Details

ATLANTIC
Skoot
Lt. Cdr. L.E. Fordham, R.N.R.
25th May
1300
At Poole, a Naval crew took over the
ship from the Dutch crew. The Dutch
Captain remained on board.
1430
Sailed from Poole.
2200
Arrived Portsmouth.
26th May
1030
The Dutch captain disembarked.
27th May
1940
Proceeded to Newhaven.
28th May
0730
Entered Newhaven harbour.
1120
Sailed for Dover.
2045
Anchored outside Dover.
29th May
0900
Proceeded by Y route for La Panne beach.
1200
Delayed off N. Goodwin L.V.
1530
Proceeded on original course.
30th May
0300
Arrived off La Panne beach. Ship
aground at low water. Embarked
troops in the ship's two lifeboats.
0930
About 300 troops on board, mostly
French.
1000
Proceeded to Ramsgate by Y route.
1730
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 240
troops. (1)
2300
Sailed for Dunkirk by X route.
31st May
0530
Anchored 1 mile east of Dunkirk [i.e.
off Malo beach] strong tide and
cross wind; embarked about 50
troops slowly. Tide falling.
Engines having failed to start, the
Atlantic was assisted to deeper
water by the Sk. Ruja.
In the meantime a motor lifeboat came
alongside and took the Atlantic's
boats. Waited all day in vain, for
troops to be sent.
2100ca
Obtained the use of a motor boat
[ the Lansdowne] and whaler and
recommenced embarking troops.
2400
The Lansdowne's propeller fouled.
1st June
0300
Unable to clear the Lansdowne's
propeller.
0400
Proceeded with about 100 troops on
board, and the Lansdowne in tow.
0425
Rescued the crew and passengers of a
drifter the Fair Breeze] which had
struck a sunken wreck. While doing
this, a ketch nearby was struck by a
bomb and completely disappeared.
0445
Proceeded down Dunkirk channel.
The Lansdowne broke adrift, and was
abandoned because of the presence of
enemy bombers.
(1) Ramsgate report. Not mentioned in D.R.
75

Details

BEN & LUCY
M/S drifter
Capt. W.A. Watling, R.N.R.,
(Portsmouth)
Skipper
Actg. Lt. F.G.M. Iles, R.N.V.R.
Unit Officer
29th May
2400
Left Portsmouth the dfr. Dorienta in
company.
30th May
1645
Arrived off Ramsgate.
31st May
1350
Proceeded to Dunkirk, with 4 pulling
boats in tow. The Dorienta was in
company also towing small craft.
2000
Off Dunkirk channel. Air attack.
The dfrs. Lord Hood and Fair Breeze(1)
2100
Off Dunkirk beach. Sent the boats
inshore. Dorienta was instructed to
return as soon as she was loaded.
One of Ben & Lucy's 4 boats destroyed
by a shell.
-
Embarked troops. The dfr. Feasible's
engines having been disabled by a
shell, took her in tow. Proceeded
westward in search of troops.
-
Off harbour entrance, embarked 3 boat-
loads of troops and put the boats in
tow, astern of Feasible. Proceed
homewards. Embarked a rating from a
water-logged whaler.
1st June
0100ca
Took a fishing smack (the Letitia),
short of fuel, in tow.
0230ca
Aircraft heard overhead.
0330ca
Heavy explosion on port quarter of
Feasible.
(Subsequently informed by Letitia that
another smack, the Rowan" [i.e. the
Renown which had attached herself to
the tow had been sunk).
0700
Gave course for N. Goodwins to Vernon
Pinnace V.4, which proceeded ahead.
0745
Making water at about 1 ft. per hour.
Sighted N. Goodwins. 3 miles from
Ramsgate Letitia slipped and made off.
1 mile from Ramsgate, Ben and Lucy
fouled her propeller. A launch came
off and 100 troops were transferred. (2)
Ben & Lucy and Feasible anchored.
3rd June
1000
Both vessels towed in by the dfr.
Renascent.
Total 100
Authority - R.O.II, p.339.
(1) A bomb fell 50 yards from Fairbreeze, but did not explode
(s/Lt. Gabbett-Hulhallen R.N.)
(2) D.R. dates this 2nd June. 94

Details

FAIR BREEZE
Drifter
Lt.Car. A.R.W. Sayle, R.N.R.
30th May
1130
Lt. Cdr. Sayle embarked in the Fair
Breeze and with S/Lt. J.E. Washbourn, R.N.
and Mr. Golding (Trinity House pilot)
1600
whalers in tow.
proceeded for Dunkirk with 2
Arrived off Dunkirk and proceeded to
Bray beach.
1630
Arrived off Bray beach and hove-to in
2 fathoms.
1645
The after whaler, found to be holed,
was cut adrift; the other was sent
in shore. Requested the M/L Canvey
Queen to tow off any boats she could
find; she rendered valuable assist-
ance in this way.
1700
Commenced embarking troops.
1800
Filled with troops, proceeded to the
westward. Instructed by the Sp. S/V
Royal Eagle to transfer the troops
to her.
1815
Having transferred the troops, returned
to Bray beach.
1830
Recommenced embarking troops.
1900
Air attack on beach.
2030
Filled up with troops and proceeded.
31st May
0440
Disembarked 307 British and 9 Allied
troops at Ramsgate. (1)
1200
Left Ramsgate 2) towing a motor life-
boat (s/Lt. G.A. Gabbett-Mulhallen,
R.N. in charge) and 3 other lifeboats.
1700ca
Approaching Dunkirk, heavily bombed;
one bomb landed 50 yards away but did
not explode.
The M.L/B, with the 3 lifeboats in
tow proceeded in shore. They found
no troops, so left one L/B behind
and proceeded with the other two
towards La Panne.
The lifeboats ferried troops to the
Fair Breeze. After 2 trips, 2 of the
L/B's broached to and were swamped.
The others continued to ferry troops
to the Fair Breeze.
lst June
0330ca
Fair Breeze being filled with troops,
0400
Struck proceeded. a sunken wreck; heavy list.
s/Lt. Gabbett-Mulhallen sent out an
S 0 S on the siren, which was answered
Transferred troops to the skoot which
by a skoot [ the Atlantic].
0425
proceeded, leaving the Fair Breeze
to sink(
(1) (2) It Ramsgate is not report. clear who was in command of the Fair Breeze
(3) D.R. for does this not second mention trip. the sinking of the Fair Breeze.
307

Details

2
FAIR BREEZE (continued)
1st June
1100
(contd).
The Atlantic arrived at Ramsgate and
disembarked soldier. 70 B.E.F. and 1 Allied(1)
Total 316
[s/Lt. Gabbett-Mulhallen then assumed
command of the fast M/B Vernon I]
Authority - R.O.II., p.543.
R.O.III, p.272.
(1) incorrect, because before the Atlantic embarking had the
This troops is evidently from Fair Breeze (about 250),
already
embarked 100 troops.
308

Details

SABRE (continued)
29th May
1815ca
and a stoker from the dr. Grenade;
(contd.)
(contd.)
also some Frenchmen from a raft. Dive
bombed during these operations but
no damage.
-
Proceeded to Bray to land W/T set and
1900ca
telegraphists; requisitioned a small
M/L the Advance] for this purpose.
Continuous dive bombing attacks.
2000ca
The sl. Bideford and the dr. Saladin
seen to be hit; also 3 transports
[among them the Lorina and a trawler.
The Sabre was shaken by near misses.
2010
All ammunition expended. Destroyers
ordered to withdraw. Proceeded in
company with the drs. Verity and
Saladin which could only do 15 knots.
30th May
0515
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1200 troops.
0830
Proceeded, with a borrowed whaler, to
170
Dunkirk.
1145
Secured to east pier, Dunkirk, and
embarked troops.
-
Grounded when leaving the pier; slight
damage.
1530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 500 troops.
1615
To Dunkirk by route Z.
-
Sank a drifting mine.
-
Shadowed by a reconnaissance aircraft;
XR
near No. 6 Calais buoy came under fire
from shore batteries. Several hits
on bridge and upper works; one through
the Master gyro compass. A splinter
penetrated the deck and admitted water
to No. 2 Oil fuel tank. D.G. cable
pierced, magnetic compass useless. (1)
Returned to Dover.
2030
Arrived Dover for repairs.
31st May
2120
Repairs completed, sailed for Dunkirk.
1st June
0115
Off the eastern beach. Sent in the
ship's M/B and motor skiff. No
troops found so proceeded further
east.
Went alongside a drifter [probably the
-
Fair Breeze] which was stranded on a
submerged wreck, and trook off the
crew and troops.
0400ca
Off Bray, embarked troops by ship's
boats. Other destroyers were there,
including the Shikari.
0530ca
Meanwhile on orders from R.A. Dover
(in dr. Keith), went alongside a
tug [ the Vincia], took off her
troops and sent her to tow offthe M/S
Speedwell. (2)
(1) Sabre's compass remained unreliable throughout the remainder
(2) The of the operation. does not mention this. The Speedwell Kellett says does she
was Vincia towed off by the M/S Kellett, but the
not mention the incident either.
53

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Details

40
Page
Page
41
5
G.
Page
Ethel Taylor
Page
5
9
Gadfly
22
Guillemot
Page
Doon
3
Ethfra
35
Gael
31
Page
17
Gula
J.
Galvani
15
Kunishi
Doonie Braes
4
Etruscan
14
Gulfoss
Jacketa
23
17
30
11
Kurd
Dorada II
11
Eunice Euclase and Nellie
23
Garola
Gulzar
Jacinta
16
35
11
5
Kuroki
Dorando-Pietri
S
Jack Eve
37
14
Garry
20
Gunner
26
14
Dorienta
37
Europa
5
Gava
Gwenllian
Jade
Dorileen
2
Evadne
Gelert
5
35
32
5
Gwmaho
James Barrie
28
8
4
37
Dorinda
Evelyn Rose
14
Geneva
James Lay
15
Dorothy
15
Evening Primrose
5
General Botha
17
Jano
L.
11
Dorothy Lambert
29
Everton
Genius
36A
Jason
Lacenia
5
31
26
Dragonet
H.
13
Evesham
8
Geordie
15
Jasper
13
Lady Beryl
21
Drangey
35
Exyahne
23
Halcyon
10
Jeanie Deans
19
Lady Blanche
5
Drummer Boy
22
7
E.&T.S.
George and Albert
12
Halcyone
11
Jeannie Howie
Lady Brassey
11
Duchess of Down
12
27
Ex Fortis
George Cousins
Halo
13
27
28
Jeannie Leask
8
Lady Elsa
25
Duchess of Fife
36A
10
Explorer
George Robb
21
Hanyards
3
Jeannie Mackay
Lady Enid
9
22
Duchess of Rothesay
2
Georgette
Harbinger
14
6
Jeannie McIntosh
17
14
Lady Hogarth
Duenna
Gervais Rentoul
Harlech Castle
5
27
Jennet
18
Lady Lilian
31
Dulcibelle
10
16
Gilt Edge
Harmattan
28
Jenny Irvin
Lady Madeline
31
8
16
Dundalk
Girl Christian
Harpada
2
Jessie Tait
Lady Philomena
10
27
27
Dundarg
F.
22
Harrier
10
Jester
Lady Shahrazad
19
Girl Ellen
19
36A
11
23
Harry Melling
Jewel
Lady Shirley
17
Dungeness
Fair Breeze
27
Dunnet
2
7
Fairway
17
Girl Gladys
10
Harvest Gleaner
21
Jocelyn
Laguna Belle
23
22
Dunraven Castle
27
Fair Weather
28
Girl Helen
Lahloo
8
23
Harvest Hope
28
John Alfred
14
Dusky Queen
11
29
Girl Mary
Larch
12A
Fairy Knowe
22
Harvest Reaper
7
John and Norah
15
Falconet
Girl Pamela
Laroc
8
11
10
Hatano
2
John Cattling
11
Lass o'Doune
3
Faraday
17
Girl Pat
12
Haussa
14
John Fitzgerald
37
E.
Laurel
16
Favour
27
Girl Winifred
23
Hav
35
John Stephen
36
Lavatera
27
Eager
29
Fawn
28
Gladys
29
Hawthorn
24
T. Hendry
12
Lavinia L
12
Eaglet II
5
Fazenta
35
Glala
12
Hawthorn Bank
18
Joseph Button
3
Laws
23
Earl Essex
2
Feaco
35A
Gleam On
29
Hazard
29
Jubilee
22
Learig
30
Earl Kitchener
13
Feasible
15
Gleaner
June Rose
31
Hazel
25
23
Leda
10
Easter Rose
27
23
Gleaners
Heather Sprig
27
Juniper
25
Felicity
22
Leeds United
4
Ebor Jewel
17
Fenella
36A
Hebe
29
Justifier
15
Glen Avon
23
Leeward
28
Ebor Wyke
29
Fentonian
12A
Hekla
17
Glen Gower
23
Leicester City
26
Eccleshill
29
Helen
5
Fernmoor
Glen Heather
3
Lephreto
3
29
Ecila
2
Helen West
28
Glen Kidston
Leprechaun
8
Eden
2
Ferry Belle
8
17
Helier II
36B
K.
Le Tiger
25
29
Ferry Prince
8
Glen Strathallan
19
Edith M. Purdy
Fertile Vale
Heliopolis
34
Kalan
19
Letna
8
22
E. D. Walmsley
5
Glen Usk
23
Helvellyn
19
Kathleen
3
Leyland
32
Edwardian
Fervent
11
12A
Glitter II
12
Helvetia
17
Kellet
10
Libra
35
Edwina
Fidget
11
5
Gloamin
7
Hendon
20
Kelpy
12
Libyan
35
Egeria
Fidra
36
22
Gloria
29
Henriette
23
Kelt
32
Lichen
12A
Eileen Emma
10
Filey Bay
16
Glow
22
Hertfordshire
9
Kennet
20
Liddoch
3
Eilla II
8
Fintray
5
Go Ahead
12A
Hickory
24
Kennet (Tender)
12
Liffey
20
Elbury
Fir
24
19
21
Kennymore
7
Lilac
24
16
Goatfell
Hildena
Eldorado
23
Firefly
21
Golden Eagle
12A
Hinba
29
Keverne
12
Lily Oak
28
Elena
35
Fisher Boy
11
Golden Effort
19
Hiniesta
3
Kiddaw
12
Lincoln City
26
Elgin
16
Fisher Lad
28
Golden Emblem
22
Holdfast
11
Kiloran
3
Lincolnshire
19
Elizabeth Angela
11
Fitzroy
16
10
Holly
24
Kindred Star
9
Lizzie Birrel
24
Golden Gift
22
14
Llanthony
S
Elk
2
Flanders
23
Golden Harvest
8
Hollydale
King Emperor
Ellesmere
18
13
King Orry
11
Loch Aline
18
25
Fleming
Golden Lily
27
Hopeful
Elm
28
25
27
8
Kingscourt
16
Loch Alsh
16
Flora
Golden News
Horizon
Elmenzala
5
17
Loch Buie
23
35
Floreat II
22
Golden Sunbeam
10
Hornbeam
Kings Grey
Elna
9
28
Hosanna
11
Floreat III
King Sol
25
Loch Eribol
16
Eloquent
22
Loch Hope
17
Golden Thyme
19
Florence Brierley
37
Golden View
14
Hoverfly
20
Kingston Agate
8
Else Rykens
Huddersfield Town
4
Kingston Alalite
10
Lochinvar
20
28
Flush
Elsie Carn
20
Goodwill
22
30
Kingston Amber
8
Loch Inver
17
35
Elsie and Nellie
Flying Admiral
5
Goodwin
11
Hugh Walpole
Kingston Andalusite
10
Loch Laggan
12
10
12
El Tovar
Flying Breeze
4
Gorse
28
Hussar
Kingston Beryl
30
Loch Leven
16
37
22
Fontenoy
10
S
Loch Long
Embrace
15
Gossamer
Kingston Cairngorm
27
Foray
16
8
Loch Melfort
32
Emilia Primeiro
27
Goth
Force
I.
Kingston Ceylonite
37
14
Gowan
22
Kingston Chrysoberyl
8
Loch Monteith
25
Emilion
16
Forecast
12
Emperor of India
19
Idyll
32
Loch Oskaig
25
10
10
Gowan Craig
S
Kingston Chrysolite
Empress
Forerunner
Ijiun
33
Loch Rannock
5
12A
10
Kingston Coral
Loch Shin
29
9
Gracie Fields
29
Empyrean
Fort Robert
15
Imelda
Kingston Crystal
33
Englishman
8
35
Grampion
25
33
Loch Tulla
28
Fort Ryan
29
Grateful
28
Imperialist
19
36
Kingston Cyanite
Forte
10
Lois
11
Enterprising
Ephretah
Fortitude
2
Gregory
17
Inchgower
20
26
Kingston Galena
30
London Pride
13
25
Indian Star
Epine
28
Fort Rose
19
Greenfly
28
Kingston Jacinth
Loon
29
10
2
Indian Summer
Equerry
29
Forward
35A
Green Howard
27
Kingston Olivine
Lord Ashfield
26
30
Erimo
22
Foss
9
Green Pastures
29
Industry
29
Kingston Onyx
30
Lord Austin
19
3
29
4
Internos
28
Kingston Peridot
Lord Barham
15
Erith
Fox
Greetings
30
Erna
16
Foyle
30
11
Invercairn
Grey Mist
11
Kingston Sapphire
30
Lord Beaconsfield
17
10
Inverforth
37
12
Kingston Topaz
Lord Cavan
11
Eroican
Franc Tireur
20
30
Grimsby Town
Escalonia
35A
Friesland
17
Grosmont Castle
27
Inverugie
15
Kingston Turquoise
3
Lord Collingwood
11
Esmeralda
28
28
Irvana
Freyer
18
Kirkella
35
17
Lord Essenden
19
Grouville
Esperanza
9
Frons Olivae
36A
Guava
5
Isle of May
28
Kopanes
Essex Maid
4
Fumarole
22
Guide On
23
Istria
24
Fyldea
28
Guiding Light
28
11
Guelder Rose
23

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Details

Details

Details

Details

250
From:- Lt. Commdr. A.R.W. Sayle, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
30th May.
0930
Received instructions to take Drifter "Fair Breeze"
to beach east of Dunkirk.
1130
Proceeded on board "Fair Breeze" with Sub. Lt. Washbourn
R.N. (from Portsmouth) and Mr. Golding, Trinity House
Pilot, and proceeded for Dunkirk with two whalers in
tow, courses as requisite.
1500
After whaler struck submerged object and appeared to be
making water.
1600
Arrived off Dunkirk and proceeded to Bray Beach.
1630
Arrived off Bray Beach, commenced sounding, closed
beach and hove to in two fathoms.
1645
After whaler found to be badly holed and filling with
water, cut it adrift; sent remaining whaler ashore
and requested motor boat from "Canvey Que en" to tow
off any other boats he could find. (This boat
rendered valuable assistance).
1700
First boat with troops arrived and embarkations commenced.
1800
Filled up with troops and proceeded to westward, hailed
by Officer Commanding "Royal Eagle", lying toseaward
of "Fair Breeze", and instructed to transfer troops
from "Fair Breeze" to "Royal Eagle". Made fast
1815
Finished transferring troops from "Fair Breeze" Beach and to
alongside "Royal Eagle".
Royal Eagle"; proceeded back to Bray hove
to off Sanatorium.
1830
1900
Recommenced Intensive bombing embarking attack troops. on Sanatorium and troops on
2030
Filled Bray up Beach. with troops and proceeded for Ramsgate; courses
as requisite.
31st May.
0045
Observed Parachute enemy Flare aircraft; off N. Goodwin. tide. no casualties.
0050
0200
0400
Buoy awaiting Pier and commenced out
tallied disembarking. 293.
0500
Troops
0515
Finished

Details

Details

250
From:- Lt. Commdr. A.R.W. Sayle, R.N.R.
Date:- 5th June, 1940.
To:-
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
30th May.
0930
Received instructions to take Drifter "Fair Breeze"
1130
Proceeded on board "Fair Breeze" with Sub. Lt. Washbourn
to beach east of Dunkirk.
R.N. (from Portsmouth) and Mr. Golding, Trinity House
Pilot, and proceeded for Dunkirk with two whalers in
1500
After whaler struck submerged object and appeared to be
tow, courses as requisite.
1600
Arrived off Bray Beach, commenced sounding, closed
Arrived off Dunkirk and proceeded to Bray Beach.
making water.
1630
After whaler found to be badly holed and filling ashore with
beach and have to in two fathoms.
1645
water, and requested motor boat from "Canvey Que en" to
out it adrift; sent remaining whaler tow
off any other boats he could find. (This boat
rendered valuable assistance).
boat with troops arrived and embarkations commenced. hailed
1700
1800
First Filled with troops and proceeded to gestward,
by of from Officer "Fair up "Fair Breeze", Commanding Breeze" and to instructed "Royal "Royal Eagle", Eagle". to transfer lying Made toseaward fast troops
Finished transferring troops from "Fair Breeze" and to
alongside "Royal Eagle".
1815
Royal Eagle"; proceeded back to Bray Beach have
to off Sanatorium.
1830
Recommenced embarking troops.
1900
Intensive bombing attack on Sanatorium and troops on
2030
Filled Bray up Beach. with troops and proceeded for Ramagate: courses
as requisite.
31st May.
0045
0050
Observed Machine-gunned by enemy aircraft; no casualties.
Parachute Flare off N. Goodwin.
0200
Anchored off Gull Buoy awaiting tide.
0400
Hove up and Ramagate proceeded. East Pier and commenced out disembarking. 293.
0500
0515
Alongside Finished disembarking. Troops tallied

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
heavy craft, nor even by small craft similar in a pier lop, was it was invaluable
ing troops into small boats. A was completed and commenced in use on the morning of later for embark-
the 30th May at La Panne, and by the the same day the the same same d the morning day the morning day
(See p. 47).
2 or 3 motor yachts and paddlers to
Bray; none proceeded east of the Bray pier, where the
Captain Howson goes on to say that arrived in the and afternoon anchored one Fortwo skoots and the weskoots and
waited many hours patiently. One tried or two without destroyers or sloops passed from had
the westward to La Panne, and he he success with a lamp to
Admiral Wake-Walker asking him to arrange for this. Captain Howson also
them to anchor off the pier. Eventually managed to get a signal to Rear- tell
sent an officer to Dunkirk to represent learned the urgent need for destroyers off Bray.
It was not until 2 days later that he that all the destroyers, etc., had
been given specific instructions as to which beach they were to anchor off.
Later a certain number of destroyers, sloops and skoots anchored off Bray and
the embarkation proceeded satisfactorily. Unfortunately, time after time,
owing to a lack of naval ratings, he saw a procession of boats going off loaded
with troops, only to be cast adrift and left floating empty out to seaward¹.
Later that evening Captain Howson got in touch with Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker, then in the Worcester, and obtained permission to embark the following
day in a motor boat off the beaches SO as to prevent a recurrence of this waste
of beaching craft².
In spite of the difficulties and shortcomings emphasised in the above reports
great progress was being made. In fact, beach evacuation reached its peak
on this day; 29,500 troops were lifted from the beaches (as against 24,300
from the harbour) ; and some 50 ships, including destroyers, minesweepers,
skoots, trawlers, drifters, personnel and special service vessels, were engaged
continuously in the arduous work.
The armada grows, but service of ships to Dunkirk is slowed up
Meanwhile the build-up of ships continued, and some 31 additional craft
reached of Dunkirk and the beaches this day. They included two minesweepers
of the 8th M.S.F.³, the Fleet Air Arm training vessel Grive, 4 yachts and a drifter
the Dover M/S Command4, the corvette Kingfisher, (with the ex-Belgian
canal the boat Sambre in tow), the Yarmouth Examination Service yacht Laroc,
and M/V Scottish Co-operator, the S/M tender Dwarf, the drifters Fair Breeze
minesweeper barge Skipjack), the motor coasters Seine and Sheila, (in the coasting
Ocean Breeze, the ex-Belgian canal boats Ambleve and Escaut tow of the
the Viking, the ex-Dutch eel-boat Johanna (in tow Lady of the skoot Jutland),
water, and (R.N.L.I.) lifeboat Prudential (towing barges 7 Sark and with fresh
Ramsgate sailing barge Beatrice Maud, and the dumb Shetland. hopper The
the oyster dredging smacks Seasalter and Vanguard, the steam W.24,
borough, the punt Carama), and the Margate wherries loaded Lord South-
wherries. were The manned by their own crews, but (R.N.L.I.) naval lifeboat manned the
appeared on the scene. and picked up 244 troops. Another A/S patrol, to
Bray beach in error trawler Olvina, which should have been on ratings went
I At long last a dozen of the long awaited important motor contingent boats
R.O.III, p.396.
2 R.O.III, p.397.
4 3 The The Glen Avon and Glen Gower.
and 5 The the danlaying danlaying Constant yachts drifter Gulzar and Sargasso, the echo and Conidaw
Triton, Silver Pauleter Adventuress, and sounding Ma Black Joie. yachts Arrow, Chico Sunshine, Reda,
60

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FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
in the Bray and Malo sectors were being thinned out by movements westward
towards Dunkirk iteslf. This change of plan involved concentrating the special
tows and the minesweepers to which they were to transfer the troops, into the
stretch opposite the beach between Zuydcoote Sanatorium and one mile east
of La Panne¹, and also advancing the commencement of the operation by one
hour².
A risk was involved in this change of plan as the boat tows were not in com-
munication with the Vice-Admiral, and it would therefore be necessary for
minesweepers to see that the escorting M.A./S.B.'s shepherded the tows to the
new positions It had been explained to the Naval officers in each tow that
the minesweepers would be anchored so as to serve as guiding marks³.
" It was always impossible for me to do more than deal with the situation of
the moment", says Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker. "I did not know what ships
were coming or when-except for the pre-arranged plan of the sloops. Nor
was it possible for Dover to give me much information. Ships got back there,
unloaded, and were off again, the stream was constant but irregular and it was
not possible to see any way ahead. My policy was always to keep only sufficient
ships off the beaches and send all the others into Dunkirk, but the situation
changed continually."4
Small craft arrive in hundreds
It was in such circumstances that, at about 1900, Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker had proceeded to Dunkirk in the Keith to see how the boat situation
was getting on. There he saw for the first time that strange procession of
craft of all kinds the story of which was to become famous-tugs, towing
dinghies, life-boats and all manner of pulling boats5-small motor yachts,
motor launches, drifters, Dutch skoots, Thames barges, fishing boats, pleasure
steamers⁶. This was indeed the first time that the small craft had come over
in hundreds⁷. Since noon Lt. Cdr. C. J. Wynne-Edwards, R.N. (of R.-A.
Dunkirk's staff), embarked in M.T.B.68, had been directing the tows to the
various beaches.
I See Appendix Q.18, observing that D.R. p.20, para. 61 says the beach between Bray
and 1 mile east of La Panne."
2 Appendix Q.19.
3 D.R. p.20, para. 61.
4 M.017978/41, p.17.
5 The following 14 tugs (their tows are shown in brackets) reached Dunkirk that evening:
The Racia (12 life-boats), Sun VIII (12 life-boats), Sun XV (6 life-boats), Vincia (3 life-
boats), Sun IV (9 boats), Tanga (6 boats), Ocean Cock (6 M/B's), Sun VII (seaplane tenders
243, 254, 276, 291 and A.M.C.3), Foremost 87 (two sailing barges), Fairplay I (sailing barge
Barbara Jean), Empire Henchman (sailing barge Aidie), Crested Cock (a lighter), Sun XI (a
lighter), and the Sun XII (sailing barges Tollesbury and Ethel Everard).
In the early hours of 1st June 4 other tugs arrived. The St. Fagan (auxiliary barges
Pudge and Lady Rosebery, and the sailing barge Doris), St. Abbs (auxiliary barge Thyra
and sailing barges H.A.C. and Duchess), Cervia (sailing barge Royalty), and the Persia
(sailing barge Glenway and Lark).
6 M.017978/41, p.19.
7 New arrivals off Dunkirk and the beaches on 31st May included the following The
yachts Amulree, Aronia, Glagla, Caleta, Christobel II and Llanthony, the nine yachts of the
Portsmouth Inner Patrol, viz the Ahola, Ankh, Bounty, Caryandra, Eilla II, Lahloo,
Noneta, Seriola and Thele and from the R.N. Air Station, Ford, the yacht Andora.
The drifters Ben and Lucy (towing 4 boats), Dorienta (towing boats), Monarda, Renas-
cent and the 13 drifters of the Yarmouth Base, viz Alcmaria, Feasible, Genius, Gula,
Jeannie MacIntosh, John and Norah, Lord Barham, Lord Hood, Overfalls, Reed, Rewga,
Swift Wing and Taransay. The drifters Fair Breeze and Ocean Breeze were again over,
the former towing a motor life-boat and 3 life-boats.
The steam hopper barges Foremost 102 (towing the Excellent's 35 ft. fast motor boat and
71

Details

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.
95

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Details

Details

INDEX
Discipline. See British Expeditionary Force and French troops.
Disembarkation ports, 25.
Docksey, Capt. T. E., 21.
Doggersbank, 20, 29n, 32, 45, 47n, 64, 72, 107n.
Dolphin's power boats, 72n.
Donald, Lt. Cdr. C. G. W. Died of wounds, 10.
Dorienta, 71n.
Doris, 71n, 94 (sunk).
Dorrien Rose, 24, 29, 62.
Dove, Cdr. J. S., 50n (reports Dunkirk blocked), 59.
Dover, mined, 38.
Dowling, Lt. Cdr. D. B., 82.
Drifters, 23, 24 (flare burning).
Drogou, Lt. de V., 73.
Duchess, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Duchess of Fife, 28n, 54n, 101, 107n, 109.
Du Guesclin, 62n, 73n.
Dundalk, 86, 107я, 109.
Dunkirk, S.N.O. See Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Dunkirk: water supply destroyed, 8; demolitions, 8, 19, 106; inundations, 12; bridge-
easier, munications 27, 30; limitations, 48; reported blocked, 50; ships not to close, 51 ; com-
head, 15, 18, 35; damaged, 15, 18; out of action, 23 ; reported fallen, 24; conditions
established with Dover, 51; reduced number of ships sent, 61-2 bom-
barded, 70; harbour deserted, 87; harbour full of ships, 88; growing number of
wrecks described, off, 117. 94; pier damaged, 97; blocking of inner harbour, 111-112, 119-20 piers
Duperre, 73.
Dwarf, 60.
Eastbourne Queen, 74.
E-boats, activity). 27-8, 36, 37n, 49 (fail to discover change of route), 68-9, 85 (recrudescence of
Edmond René, rams Kingfisher, 116.
Edvard Nissen, 111-12.
Edward Z. Dresden, 114n.
Eggington, Ldg. Sea., 119.
Eileen Emma, 23n, 83n (damaged), 95 (sunk).
Eilla II, 71n, 74.
Elizabeth Green, 53, 114n.
Ellwood, Cdr. M. 0. D. (i/c Communications), 67.
Emerald Wings, breaks down, 111.
Emile Deschamps, sunk, 119.
Emma, 73.
Emperor of India, 28n, 47n, 54n, 100.
Empire Henchman, 7In.
Endeavour, 73n.
Enterprise, 72n, 75n.
Epervier, 99.
Escaut, 60.
Esk, 28n, 49, 79 (takes across R.A. Dover and Beach parties), 54n, 55, 58, 64n, 92, 97,
102, 107n.
Ethel Everard, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Evans, W. L., 110.
Excellent's A/A M.B., 72n, 75n.
Excellent's 35 ft. M.B., 71n, 75n.
Exhaustion of ships' crews, 29, 113.
Express, back 28n, 41-2, 54n, 55, 59 (flag of R.A. Dover), 62n, 83 (slightly damaged), 109 (sent
empty), 112n, 114n, 118.
Fagalde, General, 12, 68, 85.
Fairplay I, 71n.
Fair Breeze, 60, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Feasible, 71n, 73 (disabled).
Fenella, 34, 43 (sunk), 46.
Fidget, 32n, 51n.
"Fifth Column", 24, 100.
198

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

Details

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