Details

FRISCO
Erroneously included as a skoot in D.R's list of ships.
It is considered that no vessel of this name took part
in Operation Dynamo. (1)
"Frisco" appears to be a corruption of Friso, a Dutch
skoot (vide Lloyds' Register, which incidentally does
not mention a vessel of the name "Frisco").
The following information appears to confirm this view:
Admiralty signal 1703/22 May, addressed to C. in C.
Portsmouth, refers to a number of skoots lying at Poole,
among them the Friso [but not the "Frisco"], and requests
that they be got ready for service.
On 25th May, 18 of such skoots were commissioned at
Portsmouth, among them being the "Frisco" [but not the
Friso]. The officer appointed to command the "Frisco"
was Lieut. G.O. Symons, R.N.
The report of proceedings of the skoot Friso in
operation Dynamo, dated 9th June 1940, is, however,
signed by her commanding officer, Lieut. G.O. Symons, R.N.
Incidentally, the skoot "Frisco" is stated [S.S.B.A.
567 (10) ] to have been paid off on 5th July 1940. On the
other hand, the skoot Friso is not mentioned as having
been either paid off or commissioned; moreover she is
not included in D.R's list of ships taking part in
Dynamo. In fact, she brought back over 1,000 troops from
Dunkirk.
(1)
(3)
(4)
(1) The "Frisco" is said by D.R. skoot to Friso, have disembarked which only
357 troops on to Dunkirk, is shown and 1st June; as these
Skoot 31st May. The in D.R. having
made 2 trips troops on 30th May and 31st May.
disembarked two dates are errors for 29th May
34.4

Details

FRISO(1)
Skoot
Lt. G.O. Symons, R.N.
26th May(2)
1315
Arrived Newhaven from Portsmouth.
27th May
2100
Sailed for Dover.
28th May
0900
Arrived Dover.
1230
Sailed boat. for Dunkirk towing a pulling
2330
Entered Dunkirk roads. Steamed close
inshore, from 6 miles to the eastward,
up to Dunkirk. Saw no troops.
29th May
0030
Entered Dunkirk and secured alongside
the Mole. Embarked troops.
-
The sk. Sursum Corda secured outside
the Friso and embarked troops across
her. (3)
0130/
Several skoots endeavoured to come
0300
alongside the Sursum Corda. Lt.
Symons instructed the C.O. of the
Sursum Corda to tell these skoots
to berth further up the mole.
0315ca
Left the mole with about 354 on board,
and proceeded.
1500ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 354 troops.
2100ca
Having embarked provisions and water
tins, sailed for Dunkirk by the
Calais channel.
30th May
0245ca
Observed a large derelict 2-funnel ship
with a list to port and apparently
sinking. (4)
-
A bomb dropped 250 yards on Friso's
starboard bow.
0415ca
Entered Dunkirk harbour but left at
once as the mole was deserted and
shelling was in progress. Proceeded
along the coast and anchored off a
beach crowded with troops.
Lowered boats and embarked troops
0630
Air raid; no ships in the vicinity were
hit.
During the morning it was noted that
the skoots Hebe II and Sureum Corda
were beached.
During the forenoon a large motor
pleasure boat was got alongside and
the Friso transferred 250 troops to
her.
1230ca
Slipped and sailed with 648 troops on
board.
In Dunkirk roads, ordered by a
(1) Not included in D.R's list of ships.
(2) Friso's dates, throughout, appear to be one day ahead of
D.R.'s dates of disembarkations are also other day ships
(Sec M/S Fitzroy, and the skoots Hebe II 1 and Sursum ahead. Corda)
the correct date, and have been amended accordingly.
(3) According to the Sursum Corda's report, no were
(4) Not in harbour The Sursum Corda which was about astern 1/2 of mile the
when she entered.
Friso west of Dunkirk harbour entrance. It was probably
identified. describes it as a "wreck", situated the
..B/V King Orry.
345

Details

Details

3
HEBE (continued)
Lieut. A,H, Rowlandson, R.H.
Glout. R.A.B. Powell, R.Ne
1st June
0420
Proceeded to Dover by X route.
(contd).
0830
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 420
troops.(1)
25th May
Commissioned at Porten Total 1,140ca
27th May
Bailed for Dunkirk and the beaches, "in
company with the rest of the group".
Authority - R.O.I, p.274. ved off Dunkirk. Approached the
twice but found no troops.
R.O.III, p.374.
alongside Dunkirk east pier and
embarked all the troops that were
there.
Sailed for Dover with about 150 on
The following awards were made:
sced 150 troops at Dover. (2)
D.S.C.
2000
Sailed from Dover by the Calais route.
Lt. Cdr. J.B.G. Temple, R.N.
30th May
orr Dunkirk, encountered the ek.
Sursum-Cords which was lowering a
D.S.M.
boat near a wreck; a man's voice
C.P.O. S.F. Piggott.
WBS heard. A M/S arrived, and the
Hobe II continued on her course.
Passed Dunkirk harbour entrance; the
Mention in Despatches.
jetties and piers' were deserted.
E.R.A.3rd Cl. H.B. Biles. Beached the ship near a large body
of British troops. Lowered the only
boat and a carley float, and commenced
embarkation. "Approsched the beach,
and, bows to the shore, enabled men
to wade out and climb on board".
When about 300 were on board, ferried
them to a destroyer.
0430
Repeated the operation, taking the
troops to the M/S Fiteroy. No other
large ships were lying off Dunkirk.
The Sk. Friso was embarking troops
and the Sursum-Corde was aground
close inshore. Attempted to tow
the latter orf, but was driven aground
and remained 80 until 1830.
1830
Refloated, loaded about 250 troops and
proceeded towards La Penne to
transfer them to a destroyer.
Resourd men from the water, embarked
men from boats and pontoons and
transferred them to a destroyer.
2300
Sailed for Dover with about 250 on
board.
31st May
1100ea
Arrived Dover, Disembarked 365
troops.(3)
Sailed for Ramagate, the Friso in
company.
2nd June
Bailed to Dover, with 249 German
prisoners on board.
1600
Arrived Dover.
(1)
Corred to in D.R. B.B. "Hebe".
mentioned in D.R.
(3) D.P. dates this disembarkstion 1st Jone,
24

Details

HEBE II(1)
Skoot
Lieut. A.H. Rowlandson, R.N.
Lieut. P.A.B. Powell, R.N.
24th May
The ship was taken over by a naval
crew.
25th May
Commissioned at Portsmouth.
27th May
Sailed for Dunkirk and the beaches, "in
company with the rest of the group".
28th May
0030ca
Arrived off Dunkirk. Approached the
beach twice but found no troops.
Went alongside Dunkirk east pier and
embarked all the troops that were
there.
Sailed for Dover with about 150 on
board.
-
Disembarked 150 troops at Dover. (2)
29th May
2000
Sailed from Dover by the Calais route.
30th May
-
Off Dunkirk, encountered the sk.
Sursum-Corda which was lowering a
boat near a wreck; a man's voice
was heard. A M/S arrived, and the
Hebe II continued on her course.
-
Passed Dunkirk harbour entrance; the
jetties and piers' were deserted.
Beached the ship near a large body
of British troops. Lowered the only
boat and a carley float, and commenced
embarkation. "Approached the beach,
and, bows to the shore, enabled men
to wade out and climb on board".
When about 300 were on board, ferried
them to a destroyer.
0430
Repeated the operation, taking the
troops to the M/S Fitzroy. No other
large ships were lying off Dunkirk.
The Sk. Friso was embarking troops
and the Sursum-Corda was aground
close inshore. Attempted to tow
the latter off, but was driven aground
and remained so until 1830.
1830
Refloated, loaded about 250 troops and
proceeded towards La Panne to
transfer them to a destroyer.
-
Rescued men from the water, embarked
men from boats and pontoons and
transferred them to a destroyer.
2300
Sailed for Dover with about 250 on
board.
31st May
1100ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 365
troops. (3)
-
Sailed for Ramagate, the Friso in
company.
2nd June
Sailed to Dover, with 249 German
prisoners on board.
1600
Arrived Dover.
(1) Referred to in D.R. as "Hebe".
(2) Not mentioned in D.R.
(3) D.R. dates this disembarkation 1st June.
25

Details

SKOOTS (Schuits, or Dutch coasters)
In D.R.'s list of ships, the names of 43 skoots
given. Actually, there were 40 skoots in Operation Dynamo. are
Five names have been deleted from D.R's list, two
have been added, and two names have been amended, as follows:- names
(1) Deletions
Demok I was a Dutch yacht, not a skoot.
"Orange Yreeswi jh" was in fact the Oranje,
port of origin Vreeswijk.
"Tung" (q.v.) was not a skoot, and, as a
ship, did not apparently exist.
Java and Princess Juliana broke down and
took no part in Operation Dynamo.
(2) Additions
Jaba and Rian were commissioned for
Operation Dynamo, and worked off the beaches.
(3) Amendments
"Frisco" (q.v.) has been amended to Friso
"Hebe" has been amended to Hebe II.
149

Details

Details

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

Details

II.
26y
(NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S. FRISO DURING
283
OPERATION DYNAMO)
Friday 31st May (contd) During the mornang one of the Beachmasters
came off to me and endeavoured to persuade ae to beach the ship
(HEBE & SURSOM CORDA) were doing so very successfully. As it was
so as to lead quicker, pointing out that two other smaller skoots
now a falling tide with an onshore wind I refused. For this I
was later very glad as both other skoots shor tly afterwards
became stuck on the beach and were unable to get off. (HKBE came
off at the next high water. During the forenoon I hailed a large
motor driven pleasure boat, got him alongside no and transferred
256 men to him. By about 1230 I had onboard 648 men and space
was extremely cramped. I had delayed my departure hoping that a
destryer or other fast craft would appear and take my load from
me so that I could fill up again. However as another skoot appeared
I slipped my anchor (the capstan being again defective) and sailed.
Just as I was about to leave Dunkirk Roads I was hailed by a Fleet
Minesweeper and ordered to tow a Drifter full of troops to Dover.
By 1330 the Drifter was in tow and we were proceeding at about
5 knots. At approximately 1400 a Heinkel appeared out of the low
cloud and at a height of 350 feet released a large bomb, probably
500 lbs, and as he passed over he opened fire with machine guns.
The bomb fell on my Port quarter batween ate and the Drifter.
Luckily the Bomb exploded below the surface and beyond violently
shaking both ships no ajur major damage was done. The force of
the explosion caused my compans to jump out of its gimbals.
Certain damage was done to Auxiliary Machinery in the Engine Room.
After we had been proceeding for about half an hour we were shelled
by the Nieuport Battery. As the third salvo straddled us I decided
to risck the navigational dangers and cut across the snadbanks 80
as to present the minimum target and to open the range as fast as
possible. Luckily the Enemy never found the range again. Thick
fog was encountered at about 1830.
On making the North Goodwin Light Vessel I discovered
that the Shaking up had caused a 30 dgree error in the compass.
During the cassage through the Downs the tow parted on several
occasions due to the wash of fast moving vessels.
At about 0100 on Saturday lat June I was about 1
cable from the entrance to Dover Harbour when I was bombed again.
This time it was only a very small bomb, which although a very
near miss only wetted the troops on the port aide aft. There
were no casualties from machine gun fire. At 0130 I secured
alongside Admiralty Pier Dover. At 0230 we shifted billet and
secured for the night for which I was very grateful an we had
been running continuously for over three days and I had had no
sleep for 90 hours. On Saturday temporary repairs were At effected 1700
to the and provisions and water ware embarked.
where as I could not anchor I secured in the Inner
I proceeded Engine to Ramsgate with HEBE in company arriving Harbour. at 2000,
Sunday and Monday 2nd & 3rd June respectively
permanent On were effected to the Engine in and Capatan. they were When
all repairs brought to immediate notice case
required skoots were it was decided that FRISO Harbour. was not sufficiently
reliable again and so was left in the Inner
I and on Friday were in the Boats at the time
cannot speak too highly of ay crew for 7/4 who hours worked
continuously, The 0 nly men being onboard and myself. were
without my First & Lieutenant break. one seamen and the B.R.A.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
VICE
ADMIRAL
Your obedient servant,
JUN1940
DOVER
Lieutenant.
Royal Navy.

Details

Details

From:- Resident Naval Officer, Poole,
Dynam 241.
To:- F.O.I.C. Portland.
22
Copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portmouth.
REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISTITIONED
DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO"
"SAN ANTONIO"
B
people. On first trip 270 people were taken off Dunkirk Breakwater and on Second trip 330
On second trip a dive bombing attack was made on the vossel from ahead by & Junkers
89 plane and two bombs just missed astern. The first of these was a delay action
bomb. The ship experienced heavy bombardment by 5.9 inch shells whilst embarking
the second time.
A
"HEBE" ( Report as written by commanding Officer)
The Dútch Coastal vessel "Hebe" was takon over by a Naval Crew on Friday 24th. May 1940
H.M.S. Hebe was commissioned on Saturday 25th. May 1940, Commanding Officer, Lieut.
A. H. Rowlandson R.N., First Licut. Lieut P.A.B.Powell R.N., and a crew of LP.O.
1 E.R.A. 2 Stokers 1 A.B. and 4. Ordinary Seaman.
The first O eration carried out was on Monday 27th. May when TO sailed in
Company with the rest of the group with orders to evacuate troops from the Beach be-
tween Dunkirk and La Panne or from Dunicirk.
Hebe arrived off Dunicirk at about 0030 and I approached the beach twice
but found no troops and no opposition. I turned West along the beach towards
Dunkirk, entered and went alongside the east fetty in shore, I loaded with troops
all that remained there, and returned to Dover on completion with about 150 on
board. No opposition was encountered.
The only casuality was a slight wound in the foot of the commanding
officer H.M.S. Hebe from a bullet accidentally fired by a British Soldier on
board.
The second operation began on Tednesday 29th. leaving Dover at 20.00. I
went to Dunkirk by the Calais route and although constantly searched by
searchlights no batteries opened fire on the Calais coast.
Off Dunkirk I came up to H.N.S. Sursun Corda lowering a boat near the
wreckage of a vessel apparently mined. One voice was heard and a mineaveeper
arrived and sent over a boat I continued my course.
I passed close to the entrance to Dunkirk, the jetties and piers were
deserted so I continued eastward and went ashore near & large body of British troops
I lowered the only boat and carly left and began embarking these troops. This proved
to be very slow so I approached the beach and bows to the shore enabled men to
wade out and climb on board. About 300 were taken on board and forried out to a
destroyer.
I repeated this operation and took operation and took over another 300
to 350 men to the minesweeper Fitaroy. The Captain let me have two large type life
saving nets to put over the bows which assisted embarking troops after I returned
to shore.
No other large ships were lying off Dunkirk. H.M.S. Friso was embarizing
troops and H.M.S. Sursum Corda was aground close in shore. I attempted to tow her
Yoff but failed and was driven onto a small Bank close to her and remained aground
until 18.30
At 18.00 Geramn Artillery began shelling the sand dunes and beach, although
shapnel fell over us and wounded men aboard Sursum Corda we got afloat without
difficulty and oaded about 250 troops and went down towards La Panne to ass them
to a destroyer there.
I remaine a there resouing men from the water embarking men from boats
and pontoons the majority of these were passed to & destroyer and were suffering from
exposure.
At 23. I found no more men to embark and returned to Dover without
further incident with about 250 people on board.
The ship was without ater and fuel and I arrived at Dover at about 11.00
on Friday 31st. May. Wa or and provisions were embarked and I was sent to Remsgate
In company with H.M.S. Fiso whose compass WILB useless owing to banbing attack.
On Sunday June 2nd. 1940 while under way to the fuellingJetty In
Ransgate Harbour I was ordered alongside the Pior to enbark 249 Cerman prisoners
to take them to
The Dover. hold filled and about a dosen wounded were left lying on deck. the The
"uard consiste of 36 was frenc security Police and 6 cadets of the O.T.C. under
Command of a 2nd. Licut,

Details

I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside
Adminalty Pier
23
After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered
prt
H.H.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Doms at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940
23
"RUJA"
B
H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirk from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the
Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported
to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order
to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the
evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship
broke down again and was successfully towed by H.H.S. Pascholl.
Signed H.R.Webber (Lieut R.N.)
"FRISO"
A
This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under
Sun. Lieut. R.N.V.R. made two successful trips to Dunkirk beach and was able
to evacuate 1008 officers and men. Although under continual fire from shore
batteries and dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel
or
crew.
Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.)
"DESPATCH II"
B.
May 29th & 30th.
To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with
ships boats only until 04.00
At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft of water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air
compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ransgate
19.00 30th.
May 31st. June 1st.
Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles
to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment with
ships boats only until midnight.
Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked
ship sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1.
Ships Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention
L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505
A.B. W.H. Dibben P/JX 148504
A.B. H.B.Ketchley PJ109346
O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093
Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr.
"PASCHOLL"
B.
This ship was only taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain
having returned to his proper duties at Ramagate. I proceeded to Ramagate
arriving there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor
until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond flying
his flag in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty at
23.00 and embarked ap roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 Tuesday
June 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions sailed at 05.30
Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having taken
H.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday
6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. June
entered Poole Harbour.
Signed Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R.
"ZEUS"
I have the honour ? to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation
I
Dynamo in diary form.
25th. May Joined at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 p.m. approx cast off and
proceeded to anchor off Portsmouth. 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Yarmouth.
26th, May. 5.10 a.m. ordered to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship
3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth.
6.0 p.m. Arrived Portsmo th. Recive fuel water and stores and ordered to broken proceed
Spithead to swing for deviation. Discharged Dutch engineer. Note compass
and steering compass damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable deviation card
10.30 Proceed in company for Newhaven.
27th. May Dawn arrived off Newhaven and anchoved. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec. gear stores
rope etc. Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship
9.0 approx. Proceeded in company for Dover.
28th. p.m. Dawn arrived off Dover 9.30 approx berthed alongside "Ruja" at West bad Quay,
Enemy render independance p.m. of navigation impossible we follow rest ahead. gunfire
May air raid 1.0 approx. Proceed in company for Dunking. Compass Considerable so as to
etc. all night.

Details

I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside
Adminalty Pier
23
After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered
escort
H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Downs at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940
23
"RUJA"
B
H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirl from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the
Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported
to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order
to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the
evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship
broke down again and was successfully towed by H.M.S. Pascholl.
Signed Webber (Lieut R.N.)
"FRISO"
A
This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under
Sun. Lieut. Ward R.N.V.R. made two Although successful under trips continual to Dunkirk fire beach from and shore was able
batteries to evacuate and 1008 dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel
officers
and
men.
or crew.
Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Licut. R.N.V.R.)
"DESPATCH II"
May 29th & 30th.
To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with
At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft or water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air
ships boats only until 04.00
compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ramsgate
19.00 30th.
May 31st. June 1st.
Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles with
to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment
Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked
ships boats only until midnight.
sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1.
Ships ship Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention
L.S. A.J.M. Upton SSX 13505
A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504
A.B. .B.Ketchley PJ109346
O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093
Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr.
This "PASCHOLL" ship was only B. taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain
having there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor
returned to his proper duties at Ramsgate. I proceeded to Ramsgate
arriving until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond at flying
his in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty
flag and embarked approximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 05.30 Tuesday
June 23.00 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions taken sailed at
Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having
H.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday June
6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th.
entered Poole Harbour.
Signed J.N.Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R.
"ZEUS" I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation
Dynamo 25th. in diary Joined form. at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 Dalla approx cast Yarmouth. off and
26th. proceeded May. to 5.10 anchor a.m. off ordered Portsmouth. to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship
May 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off
3.0 p.m. Ordered Portsmo to proceed th. Portsmouth. Recived fuel water and stores and ordered to proceed broken
6.0 p.m. Arrived deviation. Discharged Dutoh engineer. Note compass deviation
Spithead and steering to swing compass for damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable card
10.30 Proceed Dawn in arrived company off for Newhaven Newhaven. and anchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec gear stores
27th. rope etc. May Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship
9.0 28th. p.m. May approx. Dawn arrived Proceeded off Dover in company 9.30 approx for Dover. berthed for alongside "Ruja" Compass at so West bad Quay. as to
Enemy render air independance raid 1.0 p.m. of navigation approx. Proceed impossible in company 49 rest shead. Considerable fofolComt gunfire
etc. all night.
so
folonsidat
ores
ost to
el gunfire
Duto.

Details

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

Details

II.
62
(NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S. FRISO DURING
61
OPERATION DYNAMO)
Friday 31st May (contd) During the moráing one of the Beachmasters
came off to me and endeavoured to persuade me to beach the ship
so as to lead quicker, pointing out that two other smaller skoots
(HEBE & SURSOM CORDA) were doing so very successfully. As it was
now a falling tide with an onshore wind I refused. For this I
was later very glad as both other skoots shor tly afterwards
became stuck on the beach and were unable to get off. (HEBE came
off at the next high water. During the forenoon I hailed a large
motor driven pleasure boat, got him alongside me and transferred
250 men to him. By about 1230 I had onboard 648 men and space
was extremely cramped. I had delayed my departure hoping that a
destryyer or other fast craft would appear and take my load from
me so that I could fill up again. However as another skoot appeared
I slipped my anchor (the capstan being again defective) and sailed.
Just as I was about to leave Dunkirk Roads I was hailed by a Fleet
Minesweeper and ordered to tow a Drifter full of troops to Dover.
By 1330 the Drifter was in tow and we were proceeding at about
5 knots. At approximately 1400 a Heinkel appeared out of the low
cloud and at a height of 350 feet released a large bomb, probably
500 lbs, and as he passed over he opened fire with machine guns.
The bomb fell on my Port quarter between me and the Drifser.
Luckily the Bomb exploded below the surface and beyond violently
shaking both ships no xjer major damage was done. The force of
the explosion caused my compass to jump out of its gimbals.
Certain damage was dome to Auxiliary Machinery in the Engine Room.
After we had been proceeding for about half an hour we were shelled
by the Nieuport Battery. As the third salvo straddled us I decided
to risck the navigational dangers and cut across the snadbanks so
as to present the minimum target and to open the range as fast as
possible. Luckily the Enemy never found the range again. Thick
fog was encountered at about 1830.
On making the North Goodwin Light Vessel I discovered
that the Shaking up had caused a 30 dgree error in the compass.
During the oassage through the Downs the tow parted on several
occasions due to the wash of fast moving vessels.
At about 0100 on Saturday 1st June I was about 1
cable from the entrance to Dover Harbour when I was bombed again.
This time it was only a very small bomb, which although a very
near miss only wetted the troops on the port side aft. There
were no casualties from machine gun fire. At 0130 I secured
alongside Admiralty Pier Dover. At 0230 we shifted billet and
secured for the night for which I was very grateful as we had
been running continuously for over three days and I had had no
to the Engine and provisions and water were embarked. At 1700
sleep for 90 hours. On Saturday temporary repairs were effected
where as I could not anchor I secured in the Inner Harbour.
I proceeded to Ramsgate with HEBE in company arriving at 2000,
On Sunday and Monday 2nd & 3rd June respectively
permanent repairs were effected to the Engine and Capatan. were When
all skoots were brought to immediate notice in case they
required again it was decided that FRISO was not sufficiently
reliable and so was left in the Inner Harbour.
I cannot speak too highly of my crew who worked
without a break. The o nly men being onboard at the were
continuously, and on Friday were in the Boats for 7½ time hours
my First Lieutenant one seamen and the E.R.A. and myself.
I have the honour to be,
VICE ADMIRAL
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
*
*
DOVER
Gene Lymmus.
Lieutenant.
To the Vice Adminal
Royal Navy.
Dorn.

Details

APPENDIX
to
1st June
Page 7
Operation "DYNAMO" Narrative of Events.
DESTROYERS
PERSONNEL SHIPS
MINESWEEPERS
PADDLE MINESWEEPERS
SKOOTS
FRENCH DESTROYERS
VANQUISHER (I)
640
ST. HELIER
659
GOSSAMER
845
QUEEN OF THANET 850
DEMOK
114
FLORE
351
HAVANT
882
LADY OF MANN
870
NIGER
310
SANDOWN
800
ORANJE
100
BOUCLIER
300
WHITEHALL (I)
871
MAID OF ORLEANS 1856
FITZROY
67
ORIOLE
470
HEBE
365
SCIMITAR (I)
584
TYNWALD
2000
LYDD
252
PRINCESS ELIZABETH 510
AEGIR
130
WOLSEY
533
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
47
LEDA
650
MEDWAY QUEEN
700
ANTJE
150
MALCOLM
1200
KING GEORGE V
700
DUCHESS OF
WESTWARD HO
918
PACIFICO
414
WORCESTER (I)
661
BEN-MY-CHREE
2080
FIFE
535
WIPPINGHAM
2500
AMAZONE
111
WINDSOR
493
ST. HELIER
1250
HALCYON
243
QUEEN OF THANET 1500
HILDA
530
VIVACIOUS
427
ROUEN
800
SALAMANDER
479
WESTWARD Ho
900
RIKA
200
Total 58,4
VANQUISHER (II)
1200
COTE D'ARGENT 1000
SPEEDWELL
972
FRISO
648
HARVESTER
576
SALTASH
400
ICARUS
1114
QUEEN OF THE
ROSS
260
CODRINGTON
746
CHANNEL
52
DUNDALK
280
SABRE
451
HALCYON
508
SHIKARI
623
SALTASH
400
DRIFTERS
MISCELLANEOUS
453
HOSPITAL SHIPS
FOREIGN VESSELS
WINCHELSEA
1150
SUTTON
SCIMITAR (II)
376
KELLETT
40
Miscellaneous 1110
FOREMOST
200
ESK (I)
979
WESTWARD Ho
900
ST. ANDREW 130
INCENIEUR CACHIN
1
GOLDEN GIFT
123
VINCIA
108
PATRIE
WHITEHALL
(II)
34
157
GRIEVE (F.A.A.
GASTON RIVER
120
WORCESTER
(II)
900
OCEAN BREEZE
TRAWLERS
Trg. vessel)
374
MISCELLANEOUS (Cont.)
MONIQUE CAMILLE
302
JACKETA
564.
MOSQUITO (Gunboat) 610
REINE DE FLOTS
62
LORD INCHCAPE 240
LOCUST
"
620
LADY
ANDRE LOUIS
317
17.97
SATURN
307
NEPHRITE
500
SOUTHBORO
350
CHALUTIER
100
D. TRAWLER
100
ESKBURNE
27
RAPID
25
CHASSEUR MARIE
117
GRIEVE (Yacht)
411
MAYSPEAR
15
NORMANVILLE
500
647
UNNAMED M.B.
23
TENIAS
100
ONDERS ONS
95
II's CHANNEL
108
GALLEON
FRANSAH
500
KINGFISHER (A/S Exp.
REACH
123
Ship) (I)
180
HOPPER 24
580
KINGFISHER
-do-
(II)210
LLANTHONY
90
IOLANTHE
35
(ex serv.vessel)
10593
173171
THREE KINGS
59
GOLDEN EAGLE
KINGSGATE
910
(sp.serv.) 1250
CHRISTOBEL II
33
ROYAL EAGLE
10503
OLIVIA
103
(AA Ships)1250
ATHOLA
6
ROEBUCK (Coastal steamer)408
Lifeboat
35
MINWOOD
=
51
509
MONA'S ISLE
(A.B.V.)
1500
FL
TB
S
3
e
S
d
it

Details

Details

W 26776/9850 9/39 1,000 pads (2 patts) JC&SLtd Gp674/35
MESSAGE.
SECRET.
MESSAGE.
OUT
OUT
To C. in C. Portsmouth 843.
Nore 445
DATE
Repeated F.O.I.C. Portland. 474.
DATE
22.5.40.
F.O.I.C. Southampton.
V.A. Dover. 61.
P/T. BY T/P.
From Adviralty.
From Admiralty.
taken up
Goole
IMMEDIATE.
to ascerting
ation
From the following list of Dutch coasters lying in
1
Poole four empty and of about 200 - 300 tons are to be
As mouth's
sent immediately to New Docks, Southampton, where they
will be loaded with military supplies. These will be
when the
manned by naval crews after arrival at Southampton, and
Subject
will work under the War Office.
G
2.
As many of the remainder as are in light condition
will be taken over and manned by: naval crews and when
ready will be at the disposal of V.A., Dover.
the
Office.
3.
C. in C. Portsmouth, is requested to arrange for
the organisation and assembly of these vessels reporting
names of vessels as they become ready for service.
4.
Arrangements are being made for sets of charts
to be sent to Portsmouth Chart Depot
5.
Further signal will be made regarding provision
of naval personnel and disposal of Dutch crews on taking
over.
6.
It is a matter of great importance that these
vessels should be got ready for service as soon as possible.
26.8.40
7. DESPATCH - HORST
- JABA
BREM
SURSUM CORDA
- RUJA
BOCKELO
- ABEL TASMAN
- JAVA
HERENOBEL
Char KAAPFALGA
FRISO
VIRGO
- ALICE
DOURSWOLD
ALDO
FREDANJA
NOTTINGHAM
HEBE
1703/22.
27.viii.40
1st S.L.
for D.O.D. (H).
2nd S.L.
Controller.
Deputy Controller
D.P.S. (2).
Asst. Controller (Bath)
N.A. 2nd S.L.
4th S.L.
I.S.P.S.
Hydrographer.
V.C.N.S.
M. (15).
A.C.N.S.
Cdre. Stephenson Room 77 B.3.
A.C.N.S. (A).
Sub War Registry (Bath).
C.S.O. to 1st S.L.
I.P. (3).
Ops. (4).
O.D. (3).
S.V.P.
D.T.D. (3).
D.T.D. Basement
wo
VT

Details

23
SECRET.
MESSAGE
OUT 2239/8/June.
Addressed C. in C. Portsmouth, 447.
Date 8.6. J.
Repeated F.O.I.C. Portland, 616.
N.O.I.C. Poole.
052
Naval Cypher C.
From Admiralty.
The following Dutch Coasters now lying at Poole
are to be commissioned forthwith as tenders to VICTORY
and will be under the orders of C. in C. Portsmouth.
KAAT FALGA
WEGA ?
HEBE II
RUGA
JABA
ABEL TASMAN
ATLANTIC
DESPATCH II
ZEUS
PRISO
? FRISO
SAN ANTONIO
PACIFIC
2. Officers and crews are assembling at R.N. Barracks
Portsmouth.
3. The operation for which these ships are being
prepared is called CYCLE.
2239/8.
for D.O.D. (H)
1st Lord.
PERSONAL
1st S.L.
PERSONAL
V.C.N.S.
PERSONAL
A.C.N.S.
PERSONAL
A.C.N.S. (T)
PERSONAL
A.C.N.S. (H)
PERSONAL
C.S.O. to 1st S.L.
PERSONAL
Duty Cap to
PERSONAL
D.D.I.C.
PERSONAL
D. of P.
PERSONAL
D.P.S.
PERSONAL
D.N.I. (3)
PERSONAL
I.S.P.S.
PERSONAL
D.O.D. (H)
PERSONAL

Details

25
Wilitory Branch.
The Secretary to
Commender-in-Chief,
12th June,
to
Partenouth.
with reference to A.M. 1703/22.5.40 and your
1623/24.5.40 please confirm that the underwentioned vessels
commissioned on 25th May, 1940, and state dates of paying
off ae for as
DESPATCH II
PACIFIC
HORST
SAN ANTONIO
SURGIN CORDA
PASCHOL
ABEL TASMAN
AMAZONN
KAAPTALOA
ISUS
ALION
WIGA
? maga
FREDANJA
ATLANTIC
II
FABA
RUJA
JAVA
FRIGCO
FRISO
for Beed of M. Brench.
which for from has he,

Details

ИI
- 2 -
1555 40M 2/40 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
ADMIRALT")
7.
A/P Trawler STAUNTON, the loss of which was
REFERENCE SHEET.
announced on 29th July, 1940, is to be regarded as formall public
paid off as from 27th July, 1940.
(M.014856/40)
Head of Military Branch.
To
The Secretary to
8.
H.D.P.C. MIRAGE (S.S.B.A
487(16)) commissioned
The Commodore,
4th July, 1940.
R.N. Barracks,
(M.012037/40).
12th August
1940.
Portsmouth.
A fast motor launch, purchased with the steam
M.010027/40
Information required, or notified.
9.
danlaying yacht HELIOPOLIS (S.S.B.A. 533(8)) has been
the service number M. B. 4026 and also named BANKBLOCK,
CONFIDENTIAL.
12836/40)
It is requested that it may be stated whether
10.
Reference S.S.B.A. 517(17) the following informatic
there off dates of the undermentioned "Dynamo"? coasters,
is any further information available Dutch concerning
is promulgated concerning the commissioning and paying
commissioned the paying with Portsmouth crews for operation
of Dutch Coasters employed in evacuation operations.
NAME.
COMMISSIONED
PAID OFF
RUJA (Understood paid off at Poole but Naval known). Officer
DESPATCH II
in Charge, Poole states date is not
25th May, 1940.
2nd July,1940,
HORST
25th May, 1940.
Not yet report
SURSUM CORDA
25th May, 1940.
Not yet report
AMAZONE
ABEL TASMAN
25th May, 1940
Sunk by enemy
action. Paid
HORST
14th June,1941.
KAAPFALGA
(S.S.B.A.522)
SURSUM CORDA
ALICE
25th May, 1940.
3rd July, 1940,
PACIFIC (Arrived Poole 29th June).
25th May, 1940.
Beached and
abandoned at
R.N. Barracks, Portsmouth's manned No.5241/200 by D
FREDANJA
Panne, 29th
HEBE II
25th May, 1940.
3rd July, 1940.
Portsmouth of 19th July Commodore, crew 1940 ex-JAVA. states that May TINY it be had stated been when this crew
25th May, 1940.
Lost through
TINY?
action. Paid OFFICE
JABA
from 11th June
DEIVED
RUJA
25th May, 1940.
Paid off 5th
JAVA
25th May, 1940.
Not yet
W.Aushin
25th May, 1940.
FRISCO FRISO
6th June 541(6)
<S.
of Military Branch.
PACIFIC
25th May, 1940.
5th July, 1940.
SAN ANTONIO
25th May, 1940.
Not yet report
PASCHOLL
25th May, 1940.
3rd July, 1940.
Do
AMAZONE
25th May, 1940.
19th June, 1940.
ZEUS
25th May, 1940.
WIGA ? wesa
25th May, 1940.
Not yet report
II
25th May, 1940.
3rd July, 1940.
ATLANTIC
2nd July, 1940.
Joses
RION
RIAN
25th May, 1940.
27th May, 1940.
2nd July, 1940.
un
NORSTAD
Sune,1940
nderstood were taken up for trials with
PINGUIN
15th June, 1940.
VESTLARM,
GORECHT
15th June, 1940.
.M.S. VERNON.
9th June, 1940.
29th July' 1940,
when up
DOGGERS BANK
9th June,
B. 19407(17))
4th July, 1940.
TWENTE
B.
9th
($.8.8.517(17)))
29th July, 1940.
for Head of Military Branch.
Outch
Lost through
enemy action.
2018M
were paid HONDSRUG, off 2nd July, JUTLAND, 1940. and CARIBIA (s.s.B.A. off 12th 517(17)) June,
NOTE. The above losses have not announced.
(M.010027/40)
1940.
Circulation as for Specist Broret Branch Acquaint No. 539.

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
had all come under fire from the shore guns at Calais and Gravelines. At
0415 on the 28th May the Queen of the Channel, loaded with 904. troops, was
attacked by one aircraft; 3 or 4 bombs were dropped, which straddled the ship
abaft the mainmast and broke her back, the starboard propeller shaft and the
rudder. By good fortune the Dorrien Rose, en route for Dunkirk, was in the
vicinity and rescued the troops : the Queen of the Channel sank about 1/2 hour
later. The St. Seiriol, which left Dunkirk at about 0415 with 494 troops,
reached Folkestone in safety.
Civilian crews feel the strain
Some 45 personnel vessels were used during operation "Dynamo"
Of these eight were sunk, at least six were so damaged by bombing or gunfire
as to render them unfit for further use during the operation, and two were
damaged in collision. Nine of the largest of these personnel vessels had been
engaged prior to "Dynamo" in operations at Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne,
and their Captains and crews were beginning to feel the strain when Operation
"Dynamo" started.
Thus it was that the Master of the Canterbury, which had already completed
2 round trips to Dunkirk in operation "Dynamo", reported, on the 28th May,
that he was too worn out to make a third trip. The P.S.T.O. went on board
and explained the gravity of the situation to the Master, and the Canterbury
sailed at 0930 the next day. On her return voyage from Dunkirk she was
bombed and damaged, and after landing her 1960 troops went into dock for
repairs. In the 3 trips she made the Canterbury brought back 4,416 troops;
her Master, Captain C. A. Hancock, was awarded the D.S.C.
Personnel vessels not to be employed during full daylight
On the 28th May, however, it had become apparent that development of
the German air threat over the evacuation area, and the increasing artillery
fire from shore batteries covering the sea approaches to Dunkirk, prohibited
the employment of personnel and similar vessels during daylight, until the
position was restored, and that evacuation from Dunkirk by day must for the
moment be confined to warships and small vessels².
It was not, therefore, until later in the day, that the P/V Royal Daffodil
sailed for Dunkirk, and eight other personnel vessels and a hospital carrier³
received their sailing orders during the afternoon and evening.
The northern Route Y was by this time in general use⁴, but ships proceeding
from Dover to Dunkirk were ordered to use the southern and shorter Route Z,
if the passage from Calais Bell buoy to Dunkirk could be made in darkness.
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate responsible for servicing skoots
In these circumstances some 20 skoots reached Dunkirk, or arrived off the
beaches during the day and evening of the 28th May; others were on the way.
Their speed varied, but most of them were very slow. Eight of them went
into Dunkirk harbour⁵, and four to Bray beach⁶. The Abel Tasman, loaded
with ammunition, the Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with food, and three
I This number includes 3 store ships, 3 motor vessels and a few freighters, coasters and
tramps.
2 D.R. p. 4, para. 13.
3 The Scotia, Malines, Prague, Manxman, Royal Sovereign, Tynwald, Lochgarry, Killarney
and the H.C. Paris.
4 Appendix K.1.
5 The Caribia, Fredanja, Friso, Jutland, Tilly, Patria, Sursum-Corda, and Twente.
6 The Amazone, Doggersbank, Hilda, and Oranje.
29

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. V
Boy Roy and Paxton damaged and beached
At 1215 German fighters in strength were encountered by our fighter patrols;
during the rest of the day there was no further air fighting¹, but the mine-
sweeper Sandown was bombed off the Gull Light buoy at 1230, and Bray beach
was bombed at 1420². In an air raid off Dunkirk channel at about 1800, the
prifters Boy Roy and Paxton were damaged by near misses and had to be
beached; there were, however, no casualties.
Difficulty of synchronising arrival of ships with flow of troops
Meanwhile, at 0935, 2,000 troops were on Malo beach and 7,000 more were
on the sand dunes, waiting anxiously for ships to come³. An hour after mid-
day, 6,000 troops were reported to be on Bray beach, 7 miles east of Dunkirk
pier, and 4 minesweepers were sailed from the Downs to embark them. When
they arrived at 2130, however, conditions had changed, and three of them,
the Salamander, Fitzroy and Skipjack, went to La Panne ; the fourth, the
Sutton, went to the beach at Zuydcoote 4 miles east of Dunkirk4. Throughout
the whole operation it was never found possible to adjust the arrival of ships,
either at Dunkirk or opposite the beaches, to synchronise with the ebb and
flow of troop concentrations.
Shortage of drinking water.
At this time the troops were sorely in need of drinking water; joint naval⁵
and military measures were taken to provide it in tanks and cans, and ships
off the beaches were directed to do what they could from their own resources.
There was, however, inevitably some delay before all requirements could be
met, and as late as the 30th May no water or food had yet reached Malo beach⁶.
Brighton Belle sunk
Meanwhile, at 1230, the Brighton Belle, returning to Ramsgate with the 350
troops she had picked up from the beach at Zuydcoote, struck a submerged
wreck off the Gull Light buoy during an air attack and sank. All the crew
and troops were transferred to the Sandown, Medway Queen, and Yser. Pay-
master Sub.-Lieut. W. J. Butler, R.N.V.R., of the Sandown was killed and
2 ratings were wounded.
Shortage of boats
At 1420, when Bray beach was bombed, S.N.O., Dunkirk, ordered some of
the troops there to march to Dunkirk in spite of the congestion in the port.
By 1830, however, there were still several thousand troops at Bray and more
were arriving. At this time the Grafton reported that she was off Bray beach
I R.A.F. Narrative, P. 323.
2 Report by S.N.O. Dunkirk, (R.O. III p. 346).
3 Appendix N.2.
4 It is not always possible to record precisely the beaches off which ships were lying.
The 10-miles stretch of beach had arbitrarily been divided up into 3 sections, Malo, Bray
and La Panne. In the confusion of the times, and particularly in the darkness of the
night, it is not surprising that ships in company sometimes gave different names to the
particular section of beach off which they were lying.
5 The Maid of Orleans had landed 6,000 two-gallon cans of water at Dunkirk on the
26th May. The motor boat Glitter II went over with water for the beaches on the 29th
May and the lighter Seine took 5,000 cans of it ; the Friso and the Mona's Queen also
went over on the 29th with water, but the latter was mined and sunk before she could
unload it.
' Appendix P.1.
31

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX F
5. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Emperor proceed of India, direct Princess minefield Elizabeth [10th M.S.F.] (R)
troops. Emperor of India is to over to La Panne to embark C.M.S.
northward to be at your discretion depending place. clear to
Princess of Elizabeth Gravelines is to Point proceed where over enemy minefields batteries to may Dunkirk be in keeping well
troops. Return route on the state
APPENDIX F
SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF SKOOTS
22nd May
F.1. ADMIRALTY V.A. to Dover C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, (R) F.O.I.C. Portland, F.O.I.C. Southampton,
200-300 tons, are to be sent immediately These to Docks, Southampton, where
From the following list of Dutch coasters lying New in Poole, four empty and of about
will be loaded with military supplies. will be manned by naval crews after they
arrival at Southampton, and will work under the War Office.
manned by naval crews and ready will be at the disposal of V.A. Dover.
2. As many of the remainder when as are in light condition will be taken over and
of these vessels reporting names of vessels as they became ready for service.
3. C.-in-C. Portsmouth, is requested to arrange for the organisation and assembly
Chart Depot.
4. Arrangements are being made for sets of charts to be sent to Portsmouth
5. Further signal will be made regarding provision of naval personnel and dis-
posal of Dutch crews on taking over.
6. It is a matter of great importance that these vessels should be got ready for
service as soon as possible.
7. Despatch II
Horst
Brem'
Jaba
Sursum Corda
Bockelo'
Ruja
Abel Tasman
Hebenobel1
Java
Virgo
Kaapfalga
Friso
Alice
Aldo'
Dourswold
Nottingham1
Fredanja
Hebe II
1703/22
F.2. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. NORE (R) F.O.I.C. London, V.A. Dover
in Wharf ballast and of about 200-300 tons, are to be sent immediately to Victualling
1. From the following list of Dutch coasters lying in the Port of London, four
after Deptford to load military supplies. These will be manned by naval crews
arrival at Deptford, and will work under the War Office.
over manned by naval crews.
2. and As many of the remainder which [?as] are in light condition are to be taken
these 3. C.-in-C. Nore is requested to for the and assembly of
vessels which when ready will be arrange placed at the disposal organisation of V.A. Dover.
4. Names of ships to be reported as they became ready for service.
Sheerness. 5. Arrangements are being made for sets of charts to be sent to Chart Depot
personnel 6. Further for manning. signal will be made re dispoasl of Dutch crews and provision of
I Was not available.
164

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

Details

OPERATION DYNAMO
DUTCH. YESSELS.
VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
lamy
ABDE BEAUCLARK
Lifeboat
Mr.Bellamy (Dutch)
ABEL TASMAN
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy (Dutch)
AEGIR
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
ALICE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
AMAZONE
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
ANTJE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
BART
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
BORNRIFF
Dutch
Mr. .Bellamy
BRENDARIS
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
CARIBIA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
DELTA
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
DESPATCH II
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
DOGGER BANK
Dutch
Mr.Bellemy
EN
Very
twing
FERDANTA
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
FRISO
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
WI
GORECHT
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
H H H
ZEO
HEBE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
HONSDRUG
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
HORST
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
JAVA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
JUTLAND
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
KAAFALGIA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy

Details

Durch Vessds:
B
OPERATION DYNAMO
VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
ABDE BEAUCLARK
Lifeboat
Mr.Bellamy (Dutch)
ABEL TASMAN
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy (Dutch)
AEGIR
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
ALICE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
AMAZONE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
ANTJE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
BART
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
BORNRIFF
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
BRENDARIS
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
CARIBIA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
DELTA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
DESPATCH II
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
DOGGER BANK
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
FERDANTA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
FRISO
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
GORECHT
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
HEBE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
HONSDRUG
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
HORST
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
JAVA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
JUTLAND
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
KAAFALGIA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy

Details

Details

From:- Resident Naval Officer, Poole,
Dynam 241.
To:- F.O.I.C. Portland.
22
Copy to Staff Officer Operations, Portsmouth.
REPORTS RECEIVED FROM COMMANDING OFFICERS OF REQUISTIONED
DUTCH COASTERS, WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO"
"SAN ANTONIO"
B
people. On first trip 270 people were taken off Dunkirk Breakwater and on Second trip 330
On second trip a dive bombing attack was made on the vossel from ahead by a Junkers
89 plane and two bombs just missed astern. The first of these was a delay action
bomb. The ship experienced heavy bombardment by 5.9 inch shells whilst embarking
the second time.
A
"HEBE" ( Report as written by commanding Officer)
The Dútch Coastal vessel "Hebe" was takon over by a Naval Crew on Friday 24th. May 1940
H.M.S. Hebe was commissioned on Saturday 25th. May 1940, Commanding Officer, Lieut.
A. H. Rowlandson R.N., First Licut. Lieut R.N., and a crew of 1 P.O.
1 E.R.A. 2 Stokers 1 A.B. and 4. Ordinary Seaman.
The first O eration carried out was on Monday 27th. May when TO sailed in
Company with the rest of the group with orders to evacuate troops from the Beach be-
tween Dunkirk and Ia Panne or from Dunkirk.
Hebe arrived off Dunicirk at about 0030 and I approached the beach twice
but found no troops and no opposition. I turned West along the beach towards
Dunkirk, entered and went alongside the east fetty in shore, I loaded with troops
all that remained there, and returned to Dover on completion with about 150 on
board. No opposition was encountered.
The only casuality was & slight wound in the foot of the commanding
officer H.M.S. Hebe from a bullet accidentally fired by a British Soldier on
board.
The second operation began on Tednesday 29th. leaving Dover at 20.00. I
went to Dunkirk by the Calais route and although constantly searched by
searchlights no batteries opened fire on the Calais coast.
Off Dunkirk I came up to H.N.S. Sursun Corda lowering a boat near the
wreckage of a vessel apparently mined. One voice was heard and a mineaveeper
arrived and sent over a boat I continued my course.
I passed close to the entrance to Dunkirk, the jetties and piers were
deserted so I inued eastward and went ashore near & large body of British troops
I lowered the only boat and carly left and began embariting these troops. This proved
to be very slow so I approached the beach and bown to the shore enabled nen to
wade out and climb on board. About 300 were taken on board and ferried out to a
destroyer.
I repeated this operation and took operation and took over another 300
to 350 men to the minesweeper Fitaroy. The Captain let me have two large type life
G.1
saving nets to put over the bows which assisted embaticing troops after I returned
to shore.
No other large ships were lying off Dunkirk. H.M.S. Friso was embarizing
troops and H.M.S. Sursum Corda was aground close in shore. I attempted to tow her
Yoff but failed and was driven onto a small Bank close to her and remained aground
until 18.30
At 18.00 Geramn Artillery began sholling the sand dunes and beach, although
shapnel fell over us and wounded men aboard Sursum Corda We got afloat without
difficulty and oaded about 250 troops and went down towards La Panne to ass them
to a destroyer there.
I remaine a there resouing men from the water embarking men from boats
and pontoons the majority of these were passed to & destroyer and were suffering from
exposure.
At 23. I found no more men to embark and returned to Dover without
further incident with about 250 people on board.
The ship was without ater and fuel and I arrived at Dover at about 11.00
on Friday 31st. May. Wa er and provisions were embarked and I was sent to Remagate
In company with H.M.S. Fiso whose compass WILB useless owing to banbing attack.
On Sunday June 2nd. 1940 while under WAY to the fuellingJetty In
Ransgate Herbour I was ordered alongside the Pier to enbark 249 Corman prisoners
to take them to Dover.
The hold was filled and about a dosen wounded were left lying on dock. The
uard consiste of 36 frenc security Police and 6 cades of the O.T.C. under the
Command of a 2nd. Licut,

Details

Adminalty Pier
I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside
After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered
23
H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Doms at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940
cort
23
"RUJA"
B
H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirk from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the
Downs. The ship was towed back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported
to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order
to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the
evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship
broke down again and was successfully towed by H.H.S. Pascholl.
Signed H.R.Webber (Lieut R.N.)
"FRISO"
A
This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under
Sun. Lieut. G.V.Ward R.N.V.R. made two successful trips to Dunkirk beach and was able
to evacuate 1008 officers and men. Although under continual fire from shore
batteries and dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel
or crew.
Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.)
"DESPATCH II"
B.
May 29th & 30th.
To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with
ships boats only until 04.00
At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft or water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air
compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ransgate
19.00 30th.
May 31st. June 1st.
Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles
to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment with
ships boats only until midnight.
Ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked
ship sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1.
Ships Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention
L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505
A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504
A.B. H.B.Ketchley PJ109346
O.S. S.A.Greenwood P/JX 130093
Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr.
"PASCHOLL"
B.
This ship was only taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain
having returned to his proper duties at Ramagate. I proceeded to Ramagate
arriving there 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain at anchor
until further orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Hammond flying
his flag in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour Jetty at
23.00 and embarked ap roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at 00.30 Tuesday
June 4th, arriving Ramsgate approximately 08:30 On instructions sailed at 05.30
Wednesday 5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having taken
N.M.S.Ruja in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 Thursday
6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately 21.00.7th. June
entered Poole Harbour.
Signed J.N.Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R.
"ZEUS"
I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation
Dynamo in diary form.
25th. May Joined at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 p.m. approx cast off and
proceeded to anchor off Portsmouth. 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Yarmouth.
26th. May, 5.10 a.m. ordered to remain at anchor until further orders. Hands cleaning ship
3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth.
6.0 Arrived Portsmo th. Recive fuel water and stores and ordered to proceed broken
Spithead p.m. to swing for deviation. Dischar ed Dutch engineer. Note compass
and steering compass damaged. Results of swinging give very unreliable deviation card
10.30 27th. May Proceed Dawn in arrived company off for Newhaven Newhaven. and anchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec gear stores
rope etc. Hands employed rope etc. Hands employed cleaning ship
9.0 p.m. approx. Dawn arrived off Dover 9.30 approx berthed alongside "Ruja" at so West bad Quay, as
Proceeded in company for Dover.
Enemy render air independance p.m. of navigation impossible we follow rest ahead. gunfire
28th. May raid 1.0 approx. Proceed in company for Dunking. Compass Considerable to
etc. all night.

Details

I arrived at Dover at 16.00 and disembarked the prisoners alongside
Adminalty Pier
23
After obtaining fuel I remained at Dover until ordered
to
escort
H.M.S.Kaap Falga to Poole, leaving Downs at 09.20 on Tuesday 4th. June 1940
23
"RUJA"
B
H.M.S. RUJA sailed for Dunkirl from Dover and on first attempt broke down in the
Downs. The ship was towel back to Dover and repaired by Sandhurst and then I reported
to N.O.I.C. Ramsgate and sailed for Dunkirk and remained there for 24 hours in order
to collect about 300 soldiers off the Beach East of Dunkirk and later on in the
evening off the barracades east of La. Panne. On the way back to Poole the ship
broke down again and was successfully towed by H.M.S. Pascholl.
Signed Webber (Lieut R.N.)
"FRISO"
A
This vessel under the command of Licut. G.O. Symonds R.N. and subsequently under
Sun. Lieut. R.N.V.R. made two Although successful under trips continual to Dunkirk fire beach from and shore was able
batteries to evacuate and 1008 dive bombers the operation was carried out without mishap to vessel
officers
and
men.
or crew.
Signed. G.V.Ward (Sub. Licut. R.N.V.R.)
"DESPATCH II"
May 29th & 30th.
To West of La Pain. Arrived La Pain 20.00 29th. and embarked 267 French with
At 04.00/30 discovered 2 ft oz water in E.R. no air bottles and belt to air
ships boats only until 04.00
compressor broken. Managed to get under way 10.00/30th and returned to Ramsgate
19.00 30th.
May Arrived Dunkirk 18.00/51 Air compressor not working and insufficient air in bottles with
31st. June 1st.
to restart motors if they stopped. Embarked 160 mostly Middlesex Regiment
Ships ships company were then exhausted with boat work and all Middlesex Regiment embarked
boats only until midnight.
Ships ship Company acted very well. Besides my Lst. Lieut. Lt. Miller I wish to mention
sailed for Ramsgate arriving 07.30/1.
L.S. A.J.M. Upton P/SSX 13505
A.B. W. H. Dibben P/JX 148504
A.B. .B.Ketchley PJ109346
O.S. Greenwood P/JX 130093
Signed J.E. Whitwell, Lt. Comdr.
This "PASCHOLL" ship was only B. taken over by me on Sunday June 2nd., the previous Captain
having 23.00 Instructions received ashore at 23.30 were to remain Hammond at anchor
returned to his proper duties at Ramsgate. I proceeded to Ramsgate
arriving further there orders. At 15.00 Monday 3rd. June we sailed with Commander Jetty at flying
his flag embarked roximately 300 troops and after some delay left at at 05.30 Tuesday
until in the ship in Command of 5 skoots. We arrived Dunkirk Harbour 00.30
June 23.00 4th, and arriving Ramsgate approximately 08-30 On instructions taken sailed
Wednesday in tow at approximately 10.00 Sailed from Newhaven at 18.00 21.00.7th. Thursday June
5th. June for Poole. arrived Newhaven at 21.00 having
H.M.S.Ruja 6th. June Ruja still in tow arriving Studland Bay approximately
entered Poole Harbour.
Signed Wise Lieut. R.N.V.R.
"ZEUS" I have the honour to Report the following of my vessels activity in operation
Dynamo in diary Joined form. at Poole. P.M. Vessel wiped 5.0 Palla approx cast Yarmouth. off and
25th. May 9.0 p.m. ordered to anchor off Hands
26th. proceeded May. to 5.10 anchor a.m. off ordered Portsmouth. to remain at anchor until further orders. cleaning shij
3.0 p.m. Ordered to proceed Portsmouth. Recived fuel water and stores and ordered to broken proceed
6.0 p.m. Arrived Portsmo for deviation. th. Discharged Dutch engineer. unreliable Note compass deviation
Spithead and steering to swing compass damaged. Results of swinging give very card
10.30 Proceed in company for Newhaven. and enchored. Note. Ship very and short overhauling of dec. gear stores
27th. rope etc. May Hands Dawn arrived employed off rope Newhaven etc. Mands employed Dover. cleaning ship
9.0 Enemy 28th. p.m. May air approx. Dawn raid arrived 1.0 Proceeded p.m. off navigation approx. Dover in company Proceed 9.30 impossible approx for in company WG berthed follow for alongside rest unicint. "Ruja" Compass Considerable at so West bad Quay. as gunfire to
render
independance
of
etc. all night.
msianole

Details

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

Details

II.
62
(NARRATIVE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER H.M.S. FRISO DURING
61
OPERATION DYNAMO)
Friday 31st May (contd) During the moráing one of the Beachmasters
came off to me and endeavoured to persuade me to beach the ship
so as to lead quicker, pointing out that two other smaller skoots
(HEBE & SURSOM CORDA) were doing so very successfully. As it was
now a falling tide with an onshore wind I refused. For this I
was later very glad as both other skoots shor tly afterwards
became stuck on the beach and were unable to get off. (HEBE came
off at the next high water. During the forenoon I hailed a large
motor driven pleasure boat, got him alongside me and transferred
250 men to him. By about 1230 I had onboard 648 men and space
was extremely cramped. I had delayed my departure hoping that a
destryyer or other fast craft would appear and take my load from
me so that I could fill up again. However as another skoot appeared
I slipped my anchor (the capstan being again defective) and sailed.
Just as I was about to leave Dunkirk Roads I was hailed by a Fleet
Minesweeper and ordered to tow a Drifter full of troops to Dover.
By 1330 the Drifter was in tow and we were proceeding at about
5 knots. At approximately 1400 a Heinkel appeared out of the low
cloud and at a height of 350 feet released a large bomb, probably
500 lbs, and as he passed over he opened fire with machine guns.
The bomb fell on my Port quarter between me and the Drifser.
Luckily the Bomb exploded below the surface and beyond violently
shaking both ships no xjer major damage was done. The force of
the explosion caused my compass to jump out of its gimbals.
Certain damage was dome to Auxiliary Machinery in the Engine Room.
After we had been proceeding for about half an hour we were shelled
by the Nieuport Battery. As the third salvo straddled us I decided
to risck the navigational dangers and cut across the snadbanks so
as to present the minimum target and to open the range as fast as
possible. Luckily the Enemy never found the range again. Thick
fog was encountered at about 1830.
On making the North Goodwin Light Vessel I discovered
that the Shaking up had caused a 30 dgree error in the compass.
During the oassage through the Downs the tow parted on several
occasions due to the wash of fast moving vessels.
At about 0100 on Saturday 1st June I was about 1
cable from the entrance to Dover Harbour when I was bombed again.
This time it was only a very small bomb, which although a very
near miss only wetted the troops on the port side aft. There
were no casualties from machine gun fire. At 0130 I secured
alongside Admiralty Pier Dover. At 0230 we shifted billet and
secured for the night for which I was very grateful as we had
been running continuously for over three days and I had had no
to the Engine and provisions and water were embarked. At
sleep for 90 hours. On Saturday temporary repairs were effected 1700
I proceeded to Ramsgate with HEBE in company arriving Harbour. at 2000,
where as I could not anchor I secured in the Inner
On Sunday and Monday 2nd & 3rd June respectively
permanent repairs were effected to the Engine and Capatan. were When
all skoots were brought to immediate notice in case they
required again it was decided that FRISO was not sufficiently
reliable and so was left in the Inner Harbour.
I cannot speak too highly of my crew who worked
without break. The 0 nly men being onboard at the were
continuously, and on Friday were in the Boats for 7½ time hours
my First a Lieutenant one seamen and the E.R.A. and myself.
I have the honour to be,
VICE ADMIRAL
Sir,
0JUN1940
Your obedient servant,
*
*
DOVER
B
Gene Lymmus.
Lieutenant.
To the Vice Adminal
Royal Navy.
Dorn.