMMANDER.
R.N.

Details

447
over a hundred yards out to sea. A long rolling surf flows
inshore most of the time and even the shallow draught motor-
boats could not approach closely with any degree of safety.
Open boats of all kinds from naval cutters and whalers to
seaside dinghies were towed over from England by the motor-
boats themselves and by other craft. Some of these pulling
boats were manned by odd naval ratings, others by the soldiers
themselves.
One of the principal difficulties was to avoid fouling
the motor-boats' screws with painters and odd lines attached
to these pulling boats. It is amazing how much sea-room a
soldier can take up with a couple of fathoms of rope! Carley
floats and inflated motor inner tubes also played their part
in carrying men from the beach to the motor boats, which in
turn took aboard those on these more precarious perches and
towed the loaded pulling boats to larger craft lying off in
waiting, picking up their own or any other empty boats and
towing them back inshore for further loads.
As petrol ran short each motor boat would pick up such
men as it could carry and set off back to England for more
petrol, then out again for further service.
During Wednesday, May 29th, the Mole at Dunkink was
apparently rendered temporarily useless so that most, if not
all of the troops had to be taken from the beaches. During
this day, too, and for at least a part of the following day,
air attack continued almost unabatedly from dawn to dusk:
dive-bombing for the larger ships and machine-guming for the
smaller.
Later in the week, although the R.A.F. were present in
greater numbers to relieve the pressure from the air, shelling
added to the difficulties and men were being hit in the pulling
boats as they carried on their work.
By the week-end evacuation from Dunkirk harbour was in
full swing again and the beaches were often almost deserted.

Details

448
The slower motor boats still removed stragglers and odd parties
as they were encountered whilst the faster types co-operated
with larger ships inside the harbour, even when the enemy had
reached the inner part of the harbour itself.
Those who lost their little commands returned to England
as best they could, some aboard other small motor craft, others
aboard larger ships lending a hand with the wounded or snatching
a few hours sleep aboard before reporting for further duty.
Many officers spent sixty hours or more at a stretch before
gaining a much needed sleep.
The total number of such small motor craft engaged in the
operation cannot at present be assessed. It is doubtful if
the exact figure can ever be computed since many who took a
part did so with their own boats manned by their own relatives
or friends; did their best, shared the dangers and discomforts
and, when no further work remained to be done, stole quietly
away unrecognised and unrewarded.
The numbers, too, of soldiers taken off the beaches by
these motor boats can never be more than estimated. Lieut.
Read's report of 600 men ferried to transports and 420 brought
direct to England in one 35' motor launch gives some idea of
the usefulness of this miniature armada".
8

Details

519
495
21
had now started to shell the anchorage and beach.
In these circumstances I decided to bring the
craft back to England, - if she could survive the
voyage. I was able to get in touch with H.M.
Yacht Caleta and she succeeded in towing A.L.C.5
into Sheerness, where she arrived a.m. Saturday
1st June,
When passing Clan Macalister in Caleta, it was
seen that Aot.,Co 4 and 18 were still more or
less intact on the after deck, but considerably
charred and burned. It is impossible to estimate
accurately, the number of men A,T,C.S was able
to rescue, 'ut it must have been between the and
three thousand.
Taking everything into con-
10. sideration the engines ran remarkably well. of
reverse gears gave a certain amount to
The the part engine being unable but go
trouble, considerable part of the time,
astern a remembered that all the beaches were etc.,
it must be with everykind of rope, equipment, foul, and
littered propellors were constantly ardueus
the BO that reverse the gears had to work under most
conditions.
The main source of anxiety
was the fore necessitated continuous from water, in
trap door, This leaked pumping contin-
order uously, to and keep the floor beards free

Details

80A
523
499
APPENDIX "A" PART II
A.L.C. 16.
Sub. Lieut. Wilcoxon R.N.V.R. was originally
detailed to work in A.L.C. 4, but owing to an accident
to this craft when hoisting out, he embarked in A.L.C.
16 on her next coming alongside Clan Macalister with
troops.
is
A.L.C. 16 WILB the first boat to be hoisted out, and
proceeded straight inshore to the beach near Old Dunkirk
where she evacuated British troops. After setting scee
seven trips successfully, she was boarded by a nob of
French soldiers, who overwhelmed the boat to such an extent
that she became partially swamped, the starboard lattery
was flooded and both engines failed.
Eventually sufficient French were evicted to erable
A.L.C. 16 to be floated off, and the port engine started.
Unfortunately in going astern off the beach she rode over
the anchor, and did such damage to the part shafting that
the port stern tube was loosened in the Presework of the
hull, and water poured into the boat.
Continually pumping and baling, A.L.C. 10 continued
running for a further hour and a half avacuating troops,
However, the damage to the boat was such that Sub. Lieut.
Wilooxon thought it advisable to arrange for the boat to
be towed back to England for repairs.
With this in view they went alongaide and put troops
aboard H.M.S. Bideford, Sub Ident. Wilmoxon at the -
time going inboard to arrange for a tow.
While lying alongaids Bideford a heavy attack was made
by enemy dive bombers, and Bideford was struck aft. A
terrific explosion resulted within a few feet of A.L.C. 16

Details

501470
1 Sick Quarters at Ramsgate 4 SION HILL
June 7th
19 40
To NAVAL OF FICER IN CHARGE
RAMSGATE
Submitted
Report on the Medical Organisation at Ramsgate Naval
Base during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the
French coast.
In such an emergency a basis of procedure had to
be rapidly improvised and modified according to
circumstances. Collaboration between the Naval. medical
personnel and the RAMC was essential and after the first
day was found to be working smoothly and efficiently.
The suggestion that the floor of the Merrie England
base should be used as & Clearing Station was supported
by the NOIC, and traffic from the eastern pier head
ATO
was so organised. Very little delay was found in
rapidly clearing the wounded from ships as they berthed.
tels
Smaller boats were dealt with at the Dover steps further
down. A naval and military doctor was always available
at the pier head for some time before and after high
led
tide at which time many of the larger vessels entered
the harbour. A pier head rallying point was
established for medical personnel, and here stocks of
dressings, stretchers and medical essentials were kept.
Transport in the form of ambulances Military, ARP, and
St.John's was always available and ample. I would
RILEA
United
JUTLAND
FREDANJA
TYCAP
CRASTS
JAJA
FOAM QUEEN
PACIFIC
BORNRIO
PASCHOLL
REIGER
SUN IV
LINIRED STAR
PATRIA
QUEEN
BRANDARIS
TANIA
RUJA
RESTREL
DELFUSE
SUN XV
HOPPER-
HANDBRUG
BARGE 24
(INO GEORGE y
SWALLOW
DWARP
CAVA
GROUSE
BOURNRIFT
ROYAL DAFFODIL
FABIA
PRINCE OF WALES
CARISTA
BAN
CELLETT
BOX FRED
ROYAL SOVERSION
LENA
VIRINO
SALVINA
DUCHESS OF FIFE ORIOLE

Details

Report on DYNAMO OPERATION in Merrie England. Base,
522
loyment of ratings
On commencement of the operation the base personnel working
party consisted of 45 ratings, mostly pensioners and some H.O.
ratings. These were divided up between Ramsgate and Margate and
were employed on berthing duties for all ships entering the
harbour, working day and night and not leaving the pier for the
week during the operation.
During the fol lowing three days drafts were sent from Bevonport,
Bortsmouth, Lowestoft and Chatham, amounting to about 950 men.
These were mostly without bedding or clean clothes and were
accomodated on the floors of the ball room and buildings adjacen
t Merrie England. They were mostly Hostility Ratings with little
or no training. Any rating with training or any volunteers were
detailed for the vatious ships and motor boats going to Dunkirk.
the remainder being used fr base duties, sandbags, carting of
ladders, anchors, roae, etc to the ships.
rrie England.
The base was used as a clearing station for wounded from the
Army and Navy, the supplying of clothing for all survivors Tomens and
the feeding of them, this duty being carried out by the
Volunteer Service to whom the highest praise is due.
Routine duties commenced generally about 0300 and continued to
2400. was supplied by the people of Ramsgate, in overwhelming. answer to &
Clothing braadcast appeal, and the reply to the appeal was
shir
LC(m)

Details

- 2 -
8.
From now on until the end of the operation
a question of re-servicing, manning and despatching a
suitable craft in response to Dover orders, as quickl
An endless flow of vessels was thus dealt with. Som
were found to be unsuitable on arrival here, others ITE
unsuitable after one trip.
9.
"Merrie England" value was effectively demon
in that, besides accommodating approximately 900 ratin
different periods, it was used throughout as a casualt
station. It also housed snack bars and clothing depo
by local residents.
10.
During the actual running of DYNAMO all arr
were planned ahead for dispersal of the large numbers
and details for routeing to destinations were carried
N.C.S.O. On dispersal being ordered all went smoothly
p.m. ports. on the 5th June all except craft still required, 1
(Signed)
W.R. PHILLIMORE,
CAPTAIN.
NAVAL OFFICER IN CHAR
*
RAMSGATE.
*
DOVER
APPENDICES.
1. Recommends.
2.
Numbers landed Ramsgate and Margate
3.
Reports of individual Commanding Officers.
4.
Reports from Base Departments:-
(a) N.C.S.O.
(b) Medical.
(c) Engineer.
(d) Accountant.
(e) Maintenance.
(f) D.E.N.S.
5. Narrative report by Temp. Lieut Dann, R.N.

Details

3
36
No. 3173/15.
APPENDIX I.
RANSGATE AND MARGATE : DYNANO OPERATION.
RECOMMENDS FOR AWARDS.
(ii)
all
Beyond the first recommends forwarded under my 3095/15 of
y
the 3rd June, which I was personally able to check and verify, It it
has not proved possible to check up on any outstanding act.
without is knowledge of every other mans' work. Because of this, all
felt to be unfair merely to pick out one or two reported cases,
reports received to date from any individual Officer, whether in
command or otherwise, are forwarded as Appendix 3. in accordance
nst
with H.G.O. 448.
7
oti
BASE AWARDS.
difficult hours and, in addition, all Executive Officers who of
throughout I a trying and difficult week. They all worked long could and
cannot speak too highly of the conduct of my Base officers
:
of
of
be spared, made one or more trips to the beaches. The Heads could
Base Departments showed that their different organisations strain.
stand up to the handling of very large numbers without
2. pleasure to bring to your notice the following Officers and ratings:-
AS representative of the Base Staff, it gives no great
(A) LIBUTENANT COMMANDER R.N. (RET)
MAINTENANCE LIBUTENANT COMMANDER "MERRIE ENGLAND".
ST. JOHN GEORGE HANSON PITT.
Officer met successfully all the many demands made upon his
For in "Merrie England" Barracks. Throughout the entire
outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as Maintenance
operation he accomodated and detailed all ratings lent, snack turned
department. the building He into a easualty clearing station, returned ran Naval bars
part of depots with the aid of local residents, hitch to their
and clothing and survivors in large numbers without of the
casualties depots and successfully competed with each new aspect
situation.
(B) TEMPORARY PAYMASTER SUB. LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
MAXWELL KERR HAMILTON.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
Officer, to and take charge of a temporary the instituted whole
For normally Assistant Secretary in my Office, Office was sent
outstanding seal and devotion to duty. This young to
for the Officer on duty with only odd hours snatched of for Naval and
Margate prepare sent to take charge there. Throughout sleep
meals, maintaining landed there, arranging burials, accomodation, he successfully transport,
time he remained his Office with a complete record
personnel casualties, stores and provisions, all of which
coped with despite his limited experience.
(c) TEMPORARY LIEUTENANT R.N.V.R.
GEORGE CHRISTOPHER NEYMAN.
For outstanding zeal and devotion operation. to duty while He received acting as and
Pier Officer at vessels Margate sent throughout there, arranged the re-servicing the Military. for coal, fue
despatched fuel and provisions, all and acted as liaison with
(D) PAYMASTER LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
NORMAN WILLIAM COLLOP.
ASSISTANT TO BASE ACCOUNTANT OFFICER.
This officer was sent to Margate to represent Accountant the Base

Details

32
i
37
APPENDIX I.
RAWSGATE AND MARGATE : DYNANO OPERATION.
RECOMMENDS FOR AWARDS.
- 3 -
(J) CHIEF YEONAN SIGNALS P. 229251.
LAWRENCE HAMER HANSON.
signal For bridge at the end of the East Pier, to deal Ramsgate, with a
outstanding zeal and devotion to duty while in charge during
of the the entire operation. complexity of The signal signal work - bridge by had day and by throughout. night - and
bewildering Officer remained on duty long hours operation
The in no success small measure, due to this Chief Petty Officer's
this Chief Petty of the communications branch throughout the keenness and is,
efficiency.
(x) STOKER PETTY OFFICER XX 75070.
FREDERICK GEORGE CHARMAN.
Pier, Ramsgate, alongside with troops. He meals and sleep.
For outstanding throughout the operation, receiving remained and on despatching duty
zeal and devotion to duty while on East
craft consistently as they long came hours with only odd hours for
(L) PETTY OFFICER.
J. 6530
ALEXANDER HOOD BRUCE IRELAND.
For outstanding Mate in "Merrie England" throughout and arms operatic
zeal and devotion to duty fulfilling the the
He function kept up of a Gunner's running supply of all necessary hours. amunition
throughout, remaining on duty very long
(II) CHIKF PETTY OFFICER COOK P/364250
JAMES NOGILRAY.
in "Merrie England" mmber mess. of meals and produced them at to any which hour he is or
For outstanding He cheerfully and successfully day
seal and devotion to duty as Chief Cook coped
night with a - large for mmbers very much in excess of those
accustomed.
(II) LEADING SIGNALMAN,
C/J 102529
JAMES WILLIAM BOWN.
seal and devotion to duty as signalman very
hours in charge maintaining For at outstanding Margate communication Pier. He remain with all on craft duty arriving throughout at Margate long
to unload.
W. R. N. S.
to accord some recognition all to the of whom work
performed It by is the desired services W.R.N.S. in during B most able the operation, manner. Particular mention gave
their
fullest
is made oft-
(0) PETTY OFFICER WREN
MISS DOROTHY EVA PASCOE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE STAFF.
outstanding zeal and devotion personal to duty throughout assistant and the
she
remained operation. For on duty This night WREN after is the night Secretary's with very little sleep attending to

Details

OA
- 2 -
8.
From now on until the end of the operation
a question of re-servicing, manning and despatching
suitable craft in response to Dover orders, as quick
An endless flow of vessels was thus dealt with. Son
were found to be unsuitable on arrival here, others
unsuitable after one trip.
9.
"Merrie England" value was effectively demo
in that, besides accommodating approximately 900 rati
different periods, it was used throughout as a casual
station. It also housed snack bars and clothing deposit
by local residents.
10.
During the actual running of DYNAMO all an
were planned ahead for dispersal of the large numbers
and details for routeing to destinations were carried
N.C.S.O. On dispersal being ordered all went smoothl
p.m. ports. on the 5th June all except craft still required,
(Signed)
W.R. PHILLIMORE
VIOE ADMIRAL 1940
CAPTAIN.
*
NAVAL OFFICER IN CHAR
DOV NR R
RAMSGATE.
APPENDICES.
1. Recommends.
2.
Numbers landed Ramsgate and Margate
3.
Reports of individual Commanding Officers
4.
Reports from Base Departments:-
(a) N.C.S.O.
(b) Medical.
(c) Engineer.
(d) Accountant.
(e) Maintenance.
(f) D.E.M.S.
5.
Narrative report by Temp. Lieut Dann, R.N.
5.
OA

Details

--34
41
TO. 3173/15.
APPENDIX I.
RAMSOATS AND MARGATE I DYNANO OPERATION.
RECOMMENDS FOR AWARDS.
Beyond the first recommends forwarded under my 3095/15 of
has not proved possible to check up on any outstanding not.
the 3rd June, which I was personally able to check and verify, It it
without knowledge of every other mans' work. Because of this, all
is felt to be unfair morely to pick out one or two reported cases,
reports received to date from any individual Officer, whether in
command or otherwise, are forwarded as Appendix 3. in accordance
with N.O.O. 448.
BASE AWARDS.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of my Bace Officers and
be made one or more trips to the beaches. The Heads could
difficult hours and, in addition, all Executive Officers who of
throu hout a trying and difficult week. They all worked long could
Base spared, Departments showed that their different organisations
stand up to the handling of very large numbers without stroin.
pleasure 2. to bring to your notice the following Officers and ratings:-
As representative of the Base staff, it gives no great
(A) LIEUTENANT COMMANDER Rells (RET)
MAINTENANCE MEUTSMANT COMMANDER "MERRIE KNGLAID".
ST. JOHN GEORGE HANSON PITT.
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as Maintenance
Officer he met successfully all the many demands mde upon his
in "Merrie England" Barracks. Throughout the entire
operation He accompdated and detailed all ratings lent, snack turned
part of depote with the aid of local residents, returned their
department. the building into a casualty clearing station, ran Haval bari
casualties depote and successfully competed with each now aspect of
and clothing and survivors in large numbers without hitch to the
situation.
(B) TEMPORARY PAYMASTER SUB. LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
MAXWELL KERR HAMILTON.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
For outstanding seal and devotion to duty. This young to
officer, to prepare and take charge of a temporary Office the instituted whole
normally Assistant Secretary in my Office, was sent
Margate sent to take charge there. Throughout sleep
for the Officer remained on duty with only odd hours snatched for Naval and
meals, landed there, arranging burials, accommodation, successfully transport,
time he maintaining his office with a complete record of
personnel casualties, stores and provisions, all of which he
coped with despite his limited experience.
(0) TEMPORARY LIEUTEMANT R.N.V.R.
GEORGE CHRISTOPHER MAN.
For outstanding throughout the operation. He coal, and
seal and devotion to duty while received acting as
Pier Officer at vessels Margate sent there, arranged rc-servicing the Military. for 17
fuel despatched and provisions, all and acted as linison with
(D) PAYMASTER LIEUTENANT, R.N.V.R.
NORMAN WILLIAM COLLOP.
ASSISTANT TO BASE ACCOUNTANT OFFICER.
This officer was sent to Margate to represent Accountant the Base

Details

APPRIDIX I.
the
RAMSCATE AND MARGATE I DYNANO OPERATION.
RECORDENTS FOR AWARDS.
3
Mi
el
(g)
CHINF YEGRAH SIGNALS P. 229251.
LAWRENCE HARRR HANSCH.
to
83
For outstanding zeal and devotion to tity while in charge
to
of the signal bridge at the end of the mot Pier, Ramagate, during
bewildering the complexity of signal work - by day and by night - and
entire operation. The signal bridge had to doal with a
this of the communications branch throughout the operation and 10,
Chief Patty officer remained on duty long hours throughout.
The in no success small measure, due to this chief Petty Officer's koenness
efficiency.
(X) STOKER PETTY OFFICER XX 75070.
FREDERICK GEORGE CHARMAN.
If
Pier, they came alongside with troops. He meals and on
Remagate, throughout the operation, receiving remainer and despatching duty
For outstanding zeal and devotion to duty white on East
to
at
craft consistently as long hours with only odd hours for sleep.
(L) PETTY OFFICER.
J. 6530
ALEXANDER HOOD BRUCE IRELAND.
be
He function kept up of a running supply of all necessary amunition
For Gunner's Mate in "Herrio mgland" throughout andarms operation
outstanding zeal and devotion to duty fulfills to the
es
B
throughout, remaining on duty very long hours.
(II) CHINF PETTY OFFICER COOK P/364250
JAMES MOOXLRAY.
For mess. He cheerfully and successfully hour copil days
outstanding zeal and devotion to duty as Chief Code
in "Herrie England" of meals and produced then at any which he in
of
night with a - large for numbers mumber very much in excess of those to
accustomed.
11
(II) LEADING STORMLMAN,
C/J 102529
JAMES WILLIAM BOWN.
For outstanding Pier. He remain on duty arriving throughout at Margate 1on
seal and devotion to duty as signalman very
hours in charge maintaining at Margate communication with all craft
to unload.
W.R.I.S.
It is the decired W.R.N.S. during the operation, Particular mention gave
to accord como recognition all to the of whom work
performed their fullest by services in S most able manner.
is made 0ft-
(0) PETTY OFFICER WREN
MISS DOROTHY IVA PASCOE
SECRETARY'S OFFICE STAFF.
For outstanding seal and devotion personal to duty throughout assistant and the
operation. remained on duty This night WREN is after the night Secretary's with very little sleep attendis to

Details

(15)
- 788
Dynamo 252 - 888
Lebils Scoght
lofa funder alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall girls sot
board Has to le of
e (ohe in about
A. Cadell, R.N.
d Hairs) were all &
me at of the
Is After this episoch
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
cold rebetats that
father efforts at this
s wan
ally - Din partill
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
71
provisions, water,
LOG of H.M. M B
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
Lady Cabb TORQUAY +
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
is camed
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
me and & 3rd 1940
eived orders to
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
1ty in persuading
, the reason apparently
Acts Sub- LT
or to act without
O was probably still
took four boat loads
RA CADELL RH
and 50 soldiers.
to H.M.S. WISHART when
Lt Ratis G.R. PRICE
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
TONER WORSALL
eply to a question if
Seena or SMITH
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
9 engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
for
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
rn to England under
wait a short while.
anDAY due end 1940
ea began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
longside and collected
Tork over boat don't
e was no sign of British
French on the Mole told
for Mr Proceing
to the Mole to make
4 ohen boat for
ty or tug waiting for
ter number would have
ower too hazardous. Just
at Torguag. She &
rbour, engines stopped
doe are trit
sraft (later found to
tion was witching us and
because seer Darkish
would/
hormons, when

Details

,
788
Dynamo 252 Pay 808
spole
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
sot
of
A. Cadell, R.N.
int
the
Lisch
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
this
Lill
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
?2
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
e of Wales Pier and was
the
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
I
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
lty in persuading
, the reason apparently
th
or to act without
O was probably still
SUNDI
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
fibrats
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
Startal
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
8 engaged in helping
d not seen him on my
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
rn to England under
wait a short while.
es began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
ty of tug waiting for
ter number would have
As
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
sraft (later found to
tion was witching us and
ldeis-
would/

Details

(15)
,
788
Dynamo 252 - 88 98
Lebils Sanght
of a funder alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall quickly sot
board Has to le or
(whe in already
A. Cadell, R.N.
Hairs) are all &
me at of the
After this efrisol
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
ifd lhat
the efforts at this
was
- Din partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
3
A
73
provisions, water,
-
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
write to the
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
for for the
nkirk at approximately
At times had
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
And
eived orders to
k what -
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
Call the resson
1ty in persuading
, the reason apparently
4 bis relatance
or to act without
0 was probably still
the mits or
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
that difine /-
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
from this officer
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
was botally still
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
town of Dinkink
8 engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
took for
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
long
rn to England under
wait a short while.
ea began to go badly
between 40 - 50
g point of embarkation.
Three bads
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
French on the Mole told
to Tago - and me
to the Mole to make
Wishest when
ty of tug waiting for
ter number would have
not
usual
ower too hazardous. Just
was
rbour, engines stopped
E. Shoke to Tig
sraft (later found to
tion was watching us and
form to this
would/
and that world

Details

(15)
- 788
Dynamo 252 Pm 888
Lebils Sanght
a fuck alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall quickly sot
loavok Has to le or
(whe in and
A. Cadell, R.N.
Hairs) were all &
me at of the
After this e/mool
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
dd Tabetals that
the efforts at tis
ware Thank
- Doe partill
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
64
provisions, water,
(4)
ker Norsall the working
A
74
nning on petrol.
hight that
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
onloh't ml
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
half to -
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
if any Portil
eived orders to
up the Mole to embark
are shee left
then go in for
1ty in persuading
Mole Smithed
, the reason apparently
or to act without
- casher tab D
0 was probably still
are who had
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
not to have
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
bld The then
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
googal - help
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
about to to
9 engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
shed not
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
l
lot
rn to England under
wait a short while.
ht total The
es began to go badly
she another
g point of embarkation.
k see if le
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
French on the Mole told
Informal Tez
to the Mole to make
ty or tug waiting for
be - goil
ter number would have
ower too hazardous. Just
could - if Try
rbour, engines stopped
not wait would
craft (later found to
tion was wetching us and
K Englid
would/
our have

Details

(18)
. 788
Dynamo 252 Pm 888
Like Scoght
of a funder alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall quickly set
board Has t le or
E (ohe in above
A. Cadell, R.N.
al Hairs) are all &
me at of the
in After this efisiah
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
cidd rebetall that
farther efforts at this
s was Listh
ally - Don partially 755
from Hr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
5
75
ker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
she could al
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
short while a
nkirk at approximately
opy or Sailing
for fift IS
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
begn to so
eived orders to
up the Mole to embark
- shother alborth
then go in for
lty in persuading
meel fort of
the reason apparently
or to act without
ke ton Eg
0 was probably still
took four boat loads
wet
and 50 soldiers.
gride eqain collition but
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
Freel soldiers
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
was - sig_ of
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
tol offer & Price
S engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
tol f n that
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
l - It Mole
rn to England under
wait a short while.
e L lad one
es began to go badly
E Pree t to
g point of embarkation.
longside and collected
Moh are
e was no sign of British
French on the Mole told
mores and to the
to the Mole to make
ty of tug waiting for
whall of Ty
ter number would have
ower too hazardous. Just
Kif for birth sal
rbour, engines stopped
sraft (later found to
solations -
tion was wetching us and
the maker would have
would/
de this bach to

Details

- 788
Dynamo 252 - 808
Scoght
hader alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
quickly sot
Has to be of
about
A. Cadell, R.N.
are all &
of the
this
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
letalls that
fats at tis
when'th
Diam partilly
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
46
76
provisions, water,
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
fower
e of Wales Pier and was
fast after
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
the ted
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
oldhal
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
up the Mole to embark
were
then go in for
lty in persuading
His) and
, the reason apparently
who
or to act without
for
la
0 was probably still
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
water
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
ath
to
oon be light and that
had
eply to a question if
cossist
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
S engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
be
nother trip to see if
whil boat
as quick as possible
rn to England under
Could
wait a short while.
At
es began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
start ho
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
will
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
can means
ty of tug waiting for
ter number would have
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
smili
. craft (later found to
tion was watching us and
then
affeared &
would/

Details

(18)
- 788
Dynamo 252 - 808
Like Sanght
of a fucks alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Dorrall girls sot
board Has to le o
(ohe in already
A. Cadell, R.N.
Hairs) were all t
me at of the
After this efrical
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
rebetall that
the efforts at ti
ware when'th
- Dear partilly
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
27
provisions, water,
(c)
ker Torsall the working
7
nning CD petrol.
him X. Heard
e of Wales Pier and was
the
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
light. By now down
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
had we
eived orders to
bot Can close to
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
adved an of
Ity in persuading
, the reason apparently
Cashit R.E Prie-
or to act without
0 was probably still
has He mand
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
abound Lt the
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
to shifted about
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
show to that the
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
body aloard. Ket
8 engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
with
soming
nother trip to see if
pun tral of course. Displays
as quick as possible
rn to England under
wait a short while.
white e
was all of mike
ea began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
show had to
longaide and collected
e was no sign of British
of stan her
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
cash to Lacy
ty or tug waiting for
ter number would have
for - to wh
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
a firther
graft (later found to
tion was witching us and
4. ohic between
would/
the boots were

Details

,
788
Dynamo 252 - 808
nsht
alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
le sot
of
ready
A. Cadell, R.N.
abl t
the
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
leat
at
this
partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
78
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
time
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
by
nkirk at approximately
to
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
solder's
eived orders to
up the Mole to embark
come
then go in for
lty in persuading
hall
the reason apparently
is
or to act without
be
O was probably still
however
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
be
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
two
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
It
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
hime
S engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
b.
rn to England under
Lack
wait a short while.
five did
es began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
the
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
French on the Mole told
count
to the Mole to make
K
ty of tug waiting for
ter number would have
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
sraft (later found to
tion was witching us and
wave
would/
Dabik

Details

(15)
788
Dynamo 252 - 888
Lebils scoght
of a fuck alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall girls sot
board Has to le or
(who in above
A. Cadell, R.N.
Hairs) were all to
me at of the
After this
Seaman Smi th
from Newfoundland.
idd Tabetals that
efforts at this
were -Lienth
- Din partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
@
79
provisions, water,
Cow
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
drifted It
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
* were were close
th rough sketch map
hell of whe
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
should Ht Gast
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
list of Dukink
lty in persuading
, the reason apparently
hets endition of
or to act without
D was probably still
form that Le
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
fair and - of
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
forward go th
eply to a question if
Bow How s got
ex toming
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
8 engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
poils to work tt
nother trip to see if
relays & town
as quick as possible
rn to England under
wait a short while.
Cabh 8 going my
about were ath its
es began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
progress & hown t
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
forward from
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
For Drin we
ty or tug waiting for
ter number would have
not discover thatach
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
had a share to
sraft (later found to
lover 5 had bee
tion was witching us and
would/
slow shad - me

Details

(15)
- 788
Dynamo 252 - 808
Like scasht
of. a funder alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall quickly sot
board Has to le of
(ohe was a heady
A. Cadell, R.N.
Hairs) were abl t
me at of the
After this episoch
Seaman Smi th
from Newfoundland.
idd Tabetals let
the efforts at this
ware Limith
- Din partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
81/
provisions, water,
(11)
ker Norsall the working
11
nning CO petrol.
Define 5 ht
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
me Gera Alams
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
rechil and The Startard
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
of Have
eived orders to
at atter about
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
E
lty in persuading
, the reason apparently
buh detailog of
or to act without
O was probably still
Bythin t Stoher
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
had got of
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
Cabl to gr age
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
second her
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
- town her
S engaged in helping
d not seen him on my
it as w hort
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
going - too difficult
rn to England under
wait a short while.
ansidenth the we
es began to go badly
my stor progress
be point of embarkation.
ups + bolt bonts
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
Callis eg Bift
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
ty or tug waiting for
ill meet mr
ter number would have
my for & Stem
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
inet At last And
craft (later found to
tion was watching us and
the light animal or
would/
destryer X440 (0th)

Details

788
Dynamo 252 - 88 98
Scasht
alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
girls 80/-
to le of
about
A. Cadell, R.N.
abh to
of the
this episoch
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
talls lhat
at at this
Losith
partilly
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
72
provisions, water,
82
ker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
has tot &
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
Can
ah
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
Suca difficulty
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
alogid
of
eived orders to
was and
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
attich of
lty in persuading
, the reason apparently
Angel
or to act without
0 was probably still
here
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
shats 5
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
she
S
at
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
at get
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
Oabie
S engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
of It
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
this atticle
rn to England under
hal by
wait a short while.
Heave know
es began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
longside and collected
orden't less
e was no sign of British
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
porthol
ty of tug waiting for
80g
ter number would have
fond it 85
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
get it
sraft (later found to
tion was watching us and
ride whil
would/
together

Details

(15)
I
788
Dynamo 252 - 888
Lebils Sanght
a funder alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall quickly sot
loard Has to le or
(whe in about
A. Cadell, R.N.
Hairs) were all to
me at of the
After this
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
Ld achetall that
the efforts at tis
was
- Due partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
(13)
83
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
s. dadd keat
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
Has. & left
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
Rgts Price -
th rough sketch map
be itt orders that
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
comp back to
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
lty in persuading
Hais are 300 -
the reason apparently
Frail solding we
or to act without
o was probably still
hard H criser
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
org doe to
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
- Dwas classich
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
about two
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
form toooL
8 engaged in helping
ld abrard has
a not seen him on my
nother trip to see if
k to a Are
as quick as possible
rn to England under
wait a short while.
office - ashed L
less Dover that s
ea began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
it W.D anft -
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
that we were
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
this - seneed
ty or tug waiting for
ter number would have
Lee He hand
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
the & also told
sraft (later found to
tion was watching us and
course an should
for one Lust
would/

Details

- 788
Dynamo 252 - 808
Scasht
fucks alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
girls 80+
Has to le of
was
above
A. Cadell, R.N.
were abh to
of the
this episoch
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
betats lhat
at tis
Lank
Diam partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
8474
ker Norsall the working
-
nning on petrol.
Instinal that
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
And tools
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
X440, the
th rough sketch map
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
s Hell
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
tall &
lty in persuading
, the reason apparently
sailors Lt
or to act without
O was probably still
took four boat loads
igl
80
and 50 soldiers.
As 800
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
hosh
Don be light and that
eply to a question if
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
who aload
S engaged in helping
aster
a not seen him on my
nother trip to see if
w
as quick as possible
San
(-
rn to England under
wait a short while.
at once
t there
ea began to go badly
g point of embarkation.
longside and collected
of PRICE
e was no sign of British
with have
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
uboavd webe
ty of tug waiting for
ter number would have
X440 whod
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
all B
craft (later found to
tion was witching us and
abound Hairs
would/
(440 we tahead

Details

(15)
788
Dynamo 252 - 888 00
t. Ichib scasht
ol of a fucks alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
3, Worrall quickly 80t
board Has to le of
se (ohe in about
A. Cadell, R.N.
ol Hairs) were all &
e me at of the
12 After this chrich
Seaman Smi th
from Newfoundland.
add rebetall that
father efforts at I
s ware Listh
ally - Dia, partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
855
provisions, water,
(15)
ker Norsall the working
nning CD petrol.
no as E
e or Wales Pier and was
it we
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
now left it
opy of Sailing
th rough aketch map
u - sitt to
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
both it Has
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
Lacy Call The
Ity in persuading
the reason apparently
- den of it
or to act without
O was probably still
3 tom it Leoly
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
K - to the
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
that as Has
DOB be light and that
eply to a question if
tag wals
on the Mole, I replied
this world have
who had asked me not
a engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
starms any
nother trip to see if
filt also
as quick as possible
rn to England under
led art has h
wait a short while.
the to hourt
ea began to go badly
8 point of embarkation.
water for mis
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
werd are there were
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
share diadd hads the to
ty or tug waiting for
ter number would have
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
Zo - tow Has
sraft (later found to
hynole Loog Cable
tion was witching us and
it s stotted Hair
would/

Details

(15)
I
788
Dynamo 252 - 808
Labils scapht
/ ofa a fucks alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Dorrall quickly 800
board Has to le or
E (ohe in above
A. Cadell, R.N.
al Hais) were all to
me at of the
is After this
Seaman Smith th
from Newfoundland.
cold rebetall that
father efforts at time
Swon
ill partilly
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
88
provisions, water,
(16)
ker Torsall the working
nning CD petrol.
e the
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
biet has it
nkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
It took dera git
th rough sketch map
ee to chicome how
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
up the Mole to embark
th H april
then go in for
acts at to days
Ity in persuading
the reason apparently
moreaspel th
or to act without
D was probably still
kelt hats to
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
bollard aft -
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
Cath was not
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
& It the
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
faith
as engaged in helping
a not seen him on my
tom Has
nother trip to see if
as quick as possible
in ten bit the
rn to England under
- that It tow
wait a short while.
would har to
ea began to go badly
go point of embarkation.
and forward and
longaide and collected
e was no sign of British
most of Look
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
h & had at taby
ty of tug waiting for
ter number would have
duck We could
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
the Dear it
mraft (later found to
tion was witching us and
# role aft
would/
to th bollows

Details

(15)
,
788
Dynamo 252 - 808
Lebils Sanght
of a funder alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
Worrall girls sot
board Has to be or
(whe was about
A. Cadell, R.N.
Hairs) were all to
me at of the
After this exisol
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
gld Tabetalls that
the efforts at time
ware Listh
is - Dia partially
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
(17)
-
87
provisions, water,
ker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
be anid any
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
Avenue affor 5.
nkirk at approximately
towns Has abside
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
lind that the
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
considerate nil
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
S form forward that
lty in persuading
the reason apparently
tow he most in
or to act without
O was probably still
It engine
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
house - stook
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
care to water
oon be light and that
eply to a question if
this left we
on the Mole, I replied
who had asked me not
and to mih e
8 engaged in helping
Rt world
a not seen him on my
nother trip to see if
tow role send jidd
as quick as possible
rn to England under
- forth
wait a short while.
ea began to go badly
family lettod
g point of embarkation.
~ ag had
longside and collected
e was no sign of British
ost atthal & it
French on the Mole told
to the Mole to make
S yourd away to
ty of tug waiting for
T Twet overtraral
ter number would have
ower too hazardous. Just
rbour, engines stopped
a shot from 80
sraft (later found to
tion was wetching us and
et it of
Call britg left
would/

Details

(15)
788
Dynamo 252 - 808
t. Lebils Sanght
dofa fucks alongide
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
S, Dorrall quickly 80t
board Has to le r
te loke in already
A. Cadell, R.N.
ol Hairs) were all t
me at of the
After this efisich
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
add rebetall that
father efforts at his
s ware
ally / Diam partills
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
that by and
provisions, water,
ker Norsall the working
r left foot Ase
nning on petrol.
a las way for a
e of Wales Pier and was
l crest Toha'd
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
the - little
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
of Have fill
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
hads ather
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
dable help would
1ty in persuading
the reason apparently
be father
or to act without
0 was probably still
to it amilers
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
shed estand X440
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
DOB be light and that
*JARUOT HORE ATOM n'll nrnon ATTR
in reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips 1 had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. 1 had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongaide and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. 1 sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability or tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. sraft (later found to
be HAIG) who 1 imagined from her position was vetching us and
would/

Details

(19)
89
Dynamo 252 PM 808
and slould clown
ang & both
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
about Lach Call
tried to make
als it English coast
A. Cadell, R.N.
tts H eg bult
I - we mach my
progress - fulls
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
would abe -
atat again We
ct helplends for
l hours of sighted from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
Bell Bary ie s
provisions, water,
mg have be
ker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
N.V. Good Bill
e of Wales Pier and was
ht - did at
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
also though to above
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
At last we sightd
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
reshil world Hass
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
Eng to to to
lty in persuading
, the reason apparently
at a th tion We were
or to act without
0 was probably still
It shil attend
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
towards - or any
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
ane could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French an the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. craft (later found to
be HAIG) who 1 imagined from her position was witching us and
would/

Details

(20)
90
20
Dynamo 252 - 808
to Lach Call".
was H Freel
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
ort "ROWEN" +
Le von picked
hos from
A. Cadell, R.N.
office askd what
hd 8 stold L
- and boke
Seaman Smith
- asked to be
from Newfoundland.
abound Tomg
it a bht
from Mr. Gooding who
itt - explanation
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
Rouer steand
iker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
My Gaw - felt
e of Wales Pier and was
at this visit
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
fact that we had
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
al over 200 70ml
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
is dis it night
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
doubt Roner hed
lty in persuading
the reason apparently
man for at this
or to act without
0 was probably still
brand htm
took four boat loads
has was go of
and 50 soldiers.
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
ane could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. 1 had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French oncise Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the oh 8 nooake
enquiries. Owing to the improbability of theenoh
for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater ntth
powe
made trip back to England under own power tont of
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, onde and.
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. sraftesh sirti
be HAIG) who 1 imagined from her position was
t

Details

(21)
fee
891
Dynamo 252. - 808
( him if homith
chooover who ol wes
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
help Juck's
shil some cornolvate
in away led noticl
A. Cadell, R.N.
ROLEN observed that
had not picked -
This 2LL 1 It
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
of Christel ask
-h took -
to H Downs be
was bond for
from Mr. Gooding who
lest On and
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
Drans oh a5
ker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
Christatal dolld
e of Wales Pier and was
we an all G
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
+ eh It es
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
Laok Call as
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
Ld & to once age
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
not for Dover.
1ty in persuading
, the reason apparently
we book down
or to act without
O was probably still
<= a n of about
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
S  arm fibed
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
ane could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. 1 had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British told
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting have for
made us, trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would
after passing lighthouse at end or barpour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close re&t (later found and to
be HAIG) who I imagined from hd to enanden undetching us
Litpse enpat
eater at cl
1d/
sterty m
ater
Owe n
nor
al

Details

02
(22)
82
Dynamo 252 - 882 98
I a Tag
know home).
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
had orders to broand
Ransgete Lt H.M.
(I) VIRING in tow to
A. Cadell, R.N.
about to do this
any broke does
her 8L towed
Seaman Smi th
to the Vibas &
from Newfoundland.
archad it Whis
have my minord foot
and to & set
from Mr. Gooding who
rest. Vibi of
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
all - towed
ker Norsall the working
nning on petrol.
cl to t
e of Wales Pier and was
we amind about
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
Aves lead & &-
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
to Meme England
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
It to Rasge t
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
l Hostital The
lty in persuading
, the reason apparently
alis office of Vike
or to act without
0 was probably still
request Lel
took four boat loads
my return of Leoly Gift
and 50 soldiers.
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
sne COUID 116 WHIT much longer.
In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability or tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. sraft (later found to
be HAIG) who 1 imagined from her position was watching us and
would/

Details

(23)
26
Dynamo 252 - 888
that one about +
new Cacht Retin
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
was mini be
et be aboard
l workiL X440 the
A. Cadell, R.N.
reforted direct
CaC Dover about
S A lith later,
Seaman Smi th
from Newfoundland.
Dwas stee at
ie England It Comel
the - that L
of Viking anied
from Mr. Gooding who
/ be fond from
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
that ittan's very
iker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
le
e of Wales Pier and was
no nas of
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
- Rat Prie
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
behavior of my
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
throughout the
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
time led bee
lty in persuading
i, the reason apparently
inform t. The taken
or to act without
0 was probably still
of over 200 Grayal
took four boat loads
Is & 6 Britial from
and 50 soldiers.
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
much
longer.
In reply to a question if
any she COUID British 114 officers WELL were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. 1 had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability or tug waiting for
I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made us, trip back to England under own power hep hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbwowabiltres stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D han preate)ilitound and to
be HAIG) who I imagined from her posilos han popgreatahe
ha pajr tave
n to Freinf haters. Just
ty to the (NZ pow topped
teatity the s Cound to
ter or gityhered
or
pc numestehat
of hapharn P powe have
or.Dn Pr in poweate r'D dous. Just

Details

(alp)
04
Dynamo 252 PA 808
Moh a conducted
bh B and calmed
LE of Torquay
June 2nd
E difficult F
wold conditions
111 Cacht Reting
A. Cadell, R.N.
d work - helt
at It ittas =
classich Lach all
Seaman Smi th
from Newfoundland.
E be too Thills
ad With the
t white - efficiency
displand it
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
time would not
provisions, water,
h roushl f
iker Morsall the working
nning on petrol.
"Han's world have
e of Wales Pier and was
that ashare to It
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
of Ath
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
hastered And
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
No to X440 litte
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
therever of Boolt
lty in persuading
the reason apparently
St.f Price, bott She
or to act without
0 was probably still
all b Smith
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
Hand great
to H.M.S. WISHART when
e to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
11.4 wase шисл longer. In reply to a question if
sue COUID British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied not
any that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England while. under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation. collected
Engines got going again and we went alongside and
24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British told
about officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting would have for
made us, trip back to England under Oth a a littoo hazardous. stopped Just
I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number
after passing lighthouse at end a der a obaby gines found
Noticed we were close met enjer a up tter and to
again. be HAIG) who I imagined from he up Frenand probab on no us
the erˢ a ability C.
on thata a a
billi the der
a guabi on
a a HILD
Moh
to lea
B
the emba
last trip -
he was there.
and if tug could
own power.
Tug
SI
pr

Details

(25)
2
955
Dynamo 252 - 88 98
ciarly who we were
to late Has
LE of Torquay
;
June 2nd
tow we save
knd overboard th
2 actet itt greet
A. Cadell, R.N.
d & get showed
t cooker their
halt job of tor
Seaman Smi th
from Newfoundland.
821 at 1th
shrew that -
t physical effort
ne world depect
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
object 2 that ny
provisions, water,
hohn - the
iker Worsall the working
nning on petrol.
ld at of It
e of Wales Pier and was
showly Worrall of
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
be camed on out my
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
1 perfect b some
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
life to their
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
its we suet
lty in persuading
i, the reason apparently
board Dwas wear
or to act without
O was probably still
Am Catta Brital
took four boat loads
and 50 soldiers.
- a connolerath
to H.M.S. WISHART when
le to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
much
longer.
In reply to a question if
any ane COUID British 114 officers WHIT were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability or tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. graft (later found to
be HAIG) who I imagined from her position was watching us and
would/

Details

(26)
/
966
Dynamo 252 -
808
sht- the fact
hal itt th provhelse
BLE of Torquay
June 2nd
my least is not
l made 2 malise
once that to gave
A. Cadell, R.N.
life smst not
a great Hyned
t myself The realisation
Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
this 4 it was -
e Worrall of Sit
d at my instructions
that - to were
from Mr. Gooding who
She had done one trip
a very mest
provisions, water,
cleane t TR fine
iker Worsall the working
inning on petrol.
iffor 5
e of Wales Pier and was
Worsell e Sath in
with two life-boats
nkirk at approximately
to - H sign
opy of Sailing
th rough sketch map
fed Cabh going
ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
after we had
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
doned Has deserve
lty in persuading
i, the reason apparently
high - praise
or to act without
O was probably still
charfolmers during
took four boat loads
hours - diffed
and 50 soldiers.
to H.M.S. WISHART when
to to tug after fourth
oon be light and that
she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. 1 had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability or tug waiting for
us, 1 only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. craft (later found to
be HAIG) who 1 imagined from her position was watching us and
would/

Details

(27)
no
087
Dynamo 252 - 808 98
lood It Chaml
BLE of Torquay
be hh
; June 2nd
by H Ct of
tohnal was magafient
A. Cadell, R.N.
will be released
this rebort thet
amot sheck too
Seaman Smith
S of It are
from Newfoundland.
se, coolness, &
may show b
and don't E
from Mr. Gooding who
+
She had done one trip
provisions, water,
StiCue
oker Norsall the working
inning on petrol.
e of Wales Pier and was
with two life-boats
inkirk at approximately
opy of Sailing
8/6/40
th rough sketch map
"ul trip arrived off
eived orders to
orgat Hoshital General
up the Mole to embark
then go in for
lty in persuading
S, the reason apparently
8 or to act without
who was probably still
we took four boat loads
40 and 50 soldiers.
ne to H.M.S. WISHART when
Spoke to tug after fourth
ld soon be light and that
she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability or tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. eraft (later found to
be HAIG) who I imagined from her position was watching us and
would/

Details

Dynamo 252 -
888
LOG of H.M. Motor Boat LADY CABLE of Torquay
during operations carried out June 2nd
and 3rd, 1940.
In command: Acting Sub-Lieutenant G.A. Cadell, R.N.
Cadet Rating G.R. Price
Stokev Worsall
Able Seaman or Ordinary Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland.
Sunday, June 2nd, 1940.
Took over boat during forenoon from Mr. Gooding who
operates boat for owner at Torquay. She had done one trip
to the beaches near Dunkirk. Took on provisions, water,
petrol, etc. Mr. Gooding showed Stoker Norsall the working
of the engines Cylinder Atlantic - running CD petrol.
At about 1500 went over to Prince of Wales Pier and was
then taken in tow by SUN VI, together with two life-boats
and one other craft. Started for Dunkirk at approximately
1530, having been handed previously copy of Sailing
Instructions to Drifters, together with rough sketch map
of course to follow. After uneventful trip arrived off
Dunkirk harbour at about 2230 and received orders to
proceed in harbour and go a long way up the Mole to embark
soldiers - fill up and return to tug, then go in for
further loads. At times had difficulty in persuading
French troops to embark in LADY CABLE, the reason apparently
being reluctance to break their units or to act without
definite orders from their officer who was probably still
in the town of Dunkirk. However, we took four boat loads
off - each load containing between 40 and 50 soldiers.
Three loads I took to tugs - and one to H.M.S. WISHART when
tug was not in usual position. Spoke to tug after fourth
trip and was informed that it would soon be light and that
she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. 1 had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability or tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. sraft (later found to
be HAIG) who 1 imagined from her position was witching us and
would/

Details

101
especially as I was patially incapacitated by a wound on
my left foot.
As we were a long way from the French coast I decided
that there was very little chance of HAIG falling into enemy
hands and that no doubt help would soon be forthcoming in
reply to the wireless message I had asked X440 to send.
I hauled down HAIG's ensign and took it aboard LADY CABLE and
we tried to make towards the English coast. Unfortunately
the engine kept stopping and we made very slow progress and
finally nothing would make our engine start again. We
drifted helplessly for several hours and then sighted a Bell
Buoy which I believe may have been the N.W. Goodwin Bell
Buoy, but we did not get close enough to make sure. At
last we sighted a warship and waved HAIG's White Ensign to
try to attractattention. We were seen and the ship altered
course towards us and came up close to LADY CABLE. She was
the French transport ROUEN of Dieppe and was packed with
troops from Dunkirk. An officer asked what I wanted and I
told him that we were broken down and asked to be taken
abcard. To my surprise my appeal was met with a blunt
"No" with no explanation, and the ROUEN steamed away.
My crew and I felt angry at this in view of the fact that
we had rescued over 200 French soldiers during the night.
No doubt the ROUEN had good reasons for not taking us aboard
but no explanation was given and I would like if possible
to discover why she was unable to help us.
Luckily another ship some considerable distance away
had noticed the ROUEN and observed that she had not picked
us up. This ship was the CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH and she
came up and took us in tow to the Downs where she was bound
for in ballast. On arrival in the Downs where CITY OF
CHRISTCHURCH dropped anchor, we were able to start up the
engine of LADY CABLE and I decided once again to try to make
for Dover. However, we broke down after a run of about
15 minutes and were picked up by a tug (Operational - I
don't know her name). She had orders to proceed to Ramsgate
with H.M. Drifter VIKING in tow and was about to do this
when we broke down near her. She towed us to the VIKING
and I boarded the VIKING to have my injured foot attended
to and get some rest. VIKING and LADY CABLE were towed round
to Ramsgate where we arrived about 2100. I was landed and
taken to "Merrie England" and then to Ramsgate General
Hospital.
The Commanding Officer of VIKING at my request reported
the return of LADY CABLE and that one member of my crew,
Cadet Rating Price was missing but might be aboard French
warship X440. He also reported direct to C. in C., Dover,
about HAIG. A little later, while I was still at "Merrie
England", the Commanding Officer of VIKING arrived to tell
me that he had been informed from Dover that HAIG was safe.
Unfortunately he had no news for me of Cadet Rating Price.
The behaviour of my crew throughout the operation had
been magnificent. The taking off or over 200 French troops
and 6 British from the Mole was conducted quickly and
calmly under difficult and hazardous conditions. Later,
Cadet Rating Price's work in helping to get the HAIG along-
side LADY CABLE cannot be too highly praised. Without the
great initiative and efficiency he displayed the operation
would not have been successful and the HAIG would have
drifted ashore to the S.W. of Dunkirk.
After/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
--177
174
II
Both ships arrived off this beach at 0100 and
sent boats inshore, the ships being manceurered closer
in as the tide rose.
By 0615 the beaches had been cleared and
"Grafton", "Grayhound", "Calcutta" and three paddle
steamers sailed. (Number of soldiers approximately 100)
Whilst returning to Dover "Greyhound" was
detached to escort S.S. Dorrien Rose who had on board
survivors of "Queen of the Channel ;ultimately berthing
at Admiralty Pier at 1230 28th.May. After discharging
troops Greghound proceeded to Dunkirk and went alongside
the pier as soon as a billet was vacant.It was found
difficult to count the troops as they came aboard and
the numbers appeared to be regulated from forther down
the pier where detachments were assembled and detailed.
"Greyhound" embarked 681 and sailed, arriving alongside
Admiralty pier at 0030.
At 0.430 29th.May "GreyBound" sailed in company
with Captain D.lst. Flotilla for La Panne . - in
paranthesis, this was the first time I had been at S9A
with my Captain D.since 15th.January.
Embarkation by whaler and motor boat was carried
out steadily until 1600 when an attack was made by
bombers the fourth salvo of which scored two near misses,
the splinters killing 20 men and wounding 70 and causing
the following damage.In the engine Γo: cas air ejector
and one forced lubrication pump wars put out of action.
In No.3 Doller room main feed pipe was pierced resulting
in complete loss of feed water, and an exhaust pipe from
a feed heater punctured which caused the boiler room to
fill with steam.
"Greyhound", then at short stay, weighed and
proceeded, her boats which returned undamaged were ordered
to go to one of the two minesweepers "Sutton" and
"SalamandSr" stillat anchor, as with the number of
casualties on the upper deck it was not considered possible
to hoist them.
The motor boat, Loading Seaman Saunders, continued
to run trips ashore until 2200 when the crew went on board
H.M.S. "Locust" in which they returned to Dover.
The whaler, Leading Seaman Setterfield, embarked
crew troops taken on board "Golden Eagle" in which they
continually until 2230 when she was holed and the
returned to England.
water feed, until 1930 when with she was H.M. taken in tow
Greyhound proceeded under her own steam, with
vicinity of West Hinder Buoy,
by salt "Blyskawwica" than on patrol S.Vega in
Tow was slipped off Dover at 2330 and
"Greyhound" was taken into harbour 0245 30th.May by tugs, and borthed
432 alongside soldiers apart from
Admiralty Pier casualties. at landed
It is my opinion ****

Details

186
SECRET.
Appendix II. to report of sinking of H.M.S. GRENADE.
After the explosion aft I observed a large number of ratings
blown into the oily water, several of whom were badly injured. With
the aid of the Gunner T. I cut away the lashings of the after Carley
float and launched it. I swam after the drifting float and with the
mutual help of one or two ratings we hauled each other on board.
I then collected the seriously injured and one or two uninjured men.
The First Lieutenant was heard to order men to remain in the
ship and I took the float back to the ship collecting a steward en
route. The ship lurched heavily to port as I reached the side and
since the forecastle was blazing I ordered the raft to stand off.
At this juncture another rating was observed in a patch of oil fuel
about 40 yards from the ship. I rescued this man with the float and
took in tow a T.S.O.'s float which was supporting two P.Os who had
since abandoned ship. Two destroyers and two trawlers passed without
stopping and a French tug landed our party on the west side of the
docks amid the blazing ruins. An ambulance picked up our party and
proceeded towards the heart of the town. When the ambulance stopped
for more casualties the party disambarked, and were forced to leave
one seriously injured seaman (Coates) who was then taken to the base
military hospital. At this point a lost Bren gun crew joined forces
and the idea of escaping to England in a small boat was formulated.
I took the whole party, eight sailors and eight soldiers, and
proceeded on the carrier to the docks. A gendarme prevented our
embarcation in a drifter, the captain of which had signified his
willingness to take us. We then proceeded on the carrier towards the
eastern jetty, but our progress was halted by a blazing ammunition
lorry. The commencement of intense aerial bombardment forced up to
seek shelter in the vaults where Army officers and men provided us
with dry clothing etc.
I then reported the Naval party to the S.N.O. Dunkirque and after
suggesting we remained in the town he gave the party full permission

Details

1193
-190
187
to seek a boat and sail to England. We made our way towards the pier
and P.O. Emery and myself became detached from the main party. In the
course of a talk with a French soldier I discovered he possessed a
motor boat with which he was desirous of escaping to England. P.O.
Emery sought out and brought along the remainder of the party,
including the Bren gun crew and with P.O. Bennãon managed to embark the
whole party, with equipment, and against the wishes of the Frenchman.
Then after considerable tactful persuasion and adjustment of top
weight, plus the encouragement of casting off the painter, the engine
was started and the bows pointed towards England at 21.00/29.
P.O. Bennion took the wheel and I shaped a course for the harbour
nouth and channel buoys. After darkness fell I checked my compass on
the stars and found it had a variation of about 10°W. I was then able
to set a course for the S.E. coast of England. All lights were
extinguished outside the small cabin and most of the party fell asleep
after having eaten a little food. The boat was well equipped with fuel
and stores and the small engine gave us an estimated speed of five
knots.
The trip across was uneventful. The engine was stopped to allow
a German diesel engined boat to pass. Several destroyers and other
craft passed us, while we passed one floating mine which I decided to
leave untouched. At 03.30 the engine stopped and about the same time
two drifters have in sight. I decided to hail the drifter because I
was uncertain of my position, having no chart or maps. The drifter
altered course towards us and took us aboard and the boat in tow. I
found my position to be about 15 miles S.S. of Ramsgate and I estimate
that my course made good would have brought us to a point S. of
Ramsgate (Deal?) at about 08.00 on Thursday, May 30th.
P.O. Bennion remained at the wheel continuously from 21.00 to
02.00 and with P.O. Emery brought the wounded seaman safely to the
Naval base in spite of attempts by the Army to claim him as a casualty.
The two P.Os. mentioned carried out all duties with precision and showed
great initiative in the handling of the situation. The behaviour of

Details

1193
183
the naval party was exemplary and their unflagging energy and support
enabled us to escape and at the same time bring eight English and
two French soldiers safely to England.
(Signed) Reginald J. Crews.
5.6.40.

Details

194
Appendis N. is regard of stating of GRENADE.
After the purplems etc.) 1 a large number
of retings blown 1836 THE only usuary several of then were
badly injured. With the aid of the Connor 2. 3 out away
the Labhing of the after Carley flost and Lamohed it. I
and defining flash help of one
OF tvo passage 10 bauled each other on board. 3 than
collegged the
(B) penetrated chip's cide above the
the First heard to order - to
remain in the shill 2:1ack last Hast: Instrib to
collecting 8 stamed 00 route. The stip Involved heavily
too 200% the
blesing X entimed the saft to stand off, At this june ture
another reting is again the
yards PAR the with the flost and
took 18-top Tiest which was supparting too P.Os
who hair - / vir.lity wither
passed without sughdieties sear
00 the vest stile or Nation
entralance picked up instruct
of the tom. When the this disu Ities
the party and ware forced to leave one suriously
injured I (Contribused median tabe in the Bastoon Flat.
military hospital.") ship
joined forces and the of
bont was formulated) Damaged 50. I Boiler, filling Boiler Room
with steem and SHOWN 16
SE2 took the and eight
soldiers, and
gendarne prevented law exherization in 8 drifter, the captain
of which had Detagoto take - No then
proceeded ⑉ the insurince turards the Sestem Jetty, but our
progress was băsates ef setion,
commonwent of instructional to be loat,
shelter in the veuits share Army officers and MA provided us
with dry III, near niss Post Side AFT,
3 then S.B.O.
Dunicirque and after Sympolic
gave the party full to
Ingland. We
and uyself become deteched from the ISSS party. In the course
of a talk with a 3 discovered is possessed. a
motor boat with which be usa destrous of esosping to England.
P.O. Enery the
party, including STATE been
managed to become is
against the wishinster vitime
encouragement of Registrati badly
testful poid naissity
started und the been Aumorité Encing
Bean caft the after end of Nor III Boilor Room
for the harbour mouth and channe3 buys. After derimes fell
P.O. Bennion seal: the wheel and EXE shiped a squree
DID checked = comples on the stare and found 18 had a-veriation the S.B.
of about of England. All lights 1870 extinguished outside having
10 1. 1 was then able to not a course for the
small oabin food. The boat use wall equipped with speed fuel
coast and most of the party fall deleep after
and esten stores a little and the small engine gave us on estimated. of
five knots.

Details

Dynam 319.
Bir/e/
1344
FIDENTIAL
203
RECOMMENDS FOR DECORATIONS AND MENTION IN DISPATCHES -
H.M.S. "JAGUAR".
FROM The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "JAGUAR"
DATE
13th June, 1940
No.
Deprome 318. 204
201
H.M.S. King Alfred
Hove
Sussex
ommander Duffet
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate
H.M.S. Merry England
Ramsgate
Dear Sir,
I arrived at H.M.S. wildfire at 1800 on Wednesday
the 29th May direct from H.M.S. King Alfred. 1 was appointed to
central cockpit type) the following morning and put to 80a
"Jong" (a standard Thornycroft 36' twin screw motor cruiser in
company at 1400.
were escorted to Ramsgate by H.M.T. Strathelliot
where we arrived we at 2200. There we received our instructions
and proceeded to Dunkirk arriving at about 0930 Friday.
immediately went to a spot about 3 miles northeast the
of the harbour I anchored my boat and let her drift as close to means
shore as possible.
then floated & life line ashore by
of followed a life buoy. dozen Belgians. I experienced about considerable 3 ft
Immediately I an English soldier came out to me
of freeboard at getting the stern of "Jong". I then However, returned we got to the beach man
difficulty by in about a these men aboard as there was every
aboard them to a Scoot.
and Again this time rigged the line ashore and when the men came back of to me
and took falls of one of the dinghy davits. out
I I sent the life hooked the lower block on to the easily.
their went waist overboard belts and and my crew hauled them aboard quite
this operation during the day and the also
ran for I continued the Captain of a steam hopper who ship. wanted
services messages of an experienced engineer off another
During the afternoon I took my boat There alongside were a &
number supply thers of lighter British that soldiers had been to on the drifted board opposite and ashore. these side of men the went I took lighter on off. to the and
experienced were still difficulty coming in getting aboard it. I

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Dynam 319.
Birlo
1344
CONFIDENTIAL
203
RECOMMENDS FOR DECORATIONS AND MENTION IN DISPATCHES - -
H.H.S. "JAGUAR".
FROM ... The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "JAGUAR"
DATE ... 13th June, 1940
No. ...
Diprome 3.8.204
201
H.M.S. King Alfred
Hove
Sussex
Commander Duffet
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate
H.M.S. Merry England
Ramsgate
Dear Sir,
I arrived at H.M.S. wildfire at 1800 on Wednesday
the 29th May direct from H.M.S. King Alfred. I was appointed to
M.Y. "Jong" (a standard Thornycroft 36' twin screw motor cruiser
central cockpit type) the following morning and put to sea in
company at 1400.
We were escorted to Ramsgate by H.M.T. Strathelliot
where we arrived at 2200. There we received our instructions
and proceeded to Dunkirk arriving at about 0930 Friday.
I immediately went to a spot about 3 miles northeast
of the harbour anchored my boat and let her drift as close to the
shore as possible. I then floated a life line ashore by means
of a life buoy. Immediately an English soldier came out to me
followed by about a dozen Belgians. I experienced considerable ft
of freeboard the stern of "Jong". However, we got every beach man
difficulty in getting these men aboard as there was about 3
aboard and took at them to a Scoot. I then returned to the
and this time the falls of one of the dinghy davits. out
Again I sent the rigged life line ashore and when the men came of to me
I went overboard and hooked the lower block on to the back
their waist belts and my crew hauled them aboard quite easily.
continued this operation during the day and the also
ran messages for I the Captain of a steam hopper who wanted
services of an experienced engineer off another ship.
number lighter that board and these men I
supply During had been drifted ashore. There took off.
the afternoon I took my boat alongside were a a
Others of British soldiers to on the opposite side of the lighter to the and
experienced were difficulty still coming in getting aboard it. I went on

Details

CONFIDENTIAL Dyreams 332, 239
244.
Royal Naval Barracks,
Chatham.
15th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report the loss of H.M.Tug "St Abbs"
at Dunkirk at 0930 on 1st June 1940, Lieutenant Brooker in command.
2. H.M.Tug "St Abbs" sailed from Dover at 10 a.m. on Friday,
31st May with three barges in tow, the "Duchess", the "H.A.C." and
the "Doris", bound for Dunkirk.
3. At 2100, 31st May the last barge of the tow, the "Doris"
broke adrift and was taken in tow by a sloop, name not known.
N. At 0030, 1st June, H.M.Tug "St Abbs" anchored approximately
six miles from Dunkirk, Lieutenant T.E. Brooker considering it
unadvisable and dangerous to proceed further before daylight.
5. At 0330 anchor was weighed and ship proceeded towards
Dunkirk.
6. At 0600, H.M.Tug"st Abbs" passed the piers and proceeded
towards the beaches. Enemy aircraft commenced bombing the piers and
shipping.
inshore to At the beaches, the "Duchess" towing the "H.A.C.".
Y. 0630 the barges were slipped and ordered to proceed
H.M. Tug" St Abbs" anchored and waited for soldiers to embark.
8. attackes by enemy aircraft intensified beach and anchor to
was weighed, At 0730 it being intended to proceed closer to the
facilitate embarking of soldiers.
and 9. At Abbs" proceeded Nineteenth
"Keith" was struck alongside by a bomb
Flotilla, "Keith" and Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Keith" and the
H.M.S. settled took off survivors. Captain(D) other of ratings
remained of on board towed back to England. and from the
First to estimate the damage and consider H.M.Tug"St possibility Abbs"
proceeded H.M.S. "Keith" to pick being up survivors from ship's boats water.
"Skipjack" was struck by a bomb survivors and sank
quickly. H.M.S. of the harbour. "Keith" and took very off heavy. the
10. At 0830 H.M.S. "Salamander" who was also The rescuing bombing was
H.M. Tug"St Abbs" returned then continued to pick up the ship at full Bombing speed
sailed for the entrance alongside H.M.S. survivors.
remainder became of the that crew, it was necessary to the keep entrance.
and at 0900 so heavy H.M.Tug "St Abbs" sailed for
'St Abbs" was blown up by The four bottom delay-action and
". At 0930 H.M.Tug water ahead of the ship. sank in approximately
bombs stern were dropped completely into the shattered and the ship
45 seconds.
H.M. Tug 12. "St About Abbs" thirty sank. Approximately thirty ratings
men were swimming one in hundred the water and after
and soldiers were on the ship.
June, I reached a two wreck soldiers, believed two to ratings be the
13 company with "Salamander's" whaler's
S.S. one from H.M.S. Nineteenth Flotilla,
from the wreck were Captain(D), eight other survivors
the crew. First Also: Lieutenant on of H.M.S. "Keith" and

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CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
including Leading Steward Lawrence and Able Seaman Randall from
H.M.Tug"St Abbs".
114. It was decided to wait until nightfall and then sail one of
the ship's boats to England. Food and water and dry clothing were
available on the wreck.
15. At 1600 approximately two motor lighters and & small motor
boat approached the beaches. One came alongside to rescue the
survivors from the wreck, the second went inshore for soldiers. The
soldiers transferred from the second lighter to the first lighter
and the second then proceeded inshore for more soldiers. The lighter
then sailed for England.
16. At 1800 lighters were bombed by two enemy bombers but DO
damage was sustained.
17. At 2400, in the vicinity of the North Goodwin light vessel
a tug took the lighter in tow and made for Dover.
18. At 0400 approximately, lighters arrived at Dover and
survivors and wounded were disembarked, Able Seaman Randall being
sent to hospital.
19. Captain (D), Nineteenth Flotilla, proceeded to Vice-Admiral-
in-Charge, Dover to report loss of ships and render list of survivors.
20. I proceeded to H.M.S. "Lynx" where I reported. I then
proceeded to the Burlington Hotel with the other survivors for
refreshment.
21, At 0900 approximately I proceeded to H.M.S. "Lynx" and
reported to the Commander-in-Charge of A/S vessels and was sent to
report to the Captain-in-Charge of Fleet Auxiliary Vessels, Captain
Tennant. I was then sent to report to the H.M.Tug"st Officer of Abba" the Day, and
that
railway H.M.S. 3rd reported the two June "Lynx" 23. warrant rating 1940 I arrived and and survivors to again reported Chatham. at Durnobs, Royal reported had to Naval been the Commander the Officer cared Barracks, loss for. Smith, of of Chatham the I Commander Day. was at then 1000 I of than given Royal on a
to Sommodore Commander Roberts, Drafting
a Weekes, Commodore's Abbs." Secretary, in
each case reporting the loss of H.M.Tug"St
I am, Sir,
COMMON
Your obedient Servant,
16 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "PEMB
R.B.
Boatswain, R.N.
The Dover.
(Through Vice-Admiral-in-Charge, The Commodore, Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham).

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247
M
242
CONFIDENTIAL
4.m. Ing St asss arounded alongside HMS "Lute"
and 802 off summirs Captain 0' of 19th
Tirst of HMS. cutt and other wakings
remaining on soard to istimate to damage and
consider the bossibility of HMS. kive being Ford
ouck to England. Hm zug stable ovocuded is pick
up survivers from ships ooals and from a
water
at 0830 Hims. skipjack was stawn any a sams
and same quickly. HMS. 'Salamander' which was
also reserving susvious sailed for a entance as
e harbour. The among was very heavy
H m Tug 'Stabs' actioned alongside H.MS. 'Lutt'
and 1002 off the temounder of a crew the
continued in sick us survious someing decame
So reasy that it was necessary 8 eup to ship
at full speed and at 0900 am sug 'stable saind
for the entrance.
at 0930 H.M. sing cable was diawn 100 by
four away. action bomes dispect into the water
ahead of te ship. The ootom and seen in were
completely shatered and the Ship same
approximately 45 secands
about king men were suseraming in a
water after HM. zug "stable" same. approximately
one hundred and tisty ratings and soldies were
on the ship.
at 400 June I reached - week, selewed is
a ce SS. clan in company win two
soldiers, two satings from mms. seep act and one wreek from
tims. "Salamander's whaless casw. aso on a
were Captain 0 to Jusi wwenkent steward an Hrs Keith
and atter survivers including reading so
howsence eight and Able Seaman Randall from nm. Ing albs

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2264
Page 5.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
51. As the ship was getting lower the order to abandon
ship was given and the majority of nen, who were able to find
some timber to hold on to or to find & place in the floats,
left the ship. At this moment the enemy launched a further
dive bombing attack and a bomb struck our exposed starboard
side in the engine room, making a large hole. Several bonks
fell very close to and one fell among the nen who had
abandoned ship. The aircraft were engaged by pom poms and
lewis guns.
52. Some twnety minutes later the tug "St. Abbs" was
sighted and eventually came alongside to take men off the ship.
This she did with the exception of volunteers who remained or.
board. She was ordered to go and pick up "Keith's" men in the
water.
In this she was assisted by the tug "Vincia" which
took back to Margate: Lieutenant Beauchamp, 88 ratings from
"Keith" and about ten of the General Headquarters Staff,
together with six seriously injured ratings.
A grey accor also assisted and recovered Lieutenant
Verney, Pay. Sub. Lieutenant Craig-Waller, R.N.V.R., and about
four of "Keith's" men. Having a full load of soldiers, she
returned to England.
53. "Keith" was again bombed by dive bombers at this time.
54. After an interval, in which a search was made for
wounded and any confidential matter remaining, the tug "St.
Abbs" returned and, the ship now being not only immoveable
but without H.A. ammunition and sinking slowly, the remaining
men left the ship in her at about 0840.
55. Signals were made to "Salamander" and to "Basilisk"
asking of control and required tug assistance. "Keith" minesweep
them to sink "Keith" finally but both replied The that they
were or however out proceeded westwardsand ed shelled in vicinity
of Asdic cabirat
56. "gt. Abbs" proceed/to the recovery of a number of men
which the had been sunk during, it 18 believed, the last attack on
in water and on thewreck
of the "Skipjack"
"Keith".
57. After from a ship's lifeboat, the aircraft but was without attacked
recovering all these men "St. and Abbe" a number of
by soldiers part of a large formation of enemy
result.
58. sighted consisting but proceeded to bombers.
However, somewhat later, mainly another of extremely high level large
formation not was attack the "St. Aboa" some miles to the destroy East.
These did and attacked "Basilisk" bomba at about 0915.
"Keith" the "Keith" sank in a heavy salvo of
59. A from Dunkirk. Again bomb hit her as
single, high flying twin-engined the "St. bomber Abba" was circled then
fast as she and she sank very rapidly about 1000. seconds and
seen returning could but this time a single in about 30
with amidships her many wounded survivors at

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265
Page 6
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/38 of 15th June '40)
59 continued.
All who had reached the water swam for the shore and a
number reached the wreek of the "Clan MacAlister" which was
resting on her stern after being sunk in one the of the above
raids. They were later taken off by a lighter and transferred
to Sheerness Yard Craft No.63 then loaded with troops from the
beach.
60. Survivors from "Keith" thus reached England in the
following ways:-
Rear Admiral Dover and his Staff by N.T.B.
1 Officer and 88 ratings by tug "Vinoia": also
H.Q. Staff.
8 Officers and 4 ratings by a scoot.
Captain, 3 Officers and 13 men, some of whom
were wounded, in Yard Craft 63.
1 Officer and an H.A.S.B. from Dunkirk, after
swimning ashore from "St. Abbs".
7 ratings by "Salanander".
D.Jon. Marthan
CAPTAIN.
P.S. In continuation of paragraph 40:-
Gort came onboard "Keith", had and about then 25
proceeded minutes in a British H.T.B., accompanied Chief
conference Lord with th Rear Admiral Dover, by his
Staff Officer, for Dover.
19JUN ADMIRAL 1940
DOVH

Details

Copy.
Dynams 353
2116.
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO:
Flag Officer i/c Portland.
In accordance with your Memo. No.2912 of 6th June, 1940,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative.
On Wednesday 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina" proceeded to
Dover in company with "Topaze". During the night she became
detached and reached Dover independently at 1045/30 May. The
Examination Vessel was hailed for instructions, and at 1230
orders were received to proceed to the Downs, where the
Examination Vessel would have our sailing orders. This ship,
which was engaged in towing a steamer off the Goodwins,
directed us to the Examination Tug at the North Goodwin Light
Vessel, where we anchored at 1545 to await instructions from
the shore, since the Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders
were received to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of
Dunkirk, to pick up troops.
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to east of Dunkirk
when visibility was very low owing to smoke clouds. Orders
were then received from a destroyer to investigate a reported
enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward. Anchor was weighed at 2221,
and we steamed to Bray beaches without encountering the M.T.B.
Pilotage was somewhat hazardous in the intense darkness, owing
to wrecks obstructing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was
dropped as close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after midnight, and
brought off two loads of troops totalling 32, including one
stretcher which was put aboard a destroyer. Owing to
deterioration case, of conditions, no more troops were embarked until
daylight, when the boat was pulled ashore on two more occasions.
provide proceed to "Sabre's" motorboat and use it for embarking
to At about England, so it was arranged that "Olvina" should
0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of troops and ready
troops. a crew for after refilling with petrol from "Icarus", boats
the Accordingly, manned and proceeded to tow off ships' to vessels
and motorboat Engineer's was pontoon floats from the lorries pier driven
anchored the off. The having planks lashed to 3/4 at Owing
Royal pier consisted of motor the roofs. into
to sea at low water, breeze, which freshened be used, to force and some 1100,
a northwesterly pier could boats.
in handling the Probably of
300 to 350 removed in this manner, which
240 were put aboard "Olvina".
by enemy action was experienced fired at, during and the
shrapnel embarkation, was observed to burst on the
No interference although enemy aircraft were sand being dunes.
At 1100, I conditions for proceed to Dover. to
decided to discontinue small embarking boats, troops and owing owing
the to the fact adverse that the weather ship was almost full, and to
"Sabre's" motorboat was handed over to "Vivacious" and at
1120, "Olvina" was under way.

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280
G.O's 1700 & 1723. VESSELS TAKING PART IN OPERATION DYNANO.
TILBURY CONTRACTING & DREDGING CO. LTD. STEAM
HOPPER BARGE "LADY SOUTHBOROUGH*
REPORT OF MASTER.
at 3.00 s.m. on May 30th. To loft Portsmouth in company of
I received. orders on May 29th to have steam for sailing
other Steam Hoppers and proceeded to Ramagate, arriving there
at 9.30 Dalla I was boarded by a Navel Officer who have 100
my route instructions and charts and orders to leave in the
morning at 5.00 a.m. I left Ramagate on Hay 31st at 5.40 s.m.
276
G.O's 1700 & 1723.
TESSELS TAKING PART III OPERATION DYNAMO,
C.S.in C. Dept. Tup "Pring"
Report of Master
Loft Portmouth 1.30 Balls Thursday 30/5/40 on peasage to
Ramsgate. Arrived there at 8.30 Dalla and mored alongaide
H.D.95, was Inter ordered to proceed to No. 3 buay and amit
orders. 31/5/40 waiting orders, received AND and Ammunition
to repel air attacks. 1/6/40.6.30 fielle received orders to
motor Launch Coaling with 3 noval ratings on hoard in Total Hearing ore
accompany Tug 0.9 to Dunicipit. Left Ramagato with
French D.16 Deatroyer Damaged and in Too.
Port Coast, passod in Action with shore batteries, one
damaged Hand Destroyers Air attack correnced when going to
rescue, started motor sinking. bont who got under oun power. Tug 0.9
warned slipped in company to Dunkin's Roads, picked Taken up
away BO proceeded cabin cruiser Bonnio Heather.
Vessels Air bombing. Brighton (moon, 8.8. Scotin, and French another,
from Vessels hit and dating, proceeded resous.
notor shood through vessels being heavily to attacked
arriving ware on H.N.S. alipped notor boar and resourd 75 and
British BOSS usa again bonbed and machine gunned, with warned
away survivers, Proceeded back to England at
survivors, by French Destroyer. 0.9 Towing Bonnie Honther, on anchor arrival and
Ramagate THE wounded and survivors. To Portanouth. amited
Launch received joined off Dover by to
3/6/40 2/6/40 sailing orders. Left Ramagate tug 0.9 with Coaling
orders. landed waiting ordors to return to with
damaged C.3 in Tow, in vas tow, proceeded in Company arrival Portamouth. to
Arrived X Portemouth Boat 21 6.45 Belle 4/6/40 and reported
P.W.D. Drodging office.
Sir,
by Mate, I wish Eng., to Stokers place and order in reacue veasel.
on record the assistance and running rendered of to DO
(sa.) J.R. Horran, Inster.

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280
286
5
G.O's 1700 & 1.723. VESSELS TAKING PART IN OPERATION DYNANO.
TILBURY CONTRACTING & DREDGING CO. LTD. STRAM
HOPPER BARGE "LADY SOUTHBOROUGH"
REPORT OF MASTER.
at 3.00 s.m. on May 30th. To loft Portsmouth in company of
I received orders on May 29th to have steam for sailing
other Steam Hoppers and proceeded to Romsgate, arriving there
at 9.30 Palla I was boarded by a Naval Officer who have TO
my route instructions and charts and orders to leave in the
morning at 5.00 flattle I left Ramagate on May 31st at 5.40 s.m.
and sailed to Dunkirk arriving there at 12.30 Dalla I
steamed along the beach to the Enstward of the Harbour, and
anchored as near to the beach as I could. I gave orders for
the port boat to be lowered and three hand rowed into the
shore with instructions to fill up a motor launch and fetch
the troops back to us. After being ashore for an hour trying
to get a motor launch and failing, they brought back a boat
load of troops. During this time TO were under heavy attacks
from the enemy in the form of bombing, machine gunning and
artillery fire. Sent boat ashore again with three fresh hands
and proceeded to load a notor boat with troops, another air raid
taking place in which four bombs were dropped quite close to us
and lifted boat out of water, luckily nobody was hurt but the
boat was useless having opened all her was $old
that the tide was just right for beaching. I got underweigh
and steamed head first for the beach. After beaching I
ordered the starboard boat any for troops. Seeing a motor
pleasure craft quite handy filling up with troops my mate sent
a line to him and we have him alongaide and took off the troops.
This procedure was carried out four times while still under heavy
onemy attacks from the air. After getting a full load or 478
troops on board I gave orders to hoist the boat which had done
full work. at least clear of the sands and so began
splendid After about half an hour of full ahoud and
German dived at us and machine gunned us, but we
our journey aatern we for were England. while stearing down the fairway two
not to away from We arrived at Margate at 7.30 Balls and was
sheered bonbers their course and once again we were lucky
told get hit. went alongside Margate Pier at 8 Balls
disembarked to snohor. took in fresh water and provisions for
fresh tropps, sent off to anchor to await orders to go
came Dunkirk again. were sailing for Portsmouth at 3.00 at s.m. North on
to load and was Laid at Margate until June 4th when orders
the off that we at 3.20 Salla but was was stopped cleared. Hove
up Goodwin and proceeded and told at to 7.15 Salls stoamed down P.T.O. fair
5th. Underweigh anchor until channel channel with a
all the time troops were being carried, and the extra speed obtained
on the return trips is largely attributed to his devotion to duty
and efficiency.
Strongly recommended for a decoration.
(4) Surgeon Lieut. William Macfarlane David Navy.
This medical officer displayed great seal and devotion
to duty caring for the wounded under heavy bombing and shelling
throughtout operations.
strongly recommended for a decoration.

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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

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309
to 304
-3-
being placed on board and making repeated attempts to signal
The situation was unchanged during the night;a guard
who were not in a fit state to be moved to the beach.
larger craft passing close to send assistance for the wounded,
Lieutenant Brooks was despatched with two seamen on
a raft to commandeer small boats seen drifting down channel
approximately half a mile to seaward, but was caught by the
tide and eventually picked up by a destroyer and retained
onboard as a watchkeeper. This officer had been of the greatest
assistance during the operations.
At 0430 an ambulance was procured and three of the
wounded transfered to & field station, and at 0520, a motorboat
was at last successfully hailed and the remaining wounded were
embarked,
Shortly afterwards & whaler and motorboat from H.M.S.
"KINGFISHER" which was endeavouring to work from the beach
close to the ship came alongside and took off parties of twenty
to thirty. Use was made of "SURSUM_CORDA" in such & manner during
the remainder of the forenoon, parties of men embarking onboard
and being transferred to Whalers or Motorboats from the stern.
I had reported the situation to the Commanding Officer
H.M.S. "KINGFISHER" and asked him if he would take my men onboard,
as I had no further use for them.
was to be used again and ships were alongside waiting and that
At approximately 1230 I was informed that the mole
taking off stragglers troops where necessary. Orders were then received
all British were to proceed there, but I continued
from "KINGFISHER" that myself and crew were to repair onboard.
In reporting to the Commanding Officer, I was informed
he was returneds straight to Ramsgate.
report to Naval
My orew.were-discharged to Ramsgate and ordered to
I returned myself in "KINGPISHER"to assist where
necessary.
Hobbs, should volunteered remain for some rest and if necessary
Two members to return with me, but would be required
of my crew, Leading considered Seaman Whalley that and they Sto.
for other craft later.
ratings were of very great for assistance themselves to me
during the These operation two and had no consideration
whatever.
alongside Dunkirk the mole informing at approximately him
of 1930, the and grounding I of and at offering to assist where
required.
"VANQUISHER" I arriving was in Dover approximately
ordered to return to England 0200 again Saturday, in the
1st June.

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especially to report a the
following men:-
Tilbury A.B.
Frend A.B.
Plack, A.B.
Patrick O.S.
/ the
/
was placed in hospital is
a large hotel about 2m
East of sunkisk He was
badly burnt about the hereby
and face and suffering shy
from shock. 6 maing to to
congested state of the bear
it was imposible to it
all surviso. all men su
were instructed to netur
to England by the earlier
available boat
/
I am, Sir
h
to
Lour obediest
sut

Details

8,
3.60
H
British Representatives.
Lieut-Colonel N.M.Jesper.
Commander E.R.Lewis
At the first meeting held in the abri of the office of the
Ponts et Chaussees Major-Jeneral Lindsell opened the proceedings by
appealing to the members that they should give eschother every ass-
istance and work for the mutual benefit of both France and England.
Certain decisions were taken and everything was arranged in apmost
amicable manner.
Work continued under extremely difficult conditions when Comdr.
in
Musson R.N.R. arrived with Lieutenants Vellwert and Whittle R.N.R. By
4
this time close co-operation with the military authorities and the
As
Admiral (through the B.N.L.O) THE essential so I placed Commander
Musson in charge of the 3.2.0's office and set up my own in the
8
Bastion 32 next door to the 3.N.D.O.
I attended another conference presided over by Wajor-General
Lindsell when he informed us that the far Cabinet had decided to
evacuate the 333. through Dunkirk using the beaches as such as
possible and the sole alongside which several ships could berth at
the same time. Captain 1.0. Pennant and a navel staff would arrive
as soon as they could be got together to organise thefevacuation but
that had meanwhile to report all that available the dook ships area had should become be utilised almost untenable to embark and troops. cargo
that I it was doubtful if we should be able to discharge any more
from ships.
8,
8,

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8,
360
british Representatives,
Lieut-Colonel If .M.Jesper.
Commander E.R.Lewis
At the first meeting held in the abri of the office of the
Ponts et Chaussees Major General Lindsell opened the proceedings by
appealing to the members that they should give eachother every ass-
istance and work for the mutual benefit of both France and England.
Certain decisions were taken and everything WS8 arranged in apmost
amicable manner.
Work continued under extremely difficult conditions when Comdr.
Musson R.N.R. arrived with Lieutenants lekwen and Whittle R.N.R. By
this time close co-operation with the military authorities and the
Admiral (through the B.N.L.O) was essential so I placed Commander
Musson in charge of the 3.2.0's office and set up my own in the
Bastion 32 next door to the B.N.D.O.
I attended another conference presided over by Major-General
Lindsell when he informed us that the Tax Cubinet had decided to
evacuate the 3,3,3. through Dunkirk using the beaches as sich as
possible and the hole alongside which several ships could berth at
the same time. Captain 1.0. Tennant and a navel staff would arrive
as soon as they could be got together to organise theferacuation but
that meanwhile all available ships should be utilised to embark troops.
I had to report that the dook area had become almost untenable and
that it was doubtful if we should be able to discharge any more cargo
from ships.
E
R

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CONTENTS
Page
Introduction
xiii
CHAPTER I
Preliminary Events, 10th to 18th May, 1940
Germany invades Holland and Belgium
1
Allies reach River Dyle
1
German thrust on French 9th Army front
1
Occupation of Walcheren and Zuid Beveland imminent
2
Germans cross Meuse
2
Dutch Army surrenders
2
Allies withdraw to River Escaut
2
French 9th Army front broken
3
Allied rail communications severed
3
CHAPTER II
The week before Operation "Dynamo", 19th to 25th May, 1940
Compulsory withdrawal of B.E.F. foreseen
4
...
R.A.F. Component begins return to England
4
...
Vice-Admiral Dover, represented at War Office Conference
4
Channel ports the German objective
4
Gerneral Weygand directing Allied operations
5
R.A.F. Component to set up rear H.Q. at Hawkinge
5
Naval Staff at Dover considers large scale evacuation
5
Provision of small craft considered
5
Counter-attack south of Arras
6
Germans approach Boulogne
6
Organisation of the canal line
7
Emergency evacuation again considered at the War Office
7
Canal line occupied
7
Boulogne cut off, Calais threatened
7
"The Operation will be known as 'Dynamo' "
7
Enemy within 20 miles of Dunkirk
8
Calais cut off
8
i

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INTRODUCTION
The Dunkirk evacuation looms large in the history of the war. It involved
the dual problem of lifting a mass of hard-pressed troops from a continually
shrinking perimeter under uncertain conditions of wind and sea, the menace of
heavy attacks by air, and the onrush of a great hostile army; and then of
transporting them to England in the face of air attacks, shore bombardments,
torpedoes, mines, and the dangers of unlit shoals and wreck-strewn channels.
Despite the heavy losses suffered from all these perils, no less than 239,000
troops were embarked from the shattered quays of a wreck-encumbered har-
bour ; while some 99,000 more were lifted from the 10 miles stretch of shoaling
beach north-east of the harbour. This was no light task. The evacuation
from the beaches was performed by many hundreds of shallow-draught motor
boats, fishing craft, lighters, barges, sailing and pulling boats, manned partly
by civilian volunteers - which ferried the weary troops to the destroyers,
mine-sweepers, skoots, personnel vessels, tugs and other ships lying off in
deeper water.
Operation "Dynamo" was essentially a combined operation, requiring the
devoted co-operation of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and the
cheerful courage and steadiness of an exhausted Army waiting on the beaches
with hardly anything to eat or drink.
It must at once be said that the stupendous success which crowned Operation
"Dynamo," in the face of the determined onslaught of numbers of hostile
bombers, could not have been achieved without the air cover provided by
Fighter and Coastal Command, which performed its task almost invariably
against superior numbers, and with the serious handicap of having no base
nearer than England. In spite of the most strenuous efforts, however, the
inadequate numbers of aircraft available precluded the possibility of continuous
cover, and it is significant that the losses of ships by air attacks were greater
than the aggregate of losses from all other enemy action, while their severity
varied proportionately with the strength of our fighter cover at the time.
I The following five naval aircraft squadrons also operated under Coastal Command
801
815
806
Skuas
825
Swordfish
826 Albacore
These aircraft were the only available British dive bombers They carried out attacks on
tanks, transport, batteries, gun emplacements, enemy positions in the Calais and Dunkirk
areas, and E-boats. In spite of their relative inadequacy for the purpose the Skuas were
also detailed for fighter escort for ships. (M.011883/40)
The incidence of losses by enemy action is given in the two following tables
xiii

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CHAPTER II
THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO,"
19TH - 25TH MAY, 1940
19TH MAY
Compulsory withdrawal of B.E.F. foreseen
Gort was forced to the conclusion Continent possibility of a compulsory with-
A crisis was now approaching. After that considering the various alternatives, Lord
General Staff, Lieut-General H. the R. War Pownall, telephoned to the Director
drawal of the B.E.F. from the must be faced, and so his Chief of the
Military Operations and Plans at Office and discussed this possibility. of
at Abbeville were still holding, but there was little doubt that enemy armoured
On this 19th day of May communications by road and rail over the Somme
forces in that area would shortly break through to the coast. The force could
then no longer be supplied through in the ports south of the Somme, and the great
be available for maintaining replacements.¹
bulk of the reserves, which were the rearward areas, would shortly cease to
R.A.F. Component begins return to England
The growing failure of communications had now made it impracticable for
the British air organisation to function, and by the evening orders had to be
given for a large proportion of the R.A.F. Component of the B.E.F. (Air Vice-
Marshal C.H.B. Blount) to return to England.
Equally serious was the fact that, by the evening, German troops had arrived
in Amiens. The picture was no longer that of a line bent or temporarily
broken, but of a besieged fortress.²
Vice-Admiral, Dover, represented at War Office conference
Meanwhile, in London, following the receipt of General H. R. Pownall's
message, a meeting had been held at the War Office at which Vice-Admiral
B. H. Ramsay (Vice-Admiral, Dover), was represented.
This meeting discussed the temporary maintenance of the B.E.F.-and the
evacuation other of its personnel through Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne. Among
questions considered was the possiblity of "the hazardous evacuation of
known very large forces." So little, apparently, was the true military situation then
seven of days later it developed into Operation "Dynamo". "The main decision
in London that this problem was regarded as "unlikely," though only
delegated disposal." to the Vice-Admiral Dover, and available shipping placed at his
this meeting," says Vice-Admiral Ramsay, "was that the control must be
Channel ports the German objective
enemy down the armoured forces appeared to be directed deepened
On the 20th May the breach south of Arras and widened; the
the Channel valley ports. of the Somme on Abbeville, the on other two main doubtless objectives - making one for
2 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 30.
2 I Lord Lord Gort's Second Despatch,
Gort's Second Despatch, para. para, 31. 32.
4

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THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
General Weygand directing Allied operations
During this day also, Lord Gort became aware that Allied operations were
actually being directed by General Weygand (successor to General Gamelin),
who announced later, on 23rd May, that he was Commander-in-Chief in all
theatres of war.¹
The first move in this so-called "Weygand plan," (see under 23rd-24th May),
now became apparent when General Sir Edmund Ironside, the Chief of the
Imperial General Staff, arrived at Lord Gort's G.H.Q. with instructions from
the British Cabinet that the B.E.F. was to move southward upon Amiens,
attacking all enemy forces encountered and taking station on the left of the
French Army. This move, Lord Gort pointed out, was impracticable because
it would involve the disengagement of seven British divisions which were actually
in close contact with the enemy on the Escaut, and would be immediately
followed up by the enemy. In any case, owing to the prospective interruption
by the enemy of the B.E.F.'s line of supply, imminent at any moment, it was
unlikely that the B.E.F. could undertake sustained offensive operations.
Lord Gort had, however, already made plans to counter-attack with two
divisions southward of Arras, and now proposed that they should make this
attack on the following day. The C.I.G.S. agreed with this action.¹
R.A.F. Component to set up rear H.Q. at Hawkinge
Meanwhile, the evacuation of the R.A.F. Component was proceeding, and
it was decided to set up its rear headquarters at Hawkinge, in England.2
Naval Staff at Dover considers large-scale evacuation
At Dover, the possiblity of a large-scale evacuation was now definitely fore-
seen for a meeting of the Naval Staff was held there during the day to consider
the emergency evacuation across the channel of very large forces. This meeting,
which was attended by Liaison Officers from the War Office Movement Control
and the Ministry of Shipping, considered the number of personnel vessels and
small craft available; it agreed that the air protection of sailings, embarkations
and disembarkations was to be arranged by Vice-Admiral, Dover, direct with
Fighter Command; and it called attention to the necessity, in the event of
evacuation, for a large number of small boats to carry the troops from the very
gradually shoaling beaches to the off-shore ships. Furthermore, as it was
considered extremely doubtful whether the whole of the troops to be evacuated
could be lifted from the beaches, it was urged that if at all possible, the ports
must be used as well"3. It is evident that, at this date, it was not yet realised
that the only port available for the evacuation would be Dunkirk.
Provision of small craft considered
After this meeting at Dover, a long series of telephone conversations took
place between the V-A. Dover, the Admiralty, the Ministry of Shipping and
the C. in C. Nore, as to the provision of small craft for the final evacuation
and the provision of naval personnel for manning the skoots⁴ and small boats
required for transport and ferrying.
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 32.
2 R.A.F. Narrative.
3 D.R.
4 Dutch schuyts or coasters.
5

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
Organisation of the Canal line
On the 21st May, also, steps were taken to defend the south-western flank
of the Allied force by organising the defence of the canal line from the Escaut
to La Bassée, and to continue it to St. Omer and the sea at Gravelines.¹
From this date all arrangements for air co-operation with the B.E.F. were
made by the War Office in conjunction with the Air Ministry, the air liaison
work being carried out in England at Hawkinge.2
Emergency evacuation again considered at the War Office
Meanwhile, in London, a meeting was held at the War Office at which, once
again, the emergency evacuation across the channel of very large forces, now
100ming close ahead, was under consideration.³
22ND MAY
Canal line occupied
By the 22nd May the 85 miles of canal line from Gravelines, through St. Omer
and Aire, to the Escaut (west of St. Amand) had been occupied, so far as was
possible, with the 10,000 men available. This line was divided into sectors,
for each of which a British commander was responsible,¹ but the number of
anti-tank weapons was barely adequate to cover all the crossing places, and no
effective watch could be kept against small parties of infantry crossing the
canal between the bridges.¹
Boulogne cut off, Calais threatened
The ports of Boulogne and Calais were now no longer working and con-
sequently the supply situation had grown worse than ever. It was found too
that, at such short notice, the port of Ostend could not be adapted to military
requirements.4
Boulogne was, in fact, by this time completely cut off, and by the evening
enemy armoured forces were within 9 miles of Calais.⁵ At Merville, the last
remaining advanced landing ground available for the R.A.F. Component was
abandoned.
On the night of 22nd/23rd May, according to plan, the Allied withdrawal
to the Belgian frontier defences was carried out.⁶
" The operation
...
will be known as Dynamo'
Meanwhile, the Admiralty had begun to make definite preparations for an
evacuation from the Continent. There were at this time, lying at Poole and
in the Port of London, some 50 Dutch skoots (schuyts), 200 ton-motor coasters
which had escaped from Holland. On the 22nd May the Admiralty, after
allocating 8 of these vessels to the War Office for use as supply ships, directed
the Commanders-in-Chief Portsmouth and the Nore to take over and man the
remainder, arrange for their organisation and assembly, and report the names
of the vessels as they became ready for service. At the same time it was in-
timated that, when ready, the skoots would be placed at the disposal of V-A.
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 34.
2 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 29.
D.R.
4 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 37.
5 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 36.
6 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 39.
7

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
Communication with England was cut, and all messages had to be sent by des-
troyers.
By 1530 the Germans had occupied the whole of Boulogne except a bridge-
head, all anti-tank guns were out of action, and half of Major Holford's force
were estimated to be casualties. The destroyers Keith (D. (19), Captain D. J.R.
Simson) and Whitshed went over to Boulogne during the afternoon, and were
followed later by the Venetia, Venomous, Vimiera, Wild Swan and Windsor.
The arrival of the first two destroyers was followed by an enemy air attack,
together with close range mortar, machine gun and rifle fire, which caused
damage and casualties, including Captain D. (19) who was killed, and necessi-
tated breaking off, the work of evacuating wounded and withdrawing tem-
porarily from the port. Fortunately, No. 92 Squadron of the R.A.F. (12
Spitfires) soon encountered the large enemy formation and, with some loss to
themselves and much to the enemy, gained a measure of control of the situation;
and by 1955 the destroyers were back in harbour and carrying out the evacua-
tion of the Welsh Guards. The Keith had received a signal at 1749 ordering
all troops to be evacuated.
About 2000, while Lieut.-Comdr. Welman was on the point of firing the last
of the demolition charges, German tanks towing field guns appeared over the
hill north of the harbour and opened heavy fire at the three destroyers coming
in to take off Force Buttercup." An amazing engagement, described by
eye-witnesses as magnificent, ensued between the German field guns and the
destroyers. The Venetia was hit while in mid-channel, but she was got under
control and out of the harbour, thus avoiding blocking in the Venomous and Wild
who were embarking " Force Buttercup" and the Irish Guards while engaging
the enemy tanks and field guns with every gun they had.
It was low water when the destroyers eventually backed out of harbour,
loaded down with troops. When the Venomous backed out her wheel jammed
and she had to steer with her engines; the Wild Swan, following her, grounded
for a moment, but both ships got off and both reached Dover safely. When,
at 2234 some 3,000 troops had been brought off, the Wild Swan reported that
although a considerable number remained further evacuation was impracticable.
The Windsor, however, which had been ordered at about 2030 to help in the
evacuation, arrived after the rest of the destroyers had left; she entered the
harbour after dark, filled to capacity and sailed again without damage or much
difficulty. On clearing the harbour, the Windsor informed V.-A. Dover that
further evacuation under cover of darkness was still possible and that two more
destroyers could lift all the soldiers still left at Boulogne.
Vice-Admiral, Dover, therefore, despatched the Vimiera at 0015 on the 24th
to try to bring off the remaining troops. She arrived at Boulogne at 0130,
and found all silent. At length the Commanding Officer's hail was answered,
and it was found that there were more than 1000 troops waiting for a ship.
Going alongside the jetty, the destroyer was crowded to the tiller flat by 0230,
the only space left being round the guns; and when she slipped at 0245 she
was compelled to leave some 200 men behind. Five minutes later shore batteries
opened fire on the jetty, and at 0255 a bomber passed close and a bomb ex-
ploded 20 yards away. The Vimiera was so over-loaded that even five degrees
of helm made the ship list unpleasantly. She reached Dover safely at 0355
and landed some 1400 men, including Belgian and French troops and some
I The Whitshed had been at Boulogne helping to evacuate wounded from 0630 to 1045
when she left with two transports for Calais.
9

Details

CHAP. III
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
with a view to lifting up to 45,000 of the B.E.F. within two days, at the end of
which it was probable that evacuation would be terminated by enemy action".
A further step was taken when, at 1800, Captain W. G. Tennant, M.V.O.,
R.N., was ordered by the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral T.S. V.
Phillips, C.B., to proceed to Dunkirk to take control of the naval shore em-
barkation parties. Captain Tennant's appointment as S.N.O., Dunkirk, was
promulgated, his duties to commence the following day2, and beach masters
and pier parties were ordered to proceed from the Nore to Dover.
Then, at 1857, there went out from the Admiralty, by teleprinter, the historic
signal, "Operation Dynamo is to commence "3, which was to save our Army
in France, and to have the most momentous results for the Nation, the Empire
and the World.
Mona's Isle makes the first round trip
Except for the destroyer Wolsey, which left Dover at 1930 to act as W/T
link ship, the first ship to sail on this great mission was the armed boarding
vessel Mona's Isle, which left the Downs at 2116. After some delay with a
fouled propeller she berthed at the Quai Félix Faure during an air attack, and
embarked 1420 troops. On the return journey, she was straddled by shore
guns off Gravelines, and shortly after, was heavily machine-gunned from the
air; these attacks caused 83 casualties, including 23 dead. She reached
Dover at noon on the 27th May escorted by the destroyer Windsor, which had
put her doctor on board and landed her troops. Mona's Isle was the first ship
to complete the round trip in Operation "Dynamo".
Mona's Queen first ship back on 27th May
This, however, was not the first passage on 26th May. Even before the
Admiralty signal, the despatch of personnel vessels to Dunkirk had begun, a
flow of 2 vessels every 4 hours having been accepted by the B.E.F.4. The
armed boarding vessel King Orry had sailed at 0930, and the Mona's Queen at
noon. The Maid of Orleans had sailed at 1100 (with 6,000 two-gallon cans of
water), but arriving off Dunkirk during an air attack was unable to effect an
entrance and returned to Dover"; she was sailed again at 1726, escorted by
the destroyer Wild Swan, which had also taken out the Canterbury at 1728,
and escorted her part of the way.
The Mona's Queen (carrying 1200 troops) was the first of these ships to
arrive back from Dunkirk, reaching Dover shortly after midnight on the
26th/27th May ; the Canterbury arrived at 0309/27 (with 1,340 troops), the
store ship Ngaroma at 0500/27 (with a hundred troops), the Maid of Orleans at
0600/27 (with 980 troops), and the King Orry at 1100/27 (with 1,131). As a
result of these sailings on the 26th May 6,083 troops were landed in England
on the 27th May, of which Mona's Isle had contributed 1,420 towards the
two days".
tentative Admiralty target of "lifting up to 45,000 of the B.E.F. within
Hospital carriers
under Hague Convention was ignored, and their conspicuous white hulls
The the work of the hospital carriers was specially hazardous; their immunity
I D.R. page ii.
2 Appendix M. 2.
3 Appendix M. 1.
4
D.R.
16

Details

MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
task now is to evacuate to England maximum of your force possible."¹ No
policy had yet been laid down by French G.Q.G., or any other French higher
authority, for a withdrawal northward of the Lys, and, says Lord Gort, "I had
no idea what plans either he [General Blanchard] or Admiral Abrial had in
mind".'
Lord Gort failed to contact General Blanchard either at La Panne, or at the
French naval headquarters, situated at Bastion No. 32, Dunkirk. While at the
Bastion, however, at 2300, he was informed in the course of conversation with
General Koeltz (General Weygand's deputy) that the King of the Belgians
had asked for an armistice from midnight that night. The British Commander-
in-Chief thus found himself suddenly faced with an open gap of 20 miles between
Ypres and the sea, through which enemy armoured forces might reach the
beaches².
Owing to congestion on the roads Lord Gort was unable to reach his head-
quarters at Houtkerque until 0430 on 28th May; he then found that a telegram
had been received from the War Office at 0130/28 saying that the King of the
Belgians was capitulating at midnight, 27th/28th May.³
This was the derelict situation facing Lord Gort in the early hours of the
morning.
Dunkirk locks prepared for demolition
On the 27th May, on the orders of Admiral Abrial, the Royal Naval
demolition party which had arrived at Dunkirk on the 23rd May placed
demolition charges at the New, the Trystram and the Guillain locks in Dunkirk
harbour.
Route Z under fire Route Y adopted Route x prepared
Owing to the great lack of inshore craft for beach work the main naval effort
during the day had been confined to maintaining the flow of personnel vessels
to Dunkirk at the rate of 2 every 31/2 hours. Even this limited transport service
had been seriously interrupted by the fire of shore batteries between Les
Hemmes (east of Calais) and Gravelines. At 0623 the Biarritz and Archangel,
en route for Dunkirk escorted by the destroyer Verity, were shelled 6 miles
E.N.E. of Calais. The Biarritz was hit several times and had 1 killed and 2
wounded. The Archangel was also apparently damaged, and neither ship
took any further part in "Dynamo". At 0640, the M/V Sequacity and the
freighter Yewdale were also shelled off Calais. The Sequacity was hit four
times, and at 1020, when north of Dunkirk channel, after the crew had been
transferred to the Yewdale, the Sequacity went down by the head and sank.
At 0750 the armed boarding vessel Mona's Isle, loaded with troops, suffered
severe casualties and damage from shore guns off Gravelines, and also from
an air attack shortly afterwards, and had to go into dock for repairs. At
0800 the H/C Isle of Thanet was shelled off Calais and returned to Dover. At
0900, the A.B/V King Orry, returning from Dunkirk loaded with troops also
suffered casualties and damage from the Calais guns.
As a result of these happenings the Vice-Admiral, Dover, reported to the
Admiralty that the normal or southern route, Dover to Dunkirk (later known
as Route Z), was impracticable in daylight. Another, more northern route
(later known as Route Y), via the Dyck Whistle buoy, Middelkerk buoy, and
Zuydcoote Pass, was accordingly adopted. This, however, increased the
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 51.
2 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 49.
3 Lord Gort's Second Despatch 50.
19

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MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
beach evacuation impossible ; at no time did this happen, but it was not
until the fifth day of the operation (May 30th) that small power boats and beach
craft began to become available in adequate numbers.¹
The reason for this is to be sought mainly in the need for secrecy enjoined
by the British and French Governments, even after the operation had been
ordered. The necessity for avoiding any action that might have given rise to
talk rendered the collection of small craft slow. It was not until 31st May
that the British public learnt from the press that evacuation had begun.
Disembarkation ports designated
In these early days the limiting factors seemed likely to be the scale of enemy
attacks at Dunkirk and on the beaches, and the difficulty of concentrating the
ships and the troops at a common point or points².
Meanwhile, in order to ensure air protection, Blenheims maintained a patrol
by single aircraft over the Dunkirk area during the night.³
At 2330, the Vice-Admiral, Dover, promulgated the names of ports for the
disembarkation of troops in England as follows :-
The Calcutta at Sheerness;
destroyers at Dover ;
drifters, minesweepers,
skoots and coasters
}{
At Margate or Ramsgate as directed
by N.O.I.C. Ramsgate;
personnel vessels at Folkestone.
Throughout the whole course of the operation the despatch of troops from
the points of disembarkation in England was directed by the War Office Move-
ments Control Organisation, and proceeded with great smoothness⁴.
Summary of troops evacuated
The ships which had sailed for Dunkirk on the 26th May brought back
6,183 troops and 646 stretcher cases next day.
During the 27th May only two personnel vessels actually made the round
trip, viz. : the Royal Daffodil, which brought back 840 troops from Dunkirk,
and the St. Helier, which was ordered back before she could embark any troops.
The destroyers Wolsey and Wolfhound, which embarked 206 and 130 troops
respectively from Malo beach on the evening of 27th May, did not sail for
England until shortly after midnight.
Thus, the total number landed in England from the commencement of
Operation "Dynamo" to midnight 27th/28th May was :
26th May - Nil;
27th May - 7,669, all of whom were lifted direct from Dunkirk harbour.
I D.R. covering letter, No. A.14/0/876/40, page 2, paras. 3 and 5.
2 D.R. page 3, para. 11.
3 R.A.F. Narrative, p. 320.
4 D.R. covering letter No. A.14/0/876/40, page 2, para. 6.
25

Details

CHAPTER V
TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
First supplies reach the beaches
from England arrived at the beaches, landed La spite of many and ammy enition
This was a day of tension. The first supplies and in of food, water
action considerable quantities were at Panne and at the
north of it.¹
Germans reach Nieuport
Early on the 28th May the leading enemy mobile troops and tanks reached
Nieuport, but the danger that the enemy forces, released by the Belgian
armistice, might forestall the B.E.F.'s occupation of the perimeter had been
foreseen², and the measures taken by Lord Gort to meet a desperate situation
and to delay the enemy proved successful.
At 1100 General Blanchard visited Lord Gort at his headquarters at Hout-
kerque. It then transpired that General Blanchard, having received no in-
structions from his Government regarding the evacuation of French troops,
declined to contemplate any such operation. Later in the day, however, he
consented, and orders were given for part of the French 1st Army to withdraw
SO as to arrive within the Dunkirk perimeter on 30th May.3
Lord Gort's Headquarters move to La Panne
Meanwhile, during the afternoon, Lord Gort moved his headquarters from
Houtkerque to La Panne, which was in direct telephonic communication with
London. There he received from Lt.-Gen. Sir Ronald Adam and the Quarter-
Master-General, Lt.-General W. G. Laidsell, a very unfavourable report :
No ships could be unloaded at the docks at Dunkirk, and few wounded could
be evacuated. There was no water in Dunkirk and very little on the beaches.
The Naval plans were not yet in full operation, and some 20,000 men were
waiting to be taken off the beaches, 10,0004 having been taken off in the last
2 " days, chiefly from Dunkirk." Also, they stated it as their opinion that
given a reasonable measure of immunity from air attack, troops could be
gradually
evacuated. If, however, intensive air attacks continued the beaches
might easily become a shambles within the next 48 hours".⁵
Possibility of surrender is visualised
Lord Gort informed the C.I.G.S. of the gist of this report, and asked that
H.M. " Government should consider the policy to be followed if a crisis arose,
as well it might." He received this telegram in reply :
"
H.M. Govt. fully approve your withdrawal to extricate your force in order
to embark maximum number possible of B.E.F. If you are cut from all com-
munication from us, and all evacuation from Dunkirk and beaches had, in your
judgment, been finally prevented after every attempt to re-open it had failed,
you to would become sole judge of when it was impossible to inflict further damage
enemy"."
2 I Lord Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 50.
3 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 53.
4 Gort's Second Despatch, 52.
5 Some Lord of these had been taken para. off before operation Dynamo' commenced.
Gort's Second Despatch, para. 54.
26

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP V
While a situation that could only mean surrender was now visualised in
England as possibly a stark necessity, General Weygand sent an urgent tele-
gram to Lord Gort appealing to him personally to ensure that the British
Army took a vigorous part in any counter-attack thought necessary; the
situation, said General Weygand, made it essential to hit hard.
Lord Gort, who saw the situation more clearly, observes, when he [General
Weygand] sent this message, he could have had no accurate information of
the real position or of the powers of counter-attack remaining to either the
British or French."
Germans take Ostend
That evening, at 2030, the Admiralty informed the Vice-Admiral, Dover,
that Ostend was reliably reported to be captured. Dunkirk was the only port
left in Allied hands.
Situation at Dunkirk becomes easier
Nor were the prospects at Dunkirk very hopeful. When the Wolfhound and
the Wolsey left Malo beach for Dover just after midnight on the 27th May the
whole of the port appeared to be ablaze¹.
At 0125 the cruiser Calcutta, en route for La Panne, was missed by a torpedo
100 yards astern fired from an E-boat. No further attack took place, and the
Calcutta arrived off La Panne beach an hour later to find that the destroyers
Grafton, Greyhound and Impulsive, and the paddle-minesweepers Sandown and
Gracie Fields, were already there.
Ever since 0030 destroyers making their first trip to the evacuation area
had been arriving off the beaches, and only two - the Gallant and the Wakeful -
went to Dunkirk. The Vivacious and the skoot Hebe II reached Malo beach
at about 0030, and the Sabre at 0120. The Hebe II, unable to find any troops,
entered Dunkirk harbour and embarked 150 from the east pier; the Sabre
embarked troops from two drifters. At 0320 the Vimy arrived off the beach
at Zuydcoote, 3 miles east of Dunkirk, and sent her boats to assist in filling up
the minesweeper Brighton Belle, which was embarking troops with the assist-
ance of the ex-Belgian canal boat Yser and a small pulling boat. The skoot
Lena had been off Zuydcoote since the previous evening and in the early hours
of the 28th May transferred the 120 troops she had embarked to a destroyer ;
the minesweeper Medway Queen, off La Panne since 2300/27, sailed with 600
troops on board.
By 0400 the situation in Dunkirk harbour appears to have eased, and at
0436 S.N.O. Dunkirk was asking for all vessels to go alongside the east pier.
At 0445 the Vimy, leaving her boats with the Brighton Belle, went into Dunkirk
harbour and embarked 613 troops. At 0955 the destroyer Mackay reached
Dunkirk from the Irish Sea, and picked up 600 troops in an hour from the sea-
ward end of Dunkirk east pier, giving up her berth to the destroyer Montrose.
The Sabre, which had in the meantime returned to Dover with a load of 158
troops from Malo beach, berthed outside the Montrose. An hour later, the
destroyers Worcester and Anthony arrived, and berthed ahead of the Montrose.
The pier was crammed with troops and several aircraft, attempting to bomb
it, were driven off by the destroyers' gunfire. Vast columns of smoke were
drifting westwards from the burning oil tanks ashore, and houses on the sea
front were bursting into flames from time to time².
I Report by the Wolfhound.
2 Report by the Montrose.
27

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
In spite, however, of every effort as more and more ships were drawn into
Operation Dynamo", the pressing demand for beaching craft grew, almost
hourly, more insistent. A climax was reached on 1st June¹, when, in spite
of the number sent over, the inshore flotilla " - crippled by weather, accidents,
mechanical breakdowns, exhaustion of crews and enemy action - was still
unable to meet requirements, and the minesweeper Gossamer's urgent request
for boats received the curt reply It is now impracticable to send more boats.
You must do your utmost with yours². A perusal of the "Dynamo" signals
brings sharply to notice the great driving force of the Vice-Admiral, Dover ;
the clamorous signals for more boats" were an indication of the great strain
to which he was being subjected.
Beach and harbour evacuation compared
There can be little doubt that had not valid reasons prevented more beach
ferrying craft from being made available for the first 5 days of the evacuation,
a greater number of troops could have been evacuated. The initial problem",
says the Vice-Admiral, Dover, "called for a maximum effort over a limited
period, regardless of the future, and accordingly all resources in the way of
small boats were thrown on the beaches, before adequate provision had been
made for their maintenance off the coast in such matters as relief of the per-
sonnel and the provision of large beach parties.
" It was only due, to the foresight of the Admiralty in making arrangements
for a continued flow in ever increasing numbers of small power boats and beach
craft, which became available on the fifth day onwards, that the continued
evacuation from the beaches remained a reasonable proposition after the
initial crisis had passed.
A perusal of the signals that passed between Dover and the French coast here
reveals the many occasions on which the responsible officers stationed on the
coast considered so little had been achieved from the beaches that they ad-
vocated restriction of evacuation to Dunkirk harbour. Many complaints of
no boats', no ships' might lead a detached observer to the conclusion
that the great effort that was being made was proving abortive.
" At Dover, where the whole operation could be viewed in truer perspective
because the number and origin of the troops being landed in England was
always to hand, it was clear that the evacuation from the beaches required by
the military situation was, in fact, achieving a considerable success."3
Admiral Ramsay's view is borne out by these recorded figures: Of the 251,000
troops landed in the United Kingdom between May 28th and June 1st inclusive
- the period during which Dunkirk and the beaches eastward were available
day and night except for enemy interference - 90,000 were lifted from the
beaches, while 55,000 were lifted by personnel ships and hospital carriers, and
106,000 by other vessels, direct from Dunkirk harbour (see Table 2).
Anti-submarine patrols are maintained
While the lifting of troops from Dunkirk and the beaches was progressing
with ever-increasing speed, anti-submarine patrols had been maintained from
the North Goodwin to Kwint Bank; but on the 28th May all destroyers except
I Appendices H.17 to H.25.
2 Appendix H.22.
3 Letter from V.A. Dover (A.14/0/876/40 of 18/6/40) covering his Report on Operation
" Dynamo". Italics not in original.
33

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
the Vega and the Polish Blyskawica two were destroyers diverted from them to the
On patrol this day with these and eleven A/S trawlers². were the
A/S Thomas Chief 4 Widgeon, survivors. Owing trawler Skipper Bartlett, to Sheldrake, Thuringia a D. misunderstanding which W. Shearwater L. were was Simpson, sunk in company, by the D.S.C., a LL mine carried trawlers D.S.M., early out in R.N.R., Our the a sweep Bairns, a was in not Dunkirk Inverforth among Captain, and the
instead of sweeping the war channel. These to vessels were shelled off Calais; roads
ran on to a British minefield, and, striking 1017, sank with the guns, loss
and the Thomas Bartlett, while endeavouring a mine get at out of range of the
of 8 of her crew³.
During the night of 28th/29th May, to strengthen this patrol, all available
M.T.B.'s of the Nore and Dover Commands were ordered to patrol north-east
of the line Wandelaar L/V and Whistle Buoy.
Summary of troops landed in England
The figures for May 28th gave grounds for hope. 17,804 troops were trans-
ported to England⁴ (of which 11,835 were transported by destroyers). Of
these, 11,874 were lifted from Dunkirk east pier, and 5,930 from the beaches.
(See Table 2).
Ships lost or damaged on 28th May
LOST
DAMAGED
The A/S trawler Thuringia
The destroyer Windsor.
The drifter Ocean Reward
The M/S Brighton Belle
LL trawler Thomas Bartlett
P/V Queen of the Channel
The skoot Alice
The H/C Isle of Thanet
Stella 2 Dorado, Wyke, Kingston Alalite, being damaged Galena, Saon, Spurs,
I 2 The The Windsor Cayton had returned to Dover after in an air attack at 1145.
4 D.R. Report gives by Westella, C.M.S., 14,409, Dover Blackburn (R.O. Rovers, II, p.498). Kingston Lady Philomena Andalusite, and Kingston Thuringia.
disembarked by the various but this ships, figure as shown is not in confirmed Tables See also 2 and by Appx. the 3. recorded J.12 numbers of troops
34

Details

CHAPTER VI
WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
FIRST HEAVY ENEMY AIR EFFORT
German bridgehead in Nieuport
Throughout the 29th May, the enemy attempted to cross the canal between
the Frenco-Belgian frontier and Nieuport - and, indeed, succeeded in establish-
ing a bridgehead in the town of Nieuport, although everywhere else he was
driven back. Some of the enemy attempted to cross in rubber boats; others,
disguised as civilians, with the refugees, horses and cattle. The few vital hours
gained made it possible, against all expectation, to embark practically the
whole British force¹.
Two-day traffic block in perimeter
Large numbers of French troops arriving in the perimeter brought a mass of
transport which caused such traffic congestion that for two days the main road
between La Panne and Dunkirk became totally blocked with vehicles three
deep².
French evacuation not yet ordered
Admiral Abrial (whose headquarters were at Bastion No. 32, near Dunkirk
Mole) had apparently received no orders from his Government that the whole
of the British troops were to be embarked, and he professed great surprise when
he heard of Lord Gort's intentions. He imagined that British troops would
stay and defend the perimeter to the last, side by side with the French².
Meanwhile, the French troops were expecting to embark along with their
British comrades, notwithstanding that only two French ships had so far been
provided³; the beaches were becoming crowded with French soldiers, and
difficulties might have occurred at any time.² Later in the day, however,
three French torpedo boats and one minesweeper sailed to Dunkirk harbour
to evacuate troops.4
Dunkirk perimeter established
On the evening of the 29th May the organisation of the perimeter was com-
plete, and General Sir Ronald Adam, his task accomplished, embarked for
England that night.5
Mackay and Montrose out of action
The story of the 29th May is largely one of ships sunk or damaged. Our
losses were very heavy and began very early. At 0005, the destroyer Mackay
(en route to Bray beach with the destroyer Harvester) ran aground at the western
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch para. 53.
2 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 55.
3 So far, the French torpedo boat Cyclone had brought back 460 troops, and the mine-
sweeper Commandant Delage 520 - both on 29th May, from Dunkirk harbour.
4 The torpedo boats Cyclone, Mistral and Sirocco and the minesweeper Commandant
Delage.
5 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 57.
35

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
out because of the men in the water. By the time the Lydd had picked up
10 survivors, the destroyer Grafton, loaded with about 800 troops from Bray
beach, also arrived and ordered the Lydd to circle round her. The Gossamer
went on to Dover.
In the meantime, the Comfort had reached the stern portion of the wreck of
the Wakeful, and finding that it had fallen over¹, went alongside the Grafton
to warn her of the danger of torpedoes. It was then about 0240, and the
Grafton having first sighted a small darkened vessel about 3 cables on the port
quarter, signalled it to pick up survivors. Almost at once a torpedo hit the
Grafton's port side and exploded; a second explosion followed, thought to be
a shell or grenade hit, which wrecked the Grafton's bridge killing her Captain,
Cdr. C. E. C. Robinson, R.N., and 3 others. The torpedo blew off. the Grafton's
stern, abaft the after magazine bulkhead, and broke her back, but she still
floated on an even keel. A German submarine, U.69 had fired the torpedo.
The torpedo explosion almost swamped the Comfort; she rose, and Cdr.
Fisher was washed overboard. He seized a rope's end, but with the Comfort
going full speed ahead soon had to let go. The Comfort came round in a wide
circle until within about 50 yards of the stricken Grafton, whereupon the
Grafton and Lydd, mistaking her in the darkness for an E-boat, opened a heavy
raking fire with 4-inch and Lewis guns.²
Comfort cut in half
When the firing ceased Cdr. Fisher, who had reached the bow of the Comfort,
endeavoured to get abord; but the Lydd, having circled round to finish off
the supposed E-boat, bore down at full speed and, ramming the Comfort amid-
ships (it was then about 0307), cut her in half. Some of the Comfort's crew
attempted to spring aboard the Lydd, but the Lydd, mistaking them for boarders,
opened up with rifle fire. Two men were, however, taken off the rammed vessel
and it was then discovered that she was the Comfort. Altogether, the number
saved from this most tragic occurrence, shrouded in the darkness of the night,
were only 5, of which 4 were survivors from the Wakeful. As the Grafton then
appeared able to look after herself, the Lydd set course for Ramsgate.
When the Comfort went down Cdr. Fisher again sank, but he came to the
surface and, after swimming about until 0515, was picked up by a boat lowered
from the Norwegian S.S. Hird, which was en route from Dunkirk to England
with about 3,500 troops and refugees on board.
Grafton sunk
In the meantime, at 0400, the personnel ship Malines, which was returning
empty from Dunkirk, heard S OS signals; she placed herself alongside the
torpedoed Grafton and transferred the destroyer's 800 troops. "The Master
handled his ship with extreme skill," reported the acting Captain of the Grafton,
Lieut. H. C. J. McRea, R.N.
It was now 0430, just before sunrise, and the destroyers Javelin, Icarus,
Vanquisher, Intrepid and Ivanhoe, en route from Dover to Dunkirk, sighted the
sinking Grafton. The Ivanhoe went to her assistance and embarked the
I On the 30th May the corvette Sheldrake was ordered to destroy the Wakeful's asdic
apparatus. She found the Wakeful completely capsized with her stern resting on the
bottom. As, by then, information was received that the area had been mined, the Shel-
drake, to minimise the risk, sank the wreck by gunfire and a pattern of depth charges.
2 Later the Grafton's fire was shifted to another vessel further away on the port quarter,
which was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the E-boat.
37

Details

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
straddled by bombs for and 35 minutes), the seeing burning that Grenade traffic all along the east
proceeded out of harbour, out of a into drifter in the Calvi,
had ceased, cast off, skirting grounding slightly on sunk and the sunken pier
The troops now of began the Piermaster climbing Cdr. J. one C. Clouston, ship
restored the instructions order.
having arrangements of his in the clear of the fairway,', R.N.,
At 1815 made the Grenade was abandoned with the Piermaster and her Captain, to tow her Cdr. R. C. Boyle,
embarked with some ship's company Crested Eagle.
Polly Johnson sunk
to the five remaining her Oropesa and the John Cattling was instructed on
The burning wreck of the Grenade trawlers. did, The in fact, commence to drift down
attempt vivors to pull clear, out of the remaining harbour 4 trawlers, with troops and to
on board, proceeded towards the beaches. A sur-
later, of the near Nieuport caused Bank buoy, miss the in Polly Johnson, leaking badly as a result little
engine, was abandoned; Arley embarked her crew and troops and sank
damage by a the near the first air attack, and with damaged
her by gunfire.
Grenade blown up
She burned fiercely for some hours and then blew up.
The Grenade was guided into a pocket to the westward of the main channel.
Crested Eagle blazing, is beached
swung clear of the east pier and proceeded on an easterly course. Shortly
Meanwhile, when the Verity left the harbour at 1755, the Crested Eagle
afterwards, she however, she was hit by 4 bombs and caught fire; out of control,
about she might transfer her troops; but the Crested Eagle could not stop. At
that continued under way. The Verity instructed the Crested Eagle to stop so
in Eagle ran aground west of Bray beach. The 200 survivors, who could be seen
1830, blazing fiercely fore and aft (she was a wooden ship) the Crested
to the the water, were heavily machine-gunned from the air, and the ships that came
rescue were bombed. Some of the survivors, several with severe burns,
Captain and other survivors of the Grenade, by the minesweeper Albury.
were picked up by the minesweepers Hebe and Lydd; others, including the
Among those picked up by the Sabre was the Second Engineer of the Crested
Eagle and a stoker from the Grenade.
Normania sunk
gunboat Ross took Mosquito, but then began to sink. The Mosquito and the minesweeper by
by a bomb off 11 W buoy. She was towed clear of Dunkirk channel was the
In the course of this third air attack the personnel vessel Normania hit
sank off off the crew and the few troops that on board. The Normania
11 W buoy at about 0245 the following were day.
Saladin and attacks The 2000. fourth off severely Ships Bray air attack, returning beach damaged, which to was England Lorina widespread, sunk were bombed. took place There between were about continuous 1830
was so company there were attacked; the destroyers attacked Sabre, 10 times,
Saladin in and its vicinity; the Verity and
severely damaged in the engine room by Saladin, a near miss that she had to
44

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
were the 8 assault which landing had been craft loaded (A.L.C.'s), into, and under brought the command of
Cassidi, R.N., were A.L.C.'s 3, 4, 5, 8, 15, 16, 17 over by,Whe S.S. R. A.
Macalister. They off No. 6 W buoy, at about and 18. Clan
was being hoisted causing out, the Clan Macalister to roll
passed at speed, and both craft were rendered unfit
down on A.L.C.18 did valuable work ferrying
ing from six the A.L.C.'s beaches. however, some troops
French troops rush A.L.C.5.
Cdr. Cassidi, who was in A.L.C.5 proceeded some way up the coast and
soldiers, SO many of them got on the boat was grounded. French
carried on inshore; his craft was board immediately that rushed on all sides by then
The second attempt to embark troops failed, SO A.L.C.5 proceeded
of the troops had to be forced off the French boat before she could be got off the beach. Some
at the rate of about 3 trips an hour, air 50 men per trip, throughout the day,
to La Panne beach¹. Thence, British troops were ferried to off-lying ships
except for interruptions by frequent attacks. The A.L.C.5 made 15 trips.
A.L.C.16 is sunk
The A.L.C.16 (S/Lt. R.O. Wilcoxon, R.N.V.R.) made 7 trips, after which
"she was boarded by French soldiers, who overwhelmed the boat to such an
extent that she became partially swamped, the starboard battery was flooded
and both engines failed. Eventually sufficient French were evicted to enable
A.L.C.16 to be floated off and the port engine started"². In going astern,
however, the port stern tube was damaged and water poured into the boat;
nevertheless, continually pumping and bailing, A.L.C.16 continued ferrying
for a further 11 hours. She then went alongside the sloop Bideford to transfer
a load of troops. S/Lt. Wilcoxon went on board the Bideford to arrange for
a tow back to England. Then came the dive-bomb attack in which the
Bideford's stern was blown off. S/Lt. Wilcoxon was mortally wounded.
A.L.C.16 was heavily damaged, and sank in a few minutes; she had ferried
about 600 troops.
French troops rush A.L.C.17
A.L.C.17 followed A.L.C.5 up the coast towards Bray beach. "On
approaching the beach she was promptly boarded by a crowd of French troops
who SO overloaded the boat that she grounded"³. With a falling tide she re-
mained stranded for 3 hours. As the tide rose, the French. again attempted
to rush the boat [but] the cox'n of A.L.C.17 procured the assistance of some
British troops, who, drove off the French "3. Ferrying was continued all day
and throughout the night from La Panne, until the A.L.C.17's engines broke
down; she was towed by a drifter to England next day for repairs.
A.L.C.'s 3, and 8 also ferried troops, and transported 20 and 10 troops res-
pectively to Dover, where they arrived at 0400 next day.
M/B Minikoi sunk
was the Minikoi. Unfortunately, at 0015/29, while still in the Downs, she
One of the earliest of the privately owned M/B's to start for the beaches
was rammed and sunk by the M.A./S.B.6, which picked up her crew of three.
3 Report by A.L.C.16.
I 2 Report by A.L.C.5.
Report by A.L.C.17.
52

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
M/B Sceneshifter swamped and lost
The M/B Silver Moon, from Ramsgate, arrived off the beaches at 0800 and
ferried troops to ships at anchor. Without charts or compass she returned to
Ramsgate that night. The M/B Sceneshifter, on arrival, was rushed by French
troops, swamped, and became a total loss.
M/B Viewfinder dragged aground and lost
The six motor yachts, Advance, Bobeli, Elizabeth Green, Hanora, Reda and
Viewfinder sailed from Dover for La Panne beach and were machine-gunned
from the air off Gravelines. They arrived off La Panne beach at about
1500/29, and at once began towing whalers full of troops to off-lying ships.
At 1830, the Viewfinder was dragged aground by Belgian soldiers and became
a total loss.
M/B's Hanora and Bobeli abandoned
At 1900, the Hanora fouled her propeller and was abandoned; her crew
transferred to the Elizabeth Green and thence to the minesweeper Lydd. At
1900 also, the dr. Sabre requisitioned the Advance and embarked in her a W/T
transmitter and 2 operators for transportation to G.H.Q. at La Panne. The
Reda, having ferried troops, sailed for Ramsgate at 2200 with 21 troops on
board. The Bobeli having received some damage while alongside a destroyer
which suddenly went full ahead on account of an air attack, subsequently
fouled her screw and rudder; she made fast. to the minesweeper Albury, but
was abandoned when the Albury departed and became stranded on the beach.
The Elizabeth Green and Advance sailed in company that night for Ramsgate.
M/B Glitter II brings drinking water
The Glitter II arrived off Bray beach at 1600 on the 29th May, loaded with
tins of fresh water. She then ferried troops. Next day she lost her rudder and
was towed to Dover by a drifter.
M/B Queen of England sunk
A number of other small motor craft left Southend, Sheerness or Dover for
the beaches on the 29th May, but did not arrive until 30th May. Among them
was the Shamrock, and in company with her were the Princess Maud, Canvey
Queen and Queen of England. On the way over on the night of the 29th/30th
May the Queen of England was rammed amidships by the skoot Tilly and sank
immediately ; her crew were picked up by the Shamrock and transferred to
the Tilly1. The remaining three motor boats were all abandoned and lost next
day after ferrying troops to various destroyers, among them the Anthony;
the Canvey Queen and Shamrock fouled their propellers, and the Princess Maud
went aground.
The Mirasol², alongside Dunkirk mole, was damaged by a near miss. She
was taken in tow by a trawler, but later sank.
Other M/B's that sailed for the beaches on 29th May
The Triton and Silver Queen, with 6 motor launches in company, sailed for
La Panne at 2200. Three of the motor launches broke down on the way over
I Shamrock's report, unconfirmed. The name of the vessel is in doubt; the matter is
not referred to in Tilly's report.
2 Commonly, but erroneously referred to in reports as the " Marasole."
53

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and returned to harbour; the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
Dutch eel-boats Johanna and Chantecler M.B. Golden Lily also The
and Ramsgate " compass at which 2200/29. was reached situated The the over beaches, the was engine. however, only capable revolved at 0900 of slowly 4 knots, round and and left her
she had no charts, lost way 30th Later darkness, and returned to
and brought back 30 troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
round"¹. She The Johanna did not on the 30th
Ramsgate on the morning of the May. on that day she was towed
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve
The 29th May closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
were in fact transported.²
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
21 times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers⁶
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
40,724. This figure probably puts does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
3 2 D.R., D.R. p.11, which para. incidentally 38. the total of troops and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Javelin, Malcolm, Express, Verity, Wolsey and Marmion
Royal 5 The Daffodil, Anthony, Royal Codrington, Sovereign, Esk, Scotia, and Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Worcester. Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess Sabre, of Scimitar, Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Ships lost or damaged on 29th May
H.M. SHIPS SUNK
The destroyers Wakeful, Grafton and Grenade.
The armed boarding vessel King Orrry
The Special Service Vessel Crested Eagle.
The Paddle Minesweepers Waverley and Gracie Fields.¹
The Personnel Vessels Normania,1 Lorina, Fenella and Mona's Queen.
The trawlers Polly Johnson and Calvi.
The danlayers Comfort and Nautilus.
The drifter Girl Pamela².
H.M. SHIPS DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION.
The destroyers Saladin, Greyhound, Intrepid, Montrose, Mackay, Gallant
and Jaguar.
The sloop Bideford.
The minesweeper Pangbourne (required dockyard repairs).
The personnel vessel Canterbury.
The hospital carrier Isle of Guernsey.
OTHER VESSELS
SUNK A.L.C.16, the S.S. Clan Macalister (6,900 tons), the M/B's Minikoi,
Viewfinder, Bobeli, Hanora, Sceneshifter and Queen of England.
DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION The tug Sun V.
Destroyers of the "H," "I" and "J" Classes withdrawn
As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force,
particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern
types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral,
Dover, on 29th May, which led to a decision to withdraw the 7 destroyers of
the "H", "I" and "J" Classes from "Dynamo"3; they were the only
modern destroyers remaining with Vice-Admiral, Dover. All destroyers of
the "G" class⁴ were already out of action.
There remained available for "Dynamo" 15 destroyers : :-
Esk
Malcolm
Verity
Express
Whitehall
Vanquisher
Anthony
Winchelsea
Sabre
Keith
Worcester
Scimitar
Codrington
Windsor
Shikari
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to
maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000
troops in 24 hours⁵. It is noteworthy that in spite of their unsuitability for
the work of troop carrying, the 39 destroyers so employed in Dynamo"
brought off more troops-96,000-than any other type of ship (see Table 1).
The 45 personnel vessels brought off 87,000; the 36 minesweepers 46,000;
the 39 skoots 22,000 ; and among the smaller vessels, the 51 drifters brought
off 12,000.
I Actually sank on 30th May, as a result of damage received on 29th May.
2 In collision with the Lydd off Dunkirk harbour on the night of 28th/29th May.
3 The Icarus, Impulsive, Intrepid, Ivanhoe, Harvester, Havant and Javelin.
4 The Gallant, Grafton, Grenade and Greyhound.
5 D.R. p.11, para. 37.
55

Details

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Ramsgate at 2200/29. situated over the engine. capable of 4 knots, also and left
Dutch eel-boats Johanna The Chantecler was only M.B. Golden Lily The
and returned to harbour; and the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
and brought back lost troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
and round"¹. She 30 The Johanna did not on the 30th and
compass which was reached the beaches, however, revolved at 0900 slowly round her
Ramsgate on the morning on that day she was towed
she had no charts, of way the 30th May. Later darkness, and returned to
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers and with failure to
The 29th May closed with a formidable available list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences achieve
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
were in fact transported.²
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11/2 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
2½ times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers⁵
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers6
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
3 D.R., which incidentally puts the total of and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
2 D.R. p.11, para. 38.
40,724. This figure probably does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
4 The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George troops V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Royal Daffodil, Royal Sovereign, Scotia, and
Javelin, Malcolm, Sabre, Scimitar, Verity, Wolsey and Worcester. Marmion
5 The Anthony, Codrington, Esk, Express, Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess of Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Ships lost or damaged on 29th May
H.M. SHIPS SUNK
The destroyers Wakeful, Grafton and Grenade.
The armed boarding vessel King Orrry
The Special Service Vessel Crested Eagle.
The Paddle Minesweepers Waverley and Gracie Fields.¹
The Personnel Vessels Normania,1 Lorina, Fenella and Mona's Queen.
The trawlers Polly Johnson and Calvi.
The danlayers Comfort and Nautilus.
The drifter Girl Pamela².
H.M. SHIPS DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION.
The destroyers Saladin, Greyhound, Intrepid, Montrose, Mackay, Gallant
and Jaguar.
The sloop Bideford.
The minesweeper Pangbourne (required dockyard repairs).
The personnel vessel Canterbury.
The hospital carrier Isle of Guernsey.
OTHER VESSELS
SUNK A.L.C.16, the S.S. Clan Macalister (6,900 tons), the M/B's Minikoi,
Viewfinder, Bobeli, Hanora, Sceneshifter and Queen of England.
DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION The tug Sun V.
Destroyers of the "H," "I" and "J" Classes withdrawn
As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force,
particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern
types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral,
Dover, on 29th May, which led to a decision to withdraw the 7 destroyers of
the "H", "I" and "J" Classes from "Dynamo"3; they were the only
modern destroyers remaining with Vice-Admiral, Dover. All destroyers of
the "G" class4 were already out of action.
There remained available for "Dynamo" 15 destroyers :-
Esk
Malcolm
Verity
Express
Whitehall
Vanquisher
Anthony
Winchelsea
Sabre
Keith
Worcester
Scimitar
Codrington
Windsor
Shikari
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to
maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000
troops in 24 hours⁵. It is noteworthy that in spite of their unsuitability for
the work of troop carrying, the 39 destroyers so employed in ' Dynamo "
brought off more troops-96,000-than any other type of ship (see Table 1).
The 45 personnel vessels brought off 87,000; the 36 minesweepers 46,000 ;
the 39 skoots 22,000 ; and among the smaller vessels, the 51 drifters brought
off 12,000.
I Actually sank on 30th May, as a result of damage received on 29th May.
2 In collision with the Lydd off Dunkirk harbour on the night of 28th/29th May.
3 The Icarus, Impulsive, Intrepid, Ivanhoe, Harvester, Havant and Javelin.
4 The Gallant, Grafton, Grenade and Greyhound.
5 D.R. p.11, para. 37.
55

Details

CHAPTER VII
THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
French and British troops to embark in equal proportions
area at 80,000, and the he following set telegram from the plans for their remaining in the
He had received Secretary of remaining in in the
By the 30th May Lord about Gort estimated completing the his British troops
"Continue to defend present perimeter well. to If the we can utmost still in order to cover maximum corder to cover maximum
evacuation now proceeding to return to England with corder to cover maximum
at the moment we You should your nominate so reduced that it can
shall send you an when order deem command such as you may choose we
a Corps Commander. now this commander. be handed to
fighting force does not equivalent divisions. This is in accordance
cations are broken you exceed are to hand over and of three return as specified when your effective
with correct military procedure and no personal discretion is left to you in
matter. The Corps with Commander French chosen whether by from you should be ordered to carry the on
defence and evacuation Dunkirk or beaches.
The problem, as Lord Gort saw it, was to thin out the troops, while main-
taining a proper defence of the perimeter, with a force which could be embarked
finally in one lift.¹
Meanwhile Lord Gort had received orders from home that French and British
troops were to embark in equal proportions, and early next morning this policy
of H.M. Government was also promulgated by the Admiralty to the V.A.
Dover, R.A. Dover Straits (i.e. Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker), and S. N. 0.
Dunkirk.²
The adoption of this policy, desirable as it was, made Lord Gort's problem
more difficult, and necessitated a prolongation of the time that the existing
perimeter, or a smaller one, must be held, to enable all the troops to embark.
Yet the enemy pressure was increasing and there was no depth in our position.
A line on the dunes could only be held during the hours of darkness to cover the
final phase of the withdrawal".
After discussing the situation with the Commanders of the 1st and 2nd
Corps, Lord Gort came to the conclusion that the eastern end of the perimeter
could not be held much longer, as the enemy had already begun to shell the
beach at La Panne. He therefore motored to Dunkirk to inform Admiral
Abrial of his views and to assure himself that the arrangements for embarking
British and French troops in equal proportions were working smoothly. Admiral
Abrial assured Lord Gort of his agreement about the evacuation of the sector,
and the problem of embarkation was discussed.
Judging that it would be imprudent to continue to maintain the British
position on the perimeter, outside the permanent defences of Dunkirk, for
more than another 24 hours, Lord Gort decided to withdraw the 2nd Corps on
the night of 31st May/Ist June, and the necessary moves began to take place
on the morning of the 31st May.¹
Naval situation
So far as the Navy was concerned it not to appreciate the situation
at Dunkirk and off the beaches. As an was example easy of the difficulty of doing so,
2 I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 57.
Appendix Y.3.
56

Details

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
CHAP. VII
Admiral Ramsay records that, at 0030/301, the S.N.O. on the French coast
(Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker) reported that he had no destroyers, though in
fact, at that time, all available destroyers (namely ten) in the Dover Command
were either on the coast, or on passage, while the remaining 5 were at Dover
discharging troops embarking ammunition, fuelling, etc., and were to " sail
within the next 4 hours. Simultaneously, says Admiral Ramsay, the
V.C.I.G.S. reported² that the beaches were well organised, the troops in good
heart, and there had been no bombing since dark, but that there was still a
great shortage of small craft which were urgently required. This last fact",
says Admiral Ramsay, was well known to the Vice-Admiral, Dover'
In fact, on practically every occasion when officers on and off the coast com-
plained of the lack of ships, investigation of ship's reports goes to show that all
ships were working to their utmost capacity and that the only reason for their
absence in any one place was that they could not be in two places at once.
The sharp rise in the numbers of troops landed in England on consecutive
days-e.g., from 17,000 troops on the 28th May, to 47,000 on the 29th, 53,000
on the 30th, and 68,000 on the 31st May-indicates the remarkably effective
effort which was being made in spite of the occasional shortage of ships at
Dunkirk or off the beaches.
It was the constantly changing situation which invariably made abortive
any attempt-by the authorities either in England or in the evacuation area-
to centralise the conduct of the operation except in its broadest aspects. Rear-
Admiral Wake-Walker (Rear-Admiral, Dover), states that La Panne was in
telephonic communication with England and sometimes he received messages
by W/T from Dover about the situation there [i.e. at La Panne]-as for instance
one timed 1749 saying that ships were urgently wanted off La Panne though
actually at 1900 there were 4 destroyers and one minesweeper there and the
situation was constantly changing.
Further, he pointed out that G.H.Q. was in touch with the Admiralty and
Vice-Admiral, Dover, and were constantly presenting their own views and
criticisms of what was happening which probably accounts for a signal from
the First Sea Lord on the 30th May, asking if boats were distributed along the
beaches to the best advantage⁴. Actually at the time whalers were the only
boats that could get inshore, (except the pontoons and a few local craft), and
their distribution was entirely dependent on the position of their parent ship⁵.
Rear-Admiral, Dover, takes over his Command
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker points out that where incidents are so crowded
it is difficult not to give a confused picture. "The picture was, however, con-
fused, and so far as operations off the beaches were concerned organisation was
not possible. The most that could be done was to exercise some control and
direction".⁶
This is a just appreciation of the situation, and it provides an explanation
of the not infrequent occasions when officers-both senior and junior and
whether on or off the beaches-considered that, from their own particular view
point, things were going awry. "Dynamo", though termed an operation,
was in the nature of a desperate improvisation ; but it was carried out with
I Error for 0039/30. (See Appendix H.7.)
2 Appendix H.8.
3 D.R. p.13, para. 40.
4 Appendix G.21.
5 R.A. Dover's report (M.017978/41).
6
R.A. Dover's report of Proceedings. (R.O.III, p.373).
57

Details

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
CHAP. VII
established-two lights being shown at La Panne and one at Bray-and Dover
was informed accordingly.
Later that night Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker transferred from the Worcester,
by that time full of troops, to the Express-his fourth transfer in twenty-four
hours.
Captain Howson, N.O.I.C., Beaches
On the beaches the progress was better than appeared at the time. Captain
Howson, Naval-Officer-in-Charge of beaches, making his first acquaintance
with conditions there, says that on the 30th May, off Bray, in the lightening
dawn, a number of destroyers, sloops and skoots were seen to be lying off, and
embarkation was proceeding in such boats as were available. Several boats
were aground, others were holed, and some had no oars
By about 0600, all
destroyers, sloops, etc., had cleared for England and there were no further
ships available
Before leaving Dover he had understood that there would be 24 signal ratings
along the beaches adequately supplied with Aldis lamps, but he never saw any
of them². Communication along so many miles of flat beaches was very
difficult, if not impossible, with so many troops on the shore.
there
was
no
communication until Thursday afternoon [30th May] between La Panne and
Bray³, and never any between Bray and Dunkirk⁴".
At about 0600 Captain Howson went to Corps Headquarters in a house at
Bray, where he met one of his party, Commander Gorton, and also some naval
officers " who had apparently been working on the beaches for some time
before our arrival".
" About 0800", continues Captain Howson, "I proceeded on a motor bicycle
to La Panne where I met Commander J. S. Dove, R.N., who
took me to
see Q.M.G. [Lieut. General Laidsell] with whom I discussed the position.
off La Panne " there were 2 or 3 destroyers and sloops, and embarkation
appeared to be proceeding satisfactorily
On the return to Bray an hour later
the sky was
overcast and a Scotch mist prevailed which was a Godsend,
for throughout the forenoon vast masses of French troops, quite apart from
British troops, were proceeding along the beaches, and had aircraft attacked
the carnage would have been dreadful. No further ships arrived during the
forenoon off Bray or La Panne and a great opportunity was missed for embark-
ing troops undisturbed.
"During the forenoon
on my way to Dunkirk I found the water lighter
Claude5 high and dry, but with ample supplies of water, and on my return
arranged with the military aurhorities for lorries and cans to collect and dis-
tribute this sorely needed requirement".
Meanwhile, during the forenoon also, the sappers and troops of the First
Division had built a long pier of lorries off Bray into the sea⁶ with plank decking.
This was an excellent piece of work, and though not strong enough for use by
I
Report by S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N. (C.W.23187/40).
2 See p. 67.
3 S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N., on shore at La Panne, says, Lt. Cdr. McCullough [?L. Cdr.
J.W. McClelland R.N.] and signal staff arrived at La Panne on the evening of 30th May.
(C.W.23817/40). The Gossamer reports that she embarked a party of signalmen for La
Panne on 30th May, and arrived there at 1930.
4 1st Corps had a H.Q. at Bray.
5 She had been towed over to Dunkirk on 25th May by the tug Fairplay I.
6
This was done at the suggestion of Cdr. H. du P. Richardson R.N., who was in charge of
a section of Bray beach. (R.O.III, p.369).
59

Details

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
CHAP. VII
established-two lights being shown at La Panne and one at Bray-and Dover
was informed accordingly.
Later that night Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker transferred from the Worcester,
by that time full of troops, to the Express-his fourth transfer in twenty-four
hours.
Captain Howson, N.O.I.C., Beaches
On the beaches the progress was better than appeared at the time. Captain
Howson, Naval-Officer-in-Charge of beaches, making his first acquaintance
with conditions there, says that on the 30th May, off Bray, " in the lightening
dawn, a number of destroyers, sloops and skoots were seen to be lying off, and
embarkation was proceeding in such boats as were available. Several boats
were aground, others were holed, and some had no oars.
By about 0600, all
destroyers, sloops, etc., had cleared for England and there were no further
ships available
Before leaving Dover he had understood that there would be 24 signal ratings
along the beaches adequately supplied with Aldis lamps, but he never saw any
of them². " Communication along so many miles of flat beaches was very
difficult, if not impossible, with so many troops on the shore.
there was no
communication until Thursday afternoon [30th May] between La Panne and
Bray³, and never any between Bray and Dunkirk⁴".
At about 0600 Captain Howson went to Corps Headquarters in a house at
Bray, where he met one of his party, Commander Gorton, and also some naval
officers who had apparently been working on the beaches for some time
before our arrival".
" About 0800", continues Captain Howson, " I proceeded on a motor bicycle
to La Panne where I met Commander J. S. Dove, R.N., who
took me to
see Q.M.G. [Lieut. General Laidsell] with whom I discussed the position.
off La Panne " there were 2 or 3 destroyers and sloops, and embarkation
appeared to be proceeding satisfactorily
On the return to Bray an hour later
the sky was
overcast and a Scotch mist prevailed which was a Godsend,
for throughout the forenoon vast masses of French troops, quite apart from
British troops, were proceeding along the beaches, and had aircraft attacked
the carnage would have been dreadful. No further ships arrived during the
forenoon off Bray or La Panne and a great opportunity was missed for embark-
ing troops undisturbed.
"
"During the forenoon
on my way to Dunkirk I found the water lighter
Claudes high and dry, but with ample supplies of water, and on my return
arranged with the military aurhorities for lorries and cans to collect and dis-
tribute this sorely needed requirement".
Meanwhile, during the forenoon also, the sappers and troops of the First
Division had built a long pier of lorries off Bray into the sea⁶ with plank decking.
This was an excellent piece of work, and though not strong enough for use by
I Report by S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N. (C.W.23187/40).
2 See p. 67.
3 S/Lt. E. C. Croswell, R.N., on shore at La Panne, says, Lt. Cdr. McCullough [?L. Cdr.
J.W. McClelland R.N.] and signal staff arrived at La Panne on the evening of 30th May.
(C.W.23817/40). The Gossamer reports that she embarked a party of signalmen for La
Panne on 30th May, and arrived there at 1930.
4 1st Corps had a H.Q. at Bray.
5 She had been towed over to Dunkirk on 25th May by the tug Fairplay I.
6 This was done at the suggestion of Cdr. H. du P. Richardson R.N., who was in charge of
a section of Bray beach. (R.O.III, p.369).
59

Details

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

Details

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
CHAP. VII
SUMMARY OF TROOPS LANDED IN ENGLAND
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,699
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
30th May
29,512
24,311
53,823
By that date and time the Vice-Admiral knew that he would have available
ocean-going tugs, ships' lifeboats and ships' power lifeboats which he could
specially reserve for the climax of this critical operation.
The conference made the following decisions:
(a) That evacuation should proceed with the utmost vigour to ensure that
by 0130 on 1st June the British forces ashore should have been reduced
to the rearguard of 4,000.
(b) That special boats and tugs should be accumulated and held aside to
ensure them being available in the early hours of 1st June.
(c) That the plan should provide for lifting the rearguard of 4,000, plus R.N.
beach parties, in one or more flights between 0130 and 0300 on 1st June.
(d) Final decision, based on the progress of the evacuation of the main body
to be made by the Vice-Admiral at 1400 on Friday, 31st May, as to the
possibility of adhering to the plan.
Other technical details were settled at the meeeting, and the Military staff
were assured that the ever increasing rate of lifting made it probable that an
affirmative decision would be reached at the critical hour of 1400 on the 31st
May. In the event, the Military plan was changed on the 31st May, as it
was found to be impossible to hold the original covering position with 4,000
troops and then withdraw them to the beaches for embarkation by boat.
65

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

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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

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FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
At least fourteen other motor boats¹ were lost by misadventure, e.g. engine
failure, grounding, swamping, damaging rudders and/or propellers on floating
or submerged wreckage, or breaking adrift and being lost when on tow. The
seaplane tender No. 291 managed to get back to England in spite of the damage
she had sustained, but was unable to take any further part in "Dynamo".
Conflicting news of La Panne
Meanwhile, as the tows of boats (which Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker now
saw for the first time at 1900 on the 31st May), arrived off Dunkirk they were
directed to the beaches by Lt. Cdr. Wynne-Edwards, first from M.T.B.68 and
later at about 2100, from M.A/S.B. 6. It was found, however, that in the
growing darkness, and with no lights to help them, there was a tendency for
the boats to stop at the first place they came to where other craft were assembled.
At about 1930 the Codrington, then off, Bray, was warned by Rear-Admiral
Wake-Walker to send on the boats detailed for La Panne, but the bulk of them
did not get further than Bray.
The night was dark, and Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker stayed off La Panne,
"wondering how things were going. Everything was black, ships and boats
and shore showed no lights", although arrangements had been made for a light
to be shown to seaward to guide boats inshore. Shelling was continuous and
seemed to be falling among the ships at the anchorage. News was conflicting;
a message from the shore said that thousands of men were waiting but there
were no boats, while messages came from ships that their boats could find no
one on the beach. the ships and the boats were there, and the troops
ashore, and one could do no more.
I do not know to this day", says Rear-
Admiral Wake-Walker, what really took place there".
La Panne beach 31st May/1st June
It is not easy to discover what happened at La Panne, but the following
account, based on a report by Lt. Cdr. J. W. McClelland, R.N., who with a
party of signalmen reached La Panne in the minesweeper Gossamer at 1930 on
the 30th May, gives the main course of events. He was S.N.O., La Panne, for
the seven hours prior to its abandonment as a place of embarkation at about
0200 on the 1st June.
About 1600 on May 31st Captain Tennant, who had been visiting Lord Gort
at La Panne, decided to return to Dunkirk, but he first instructed Lt. Cdr.
McClelland to arrange for the evacuation of Lord Gort and his staff, to carry
out the duties of S.N.O., La Panne³, and to join Major General B. L. Mont-
gomery, then in command of 2nd Corps.
At that time, says Lt. Cdr. McClelland, an enemy battery near Nieuport,
assisted by 2 kite balloons, had found the range of the beach and the off lying-
ships, which had accordingly withdrawn to the westward. Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker asked for the balloons to be shot down, and aircraft came over for that
purpose; at times the balloons were hauled down-but they always re-ap-
peared.
I A.L.C.8, A.L.C.15, Enterprise, Excellent's 35 ft. M|B, Excellent's A/A M|B, Golden
Spray II, Princess Lily, St. Patrick, and the Seaplane tender 243 and A.M.C.3; the Sea
Falcon, Sunshine, Triton and the Two Rivers.
2 M.017978/41, p.21.
3 Lt. Cdr. McClelland speaks of the final evacuation of A, B and C beaches La Panne,
but this is evidently an error as the beaches were lettered from West to East (See Plan 3)
and must therefore have been M, N and O Beaches.
M.017978/41, p.16.
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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
of embarkation".
to destroy. At 0200 Saturday [Ist June] La Panne was abandoned as a place
1st June 1940², confirms the
The following extract from above War accounts: Diary General Staff 4 Division, dated the
"[At La Panne] by 0100 hrs. not more be embarked than three had to four hundred men of
Division out of eight thousand to been put on transports. the
conference was called at Divisional decided H.Q. that which it was had useless now opened in a house by the A
side of the beach where it was to continue the embark-
ation from La Panne. Motor Contact officers Dunes were and sent out to inform Brigades that
they were to proceed direct to Bray Dunkerque Mole. Whilst
were sustained. A Staff Officer was sent warn the French Guards at at the
conference was going on the beach was heavily to shelled by 5.9's and a this
Frontier that 4 Division would be passing through them.
was sent to order the men on the beach to make their way along the beach either
to Bray or Dunkerque. From this moment H.Q. ceased to operate until
follows:- arrived at Dunkerque Mole. Certain officers arrived at Dunkerque Mole as it
GSO II, GSO III, and Camp Commandant at 0500 hrs. 1 June. GOC, GSO I,
AA and QMG, I.O., ADC, Motor Contact Officer at about 0700 hrs."
Captain R. Pim, R.N.V.R., Beach Master
In view of the foregoing outline of events at La Panne, it is necessary, in
order to avoid confusion, to refer briefly to a report by Captain Pim who was
sent over from the Admiralty to assist in speeding up the embarkation.
After visiting as many of the beaches as possible he assumed the duties of
Beach Master (at Bray beach) and arranged to continue the organisation of
ferrying boats until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told
them", he said, that if anything went wrong during the night we would
return at dawn".³
Later, Captain Pim stated All the troops that I could find were embarked
by midnight and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before mid-
night I went along certain beaches to look for stragglers. A Staff Officer
informed me that no more troops would embark from these beaches⁴ but that
they would march to Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be
shelled and would probably be in German hands the following day." Captain
Pim estimated that from pontoon bridges and beaches, approximately 5,000
troops were probably embarked.
Although his report is entitled Final evacuation of troops from the beaches
of La Panne and Bray", Captain Pim does not say that these 5,000 troops were
embarked from La Panne, and it is evident from Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker's
report, and particularly from Lt. Cdr. McClelland's report, and the War Diary
of the 4th Division, that they were not embarked from La Panne. Vice-Admiral
Dover6, however, assumes from Captain Pim's report that he worked at La
to the east and west of it.
Panne, the weight of evidence shows that he worked at Bray and immediately
the west, as shells meant for the beaches were ricocheting over the Hilda.
During the night, Captain Pim found it necessary to shift his anchorage to
Then, Captain at 0315 on the 1st June, in accordance with his undertaking to the troops,
western Pim sent off all [his] boats. to search the beaches, starting from the
end of Bray-Dunes". During the next 3 hours, he says, only about 250
I C.W.23187/40.
3 2 4 Capt. Provided Pim's by report Lt. Col. (R.O. H. IV, F. Joslen, p.52). (Historical Section, War Cabinet).
5 Evidently the La Panne beaches.
6 Capt. Pim's report (R.O. IV, P.52).
D.R., p.20, para.61.
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FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
from the beach, apparently stragglers. A large rearguard
party probe to Dunkink.of to the the
men the 4th Division) marching along the beach decided
Bray Beach parties return to England
It was on this day that the majority of the beach parties returned to England.
that the enemy were closing in and that it might be expected that the final
Captain Howson records that on the evening of the 30th May he had learnt
evacuation would take place during the following day (31st May) or night at
latest". As he had received orders that beach parties were not to be taken
prisoner², and anticipated that very many troops would be left ashore, he
deemed it undesirable for all naval personnel to embark in the final rush".
Accordingly he arranged that half the naval personnel should embark during
the early hours of Friday (31st May)3.
This arrangement to some extent accounts for V.A. Dover's 1229/31 to Rear-
Admiral Wake-Walker saying that officers and men of beach parties had re-
turned to Dover on instructions from Dunkirk, and that they must be retained
to the last⁴; and his further signals notifying that more beach parties were
being sent out with all despatch in the destroyer Worcester5.
An account of the activities of the beach parties at Bray has been given by
Lieutenants G. W. Vavasour and J. G. Wells, R.N. They were among the 12
officers and 60 ratings, who sailed from Dover in the Esk with Rear-Admiral
Wake-Walker and Commodores Stephenson and Hallett on the 29th May
(Page 49).
On the way over the 12 officers were divided into 3 groups of 4 officers, and
to each of the 12 officers was allocated a party of 1 P.O., 1 Leading Seaman,
2 Able Seamen and a Signalman. Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker told the officers
that on no account were their parties to be captured, and that with this in mind,
they were to re-embark when they thought fit.
On arrival off the various beaches at about 2330 on May 29th the Esk stopped
off each and the 3 beach parties were landed in whalers; one party went to
La Panne where Cdre. Stephenson was to be S.N.O., Afloat, off the beach⁶,
one went west of Bray, and the third went to Bray where Commodore Hallett
was to be S.N.O., Afloat, off the beach. There is no report available of the
activities of the first two parties.
The 4 officers in Cdre. Hallett's section were Lieuts. Vavasour, Wells, Tibbits
and Cameron, R.N., all of H.M.S. Excellent. Cdre. Hallett had previously
explained to these officers that he himself would be afloat approximately in
front of his sections (E, F, G and H) of the beach, and repeated the warning
that the officers were to be the sole judges of when to evacuate the naval parties.
I Capt. Pim's report (R.O. IV, p.52), Italics not in original.
2 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker says that the V.A. Dover had stressed that Naval ratings
(in beach parties) were not to risk being taken prisoner (M.017978/41, p.3).
3 Capt. Howson's Report (R.O. IV, p.117).
4 Appendix Q.12.
6 5 Appendices Q.13 and Q.14.
Lt. Vavasour's report, R.O.III, p.422. Lt. Vavasour says that Cdre Stephenson was
S.N.O., A.B.C.D. Sections. But the beaches had been lettered A to O, from west to east
and so the La Panne beach was L.M.N.O. It was probably because of the almost invariable
confusion about the lettering of the beaches that this method of designating beaches was
changed by signal at 1906/29 (Appendix 0.11), and the whole length was divided into 3
equal parts, referred to as Malo, Bray and La Panne, from west to east with a mile gap
between each part.
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FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
After about an hour the Margate life-boat, the Lord Southborough, appeared.
All destroyers were now under way, and as the life-boat was returning to Margate
the party went back in her¹. She reached Margate at 1450 on May 31st.
Thus, by about 0830 on the 31st May all the beach parties of which there are
any records had returned or were on their way to England.
Devonia is beached
At 1035 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker had informed V.A. Dover that he would
beach a ship in the hope of improving conditions for boat work, which was then
being made difficult by a lop and he instructed Cdre. Stephenson accordingly.
Cdre. Stephenson, then in the yacht Bounty off. La Panne, boarded the
minesweeper Devonia at 1600 and gave orders to beach the ship. The
Devonia, already much damaged by near misses at 1230, was beached at
full speed off La Panne, and at 1930, on account of the shelling and bombing,
she was abandoned. Fortunately by 1700 the weather off the beaches had
much improved.
Casualties to H.M. Ships
With the exception of the Devonia none of H.M. ships was lost on this day,
but the following were slightly damaged : the Vivacious was damaged by a
shell hit and had 3 dead and 12 wounded; the Hebe received slight damage
from a near miss; the Wolsey was in collision with the P/V Roebuck; the
Impulsive damaged a propeller on uncharted wreckage; the Malcolm was in
collision with Dunkirk pier; and the Scimitar was in collision with the Icarus
and later with a drifter².
Air patrols
During the 31st May Fighter Command carried out patrols, as on the 30th
May, at an average strength of three to four squadrons. Eight patrols in all
were flown, involving 289 sorties. The periods in the day when the Dunkirk
area was not covered were 0620-0800, 0830-1110, 1510-1615, and 1745-1915³.
Coastal Command patrolled the line North Goodwins-Gravelines-Ostend
throughout the day, patrols being of one section strength, involving in all
37 sorties⁴.
Shortly before 0930 the Air Ministry intercepted a meassage indicating that
the enemy air force had been ordered not to attack the town or harbour of
Dunkirk but to concentrate attacks on shipping at sea, or leaving the coast³.
It was at about 1230 that, off La Panne, the Devonia received extensive
damage to her hull from 4 near misses, but the first major attack on our ships
occurred about 1415-1430 when one of our squadrons estimated the enemy
strength as about 100 aircraft (bombers and fighters). Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker says, "a terrific air battle took place overhead and it seemed to go
against us". Actually, we lost 9 aircraft and claimed 7 enemy shot down.6
Air attacks then followed at half-hourly intervals between 1530 and 1730,
and at about 1717 the Ivanhoe, Whitehall and Express off Dunkirk harbour
were attacked by about 50 bombers. The Whitehall received some damage
and the Express slight damage from near misses. At this time also the Hebe
was attacked off La Panne by 4 bombers and was damaged by near misses ;
I Cdr. Richardson's report (R.O.III, p.370).
2 Probably either the Gervais Rentoul or the Eileen Emma which both returned damaged
as the result of collisions.
3 R.A.F. Narrative, p.334.
4 R.A.F. Narrative, p.336.
5 M.017978/41, p.17.
6 R.A.F. Narrative, p.335.
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CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
east of Dunkirk. deserted. The too, empty, small seen that the beach to the
enemy tanks or As the light grew, at 0330, it was position against
The Rear-Admiral, lorries in along the Keith, the beach, with the was Basilisk for supporting fire
and going instructions Panne back was westward, to to England move though westward as intended. sea to were was Dunkirk However, moving whilst ships westward those were boats which a still had loading off Bray vanished were by under La
to the men anchored the
had been hit by shell fire. she grounded aft and continued at daylight, and at about
her motor boat and two She closed the shore ship as the Panne, using
The minesweeper Speedwell whalers was to ferry troops a little to the west of La
shortly after low water, fire by aircraft of the thus to embark 0500,
and the ship, until minesweeper took off 100 her off. She sailed at boats,
under machine-gun the enemy Albury towed troops on shore, the troops
for Dunkirk. On the way she troops from the Ivanhoe 0730
made repeatedly damaged up her by but a number bomb unsuccessfully as of the troops Speedwell bombed. to 972 was and steaming The left minesweeper for past Dover her. at 0950 Salamander At Dunkirk after which being was she
anchored a mile east of Bray Dunes, similarly engaged in embarking troops was
with her boats, and she sailed for Dunkirk astern of the Keith and Skipjack
soon after 0600. At Dunkirk she came in for two air attacks in one of which,
at about 0820, she was damaged by a near miss, but she reached Dover on one
boiler at 1530 and disembarked 479 troops. It was her last trip. A mile east
of Bray, too, the minesweeper Sutton embarked 453 troops from the beaches
before sailing at 0600 for Dover. She was bombed and machine-gunned, but
the only man hit was one wounded soldier. The minesweeper Dundalk was
anchored nearer to La Panne, also embarking troops. Having no motor boat,
the Speedwell and Salamander both lent a hand to tow her whalers. From
0500 onwards she was subjected to air attacks at regular intervals, and about
0800 she decided to proceed to Margate," where she arrived at 1215 with
280 troops. Still further east, the minesweeper Halcyon was anchored off La
Panne embarking troops swimming off to the ship, paddling in rubber boats,
and in her whalers, during which she had one officer (Lieut. N. Thurston, R.N.)
mortally wounded and suffered some casualties amongst the crew from machine
gunning by enemy aircraft.
Off Bray, the destroyer Sabre was embarking 451 troops and the minesweeper
Niger 310, pressing into service carley floats and lifebelts with which men swam
from the beach. Daylight showed a minesweeper and a paddle minesweeper
ashore, and the Rear-Admiral hailed a tug which was on its way homeward
with soldiers on board, and told him to go in and try to tow off the minesweepers.
However, the tugs had been sent over from England with pulling boats in tow
and told to load up, and they regarded themselves as transports only, whereas
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who knew nothing of these instructions, naturally
regarded them as tugs. It was not until a gun was trained on the tug and an
R.N.V.R. Sub.-Lieutenant put on board to take charge, that the master's
anxiety to get away was overcome.
A welcome addition to the evacuation craft consisted of the first of a dozen
Belgian fishing boats which now appeared on the scene from seaward down
the Zyuidcoote Pass.¹
Early liftings from Dunkirk
At 0241 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker had given orders for all small craft to
I Probably the 10 Belgian trawlers from Brixham, referred to in Section 176.
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SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
move westward with boats in tow in the direction of Dunkirk, towards which
the troops were now marching from La Panne.
The first loaded ship to leave Dunkirk seems to have been the Whippingham,
in time of peace an Isle of Wight paddle ferry boat belonging to the Southern
Railway. She had been embarking troops alongside the mole since 2200 on
the previous day, and when she cast off at 0130 on 1st with 2,700 troops on
board she was overladen and her sponsons were only about a foot above water.
Disaster nearly overwhelmed her at the start, when she was straddled by shell
fire and the troops rushed over to the port side, causing the ship to list 20°.
Fortunately, the sea was calm. The chief mechanician (Ch. Mech. 2nd C1.
F. A. Ford) checked the rush, moved the troops back to starboard, and thereby
probably saved the ship.
Another early sailer was the personnel vessel Lady of Mann, who proceeded
at 0430 for Dover, with 1500 casualties. The hospital carriers St. Andrew and
St. Julien disembarked in England this day 130 and 287 wounded, respectively,
after which no more hospital ships brought wounded from Dunkirk. Space
alongside the large-ship berths was too valuable to be occupied by hospital
ships, and walking wounded went with the troops, whilst those that could not
walk had to be left behind.
The personnel ship Maid of Orleans berthed at the East Mole at about 0330
and for 6 hours, most of the time under air attack, she acted as a floating
stage for the embarkation of troops on board the destroyers Icarus, Vanquisher
and Windsor, whose upper decks were far below the top of the mole. The
pier was crowded and as many troops as possible were embarked over mess
tables rigged across the "B" gun decks of inside ships to the outside vessel.
The Vanquisher was the first of the three to leave, at 0630 with 1200 troops.
An hour later the Icarus and Windsor sailed in company, with 1,114 and 493
troops respectively. Finally, at about 0900 the Maid of Orleans herself pro-
ceeded, during an air attack, with 1,856 troops, which, like the destroyers, she
disembarked at Dover. In six trips, once being diverted without completing
the trip and once returning on account of collision, the Maid of Orleans had
transported in all 5,461 men; but this was her last crossing, for when leaving
Dover again for Dunkirk at 2030 that day she was rammed amidships by the
destroyer Worcester returning from Dunkirk with manoeuvrability impaired
through damage to propellers and rudder, caused by air attack at 1630 in
which she had 6 men killed and 40 wounded, and shot down two enemy air-
craft. No lives were lost in the collision, but the Maid of Orleans was too
badly damaged to continue her voyage. For the Worcester, too, this was
the final crossing she had evacuated 4,545 troops in 6 trips.
Other destroyers were embarking troops at the same time alongside Dunkirk
pier. The Vivacious, after being dive-bombed whilst waiting to enter harbour,
went alongside at 0630, embarked 475 troops in a quarter of an hour, and
sailed again for Dover at 0645. The Winchelsea was bombed at 0745 and again
at 0830, but was not damaged, and she sailed at 0830 with 1150 troops on
board.
Despite vicious air attacks, the embarkation of troops continued. The
gunboat Locust, after embarking troops for four hours from Malo beach in her
whalers, having no power boat, moved to Dunkirk at 0415 and took on board
a further 500 at the east pier under air attack before sailing for Dover at 0610.
The corvette Kingfisher left the east pier at 1130 with 210 troops and some
wounded, embarked under almost continuous high level bombing.
There were times, however, during the day when the harbour was deserted.
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SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
Mascotte to tow the Basilisk, the enemy returned to the attack but made no
hits. The French trawler slipped the tow and moved off to a safer distance.
At noon bombers returned for a third time, diving to about 400 feet.
Smothered by hits and near misses the Basilisk shuddered and heeled to star-
board, righted herself momentarily, but sank in about 3 minutes, settling on
the bottom on an even keel in some 4 fathoms. As soon as she was abandoned
the Whitehall completed her destruction by gunfire and torpedoes.
The Jolie Mascotte picked up 6 officers and 71 ratings, the Whitehall 2 officers
and 52 ratings. Other survivors got away in the motor boat and a whaler.
Second air attack, 0906 : sinking of the Havant
Meanwhile the Havant, after transferring 500 troops from the damaged
Ivanhoe, proceeded down Dunkirk Channel. At 0906, at the western end of
the channel, she was hit by 2 bombs which entered the starboard side of the
engine room killing every one in it. A third bomb dropped 50 yards ahead and
exploded as the Havant passed over it. Out of control and listing to port, the
ship continued to steam ahead towards the sandbanks opposite Dunkirk. The
engine room and No. 2 boiler room were on fire, there was a heavy escape of
steam and all auxiliary machinery was out of action, resulting in a failure of
the electric supply. It was impossible to enter the engine room, but Chief
Stoker M. Gallon, in spite of the fire, let the steam out of the boilers and the
ship was brought up in 4 fathoms by the starboard anchor.
The Saltash and Grive came alongside and the Havant's troops were trans-
ferred during almost continuous bombing. The Saltash took the Havant in
tow, but further concussion from near misses increased considerably the des-
troyer's list to port, so the majority of her ship's company were transferred to
the skoot Aegir. A bomb fell between the Havant and the Saltash followed by
another close to the Havant's port quarter. By 1000 the list had increased and
the decks were almost awash. 'Abandon ship" was ordered, the tow was
slipped and the remainder of the ship's company were transferred to the Aegir.
At 1015 the Havant rolled over and sank. 1 officer and 7 men were killed,
25 wounded.
Third air attack, 1009. Prague damaged
The enemy air attacks had not been confined to ships off the beaches. At
1009 the personnel vessel Prague, which had embarked about 3000 French
troops from Dunkirk harbour, was attacked by dive-bombers between W and V
buoys and suffered severe damage astern from 3 near misses which put the
starboard engine out of action.
The majority of the troops were transferred, whilst the ship continued to go
ahead on the port engine, to the Scimitar, the minesweeper Halcyon and the
paddle minesweeper Queen of Thanet, the later taking on board no less than
1,500 and the Scimitar 376; and at 1331 the tug Lady Brassey took the Prague
in tow to the Downs, where the remaining troops were transferred to the trawlers
Olvina and Lady Philomena. The Prague had ended her service in Operation
' Dynamo", for to save her from sinking she was beached off Sandown Castle,
Deal, at 1730 that day. In three trips, she had taken out from Dunkirk over
6,000 men.
Sinking of the Foudroyant
Before the morning was out yet a fourth destroyer, the French Foudroyant,
was sunk by air attack. The ship had sailed from England at 0800. She
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SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
boiler and engine rooms badly holed, the steering gear jammed with the rudder
hard over, the ship took a heavy list to port. The crew of the pom-pom were
all killed or knocked out except Acting Leading Seaman Ronald Thirlwall, who,
although shockingly badly wounded in at least four places, kept the one un-
damaged barrel firing until ammunition was exhausted. The 0.5" gun aft was
also kept in action by Able Seaman C. A. L. Hirschfield, who went aft and
brought the gun into action single handed after all the crew were wounded.
With water pouring into the ship, the Mosquito was abandoned, the survivors
being picked up by the Rapid and two drifters. Among the killed was the
executive officer Lieutenant A. H. Mainwaring, R.N.
Fifth and sixth air attacks, 1500 and 1610
Between 1230 and about 1500 there was a lull in the air attacks on shipping,
and when attacks were renewed at the latter hour R.A.F. and Coastal Command
patrols were operating and no damage occurred.
About 1600 the French minesweeping trawlers Président Briand, Denis
Papin, Moussaillon and Vénus, were approaching Dunk'rk after landing troops
in England, when gunfire from a shore battery opposite 6 W buoy caused the
two former, who were ahead, to turn back. Ten minutes later, a formation of
9 enemy aircraft dived cn them, directing their bombs on the Vénus and the
Denis Papin. The latter apparently sank immediately with total loss of her
crew, and the Vénus in four minutes, after a direct hit. Whilst the other two
trawlers were engaged in rescuing the survivors of the Vénus, the Moussaillon
was hit and sank within a minute.
Losses from mines
On this black day mines were also taking their toll of shipping. Enemy
aircraft had been mining the inshore channels during the night 31st May-1st
June, and at 0313 Vice-Admiral Dover informed the Admiralty that he was
allowing ships evacuating troops to use Route Y as well as Route X. In the
early hours the corvette Sheldrake after a night spent in dodging M.T.B.
torpedoes", was skilfully directed by aircraft to a position between the West
Hinder and Kwint buoys, where she found wreckage with men clinging to it.
This was the remains of the trawler St. Achilleus which had been mined on
patrol. The Sheldrake rescued 11 men, but 4 of them died before they could
be got to harbour. About the same time, i.e. at 0330, the little Thames Estuary
cockle bawley boat Renown was blown to pieces with her crew of 3, on the way
back from Dunkirk.
The third ship to be sunk on this day was the F.A.A. training yacht Grive a
vessel which, on account of her untiring activity, could ill be spared. Having
disembarked 374 troops at Dover at 0100 on the 1st June the Grive sailed again
two hours later for Dunkirk without waiting to replenish ammunition, of which
she had only 5 rounds per gun remaining. On the way in to the harbour she
lent assistance to the Ivanhoe after the latter was bombed and damaged, went
alongside the jetty and embarked troops under heavy bombing. At 0800 she
left again. On the way out, she passed the sinking destroyer Havant with the
Ivanhoe's troops and survivors of the crew on board; these she transferred,
and arrived at Dover with 785 persons about 1300. Three hours later, her
indefatigable Captain (Capt. the Hon. L. J. O. Lambart, D.S.O., R.N. (Retired)
sailed once more for Dunkirk. But he never arrived, for at about 2230, when
a mile or so outside the harbour, the Grive was blown to pieces by a mine.
Nineteen survivors were picked up, but her Captain was not among them.
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SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
SUNK BY E-BOAT TORPEDOES.
Trawlers Argyllshire, Stella Dorado.
SUNK BY MINES.
Trawler St. Achilleus, small craft Renown.
SUNK BY GUNFIRE.
Drifter Lord Cavan.
SUNK BY COLLISION OR OTHER MISADVENTURE.
Drifters Eileen Emma, Fair Breeze, Gervais Rentoul.
Yachts Amulree, Pellag II.
Barges Aidie, Barbara Jean, Duchess, Ethel Everard, Lark, Royalty.
Small craft, number unknown.
DAMAGED BY AIR ATTACK.
Destroyers Ivanhoe, Worcester.
Minesweepers Ross, Salamander, Westward-Ho.
Corvette Kingfisher.
Personnel vessel Prague.
DAMAGED BY MINE.
Hospital carrier St. David.
DAMAGED BY GUNFIRE.
One trawler, name uncertain.
DAMAGED BY COLLISION OR GROUNDING
Destroyer Vimy.
Personnel vessel Maid of Orleans.
The evacuation figures for the day
Little ships added their quotas to those of the big ships, though not without
casualties they suffered heavy losses from collision or other misadventure,
although in the circumstances it was not always possible to obtain details
(See App. B.I.)
On this day there were lifted from the beaches and from Dunkirk harbour :
by motor boats and the like 2334 persons, by hopper barges 1470, by tugs 736,
by yachts 1,831, by skoots 3,170, of which almost all were from the beaches,
by special service vessels 1,250, by drifters 2,968, and by trawlers 1,876 prac-
tically all of whom were lifted from Dunkirk harbour. French ships lifted
3,967, Belgian trawlers 402, and a Dutch yacht 114; all troops evacuated by
foreign ships were embarked in Dunkirk harbour, none coming from the beaches.
Though losses of ships had been highest this day the total of troops lifted was
the second highest of the operation, no less than 64,429 being landed in England.
Of these, 47,081 had been embarked in Dunkirk harbour and 17,348 from the
beaches.
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CHAP. x
valuable service in the operation. The Glen Avon, which sailed a quarter
of ing an hour after the Medway Queen, also picked up 24 Spaniards, from the
Dutch S.S. Alphacca; it is not known how they came to be afloat, for the
Alphacca was not sunk until 4 April 1942. The Lydd left at the same time as
the Medway Queen, with 200 troops, but defective degaussing then necessitated
and Royal Eagle all sailed within half an hour of one another. The last ship
putting an end to her service in Operation' Dynamo". The Niger, Snaefell,
to leave Malo beach was, by her own account, the Glen Gower at 0320, as day
wa breaking, by which time it was low water. Her Captain, Acting Commander
M. A. O. Biddulph, R.N., S.O. 8th M.S.F., reported that the embarkation
had been very trying, for the enemy's gunfire during the night had been
mainly directed at the beaches, which had been very heavily shelled¹,
and the Glen Gower was continually under fire from guns and howitzers on shore
from the time she anchored at 2355. "Sight and hearing were almost over-
whelmed by the ruddy glow of flames, the flashes of gunfire, the shrieking of
shells all around, and the noise of their explosion as they burst". When the
Glen Gower sailed, with 435 troops, she had lost two of the boats (one from shrap-
nel hits) which she had brought from England to ferry troops from the beach
to the ships, whilst a third was left aground.
Of all the minesweepers that left the beach this night only the Snaefell was
filled to capacity.
Embarkations at Dunkirk
Although there were more ships than were required off the beaches there
was plenty of room at the East Pier, and during the night Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker, who had come over from Dover and was afloat in M.A /S.B.10, diverted
some of the redundant ships from Malo. He met the minesweeper Sutton at
2121 and sent her to load at the East Pier, where she embarked in about 11/2
hours 725 troops, about a third of whom were French. The Duchess of Fife
arrived off Malo at 2310, found no troops and was sent on to Dunkirk Pier
where she embarked 550 men. The destroyer Venomous had come over to
Malo with a beach party of 10 officers and 90 men; no boats came off from the
shore, and at 0200 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker sent her to Dunkirk, where
she took on board 632 troops and sailed for Dover about 0230. The paddle
minesweeper Marmion was ordered into Dunkirk Harbour at 0200 on 2nd,
after waiting in the roads for four hours, and embarked 225 French troops.
Ships were led into harbour and allocated to their berths by Commander Maund
in a motor boat.
French troops, to the number of 285, were also embarked by the trawler
(danlayer) Strathelliot alongside the inner jetty amongst them was General
Nicolle and his staff. The Strathelliot grounded outside the harbour on sailing
at 0130 but got off undamaged, by her own efforts. Another small ship to get
away early with French troops only on board was the skoot Reiger which left
the jetty in the Nouvel Avant Port at 2215 on 1st after lifting 330 men in 45
minutes.
The first pair of destroyers to berth alongside the East Pier were the Codring-
ton at 2300 and the Sabre a quarter of an hour later. The former embarked
878 troops, the latter 756 both ships taking only 45 minutes. The Icarus
which left Dover with the Windsor, also berthed at 2300 and took on board
677 troops. On the way home, she was in collision with a trawler in Dunkirk
Channel, and her further service in Operation "Dynamo" was cancelled.
I Report of R. A. Wake-Walker, M.017978/41, p.31.
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CHAP. X
The Windsor did some quick turns round. From the present night's work she
returned to Dover with 493 troops, sailed again for Dunkirk and lifted a further
was out, she was once more alongside Dunkirk East Pier embarking troops,
624 men which she disembarked at Dover, leaving about 1900. Before the day
and she sailed at 0100 on 3rd June, loaded with 1,022 men.
As the Esk was unable to sail owing to exhaustion of her crew the Shikari
proceeded alone. She berthed at Dunkirk at 0125 and left again at 0200 with
470 troops. When the first vessel of the last pair of destroyers, the Whitshed
and Winchelsea, arrived at Dunkirk the East Pier was bare of troops; but by
using a loud hailer and making a search a total of 512 were collected. The
Winchelsea disembarked 1,100 men at Dover.
On this night personnel vessels were not much in evidence at Dunkirk. The
Côte Argent disembarked 1,250 troops in England on 2nd June, the Newhaven
716 at Dover at 1030. The Royal Daffodil, after bring turned back earlier in
the day by a French destroyer, left Margate again at 2200 on the 1st and was
back at 0600 on the 2nd with 1,500 troops. The Manxman did not arrive at
Dunkirk until 0506 on the 2nd, long after daylight; she brought back 177 troops
and disembarked them at Dover at 1043. The only other considerable lift
from Dunkirk pier by a British ship on this night was by the 220 ton coaster
Seine, which arrived at Dunkirk about 2000 and, after an air attack lasting
about an hour, went alongside the pier and embarked 250 troops. After land-
ing these at Ramsgate the crew, who had worked continuously for four days
and nights, had their first night's sleep.
In addition to the large ships, tugs, skoots, drifters and all manner of small
craft evacuated troops on this night. Some lay off and were loaded by smaller
boats ferrying troops out to them, others went up harbour, past the large ship
berths. Over 4,000 men were brought to England on the 2nd June in this
way. Of these the skoot Hondsrug took 421 French and the skoot Reiger
330 French.
French embarkations
During the early part of the night 1st-2nd June French troops embarked as
arranged at the West Pier, though none of the French torpedo boats which it
was intended to employ disembarked troops in England.¹ Looking shoreward
from the sea, the characteristic helmets of the endless line of French troops on
the West Pier showed up against the glare of fires inland. The town and har-
bour lay under a pall of smoke. The minesweeping trawler Chasse-Marée
lifted from the harbour 391 troops, the patrol vessel Reine des Flots 350, the
cargo ship Cap Antifer 291, and trawlers and motor fishing vessels a further
548; all these were landed in England.
June. Four Belgian trawlers brought over 313 troops from Dunkirk on the 2nd
British Naval base party embarks, 0245/2
the The shore end of the East Pier at Dunkirk, to embark the base party as arranged.
At 0200 on the 2nd Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker in M.A/S.B.10 went up to
party arrived and the M. A/S.B. sailed at 0245.
had been haze which had prevented some ships from arriving the morning was
By this time it was beginning to get light, and although at one time there
T.B's. on this night alongside the West quay.
I Rear-Admiral loaded Wake-Walker in his Report M.017978/41 p.32 says, however, French
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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. X
clearly marked as hospital ships. Neither of the two ever reached Dunkirk.
were despatched from Dover, the Worthing at 1255 and the Paris at 1648, both
we should scrupulously observe the Two hospital carriers part
en clair asking for hospital ships to be Geneva sent across Convention. and stating that for our
At 1433 the A/S trawler Grimsby Town, on patrol on Route X, reported that
had bombed a hospital ship. This was Worthing. Visibility was good.
12 aircraft bearing 90° South Foreland 27 the miles (between V and W buoys)
Nine bombs were dropped and the the Calcutta ship was sent machine the gunned, she was slightly
damaged by near misses and corvette Mallard to stand by
her. The Worthing returned to harbour.
near W buoy, when two aircraft attacked her, near misses putting out of action
The Paris, after running into thick fog, was in clear visibility at about 1900,
her engines and extinguishing all lights. About an hour later the ship was
attacked again by 3 aircraft, and received further damage. She was abandoned
by all but the Captain and some of the officers, who were shortly afterwards
taken off by a fast motor boat which also rescued men from some of the Paris's
lifeboats that had been wrecked by bombing. Three tugs, the Sun XV, Sun IV
and Lady Brassey attempted to tow the ship; but at 0400 on 3rd June, after
a further air attack, the Paris sank 1 mile east of W. buoy.
Evacuation figures, 2nd June
A total of 26,256 men were landed in England on 2nd June, 19,561 from
Dunkirk harbour and 6,695 from the beaches. Of these totals, French ships
working only from the harbour carried 1634, and Belgian trawlers carried 313.
The accumulated total of men evacuated to this date was 285,305.
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THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
Teteghem, the event this was postponed 2000 and when it took place some
on a front of two miles. The until French intended to counter-attack at
There was no movement in the port. Later Admiral
was in the hands of the enemy, but they had not
advanced beyond. Further attacks were expected by the French this day,
when the situation regarding munitions might become critical.
Sailing of the night flight from England
The movement from England towards Dunkirk commenced at 1700. The
armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers,
5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters,
6 skoots, 2 armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc.,
formed either in organised tows or proceeding individually. For various
reasons, however, not all of these ships evacuated troops.¹
The composition of the French contingent was not known at Dover. Actually,
3 French torpedo boats, two minesweeping trawlers, two patrol vessels, and
17 trawlers and motor fishing vessels landed troops in England on the 3rd June.
One Belgian patrol boat and 16 or 17 trawlers brought troops.
B.E.F. evacuated, 2330/2
The first destroyers to reach Dunkirk were the Sabre and Shikari, which
sailed together from Dover at 1845. As the latter ship rounded No. 6 W buoy
enemy shore batteries opened fire, but caused no damage. Berthing was
carried out by an officer with a loud speaker at the pier head. Both destroyers
sailed again at 2200, the Sabre with 500 and the Shikari with 700 troops. The
Venomous, which arrived at 2150, had difficulty in going alongside the East Pier.
This was not a solid jetty, but was built of concrete piles through which the
west-going tide set. This, coupled with a fresh easterly wind, made it very
I The following ships (other than those on patrol which picked up survivors and landed
them) landed troops in England on 3rd June, (numbers in brackets) :-
BRITISH Destroyers - Codrington (44), Esk (500), Sabre (500), Shikari (700), Vanquisher (37),
Venomous (1500), Whitshed (82), Winchelsea (152), Windsor (1022) ;
Gunboat Locust (800)
Minesweepers - Albury (200), Duchess of Fife (300), Dundalk (399), Gossamer (490),
Halcyon (416), Kellett (364), Marmion (198), Medway Queen (481), Niger (430),
Oriole (750), Pangbourne (47), Speedwell (300), Westward-Ho (48) ;
Special Service Ship Golden Eagle (1);
Drifters - Forecast (108), Golden Sunbeam (163), Lord Howard (100), Midas (43),
Netsukis (119), Starlight Rays (319), Ut Prosim (49), Yorkshire Lass (103)
Trawler Cayton Wyke (300) ;
Skoot Doggersbank (50) ;
Yacht Sargasso (252) ;
Personnel ships - Côte d'Argent (955), King George V (1460), Newhaven (396),
Lady of Mann (18), Rouen (1286), Royal Sovereign (1500), St. Helier (2000),
Tynwald (1200) H.M.S. Nelson's M.B. (27)
Tugs - St. Olaves (200), Sun X (211), Sun XI (188), War Dept. M.Ls. (69)
Sailing barge Glenway (213)
R.N.L.I. Lifeboats Cecil & Lilian Philpot (51), Michael Stephens (52) :
3 motor boats and launches (300).
FRENCH Torpedo boats - Bouclier (340), La Flore (410) ;
Destroyer Léopard (19) ;
S/M Chaser 6 (50, apparently disembarked at Havre) ;
M/S trawlers - Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes (79), Ste. Denise Louise (78) ;
Patrol vessels - Lucien Gougy (78), Reine des Flots (500) ;
17 trawlers and M.F.V's. (1663).
BELGIAN Patrol boat A.5 (229) ;
17 trawlers (1583).
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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XI
difficult for ships to get alongside until the tide turned, about 2300. Rear-
Admiral Wake-Walker, who was afloat in M.A/S.B. 10 used the latter to
harbour was now filled with numbers of small French craft of every sort, size
the Venomous in and tried to get other small craft to do likewise. The narrow push
and description. At this moment a defect Venomous developed in the M.A /S.B's clutch,
apparently her from going as the astern result and of down pushing made on turning her the from a most both alongside, directions. hazardous which adventure prevented with
boats of all sorts bearing The
was away again in half an hour, with 1,500
Alexander and his staff who had been taken on
Admiral Wake-Walker and transferred to the
had difficulty in getting alongside but managed to clear the harbour with 1,022
troops, one minute before the next destroyer was due to enter. The stream of
British troops was evidently diminishing in volume now, for the Winchelsea,
which arrived at the pier at 2300, embarked only 152. The gunboat Locust,
however, which sailed two minutes later, carried 800 troops, a proportion of
whom were French.
Eight drifters disembarked 1,004 men in England, the Starlight Rays bringing
319 of these. The yacht Sargasso brought 252. Only two personnel vessels
lifted British troops from the East Pier; the King George V embarked 1,460
in 27 minutes and sailed at 2225 and the St. Helier embarked 2,000 and sailed
at 2330 for England.
This completed the evacuation of the British rearguard.
At 2330 Captain Tennant made the welcome signal "B.E.F. evacuated."
He embarked in M.T.B. 102, together with the demolition party and left for
Dover.
A pause in the embarkation
After the last of the B.E.F. were clear there was a long pause. French
troops should have followed the British rearguard on the East Pier, but they
did not appear. The West Quay, however, was crowded with French in their
distinctive helmets, though there seemed a scarcity of ships on that side of the
harbour. The personnel ship Royal Sovereign, which had been joined that
afternoon by Commander L.P. Skipwith as adviser to the Master, Captain T.
Aldis, went alongside the West Quay at 2130, handled magnificently, turning
and going alongside bows out", as Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker reported. She
embarked 1,500 French troops and sailed at 2205 for Margate. The Rear-
Admiral also sent the personnel ship Rouen, a French cross-channel steamer,
to the West Quay. In getting away she got broadside on to the wind and
grounded just to the westward of the quay, where she lay, on a falling tide,
showing up clearly against an oil fuel fire behind her. A tug was sent to help
her but drew too much water and could not get near. However, the ship
remained unhit throughout the shelling, and she floated off with the next tide
in daylight and reached England safely with 1,286 men.
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker was unable to discover the reason for the
cessation of the flow of French troops to the East Pier; it was apparently caused
make a counter-attack, for the counter-attack which was to have been made
by the necessity either of repelling a German attack or holding them up to
at 1500 to restore the line east of Bergues was postponed until 2000. With
destroyers waiting to be filled the situation was most exasperating. Five
destroyers had to be sent back to England for lack of to fill them. The
she Vanquisher was ordered to return to Dover to 0230, taking troops only 37 troops which
embarked from a small boat while lying off the harbour. The Codrington
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THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
also stopped off the harbour by entered orders at the 0050 harbour and had only 44 troops when
she devoid of troops and was by Whitshed found Wake-Walker to return to
was sailed at 0250. The Express ordered Rear-Admiral at 0200, found the pier
sailed at 0245 with 82 men collected small craft. Finally, the Malcolm
and Dover lay outside with orders to hail from stop other ships from entering. She
with the Codrington. The and no berth on arrival at 0030
was ordered back at 0248, empty. Thus five destroyer trips were wasted.
Only the minesweepers which berthed at the inner end of the East Pier after
the British rearguard had embarked, managed to collect normal quotas from
the trickle of French troops.
Dunkirk was the headquarters of a French Naval Command and there was
always a considerable number of French marines in evidence. But after the
British naval ratings left at 2300 there was difficulty in getting ships berthed,
as the French did not replace them.
The Albury embarked 200 French troops, the Duchess of Fife 300, the Dundalk
399, the Gossamer 490, the Halcyon 416, the Kellett 350 French and 14 British,
the Marmion 198, the Medway Queen 481, and the Speedwell 300. The Niger
slipped at 0120 with 430 French troops. While turning an unknown French
craft crossed her bows and was rammed, though apparently no damage was
done to her. A few minutes later the Frenchman returned and rammed the
Niger.
Personnel ships did well. The Royal Sovereign sailed at 2205 with 1500
troops, the King George V at 2225 with 1460, the St. Helier at 2330 with 2,000.
The Côte Argent took 955 men, the Newhaven 396 French, the Tynwald 1,200,
the Rouen 1,286; but the Lady of Mann was ordered back for lack of troops
and took only 18 French embarked from a small boat.
Amongst the French ships the torpedo-boat Bouclier embarked 340 men and
the La Flore 410. The patrol vessel Reine des Flots embarked 500 troops
during a violent bombardment" and also reported air attacks (from German
strays returning no doubt), en route to England, for which she sailed from
Dunkirk at 2300 on the 2nd. Seventeen French trawlers and motor fishing
vessels brought off 1,662 troops and a Belgian patrol boat 229.
Summary of troops evacuated, night 2nd-3rd June
To Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who had worked out a programme by
which 37,000 men could have been lifted, in addition to those that would get
off in small craft, this had been a most disappointing night's work, owing to
the long pause when the flow of men to the East Pier ceased for some hours
after the British rearguard completed its embarkation, and the difficulty of
getting ships berthed owing to the failure of the French to replace the British
naval parties after these left Dunkirk. Between midnight on 2nd-3rd and
0300 on the 3rd a lifting capacity of about 10,000 men was left empty.
There were disembarked in England on 3rd June 26,700 troops. Of these,
British ships lifted 21,671, French ships 3,216 and Belgian ships 1,812. The
great majority of these, namely 24,830, were embarked in Dunkirk harbour,
principally by ships berthed alongside, though a few were ferried to ships
waiting outside the port. Most of the remainder were taken out of small craft
by ships which were likely to reach England with greater expedition and
certainty many of these found in small craft had no doubt come off from
the beaches.
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CHAP. XI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
79, Of these 808 and 211,137 casualties were 1,129. Allied fit numbered 305,078.
At noon on the 3rd June British the fit total and of 13,004 troops casualties. evacuated had reached
Naval losses 2nd June
harbour at from motor boat sunk off Malo, and by enemy action,
The brightest Dunkirk feature had been of the carried night out was without that embarkation disturbance in the
and apart one losses off by enemy act from small craft from
collision or other misadventure, sinkings were confined to
In marked contradistinction attack the from 2nd. the heavy This losses of the 1st June only
ship was sunk from by air Calshot R.A.F. on station, which was the fast motor boat Seaplane one
at 1500 with Commander from J. C. the Clouston, situation R.N., pier master of the mole,
Tender 243, sailed from Dover for Dunkirk
was returning discussing with the staff at Dover, and a who
embarkation that the party; boats should she was be in used company with S.T. 276, the intention naval being
Walker during the night's work. At 1855, about 6 miles from Gravelines, 4
two as runners" for Rear-Admiral Wake-
enemy aircraft attacked S.T. 243, which received severe damage from a
miss and was abandoned in a sinking condition. Commander Clouston ordered near
S.T. 276 to proceed as the enemy aircraft were still continuing to attack, and
she subsequently arrived at Dunkirk though too badly damaged to be of service.
rating from S.T. 243 were picked up and saved.
Commander Clouston was seen later, drowned, and only one officer and one
The transport Royal Daffodil nearing Dunkirk from England was attacked
all movable gear to port and filling boats with water she was listed to bring
by aircraft about an hour after S.T. 243. The ship was holed but by shifting
the damage above water. The engineers, J. W. Coulthard and W. L. Evans
kept the motors running although the water had risen in the engine room, and
the ship returned to Margate under her own steam. Another personnel ship,
the Ben-My-Chree, was in collision on the evening of the 2nd shortly after
leaving Folkestone for Dunkirk, and took no further part in the operation.
Two further ships were sunk by mines on Route Y on the 2nd June, although
it was at first thought they had been torpedoed. At about 1600 the trawlers
Blackburn Rovers and Westella were on patrol near T buoy, when the former
blew up on a mine and sank instantly. As the Westella closed the position,
explosions from the Blackburn Rovers' depth charges lifted the ship out of the
water and put her asdic installation and pumps out of action. About 40
minutes later the Westella was herself blown up by a mine between S and T
buoys, and commenced to sink. Her depth charges were set to 'safe', and the
trawlers Saon and Grimsby Town sank her and picked up her survivors and
those of the Blackburn Rovers, some badly injured. (Appendix J.9, J.10).
Two other trawlers met with misadventure on the 2nd, but neither was sunk.
Details are lacking but it is known that the Spurs and another trawler, probably
either the Kingston Alalite or Kingston Olivine, were both damaged by gunfire.
The Spurs was on the patrol line, and it is not known how she came close
enough to the coast to be damaged by shore gunfire. Gunfire also sank the
Gallant's motor boat off Malo at 0210.
known. These were the Getuigt Vor Christus, the O.L.V. van Vlaandaren,
Three Belgian trawlers were lost on th 2nd June, though no details are
and the Sunny Isle.
Air co-operation, night 2nd-3rd June
The R.A.F. flew a patrol over the approaches to Dunkirk from about 2010
110

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XI
The Admiralty had already continued (2312/2) for the undertaken evacuation that ships would be
night the evacuation 3rd to 4th on June, this and night. they To this the French agreed. complete on the
vided and air protection now urged the French of Admiralty trops pro-
Plan for the night
embarkation, the hours of 2230/3 and with such ships for
For this last and night the maximum it was decided effort to was cut to down be made, by one hour the time
mained available, between to be made by personnel 0230/4. From the as re-
Pier, liftings were to be sent to the entire vessels, destroyers, and East
minesweepers; be ships received, were and it was estimated that length of the pier as paddle
as they could Drifters and fast
thus be provided and for docks 14,000 of men. the inner harbour. small craft were to go would
up to the quays be French ships, for which right
latter pier the remaining would also lift ships (minesweepers the other than paddle, the
beach, the Quai Félix Faure, British Avant Port (West Pier) ; from
numbers could be estimated, were and the to New responsible for evacuation from Malo no
boats. Locust was to remain loads ferried out to her by small
vettes and skoots) outside and troops, receive to number of 5,000. The gunboat cor-
It was intended to employ on the work a force of 9 personnel vessels, 9
destroyers (all that were available), 4 paddle minesweepers, 7 fleet minesweepers,
9 drifters, the Locust, 2 corvettes, 4 French torpedo boats, and a number of
organised motor boats flotillas including lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover,
together with a large number of French and Belgian fishing vessels. Eleven
small French ships and 3 small tugs left Cherbourg for Dover on the night
2nd-3rd June ; Le Havre was scheduled to send 8 trawlers, 2 minesweepers,
1 tug, and 20 small dinghies ; and Fécamp sent 14 trawlers.
During the afternoon of the 3rd the French authorities transmitted the figure
of French troops still remaining in Dunkirk. This was about 30,000, a pro-
portion of whom belonged to other than combatant units. The total capacity
of the lifting force, if used to the full, was 30,000, but this was about 5,000 more
than the facilities within the port would permit of being embarked in 4 hours,
even if the French troops moved with the greatest rapidity at all points of
embarkation. On previous occasions there had been some instances of difficulty
in persuading French troops to embark otherwise than as complete units.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay consequently impressed on the French liaison officers
the necessity of speed, and he added a number of French officers and ratings
to the augmented pier parties which were despatched to Dunkirk at 2200, in
I The following ships landed troops in England on 4th June (numbers landed in brackets)
British - destroyers Express (611), Malcolm (736), Sabre (592), Shikari (383), Vanquisher
Minesweepers Albury (400), Halcyon (501), Kellett (30), Leda (500), Medway Queen (266),
ferred to trawler off Dunkirk on account of collision damage) Gunboat Locust (196)
(414), Venomous (1200), Whitshed (444); Corvettes Guillemot (460), Kingfisher (200, trans-
Princess Elizabeth (329), Queen of Thanet (150), Speedwell (396) Trawler Saturn (418)
Drifters Forecast (123), "L.H.W.D." (90) Skoots Bornrif (96), Hondsrug (308), Pascholl
(255), Ruja (300) ; Yacht Gulzar (140) ; Personnel vessels Autocarrier (712), Canterbury
Princess (659), Côte d'Argent (1349), King George V (817), Lady of Mann (1244), Newhaven (729),
(1350), Tynwald (3000) ; Tugs Racia (123), Sun XV (37) War Dept. M.Ls.
Maud (1270), Royal Sovereign (took the place of Manxman which refused to sail)
Pigeon (23), Swallow (23) ; Sailing Barge Beatrice Maud (31), Tanga not reach England until 5th
and June) launches (260) ; R.N.L.I. lifeboats Edward Z. Dresden (50), Greater (did London (48) ; Motor boats
Nayland Bonny Heather (210), Diana Mary (28), Elizabeth Green (10), Meuse (50),
Coliath trawlers (355), 3 patrol vessels (836), 13 trawlers and M.F.Vs. (1416), 1104. Belgian Tug
3 M/S (55), Walker II (76). French 5 Torpedo boats 2 S/M chasers (127),
(183), 5 trawlers (554).
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THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
advance of the evacuation force. Captain de Revoir, the French Naval Attaché,
also crossed over to assist.
There were still many British wounded in Dunkirk, and Admiral Nord was
asked to make special arranagements to evacuate as many as possible in return
for the effort the British were making on behalf of the French Army.
Air Protection
Coastal Command were to provide protection for shipping between Dover
and Dunkirk during the period from 1930 on the 3rd until dark.
Fighter Command was to maintain a continuous patrol by one Blenheim
over the Dunkirk area during the dark hours. Fighter protection over the
Dunkirk area and shipping in the Channel was arranged for first light, the
intention being that Fighter Command should patrol from 0345 to 0600 on
June 4th, and Coastal Command from 0600 to 0800. The execution of the
first part of this programme was hindered, and that of the second part pro-
hibited by fog which, however, no doubt supplied an even more thorough form
of protection for the ships.
From 0430 to 0615 four Spitfires squadrons were on the line, but encountered
no enemy aircraft. Fog rendered their landing in England difficult on their
return. Hurricane squadrons continued the patrol, reaching the Dunkirk
area about 0530 again no enemy aircraft were encountered, and again great
difficulty was experienced in landing, one squadron losing 4 aircraft. With
this unfortunate anti-climax, the fighter patrols over Dunkirk came to an end.
The scene at Dunkirk 2200, 3rd June
Movements from England of the 50 or so ships and numerous small craft
for the night's evacuation commenced according to plan. Rear-Admiral
Wake-Walker, who had come over to Dover earlier in the day for consultation,
returned to Dunkirk, arriving at 2200 in M.T.B. 102 " to find the harbour
swarming with French fishing craft and vessels of all sorts. They were yelling
and crowding alongside the East Pier which was already thick with French
troops. At one time it looked as if they would get in the way of the transports
and destroyers which were on their way, but I managed to get them to go on
up the inner harbour and out of the way in time."¹
"The congestion", said Lieutenant J. N. Wise, R.N.V.R., one of the officers
of the skoot Pascholl which arrived at Dunkirk at 2300, was chaotic, ships
going astern into others coming ahead. French destroyers shrieking on their
sirens, small craft nipping here and there, rendering the exit most dangerous."
The numerous wrecks in the harbour and its approaches increased the
difficulty and danger of entering. In addition to old wrecks marked on the
charts there were now a dozen or more new ones, 3 to the west, and 9 to the
east, half of them in the fairway; and more wrecks lay in the harbour. One
lay alongside the East Pier ; there was a wrecked trawler off the end of the
piling on the west side of the Channel leading up harbour and blockships in
the Channel, though luckily the tide was high.
Off the Thanet Coast and in mid-Channel there was thick fog (the Royal
Sovereign, 40 minutes out from Margate, reported visibility nil), though the
ships were spared this added difficulty at Dunkirk where a fresh easterly wind
was blowing and there was a choppy sea at the entrance.
M.017978/41 Report of R. A. Wake-Walker, p.37.
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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
Casualties from collison and grounding
had It embarked was under 200 conditions French such troops of as the at these harbour the West that per which
was rammed when just clear 20 feet from the stern, 2319,
line, Edmond cutting René; her her degaussing port bow, circuits. and the The troops collision was caused opened the up two to the wawler water
which was undamaged. eventually joining a water, trawler,
swing alongside one another, The Kingfisher, making trans-shipped little to the ships to
towards England at 7 knots, casualty. company with the minesweeper proceeded
Leda, another collision
West Pier about an hour into the prevailing fog, and off 0300, the on the way back the
The Leda, having embarked after the 484 Kingfisher. French troops, At had pushed off from
she ran down the Belgian The Leda's bows
Margate, the ship ran trawler Maréchal Foch. Goodwin Light Buoy to
damaged, and for a while the minesweeper the Albury, which had sailed from were
West Pier at about the same time as Leda, with 400 troops, stood by her; the
but the Leda's forward bulkhead held, so the ship continued on her way to
Margate, escorted for a while by the Kellett until the latter had to break off
assist a ship in greater trouble and left her with the Kingfisher as companion to
in misfortune. The fog was thick at Margate, and in the roads the Kingfisher
was rammed once more, the personnel vessel King George V hitting her on the
starboard bow, though only minor damage was caused.
Meanwhile, the Maréchal Foch had sunk. In economy of operation this
Belgian trawler seems to have been unequalled, for despite the fact that her
entire complement consisted only of the Master, Captain P. Lusyne, and one
man, (F. Decoster), she had embarked no less than 300 troops. To accomplish
this, the ship had lain alongside the quay at Dunkirk since the 2nd of June, for
she had grounded on the falling tide and did not get away until the night of
the 3rd-4th. It is satisfactory to know that the Captain and his crew were
picked up and landed at Dover ; but half of the 300 troops she was carrying
were drowned. The French M.T.B. V.T.B 25 which was bringing Admiral
Abrial from Dunkirk picked up some but was hampered by a propeller disabled
by wreckage, and some were rescued by the destroyer Malcolm, which left
Dunkirk at 0245 and reported picking up, in fog near the North Goodwin,
survivors of an unknown schuyt' which had been sunk in collision with a
minesweeper.
Another ship that grounded in Dunkirk and was lost in consequence, was the
Skoot Lena. This vessel had sailed from England at 1530 on the 3rd June, in
company with four other skoots, the Pascholl (S.O.), Hondsrug, Bornrif, and
Reiger. The latter ran aground on the Quern Sand soon after leaving Rams-
gate, and was left behind. Going alongside the middle pier of Avant Port"
at Dunkirk (probably the West Quay or Guiding Jetty, or possibly the Inner but
Western high none British water, was drifter Pier) available orders were the having Lena and unsuccessful. attempts grounded been given made At at that about 1045 to no tow on 2300. further the her 4th off A embarkation tug June, by was the two asked Bornrif was hours crew for, to and after take em- a
place after daylight, it was decided to abandon ship. Part of remainder, the in-
barked in a British drifter, part in a French drifter, and the
cluding the officers, were ferried to the Locust outside the harbour.
forthcoming to tow off owing the difficulty for minutes
It was presumably to of tug was
considerable convoy of tugs Lena, arrived off within the entrance a to the
116

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THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
on motor boats, sailed the Thark with the motor boats,
the 3rd the tugs Sun from IV, Tanga, Ramsgate Sun to XV, Dunkirk. and Racia, Two towing of between them
were on account of water trouble petrol; the Diana Mary was
14 abandoned on the way across: in the while foul propeller and rudder,
mouth, to piled up 28 Dunkirk troops), on some with and submerged engine the barge masonry of the (though Admiral in Dunkirk she Superintendent, eventually harbour and returned Ports- was
abandoned. After waiting off Dunkirk since 2300 on the 3rd, the four tugs
ordered at about 0200 on the 4th to go alongside the (East) Pier and
embark were as many troops as possible, and by the time they were ordered to
out they had collected 203 between them. Of the 14 motor boats which
started clear from Ramsgate with the tugs only 5 or 6 found their way back ; all
the remainder were abandoned for one reason or another.
Embarkations at the West Pier (see Plan 4)
Owing to confusion of nomenclature it is impossible in every case to specify
definitely at which of the west piers or jetties the ships (other than destroyers
and personnel vessels which berthed at the east pier) embarked their troops.
In the western part of the port, reading from west to east, were (1) the West
Pier (termed western jetty in the Sailing Directions), (2) the West Quay or
Guiding Jetty, and (3) the Inner Western Pier (the inner or old western jetty
of the Sailing Directions). Of the other three skoots that came over with the
Lena, the Bornrif stated that she embarked 96 troops at the West Mole"
between 2230 on the 3rd and 0100 on the 4th, and the Hondsrug 308 at the
"West Pier' between 2245 and 0000; while the Pascholl, which had been
commanded by four different captains in 8 days, does not specify from which
part of the port she lifted the 255 troops with which she sailed at 0030. Another
skoot, the Rina, which had spent 24 hours at Dunkirk, sailed about this time
with 300 troops.
The corvette Guillemot, which had come over with the Kingfisher, went to
the Western mole" and secured ahead of the minesweeper Speedwell at 2355,
leaving again at 0154 with French troops embarked to capacity" (460).
This was her first and only trip, her previous service having been as base ship
at Margate. The Speedwell which had berthed nearly an hour earlier than the
Guillemot, took off 396 French troops, and the Halcyon, which had sailed from
Dover in her company, 501.
The minesweeper Kellett grounded forward against the western breakwater
on a falling tide when she attempted to go alongside at 0100. It was an
anxious moment, for almost simultaneously there same a report that 6 enemy
T.B.Ds. were proceeding south-westward from off Ostend ; but the motor
lifeboat Greater London towed the Kellett's stern away from the wall and enabled
her to back away. She embarked a few troops from motor boats and sailed
for Margate at 0220 by orders of Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, for the West
Pier was occupied and it would be some time before she could be loaded, and
the Rear-Admiral feared that so slow a ship might not be able to reach England
while our fighter patrols were operating. Two of the personnel ships were sent
by Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker to the West Pier instead of to the East Pier,
since the former was continuously crowded with French troops, whereas at
the East Pier there were gaps in the flow of men. One of the two, the Royal
Sovereign, embarked 1,350 men and sailed overladen half an hour after
she should have been clear.
Among the many ships and craft of which few or no details are recorded
117

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
were the trawler Saturn which An brought unknown 418 drifter troops to England, and the
Gulzar which brought 140. Maud, while brought 90, and
abandoned Dover by a destroyer by her crew, on the and 5th were June. up mid-Channel and towed to
boarded the sailing barge Beatrice picked in she was lying at
the staff of Rear-Admiral Pier at 2230, Maintenance on
Pier for the embarkation on A. H. Taylor, "Dynamo" R.N., West
The Leda paid tribute in her this report night. to the Commander excellent arrangements at
him assumed number of charge men they at the could Centre take quickly. and then Commander getting making the Troup ships French fast, officers finding to out Officer, assist the
embarked at least 10,000 troops.
to embark the troops estimated that he
Embarkations at the East Pier
despite a hold up which threw out the programme of ships entering the harbour
Meanwhile, there had been some heavy liftings of troops from the East Pier
and caused great congestion in the entrance. The flow of French troops to
the East Pier was better than on the preceding night, though there were some
bad pauses.
The first ship to arrive off the pier was the destroyer Whitshed at 2215, with
Commander H. J. Buchanan, R.A.N. and pier party on board. In consequence
of the fresh easterly wind and the westgoing tide the ship could not get alongside
the East Pier, where there was nobody who could be persuaded to take a line.
However, after disembarking part of her pier party into Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker's M.T.B. for transfer to the pier, she got her bows alongside the per-
sonnel ship Autocarrier and her stern alongside the Sabre and commenced
embarking troops. The Sabre had been working since 30th May with a com-
pass damaged and rendered unreliable by a shell splinter, and had been led
across by the Venomous. She got away from the East Pier at 0025 with 592
troops and followed other ships towards England until they were lost to sight
near U buoy at the south end of the South Falls. This was within hearing of
the North Goodwin Light Vessel, which the Sabre located by sound, subse-
quently proceeding from buoy to buoy until she reached Dover at 0500.
When the Autocarrier left in her turn at 0035 she carried 712 French troops.
The Canterbury left ten minutes later with 659, while the Côte Argent had
shoved off from the pier five minutes earlier with 1,349 troops. After these
three practically simultaneous sailings of personnel ships some time elapsed
before another bunch got away. The Princess Maud had berthed at the
extreme end of the pier, and sailed at 0150 with 1,270 troops and dogs of all
kinds" that managed to get aboard. The Lady of Mann which berthed about
the time when the first three personnel vessels left, took 1,244 troops at 0200.
The Tynwald seems to have been the last to leave the East Pier. She sailed
at 0305 with the record lift, only equalled by the Scotia on 29th May, of 3,000
French troops : in 4 trips she had evacuated 8,953 men. With a single ex-
ception all destroyers had now gone; the Malcolm went at 0245 with 736
troops, Vanquisher at 0240 with 414, and the Venomous, which had arrived at
0245 to find the harbour very congested and ordered to wait outside until
0130, 5 took out no less than 1,200 troops. In four was days the Venomous had made
trips, evacuating 4,410 men in all,
to fog, did not arrive at Dunkirk until 0230 on the 4th. She left half an hour
The British pier party was taken off by the destroyer Express which, owing
later, having embarked 611 troops.
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THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
The Locust also, after embarking troops ferried out to her from 2300, came
alongside the East Pier at 0225, and when she sailed ten minutes later had on
board 196 troops.
Mining of the Emile Deschamps
The personnel vessel King George V which left the East Pier about 0300 with
817 troops, ran into thick fog off the English coast. About 0615, near the
Elbow Buoy 21/2 miles east of the North Foreland, she passed a "small French
naval vessel." Suddenly there was a heavy explosion astern of her, and
within a minute the vessel had sunk.
The small French ship was the Fleet Auxiliary Emile Deschamps which had
sailed from Dunkirk for England at about 2100 on 3rd June, crowded with
troops and refugees. About 0558 the minesweeper Albury, 5 cables ahead of
her, gave her a course for the North Goodwin Light Vessel, which the French
ship had missed. A quarter of an hour later the Emile Deschamps struck the
magnetic mine which sank her.
Several vessels were near and hastened to rescue the survivors. The fire-
float Massey Shaw, on passage from Ramsgate to London, was only 200 yards
away at the time and picked up 40, reported to be all sailors, which she trans-
ferred to the Albury. The King George V lowered four boats and picked up
67. The minesweeper Kellett, called up by signal from the Albury, rescued
some very badly injured people as did also H.M.S. Nelson's motor boat, whose
log contains the apparently, but no doubt unintentionally, casual entry
' 2400. L/Sea. Eggington lost overboard with candle-lantern." Fog came
down again as the rescue operations were completed. Among the survivors
landed at Margate were 7 French women and a boy.
Blocking Operation repeated night 3rd-4th June
Owing to the failure of the blocking operation of the previous night to close
the port, the Admiralty, during the forenoon of the 3rd June, ordered it to be
repeated on this night with Admiral Abrial's concurrence. Captain E. Danger-
field, R.N. was again in charge. The ships employed were as follows :-
destroyer :
Shikari;
coastal craft: M. A./S. B. 10,
M.T.B. 107
blockships
Gourko, 1975 tons, built 1911,
Moyle, 1761 tons, built 1907,
Pacifico, 687 tons, built 1905.
The force sailed from the Downs at 2030 on the 3rd by Route Z, M.T.B. 107
being in tow of the Shikari, and anchored at 0130 on the 4th between No. 14 W
and 16 W buoys, near the entrance to Dunkirk harbour.
At 0230 Captain Dangerfield, who had transferred to M. A/S. B. 10 ordered
the ships to weigh and the Shikari proceeded to lead them to the entrance.
The Gourko's anchor was barely aweigh when a violent explosion occurred aft,
caused, it is reported, by a magnetic mine, although the ship was degaussed
and had been wiped in Chatham Dockyard as recently as the 31st May. The
Gourko began to sink rapidly and was ordered to be abandoned. She sank
stern first in 3 minutes. M. A/S. B. 10 took off 9 survivors and transferred
them to the Shikari. M.T.B. 107 rescued 7 others, some of them from the
water. One of the crew was missing, and 8 were wounded.
Meanwhile, the other two blockships carried on with the operation. The
119

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THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
Moyle rammed the As Inner she sank, Western she Pier slid off abreast the bank the wreck towards of the Westcove
scuttled line channel, intention The of Pacifico the herself. as was channel, the to decided Westcove proceed her to after between had scuttle part done, down and in being and the between beyond finally against position the them settled the allotted wrecks Westcove. at of to a slight the the the Edvard Gourko. centre angle to of Her and the the
and Westcove and defeated then drift this the Pacifico broadside on. Nissen
the strong current after hold, dropped manoeuvre, anchor so into her and rammed However,
The stern then swung not over turn further owing to the tide Nissen, but, after
cove abreast her to port towards the Edvard secured
ships. of certain point, Orders would were then accompanied given for the by scuttling considerable of the Pacifico; race between As in the the case two a
due in this instance to vapour.
the Westcove, this was oil fuel a sheet of flame, probably
One shell hit the pier, causing many casualties, for there were still some 200
The time now was about 0330 and at this juncture shelling recommenced.
French troops on the East Pier. General Bathelemy, Commander of the
Flanders Garrison, who was taken off by the Shikari, stated that 12,000 French
troops still remained in Dunkirk. The Shikari carried 383 when she sailed
from Dunkirk at 0340 by orders of Captain Dangerfield; she was the last ship
to leave. Apart from an air attack, which caused no damage, her passage
home was uneventful.
An M.T.B. had been detailed to evacuate Admiral Abrial but the latter
could not be found, and as a matter of fact he was brought out from Dunkirk
in a French M.T.B. V.T.B. 25. Near the North Goodwin Light Vessel the
vessel's propeller became disabled by wreckage, and the Malcolm towed her
to Dover about 0600.
On the conclusion of the blocking operation there remained a gap of about
100 to 120 feet unobstructed on the west side of the channel. Part of this gap
was, however, shoal water, because of the shelving bank.
Disembarkation figures, 4th June
There were landed in England on 4th June 26,175 persons, of which British
ships had evacuated 21,600, French 3,838, and Belgian 737. These figures
included a number of survivors, both troops and ships' crews, from sunken
ships and some refugees. It was recorded that 622 of the total were evacuated
from the beaches, but it is doubtful whether any of these were actually
evacuated from the beaches, for the figure includes many such as the 43 French
troops landed by the Pangbourne, who were taken from a French vessel
(probably the mail packet Rouen) which had run aground on a sand bank: the
260 brought over by the Beatrice Maud: a number (apparently 210) recorded as
evacuated from the beaches and landed in England but actually ferried from
Dunkirk pier to various transports, by the motor launch Bonny Heather.
Operation Dynamo completed, 1423/4th June
Ammunition in Dunkirk was exhausted, enemy were and reported the remaining consisted
When the Shikari sailed, the to be only 3 miles away.
principally the of non-combatant units. troops Admiral Nord agreed that
was dispersed at 1030.
operation should be considered as Accordingly, terminated. The fleet of rescue ships
The decision to terminate the operation was agreed to by the French
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CHAPTER XIII
ANALYSIS OF THE OPERATION
Inadequate planning
those taking part largely and place that planning. Events on the of
Operation "Dynamo" took was the an improvisation, of in which the initiative
most developed so swiftly unexpectedly for what lack of time prevented any Continent but
than was meagre anticipated. preparation proved to be a far more extensive operation the
was and not that date it 19th May, seven days before the operation commenced;
The problem mooted of until evacuating the large numbers of British troops from the Continent
undertaken. even at was considered unlikely that it would actually be
Expeditionary Force would be evacuated.
As late as the 24th May it was still uncertain whether the British
Two days later, when the Admiralty ordered the operation to commence, the
military situation was thought to have deteriorated so rapidly that a lift of no
more than 45,000 troops within a period of 48 hours was considered possible,
after action. which the evacuation would have to be terminated on account of enemy
In the event, seven times as many men were evacuated, and the operation
continued for 9 days.
The organisation was built up as the evacuation proceeded. A Maintenance
Officer to take charge of the small craft was appointed on the 27th May, the
day after the beginning of the operation. S.N.O. Dunkirk assumed duty at
1900 on the same day, and S.N.O. Afloat off the beaches two days later. It
was not, however, until the 30th May that an S.N.O. arrived to take charge
off the French-Belgian coast, together with an N.O.I.C. Beaches and two
Commodores to take charge off shore. How great was the effect of these
appointments, figures. will be shown in due course in the analysis of the evacuation
The arrival of beaching craft at the beaches was unnecessarily delayed on
the 28th and 29th May, owing to the Admiralty (and the majority of the Naval
Authorities who provided craft), directing them to Dover instead of the Downs,
as had been requested by Vice-Admiral Ramsay.
Lack of Signal Communications
Difficulties and confusion were caused throughout the operation owing to
and the the absence signal the beaches of efficient and between signalling Dunkirk arrangements, and Dover. both The locally equipment between taken Dunkirk was in- by
adequate beaches to The naval to either party Dunkirk. beach which for parties, inter-communication proceeded as might from have England been between expected, to the Dunkirk beaches used on their 27th or ingenuity from the
the improvise local inter-communication but it was not until
30th May that a naval wireless set arrangements capable of communicating with
122

Details

ANALYSIS OF THE OPERATION
CHAP. XIII
England was sent to Dunkirk; until then messages had either to be sent through
the French station in an unsuitable code, or fortuitously via any destroyer
which might be lying alongside, necessitating a messenger forcing his way
along the narrow crowded footway of the pier.
In. the absence of efficient communication it was impossible to distribute
ships to the best advantage off the beaches or between Dunkirk harbour
and the beaches; whilst the uncertainty as to whether the harbour was blocked
on the 29th May was responsible for a reduction of 10,000 men in the possible
lift during the night 29th-30th.
Air Co-operation
There is no doubt that the R.A.F. carried out, as far as their available re-
sources permitted, all the tasks which they were asked by the Navy to under-
take. The odds at which our airmen fought were very long, four or five to one.
Formations of single squadron strength or less would boldly attack German
groups of forty or fifty machines, usually with success out of all proportion to
the odds against them. It was a direct test of British against German quality.
Numbers did not, however, permit of a continuous patrol being maintained
over the scene, though the whole Metropolitan Air Force, our last sacred reserve,
was used. Sometimes the fighter pilots made four sorties a day'.' Unfortun-
ately, the troops on the beaches and on Dunkirk piers saw but little of the
fighting in the air, for much of the weight of the effort of the Royal Air Force
was directed against objectives far inland, to prevent or break up enemy raids
before these reached the beaches and ships. It was the ships that took the
brunt of the German attack. Galling though it was to our troops to be
bombed and machine gunned with little or no opportunity to defend them-
selves their losses, grievous enough, were yet never of such severity as to
jeopardise the entire operation, as did the losses of ships. However, the
system of co-operation in force at that early date, which did not permit of
direct contact with R.A.F. operational units allocated for duty with the Naval
Command, rendered difficult complete co-ordination of effort with naval
requirements on the spot.
Evacuation figures analysed²
In analysing the evacuation figures it is necessary to consider separately
the rates of lift from day to day and the daily total figures of troops lifted.
The former naturally affected the latter ; but the days which showed the best
rates of lift were not necessarily those giving the highest evacuation total,
since circumstances affected the two sets of figures differently and factors
which affected one set often had no effect whatever on the other.
The following table shows the number of men from the beaches and the
harbour landed daily in England by British ships, and the number of round
trips undertaken. Evacuations of wounded by hospital carriers have been
omitted, as have also the liftings from the beaches on 3rd and 4th of June,
which were largely fortuitous.
1 Churchill, The Second World War Vol. II.
2 The figures employed in this analysis are those of H.S./T.S.D. The total differs by
397 (= 0.0013%) from the military figure. See Note to Tables 1-3 which will be found
before the appendices at the end of this book.
123

Details

Details

ANALYSIS OF THE OPERATION
CHAP. XIII,
1ST JUNE. Beaches. The climax of boat shortage occurred on this day, and
" increasing enemy air attack caused continual interruptions of embarkation
on the beaches and in Dunkirk ' (D.R. P. 25). The disastrous figures reflect
the serious situation that developed on the beaches about 2030 on the 31st
May, when the rate of embarkation fell to about 150 an hour owing to shortage
of boats.
Harbour. The interruptions caused by air attacks and shelling undoubtedly
accounted partly for the poor rate of lift. A further factor was the berthing of
destroyers two or three deep at the East Pier. It is true that some destroyers
filled up in less than an hour the Vivacious, for example, out of 35 minutes
spent in Dunkirk, was alongside the East Pier for only 15 minutes, during which
time she took on board 475 men; and the Shikari needed only 20 minutes to
embark 623 troops. On the other hand, owing to the state of the tide, the
personnel vessel Maid of Orleans spent 51 hours at the East Pier acting as a
floating pontoon for destroyers, while the outermost destroyer, the Windsor,
spent nearly 15 hours alongside.
2ND JUNE. No daylight evacuations took place after the 1st June, all took
place at night.
Beaches. The average lift and waiting time were both much below normal.
There were more ships lying off the beaches than could be loaded by the boats
available; consequently, scarcely a single ship left with a full load of troops.
The rate of lift, however, was average.
Harbour. The night of the Ist-2nd June saw the introduction of planned
arrival and berthing of ships at Dunkirk. This resulted in a marked improve-
ment in the average lift, which was almost the best of the entire operation.
3RD JUNE. The increase in average time spent at Dunkirk during the night
of the 2nd-3rd June over the previous night was probably accounted for by
the difficulties experienced by ships in going alongside the East Pier. The
figure was worsened by the fact that, owing to the cessation of the flow of
French troops to the East Pier after the embarkation of the British rear-
guard at 2330 on the 2nd, five destroyers had to be sent back to England
practically empty.
4th JUNE. Owing to chaotic conditions in Dunkirk harbour time waiting to
berth averaged no less than 100 minutes. Pauses in the flow of French troops
to the piers, and the impossibility of inducing them to embark in quick and
orderly manner (which latter factor had also operated on the previous night)
sufficed to depress the rate of lift from the high averages of the two previous
nights, to the norm for the operation.
Discipline
No instances of naval indiscipline came to light. But in an operation where
the level of initiative was very high an unaccountably heavy wastage of small
boats occurred from lack of boatkeepers. There were undoubtedly instances
where small boats which were brought off from shore to ship manned only by
troops, drifted away and were lost after the troops climbed out of them, owing
to the omission to put boatkeepers into them.
The state of discipline of the troops had a direct bearing on the rate of
embarkation. In the early stages of the operation the troops on the beaches
were mainly rear units and indiscipline occurred. The arrival of combatant
127

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
M.F.H. (W. H. Smith, Capt.)
87
Minikoil (S/Lt. R. E. Blows, R.N.V.R.)
/
Minoru II'
/
Minotaur (T. Towndrow, Skipper)
/
Minwood
51
Mirasol
/
Moss Rose1
/
Murious
/
Naiad Errant
8
(A. B.S. Palmer, i/c)
Nanette II
30
Nayland
83
Nemo IV'
/
New Britannic
83
(W. Matthews, Cox.)
New Prince of Wales'
-
(S/Lt. P. H. E. Bennett, R.N.)
New White Heather
-
Offemia
50
Patricia (T.H.V.)
/
Pauleter
400
(Sto. D. T. Banks)
Peggy IV:
-
(S. H. Hughes, Skipper)
Pioneer¹
-
Princess Freda
-
(S/Lt. E.S. Forman, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Lily
-
(Prob. Ty. S/Lt. K. E.A. Bayley, R.N.V.R.)
Princess Maud
-
Provider
Not known
(F. Hannaford, Skipper)
Queen Boadicea II
-
(Lieut. J.S. Seal, R.N.R.) (Capt. J. Whittaker)
Queen of England'
-
Quest
-
Quicksilver
20
(S/Lt. D.L. Satterford. R.N.) (L/Sea. T. Phillips)
18
Quisisana
(S/Lt. A. J. Weaver, R.N.V.R.)
28
Rapid I
(S/Lt. J.C. Clarke, R.N.V.R.)
Reda
44
Reliance (S/Lt. P. Snow, R.N.) (P.O. R. W. Rawlings, Motorman)
80
(Skpr. A. Legget)
Renown'
-
Resolute (Skpr. W.H. Noakes)
40
Roberta (Skpr. H.D. Osborne)
-
Rocinante
-
Rosabelle
-
Rose Marie
Not known
St. Patrick1
-
Sambrez
Not known
Santosy
-
Saviour (Actg. S/Lt. J.M. Chappell, R.N.)
22
I Lost.
2 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
150

Details

Details

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX J
to return the to effect England. that a was at Dunkirk telling Margate boats to
During the evening skoot of the 1st going June a along report the was beaches recieved from S.N.T.O.
Antje The intended Antje was to hailed get confirmation and told with to from survivors return. her, when A warship the troop was carrier Scoficinity, sarrier Scoticinity, and
skoot Oranje with boats in tow was England and complied.
close to her; so Antje filled up told to return and to returned. is understood sunk that
another skoot was of these details. was hands. It has not occasion been
In view of these informed reports, message that Dunkirk 2335/1 was in sent German out. On an earlier
possible to get confirmation
2332/3
APPENDIX J
SIGNALS RE PATROLS IN THE NORTH SEA SOUTH AND ON THE
ROUTES TO DUNKIRK
Sunday, 26th May
1. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. NORE, (R) V.A. Dover, F.O.I.C. Harwich, F.O.I.C. Humber
All available forces are to be used for covering operation Dynamo tonight Sunday.
1937/26
2. Widgeon to C.-IN-C. NORE
Siroco was torpedoed by 2 M.T.B.'s
0200/31
Saturday, 1st June
3. Malabar to ANY-BRITISH MAN-OF-WAR
explosion 2 miles ? S buoy.
Argyllshire sunk by torpedo. Survivors report submarine submerged before
0310/1
4. Kingston Galena to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Capt. A.P.
to Dover.
Stella Dorado torpedoed. Picked up 5 survivors, 1 badly injured. Proceeding
0430/1
5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to SHIPS & AUTHORITIES NORE & DOVER COMMAND
Magnetic mines reported to have been laid vicinity of buoy F.G. on route X.
2310/1
Sunday, 2nd June
6. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Epervier (R) Léopard, Savorgnan de Brazza.
N. Goodwin L.V. 8 miles. Caused by shell fire. Vanquisher left Dover 1305 B.S.T.
Three aux. patrol vessels reported out of action at 1214 B.S.T. in position 090°
to investigate and report.
1315/2
7. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Calcutta, (R) C.-in-C. Nore, Admiralty, Savorgnan de Brazza
patrol to that carried out today Sunday is to be carried out tomorrow Monday,
Return to Sheerness and revert to 1 hours notice for steam. An exactly similar
provided patrol line. C.-in-C. Nore can provide a screen. Inform the French vessels on your
1247/2
were was not already sufficient ships in Dunkirk harbour and that was Oranje's complete, tow of 4 boats,
I A skoot informed Oranje that beach evacuation that there
required. About an hour later the Oranje did in fact return to England.
172

Details

INDEX
Fighter Command. 36-7. See Royal Air Force.
Fisher, Cdr. R. L., 51n.
Fisher Boy, 32n,
Fletcher, Lt., 81.
Fitzroy, 31, 54n.
Fog, 115, 118-9.
38.
Ford, Ch. F. A., saves Whippingham, 87.
Ford R.N.A. Station, 71n
Forecast, 23n, 107n, 114n.
Foremost 87, 71n, 111.
Foremost IOI, 72n.
Foremost 102, 71n.
Foudroyant, 62n, 91-2 (sunk).
Fouque, Capt. de Freg. R., 62.
Franklyn, Maj.-Gen. H. E., 6.
Frazer, Capt. Hon. G., 97.
Fredanja, 29n.
French Navy. Failure to supply pier parties, 109.
French ships arrive, 35, 62.
French troops evacuation begins, 35 ; rush boats, 45, 51, 53 ; organised evacuation not
begun, 54; to embark equally with British, 56, 68; lack of information from, 84
uncertainty as to numbers, 105; pause in embarkation, 108; slow to embark, 128;
12,000 left, 120; discipline, 128.
Friso, 29n, 31n.
Fyldea, 13n, 39, 40n, 44.
Gallant, 23, 24n, 27, 32, 39 (damaged), 55n her motor boat, 110.
Gallion's Reach, 72n.
Gallon, Ch. Stkr. M., 91.
Gandell, Cdre., W. P., P.S.T.O. French Ports, 13.
Gara, 92.
Genius, 71n.
Georges, General, 1.
Gerard Léon, 73.
Gervais Rentoul, 83n (damaged), 95 (sunk).
Getuigt vor Christus, lost, 110.
Gipsy King, 72n.
Girl Gladys, 23n, 62.
Girl Pamela, 23n, 55 (sunk).
Glagla, 71n, 74.
Glen Avon, 60n, 100-1.
Glen Gower, 60n, 100-1.
Glenway, 71n, 107n.
Glitter II, 31n, 53 (towed to England).
Godman, S/Lt., T. E., R.N.V.R., 72.
Golden Eagle, 42, 107n.
Golden Gift, 23n.
Golden Lily, 54, 60n.
Golden Spray II, 72n, 75n.
Golden Sunbeam, 23n, 47n, 62, 107n.
Goliath, 114.
Gort, Lord faces possibility of evacuation, 4; proposal to counter attack, 5, 11, 14, 27
directed to execute Weygand Plan, 10; delays enemy, 26; moves H.Q. to La Panne,
26; refuses to be evacuated, 47; orders piers to be built, 47; plans for final phase,
56; hands over command and embarks, 66, 76; staff embarking, 67.
Gorton, Cdr. H. G., 49, 80n.
Gossamer, 28n, 33, 36, 75, 77, 81, 107n, 109.
Gould, Lieut. P. F. S., 113.
Gourko, 119-20.
Gracie Fields, 23n, 27, 41-2 (abandoned), 47n.
Grafton, 13 (bombards Calais) ; in Dynamo, 23, 27, 31, 37-8 (sunk), 55n, 85.
Gravelines, evacuated, 18.
Gravesend, sends small craft, 61.
Greater London, 117.
199

Details

INDEX
Mosquito,44,727, 74, 88 (damaged), 92-3 (sunk).
Motor boats Control sunk Organisation, 5, 25.
93. to salvage pulling boats, 60-61,; follow Capt. Howson to England 74.
Movements 119-120.
M.T.B.67, 66n, 67.
M.T.B.16, 28, 113.
M.T.B.68, 66n, 71, 75.
M.T.B.107, 66n, 111, 119 (in operation CK).
M.T.B.102, 66n, 90, 108, 115.
Naiad Errant, 72n, 92.
Nautilus, sunk, 36, 42, 47.
Nanette II, 72n.
Nelson's, picket boa+, 72n : motor boat, 107n, 119.
Nayland, 32n, 47n, 114n.
Netsukis, 23n, 107n.
Nettle, Lt., 49.
New Britannic, 32n, 47n.
Newhaven, 102, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n.
Newhaven, sends small craft, 61.
New Prince of Wales, damaged, 74.
Ngaroma, 16.
Nicolle, General, 101.
Niger, 61, 86, 100 (meets small craft returning empty), 101, 107n, 109 (rams a French ship).
Noakes, Mr. W. H., killed, 73.
N.O.I.C. Beaches, see Capt. Howson.
Noneta, 71n.
Nord, Admiral. see Abrial, Admiral.
Nore C. in C., 8, 17 (to cover Dynamo) ; provision of boats, 51; M.T.B.'s, 70.
Normania, sunk, 44.
Ocean Breeze, 60, 71n.
Ocean Cock, 71n.
Ocean Reward, 28n, 34 (sunk).
Olivier, Mr. G. D., 73.
Olvina, 60 (goes to France in error), 91.
O.L.V. van Vlaandaren, 73n, 110 (lost).
Operations : CK Blocking of Dunkirk, 111-2, 119-20; XD (E) Dunkirk demolitions, 8,
19, 106; XD (G) Boulogne demolitions, 8-9.
Oranje, 20, 24, 29n, 47n, 100.
Oriole, 28n, 47 (beached to form pier), 107n.
Osborne, Mr. F. W., 73n.
Osborne, Mr. L. V., 73n.
Ostend, unsuitable for military requirements, 7; captured, 27.
Otway-Riven, Cdr. H. J. O., 49, 80n.
Our Bairns, 34.
Overfalls, 71n.
Pacific, 30n.
Pacifico, 119-120.
Pangbourne, 28n, 41 (damaged), 42, 97, 107n, 120.
Paris, 29n, 103-4 (sunk).
Parminster, Brigadier, 22.
Pascholl, 30n, 114n, 115-7.
Patria, 20n, 24, 29n, 46.
Patricia, 20.
Patrols : air, see Royal Air Force ; Naval of the routes, 20, 23, 28, 33-34 (ships taken off),
34 (strengthened), 85 (inshore channel).
Pauleter, 60n.
Paxton, 23n, 31 (damaged).
Pellag II, sunk, 95.
Persia, 71n, 90.
Personnel vessels : vulnerability, 28; not to be employed in daylight, 29, 99; strain
Pharailde, 73n.
on, 48; sailings suspended, 70; heavy losses, 98-9.
203

Details

INDEX
Phillips, Vice-Admiral T.S. V., 16.
Phipps, L/St. M., 81.
Pickford & Co., 72n.
Pierre, set on fire, 74.
Pierre et Marie, 73.
Piers (beach) built at La Panne, 47, 60, 76; of barges impracticable, 49; built at Bray,
59, 82.
Pigeon, 72n, 114n.
Pim, Capt. R., R.N.V.R., 78.
Playmates, 13n.
Polly Johnson, 13n, 39, 40 (damaged), 43, 44 (sunk).
Pool, S/Lt. R. A. W., 72.
Port of London Authority, 32.
Porter, Col., 47.
Portsdown, 100, 103.
Portsmouth, C. in C.: sends destroyers, 20; provision of boats, 51 Inner Patrol yachts,
71 A.S.'s. barge, 117 (abandoned).
Pownall, Lt. Gen. H. R., 4.
Prague, 29n, 54n, 64n, 91 (damaged).
Président Briand, 93.
Preston, Vice-Adm. Sir L. (D.S.V.P.), 21.
Princess Elizabeth, 47n, 89, 114n.
Princess Lily, 75n.
Princess Maud, 48n, 53 (goes aground), 62 (damaged), 114n, 118.
Prudential, 60.
Pudge, 71s.
Queen of England, sunk, 53.
Queen of Thanet, 91, 114m.
Queen of the Channel, 22, 24, 29 (sunk).
Queen's Channel, 72n.
Racia, 71n, 114я, 117.
R.A. Dover, see Wake-Walker, Rear Admiral W.F.
Ramsay, Vice-Adm. Sir B. (V.A. Dover) : to control evacuation, 4; to arrange air cover,
5 ; asks for more destroyers, 20; driving force, 23, 33 ; promulgates disembarkation
ports, 25 ; efforts to increase supply of small craft, 23, 32; plan for night 29/30th
May, 50; orders all ships to beaches, 51; concern at losses of destroyers, 94; calls
for volunteers, 105; reports exhaustion of crews, 113.
Ramsgate, N.O.I.C. Administers in shore flotilla, 21, 94; services skoots, 30.
Raphael-Raymonde, 73n.
Rapid I, 72, 92.
Reda, 53, 60n.
Reed, 7ln.
Refugees, 37, 100-1, 119.
Reiger, 32, 47m, 64, 101-2, 116.
Reine des Flots, 102, 107n, 109.
Reliance, 73n.
Renascent, 71n.
Renown, 73, 93 (sunk).
Resolute, 73n.
Revoir, Capt. de, 115.
Rewga, 71n.
Reynaud, M., 10, 11.
Richardson, Cdr. H. du P., 80n, 82, 83n.
Riggs, Mr. H. C., 21.
Rika, 41.
Rina, 117.
Robinson, Cdr. C. E. C., killed, 37.
Roebuck, in collision, 83.
Rope for towing, 61.
Rose Marie, 72n.
Ross, 28n, 44, 97.
Rouen, 94, 107n, 108 (goes aground), 109, 112n, 120 (aground).
Route, X prepared, 20; mined, 38; tested by destroyers, 39 taken into use, 48; last
route to come under fire, 96-7 ; traffic suspended, 98.
Route, Y adopted, 20, 29 ; under fire, 48; E-boats, on 85; in use, 93 ; mines on, 110.
Route, Z under fire, 20, 48; to be used in darkness, 29, 48.
204

Details

INDEX
Silver Moon, crosses to France without charts or compass, 53.
Silver Queen, 53, 60n.
Simpson, Ch. Skpr. D. W. L., R.N.R., lost, 34.
Simson, Capt. D. J. R., Capt. D. (19), killed, 9.
Siroco, 39, 43, 62n, 69 (sunk), 85.
Skipjack, 20, 28n, 31, 60, 86, 90 (sunk).
Skipwith, Cdr. L. P., handling of Royal Sovereign, 108.
Skoots: Commissioned, 7; return to Downs in error, 20; reach Dunkirk and beaches, 29;
continuous service, 30.
Skylark, sunk, 72.
Small craft: provision of 5, 15, 17, 21, 32, 51 manning difficulty, 17; sent to Dover,
in error, 21, 22; shortage of, 24-5, 32-3, 61, 76, 80-82, 127 losses of 32, 36; difficulties
due to weather, 36, 48, 69-70; overcrowding, 36; supply increases, 51, 61, 71
ordered to move towards Dunkirk, 86-7; return empty to England, 100.
broached to and stranded, 58, 69-70; cast adrift and lost, 60; all vanished, 86;
Snaefell, 100-1.
S.N.O. Afloat, see Bush, Capt, E. W. and Wake-Walker, Rear-Adm. W. F.
S.N.O. Dunkirk, see Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Solomon, S/Lt. M. B. H., R.N.V.R., 73n.
Spanish refugees, 100-1.
Speedwell, 86, 90, 107n, 109, 114n, 117.
Spurs, 32n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 110 (damaged).
Starlight Rays, 60n, 107n, 108.
Stella Dorado, 34n, 69, 85 (sunk).
Stella Reigel, 85.
Stephenson, Vice-Adm. G. O., 49 (act. Cdre.), 58 (takes charge off La Panne), 66-7, 79,
83; effect of his arrival, 126.
Strathelliot, 72, 101.
Stubbs, Lt., 81.
Submarine Chaser 6, 107n.
Submarines (German): believed minelaying, 38; sighted, 69.
Sunshine, 60n, 75n.
Sun IV, 71n, 104n, 117.
Sun V, 32, 36 (put out of action).
Sun VII, 71n.
Sun VIII, 71n.
Sun X, 107n, 111.
Sun XI, 71n, 107n, 111.
Sun XII, 71n.
Sun XV, 71a, 104, 114n, 117.
Sunny Isle, lost, 110.
Surcouf, 62n.
Sursum Corda, 29n.
Survivors, machine gunned, 44, 90, 92.
Sutton, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (attacked), 101.
Swallow, 69-70, 72n, 114n.
Swift Wing, 7In.
Tanga, 71n, 88, 114n, 117.
Tanks, British worn out, 6.
Taransay, 71n.
Taylor, Rear-Adm. (act. Cdre.), A. H., (Dynamo Maintenance Officer), 21, 97.
Tennant, Capt. W. G., 16, 50 (appointed S.N.O. Dunkirk); 21-22 (assumes duty)
22 (sends dramatic signal) 24, 48 (asks for all ships to be sent to Dunkirk) ; 50 (res-
ponsible England). under R.A. Dover) ; 50n (false report sent in his absence) ; 108 (embarks for
Thark, lost, 117.
Thele, 71n.
Thérèse Compas, 73.
Thérèse Louis, 62n.
Thirlwall, A/Ldg. Sea. R., 93.
Thomas Bartlett, sunk, 34.
Thornton, Lt. Cdr. M., 47n.
Thuringia, sunk, 34, 38.
Thurston, Lt. N., mortally wounded, 86.
Thyra, 71n.
Tibbits, Lieut., 79.
206

Details

INDEX
I, 72n. small craft, 61.
29n, 53 (rams and sinks Queen of England).
Tilly Tolly, 71n.
Torbay 23n.
53, 60n, 74, 75n.
Tugs, Troup, use as transports, 41.
Triton, Cdr. H. R., 21, 118, 86. 128.
Twente, 20n, 24, 29n,
Two Rivers, 75n.
Tynwald, 29n, 54n, 64n, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n, 118 (record lift).
U-boats, see Submarines.
Ut Prosim, 23n, 63, 107n.
V.A. Dover, see Ramsay, Vice-Admiral B. H.
Vanguard, 60.
Vanquisher, 37-8, 54n, 55, 61, 62 (make two trips on 30th May), 87, 107n, 108 (sent back
empty), 112n, 114n, 118.
Vavasour, Lt. G. W., 79-81.
Vega, 34, 42, 69.
Venetia, at Boulogne, 9-10.
Venomous, at Boulogne, 9-10; in Dynamo, 61, 101, 107-8, 114n, 118.
Vénus, sunk, 93.
Verity, at Calais, 10; in Dynamo, 13, 19, 28n, 32, 43-4, 49, 51 (reports on Dunkirk),
54n, 55.
Victor-Erna, 73n.
Viewfinder, sunk by Belgian troops, 53.
Viking, 60.
Vimiera, at Boulogne, 9-10.
Vimy, at Boulogne, 8-9; in Dynamo, 20, 23, 27-8, 62 (makes two trips on 30th May), 64n,
69 (hunts S/M.), 74 (rams and sinks Amulree), 95.
Vivacious, 23, 27-8, 45, 61 (calls for more ships and boats), 74 ( -boats), 83 (damaged),
Vincia, 71n, 90.
87, 111-2 (in Operation CK), 127.
V.T.B.25, 116 (evacuates Admiral Abrial), 120 (towed to Dover).
Vulture, 72n.
W.24, 60.
W.26, 72n.
Wakeful, 20n, 23, 24n, 27, 32, 36 (sunk), 37, 85.
Wake-Walker, Rear-Adm. W.F. (R.A. Dover) Apptd. S.N.O. Afloat, 49, 50 ; takes over
duties, 58; tranships four times in 24 hours, 59; general policy, 71; urges M.B's. to
be sent back, 74; investigates position E. of Dunkirk, 85-6; transfers to M.T.B.102,
90 clears Dunkirk of ships, 103; activities night 2/3 June, 108; on the final night,
115; effect of his arrival, 126.
Walker I, 32n.
Walker II, 32n, 114n.
Wardrop, Lt. Cdr. R. G., R.N.R., 49.
Warren, Lt. Cdr. G. H., 88.
Water supply, shortage at Dunkirk and beaches, 26, 31, 62.
Wave Queen, 72n.
Waverley, 28n, 42 (sunk), 47n.
Weather, affects boat work, 36, 48.
Weddle, S/Lt. J. S., R.N.R., 85.
Wells, Lt. J. G., 79-82.
Welman, Lt. Cdr. A. E. P., 8, 9.
Westcove, 111-2, 120.
Westella, 34n, 38 (sinking of), 69 (hunts S/M.), 110 (sunk).
Westerley, 72n.
Westward-Ho, 89 (damaged), 107n.
Weygand, General, 5, 10 (Plan), 11, 27, 96.
Whalley, Lt. 49.
Whippingham, overloaded, 87.
Whitehall, 55, 83 (damaged), 84 (shoots down bomber), 91.
White Heather, 72n.
Whitfield, Col., 22.
207

Details

Details

ONTINUATION SHEET No 2.
starting our trip from our own moorings to Dunkirk as
the troops started their retreat towards the coast. At
the portion of the beach on which I was working, the
troops had only arrived about the time we got there and
we did not know as'a fact whether they were there or
whether Jerry was there until we had been to find out.
(5) -- I think this point has been covered in the
Notes. I think everybody who took a motor boat to that
Show will agree with me the Navy, in all ranks and
ratings, exhibited an astonishing degree of courtesy,
tact and efficiency, the supplies of petrol, water and
provisions in suitable containers were awaiting us at
Sheerness and Ramsgate, there was ample of everything and
no time was wasted in getting it on board, the raw meat
and potatoes issued at Sheerness were not very suitable
but there were ample dry rations issued at the same time
and at Ramsgate there was a properly devised motor boat
scheme of rationing with suitable articles that involved
very little cooking.
At Sheerness all the fueling, watering and provisioning
was done in the Basin where we assembled and all the
stuff was brought there. At Ramsgate there were dumps
of fuel andwwater at various points round the harbour as
well as the two petrol pumps of the harbour's normal
equipment. Provisions were drawn from the pier head at
Ramsgate but it only took about five minutes to collect
what you wanted. There was no red tape, no formality,
the Navy gave you the number of ratings for crew that you
asked for, they simply said "How many do you want" and
detailed them accordingly. When you wanted provisions
you just went in and said how many you had on the boat
and were provisioned accordingly without any delay. What
the official rating of a"charge hand'is I do not know,
I gathered that he ranks as a sort of Petty Officer,
but my own experience, and that of others with whom I
have spoken of the motor boat owner-masters, was that we
were invariably treated as if we were officers.
As an example I may say that I was taken off to the
Captain's quarters on Laudania to be fed when I was ordered
off duty and made the return trip to England in the combined
bridge and chart room.
Cairngorm On reporting back at Sheerness with my crew on
I had to make a report on my movements to
the Commander-in-Gharge of the motor boats there and I
had to add a report on the conduct of my crew, a thing
which I had not presumed to do, considering they were
regular naval ratings. The two boys who crewed on my
own boat had been four months in the navy and neither of
them had ever been to sea and were stoker ratings anyway,
but they got down to it like ducks to water, one of them
was a natural steersman, and worked steadily and efficiently
throughout, reporting everything that they saw and
never making a mess with the ropes, even in the dark.
Yours sincerely,

Details

THE
OF
to
space
LOVAD
-5-
SEAL
THIS
Birth
the it Officers' pistols and the A.A.Lewis guns were unable but to
On two the way back to England we avoided a floating-mine, drifting
pop so we informed another ship that was outward bound and
it was duly popped in due course.
so
SECURITY
9
in the flbator nor the popping of it, it was first sighted on
The troops on board Laudania evinced no interest whatsoever
off and passed behind it, the troops evidently regarded this as
our starboard bady and as the tide was running that way we sheered
up to see what happened to it.
entirely a naval matter and I do not think any of them even got
He whole course
from Rams gate to
Off the Foreland we enquired of the local Policeman, a
Dunkirk waslike
gentleman in his shirt-sãeeves on a drifter, as to which port
the main strat
would take us and were sent to Margate. Three other ships and
1: busy town.
two destroyers also had loads for Margate and we eventually
saffee sweral
tied up outside two destroyers and landed the whole issue
abreast going each
across each ethar about 17.30 on 31.24 may
way.
I reported to the Naval Office with my crew of two and we
were promptly put in a taxi and sent back to our own port at
Ramsgate, a matter of a few minutes which might have been a
dreary Journey by train. As throughout, there was no red tape
in the Navy at all, they had ready everything that was necessary
and our general instructions were that if we were in any sort of
trouble we could close any ship we saw as it would be one of ours.
On arrival at Ramsgate I reported to the Commander = the
Naval Office and within five minutes my crew had been taken off
to the temporary barracks established by the Harbour and I was
on my way to getting a bed for the night inaan Hotel.
On Saturday, 1st June, I reported at Pier Head abouto9.
and asked for another boat and before lunch time had taken over
one which had only been brought into Ramsgate that morning and
german
put her into commission with a new crew. This boat was an old
Admiral's barge from the last war, to which the only conversion
of any importance seemed to be that the steam engine had been
fitted where the original funnel existed. The engine was a four-
taken out and a petrol engine substituted, a dummy funnel being
cylinder engine with cylinders of enormous size, it had no
self-starter and worked with a clutch, being in fact a lorry
engine. The engine was a brute to start and the gear lever
required a strong man to put it into any position, but the
engine was started and run over for a few minutes by the man
who stated that he had brought the ship round from the Thames
pressing. and he assured me that it was good for 12 knots without undue
is
not got been over
my new crew had
As we were all anxious to go over again, but I did not relish
in fact.
the idea of being towed any more, the prospect of being able to
in about six hours each way was very welcome, and I decided that
go over under my own steam at 12 knots and so make the journey
on this occasion we would do what most of the larger motor boats
had been doing, namely run over under our own steam, pick up a
boat-load and come back with them. I was informed that the new
boat only drew 3'2" so that it would be quite possible for the
troops to get to the boat without swimming. This still did not
strike me as being a very efficient method of getting the troops
off but I felt that some real work had been done with Constant
Nymph and I had been informed that morning shat 187, 000 were
this boat could
already off so that I felt justified in indulging in something
men should think
have taken 35
more in the nature of a pienic, especiably as cigarettes and
other little comforts had been provided on the boat by the
owner for the rescued troops. We had already victualled the
boat and obtained our water supplies and directly after lunch
we cast off to go across the Harbour and get petrol, having as
a quite unauthorised passenger an old member of my own Club who

Details

of
SEAL
STUD
OF
and
OF
along
STATE
-6-
SITE
was wanted down to there the as correspondent for a well-known who
konked out within this a wretched boat in the Government the only
effort made see by show for himself. This was about paper and
TO
bing it ourselves,
could rowing boat to come out and fetch off ships
and get a anchor to prevent drifting other refused
fire so I had to few yards of leaving moorings and service, it to
course.
should report the trouble. Within an hour, a me good deal so that I
and Sub-Lieutenant, R.N., two Petty Officers Artificers R.N.V.R.,
an Engineer say, we had an Engineer-Lieutenant Commander, less I
engine one trouble. leading Artificer, investigating the question of our
dripping stoker away, and here I rather suspect the activities simply of
One not unimportant item was that the magneto was
with using the oil can I know, but he seemed to be quite familiar had
rating who was the senior again of my crew, who my been
oil the petrol engines and I certainly did not see him to
face magneto, but I noticed a change of expression trying
oil. when the Mag. was detached and found to be actually on his
by which Thames as the experts worked on her until 20.00 that from night,
the that boat was ever brought round to Ramsgate
to me This, that however, was not the only trouble and it is a mystery oozing
take engine running again. We raised anchor and started we to
got the time they had succeeded in getting a spark, and
was no between two ships at anchor and opening throttle, a there
right space so long as we were going dead slow but on getting all clear
her for a trial run round the harbour. This went
clutch increase in speed but a most terrible noise from
engine identified the engine on sight as a very old very Camel amused,
he had who was with me on the little bridge was
Commanded which was obviously slipping badly. The Engineer-Lieutenart the
of neutral the clutch lever and putting the gear lever my in efforts at
joggling converted and I think he realised that all Lorry
was pretty were not going to have the least effect as the and out
be done hopeless. As it was quite clear that thing
to the except move her ahead at dead slow, I brought nothing her could over
side and tied up out of the fairway.
were kept my foot being secured, I had, as an additional precaution, ropes
While already the gear was in neutral and the fore and aft
down on the hard down on the clutch pedal which
out with deck, so that the clutch should have was right
commenced a to good deal to spare; in spite of this she been suddenly well
most joggling, or verification of the fact that the clutch
go gently astern and " no amount of
unsafe in she started to go slowly ahead. It was a
or two clearly when in neutral, seemed to have any effect gear for lever moment was
at all so I a crowded harbour to have this wretched clearly
and have her called down to the stoker to switch off engine the engine running
worked to get her tied up securely. Again the was
required manhandled for the little adjustment that
was that they took down pretty well everything. The Sunday, final 2nd
June, on her until 22.30 that night and all day engineers
to the engine was worth about £10 and it would report
four found myself living on a house boat with my own about it
and repair I it. so they did not propose to do any more cost £20
whose ratings and a lodger in the shape of another stoker crew rating of
had original boat had been lost somehow with his kit. He
been supplied with a new kit at Merrie England, the
temporary thought he Naval might barracks, as well throw and being in his a luck friend with of my us. stoker rating
by contingents were being brought off from Dunkirk Jetty itself last
By this time the beach show was well over and the
destroyers, etc., this being a deep water job.
last lunch on Sunday that volunteers were wanted to just before
There time was a rumour round the harbour precincts
of the Dunkirk troops off the Jetty, this cleared fetch all the the

Details

-8-
was in spite far too of a bit of rope round her port
There was a much north rope at Dunkirk, made excellent propeller, there
of lop which easterly breeze blowing which headway.
Foreland, a this was was on our starboard was on the raised course a bit the
circumstances. just where it was not wanted under the to
was she was at the bottom over the main
flapping Most of loose the battens carried away and the uanvas patching
dry damagerabove water line and she would have quantities been as
the bad still only making water in very small damage but as
as a chip in reasonably smooth water.
wind without shipping too much and that we should then Foreland
We calculated that we could get round the
case and water pretty well astern, and this proved have to the
was a so fair that we shipped no more water after that though be there the
amount of motion for a time.
point angle of of the light on the water semmed about outside
at the Dunkirk, but it was a sunny day and a course just
We had a chart, but no compass, owing to the bomb splinter
measure no the dividers on board but using a piece of our to
We had fact we picked up every buoy directly on right. course. In
distance on the chart between two string
she must found that we were doing approximately 15 knots of the
chart, comparing this with the Atitude scale on the buoys bottom and
we had to have averaged about 12 knots for the trip and
Soon after go a bit easy before we had rounded the Foreland. although
busy drifters we had got through the boom one of the
let her which, come as usual, we or uld not read, but we eased signal
lamp came pounding after us, flicking her usually
a bit, nearer and, as was off to up to
and he tell the drifter all he wanted to know patch, about this us
seemed to drifter a fine view of our flapping starboard,
gave the we gave Cairngorm a bit of a sheer to our starboard which
just waved a hand and turned back.
reported Commander about 20.00. As soon as we had reported our crew
We tied up in the motor boat basin, landed and
Mess for yet, and finding this was not so, enquired book us into if we the
had dined in charge of the motor boats, he to the
dinner at once.
chased the 7th I was duly examined by the Medical Friday
We slept June on board Cairngorn that night, and on
Dunkirk leave. as from the date of expiration of my three days'
signed about off, to two or three different individuals Officer and eventually and
For I this extremely pleasant outing, in the best of
all company, was paid at the magnificent rate of £23 & month good and
found, as Master of a vessel.
uniform, naval discipline, rohort periods are not provided with under
These temporary employees of the navy, signed on
Club and are not bound to wear any uniform, so one any
down as England, and a heap of people who had Thames,
and south-east caps and Jackets of nearly every Yacht Club in the saw the
met board, I wore them the whole time and
club cap they and reefer were. As on I always keep my ship clothes, just including come
commissions in the R.N.V.R.
several other members of the Club who had got their

Details

13A
The fire however began to spread rapidly and the Appearer by
reason of the fire had previously given orders for the ammunition
HT
carried by his vessel to be jettisoned in order to save the said
vessel from being blown up. The Appearer then made an attempt
ST.
to leave the Roads with a view to returning to an English Port
on a course given to the Appearer by the Officers of the last
ITE
mentioned Destroyer, but it was found that the telemotor steering
gear was broken and unusable, and that it was impossible to reach
the hand steering gear which was situated aft on the poop owing
to the fire and the fact that the remaining ammunition in the
tonnage opening was exploding. As at this juncture it became
impossible for the Appearer and his crew to navigate the said
vessel or even remain on board owing to the fact that the fire was
burning fiercely and was beyond control and that explosions were
continuously taking place and that the vessel was being subjected
to machine gun fire from enemy aircraft which were continuously
attacking vessels in the roadsteads, the Appearer called for the
assistance of one of His Majesty's Minesweepers which came alongside.
The Appearer then for the aforesaid reasons gave instructions for
the Officers and the crew to leave the said vessel, and they,
including him the Appearer, were transferred to the said
Minesweeper. When the Appearer and his crew last saw the vessel
she was burning fiercely and explosions were constantly occurring.
The Appearer with his Officers and crew were then brought to the
Port of Dover where they arrived at about 10 o'clock in the morning
of the Thirtieth day of May One thousand nine hundred and forty.
AND LASTLY that all losses and damages which may have happened
to the said vessel her appurtenances or cargo have arisen in manner
aforesaid and not through the neglect or default of the Appearer or
any of his crew, who all did their duty to the utmost of their power,
nor yet by any insufficiency in the said vessel which was tight
staunch and substantial sufficiently manned and furnished with
everything necessary for such a vessel and voyage and in every
respect seaworthy, her engines and machinery being in good working
order and condition, her cargo properly stowed and damaged and her
hatches well secured.
THEREFORE the Appearer declares to protest and I the said
Notary at his request do hereby solemnly protest for all losses
costs and damages, and for what else ought to be protested in the
premises.
THUS done and protested in London in the presence of John
William Patching and Rowland Rye, Witnesses.
Witnesses:
J.W. Patching.
R.W. MACKIE, Master.
Rowland Rye.
In testimonium Veritatis.
( S E A L)
J. Phillips Crawley.
Not Pub.
B
WE, ROBERT WILLIAM MACKIE, Master Mariner and Master of the
B
Steamship or Vessel called the "Clan Macalister", and JOHN OSBORNE
BC
Stamp
BO
BRI
6.40)
m
WOODALL, Chief Officer, and ROBERT HANNAH, Chief Engineer on board
/6a
the said Vessel, DO SOLEMNLY AND SINCERELY DECLARE THAT the contents
of the foregoing protest are strictly true and correct.
BRE
BRT
AND WE MAKE THIS SOLEMN DECLARATION conscientiously believing
BRIT
BRYW
the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Statutory
Declarations Act 1835.
BULL
BURGO
ARED this first day
BURTO
ne 1940 at No.30
ng Lane in the City
...
R.W. MACKIE.
BOU SA
J.O. WOODALL.
BARBAR
ndon England.
ROBERT HANNAH.
BHURAN
BOAT (1
Before me,
J. PHILLIPS CRAWLEY,
Not. P

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
PANDORA
A. E. Turner
Returned to Owners.
PANTO
Murray King
Repaired, Fuelled, Floated but not
taken over.
PAPILLION
C. P. Macenrot
Returned to Owners 19/6
PAPAKURA
R. Grayson
(Returned 1500 3.6.40
(Re-allocated to A/P.
PAULETER
Mrs. D. Ashton
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
PEGGY IV
F. Bridge
Sunk off Dunkirk
PETRA
R. Lewis
Returned to Owner.
PIKE
Golding Bros.
Prepared did not go.
PIONEER
R.F. Bicketts
No report received from list of
Missing Vessels.
POLLY
R. Hayes
T.98 Returned Owners 6.6.40
POMPADOUR
Mr. Ager
Returned to Owners 19/6. Did not go
Dunkirk.
PRINCE OF WALES
E. Golding
Returned to Owners 19/6.
PRINCESS FREDA
C. Whatford & Son
Returned to Owner.
PRINCESS LILY
C. Whatford & Son
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
PRINCESS MAUD
W.H. Wilson
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
PRIDE OF FOLKESTONE
J. Brazier
Returned to Owner did not go.
PROVIDER R19
Mr. Rowden
Returned to Owner.
PRINCE
S. Wiliams & Sons
Returned to Owners.
PRINCESS
"
"
"
Returned to Owners.
PEARL
Cozens
Released 3. 6.40.
PILOT ME WY12
J.R. Storr
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk.
PORTHLEVEN CORNWALL
14 Fishing Boats
Prepared did not go.
QUEEN
H. Hurrell
At Surrey Commercial Docks
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
Turmaine & Jones
Returned to Owners.
QUEEN BOADICEA
Mrs. Smith
Harbour Duties Sheerness.
QUEEN BOADICEA II
Mrs. Smith
Returned to Owner 20/6
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
E. Crouch
Sunk Collision with S.S. Tilly.
QUICKSILVER
F. Jones
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
Q.J.& J.
S. Cooper
Returned to Owners.
QUISISANA
S. Eldridge
A.P.S.
QUEST
H. BIDGOOD
Taken for Dynamo but did not go.
QUEST
C.L. Hunt
Returned to Owners.
RAYON
R.L. Glover
T.98 A. P. S.
C.A. Reed
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
REDA
RELIANCE
W. Meddle
Damaged - Returned to Owner.
REMEMBRANCE
F. Good
Returned to Owner.
RENOWN (Cockle Boat)
E. Osbourne
Mined and sunk with all hands.
RESOLUTE
-do-
Damaged - returned to owner.
ROBERTA
R.B. Grey
No information of return from Dunkirk
ROBINA TENANT
H. Leach
(Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
Service (6A)
ROCINANTE
R.F. Fryers
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels presumed lost.
C. Grime
To V.A. Dover
ROSE
ROSELYNE
Capt.C. Dines
Released 1.6.40 1.
ROSE MARIE
F. Upton
Returned to Owner
ROYAL THAMES
J. Mears
Returned to Owners
RUMMY II
A.G. Smith
A.P.S.
RYEGATE II
A.E. Ryland
Re allocated to A.P.S.
P.G. Broom
Returned to Owners
RAPID
RUBY
J.D. ₽. Onine
Prepared for Dynamo but did not go.
ROSABELLE
J.O. Wood
No trace of return from Dynamo
ROSE
A. Large
Returned to Owner 7. 6.40.

Details

Empire Hotel
Horrist
CS.-
me of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
PRINCESS LILY
31/5/40
Unknown
LOST
approx.
"
OUR BOYS (Boat)
11
"
"
RENOWN (Cockle Boat)
"
Mined and sunk with
all hands.
"
"
ROBERTA
Unknown
N.
ROSABELLE
"
"
ASSUMED LOST
"
"
LOST
ST. PATRICK
"
"
"
SANTOSY
"
"
"
SARAH & EMILY
ough
"
SEA FALCON (Boat)
"
Abandoned - Dunkirk
"
"
"
"
SHAMROCK
untit
"
SKYLARK 3. (SM281)
"
Unknown
was
"
"
"
SCENESHIFTER
"
"
"
SONIA
"
"
11
SKYLARK 2.
"
"
ff
SKYLARK 3.
in
"
"
"
SOUTHERN QUEEN
"
OS as
"
"
STONEHAVEN
"
tish
"
"
SUNSHINE
"
SUE SUE (Rowboat)
"
"
"
"
Lost while being towed
e
THETIS
from Dunkirk
"
"
TRITON
Unknown
"
"
"
TWO RIVERS
"
"
"
VIEWFINDER
11
"
"
VIKING 3.
"
"
"
VANITEE
"
"
Abandoned off Dunkirk
is
WARRIOR
"
"
WAVE QUEEN
Unknown
"
"
"
1
COMMODORE
"
"
On fire and abandoned -
WESTERLEY
Dunkirk
17
Unknown
ASSUMED LOST
GRACE DARLING
"
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
Sunk in collision with
LOST
S.S. TILLY.
3)
"
"
MARY SPEARING
Unknown
"
"
"
CANVEY QUEEN
"
Did not return from
HAZARD
Dunkirk
PREVIOUSLY
"
Do.
REQUISITIONED
MISS JOSEPHONE I.
"
11
AND ON NAVAL
MOSS ROSE
"
"
SERVICE BUT
PELLAG 2.
"
"
UTILISED FOR
SEAMEW
"DYNAMO".

Details

5
Name of Vessel
Date
Cause and Position
Remarks
GRACE DARLING
31.5.40
Unknown.
ASSUMED LOST.
th
Approx.
ity
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
"
Sunk in collisionwith
LOST.
$ a
S.S. "TILLY".
MARY SPEARING
If
Unknown.
"
1
CANVEY QUEEN
11
"
12
as
sh
HAZARD
"
Did not return from
Dunkirk.
PREVIOUSLY REQUISI-
TIONED AND CIN NAVAL
MISS JOSEPHINE I.
11
DO.
SERVICE BUT
UTILISED FOR
MOSS ROSE
"
"
"DYNAMO".
PELLAG 2.
"
"
SEAMEW.
If
"
-8-

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
ANDORA (PUNT)
A.READ.
RETD To OWNER - DAMAGED.
ANDORA
A.E. Turner
Returned to Owners.
PANTO
Murray King
Repaired, Fuelled, Floated but
not taken over
PAPILLION
C.P. Macenrot
Returned to Owners 19/6
U. PAPAKURA
R.Grayson
(Returned 1500 3.6.40.D DNG
RY
(Re-allocsted to A/P.
RA PAULETER
Mrs. D.Ashton
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RU PEGGY IV
F.Bridge
Sunk off Dunkirk
PETRA
R.Lewis
Returned to Owner.
RO PIKE
Golding Bros.
Prepared did not go.
RO PIONEER
R.F.Ricketts
No report received from list of
SA
Missing Vessels.
SO POLLY
R.Hayes
T.98 Returned Owners 6.6.40.
V POMPADOUR
Mr.Ager
Returned to Owners 19/6. Did not go
Returned to Owners 19/6.
Lunk
SI PRINCE OF WALES
E.Golding
S! PRINCESS FREDA
C.Whatford & Son
Returned to Owner.
S! PRINCESS LILY
C.Whatford & Son
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
SJ PRINCESS MAUD
Wilson
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
S. PRIDE OF FOLKESTONE J.Brazier
Returned to Owner did not go.
$ P.L. 50
No information OF return from
S
Durkirk.
P.L. 60
Returned to Owner
S PROVIDER R19
Mr.Rowden
Returned to Owner.
S PRINCE
S.Williams & Sons
Returned to Owners.
NCESS
"
=
11
Returned to Owners.
tx
PEARL
Cozens
Released 3.6.40.
PILOT ME WY12
J.R.Storr
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk
PORTHLEVEN CORNWALL 14 Fishing Boats
Prepared did not go.
QUEEN
H.Murrell
At Surrey Commercial Docks.
QUEEN ALEXANDRA
Turmaine & Jones
Returned to Owners.
QUEEN BOADICEA
Mrs. Smith
Harbour Duties Sheerness.
QUEEN BOADICEA II
Mrs.Smith
Returned to Owner 20/6
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
E.Crouch
Sunk Collision with S.S. Tilly.
QUICKSILVER
F.Jones
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
Q.J.& J.
S.Cooper
Returned to Owners.
QUISISANA
S.Mdridge
A.P.S.
QUEST
H.BIDGOOD
Taken for Dynamo but did not go.
QUEST
C.L.Hunt
Returned to Owners.
E I
ROYAL LADY
Skegnon Pleasure Cruises
RAYON
Did not go
R.L. Glover
T.98 A.P.S.
REDA
C.A.Reed
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
RELIANCE
W.Meddle
Damaged - Returned to Owner.
REMEMBRANCE
F.Good
Returned to Owner.
RENOWN (Cockle Boat) E.Osbourne
Mined and sunk with all hands.
RESOLUTE
- do -
Damaged - returned to owner.
ROBERTA
R.B.Grey
No information of return from
Dunkirk
ROBINA TENANT
H.Leach
DNG,
(Re-allocated to Special
Admirelty Service (6A)
ROCINANTE
R.F.Fryars
wn.
No report received from List of
ROSE Tfd. STN6A.
Missing Vessels presumed lost.
C.Grimes
ROSPLIE R (Proboat)
(MFB.)
To V.A. Dover
N.S. NW
Reiz.

Details

VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
ORA
A.E. Turner
Returned to Owners.
0
Murray King
Repaired, Fuelled, Floated but
not taken over
LLION
C.P. Macenrot
Returned to Owners 19/6
st
KURA
R.Grayson
(Returned 1500 3.6.40.
(Re-allocated to A/P.
ETER
Mrs.D.Ashton
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
Y IV
F.Bridge
Sunk off Dunkirk
R.Lewis
Returned to Owner.
RA
Golding Bros.
Prepared did not go.
EER
R. F.Ricketts
No report received from list of
Missing Vessels.
LY
R.Hayes
T.98 Returned Owners 6.6.40.
PADOUR
Mr.Ager
Returned to Owners 19/6. Did not Dunkirk. go to
NCE OF WALES
E.Golding
Returned to Owners 19/6.
NCESS FREDA
C.Whatford & Son
Returned to Owner.
NCESS LILY
C.Whatford & Son
No report received from List of
Missing Vessels.
NCESS MAUD
W.H.Wilson
T.98 Abandoned off Dunkirk
DE OF FOLKESTONE J.Brazier
Returned to Owner did not go.
No informe tion of return from
30
Dunkirk.
Returned to Owner.
60
VIDER R19
Mr.Rowden
Returned to Owner.
S.Williams & Sons
Returned to Owners.
NCE
"
If
NCESS
"
Returned to Owners.
RL
Cozens
Released 3.6.40.
OT ME WY12
J.R.Storr
Prepared but did not go to Dunkirk.
THLEVEN CORNWALL 14 Fishing Boats
Prepared did not go.
HEN
H.Murrell
At Surrey Commercial Docks.
DEN ALEXANDRA
Turmaine & Jones
Returned to Owners.
EHERN BOADICEA
Mrs.Smith
Harbour Duties Sheerness.
EEN BOADICEA II
Mrs.Smith
Returned to Owner 20/6
EEN OF ENGLAND
E.Crouch
Sunk Collision with S.S.Tilly.
ICKSILVER
F.Jones
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
J.&J.
S.Cooper
Returned to Owners.
ISISANA
S.Eldridge
A.P.S.
EST
H.BIDGOOD
Taken for Dynamo but did not go.
EST
C.L.Hunt
Returned to Owners.
YON
R.L.Glover
T.98 A.P.S.
EDA
C.A.Reed
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
ELIANCE
W.Meddle
Damaged - Returned to Owner.
EMEMBRANCE
F.Good
Returned to Owner.
ENOWN (Cockle Boat) E.Osbourne
Mined and sunk with all hands.
ESOLUTE
- do -
Damaged - returned to owner.
R.B.Grey
No information of return from
BERTA
Dunkirk
OBINA TENANT
H.Leach
(Re-allocated to Special
(Admiralty Service (6A)
No report received from List f

Details

No. 275.
1138/29th May.
SECRET.
MESSAGE.
IN.
From:- N.C.S.O. Thames.
Date:- 29/5/40.
Pass to D. of S.T.
Time:- 1320.
Addressed:- N.O.I.C. Ramsagte. C. in Co Nore. Admiralty.
V.A. Dover. N.C.S.O. London Ministry of
Shipping.
Southend 29th May departure Motor Boats
CANEY QUEEN, QUEEN OF ENGLAND MDDK (SHAMROCK/MDDK)
MJFV (WOLSEY) PRINCESS MAUDE for Beach east of
Dunkirk.
= 1138/29 ++++
Advance copy sent OPS. U.W.R. and O.I.C.
1st Lord.
M.O.S.I.
1st S.L.
D.O.S.T.
V.C.N.S.
Mr Dorrell.
A.C.N.S. (T).
Mr D.H. Edwards.
A.C.N.S. (H).
Mr Du Boisson.
C.S.O. to 1st S.L.
Mr J.D. Walker.
Ops (4)
Mr Aikens,
O.D. (3).
S.T.N.6 B.
O.I.C. (2).
S.T.N.2.
D.S.D.9.
S.T.A.5.
M. (3).
AT/INT.I.(4).
E.P. (3).
P.
D.T.D. (2).
Extra Copy.
D. of S.T.
I.S.P.S.
File X.
++++++
RCD. 1906/29. 5. 40. GT.
W.L.H.
|

Details

1
TO DOVER LETTER OF 6 ans. 19to
ENCLOSURE No
- 2 -
VI Yachts and Small Craft. (Continued).
Pioneer.
Chelsea.
Two Rivers.
Charlotte.
Unique.
Diana Mary. - DOVER
Eothen.
Cuisisana.
Ramagete 18/6
Princess Lily.
/
The King.
Count Dracula.
Royal Thames.
Gayfly.
Formosa.
Sallyforth.
Margherita.
Kayell.
Maldon Annie.
Anthony.
Canvey Queen.
Imshi.
Miss Ming.
Sinbad II.
Princess Maud.
Curlew.
Empress.
Skylark.
Faversham.
Bream.
Queen Boadicea.
Pike.
Queen Boadicea. II.
Windsor Castle.
Vera.
Omega.
Daphne.
Tinker.
Kingwood.
Black Arrow.
Hurlingham.
Thetis.
The Viscount.
Aljanor.
His Majesty.
Silvery Breeze.
The Marchioness.
Rummy II.
Mutt.
Thark. ih,Dovier 18/6
Jeff.
Thurne.
Beverley.
Fleetwing.
St. Patrick.
Miss Modesty.
Skylark. (whech of may ?)
Gay Venture.
Spinaway.
Westerly.
Mary Rose.
Sylvia.
Advance.
Lorna Doone.
Hanora.
Hazard.
Maid of Honour.
Tigris I.
Cordelia.
Iote.
View Finder.
Shamrock.
Karina.
Queen of England.
Triton.
Wolsey.
Stonehaven.
X
Sceneshifter.
1 name unknown (Thames Conservancy).
1 Seaschool Yacht (Shipping Federation, Cmdr. Cavill).
VII Power Driven Lifeboats.
26 out of 27 have not been returned. It is
understood that 3 are still at Ramsgate.
VIII Ordinary Lifeboats.
34 out of 87 have not been returned.

Details

ADVANCE
sent
ath
Fountain Court,
kingham Palace Road,
1.1.
5 - DEC 1940
th. November, 1940.
RECEIVED 28 NOV 1940 16
Berkeley Square,
S.W.1.
Your reference:-
T.0.9144/STN.6B.
Dear Sir,
As I explained in my letter to
you under your reference as above, due to cir-
cumstances beyond my control there would be
some delay in furnishing you with a rough log
in respect of the motor yacht 'Advance' and
the part played with her at Dunkirk.
The necessary particulars have
d
now come to hand and I have much pleasure in
red
enclosing them herewith.
Trusting that the enclosed will
be of assistance to you,
I am,
as
Yours faithfully, anick
C.P.Dick.
On
medical attention.
спеу transferreu
cue
r
a that day's day, rest. so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them and reaching Dunkirk
but were unable to Following remove this they again went were to allowed Dunkirk
to and England. bombing, there were none any on troops the beach, as, owing so they to shelling returned

Details

ADVANCE
Letter
25, Fountain Cairt,
Buckingham Palace Road,
S.W.1.
27th. November, 1940.
RECEIVED 28 NOV 1940 18
Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping,
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square,
S.W.1.
Your reference:-
T.O.9144/STN.6B.
Dear Sir,
As I explained in my letter to
you under your reference as above, due to cir-
cumstances beyond my control there would be
some delay in furnishing you with a rough log
in respect of the motor yacht 'Advance' and
the part played with her at Dunkirk.
The necessary particulars have
now come to hand and I have much pleasure in
enclosing them herewith.
Trusting that the enclosed will
be of assistance to you,
I am,
You rs faithfully, Mick
C.P.Dick.
medical men, attention. whom they transferreu
on
loue
r
and but a that day's were day, rest. unable so Daylight to rourned remove again reaching and were allowed Dunkirk
to England. bombing, there were none any on troops the beach, as, owing went so they to to shelling Dunkirk returned

Details

LOG
of
Motor Boat
"Advance"
on a Voyage From Teddington,
To Ramsgate.
Via Sheerness,
Dover,
and Dunkirk.
Departed 27th May 1940.
Arrived 30th May 1940.
M/B. "Advance"
Builder
Vosper.
Designer
Fred Cooper.
40ft. X llft. 6in.
Engine
Thorneycroft RB/6. (petrol) 140 h.p.
The
in their pockets was
on
120 men, whom they transferred **** to a richer
loue
medical attention.
or
that day, so they returned to England, and were allowed
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
but a day's rest. Following this they again went to Dunkirk
and were unable to remove any troops as, owing to shelling
to England.
bombing, there were none on the beach, so they returned

Details

THE
"ADVANCE"
Preliminary.
27 May. 1630 hrs. Informed by telephone that the Admiralty had
taken over "Advance" and that we were to go at once to
Teddington to remove any private gear remaining on board Did so.
1830 hrs. At Teddington we were told that about ten other
boats had also been taken over and that there was a shortage of
crews.
Asked if we would be able to take the boat down to
Sheerness the following morning, starting not later than 0730 hrs.
we agreed. After a ranging for fuel, oil and battery attention,
we returned to London for the night, by road.
28 May. 0700 hrs. Arrived at Teddington, bringing with us a sandwich
lunch, as no china, cutlery or cooking utensils had been left on
board.
0730 hrs. Weather fine, but with slight tendency to drizzle.
Wind slight.
Slipped and proceeded. Nothing of note until 1130 hrs.
Hailed by R.E.S. launch off Woolwich Pier, and given a pass to
enter Sheerness Dockyard, also instructions to do so via the
Swatchway.
1330 hrs. Arrived Sheerness and made fast the inner basin, as
instructed, among a large assortment of other small craft. Went
ashore to report arrival.
1350 hrs. Left Dockyard and went to Lord Nelson Hotel for
refreshment and to enquire about transport back to London.
NOTE:
At this time, we had no idea what the boats were wanted for and
had not even heard of the Belgian defection. In the Lord Nelson
we got into conversation with an officer, and told him of the boat
we had just brought down, and that we were anxious to serve in some
capacity, if possible together, and in the boat with which we were
familiar.
He suggested that we might try his own section (Boom Defence)
and that while on the spot we should go and see the officer
concerned, to whom he would introduce us.
We did so, and were told that while he could make no use of our
services, he knew who could. We telephoned Admiral Taylor, to
whom we were taken.
After some questioning, we were signed on (H.M.S. Wildfire) as
The
in their pockets was
on
120 men, whom they transferred **** to a
cue
medical attention.
or
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
that day, so they returned to England, and were allowed
a day's rest. Following this they again went to Dunkirk
but were unable to remove any troops as, owing to shelling
and bombing, there were none on the beach, so they returned
to England.

Details

"ADVANCE"
Preliminary.
2.
follows:- C.P. Dick, Charge Hand; E.H. Piercy, Engineer-Deckhand;
K.C. McGuffie, Cook-Deckhand.
We drew Provisions, (But nothing with which to cook, eat, or
even open them: see above), Water, Steel Helmets, Oilskins, Sea-
boots and Petrol.
We also took advantage of a slight pause to clean out the filters
and carburettors, as the boat had been standing at Teddington for
nearly three months.
28 May. 1600 hrs. Fuel, Stores etc. on board. Picked up a whaler,
and left Sheerness with orders to stand off until a convoy was made
up and then proceed to Dover.
00/
1630 hrs. Eight other boats (with whalers) formed up and
proceeded. 'Advance' number two in line. 'Advance', so far as
could be seen, the only boat with no Naval Officers or ratings
on board.
Nothing of note, other than the difficulty of keeping station
owing to widely varying powers and speeds of different boats, bad
towing of empty and unsteered whalers, behind launches in some cases
little larger than their tows, and the unfamiliarity of most other
crews with their craft.
2230 hrs. N.Foreland abeam. Cloudy dark night, but good
visibility. Leader showing stern light, but otherwise all blacked
out.
1259 hrs. Between Ramsgate and Deal. Leader's stern light
failed. After this had some difficulty in following; some other
boats failed to do so.
(Note) 'Advance' had own charts, but no compass.
29 May. 0300 hrs. Leader, 'Advance' and River passenger launch arrived
in Dover Outer Harbour, and made fast alongside a Destroyer moored
to buoys. After making fast we were rammed by Leader, apparently
owing to defective astern clutches. (Later found two frames cracked
on port side.)
0330 hrs. Instructed to move into Submarine Basin, where we
refueled, and rested (a little). And those who had the wherewithall
breakfasted.
0600 hrs. An Officer came along the jetty, and at last told
us what we were wanted to do. - That it would be dangerous but was
very important, and that we should have ample support from the
R.A.F. - We were also given the opportunity of going ashore,
in their pockets was
The
medical 120 men, attention. whom they transferred to a richer
on
cue
or
a that day's day, rest. so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching and Dunkirk
and but were bombing, unable to Following remove any this troops they again went were to allowed Dunkirk
to England. there were none on the beach, as, owing so they to shelling returned

Details

3.
"ADVANCE"
Preliminary.
and leaving the boats to be taken over by Naval or other crews.
The (Trades Union ?) crew of the passenger launch 'Queen Boadicea'
took advantage of this offer (apparently being more concerned with
their 'dues' than with their duty).
NOTE:
The remaining boats which had left Sheerness with us, and had
dropped out during the night, arrived at intervals during the
morning; except one which had been sunk in collision; her crew,
however, had been picked up and were redistributed.
0645 hrs. Fine clear morning, no wind. Slipped and proceeded
29/5
in company with other boats, again following Leader as No. Two.
Led Convoy for a short time, while Leader was investigating a
straggler with carburettor trouble.
9
Nothing else of note, so we were able to get a little sleep on
turns, and dry clothing in the sun.
0900 hrs. Found old hacksaw blade in a locker and so were able
to open tin of beef, and make sandwiches.
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
29 May. 1130 hrs. Realised that cloud-bank observed ahead was actually
smoke from burning town.
1200 hrs. Fairly close in, turned East, parallel with Coast
line.
1230 hrs. Approaching Dunkirk. Two enemy aircraft believed to
be J.U.87's dived on convoy and machine gunned it. No casualties
or important damage noticed, but 'Advance' signal mast carried away.
(Apparently by under-carriage of second machine).
NOTE:
A good deal of wreckage about, also sunken ships and crashed
aeroplanes. A lot of firing going on. Passed a moored hulk, flying
French flag and mounting several AA-guns, firing a good deal at no
very apparent target.
Saw aeroplane (unidentified) dive into sea and explode, some
distance out.
Saw what appeared to be several fires on the beach. (Was later
told that they were exhausts of torpedoes from a British Destroyer,
set on fire during the morning.)
in their pockets was
The
medical 120 men, whom they transferred **** to a
on
attention.
lcue
or
a that day's day, so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching Dunkirk
but were rest. Following this they again and were allowed
to and England. bombing, unable there to were remove none any on troops the beach, as, owing went so they to to shelling Dunkirk returned

Details

"ADVANCE"
DUNK IRK.
4.
1300 hrs. Approached a large merchant ship (on fire) with a
Destroyer alongside, for more detailed instructions. Told to get
as many men as possible from the beach to the waiting ships.
Proceeded to do so.
Took 'Advance' as close in as seemed safe, Piercy and McGuffie
away in whaler. Whaler broached to and swamped on reaching beach;
as two men only, not enough to handle her in slight surf caused by
other ships wash and bombs.
The troops at this time rather disorganised, not only units, but
nationalities being mixed. Saw a French Officer, on a horse, making
great efforts to obtain order, (later "The Frenchman on the Horse"
seemed to become almost a landmark).
10
Eventually Piercy and McGuffie, assisted by a French Interpreter
Officer (Capt. de Gailis) succeeded in getting whaler partially
emptied of water, loaded and under way. Taken in tow by Dick in
'Advance'.
Proceeded alongside Destroyer, and troops embarked therein.
Returned to beach for more. Shortly after we left this
Destroyer appeared to be hit by one or more bombs.
Troops in rather better order by now, so got second boat-load off
without much trouble.
On third trip managed to get 'Advance' close enough in for men to
wade or swim out, in addition to those picked up by whaler. (Some
Naval Ratings in this party). On the way out, the whaler fouled
some submerged obstruction, was holed, overturned and sank. Picked
up all but three men, who were rescued by a motor pontoon.
Took our men out to a drifter. (Two Ratings remaining with us).
On the way back to the beach, picked up another whaler, empty and
abandoned, but apparently intact. Piercy and two ratings took it in,
filled up, and returned. Took it in tow and went alongside a
Destroyer to unload.
While we were there, and troops were climbing up nettings hung
over her side, aircraft dived from behind clouds, and the Destroyer
suddenly went ahead, presumably on orders, carrying away our lines
and also the whalers tow rope. Three or four men were seen to fall
over-board, some being crushed between the Destroyer's side and
'Advance' port quarter.
After getting 'Advance' under control again we could only see one
Cio
VIID
120 in their pockets was
The
medical men, attention. whom they transferred to a French
on
cue
J
a that day's day, so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching Dunkirk
but were rest. unable to Following this they again and went were to allowed
to England. there were none on the beach, as, owing so they to shelling returned
and bombing, remove any troops Dunkirk

Details

"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
5.
man floating, so went to pick him up; McGuffie remaining in whaler
in charge of her and the remaining troops. Piercy and a gun-layer
who had remained with us, (name unknown) had some difficulty in
getting this man on board, as he was wearing full equipment and
a great-coat; so Dick left the wheel temporarily to help. The man
turned out to be a middle-aged infantry Captain, and appeared to
have a broken thigh. He fainted after we got him on board.
Went alongside an escort vessel and got the man on to a stretcher
and on board her, assisted by two ratings who remained with us
afterwards.
McGuffie had also got the whaler alongside this vessel, and had
unloaded his men, so took him in tow, and returned to the beach to
fill up again. Did not take 'Advance' close in, as we had touched
several times, previously, and were worried about possible damage
to propeller, etc.
As we got clear again great aerial activity began, so decided
that it would be safer to keep clear of all ships for the time
being. Stood out.
A bomb fell close to our starboard side, shaking us considerably;
when we had got to our feet again,we saw that, though there were no
casualties, the whaler's seams had opened up, owing to the con-
cussion, and she was sinking rapidly. Stopped and took the men out
of her and abandoned.
Without the tow, we could make better speed away from the bombed
area, and were able to investigate the damage to 'Advance'.
She appeared to have been considerably strained, and was making
a certain amount of water but the only hole found was about six
or eight inches above the water-line.
After things had quietened a little, returned and got out men
into a transport.
After this we made no attempt to use a boat of our own, but
picked up anything we could find near the beach, whalers, pontoons,
rafts, shore boats, and even bathing floats and canoes; taking
the men from them to the nearest ship of any sort that we could
find. (Including a heavily laden motor boat (broken down) from
one of H.M. Ships.)
After several trips of this sort, we realised that we had drifted
rather far to the East, i.e. into Belgium, so we picked up several
pontoons with a view to towing them further West, to where they
SHOTO
120 in their pockets was
The
medical men, attention. whom they transferred express to a French Trawler
on
due
that day's day, rest. so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching and Dunkirk
but a were unable to Following remove this they again went were to allowed Dunkirk
to and England. bombing, there were none any on troops the beach, as, owing so they to shelling returned

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

BEE
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
7.
and collected it and managed to boil water and make some tea,
one can full of which we passed back.
NOTE:
'Advance' had a built in pressure stove which had not been
removed at Teddington, and luckily there was a little paraffin
left in it. This was the first hot drink we ('Advance') had had
for over thirty six hours.
Nothing else of note, but fires on French coast were visible
for some time after dark as we went away. Judging from flashes
and tracer seen there was a good deal of air raiding.
2230 hrs. Piercy and McGuffie below to try and rest. Dick
and gunlayer remaining on bridge. Following Leader at 4 - - 5
knots: no lights.
30 May. 0001 hrs. Dick handed over to gunlayer and went below to
rouse McGuffie, who went up to take over. Dick resting.
NOTE: McGuffie unable to see sufficiently in dark, so gunlayer at
wheel, McGuffie standing by controls etc.
0400 hrs. Patches of mist. Land sighted to port. Dick
and Piercy called.
Went alongside Leader to consult. Gunlayer thought he had
recognised Deal, but Lt. Garside said he had not expected to
make the English coast for about another hour, he was very doubtful
about his compass and was afraid it might be some part of the
French coast. (Presumably Occupied).
Decided to carry on cautiously keeping land to port.
0430 hrs. Mist thickening. Sighted large motor boat to
starboard. Gunlayer thought he made out German Ensign but no-one
else could be sure. She avoided us and disappeared in the mist.
0445 hrs. High land visible ahead and on both sides. Decided
to anchor and wait for full daylight, and possible lifting of fog.
0445 hrs. Leader attempted to drop anchor but found only about
4 ft. of water so stood out a little and re-anchored in about
8 ft. 'Advance' made fast alongside.
McGuffie and gunlayer managed to start stove again, and make
tea and cocoa.
us
cue
cloths TO
The
in their pockets was exploding.
n
medical 120 men, whom they transferred to a French Trawler 102
ue
attention.
that day, so they returned to England, and were Dunkirk
Daylight prevented them reaching
and were unable to remove any troops as, owing to Dunkirk
but a day's rest. Following this they again went to allowed
to England. bombing, there were none on the beach, so they shelling returned

Details

BEE
BAT
LIETTER SENTH
CHAMOIS
ns
HOUND
"ADVANCE"
DUNKIRK.
8.
0530 hrs. Mist clearing. Recognised end of Undercliff Parade
at Ramsgate. 'Advance' cast off, Leader weighed anchor and we
proceeded into harbour; making fast, as instructed, alongside a
dredger. Went ashore.
0600 hrs. Found a Lt. -Commander R.N. and reported to him. He
told us to go and get some food and rest. Did so. We ('Advance')
making our own arrangements.
We were later informed that 'Advance' had had to be beached to
save her from sinking alongside.
14
DS
C. P. DICK.
I have given times where possible but they must be regarded as
very approximate, as no log was kept on the spot.
I have used the word "Leader" throughout to indicate the boat
carrying the S.N.O. of our party (at the time) as, with the
exception of Lt. Garside, I do not know the names of either the
Officers or boats concerned.
light prevented
returned to England,
ollowing this they agal
DS remove any troops as
3 were none on the bea
is
DUNKIRK.
n
Recognised end
many of these were
0530 hrs.
ockets was exploding. They managed to rescue
off, Leader wei
at Ramsgate.
hom they transferred to a French Trawler for
ng fast, as insi
Recognt proceeded int
tention.
Leat dredger. Went ashore.
fast,
as
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
hrs. Found
Found y, so they returned to England, and were allowed
go and
and ges rest. Following this they again went to Dunkirk
ander R.N. and re
ised end
were unable to remove any troops as, owing to shelling
and
rest.
Did
clearing bombing, there were none on the beach, so they returned
00 England.
HO
'Advance' had had
ible
thro ICK.
(at

Details

LETTER SENT
BEE
xt. 2161
BAT
1 0CT1940
DS
CHAMOIS
POST ROOM
HOUND
09144/S.T.N.6.B
4
EADROW
MFH
30th September 1940.
EY.
Gentlemen,
17
I have to acknowledge receipt of
23rd September 1940.
your letter dated 23rd September 1940,
Operations insofar as your "BEE", "BAT"
enclosing report on the Dunkirk
"CHAMOIS", "HOUND" and "M.F.H." took
part in these operations, and to thank
you for the most interesting
information which you have been good
enough to supply. It is anticipated
P 10 24 REGISTRY SEP RECEIVED
that this report will be of value in
compiling the final report which will
be drawn up on these operations.
I am, Gentlemen,
T.0.9144/STN.6B, undated,
Your obedient Servant,
than to send you a copy
ard on the part played
the 'Bee', 'Bat', 'Chamois'
(Sgd.) A.P. MEREDITH.
t your requirements perhaps
Director of Sea Transporthow.
Messrs. Pickfords Ltd.,
51, Meadrow,
Farncombe,
'aithfully,
Surrey.
ORDS Limited.,
Charles him
retary. -
who were being of Dunkirk where they encountered in getting two within on
two miles raids they succeeded 1010 twice
cloths of survivors, who were French and went to the rescue The
of the heavily bombed. They transports
in their pockets many of these were on fire and Belgian the troops.
medical men, attention. whom they transferred to a French managed Trawler to rescue for
120 was exploding. They ammunition
a that day's day, so they Daylight returned prevented to England, them reaching and Dunkirk
but rest. Following this they were allowed
and were bombing, unable there to remove any troops again as, owing went to to Dunkirk
to England. were none on the beach, so they shelling returned

Details

BEE
BAT
PICKFORDS
CHAMOIS
HOUND
TELEPHONE
<
ODALMING 1272-7
TEMPORARY OFFICE: 51 MEADROW
MFH
FARNCOMBE, SURREY.
17
QUOTE THIS REFERENCE WHEN REPLYING
CB/MFW
DATE
23rd September 1940.
The Director Relid. of Sea Transport
Ministry of Shipping (H.O)
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square, W.1.
LICENSE 10 4 REGISTRY SEP PM 24 SEP RECEIVED
Sir,
In reply to your letter Ref. T.0.9144/STN.6B, undated,
I do not think that I can do better than to send you a copy
of the actual report made to our Board on the part played
by our men and five of our Boats - the 'Bee', 'Bat', 'Chamois'
'Hound' and 'MF.H'.
If this does not entirely meet your requirements perhaps
you will be good enough to let me know.
Yours faithfully,
for PICKFORDS Limited.,
Charles Animal
Secretary. -
who two were miles of Dunkirk raids where they succeeded they encountered in getting 1010 two within twice on
of the being heavily bombed. They went transports
in their many of these were on fire and the troops.
cloths of survivors, who were French and Belgian to the rescue The
120 pockets was exploding. They ammunition
medical men, attention. whom they transferred to a French managed Trawler to rescue for
that a day, so they returned to England, reaching and Dunkirk
Daylight prevented them
but day's rest. Following this they again went were to allowed
and were unable to remove any troops as, owing to Dunkirk
to England. bombing, there were none on the beach, so they shelling returned

Details

DUNKIRK EVACUATION
In connection with this work the Admiralty
asked for the use of five of our ships which are normally
employed in the conveyance of goods between Portsmouth,
or Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. The following
ships were taken : -
Ship.
Crew
M.V. 'BEE'
4
"
'Bat'
4
11
'Chamois'
2
77
'Hound'
3
"
'M.F.H'
4
With only two exceptions the members of the
crews insisted on going with their ships. All returned
safely, but an account of their experiences in summarised
form may be of interest.
M.V 'Bee'₁.
After lying 3 miles off the shore all
one night, was placed along shore and took 360 British
Troops aboard. These were later transferred to a tug.
Later 10 British and 5 French troops were taken from small
boats and brought back to England.
M.V "Bat"
On the first day and in a rough sea they
rescued 15 of the crew of a French Destroyer which had
capsized owing to bombs.
This occupied two hours, and
they then returned to Port. They then returned, being
bombed on the way.
They put in close to shore on the West
side, but found that all the remaining troops had been
taken off in a Destroyer, so they proceeded to the East
side, being machine gunned and shelled on the way. On
this occasion they got on board in small boats about 100
men. These they brought safely back to England, having
been without sleep for 92 hours, and the engines having
been running continuously all the time.
M.V. 'Chamois'
After being sent back into Port twice on
account of air raids they succeeded in getting within
two miles of Dunkirk where they encountered two transports
who were being heavily bombed. They went to the rescue
of the survivors, who were French and Belgian troops. The
cloths of many of these were on fire and the ammunition
in their pockets was exploding. They managed to rescue
120 men, whom they transferred to a French Trawler for
medical attention.
Daylight prevented them reaching Dunkirk
that day, so they returned to England, and were allowed
a day's rest. Following this they again went to Dunkirk
but were unable to remove any troops as, owing to shelling
and bombing, there were none on the beach, so they returned
to England.

Details

CANIMODARE
M.V 'Hound'
About 10 miles from Dunkirk they were
heavily bombed, but they proceeded. Two of the crew
got to the shore in a small boat to help the troops
get away. It was dangerous owing to the number of
men who got into the boat, but eventually six were taken
to the 'Hound'. After delays caused by bombing, a fur -
ther six were saved. Eventually, after 100 men had
been saved by this and other methods they proceeded to
England.
N.V 'M.F.H'
Upon arrival at Dunkirk there were about
80 German raiders overhead dropping bombs on the beach
40 ft away. Troops were picked up and disembarked on
to a larger vessel. They then proceed to the Mole, and
took on Board about 140 troops 'including a Colonel' and
returned to England with them.

Details

COMMODDRE.
ERSHAM
PRESS
EN OF ENG
Sh which took them to Parger
Launches for Hire:
"CAVERSHAM"
osels England. who, in turn hought the troops
"ECLYPSE" 28
26
asson Rd
Whilsh the Garama" was
London 1514
being employed in Jerrying the soldiers,
M un den st
she capsized in a Reavy swell and
was Past .
WILL
We, in the difeboat Trudential
on of the B&F
accompanied Ping the remaining small
my be of
boats' crews returned to Panagate
on Saturday June 1st
us was
usling RN)
a morthy
E & M.L. Empress
am" all seals
oil to be got
iss
the Police
nais HC.
ls than procreded
Thay ware asked to Volunteer to go to Dunkirt
which than agreed to do
The craw of the Empress Consisting of
VA making arrangements with employers, etc. so
that few of them felt able bo sign on for a month and went
back to town very regretfully by train.
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with the
or
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bue
Le
able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bith
but there was same difficulty in getting signed on and 110
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people TI
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a DU was
accurate idea what the job was and was quite determinedo that
to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself wind few
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

COMMODORE
12.11.21
CAVERSHAM
the
HONE RIVERSIDE 5139
EMPRESS
28 AMCROUCHA LAUNCH PROPRIETOR
PEOPLE
QUEEN OF ENG
aunches for Hire:
"ROYAL PRINCESS"
Launches for Hire
"EMPRESS"
21
"CAVERSHAM"
"QUEEN OF ENGLAND"
"ECLYPSE" 28
T.O. 9144/STN. 6.B
26 Chasson Dd
The Derector' of Sea Reled Transport
London W.14
20 M un den st
Sir
W.
WILL
wish Ref. to your latter ME, roacuation of the BEF
from Wunkirk the undermantioned may be of
intarest
On the night of 22 June at. 6 form orders was
received from the Admirally (Comm Dueling RN)
to have ready as soon as possible the M.L. Empress
ML. Quaan of England" % M.L. "baveisham" all seals
to be removed, Patrol of. Vapouzed oil to be got
on board and to proceed to Sharness
Craws of above were rounded up but the Police
from thare homes by Phone, at. Cinamars M.
Faving got crews for our three Vassels than proceeded
to Southend arriving Early morning
They ware asked to Volunteer to go to Dunkirt
which than agreed to do
The craw of the Empress Consisting of
that few of them folt able to sign on for a month and word
***** currey US making arrangements with employers, etc. SQ
back to town very regretfully by train.
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with the
or
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bue
able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bith
but there was same difficulty in getting signed on and Tic
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a TV was
to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself with few
accurate 1dea what the job was and was quite determined that
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be do
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

COMMODDRE
Sas Bodicia taken
CAVERSHAM
no
TELEPHONE: RIVERSIDE 5139
EMPRESS
an
A. CROUCH
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
ches for Hire
Launches for Hire
YAL PRINCESS"
LAUNCH PROPRIETOR
"CAVERSHAM"
"EMPRESS"
EN OF ENGLAND"
78, Bridge Road,
"ECLYPSE"
ness the then proce
Hammersmith, W.6.
19
29
20 MUNDEN STREET
the mght
as M. S Tilly of
WEST KENSINGTON. W14
saved by one
SIR
thand by
ew Dent back
I wish to forward to you, the fullest in formation
egarding the part played by my fathers the
Sas abandoned
te Capt a Grauch motor Lauchers in the evacuation
by M.S. "Lilly"
L Dankisk. I myself voluntessed to ga over an
aved an a
the Empress which as you know I have last I
a
t of repairs
of Shipping
also last the 2 wen of England, and the Caversham
ik with the me back badly damaged, when 9 got to Sheerness
ig about 200 harbour with the Empress, they asked far three
Pias
they volunteers for m2s Smith fast launch the Queen BoadicesTI
acking
best of
6apt. g Whittaker, 65 Dauglas Rd Kingston an Hames
E ngineer g Reves of 28 E land R Battersea and
msself took her ta Punkisk an several Yrips
opportunity of making arrangements with employers, DU CLEASE etc. so
DI
that few of them felt able to sign on for a month and wont
back to town very regretfully by train.
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with the
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bue
e
able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bith
but there was same difficulty in getting signed on and Tic
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a IV was
accurate idea what the job was and was quite determined that
to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself visa few
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be it
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

COMMODDRE.
aken
and
CAVERSHAM
TELEPHONE RIVERSIDE 5139
EMPRESS
A.
CROUCH
QUEEN OF ENGLAND
ches for Hire:
Launches for Hire:
"ROYAL PRINCESS"
LAUNCH PROPRIETOR
"CAVERSHAM"
"EMPRESS"
"QUEEN OF ENGLAND"
78, Bridge Road,
"ECLYPSE"
ocar
Rebil
Hammersmith, W.6.
of
29
ded
20 MUNDEN STREET
WEST KENSINGTON. W14
SIR
I wish to forward to you, the fullest in formation
regarding the part played by my fathers the
Late Capt a Cruch motor Lauchers in the evacuation
of Dunkisk. I myself voluntessed to ga over an
the Empress which as you know I have last Q
also last the 2 wen of England and the Caversham
came back badly damaged, when I got to Sheerness
harbour with the Empress, they asked far three
volunteers for m2s Smith fast launch the Queen BoadicesTI
6apt. g Whittaker, 65 Douglas Rd Kingston an Hames
E ngineer g Reaves of 28 land Rd Battersea and
msself took her ta Punkish an several Trips
opportunity of making arrangements with employers, DU THAT etc. can so
23
back to town very regretfully by train.
that few of them folt able to sign on for a month and went
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with the
or
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bue
able to warn my partners that I should be away for a bith
but there was some difficulty in getting signed on and Tic
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a TW was
to be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself with few
accurate 1dea what the job was and was quite determined that
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be sid
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

COMBODASE
TELEPHONE : RIVERSIDE 5139
Ches for Hire:
A. CROUCH
"ROYAL PRINCESS"
LAUNCH PROPRIETOR
Launches for Hire
"EMPRESS"
"CAVERSHAM"
"QUEEN OF ENGLAND"
78, Bridge Road,
"ECLYPSE"
Hammersmith, W. 6.
30
6 apt Whittaker
George Reves both received an months pay far
their services but myself only received 17 -10-0
out of eighter pounds. well 9 think that is all
the enformation 9 can give you.
Could you supply me with information regarding
the £50 0 yes month an my ambulance ship Royal Princess
as since my father died I have received name
Yours Respectiffy
2
R Brauch f
that opportunity few of making arrangements with DU doing employers, so and etc. had had so
D
back of them folt able to sign on for a month and vont
to town very regretfully by train.
seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bue
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with the
or
late toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing mumerous people
but there was same difficulty in getting signed on a and bith Tic
able to warn my partners that I should be away for
in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a IV
to accurate be 1dea what the job was and was quite determined that was
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be
put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself with few
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

COMM COMMODOSE street
OR INSERTION IN PAPERS
a
по
Ext. 2161.
LETTER SENT
nks.
1.0.)
1 OCT1940
HOUSE,
T.09144/S.T.N.6B
POST ROOM
26/41
UARE,
Poakily
30th September 1940.
DON, W.1.
Will
32
Sir,
I have to acknowledge STATE receipt of
your on the letter Dunkirk undated Operations enclosing insofar report as S.95.
your "CAVERSHAM", "EMPRESS" and
e fullest
"QUEEN OF ENGLAND" took part in these
it, such
operations and to thank you for the
the B.E.F.
information which you have been good
modore
nt record
enough to supply. It is anticipated
e operations
that this report will be of value in
compiling the final report which will
clude as
at
be drawn up on these operations.
sank
Owners of
rs, or
But
I
I am, Sir,
eriences
Your obedient Servant,
the
in
tow
comming (Sgd.) PAMEREDITH,
home
a to take
hirk
erson, may
job on the beaches
was complete Director of Sea Transport
Owner(s)
ard to this
A. Crouch,
Munden Esq., Street, like more information
your
20,
or member
West Kensington,
W.14.
myself.
I enclose a letter from my
skipper mr $ Boniface.
J
yours satiofully
Late of Gastbourne.
of Coleman.
that the only time one in charge of its owner so far as I mine
Of the boats which had come down from Isleworth wa
brought very urgent in the wind and most of the who had THE
nothing we had rather got the point of view that know, there and
previous boats down from up river had done so without mon
that opportunity few of making arrangements with employers, etc. had
knowledge that they would be doing so and had any 23
back of them folt able to sign on for a month and went so
to town very regretfully by train.
The opportunity of playing boats for a month with
able seemed to me too good to miss in any case, and I had bue
but there was same difficulty in getting signed on a and Tic
to warn my partners that I should be away for bith
late in the afternoon and by about 17.00 had formed a IV
toured Sheerness Dockyard interviewing muserous people
to accurate 1dea what the job was and was quite determined that was
supervising the fuel and victualling of the motor be
be put off, so appealed to the Commodore himself with few
the basin. Within half-an-hour of explaining to
night's

Details

-5-
On the way back to England we avoided a drifting mine, but
the two Officers' pistols and the A.A.Lewis guns were unable to
pop it,so we informed another ship that was outward bound and
it was duly popped in due course.
The troops on board Laudania evinced no interest whatsoever
in the nor the popping of it, it was first sighted on
our starboard buby and as the tide was running that way we sheered
off and passed behind it, the troops evidently regarded this as
entirely a naval matter and I do not think any of them oven got
up to see what happened to it.
40
the whole course
Off the Foreland we enquired of the local Policeman, a
from Ramsgate like to
gentleman in his shirt-sãeeves on a drifter, as to which port
Dunkink
was
would take us and were sent to Margate. Three other ships and
a
main
street
in
two destroyers also had loads for Margate and we eventually
a busy town.
tied up outside two destroyers and landed the whole issue
haffer, several
across each ether about 17.30 may.
abreast joing each
I reported to the Naval Office with my crew of two and we
way.
were promptly put in a taxi and sent back to our own port at
Ramsgate, a matter of a few minutes which might have been a
dreary journey by train. As throughout, there was no red tape
in the Navy at all, they had ready everything that was necessary
and our general instructions were that if we were in any sort of
trouble we could close any ship we saw as it would be one of ours.
at
On arrival at Ramsgate I reported to the Commander of the
Naval Office and within five minutes my crew had been taken off
to the temporary barracks established by the Harbour and I was
on my way to getting a bed for the night inaan Hotel.
On Saturday, 1st June, I reported at Pier Head about09.
and asked for another boat and before lunch time had taken over
one which had only been brought into Ramsgate that morning and
put her into commission with a new crew. This boat was an old
german Admiral's barge from the last war, to which the only conversion
of any importance seemed to be that the steam engine had been
taken out and a petrol engine substituted, a dummy funnel being
fitted where the original funnel existed. The engine was a four-
cylinder engine with cylinders of enormous size, it had no
self-starter and worked with a clutch, being in fact a lorry
engine. The engine was a brute to start and the gear lever
required a strong man to put it into any position, but the
engine was started and run over for a few minutes by the man
who stated that he had brought the ship round from the Thames
and he assured me that it was good for 12 knots without undue
pressing.
my new crew had
As we were all anxious to go over again, but I did not relish
not yet been over
the idea of being towed any more, the prospect of being able to
in fact.
go over under my own steam at 12 knots and so make the journey
in about six hours each way was very welcome, and I decided that
on this occasion we would do what most of the larger motor boats
had been doing, namely run over under our own steam, pick up a
boat-load and come back with them. I was informed that the new
boat only drew 3'2" so that it would be quite sible for the
troops to get to the boat without swimming. This still did not
strike me as being a very efficient method of getting the troops
off but I felt that some real work had been done with Constant
Nymph and I had been informed that morning that 187, were
already off so that I felt justified in indulging in something
boat could
more in the nature of & pienic, especially as cigarettes and
have taken 35
other little comforts had been provided on the boat by the
mou I should
owner for the rescued troops. LWe had already victualled the
boat and obtained our water supplies and directly after lunch
we cast off to go across the Harbour and get petrol, having as
& quite unauthorised passenger an old member of my own Club who

Details

-6-
was down there as correspondent for a well-known paper and who
wanted to see the show for himself. This was about the only
effort made by this wretched boat in the Government service, it
had a
konked out within a few yards of leaving moorings and refused to
eat it
fire so I had to anchor to prevent drifting #Pen other ships
and ABet a. rowing boat to come out and fetch me off so that I
wer, of course
could report the trouble. Within an hour, a good deal less I
should say, we had an Engineer-Lieutenant Commander, ReNoV.R.,
an Engineer Sub-Lieutenant, R.N., two Petty Officers Artificers
and one leading Artificer, investigating the question of our
engine trouble.
One not unimportant item was that the magneto was simply
dripping away, and here I rather suspect the activities of my
stoker rating who was the senior again of my crew, who had been
using the oil can I know, but he seemed to be quite familiar
with petrol engines and I certainly did not see trying to
oil the magneto, but I noticed a change of expression on his
face when the Mag. was tached and foynd to be actually oozing
oil. This, however, was not the only trouble and it is a mystery
to me that that boat was ever brought round to Ramsgate from
the Thames as the experts worked on her until 20.00 that night,
by which time they had succeeded in getting a spark, and we
got the engine running again. We raised anchor and tarted to
take her for a trial run round the harbour. This went all
right so long as we were going dead slow but on getting a clear
space between two ships at anchor and opening throttle, there
was no increase in speed but a most terrible noise from the
clutch which was obviously slipping badly. The Engineer-Lieutenart
Commanded who was with me on the little bridge was very amused,
he had identified the engine on sight as a very old Camel Lorry
engine converted and I think he realised that all my efforts at
joggling the clutch lever and putting the gear lever in and out
of neutral were not going to have the least effect as the thing
was pretty hopeless. As it was quite clear that nothing could
be done except move her ahead at dead slow, I brought her over
to the side and tied up out of the fairway.
While the gear was in neutral and the fore and aft ropes
were already being secured, I had, as an additional precaution,
kept my foot hard down on the clutch pedal which was right
down on the deck, so that the clutch should have been well
out with a good al to spare; in spite of this she suddenly
commenced to go gently astern and bisk no amount of clutch
joggling or verification of the fact that the gear lever was
most clearly in neutral, seemed to have any effect for a moment
or two, when she started to go slowly ahead. It was clearly
unsafe in a crowded harbour to have this wretched engine running
at all so I called down to the stoker to switch off the engine
and have her manhandled for the little adjustment that was
required to get her tied up securely. Again the engineers
worked on her until 23.50 that night and all day Sunday, 2nd
June, they took down pretty well everything. The final report
was that the engine was worth about £10 and it would cost £20
to repair it,so they did not propose to do any more about it,
and I found myself living on a house boat with my own crew of
four ratings and a lodger in the shape of another stoker rating
whose original boat had been lost somehow with his kit. He
had been supplied with a new kit at Merrie England, the
temporary Naval barracks, and being a friend of my stoker rating
thought he might as well throw in his luck with us.
By this time the beach show was well over and the last
contingents were being brought off from Dunkirk Jetty itself
by destroyers, etc., this being a deep water job.
There was a rumour round the harbour precincts just before
lunch time on Sunday that volunteers were wanted to fetch the
last of the Dunkirk troops off the Jetty, this cleared all the

Details

ILA
-8-
in spite of a bit of rope round her port propeller, there
was far too much rope at Dunkirk, made excellent headway.
There was a north easterly breeze blowing which raised a bit
of a lop which was on our starboard baby on the course to the
Foreland, this was just where it was not wanted under the
circumstances.
43
Most of the battens carried away and the canvas patching
was flapping loose at the bottom over the main damage but
she was still only making water in very small quantities as
the bad damag above water line and she would have been as
dry as a chip an reasonably smooth water.
We calculated that we could get round the Foreland
without shipping too much and that we should then have the
wind and water pretty well astern, and this proved to be the
case so that we shipped no more water after that though there
was a fair amount of motion for a time.
We had & chart, but no compass, owing to the bomb splinter
at Dunkirk, but it was a sunny day and a course just outside
the angle of the light on the water sommed about right. In
point of fact we picked up every buoy directly on our course.
We had no dividers on board but using a piece of string to
measure the distance on the chart between two buoys and
comparing this with the tatitude scale on the bottom of the
chart, found that we were doing approximately 15 knots and
she must have averaged about 12 knots for the trip although
we had to go a bit easy before we had rounded the Foreland.
Soon after we had got through the boom one of the usual
busy drifters came pounding after us, flicking her signal
lamp which, as usual, we could not read, but we eased up to
let her come nearer and, as was off to our starboard
a bit, we gave Cairngorm a bit of a sheer to starboard, which
gave the drifter a fine view of our flapping patch, this
seemed to tell the drifter all he wanted to know about us
ur.
and he just waved a hand and turned back.
ned
We tied up in the motor boat basin, landed our crew and
reported about 20.00. As soon as we had reported to the
1.
Commander in charge of the motor boats, he enquired if we
had dined yet, and finding this was not so, book us into the
of
Mess for dinner at once.
air
We slept on board Cairegorn that night, and on Friday
the 7th June I was duly examined by the Medical Officer and
chased about to two or three different individuals and eventually
signed off, as from the date of expiration of my three days'
O
Dunkirk leave.
For this extremely pleasant outing, in the best of good
company, I was paid at the magnificent rate of £23 a month and
all found as Master of a vessel.
These temporary employees of the navy, signed on under
naval discipline, achort periods are not provided with any
uniform, and are not bound to wear any uniform, so one saw the
10 And south-east England, and a heap of people who had just come
Club caps and jackets of nearly every Yacht Club in the Thames,
/lub town as they were. As I always keep my ship clothes, including
cap and reefer on board, I wore them the whole time and
commissions in the R.N.V.R.
net several other members of the Club who had got their
Basipo
ng
me
em,

Details

Details

122
my boat hook, but as he was dead and a German at that, I
pushed him off and got on my way.
A few minutes later I saw a French Destroy-
er doing about twenty-five to thirty knots, making her way
into Dunkirk. I took my eyes off her for a minute or two
and then glanced back, but there was nothing there. She
must have had a direct hit from a bomb and sunk within a
few minutes. I made my course over to where she had gone
and picked up her survivors, which altogether numbered
only about twenty. Those I picked up I put on board a
French tug which happened to be in the vicinity, and once
more carried on into Dunkirk.
Eventually I arrived off the beach where
the swarms of soldiers were gathered, and at the same time
one of our big ships came and anchored close inshore.
Three of our little convoy of eight had arrived. The first
immediately filled with soldiers and carried on back to
England. The second went aground. My first job was to
ferry soldiers from the beach to the big ship, and I made
a number of trips. Then I tried to tow the boat that had
run aground off the beach but the young seaman with me got
the tow rope around my propellors, the result being that
I had to give the job up and that my own ship ran aground.
All around there was ceaseless activity and, jumping over
the side, I gave a hand carrying the wounded soldiers to
the big ship's skiff which had been launched.
When he knew what had happened the Captain
of this ship ordered me to go on board his ship with my
crew and we swan out to her, but the swift running tide
had not finished with us yet. Soon after we had clambered
aboard the big ship, she too, ran aground. It must have
been about two or three belook in the afternoon then,

Details

123
and during the period we had to wait for the flood tide to
come up and take us off Jerry's bombers came over several
times, bombing the ships and machine gunning the soldiers
on the beach. We were lucky not to be hit, for we had only
the soldier's Bren guns to defend us.
The Captain would not let me go when I
asked him if I could return to my own ship, but by now
some Tommies had parked themselves in the "Naiad Errant"
and, after clearing the tow rope from the propellors, had
got her engines going. The tide was coming in fast- it
must have been between seven and eight oclock (I had put
my watch out of action swimming)- and the rising water
floated the ship, also my boat. I waved to the soldiers
and made gestures to them to bring her alongside, which
they managed to do, although the ship was well under way.
I sang out to my crew to come down with me,
but apparently they had had enough of it- they did not show
up, but there was no time to argue. Both the ship and my
boat were under way, SO just as the "Naiad Errant" came
alongside I jumped down alone, and got her clear of the
ship, which promptly increased her speed and went towards
England.
The "Naiad Errant" was packed full. I glanc-
ed back at the petrol tank gauges and saw that they regist-
ered half-full. There was nothing to do but to scrounge
some more. A boat was moored in the fairway and I reckon-
ed she would be fair game. As luck would have it she was
full of petrol in two gallon tins, SO I fisted six of them
and put them in my tanks. Just as I thought we were all
set for home- the. engines gave out! I could not get back
to the boat that was moored and we began to drift on to
3

Details

124
the pier which Jerry was bombing and shelling. To make
matters worse I was right in the fairway, liable to be run
down by ships coming in and going out. Darkness was fast
approaching.
With no engineer on board, and me without the
slightest knowledge of engines, I had to hope that the
soldiers could get her going again. The engineers among
them got to work, The others I ordered to break up both
the cabin doors and use the pieces as paddles in order
to keep a little way on the boat and prevent her from
running on to the pièr. Although they were dead tird they
put all they knew into it and SO we managed to keep a
little way on the boat and keep her in a safe position.
About this time I began to shiver and got very cold as it
got dark, for I had on the same togs that I had been swimm-
ing in. I was still wet through. Then one of the soldiers
tapped me on the shoulder. He handed over a flask, asking
me to drink. I did. It was rum, and it certainly put
warmth and fresh life into me.
The soldiers tinkered with the engine in the dark-
ness and it must have been between ten and eleven oclock
at night when there was a clamour of excitement. They had
got the starboard engine going! I told them to "drop
everything" and leave the port engine and I would get them
over to England all right on the one engine, which gave me
about five to six knots. I counter-acted the pull of the
one engine with the wheel.
Because the main channel between Dunkirk and
Ramsgate was crowded with ships that night, and I stood a
big chance of being run down in the blackness, I decided
to try and make Dover and keep clear of the main channel
4

Details

165
Tuesday June I940 a police message arrived asking me
to ring Commander Bowles Southend Naval Control.
16/5
Several questions were asked as to condition of Motor
Vessel "Shamrock". She was in perfect condition and Fuel Tanks
full, having just been passed by the Ministry of Shipping for the
carrying of passengers on short trips from Canvey beach.
Can you make the South Downs he asked, where is that
Sir I replied, just off Deal and Dover. I agreed to try, and
upon instructions proceeded to take on board 30 Gallons Fuel in
5 Gallons containers, sufficient food and water for four days,
and discard the Buoyant apparatus which are always carried.
Roy Brown aged I8 of Canvey Island answered my request
by turning up at dawn with food and kit, we left with Donald my 29/-
youngest son to see us off.
On reaching Southend Naval Control we were informed the
journey was to Dunkirk and a further IO Gallons of petrol was
provided. Roy Brown at this stage was given an opportunity to
stay behind but he declined and expressed his desire to accompany
me. A requisition note was handed to me also a Special Route
for Small Craft Thames to Dunkirk. reading:- you are to proceed at
your utmost speed direct to the beaches eastward of Dunkirk, and
course etc; before leaving I regret to note with displeasure
four Skippers of upper Thames passenger Vessels said No when asked
if they could make Dunkirk, although their bunkers were full and
a heap of Fuel on deck they were immediately ordered to take their
Vessels with the letter "M" on their funnels to Sheerness
presumably to be taken over by Naval Units.
Our four little crafts set off in Convoy, The Princess
Maud Manned by Naval Ratings, The Canvey Queen by I Naval Rating
and I Civillian, The Queen of England by 3 Civilians, The
Shamrock by myself and Roy Brown, when off Shoeburyness the
Canvey Queen received Engine trouble and we took her in fow almost
to Mangate when she was able to proceed under her own power and
remain SO.
It was about 6 miles off Margate we sighted a British
Fighter Aircraft about 50 feet above the water making a desperate
bid to reach our shores, smoke pouring from its Engine as it
wobbled and whizzed by us, we could only look and wish him
silently a happy landing. The Maud called me alongside she was
taking water rather badly and borrowed and kept my Bilge Pump she
also seemed to have difficulty in keeping his proper course in
spite of having both the Canvey Queen's Compass and my own on board.
la runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops,
and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off
the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

Details

AGEST
Jest:
Stavez
in
E.S.
(2)
166
DEC
The Queen of England and Shamrock kept a fairly straight
course and keeping about 30 yards apart followed Destroyers, as they g(
rask
got out of sight we followed their smoke and then the place on the
That
horizon where the smoke was last seen in this way we continued,
one could not help feeling convinced by the numerous British
to
188
noc
Naval Craft which seemed to pop up from all directions that the
English Channel was still English.
FRO
I arroused Brown from a good sleep to point out what
appeared to be a periscope travelling in the opposite direction
about 300 yards on our port side, he soon bought my revolver which
was stowed forward and placed it in front of me as he said you
might want it. As darkness fell so did the temperature it was
darned cold. Many Vessels passed us in both directions some
uncomfortably close and of course not shewing any lights whatever
and more than once we were almost dashed against our fellow boats
by the huge wash from passing Vessels. The sea was calm but the
swell was unlike anything I had experienced before, and the trail
of light phosphorus green behind each boat was a pretty but
monotonous sight.
We seemed to be near the coast now about I6 miles West
of Dunkirk heavy machines were over head we could not tell to whom
they belonged, Artillery action on the land could be seen and
heard quite plainly. Ahead everything was blazing, oil and
petrol tanks were continually expboding near the coast the noise and
flames were beyond description, I was feeling a bit weary about the f
feet cramp through cold was agrivating me, it was about I6 hours
since we left Canvey.
Brown took the wheel while I had a sip from a lemonade
bottle, a metter of seconds when I noticed one OfH.M. Ships bearing
down on us.
Then came the crash, I could see the Queen of England
being sliced in two.
There was not time for words, in my effort to gain
control poor Brown was knocked to the deck, but I managed to open
the throttle and swing her round and so miss the same fate by
inches. We heard the cries of come on Canvey in the darkness and
by by bawling where are you, where are you, we located and grabbed
them into our boat as the remnants of their beautiful craft were
just disappearing. We came alongside the big dark ship an
officer' after making enquiries about the condition off the 3 men
dropped a rope ladder down and took them on board, we did'nt even
say Good night
La runna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few troops
and WE proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more loads off
the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising tide.
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were being

Details

DUNKIRK CLAIMS
her COMMITTEE WINDSORA GERBERA EM
H.O.
WINDSONG
WARRIOR
William Douglas & Sons LIMITED 192
HEAD OFFICE:
SCOTTISH BRANCH
DOUGLAS WHARF PUTNEY
68 FOUNTAINBRIDGE
LOND ON
PUTNEY 6666
A
EDINBURGH
TELEPHONE
TELEGRAMS
(PRIVATE EXCMANCE)
"OZONE EDINBURGH™
REGISTERED TELEGRAPHIC CABLE
TELEPHONE
ADDRESS "IBIDEM LONDON
28039
CODES ABC ST*EDITION BENTLEY
EDINBURGH
EST. 1878
DOUGLAS WHARF
PUTNEY
LONDON S.W.15. ENGLAND
OUR REF.
YOUR REF.
DEPT.
DATE
WHB/ES
Sep. 18th 1940
aucd.
The Director of Sea Transport,
Ministry of Shipping (H.O.)
Berkeley Square House,
Berkeley Square, W. 1.
2711 RECEIVED 19 SEP P.M. 21 1 OF
Sir,
Your Ref. T.0.9144/STN.6
B
I am replying to your circular letter, under the
above reference, on behalf of Flight Lieut. W. L. Douglas, M.C.
owner of "Warrior", who is at present serving in the R. A. F.
Although I understand that "Warrior" was originally
requistioned for service in the evacuation of the B.E.F. from
Dunkirk, she was taken over by the Naval Authorities when she
reported at Ramsgate, and I have received no advice as to her
activities since that time.
I am however, enclosing a copy of the Master's Log,
and report, relating to the passage from Chichester (from
whence she was requistioned) to Ramsgate, in the hope that
some of the remarks contained therein may be of interest to you.
Yours faithfully,
Enc.
after taking
About 10.30 a.m. on we arrived at Southend Pier and
s/in
were asked to take the vessel to Dunkirk as there were
not sufficient Naval Ratings available. Provisions for
three days and more petrol were taken aboard, and we were
-1-

Details

Details

Black Arrow"
"Faith"
"Empress"
"Queen of England"
"New White Heather"
"St. Patrick"
"Shamrock"
"Skylark III"
4. A statement of outstanding claims other than
Total loss was also considered. It was agreed for
of few the cases Committee remaining and did the not justify the
Secretary
with them on lines approved by the for
"Total Loss
cases in the past, referring any difficulties that
Representatives when available after meetings of other
arise informally to the Treasury and Sea Transport Dept. might
etc., with a view to making offers in settlement.
P.C.O. (S.T.) will assess the claims for missing articles
Committees. With regard to "Mare Nostrum" and "Papillon"
5. The Chairman promised to draft a report on the work
approval. of the Committee and to submit it to the other members for their
claims other tha
It was agreed
ify the formal
ry was author
he Committee
ISO consi@ficulties
ining did not lea Trs
tee and the Secre
lines approved by t
past, referring any
ly to the Treasury a

Details

Week
Arrow"
th"
DYNAMO OPERAT
Empress"
Queen of England"
"New White Heather"
"St. Patrick"
"Shamrock"
"Skylark III"
4. A statement of outstanding claims other than for
Total loss was also considered. It was agreed that the
few cases remaining did not justify the formal continuance
of the Committee and the Secretary was authorised to deal
nnotel 10887
with them on lines approved by the Committee for similar
cases in the past, referring any difficulties that might
arise informally to the Treasury and Sea Transport Dept.
Representatives when available after meetings of other
Committees. With regard to "Mare Nostrum" and "Papillon"
P.C.O. (S.T.) will assess the claims for missing articles
etc., with a view to making offers in settlement.
18 OT
5. The Chairman promised to draft a report on the work
2
of the Committee and to submit it to the other members for their
approval.
His

Details

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE.
Reference.
MINUTE SHEET.
I will deal with the cases other than the Liner Companies in the
first place:-
"EMPRESS"
Total
Losses.
were
opened.
"QUEEN Before were The the Department a the against The claim OF Solicitors claims Owners received, original ENGLAND") the a of claim properly Estate was have £2,250. prepared dealing Owner the been of could and claims £1,750. formulated offered died for with be to were soon meet. the to settled the for The go found after for "Queen Estate offers to the some on The and negotiations to "Impress" of the position were now we be time, England" widow, are higher made not but awaiting £1,300. able today are she £1,230. than when the to died. is, against the they the have highest that
the
Department
is
prepared
Solicitor's reply.
"NEMO
Owned IV". the by Total boat two men Loss. and who for claim loss of £4,500. earnings has as compensation until offered they the are highest for able the
to loss figure replace of that the it boat. is prepared The Department to pay for the loss of the boat, i.e.
£1,028. been a very troublesome Owners' case Member and has of recently Parliament been to
the
the This subject has of a letter from who has the replied maintaining rests. the Depart-
ment's Parliamentary attitude. Secretary, There for the moment the position
"NEW
WHITE HEATHER". claim Total from Loss. the Owners was £3,000. figure They have the since
Department said they would could settle go to is for £1,325. and we are awaiting a reply to
The original £2,000. The highest
this offer.
"QUEEN
requires branch are doing what they can to find after a all have
The Owner replacement of the engine which was suitable Our
BOADICEA". will Damaged. not accept settlement on a cash destroyed. basis and
Technical but if this is not possible, we may Loss. to
engine, treat the case as one of Constructive Total
"WHITE
WATER.". at Damaged. late date, would not accept the estimate of and the
cost of of the Boat Yard where the vessel now of
The Owner, repairs a which had been agreed between our Surveyor lies.
the The proprietor case has been reconsidered and there is prospect a very
early sèttlement.
INGLIS & MILLS. Sundry craft. Damages and Losses.
all 9 craft are involved in this claim. Although the our
Surveyor In met the Owners and concluded a settlement in losses sum
of £321.18.-. it was later found that the damages and
incurred were not the result of the Dunkirk operations, although
of the craft had originally been inspected and considered for
some that operation. They subsequently became involved in, firstly,
the evacuation of Ramsgate Harbour, following Dunkirk and then in
the bombing of the Port of London. It has been found necessary
to look further into the history of these craft.
Investigations are not yet complete, but if it is considered
that the Government is liable for the sum involved, either by way
of preparation for the Dunkirk service, or for treatment under
the War Damage Act, the case will go to the Treasury for special
consideration. It will be very difficult to separate the
(1502) 28899/1063
incidence of liability.
1,500,000 939 JC&SLtd
Gp644 229
(REGIMINT)
CODE 5-34-0
Contd... [OVER

Details

Details

DUNKIRK EVACUATION
CLAIMS OUTSTANDING:- "TOTAL LOSS"
AS AT 10-10-41
Name of
File No.
Claim.
Remarks & Action
Vessel.
Taken.
8
EMPRESS
Negotiations continuing and
QUEEN OF
mm
T.M. 3716/40
£2,250
}
awaiting letters of
ENGLAND
£1,750
administration.
NEMO IV
T.M. 3889/40
£4,500
Offered £1,028 less £250
already advanced on account.
Case may go to Tribunal.
NEW WHITE
$3,000
Offer of £1,325 made,
HEATHER
T.M. 3899/40
awaiting reply.
Lifeboats
FURNESS WITHY
T.M. 7508/40
£459.3.4d.
& CO. LTD.
Total Loss (3)
Under consideration.
& Equipment
Doubt as to whether these
W.D. INGLIS
T.M. 5094/40
£321.18.-d.
were used for Dunkirk
& S.J. MILLS
evacuation.
BLUE STAR LINE
.12534/40
£1454.15.-(9)
Obtaining more details.
CLAIMS OUTSTANDING OTHER THAN "TOTAL LOSS"
9:
AS AT 10-10-41
QUEEN BOADICEA
T.M. 3718/40
Repairs
Offer refused. Requires
replacement of engine.
Negotiations continuing.
WHITEWATER
T.O. 9364/40
Repairs
L.A. Robinson's estimate of
cost of repairs not accepted
by owner. Negotiations
continuing.
BLUE STAR LINE
M.12534/40
£1665.5.
Obtaining further details.
LTD.
Repairs equip-
ment and labour
expenses.
"S
"Si,
Lifeboats.
Involved with Netherlands Commission from whom we have not
This the
been able to get a clear statement.
followed
up. Mt.

Details

DUNKIRK CLAIMS COMMITTEE
Payments made since presentation of Report on 21st July 1941.
Repairs and
Total Loss
Vessel.
Type
Claimant
Paper No.
Hire and
Replacements
Remarks.
Expenses
£. s. d.
£. S. d.
£ S. d.
"LARK"
S/Barge
Dover Harbour Board
O. 9315/40.
8. 5.
"BARBARA JEAN"
T.O.9296/40.
18. 7.
"ROYALTY"
T.O.9298/40.
13. 4.
14.
"PANDORA"
Punt
A. Read
T.M. 5152/41.
30.
"KATHLEEN"
17' Boat
C. Morris
4918/41.
266.
-.
"FOLKESTONE
M/V
Spraggs Bros.
9201/40.
110.
BELLE"
(c/o Adams)
99. 17. -.
"BLUEBIRD"
M.L.
Mrs. G. Ragless
T.M. 4136/40
20. -.
"OLIVE MAY"
M/Barge
Samuel West Ltd.,
T.0.8532/40
30.
"LADY ROSEBERY"
AS/barge
=
T.0.9306/40
20. -.
"GLENWAY"
100. -.
65.
"RIVER TOY"
M/B.
C.H.Elkington
T.M. 2766/41
"ALPHEUS"
M/Barge
S. Instone & Co.,
T.0,9104/40
90. -: i,
"SHERFIELD"
J.J.Prior (Transport)
Limited
T.0.9423/40
66. -.
Dover Harbour Board
"
9. 1.
"SHAWFORD"
Prior (Trans) Ltd.
11
30. -. i,
"CAROLINE"
Row Boat
H.E. Parker
5206/41
28. -.
"SHRIMP"
Skiff
"
"
3. 17. -.
"FERROCRETE"
M/Barge
Assoc.Portland Cement
Manufacturers Ltd.,
T.0.7976/40
50.
ex "HIGHLAND
28'
Royal Mail Lines
T.M.6352/40
PRINCESS"
Lifeboat
Limited
236. 5. ".
"NEW PRINCE OF
Southend Motor Nav:
Balance of "Total Loss"
WALES"
P.M.B.
Company Limited
T.M. 3887/40
: ! 120.
: : 1236.
Compensation.
"SHAMROCK"
P.M.B.
A. Barrell c/o
T.M.3898/40
! : 415.
Balance of "Total Loss"
W.G. & S. Beecroft
Compensation
"BONITA"
M/V
S.W. Newton c/o
T.M.2779/41
30. --
50. -.
Wannop & Falconer
ex "GLOUCESTER
13
Union Castle Mail
T.M.9092/40
96. 7. -.
Lifeboat No.12
CASTLE"
Lifeboats
S.S. Co. Ltd.,
315. 8. 4.
7 Lifeboats
234. 14. -.
Fitting out 6 Lifeboats which
replaced missing ones.
"SKYLARK III"
M/V
Mrs. M. Corsan
T. 0.9203/40
487. i.
"QUEEN OF
M/V
Bowmaker Ltd.,
T.M.3716/40
700.
i
Advance on account
ENGLAND"
"EMPRESS"
M/V
=
"
"
300.
!
Advance on account
"KNOWLES"
Aux.
London & Rochester
T.O.7764/40.
8. 6.11.
S/Barge
Trading Co.Ltd.,
"THYRA"
Aux
London & Rochester
S/Barge
Trading Co. Ltd.,
"
14. 9. 3.
"PUDGE"
Aux.
London & Rochester
S/Barge
Trading Co. Ltd.,
21. 8. 6.
London & Rochester
Trading Co. Ltd.,
75. -- -:
Dover Harbour Board
10. 11.
"CABBY"
London & Rochester
Trading Co. Ltd.,
"SCONE"
14. 3,
London & Rochester
Trading Co. Ltd.,
"SEINE"
M/Barge
38.10. 8,
London & Rochester
T.O.8949/40.
66. 8. 1.
Trading Cox Ltd.,
C/f
£ 893.18. -
£1,145. 3. 4.
£3,432. 5. -

Details

JR/KW.
DUNKIRK EVACUATION.
TOTAL LOSS:- CLAIMS OUTSTANDING.
56
Name of
File No.
Claim.
Remarks & Action
Vessel.
Taken.
BLACK ARROW
T.M. 4060/40
£700 - £900
Valuation being
obtained.
FAITH
T.M. 4070/40
Loss uncertain-letters
to owner - no reply.
EMPRESS
QUEEN OF
m
T.M. 3716/40
Awaiting letters of
ENGLAND
administration.
NEMO IV
T.M.3889/40
£4,500
Advanced £250-offer
made. awaiting reply.
NEW PRINCE
OF WALES.
T.M.3887/40
£8,696
Advanced £5,000
negotiations, continuing.
NEW WHITE HEATHER
T.M. 3889/40
Offer of £1,325 made,
awaiting reply.
SKYLARK III
T.O. 9203/40
£500
Awaiting letters of
administration.
LIFEBOATS.
ROYAL MAIL
LINES.
T.M. 5352/40
£236.5.0d.
Awaiting surveyor's
report.
FURNESS WITHY
& CO LTD.
T.M. 7508/40
£459. 3. 4d.
Awaiting surveyor's
Total Loss (3)
report.
& Equipment.

Details

Details

Details

Hire and
Repairs and
Expenses
Replacements
Total
Vessel
Type
Claimant
Paper No.
£
S
d
£
8
d
£
S
"SKYLARK"
"SOUTHERN QUEEN"
---
The Southern Railway
3 9
"FERRY NYMPH"
Company
AG.3/3531/40.Pt.I
"DIANA" &
"SCORCHER"
Tugs
Clements, Knowling
19 1 9
& Co. Ltd.
"
"
"
3
1
-
"MAY C"
Tug
W.F. Corsan
"
"
"
"CULEX""APAR"
"ABONIA"
}
159 5 6
Tugs
Gaselee & Son Ltd.
"
"
"
"WASP" "KNAT"
& "SAURIA"
"JOHN HAWKINS"
Tug
John Hawkins
"
11
"
23 15 10
Humphery & Grey
12 10 -
(Lighterage) Ltd.
"
"
"
"AUGUSTA" "KATIA"
& "KHURDAH"
Tugs
"
"
"
80 16 2
J.P. Knight Ltd.
"RIO" "LECTRO"
& "DITTO"
"
Union Lighterage
Co. Ltd.
"
If
"
57 10 -
Various Barges
P.L. Authority
"
"
Pt.II
49 15 2
"SKYLARK"
Brighton, Hove &
Worthing Gas Co.
11
11
"
2 3 8
"ARCADIA"
"PERSIA" &
m
Tugs
William Watkins Ltd.
"
"
Pt.I
1626 5 -
"TANGA"
"BEATRICE MAUD"
& "SPURGEON"
3
S.Bs.
J. P. Knight Ltd.
"
If
11
20
-
I
S.T. New Quay,
Sandbanks Yacht
Co.Ltd.
"
"
Pt.II
Poole
1 8 -
"PASS OF BALLATER"
Tanker
Bulk Oil Steamship
Co. Ltd.
"
"
"
3 10 -
Various and Tug
"SECURITY"
J.W.Cook & Co. Ltd.
"
"
Pt. I
65 4 8
H.Trust & Son
"
"
BELGIAN
Trawlers
Pt.II
2 10 -
Various
Tugs
Soton, I.of W. & S.
England Royal Mail
Stm. Pkt. Co. Ltd.,
"
"
11
16 16 -
Various
Gamecock Steam
Towing Co. Ltd.
"
"
"
13 2 5
W.G.James & Sons Ltd.
"
"
"
"ESKBURN"
S.S.
13 3 2
If
"TEANO"
Ellerman's Wilson
"
"
"
Line Ltd.
19 14 9
"
"
11
Southern Railway Co.
Various
94 10 -

Details

C.S
MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT
NOID
15
REFERENCE SHEET.
TA6
16
(Rm YOY!)
how S.H. Brown
S.T.
In
1st July, 1941.
24
Gentlemen,
p&S. THE DUCKS.SS "THE MARQUIS"
ss THE MARQUIS
An enquiry has been received on behalf of a
Miss Emmerson, resident in Spain, regarding relatives
who endeavoured to get to England from Antwerp when
Belgium was invaded. It is believed that the Emmersons
embarked in "THE MARQUIS" at Ostend on the 27th May, 1940.
as
possible I should be glad if you would be good enough to
inform me whether you have any record that a family of
this name embarked in "THE MARQUIS" and, if so, at what
Port they di sembarked in this country.
and game, 1940.
I am, Gentlemen,
TA
Your obedient servant,
brans
S
(Sgd.) B.E. Bellamy
for Director of Sea Transport.
Herearth
Messrs. J. Hay & Sons Ltd.,
45 Renfield Street,
GLASGON, C.2.
Mb

Details

152
19
copy.
of 19th June, 1941, from
21
Letter Commanding Loring of International
Marine Radio Co. Ltd.
DIO COMPANY LIMITED,
refer the attached correspondence.
Mr. Carter has asked me to
HOUSE,
TELEPHONE: HOLBORN 8765.
YCH,
TELEGRAMS: INLAND INTELCOMAR,ESTRAND,LONDON
C.2.
Could you let hation
on
er
you the the
the and f
19th June 1941.
in time of the scout
Belgium?
will
(Sgd.) D. J. Richman.
Passual
23rd June, 1941.
can.
Mr. D.H. Edwards.
Yours sincerely,
Ins. Bellamy
n making the following inquiry,
1
CARTER.
to try and trace the relatives of
Commetier research Loring, these 0, B.E., E.
mersons were a British family
England when Belgium was invaded.
International Warine movents Radio Co.Ltd., last
ster at Ostend, that these people
their
bon
S.S. "Duchess" on 27th May, 1940.
you
W.C.2.
rson. The first inquiry seems to be to
7th May 1940, reached an English
day and June, from AT/INT
sl
it would be very kind of you.
how to set about this inquiry
hiss Dais
25/6
Yours sincerely,
7.00

Details

21
INTERNATIONAL MARINE RADIO COMPANY LIMITED,
DIRECTORS:
F. GILL.O M.INST C.E. M.I.E.E.
CONNAUGHT HOUSE,
TELEPHONE: HOLBORN 8765.
COMMANDER F.G. LORING, O.B E.M.I.E.E.
TELEGRAMS: INTELCOMAR,ESTRAND,LONDON.
H. THORPE-WOODS, M.N.E.C.INST.
63, ALDWYCH,
UNLAND
A.DAVIDSON,
T.G. SPENCER.
LONDON,W.C.2.
19th June 1941.
W. Carter Esq., C.B.E.,
Ministry of Sea Transport,
Berkeley House,
Passual
Berkeley Square,
S.W.1.
Dear Carter,
I should be very grateful for your help in making the following inquiry,
assuming there is no objection to it.
We have been asked by our Spanish company to try and trace the relatives of
their English secretary, Miss Emmerson. The Emmersons were a British family
resident in Antwerp, who endeavoured to get to England when Belgium was invaded.
It has been ascertained from the Harbour Master at Ostend, that these people
left Ostend in either the S.S. "Marquis" or the S.S. "Duchess" on 27th May, 1940.
Nothing more has been heard of them by Miss Emmerson. The first inquiry seems to be to
ascertain if these ships (or either of them) on 27th May 1940, reached an English
port, and if so which port.
If you could help to obtain this information, it would be very kind of you.
Please forgive my troubling you, but I do not know how to set about this inquiry
otherwise.
With kind regards.
Yours sincerely,
7.00mg

Details

- 2 -
45
right, and begged them to keep their seats.
By 2.30 we were loaded and almost ready for sea, when the raiders
came back to pay us another visit - only three this time. Our troops
(about 2,500) were all lying down in saloons and staterooms, as they were
dead tired. There was a large number on deck, as everywhere below decks
was full up. We had also forty wounded on stretchers on the games deck.
After the raiders released all their bombs in this raid they machine-gunned
xte
the wounded on deck, one of whom was shot through the leg.
1890
One of the soldiers on the after well deck was using his Bren gun with
good effect. He had two pals one feeding his gun and the other sitting
JOB
high up on the port crane with a pair of field glasses, spotting the Jerry
planes. As soon as he saw one he shouted to the pal with the Bren gun,
id
ID
"Here's a blue pencil coming, Jock! Let him have it!", and Jock did in
good style. Jock had a shot at every plane that came over, and I understand
he severely damaged two. Our chief officer and our gunner had hits on
on
several Jerry planes with their Lewis guns.
he
it
About 3 o'clock we left the breakwater, but owing to the wind we
is
could not get the ship turned to the harbour entrance. We got the assistance
ond
1
of a patrol ship to push our stern round, but she cut the degaussing wire
r,
aft, which went on fire. Our chief officer and second engineer soon got
1
ck
it out. As soon as the electric current was switched off they sprayed the
fire with the extinguishers which we had handy.
n
We got outside the harbour about a quarter of a mile, and waited for a
,
destroyer to escort us across channel, when we were bombed again. Our
escort was also bombed and disabled, with quite a number killed and wounded,
so we had to proceed alone.
I can hardly describe all the bombing, as we were attacked eight times
e
e
in as many hours. About half way across the channel I saw two British
bombers and a Spitfire making for England. Between two and three miles
behind them came a German bomber. He was passing over a British trawler and
,
we expected him to swing over to us at any moment. He was about a mile on
our port side. The trawler fired one shot which blew the plane out of the
sky. The pilot baled out in his parachute. Our friend, the Bren gunner,
had his gun trained on him, wishing he was within range. He remarked to me
that the "blue pencil" Jerry would never reach the water alive, but the
hn
to
trawler picked him up.
We arrived at Dover about 11 o'clock, just in time for another raid,
3
but we got into harbour safely. I ordered my men to put on their life vests
at the first raid, and handed out all the life-belts I had to the soldiers.
About half way across the channel, when things were quieter, I made tea and
sandwiches for the wounded on deck and also for a number of the soldiers, and
it was very welcome, as some of the poor fellows were starving.
Well, Mr Purvis, before I close I must tell you that all the officers and
men behaved splendidly under most trying circumstances. I was at sea all the
or
last war, but never experienced anything like this. When the bombs exploded
the blast and concussion damaged a large number of wash-basins and mirrors;
cups were thrown everywhere.
t
We landed the last of our wounded about 5 a.m. I then set up a table
in the dining-room and gave the officers a right good meal. We didn't go to
S
bed. I got my men to clean up the ship in case we would be required again,
not knowing the extent of the damage to our ship. I went round my men and
.
asked them if they would go back with me; the answer was, "Sure, sure!".
Well, Mr Purvis, I hope you are well. I will be glad to hear from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) Mathew Pandelus,
Chief Steward.

Details

STAM
JANSINGO
138
EXTRACT FROM THE 'P.L.A. MONTHLY'
47
September, 1940.
asd
ECHOES OF DUNKIRK.
3
The following further information has become available
STATE
regarding the part played in the evacuation of British and French
soldiers from Dunkirk by the vessels of the Tilbury Contracting
9AY
THE
& Dredging Company, Limited, most of which are normally employed
in the Port of London but were at the time engaged upon contract
work for the Admiralty at Portsmouth. The appeal for volunteers
for despatch on secret and dangerous service was answered by all
the crews (some 76 officers and men) almost to the last man.
On Friday morning, May 31st, five steam hoppers proceeded to
Dunkirk.
Upon their arrival off the Beaches, each of the five vessels
had different individual experiences. The general picture is that
they all got as near in-shore as possible, dropped anchor, launched
life-boats to assist in embarking members of the B.E.F. and French
troops indifferently, and after enduring heavy aerial attack as
well as an artillery bombardment for hours, left Dunkirk again with
the rescued troops on board during the dark hours of Friday night,
landing her troops at Ramsgate or Margate during the course of
Saturday, June 1st.
The only casualty of any kind among the crews was John Tarry,
a deckhand, who in assisting to pull a soldier on board out of the
water unfortunately ruptured himself, and was transferred to
hospital upon returning to England.
The experiences of the individual Masters varied only in
detail. One vessel on arrival "found a heavy swell running and
was subjected to very severe aerial bombardment, one salvo of
bombs falling only a few yards away. She had the opportunity of
seeing several German aircraft brought down; some shrapnel falling
on the ship without hurting anyone. Owing to the unavoidable
confusion the exact number of troops picked up and brought back
by her could not be ascertained. During the operations one ship's
boat with troops on board was blown clean out of the water and
capsized by a bomb which fell close alongside withoutinjury to
any one. She sailed about 9.0.p.m. and just after leaving she
sighted a small dinghy manned by five French soldiers rowing
with odd pieces of wood, who were rescued. During her passage
back, enemy ships and aircraft were encountered. An air fight
took place overhead, and she was forced to make several detours
finally disembarking the troops at Ramsgate.
By way of recognition of their gallant services, the owners
have been able to obtain the special consent of the Board of Trade
to the issue to all the officers and men concerned of the Merchant
Navy Badge. It is understood that several individual names have
been mentioned in despatches.
S

Details

COPY.
steamer "RUSHEN CASTLE".
2nd. July, 1940.
R. W. Cannell, Esq.,
103
General Manager.
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 28th. June requesting a
report from me as Master of H.M. Transport "MONA'S QUEEN" when on
her last voyage from Dover to Dunkirk.
I joined the "MONA'S QUEEN" on the 28th. of May. On the
evening of that date, I received orders to leave Dover in the early
morning of the 29th. to carry fresh water to Dunkirk and return with
troops. Everything was uneventful until we reached to within about
half a mile off Dunkirk, when the ship was mined and sank within two
minutes, the survivors being rescued by the destroyer "VANQUISHER".
With reference to the request for names of Officers and personnel
who should be recommended, I can only say that the conduct of all
survivors was exemplary.
not An outstanding example of bravery was witnessed by some of the
survivors. It appears that H. Craine, Chief Cook, showed the
greatest courage and disregard for his own safety when noticing that
Mr. Morgan, the Chief Steward, was unable to get away from the ship
through injuries, he went back and rescued him knowing that the ship
was rapidly sinking; further particulars can be obtained from Mr.
Morgan,
Chief
Steward.
Owing to the
port Another meritotious act was that of 955244, Gunner J. Osborne,
of the 253/64th. Field Regiment R.A., who rescued Mr. R. Gallagher,
the Purser, and swam with him to the warship which was taking
survivors to England. Unfortunately Gunner Osborne's self
sacrificing heroism was unavailing as Mr. Gallagher died on board
the warship before arrival at an English port.
took home, of
Duke I trust that this report will meet your requirements.
Canadian troops and
all day that was off. Then Yours obediently,
of ammunition and embarked the Irish
of E's for Boulogne, It (signed) A. KHAM
cranes
to
load
the
ammunition,
but
willing soldiers we had the landed in Master.
embarked BE many troops as we
British,
RE the Germans
only left, in fact
Heinkels dived on to the berth which we had just vacated and practically
blew it to pieces. However, we got back to Dover safely and
disembarked our troops. On 24th. May we were ordered to go to anchorage
in the Downs for a little rest as Dover harbour was getting rather
congested. We were at anchor in the Downs on Saturday evening. Next
day at noon we got orders and a route for Dunkirk, so we accordingly
set off as per instructions. Our route took us about 4 miles off Calais
to a certain buoy. On nearing the position I could not see the buoy,
but saw a buoy a little further inshore and steamed towards it to make
certain. On nearing the buoy I saw it was not the buoy on the
instructions and ordered the helm hard aport. Immediately hell was let
loose on our ship. We were shelled from the shore by single guns and
1.

Details

10/
8/36 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
DEPARTMENT
To
141
STATION
193
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
1700. In accordance with orders the ship got under way and proceeded to
STATE
Dunkirk by route "X" in company with numerous craft large and small,
all
naval and merchant. Certain minor departures from the official route
SHIP
were made necessary by the draught of the ship, but the weather was fine
solv
and much clearer and 'PRAGUE" arrived off Dunkirk at 2030, berthed well
BST
inside the outer harbour alongside the Eastern Jetty.
Troops were embarked immediately SO as to clear the ship before the tide
went as the low water depth alongside was only 10 feet, but despite this,
with a full load of troops when ready to sail the ship was well on the
ground and it took the combined efforts of two tugs and both engines
working at full power to get the ship afloat which was eventually done
by 2245 when the ship left for England again. While in Dunkirk there were
air raids in the vicinity but no attack on the ship. There was however
a considerable amount of shell fire, several projectiles bursting in the
water close to the ship.
The voyage back along the western part of the Dunkirk Roads was made at
slow speed but was otherwise uneventful, the ship arriving back in the
Downs at 0600 on the 31st whence she was ordered to Folkestone where she
duly arrived at 0648 and disembarked her troops.
During this voyage considerable difficulty was experienced with the coal
which was of a type unsuited to the ship's furnaces and our Firemen
double banked atches in order to keep steam and maintain speed.
May 31st. From 0800 when the troops were clear, was spent in coaling and
watering and preparing for the next voyage after which the ship went to
anchorage off Folkestone.
up
+
COUIU
and
twisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore
a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevedores
were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat
and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the
next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

DEBA
3/86 7,000 pads of 250
LONDON & NORTH EASTERN RAILWAY
B 1152
DEPARTMENT
To
142
STATION
193
THOT Yo
3
OUR REFERENCE
TELEPHONE
YOUR REFERENCE
brem bne the
June 1st. 0315 Orders to proceed having been received, the ship was got
sen
under way by 0335 and proceeded to Dunkirk by route "X" again, where she
S
arrived at 0715. From about 0700 onwards the ship was subject to intense
can 2000
eny € as down Junes obem
ain attacks in company with other craft and we made what reply we could
with one Lewis gun and one Bren gun.
Several casualties were observed among H.M. Ships, but we were too busy
berthing the ship and later shifting across the harbour to take precise
day
notice of what was happening in this direction. The ship finally berthed
at western side of the outer harbour, close outside the locks and then
proceeded to load about three thousand French troops it was estimated.
June lst. 0903 Having completed loading the ship left for England once
Yo
more and proceeded down the Western Roads. At the end of the channel
in vicinity of No.6 "W" Buoy, the ship was subjected to a considerable
amounted of shell fire from shore batteries at Gravelines. I immediately
asked for utmost speed but could not, zig-zag on account of narrow ters.
The great majority of the shells fell short and none hit the ship.
1009 Buoy "W" near the Ruytingen was passed and the ship making along
the homeward route towards Buoy "V" another intense air attack by dive
bombers developed. Heavy fire was opened by all ships in the vicinity
against these aircraft (estimated to number about half-a-dozen) and the
ship kept continuously under helm. Suddenly an aircraft appeared out of
the clouds almost directly overhead and swinging round, dived on the
"PRAGUE"
At this moment the "PRAGUE" was on a steady course and I ordered hard to
starboard the aircraft released three bombs together while still at a
up
+
COUIU
and
twisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore
£ e t
a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevadores
were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat
and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the
next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

COPY OF REPORT.
65
(DOVER HARBOUR TO DUNKIRK &
RETURN TO GRAVESEND)
Tug "CERVIA."
154
31st May, 1940.
Wind Light West.
We left Dover Harbour at 9-45 p.m. towing sailing barge
ROYALTY" part loaded with cans of fresh water and provisions, bound for
alo, Dunkirk. "e were in company with Tug "PERSIA", towing two sailing
Darges. It was pitch dark towing up through the Downs and we had to
keep our navigation lights burning on account of the number of H.M.
Destroyers which we kept meeting.
1st June, 1940. (Saturday).
About 12-30 a.m. we should have been abrest the North Goodwins
Light Vessel, but we could not find it and we set our course from the
Gull Light Buoy. S.E.4 E.24 miles to tow to the Ruytingen Pass Light
Buoy which we passed about 5-0 a.m. The stern barge of the "PERSIA'S"
tow had broken adrift twice on the way accross on account of the heavy
wash from the passing Destroyers, and we had to ease in and wait for
"PERSIA" whilst he picked her up. From the Ruytingen Pass Buoy we
steerëd a course S toward No. 5. Buoy in the West Dunkirk Roads, All
sorts of craft were coming round the buoy all fully loaded with troops,
and a batch of about 20 Belgium motor fishermen bore down on us, the
leader asking us the way to England. I sang out the course and told him
to follow the other traffic and he would be all right. I heard afterwards
that they all passed over the Goodwin Sands on the High time Water and
landed their troops and refugees safely on this side. We had to ease
down many times whilst towing up the Dunkirk Roads as the Destroyers and
Cross Channel pakkets were coming down from the Mole in a 20 knot
procession, but we had a good towrope and it held on.
The oil works to the west of Dunkirk Harbour were on fire and
a black pall of smoke hung over the town. As we passed the pierhead,
Destroyers were embarking troops and some were backing out of the harbour.
The "PERSIA" was now about 2 miles astern of us, and about a mile East
of the Pierhead we gave our barge a good full speed tow and he slipped
the towrope and steered her head first up on the shore at Malo, at 7-20 a.m.
We dropped our anchor and watched the barge. Soldiers began to rund
down the beach towards her, but guns started to bang away on the oubskirts
of Dunkirk and an air raid siren blew and the soldiers went back to shelter.
A British Destroyer outside of us began to fire at the enemy
planes and bombs began to fall near her as she steamed about. At full
speel with her helm hard to port nine bombs fell in a line in the water,
along her starboard side, and they exploded under water, heeling the
Destroyer over on her beam ends, but she was righted again and a sloop
joined in the gun fire, also shore batteries, and as the raiders made
off they over towards the land they machine gunned us and we returned
the fire with our Lewis gun.
I immediately hove up our anchor and kept the Tug underwigh
as I could see we were likely to get run down whilst the destroyers were
twisting and turning to clear the bombs. I paddled in towards the shore
a bit, as I could see our crew of the barge and the soldier stevedores
were rowing off in their boat towards us. I picked them up, also boat
and crew of barge "DUCHESS" that had anchored in the Roads, and then the
next wave of bombers were overhead.
(Continued)

Details

"00"
of
-3-
BW
to bus dw I Беог thos moth "T95 VIEW
0.
West,
190
Houds
ere now fast asleep in the comforting knowledge that they were at
ome, but during the night we had our usual nightly visit in these
parts from 'Jerry', but after our strenuous day one solitary raider did
not worry us. At 5.00 a.m. on Saturday the 1st June I proceeded to
Dover and there eventually received orders to disembark troops at
Folkestone.
2012
I was just conning the ship alongside Folkestone Pier at
8.30 a.m. when a violent explosion occurred. We had had another
lucky escape as a megnetic mine had gone off on its own in the fairway
we had just traversed.
100%
Disembarking the troops at once commenced and was completed
by 9.30 a.m. our little ship having brought safely home 504 Troops,
shalds
including some 15 British Officers and some 70 French Officers and men.
The troops after their grim ordeal were in wonderful spirits
and I was greatly struck by their clean appearance, especially that of
our own countrymen, who as soon as they had satisfied the pangs of hunger
immediately washed and shaved themselves in readiness to land in England.
The grateful thanks and expression of admiration both from
Officers and Troops on their safe arrival home was a real tonic and
recompense to my crew, who had all given up their berths to the soldiers
and gone without food and sleep to make our soldiers as comfortable
as possible. The crew were keen to carry on their good work but the
powers that be decided otherwise, and it was not until later in the month
of June that we were called upon to play another episode in the final
evacuation of France.
(Sgd.) C. G. WEST
MASTER.
se
04
n-
owed
ng the
and
wman of
an escort
off the
aircraft

Details

43
TTA THE BE THEY Bay
ACT OF LOG of S.S. "NEPHRITE"
Commanded by Capt. C. G. West, O.B.E.
on a voyage from Deal Roads to Bunkirk
191
and back to Folkestone.
31st May, 1940.
I
a.m.
Received orders from examination steamer to raise steam
dw
immediately and proceed to Dunkirk to piek up as many troops
as
THE
as possible and to jettison any cargo, we may deem fit for the
safety of ship and troops.
53d
6.30 a.m. Weigher anchor and proceeded. All crew employed jettisoning
deck cargo of highly inflamable spirit.
On
to
Noon
Berthed at Dunkirk Pier and commenced embarking troops, crew
assisting in embarkation.
At Berth Vessel under constant fire from shore batteries and aircraft.
5.0.8
Ship's gunner in constant action and crew assisting in
embarkation throughout.
6 p.m.
Completed embarkation of 504 British and French officers and
troops.
6.15 Pame Cast off and proceeded to England. Throughout passage across,
large formations of enemy aircraft continuously attempted to
bomb vessel. Ship's gunner was in constant action, and
direct hits were observed on three enemy planes, two of these
planes were observed to crash, one of which was an enemy
fighter plane whose pilot decended into the sea by parachute.
11.30 Anchor off Deal Roads awaiting daylight.
Vessel escaped undamaged from enemy action.
1st June, 1940.
5.05 s.m. Weighed anchor and proceeded to Dover.
5.45 a.m. Arrived off Dover. awaiting orders.
7.a.m.
Received orders proceeded Folkestone.
8 a.m.
Arrived off Folkestone.
8.30 a.m. Berthed and started disembarking troops.
ed
9.30 n.m. All troops disembarked.
(SGD.) C. G. WEST, Master.
Lov
in
S an
wman
an es
off
airc

Details

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

Details

SECRET
4
2.
......and as there were
only 4 Officers for the three ships only two of the ships
sailed. I consåder that this was a proper decision having
regard to the circumstances. The inexperience of the crew
and the strangeness of the ships and also the locality made
a passage an extremely arduous affair.
The close proximity of the German army made it
imperative to return to England as soon as possible.
Accordingly I was put on board H.M.S. "Calcutta" early to-day
en route for Chatham Hospital.
4.
During the time ashore at La Panne I was
beseiged with requests for a passage to England or France
from French and Belgian Officers. These Officers all
stated that their desire was to reform and fight again.
I informed them all sympathetically that I
could not give them a passage without the approval of
General Adam. As this was not forthcoming in the majority
of cases, about 20 of them got & Diesel engined boat from
the beach and requested that they might come across to
England in company with me. I readily acceded to this
request and was prepared to tow them if necessary.
5.
I understand that the Admiralty were informed
by the Military that my 1st Lieutenant and myself had
become casualties.
6.
I regret that I am unable to inform you
of the present whereabouts of the three ships.
7.
As routeing and instructions were received
from Dover I considered it proper that this report should
be submitted to you. If this is not correct it is requested
that this report may be forwarded to the proper authority.
VIOEADMIS
7.5.8.a.
T
DOV
Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.

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68
I
-
67
to the westward and anchried opposite the
French battery until daylisht. During the
might I shifted borth further to the
westward to avoid "oras" from the
Perman batteries shelling the French fort.
June 1ˢᵗ
1/6
At darr [ closed the beach
ajain where some troops were seen marching
lowards Dushisk. They should no
particular clesse Is come off and only
about 100 straggles were embarled, the
main body antioning along the beach.
At about 0800 therefore [ closed
the "Kith flying the flag of hear Admiral
wake-walhor. Captain Pin reported the
situation and was andered IS close the
beaches close castward of Danhih, and
if there were no troops there to proceed
Is England.
Shortly often this stung formating
of enemy chise bonkers appeared and Kith
was aepeatedly attached until put out
of action and chandmed ship. During
this period E remained under way
3ig zagging as apart from Keith
and Skipjack there appeared the

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69
68
little else for the arrift 5 cittach.
I about proceedure to the
aid of "Huths survivors and with the
heep of mater bouts recovered a large mumber,
including two British Brigadies and a
French seneral. while this was taking
place enemy chise bonhare appeared your
and Sanh "Skipsack about half mile
from n2. As soon as possible i
proceded K their and and piched up
all the Survivors except ⑆ but 12 of
were recovered by a they. They were
in a rong pitcous state being conced
in oil fact, and in some uses service
wounded. By the time this was
completed E had Are then a full
load, emadering their condition, and maraded
for England. Dive bombus appeared your
and finished off the "Kith but by
some oversight child not attack Hilda
althnish she appeared to the only
craft left eflout in the roads.
I passed Dunkish breakwah chat
1130.
Shortly after passing No bbuy

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74
73
-2-
6. I approached a number of trawlers and other small
vessels which seemed to be getting under way for Great Britain
and asked them to remain until I could fill them up with
troops. It seemed to me that the orders which they said
they had received to return to Great Britain were not bona fide.
7. I proceeded ashore and interviewed various military
officers at as many of the beaches as possible. At the
request of a senior military officer I agreed to assume the
duties of Beach Master and arranged to continue the organisation
until all the troops on the beaches were on board. I told
them that if anything went wrong during the night we would
return at dawn. I learned that some of the men had been in
the dunes for two or three days awaiting embarkation, and they
were obviously much cheered up to learn that they would get
out that night. The flat-bottomed boats which the military
had been using themselves were extremely dangerous in the surf
which, although not very great, was sufficient to capsize
these boats.
8. I found from experience that it was much quicker to run a
load of troops in a single motor boat rather than to fill up
one or more lifeboats and tow the greater number. The dangers
of controlling boats in tow when they were crowded both near
the shore and alongside H.M. ships were considerable. During
the night I acquired in one way or another five additional
lifeboats, and in many cases the military themselves acted as
crews.
9. The pontoon bridges which had been built by the military
the previous day were extremely useful, and were largely res-
ponsible for the rapid evacuation of troops. It is interesting
to note that a few moments after the last men had been taken
off one of these bridges it was hit by enemy artillery.
10. All the troops that I could find were embarked by midnight
and placed in ships which sailed for England. Just before
midnight I went along certain of the beaches to look for
stragglers. A Staff Officer informed me that no more troops
would embark from these beaches but that they would march to
Dunkirk, as it was anticipated these beaches would be shelled
and would probably be in German hands the following day. This,
as it turned out, was a correct forecast.
11. I estimate that from pontoon bridges and beaches approxi-
mately 5,000 troops were probably embarked.
12. The soldiers, though obviously extremely tired, made no
complaints of the delay or of the wettings which they got in
wading out in the surf to get into the motor boats, and were
more than thankful for the kindnesses which were shown them in
the various ships. One could not but be impressed by the
amount of friendly cheering which occurred when H.M. ships
passed the troop ships at sea. The great majority of the
troops were carrying their rifles and side-arms, and I insisted
that in no case must they be thrown away. I was impressed to
notice that the military padres were always amongst the last to
leave the beach in their respective parties.
13./

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75
74
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13. Several of the motor boats had now broken down and
between midnight and 3 a.m. complete repairs were done to
these boats, which was most creditable to the R.N.R. and
R.N.V.R. officers and ratings sent from EXCELLENT and KING
ALFRED to man them.
14. I found it necessary to shift my anchorage to the west
during the night, as shells meant for the beaches were
ricocheting over H.M.S. HILDA.
15. In accordance with my undertaking to the troops, I sent
off all boats again at 3.15 a.m. to search the beaches, starting
from the western end of Bray-Dunnes. During the next three
hours approximately only 250 men were taken off the beaches,
and these in small parties; they were apparently stragglers.
A large rearguard party marching along the beach decided to
continue to Dunkirk.
June.
16. At 7.30 a.m. approximately I closed H.M.S. KEITH and
reported the position to Admiral Wake-Walker. He told me to
continue my search of the beaches and if possible transfer my
troops to another ship, subsequently returning to England.
17. Unfortunately, with the exception of KEITH, SKIPJACK,
one destroyer a considerable distance away and an Admiralty tug,
there were no vessels to whom I could transfer these troops,
besides which, with the dive bombing and shelling, it would, as
it turned out, have been impossible.
18. At approximately 8 a.m. H.M.S. KEITH received a direct
hit from a dive bomber and was abandoned shortly afterwards.
I closed KEITH and picked up some 50 survivors out of the water,
including the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F. and other Staff Officers.
At this stage I jettisoned all my spare petrol. The Admiralty
tug went alongside KEITH before she sank and took off the
majority of the survivors. I then proceeded to the east to
make a final inspection of the beaches and to see that no motor-
boats had been left behind.
19. Half an hour later SKIPJACK received a direct hit from a
dive bomber and sank immediately. I closed SKIPJACK and picked
up some 60 or 70 survivors.
20. Dive bombing had been more or less continuous since early
morning and the attacks went on while HILDA proceeded towards
Dunkirk on passage home. British fighters were seen on two
or three occasions, but during the greater part of the day the
Germans seemed to be in complete control of the air.
21. At 10.30 approximately I sailed for England, being
narrowly missed on several occasions by bomba, and after an
hour's steaming, while in the vicinity of two of H.M. transports
I saw the latter struckby dive bombers and sink.
22./

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75
-4-
22. As I now had some 530 troops on board my small vessel,
many of whom were in an extremely critical condition or
badly wounded, and as there were some 15 ships standing by to
pick up the survivors from these transports I thought it better
to continue my course to England, but succeeded in picking up
a number of French survivors. I was impressed by the splendid
action of one British army officer, who several times went
overboard to tie lines round those in the water. I did not
ascertain his name.
23. I passed a signal to V.A. Dover through a destroyer
giving E.T.A. for Ramsgate and asking for ambulances.
24. I arrived at Ramsgate at 5.30 p.m. and landed all my
British and French troops together with survivors from H.M. ships.
One man had died and two others were in an extremely critical
condition.
25. I telephoned a full report of the operations and of the
final evacuation of the beaches to an officer on the Staff of
V.A. Dover, and at 7.30 sailed for Dover. While on passage
home I passed a number of motor boats being towed to Dunkirk,
and after consultation with the Q.M.G. advised them to continue
their journey and ask for instructions on arrival, as they
might be of use to the Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation at
Dunkirk beach. The only boats brought home by me were two
which were completely out of order. The other lifeboats,
whalers etc. were left at Dunkirk for further use.
26. HILDA arrived at Dover at 10 o'clock but was not permitted
to enter. While at anchor outside at approximately 11 o'clock
a magnetic mine was dropped 50 yards south-east of the ship,
and this was duly reported to the Examination Officer and
sweeping operations carried out next morning.
June.
27. Reported at the office of V.A. Dover the results of the
operation which I had been ordered to carry out, and was told
to submit a full report in writing.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
28. The evacuation was carried out without injury to any of
the troops, but a number were killed on the beaches by shrapnel
while standing by or moving along.
29. I found that the crews of the motor boats, all young
officers and ratings, were very steady both under shell fire
and while close to dive bombing.
30. The great majority of the troops were carrying their
rifles and equipment, and I was particularly struck by the fact
that I heard no complaint at any time from these tired men,
even when up to their shoulders in water in the surf. They
appreciated to the full the efforts we were making.
31./

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75
-4-
22. As I now had some 530 troops on board my small vessel,
many of whom were in an extremely critical condition or
badly wounded, and as there were some 15 ships standing by to
pick up the survivors from these transports I thought it better
to continue my course to England, but succeeded in picking up
a number of French survivors. I was impressed by the splendid
action of one British army officer, who several times went
overboard to tie lines round those in the water. I did not
ascertain his name.
25. I passed a signal to V.A. Dover through B destroyer
giving E.T.A. for Ramsgate and asking for ambulances.
24. I arrived at Ramogate at 5.30 p.m. and landed all my
British and French troops together with survivors from H.M. ships.
One man had died and two others were in an extremely critical
condition.
25. I telephoned a full report of the operations and of the
final evacuation of the beaches to an officer on the Staff of
V.A. Dover, and at 7.30 sailed for Dover. While on passage
home I passed a number of motor boats being towed to Dunkirk,
and after consultation with the Q.M.O. advised them to continue
their journey and ask for instructions on arrival, as they
might be of use to the Officer-in-Charge of the evacuation at
Dunkirk beach. The only boats brought home by me were two
which were completely out of order. The other lifeboats,
whalers etc. were left at Dunkirk for further use.
26. HILDA arrived at Dover at 10 o'clock but was not permitted
to enter. While at anchor outside at approximately 11 o'clock
a magnetic mine was dropped 50 yards south-east of the ship,
and this was duly reported to the Examination Officer and
sweeping operations carried out next morning.
June.
27. Reported at the office of V.A. Dover the results of the
operation which I had been ordered to carry out, and was told
to submit a full report in writing.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
28. The evacuation was carried out without injury to any of
the troops, but 8 number were killed on the beaches by shrapnel
while standing by or moving along.
29. I found that the crews of the motor boats, all young
officers and ratings, were very steady both under shell fire
and while close to dive bombing.
30. The great majority of the troops were carrying their
rifles and equipment, and I was perticularly struck by the fact
that I heard no complaint at any time from these tired men,
even when up to their shoulders in water in the surf. They
appreciated to the full the efforts we were making.
S1./

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
97
96
ORANJE's dated 10th June 1940 (cont)
communicate.
At this time a Blenheim bomber -1th British markings, flew
overhead. towards the beach where st dropped all number of small
bombs and was fired at with mechine runs and rifles. It was
then presumed that the beach was held by German troops, but
it was later ascertained that the Germans had obtained and
were using a number of aircraft with British markings.
Alongside the Barrage vessel we were informed by el number of
soldiers wearin British and French uniforms that the B.E.F.
was being evacuated, and that they had been told to find
their own way back to England as best they could, all their
officers having already left them. They also stated that they
had nothing to eat and asked us to provide them with bread.
I informedthem that I was proceeding to Dunkirk, but would
consider pickin them on the return journey. ORANJE then
proceeded on her way.
7. On approaching Dunkirk ORANJE met snother scoot
coming away who informed us that we were too small to be of
use alongside, nor could we land stores there, and should
return home. ORANJE turned about, recovered 5 soldiers from
the barrage vessel after insuring that they were genuine,
supplied the remaining Frenchmen with bread, and sailed for in
hom_e. A number of rafts, boats and lifebuoys were observed
on the way home, all of which were investigated, but no
survivors were found nor were any names found on any of the
ORANJE wreckage. arrived off the North Goodwin Light Vessel at 1500 and
was ordered to Ramsgate, proceeding alongside about 1630. The
majority of the bomb dam_age was made good, and ORANJE sailed
at 1930. with orders to disembark provisions at Le Panne,
about 10 miles east of Dunkirk.
8. Wednesday 29th May. ORANJE arrived off Le Panne
at 0430 and picked up one man off a raft in an exhausted sond
condition. An attempt was then made to beach the ship after
streaming a kedge anchor, but the kedge would not hold, and
so the bower anchor was let go and the ship allowed to swing
round with the tide. In view of the fact that the ship was
drawing eight feet of water and that the beach shelves very
gradually it was not possible to get closer in than è of 8
mile.
I then proceeded ashore personmally to interview
the military 9. authorities and returned on board at 0730 to
move the ship to a more convenient place. An arrangement had
been made for one working party to come on board to unload
the holds, ano ther to muster on the beach to unload the boats,
and as many large boats as pos ible would be commandeered.
It was now.
- slum Skut who We arbbiny lud ashin, of
pan Pacific beauty Kasi then hor
and of : belowed, about he the Pause.
steat Vein was this party 5 anim at the White
of at Here spend have in ausurs & trey our
Proceded the beach Ildius were
directed C/C for Guild was But &
hail In nituition we is line is Cuch or.
Here Me Guamanding offer a Inimo

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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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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

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123
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The situation was unchanged during the night;a guard
being placed on board and making repeated attempts to signal
larger craft passing close to send assistance for bine wounded,
who were not in a fit state to be moved to the beach.
Lieutenant Brooks was despatched with two seamen on
a raft to commandeer small boats seen drifting down channel
approximately half & mile to seaward, but was caught by the
tide and eventually picked up by & destroyer and retained
onboard as a watchkeeper. This officer had been of the greatest
assistance during the operations.
At 0430 an ambulance was procured and three of the
wounded transfered to & field station, and at 0520, & motorboat
was at last successfully hailed and the remaining wounded were
embarked,
Shortly afterwards & whaler and motorboat from H.M.S.
"KINGFISHER" which was endeavouring to work from the beach
close to the ship came alongside and took off parties of twenty
to thirty. Use was made of "SURSUM-CORDA" in such & manner during
the remainder of the forenoon, parties of men embarking onboard
and being transferred to Whalers or Motorboats from the stern.
I had reported the situation to the Commanding Officer
H.M.S. "KINGFISHER" and asked him if he would take my men onboard,
as I had no further use for them.
At approximately 1230 I was informed that the mole
was to be used again and ships were alongside waiting and that
all British troops were to proceed there, but I continued
taking off stragglers where necessary. Orders were then received
from "KINGFISHER" that myself and crew were to repair onboard.
In reporting to the Commanding Officer, I was informed
he was returning straight to Ramsgate.
My crew were discharged to Ramsgate and ordered to
report to Naval Officer-in-Charge.
I returned myself in "KINGFISHER"to assist where
necessary.
Two members of my crew, Leading Seaman Whalley and Sto.
Hobbs, volunteered to return with me, but considered that they
should remain for some rest and if necessary would be required
for other craft later.
These two ratings were of very great assistance to me
during the operation and had no consideration for themselves
whatever.
"KINGFISHER" secured alongside the mole at approximately
1930, and I reported to the S.N.O. at Dunkirk informing him
of the grounding of "SURSUM-CORDA" and offering to assist where
required.
I was ordered to return to England again in the
"VANQUISHER" arriving in Dover approximately 0200 Saturday,
1st June.

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138
147
132
11
From Lieut.-Commander H.G.Boys-Smith, R.N.R.
To
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Date June 7th, 1940.
plain
Subjet:- Summarized report of part taken by ships
and craft under my command during the evacuation of
Dunkirk.
th a.m.
Joined Dutch Scoot "Ewente" at Tilbury in command.
Sailed p.m. for Sheerness where vessel was prepared for
ded
operations.
th p.m.
Sailed from Sheerness direct for Dunkirk beaches
300.
via West Hinder Buoy in company with other "scoots".
3th 6330
When approaching Beaches was turned back by
ans
Naval M.L. with orders to return to Ramsgate. Half an
hour later was attacked by one salvo of bombs and
machine gun fire by a German bomber which appeared to
T
be returning from the direction of England. Arrived
lik
Ramsgate a.m. same day.
00
8th p.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk via Buoys U, V, #, and 6 West.
situal
Dunkirk harbour entrance was reached just before midnight.
A full load of British troops was ferried off in drifters k.
(380). Ship sailed immediately by same route. Fierce
Leh
fires were blazing all over Dunkirk, lighting up the
sea. Continuous distant firing was heard. Local
I
4R
ICE ADMIRAL
Ell day light an air
9- JUN 1940
the durlsping at
*
DOVER
- disauber bed toops,
promium stares.

Details

Dyram 162
158
153
The Commanding Officer,
HMS "Vernon".
From Commanding Office,
HMS "Bystander."
Isv. June 1940.
Report upon the action of seaman cook J.H.H. Elton (RM.
Patrol Service) in reseuring survivors from Hims King
Orry on 30st cllay 1940.
"
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report upon the action of
man cook J.H.H. Elton. a member of the of this
ship, when this ship was engaged in reseuring survivors
HMS "King Orly: when she foundared off Dunkirk at about
+5 30 th ellay, 1940.
This ship. an echo-sounding vessel was in the process
refitting at Ramsgate when she was given route orders for
unkink to assist in transporting troops to England.
During this operation. I arrived at Dumkink at
30 of 29th ellay 1940 I was instructed to proceed to HMS
ing Pry" and take off her arew as she was in danger of
bundering as a result of a bombing raid earlier in the day.
the Commanding officer of King Drry : however, decided to attempt

Details

159
154
beach thank her outside the harbow and I therefore left
and proceeded to take on board my ship 72 soldiers
Dunkirk for transporting to england
I left Dumkirk hasbour at 0130, 30sh ellay 1940 and
ountered "King Qry smiking in the fairway. The ship turned
S and pundered in about fifteen minutes, but I was
le to approach her and launch the 8 ft boat with a
w of two - seaman cook Elton and seaman R. Scott.
These men found that the crew of King Only were
impting to swim to my ship but that they were in a
ak state owing to the effects of the bombing vaids they had
enienced and toof the very cold water. Elton thereupon
ed into the water and supported as many of the survivors
he could find while Scott rowed boatboads of men back
"Bystander: In my estimation Elton remained in the water
a half-hour at first supporting swimmers and then swimming
and endeavouring to recover chose who could be heard
roning. On the last trip back to "Bystander, eight 02 ten
were recoured as Elton was able to put survivors on
-rafts and tow them across.
I regret there was not more time at my disposal to
over more men and I was aware of at least two presons

Details

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Details

&
I
187
made for the coast.
All five of us had so far crossed safely.
At 0500 arrived at beach near La Panne, and recognised
it as Cupola, hundreds upon hundreds of troops waiting to be
taken off. I proceeded, stopped just out off the surf and
commenced towing boatloads of soldiers to Destroyers and Trawlers.
I continued without stopping for any reason until about
1200 30/5/40, when alongside a Destroyer, a voice hailed me, saying,
"Well done, motor boat, wait for me".
An
Officer
wearing
a
lambskin coat came on board.
He was wet through, however, he
said he wanted me to carry on as I was doing and that then he would
have one or two other jobs for me.
So I carried on taking off troops to ships. In the late
afternoon the Officer above mentioned, whose name I then leanred
was Commodore Stephens or Stevens, asked me to run him down to a
certain position on the beach, and he instructed me not to do
anything until he returned as he was going ashore to look for Lord
Gort, and, if he got him, I was to take him straight to England.
Enemy shore batteries were now on and off dropping heavy shells
quite close. Commodore Stephens waded ashore through the surf,
up to the neck in water. In an hour's time he returned, waded
out again, but did not mention Lord Gort's name, and I did not ask
him why he had not come.
I made a good guess.
The Commodore
then ordered me to close a destroyer, and I had the honour of
receiving my Admiral on board with C.O.S. ( I can't remember his
name). I closed the surf to land him ly his whaler which I was
towing. However, he d&d not land and I returned him aboard
his ship. shells stillfalling around.
Commodore Stephens and I then carried on taking troops
to ships.
Long before this I had spoken to "SILVER QUEEN" and
made sure she had distributed her petrol supplies.
She
disappeared about this time and I did most of the rescue work myself,
(with one or two boats from destroyers) from now on until the
following afternoon. At 0100, rescued 7 soldiers from drowning.
Continued rescue work until 0200 (approx.) 31/5/40
when, being in very close inshore, I went aground; I knew the tide
was rising so didn't worry, but put out my anchor astern and tried
to heave her off.
Succeeded in floating her at 0400 and carried
on as before.
Now I was feeling the strain somewhat, but worse
lay ahead. At about 0800 strong North wind and very heavy swell,
boat rolling and pitching at every turn and going alongside ships
was very difficult.
Commodore Stephens now asked me to take him out to an
M.T.B. which had come in, and he asked me to continue the good work
rest, alone. too much remained to be done. I might say that the
He said I had done good work, but could not allow me to
Commodore said I was "A good fellow", and on other occasions said
I was "a bloody fool". It is not my place to pass remarks about
without food, was a great example to me. He helped
Senior Officers, but this Officer, without cap, soaked through, to
me
steer,
to pass lines, to haul drowning soldiers aboard, and very often
would say, "Come on the Army".
"Where have I seen you before,
you are so good looking, I'm sure I know you".
Other times he
cursed the lot as stupid.
I carried on after he left me and so I come to 1330 on
31/5/40. sight, and heavy shelling was taking place, suddenly the shelling
I was heading close inshore at this time, no boats in
became terrific, and my Cox. called out "For God's sake get off,
Sir, look, all the destroyers have left".
It was as he said,
but a small Merchant ship remained.
I closed her and saw she
too was heaving up. so I proceeded after the destroyers towards
Dunkerque. the last Naval Boat. The troops had all disappeared from the
I was the last Naval Officer to leave La Panne, and
beach. to the most Easterly position from Dunkerque in which our ships
I proceeded along the beach close inshore, until I came
lay.
I got a very heavy boat load of troops in tow.

Details

Dynams 232
205
192
LOG of H.M. Motor Boat LADY CABLE of Torquay
during operations carried out June 2md
and 3rd, 1940.
In command: Acting Sub-Lieutenant G.A. Cadell, R.N.
Cadet Rating G.R. Price
Stoke Worsall
Able Seaman or Ordinary Seaman Smith
from Newfoundland,
Sunday, June 2nd, 1940.
Took over boat during forenoon from Mr. Gooding who
operates boat for owner at Torquay. She had done one trip
to the beaches near Dunkirk. Took on provisions, water,
petrol, etc. Mr. Gooding showed Stoker Worsall the working
of the engines Cylinder Atlantic running on petrol.
At about 1500 went over to Prince of Wales Pier and was
then taken in tow by SUN VI, together with two life-boats
and one other craft. Started for Dunkirk at approximately
1530, having been handed previously copy of Sailing
Instructions to Drifters, together with rough sketch map
of course to follow. After uneventful trip arrived off
Dunkirk harbour at about 2230 and received orders to
proceed in harbour and go a long way up the Mole to embark
soldiers - fill up and return to tug, then go in for
further loads. At times had difficulty in persuading
French troops to embark in LADY CABLE, the reason apparently
being reluctance to break their units or to act without
definite orders from their officer who was probably still
in the town of Dunkirk. However, we took four boat loads
off - each load containing between 40 and 50 soldiers.
Three loads I took to tugs and one to H.M.S. WISHART when
tug was not in usual position. Spoke to tug after fourth
trip and was informed that it would soon be light and that
she could'nt wait much longer. In reply to a question if
any British officers were still left on the Mole, I replied
that on earlier trips I had seen one who had asked me not
to leave him behind. This officer was engaged in helping
the embarkation of the troops. I had not seen him on my
last trip but told tug I would make another trip to see if
he was there. Informed tug would be as quick as possible
and if tug could not wait, would return to England under
own power. Tug said she could only wait a short while.
On going in for fifth time engines began to go badly
and stopped altogether before reaching point of embarkation.
Engines got going again and we went alongside and collected
about 24 more French soldiers. There was no sign of British
officer and Price reported to me that French on the Mole told
him he had gone. I sent Price up on to the Mole to make
enquiries. Owing to the improbability of tug waiting for
us, I only took 24 soldiers as a greater number would have
made trip back to England under own power too hazardous. Just
after passing lighthouse at end of harbour, engines stopped
again. Noticed we were close to W.D. craft (later found to
be HAIG) who I imagined from her position was watching us and
would/

Details

208
195
my left foot.
especially as I was partially incapacitated by a wound on
As we were a long way from the French coast I decided
that there was very little chance of HAIG falling into enemy
hands and that no doubt help would soon be forthcoming in
reply to the wireless message I had asked X440 to send.
I hauled down HAIG's ensign and took it aboard LADY CABLE and
we tried to make towards the English coast. Unfortunately
the engine kept stopping and we made very slow progress and
finally nothing would make our engine start again. We
drifted helplessly for several hours and then sighted a Bell
Buoy which I believe may have been the N.W. Goodwin Bell
Buoy, but we did not get close enough to make sure. At
last we sighted a warship and waved HAIG's White Ensign to
try to attract stention. We were seen and the ship altered
course towards us and came up close to LADY CABLE. She was
the French transport ROUEN of Dieppe and was packed with
troops from Dunkirk. An officer asked what I wanted and I
told him that we were broken down and asked to be taken
aboard. To my surprise my appeal was met with a blunt
"No" - with no explanation, and the ROUEN steamed away.
My crew and I felt angry at this in view of the fact that
we had rescued over 200 French soldiers during the night.
No doubt the ROUEN had good reasons for not taking us aboard
but no explanation was given and I would like if possible
to discover why she was unable to help us.
Luckily another ship some considerable distance away
had noticed the ROUEN and observed that she had not picked
us up. This ship was the CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH and she
came up and took us in tow to the Downs where she was bound
for in ballast. On arrival in the Downs where CITY OF
CHRISTCHURCH dropped anchor, we were able to start up the
engine of LADY CABLE and I decided once again to try to make
for Dover. However, we broke down after a run of about
15 minutes and were picked up by a tug (Operational I
don't know her name). She had orders to proceed to Ramsgate
with H.M. Drifter VIKING in tow and was about to do this
when we broke down near her. She towed us to the VIKING
and I boarded the VIKING to have my injured foot attended
to and get some rest. VIKING and LADY CABLE were towed round
to Ramsgate where we arrived about 2100. I was landed and
taken to "Merrie England" and then to Ramsgate General
Hospital.
The Commanding Officer of VIKING at my request reported
the return of LADY CABLE and that one member of my crew,
Cadet Rating Price was missing but might be aboard French
warship X440. He also reported direct to C. in C., Dover,
about HAIG. A little later, while I was still at "Merrie
England", the Commanding Officer of VIKING arrived to tell
me that he had been informed from Dover that HAIG was safe.
Unfortunately he had no news for me of Cadet Rating Price.
The behaviour of my crew throughout the operation had
been magnificent. The taking off of over 200 French troops
and 6 British from the Mole was conducted quickly and
calmly under difficult and hazardous conditions. Later,
Cadet Rating Price's work in helping to get the HAIG along-
side LADY CABLE cannot be too highly praised. Without the
great initiative and efficiency he displayed the operation
would not have been successful and the HAIG would have
drifted ashore to the S.W. of Dunkirk.
After/

Details

OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 14m
21%
Ship: R.N.L.B. "WALTON AND FRINTON" E.M.E.D.
Written up by Petty Officer Tel.Cooley
Officer Reporting: Commanding Officer Lt.R.H. Mead, R.N.V.R.
Sat. June 1st. 0400
Manned Walton Life Boat RNLB - EMIND.
0500
To sea.
0536 Made to signal Station "where are drifters
that are going to tow lifeboats". From
signal station "go alongside".
0550 Lay off drifters. Proceeding to make enqui-
ries as regards intentions.
0600 Small boats informed what we are doing.
0614 Secure alongside P.O. steps; Captain ashore
for enquiries.
0630
Left P.O. steps.
0645 Lay off drifters.
0715 Taken in tow by drifter "Thrifty". Ships in
our tow Southend-on-Sea Lifeboat
"Abdybeauclark", lifeboat Walton E.N.E.D.
Lifeboat P.E.42 "Summer" Maid" Motor Boat
"White Bear".
0725 Left Dover.
0729 Tow slipped second from end.
0733 Tow O.K. Under way - sighted South Goodwin
Light Vessel at 0730.
0900 To passing sloop "are there many more to
take off".
0901 Reply "Yes".
0910
Destroyers wash parted tow.
0928
Tow O.K. Under way.
1027 Passed E. Goodwins.
1256
Captain H-M passed.
1404 Destroyer H-15 passing broke tow on last boat
in line.
1407 Tow O.K. Under way.
1502 Tow broken on last boat in line.
1516 Tow O.K. Under way.
1517 3 planes attacked around. Sloop bombed.
1522 Mine sighted floating. Mine fired at.
Result uncertain.
1537 Ybonne et Moabe of Gravelin French Flag
with one English soldier with Brenn Gun
onboard heading England. Turned on communica-
ting with us and headed towards Dunkirk.
(Boat just mentioned was sunk about 1615 by
bombs direct hit.)
1550 Searching around among very large wreckage.
1605 Turned back for few miles while drifter
reports and await results of message by W/T
regarding ship in distress further up main
1615 channel. Bombed by (about 30) many planes - 1 trawler
sunk (not in our company). Bomb dropped by
our trawler and broke tow throwing men in
water. Men picked up. Our planes arrived.
1624 Proceeding to investigate Trawler.
1635 Air attack still on.
1640 Departed planes.
1652 Bombs heard dropping Drifters heading home
without leaving orders. Tried to communicate
with drifters to ask their intentions with
Aldis but could get no reply. Tried to
collect small boats and motioned life-boat
to stop (scored out in log "Comd. Gunner
onboard") Lifeboat went on but stopped by
Aldis.
1710/

Details

293
274
0
Copy.
R.N. Chatham. Barracks,
The Commanding Officer,
H.M.S. "Crested Eagle".
Sir,
I have the honour to report that during the intense
aerial bombardment of the pier, and the subsequent bombing,
beaching, and burning of the vessel, all men under my con-
trol remained steady at their posts and carried out their
duties with great coolness. I should like especially to
report on the following men:
1e
Tilbury A.B.
Frend. A.B.
Plack, A.B.
Patrick. 0.S.
for their work in keeping the vessel alongside the quay and
for assisting the wounded men to board the vessel. I have
to report that an unknown A.B. or O.S. a survivor from the
"Grenade" suffering from severe facial injuries, requested
that he should assist to men the A.A. guns. Being short-
handed I posted him as gunlayer and Captain of the Gun at
No.2 Pom pom. This Gun he kept in action for 20 minutes
after the bombing of the vessel.
Four German Prisoners on board were of great
al
assistance in rescuing wounded from the damaged compart-
ments, these men were handed over to a French N.C.O. on
reaching shore.
side
Engineer Sub.Lieut. Turnbull, R.N.R. was placed in
hospital in a large hotel about 2 miles East of Dunkirk.
He was badly burnt about the hands and face and suffering
slightly from shock. Owing to the congested state of the
beaches it was impossible to collect all survivors. All
men seen were instructed to return to England by the earliest
availableboat.
1.
in.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R.M. Roberts,
Lieut. R.N.R.
1035. Observed large number of troops waiting by
Zuidcoote Sanaterium and no boats or ships in immediate
vicinity.
1040 Anchored in 2½ fathoms in position
Dunkirk High lighthouse bearing 237 deg. 3.25 miles.
Established communication ashore by using ship's ropes
secured ashore and by using two ship's boats and two small
boats salved from beach, ferried troops from beach to ship.
Owing to falling tide, shallow water and inshore swell
operations were difficult and troops had to wade into 3 feet
of water to keep boats afloat but by changing the boats
creews for every trip - about 60 troops per hour were
embarked.
During this time bombing, shelling and aerial
and machine gunning took place, and gun's crews were
continually on the alert and in action and embarking operations
continued without a break.
Embarked about 340 troops.

Details

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

Details

Dynams 121.
367
St. Malo Les Bains. June 2nd - 3rd.
- 345
I reached Ramsgate with Commander Troup about 4 p.m.
on the 2nd. The operations were to be for fast craft only,
but hearing from a Colonel, who had just come ashore, that
2/6
he thought there were some British troops and others near
St. Malo who had not been able to get into Dunkirk, I got
permission from V.A. Dover to go there with a group of
Schuits, motor boats and life boats. Commander Troup was
to take the fast boats into the Avant Port and Commandant
Anduse - Faru arranged for the French motor fishing boats
to go *mto St. Malo and ferry troops to a French ship and
a paddle steamer. The larger ships, however did not sail,
and the fishing boats went to Avant Port instead of St.
Malo. 3 Schuits and 12 motor boats were available. They
sailed between 1800 and 1900. I was expecting a M.A.S.B
from Harwich and waited as long as I could for her, as I
thought her armament might be useful during our withdrawal.
As she did not come I went in the 12 know motor boat "White
Wings", Sub Lieut. Mullins. We left about 2045 and owing
2/6
to a head sea and some trauble with the starboard engine,
did not overtake the slow convoy.
2.
I found the three Schuits in the appointed place
between E.12 buoy and the shore and went in to close the
motor boats. They had already been in and found the beach
deserted. After giving one boat which had broken down to
a Schuit to tow, I ordered them all to return to Ramsgate
and went back to the beach to make sure no one was left
behind.
6
3.
The battery of four/inch guns near Nieuport,
which had been shelling a point somewhere near La Panne,
where I supposed some Allied troops to be holding out,
and had been dropping an occasional shell in our neigh-
bourhood, now started to register on the Eastern Mole.
They got the range with about four rounds, and then landed a
salvo, on the mole itself, these direct hits wore just short
of me. Though evidently fired at entreme range, the salvo
fell well together. Another round struck and sank a
transport which was entering. It was now time to leave,
but as it got lighter we made out S ship's lifeboat
pulling off with very tired men in her. This was a party
from the Schuit "Hilda", in charge of a volunteer from
one of the yachting associations. I Ashou hope it will be
possible to get his name. He had been and along the beach
to make sure therewas no one there.
4.
There were hundreds of troops lined up on the
Mole, but it was clearly impossible for us to do anything
but report. We also discovered a motor boat ashore (The
"Singapore") at the foot of the mole. The lifeboat went
ashore and our volunteer waded along the beach to help her
off. The boats's crew decided to wait till the tide lifted
them, keeping under cover so that aircraft should think
the boat deserted. As my boat drew too much to get any-
where near her, I decided to withdraw. The "Singapore" got
away and returned to Ramsgate in company with the motor
boat "Kitcat", which had been into Dunkirk.
who 4. were pulling for England in a small fishing boat. I
Off Dunkirk we picked up 6 French soldiers
saw in the distance another of my boats towing a life boat
full of troops, but I do not know her name. 8 German bombers
flew out of the smoke cloud, but turned off to the westward,
ignoring us. Many British aircraft were seen on the return
voyage.

Details

Dynam 195. 369
HR
Car. Troup's report
347
I left Ramsgate on the night 2nd - 3rd June in
War Ministry fast motor boat "Haig" with three other fast
W.M.M.B's. I took with me the French Naval Attache Captain
de Revoir who came over to see how the embarkation was going
on on the pier. I gave instructions to the Officers in
charge of boats to act independently and ferry troops to
ships taking a final boat load back to Ramsgate.
I entered Dunkirk harbour and proceeded alongside
the centre pier and with great difficulty persuaded 40
French soldiers to come aboard. These I took to 8 big
ship outside and returned for more. After loading 39
I again proceeded out and just in the entrance was
rammed by a French tug on the prto beam; as the hole
was a good foot above the water line I went on. I had
not gone more than 200 yards when another French tug
altered course and rammed me in the forecastle, cutting
halfway through the upper deck and right up to the keel.
I managed to get clear quickly and took the boat alongside
the "Westward ho" and got the soldiers out, one of whom
got his shoulder smashed in the collision. A destroyer
coming across the bow of the "Westward ho" caused her
to go astern and the wash from her paddle filled the boat
up with water and washed her away from the ship. Asx soon
as the ship stopped I again got alongside and as it was now
three oclock and the Captain had been ordered to clear out
everyone else having gone, I decided to abandon the boat
and get on board the ship with my crew and return to
Margate. On the way over Captain de Revoir told me there
was some difficulty on the pier and suggested he should go
there the following night and help. I therefore arranged
to take him.
On night on 3rd- 4th I left Rangsate in the
W.M.M.B. "Swallow" at 2000, but I left without Captain
de Revoir who missed the boat, arriving at Dunkirk at
2230 going straight alongside the centre pier where I
landed and sent the boat off ferrying, with orders to
come back at 0330 for me.
I found I could be usef as was suggested by
Captain de Revoir in making ships fast, finding out the
number of men they could take and then getting the French
Officers to help me embark the troops quickly, So I
decided to make myself Piermaster and everything else
combined. The French soldiers were very loath to be
separated from each other, their companies or their
Officers but by promising them they would only be
separated for two hours and would meet again in England
they moved quicker. I embarked at least 10,000 troops.
The French ficer Captain le Comte leChartier de Sedouy
on the staff of General Lucas of the 32nd Division was
very helpful and I arranged with him to take the general
and a staff off with me not later than 0330, I had some
qualms about the boat returning for me as her engines were
somewhat groggy I instructed the Officer in the boat if he
was in any doubt to close one of the other boats and order
him to come in by 0300 at the latest. It so happened
that he broke down altogether and told no one and it was
into harbour about 0305 just at the time I was beginning
Just by luck that the motor boat which took me off came
to wonder.
I would like to put on record the wonderful
discipline of the French troops when the last ship left
about 0300.

Details

1594/07
FROM: Unit Officer, 40th A.S. Group, H.M.S. "Olvina".
DATE: 17th June, 1940.
TO:
Flag Officer 1/c Portland.
Dynam 353
-397
371
In accordance with your Memo No. 2912 of
narrative. 6th June, 1940, I have the honour to submit the following
On Wednesday, 29th May, at 1700, "Olvina"
proceeded to Dover in company with "Topaze". During the
night she became detached and reached Dover independently
at 1045/30 May. The Examination Vessel was hailed for
instructions, and at 1230 orders were received to proceed
to the Downs, where the Examination Vessel would have our
sailing orders. This ship, which was engaged in towing
a steamer off the Goodwins, directed us to the Examination
Tug at the North Goodwin Light Vessel, where we anchored
at 1545 to await instructions from the shore, since the
Tug had no orders for us. At 1810 orders were received
to proceed to Bray beaches, 6 miles east of Dunkirk, to
pick up troops.
At 2210 the anchor was dropped 1 mile to
east of Dunkirk, when visibility was very low owing to
smoke clouds. Orders were then received from a destroyer
to investigate a reported enemy M.T.B. 2 miles to eastward.
Anchor was weighed at 2221, and we steamed to Bray beaches
without encountering the M.T.B. Pilotage was somewhat
hazardous in the intense darkness, owing to wrecks obstruct-
ing the channel, and at 2345 the anchor was dropped as
close inshore as possible.
The ship's boat was taken away soon after
midnight, and brought off two loads of troops totalling
32, including one stretcher case, which was put aboard a
destroyer. Owing to deterioration of conditions, no more
troops were embarked until daylight, when the boat was
pulled ashore on two more occasions.
At about 0500/31 May, "Sabre" was full of
troops and ready to proceed to England, so it was arranged
that "Olvina" should provide a crew for "Sabre"s" motorboat
and use it for embarking troops. Accordingly, after I'm
filling with petrol from "Icarus", the motorboat was manned
and proceeded to tow off ships' boats and Royal Engineer's
pontoon floats from the pier to vessels anchored off. The
pier consisted of motor lorries driven into the sea at low
water, having planks lashed to the roofs. Owing to a
northwesterly breeze, which freshened to force 3/4 at 1100,
only the eastern side of the pier could be used, and some
difficulty was experienced in handling the boats. Probably
about 300 to 350 troops were removed in this manner, of
which 240 were put aboard "Olvina".
No interference by enemy action was experienced
during the embarkation, although enemy aircraft were being
dunes. fired at, and shrapnel was observed to burst on the sand

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a
471
with far engines greater stopped range when than boats and planes could be detected 443 by
at a that this course might profitably visibility be employed permitted. during patrols. It is submitted sound
May 31st. 1940. 1140 to June 1st. 1940. 0547.
Instructions were received to proceed to Ramsgate, rendezvous and
escort small boat convoy to Dunkirk. The Convoy sailed at 1453
approximately 3 hours after scheduled time. Opportunity was taken
at Ramsgate to off-load all depth charges as it was considered
inadvisable to continue carrying these. The convoy consisted of
5 tugs and 5 drifters each towing between three and fifteen small
boats.
The convoy straggled somewhat on the way over and when
the Reutigen bouy was reached the leaders were eased down to enable
the convoy to arrive together. At this time a large force of
German bombers and fighters were seen approaching. There
were
inumerable ships of all shapes and sizes in the vicinity and $
general bombing raid was commenced. British fighters arrived at
this time and the attack became disorganised, - The bombers
eventually disappearing inland.
The convoy arrived off Dunkirk
at approximately 2110, S.0.6. embarked Lieut.Comdr.Nynns-Edwardes
from Keith who directed the convoy to the various beaches as
required.
At approximately 2315 when returning to the Keith
a collision occurred with what appeared to be a medium-sized yacht.
S.0.6. was put into astern but the yacht's stern ankaing swinging
round as she altered course to port stove in S.0.6. on the starboard
bow fracturing several ribs and making a large out in the planking
above waterline. While the damage was being inspected by the aid
of a shaded torch fire was opened on S.0.6. from a German aeroplane.
On arrival at Keith General Leese was emvbarked and instructions
were given to collect Lord Gort from Hebe, and to return to England
dropping General Leese in Dunkirk if Lord Gort approved.
On arrival at Hebe it was discovered that Lord Gort had crossed to
Keith. S.0.6. returned to Keith and approximatly three-quarters
of NK an hour later Lord Gort also arrived there. He was embarked
forthwith and he and General Leese taken direct to Dover.
Considering the fact that it was the first time any of the crew had
been under fire their behaviour left nothing to be desired.
June 2nd. 1940. 1201 to 1922.
Instructions were received to carry out a search for drift "Girl
Gladys" reported broken down 7 miles east of Dunkirk and for
approximately 30 soldiers in an open boat about 3 miles off Dunkirk to
reported aircraft. Course was set from Dover direct
the Reutigen. for the open boat, subsequently to put out sea
the outer by It was then intended to proceed slowly towardds to
clear coast to search make another approach to the coast approximately the
10 miles of land and Dunkirk to allow for the get of the tide from and
time the east of was received. Air escort had been promised
causion had report to be exercised as no ships were operating off Dunkrik
on passage to Dunkirk.
0115 Arrived Dunkirk and embarked C.O's
of block-ships and Captain Dangerfield.
Carried out reconnaissance of the harbour.
0200 returned to block-ships.

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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

left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Duskinh vug. at
Vinee
2.45 2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandethe Bany, odn
550
good Yes o
-
520
From:- Act. Sub. Lieut. MacIntyre.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
28th May.
2000
Reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate.
2200
Left in Silver Moon for beaches three miles to
eastward of Dunkirk.
29th May.
0800
Arrived at beaches - bombed.
Ferried soldiers to
ships at anchor.
1400
No ships left. Departed for England. No charts
or compass.
1800
Off Calais; shelled for twenty minutes.
2230
Arrived Ramsgate.
30th May.
?312r
0900
Took over Balaquain.
0930
Proceeded for beaches.
1300
Arrived off beaches; ferried soldiers during
continued shelling.
1700
Rope round port screw.
1710
Given tow by drifter.
1730
Arrived Dunkirk; loaded up with soldiers.
1740
Left for Ramsgate.
2230
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May.
0900
Reported to Lt. Cdr. Wilson.
1600
Left in "Encore" with him for Dunkirk.
2000
Picked up soldiers in lifeboat.
2200
Arrived Dunkirk. Filled up with soldiers.
2215
Proceeded for Ramsgate.
1st June.
0545
Arrived Ramsgate.
2nd June.
1900
Took out "Santosy"; broke down; returned 2000.
3rd June.
0945
Took over "Letitia".
1630
2300
Arrived off Dunkirk; proceeded inside harbour and 9 took
Left in tow with tugs.
off troops under the orders of Commodore --
2400
Arrived alongside gunboat and embarked demolition party.
(presumably Rear-Admiral Taylor).

Details