Details

ARLEY
Oropesa Trawler
Skr. Lt. G.W. Robinson,
R.D., R.N.R.
27th May
Ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
Shelled off Calais. Returned to
Dover.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5 other
Oropesa trawlers of the Dover n/s
Command under the command of the tr.
Fyldea (q.v.)
1430
Arrived off the entrance of Dunkirk
harbour.
Entered in company with tr. Fyldea
and towed the P/V Lochgarry away from
In
the quayside. The Arley moored
alongside the east pier, astern of
the tr. Fyldea; the trs. John
Cattling and Calvi then berthed out-
side the Arley - Calvi being the
outside ship (see Fyldea).
1530ca
Air attack. Bombs dropped either side
of the east pier.
1630ca
Several air attacks followed at short
intervals. During one of these tr.
Polly Johnson, was damaged.
1830ca
The dr. Grenade was hit and also the
Calvi. Both ships soon commenced
settling down. The John Cattling was
now fouled by the Calvi settling
alongside her. Arley therefore towed
her astern, clear of the Calvi.
Arley then went alongside the pier
again and embarked troops.
1815ca
Arley proceeded out of harbour.
-
Closed the tr. Polly Johnson which was
leaking badly. Between Nieuport and
Middelkerke buoys, transferred
Polly Johnson's crew and troops to
Arley; fired 2 rounds of common
shell at Polly Johnson's waterline and
proceeded for Dover.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 90 troops.
30th May
-
Dover. Disembarked 45 troops. (1)
Total 135
Authority - R.C.II, p.523.
(1) D.R. Commander M/S does not mention this trip.
69

Details

BRITANNIA
M/B
S/Lt. S.D.Ward, R.N.V.R.
31st May
1030
Proceeded from submarine Basin at
Dover and made fast to the tr.
Fyldea at a buoy.
1335
Left in tow of the Fyldea (see also
Skylark 6).
1st June
1150
Arrived off Dunkirk. Cast off.
Proceeded to the beach 1 mile to east.
1300
Ferried about 200 troops to the Fyldea
and other vessels.
1815
Returned to the Fyldea, now aground.
1845
Fyldea refloated. Proceeded 1n tow
towards Dover.
2nd June
0255
Arrived Dover.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.218.

Details

M/B
BRITANNIA
S/Lt. S.D.Ward, R.N.V.R.
1030
Proceeded from submarine Basin at
31st May
Dover and made fast to the tr.
Fyldea at a buoy.
1335
Left in tow of the Fyldea (see also
Skylark 6).
1150
Arrived off Dunkirk. Cast off.
1st June
Proceeded to the beach 1 mile to east.
1300
Ferried about 200 troops to the Fyldea
and other vessels.
1815
Returned to the Fyldea, now aground.
1845
Fyldea refloated. Proceeded in tow
towards Dover.
0255
Arrived Dover.
2nd June
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.218.
130

Details

BROCK
Oropesa trawler
s/Lt. K.H.G. Roberts,
Skipper
R.N.V.R.
Jappy.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5 other
Oropesa trawlers of the Dover M/S
command, the S.O. being in the tr.
Fyldea.
1330
off Dunkirk harbour.
1420
Entered harbour.
1530-
See under Fyldea.
1800
1800ca
Proceeded to Dover.
1930ca
Engines defective; transferred
passengers and troops to Fyldea.
30th May
-
Dover. Disembarked 6 troops.
31st May
1410
To Dunkirk by Y route with 4 M/B's in
tow, Fyldea in company.
1st June
0810
At "R" buoy A/C to X route. Abandoned
1 M/B, which had become waterlogged.
tape
1020
Air attack in vicinity of W buoy,
+
1230
Off Dunkirk beach. Sent the 3 M/B's in
shore.
1240
Air attack.
Ship "suspected" of making water.
1340
1420
Proceeded. Fired on by shore battery close east of
Gravelines.
1940
Arrived Dover.
Total 6
Authority - R.O.II, p.525.
132

Details

CALVI
Oropesa trawler
?
Unit Officer.
Skipper B.D. Spindler, R.N.R.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5
Oropesa trawlers of Dover M/S
command, Lieut. R. Bill, R.N. in
tr. Fyldea, Senior Officer.
1330
Off Dunk1rk harbour.
1420
Entered harbour and berthed outside the
tr. John Cattling which was alongside
the tr. Arley. The Arley was
secured alongside Dunkirk east pier.
1530-
See under Fyldea.
1800
1800
The Calvi was hit by a heavy bomb and
sank immediately.
The Unit Officer and the Skipper were
both seriously wounded.
See also John Cattling.
to
Nil
Capt. Haneock informed the navel
Authority - M. 017681/40.
felt too VOTA
R.O.II, p.517.
to the
May the had
at Boulogne and
Calais].
Lt. Cdr. R.W. R.N.R.
Chief was
sick, and and
to
Left the oren. for
guard on board.
Accived
shelled on 1950
2
and ship
to
and
155

Details

CRESTED EAGLE
Sp. Serv. Vessel
Tempy. Lt. Cdr. B.R. Booth,
R.N.R.
29th May
1030
Left the Downs for Dunkirk, via route
1430
Y, the Sp. S/V Royal Eagle in company.
Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk
jetty, outer berth but one, which was
occupied by the P/V Fenella.
The dr. Grenade and several trawlers
[see Fyldea were on the opposite side
1500ca
Air attack. Some trawlers damaged.
[The Calvi was sunk]
1530
Continuous air attacks. Grenade hit.
onward:
Trawlers damaged. Survivors from
Grenade boarded the Crested Eagle.
1700
A bomb struck the promenade deck of
the Fenella. The Crested Eagle
commenced embarking Fenella's troops.
1800
The Crested Eagle swung clear of the
jetty, and steered an easterly
course. The Crested Eagle was hit by
4 bombs, but continued on her course.
Ship on fire. Ship's head turned
to the beach, [west of Bray], where
she brought up sometime later.
About 600 men were on board.
In less than 1/2 hour this wooden ship
was blazing fore and aft.
About 200 men could be seen in the
water. They were heavily machine
gunned. The M/S Albury picked up some
survivors.
Nil.
Authority - R.O.II, 297.
The following awards were made;
D.S.M.
A.B. G. Frend.
Mention in Despatches
Lt. Cdr.
B.R. Booth, R.N.R.
Eng. Lieut.
E. Jones, T. 124.
Ch. Stwd.
J.F. Gooch, T.124.
A.B.
F.J. Slack, R.F.R.
A.B.
G. Tilbury, R.F.R.
o.s.
F.A.V. Pattrick.
216

Details

Details

FYLDEA
Oropesa trawler (Dover
M/S Command)
Lieut. R. Bill, R.N.
Asst. to Cdr. M/S Dover.
Lieut. J.K.N. Warde,
R.N.V.R., Unit Officer.
Skipper G. Whamond.
27th May
-
Mine-sinking duties, under orders of
the M/S Skipjack.
29th May
0430
Sailed from Ramsgate, in company the 5
Oropesa trs. Arley, Brock, Calvi,
John Cattling and Polly Johnson.
1330
Off Dunkirk harbour, Fyldea and Arley
were ordered inside to pull the P/V
Lochgarry away from the Western (1.e.
inner) side of the East pier.
1420
The other 4 trawlers entered the harbour
and all six of them (triple-banked)
occupied the Lochgarry's berth.
Ahead of the six trawlers was the dr.
Grenade, and outside the Grenade was
the dr. Jaguar. Astern of the
use
then
trawlers was the P/V Canterbury, and
astern of the Canterbury a French
destroyer.
On the eastern (or outer) side of the
east pier was the P/V Fenella, and
at about 1430, the Sp. S/V Crested
Eagle berthed astern of her.
Two French destroyers were on the
opposite side of the harbour.
1530
First air attack, by 6 or 7 bombers;
20/30 bombs dropped, mostly wide.
Polly Johnson damaged by a near miss.
One bomber shot down by fighters.
The six trawlers commenced embarking
troops.
1550ca
The Jaguar, full of trcops, left
harbour to escort the Lochgarry.
1630
Second air attack; 20/30 bombs dropped.
The Jaguar, off the harbour entrance
severely damaged by a near miss.
Raiders driven off by fighters.
The P/V Canterbury left harbour, and
a destroyer [the Verity] took her
Third berth. air attack, by waves of bombers;
1800
about 100 bombs dropped. The
Grenade and the Calvi hit; the
latter sank immediately, the former
shortly after. The east pier was hit
abreast of the Fenella, which was
so damaged that, after transferring
her troops to the Crested Eagle, she
had to be abandoned. [The Crested
Eagle swung clear and proceeded;
but she was hit almost at once,
caught fire and (she was a wooden
Verity slipped and turned ship in
ship) had to be beached. The
the channel. At this stage there
was the troops who began climbing of
an inclination to panic among out
one [cdr. J.C. Clouston,
ship into another. The R.N.] Piermast-
instructed er Lieut. Bill to draw his
revolver, and order was restored.
349

Details

FYLDEA (continued)
29 th May
1805
(contd.)
The Verity cleared the entrance and
1815ca
proceeded to Bray.
The wreck of the Grenade was now
drifting down on to the five trawlers;
the John Cattling was ordered to
attempt to pull her clear. [This
trawler remained in the harbour until
dark to assist the Piermaster].
The Polly Johnson and the Brock
picked up troops and survivors and
proceeded out of harbour; the Arley
was clear, and Lieut. Bill just
managed to jump aboard the Fyldea
as she was leaving the pier. These
4 trawlers then proceeded to the
beaches, where, however, there were
found to be adequate ships for the
troops available.
-
Near Nieuport Bank buoy, the Arley,
which had been standing by the
Polly Johnson, which was leaking
badly and whose engines were damaged
embarked her crew and troops and sank
her by gunfire.
1900ca
With Brock in company, the Fyldea
proceeded to the Jaguar, off Nieuport
Bank buoy; a destroyer the Express
was alongside her taking off her
troops. The Fyldea was ordered to
escort the Jaguar, which had no boats.
The Brock was ordered to proceed
independently.
1930ca
Fourth air attack; four dive bombers
attacked the Jaguar. A fifth bomber
attacked the Fyldea and dropped 6
bombs. The Fyldea took evasive
action; no damage. Jaguar was now
able to increase speed and was soon
out of sight.
-
Between T and S buoys, Fyldea overtook
Brock, who could only steam at half
speed. Fyldea embarked Brock's
survivors and troops, 3 of whom were
seriously wounded.
30th May
0300
Fyldea arrived at Dover. Disembarked
41 troops. (1) Lieut. Bill disem-
barked. The report of the Fyldea's
second trip is compiled from the
reports of the tr. Brock and the M/B'E
Britannia and Skylark'6].
31st May
1030
The M/B Britannia made fast to the
The Fyldea left Dover towing the M/B's
Fyldea at a buoy.
1355(2)
Britannia and Skylark 6, in company
the tr. Brock, towing 4 M/B's, all
bound for Dunkirk by Y route.
A8 Middel Kerke Bank buoy could not
be located, decided to return to R
buoy and proceed by X route.
logged and was abandoned].
[one of Brock's M/B's became water-
(1) D.R. This appears to be an underestimate.
(2) The Brock says it was 350 1410.

Details

3
FYLDEA (continued)
1st June
0810
Altered course at R buoy and followed
route X.
1340 1200ca(1) Arrived off Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
Brock, "suspected" of making water, was
given permission to return to Dover.
She proceeded.
About 70 B.E.F. brought to the Fyldea
by the Skylark 6. The Britannia
also ferried troops to her.
1815
Fyldea aground. Skylark 6 failed to
tow her off.
E
-
At about this time the Skylark 6's
engines broke down. She was abandoned
after transferring her crew to the
dr. Worcester.
1845
Assisted by the Britannia, Fyldea
refloated, and proceeded to Dover
with Britannia in tow.
2nd June
0255
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 139
troops. (2)
Total 180
Authority - R.O.I. p. 153.
R.O.II. pp. 218, 226, 497, 517, 523, 525.
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Lieut. R. Bill, R.N.
(1) The Brock says 1230; the Britannia 1155.
(2) D.R.
351

Details

GRENADE
28th May
(H.86) 0500 Destroyer A (Nore Command) Cdr. R.C. Boyle, R.N.
and patrol, established Kwinte between Bank light the N. Goodwin L.V.
Javelin, by buoy, was
0700ca
Survivors and of the S.S. Aboukir(
of a F.A.A. Gladiator 1)
detached transferred to the Grenade, were which
Presumably, the Grenade landed these
from the destroyer flotilla. was
survivors and then proceeded to
1730
The Grenade sailed from Dunkirk with
Dunkirk, where she embarked troops.
over 900 troops on board.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,000
troops. (2)
29th May(3)
0830
Proceeded to Dunkirk by route I, the
drs. Gallant and Jaguar in company.
1155
Dive bomber attack off Snouw bank.
The Gallant was damaged and retired.
1250
The Grenade berthed alongside the
west side of the east pier; the
Jaguar berthed outside her. Grenade
did not embark troops, because S.N.O.
Dunkirk stated that he wanted a
destroyer to remain alongside.
1400
The P/V Lochgarry, which was berthed
ahead of the Grenade, cast off
(assisted by the trs. Fyldea and
Arley) and left the harbour.
1420ca
The Fyldea, and the 5 trawlers Arley,
Polly Johnson (the last 4 having just
Brock, Calvi, John Cattling and
entered the harbour), then occupied
the berth vacated by the Lochgarry.
The Fyldea and Arley secured along- 4
side the pier; the remaining
trawlers secured alongside them,
Air three abreast. commenced. Grenade pier could
1530ca
attacks fire because the the
not on her side.
was on
Jaguar was ordered to provide She
The Jaguar for the Lochgarry. Lochgarry
A/A cover off and closed the harbour
which cast was then off the
Two a the two near also in trawlers S/V were
There damaged;
Crested casualties [See Fyldea] Eagle the and eastern which in was the side Sp. berthed of the
Air alongaide east attack. pier. The Jaguar, off the
1630ca
(1) The Abukir was 220 survivors including were
killed crew, troops fire.
the
(2) (3)
D.R. D.R. records in the a 29th May. This is of evidently an from error.
Lad
Grenade on

Details

2
GRENADE (contd.)
1630ca
29th (contd. May
(contd.)
harbour entrance, was
Fenella, east which was berthed on P/V
damaged by & near miss. severely The
and had to be abandoned; her
side of the east pier was the hit
troops were transferred to the
Crested Eagle.
1700ca
The dr. Verity berthed ahead of the
six trawlers, in a berth which
had just been vacated by the P/V
Canterbury.
1750ca
Attack by dive bombers. A near miss
blew a hole in Grenade's side.
The tr. Calvi, ahead of the
Grenade, was hit and sank.
The Grenade then received two hits
which put the engines out of action
and started a fire.
1800ca
The Verity left the harbour.
The Grenade, now on fire in the
boiler room, the upper mess deck
and the canteen flat, swung round
enabling many of her officers and
men to step on board the tr.
The Grenade was ordered to abandon ship
Polly Johnson.
1815ca
some of her survivors were picked
up board the tr. Fyldea.
by the tr. Brock, others
Boyle The jumped Grenade stepped on was into the now the awash, last water of and the and Cdr. was
Cdr. master,
-
Belgian Cdr. clear hauled and trawlers [the Boyle arranged J.C. John of on then tug the Cattling in Clouston board to fairway. with landed push the the R.N., on the Pier the Crested He the Grenade for harbour then pier, a was
they set to be
board very shortly on fire after (she
hit wooden and had
beached.].
Total 1,000.
Authority - R.O.I. p.68.
R.O.II, p.518.
R.O.VI, p.182.
Date
Lad

Details

JOHN CATTLING
Oropesa trawler
(Dover M/S Command)
Ty. Lt. G. St.C. Rideal,
R.N.V.R.
Ty. Skipr. G.W. Aldan,
R.N.R.
29th May
0430
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk in company
with 5 other Oropesa trawlers of the
Dover M/S Command under the command
of Lieut. R. Bill, R.N. in the tr.
Fyldea (q.v.)
1330
Arrived off Dunkirk harbour.
1420
Entered the harbour and secured along-
side the tr. Arley which was berthed
at the east pier. The tr. Calvi
secured outside the John Cattling.
1530-
See Fyldea for proceedings for this
1800
period.
1800
The Calvi was bombed and sank
immediately.
Lieut. Robinson of the Arley says:
"Owing to the serious position of
John Cattling being fouled by Calvi
sinking alongside her, I kept John
Cattling moored to the Arley, whilst
I towed her astern clear of the Calvi"
The dr. Grenade had also been bombed
and was sinking.
Lieut. Bill says:
1815ca
"As the wreck of the Grenade was
drifting down on the trawlers, I
instructed John Cattling to attempt
to pull her clear and to follow the
other ships out".
-
Thereafter, however, the John Cattling
remained in the harbour to assist
the Piermaster [car. J.C. Clouston,
R.N.] After dark she proceeded to
Dover.
30th May
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 77 troops.
Total 77
Authority R.O.II, pp.519, 523.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Ty. Lieut. G. St. C. Rideal, R.N.V.R.
Ty. Skipr. G.W. Aldan, R.N.R.
D.S.M.
Sea. W. Mills.
2nd Hand. C.B. Adams.
Mention in Despatches
P.O. Tel. S.M.W. Pepper.
Engineman W.W. Jefferies.
96

Details

LOCHGARRY P/V (David MacBrayne Ltd). Capt. E. Mackinnon,
Master.
28th May
2056
Left Dover.
2345
North Goodwin L.V. Anchored because
of haze.
29th May
0250ca
0300
Was passed by the Clan Macalister.
Proceeded.
0648
West Hinder Buoy. Among other ships
that overtook Lochgarry was the P/V
King George V.
0845
Nieuport Buoy.
1125
Dunk1rk harbour. Berthed and embarked
"about 2,500 troops". Air attack.
1400
Cast off. One of the two trawlers (3)
which were assisting to manoeuvre the
ship, cut Lochgarry's D.G., causing
a fire. It was extinguished.
-
Outside the harbour, waited for her
escorting destroyer, Jaguar. (1)
1545ca
Jaguar seriously damaged by near miss.
Lochgarry slightly damaged, proceeded
without escort. Passed the Clan
Macalister, stopped and on fire.
-
Near Kwinte buoy saw the Gracie Fields
hit by a bomb.
1803
West Hinder buoy.
0110
Dover. Disembarked 1,001 troops. (2).
31st May
Under repair.
Total 1001.
Authority - TM. 6213/40.
R.O.II. p. 517.
R.O. III. 140.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. E. Mackinnon, Master.
A
(1) Capt. Mackinnon this was the destroyer "F. 34, the
says but F.34 was the Jaguar's pendant, and it
Greyhound" was the Jaguar - which was to have acted as escort. (see
(2) D.R. Jaguar) It 1s probable that this was an Fyldea. under estimate.
(3) The Arley. The other trawler was the
178

Details

MISTRAL
French Torpedo
boat (6th
Capitaine de corvette
Division, 2nd
Lavene.
Flotilla)
Lieutenant de vaisseau
Guillanton.
29th May
1010
The 6th Division (the Cyclone, Siroco,
1330
and Mistral) sailed from Dover.
Fired on by shore batteries from
1530
Ostend, about 10,000 yards distant.
The Mistral secured alongside the west
pier, Dunkirk.
1535
The Siroco, assisted by 2 tugs,
secured alongside the Mistral's
port side.
The Cyclone went alongside the east
pier, but shifted, by order, to the
Quai Felix Faure.
1540
Attack by 12 bombers.
1555
One bomb struck the edge of the quay
and exploded. The Mistral had 3
killed, 4 seriously wounded,
including the Captain, and 3 slightly
wounded. The second officer,
Lieutenant de vaisseau Guillanton,
took command.
1700
Attack by 15 dive bombers on a group
of British ships secured alongside
the north end of the east pier. The
group included 2 destroyers [1.e.
Grenade and the Jaguar], 3 trawlers
[actually there were six, viz: the
Fyldea, Arley, Brock, Calvi, John
Cattling and Polly Johnson and a
personnel vessel the Fenella].
All the British ships were hit except
a destroyer [the Jaguar] which got
under way at the beginning of the
attack [she was severely damaged by
a near miss off the harbour entrance].
During the course of this attack
there were no allied aircraft present.
An enemy plane was shot down on to
the beach to the west of the channel.
1705
French soldiers commenced to embark.
The Captain of the Siroco decided to
embark to full capacity. The Mistral
was to take what she could.
1715
Air attack, directed against the
troops embarking.
1730
The Siroco sailed.
The number of troops for embarkation
fell away rapidly. At this time
the Mistral was the only target
afloat in the harbour [the tr.
John Cattling was still there] a
British destroyer [the Grenade
was on fire and sinking by the bows;
two trawlers were abandoned and
sinking [only one, the Calvi and
the personnel ship Fenella hit,
had taken a list.
No French troops were in view and the
bombardment continued.
While getting under way, the Mistral
-
attempted to hoist in her motor boat;
The
she nearly capsized however, Bo the
4 troops in her were embarked and she
was abandoned.
285

Details

Oropesa trawler
POLLY JOHNSON
Skipr. Lieut. L. Lake, R.D.
R.N.R.
0430
Left Ramsgate in company with 5
29th May
Oropesa trawlers of the Dover M/S
command, under Lieut. Bill, R.N. in
the tr. Fyldea (q.v.)
2150
1330ca
Off Dunkirk harbour.
1420ca
Entered the harbour and berthed along-
side the tr. Brock which lay along-
side the Fyldea; the Fyldea was
secured alongside the east pier.
1600
Air attack. Damaged by a near miss.
Six casualties.
1815ca
Polly Johnson got clear of the harbour
vone
with survivors of the dr. Grenade
2nd
and troops on board.
1830ca
Ship making water fast. Water over the
stokehold floors. Signalled tr.
Arley to keep close to Polly Johnson.
Ordered to transfer troopa and crew
to the Arley. The Arley fired 2
rounds at the Polly Johnson. When
last seen Polly Johnson was afloat,
midway between Middel Kerke Bank and
Nieuport Bank buoys.
Nil
Arrived
Total 618
Authority - R.O.IV, R.O.II, p.517. p.166. Portsdown she
you or)
- 20.11, 8.207=
P.O.TII. P.66.
following made:
Kention 1n Despatches
R.H. Ghurch, R.N.K.
CL. E. white.
sta. F.O.
is Rumel,
4/818
P.A. Kent.
Ord, See.
A.T. Burton.
3
(1) First in D.I.
Duan M or Wilson Insurance Lid
minesveeper. shown degaussed, This
WES

Details

SIROCO
French Torpedo boat
(6th Division, 2nd
Capitaine de
Flotilla)
de Toulouse-Lautrec-liontfal
[The made following by the account is partly based on
trawler Fyldea]. T/B's Mistral and Cyclone, and reports the British
29th May
1010
Left Dover for Dunkirk, in company with
1535
the T/B's Cyclone and Mistral.
Secured alongside the Mistral in Dunkirk
1540
Air attack. The Mistral damaged by a
harbour, at the west pier. may.
near miss.
1700
Air attack. The dr. Grenade and the
1705
tr. Calvi at the east pier were sunk.
1730
Embarked troops to capacity.
Left Dunkirk harbour.
1800
Sailed for Dover, the Mistral in
company.
30th May
0335
Arrived Dover. Dis embarked 509
troops. (1)
1330ca
Sailed for Dunkirk.
170
-
Embarked troops at Dunkirk.
X
31st May
0145
Near T buoy, a German M.T.B., stopped
and unseen, fired 2 torpedoes which
missed ahead. The Siroco opened fire.
Two more torpedoes were fired and
struck the Siroco near the port
propeller. The dr. Vega, 4 miles to
the south-east, saw a column of
flame 200 feet high.
0200ca
The Siroco capsized in position 51° 18'
N., 02° 06' E., 18 miles N.N.W. of
Dunkirk. (2). She af 150
The tr. Wolves picked up 50 survivors,
apparently troops; the tr. Stella
Dorado picked up 55, of whom 33 were
of the Siroco's ship's company;
150 survivors were picked up by the
corvette Widgeon and 15 by the Polish
dr. Blyskawica.
Total 509
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folios 5 and 31.
R.O.II, p. 352.
R.O.III, p.73, 1176A
D.R.
Widgeon's report (c. in C. Nore, 0511/31, War Diary).
145

Details

SKYLARK 6
M/B
1410
Cadet Rating, G.R. Prince
31st May
Left which Dover was in tow of the tr. Fyldea,
Britannia, the tr. Brock in M/B company.
also towing the
1st June
1200ca(1) Off sent Dunkirk beach. Tows slipped
towed in to the beaches. The and
motor had broken down.
in the Eastbourne Belle Skylark whose
The Eastbourne Belle ran on to a
submerged car.
The tow fouled the Skylark's screw
and was cut.
The Skylark embarked about 71 British
troops from the beach and ferried
them to the Fyldea.
-
On the second trip, picked up the crew
of the M/B Ferry Nymph and about 60
British troops, which were ferried
to the Fyldea.
-
Third trip, embarked about 70 French
troops.
-
Returned to the Fyldea but found her
aground. Unsuccessfully attempted to
tow her off. Air attack.
1630ca
Left the harbour. Outside, transferred
the troops to the dr. Worcester.
The Skylark's motor seized up.
Abandoned ship and transferred the
crew to the Worcester, which was
heavily bombed.
[The Worcester arrived Dover at 2100]
The Skylark 6 ferried about 200 troops.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, II, p.226.
(1) The Britannia says 1150; the Brock, presumably still in
company, says 1230. Skylark 6 says 0700.
155

Details

VERITY (D.63) 19th Destroyer Flotilla Lt.Cdr. A.R.M.Black,
R.N.
Lieut. E.L.Jones, R.N.
27th May
0322
Ordered to escort the P/V's Biarritz
0342
and Archangel to Dunkirk.
Sailed from Dover.
0520
Shore batteries around Oye Church
0523
Lt. Cdr. Black seriously wounded, and
opened fire on Verity and convoy.
0530
there were 2 other casualties.
0538ca
Lt. Jones assumed command.
Convoy ordered to return to Dover, as
0600
Gravelines was approached.
0623
Biarritz damaged in the engine room.
Biarritz detached, to Dover. Verity
and Archangel continued on to
Dunkirk.
0748
Decided to use the northern route.
0845
Archangel reported insufficient fuel
for the round trip.
0856
Verity and Archangel returned to
Dover.
0943
Arrived Dover.
-
V. Adl. Sir J.F. Somerville K.C.B.,
D.S.O. addressed the ship's company.
28th May
1330
Sailed for Dunkirk, via the northern
route.
Off Dyck buoy, joined company with
the drs. Greyhound and Impulsive.
1705
Anchored off Bray; lowered boats to
embark troops. During the night,
occasional air attacks on ships at
anchor.
29th May
0148
Weighed and proceeded to Dover with
about 400 troops on board.
0602
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 400 troops
1415
Sailed from Dover for Dunkirk by Y
route. Had on board a medical
party for the beaches. (1)
1700ca
Passed Dunkirk harbour. Ordered by
S.N.O. Dunkirk to enter the harbour.
1720ca
Proceeded alongside the east pier,
ahead of the dr. Grenade and
trawlers [there were six trawlers -
see Fyldea].
1735ca
Heavy dive bombing attack on pier and
1745ca
One ships. trawler hit [i.e. the Calvi].
Grenade hit forward and commenced
sinking.
Verity continuously straddled for
35 minutes.
1800
Slipped and turned ship in channel.
On clearing the trawlers and
Grenade, Verity touched forward.
1805
Cleared Dunkirk harbour entrance and
proceeded to Bray.
1820
Off Bray, in company with the drs.
Sabre and Saladin, being bombed;
Saladin, ahead, was hit.
(1) D.R.
271

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Details

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

Details

Details

Details

40
Page
Page
Dorothy Lambert
15
Esmeralda
41
25
29
Craig Alvah
Dragonet
Esperanza
26
13
Drangey
Essex Maid
9A
Page
Page
22
14A
Craig-Bo Craig Island
Drummer
Ethel Taylor
Forfeit
Page
26
Golden Lily
26
36
Herdis
Drummer Boy
35
Ethfra
24
Forte
2
17
Golden News
8
Hero
Craigmiller
28
Duchess of Down
7
Ethiopian
Fortitude
36
23
19
Golden Sunbeam
10
Heron
Fort Robert
17
Craig Roy
26
Duchess of Fife
13
Etruria
9A
35
Golden Thyme
28
Hertfordshire
22
Etruscan
29
Fort Rose
9A
Cramond Craik Island
Duchess of Rothesay
15
14B
Golden View
14
Hickory
24
22
2
Duenna
Euclase
7
Fort Ryan
29
Goodwill
22
Hilda Cooper
14
Cranefly
28
25
35
Fortuna
23
Goodwin
17
Dulcibelle
Europa Eunice and Nellie
Hildegarde
36B
Crannock
17
14a
Forward
9A
Gorecht
9
Hildena
21
Dundalk
16
Creagh Mhor
26
14a
Foss
29
Gorse
28
Hinba
Dundarg
27
8
Evadne
14B
Crest
14A
Fox
30
Gossamer
16
Hiniesta
3
Crestflower
Dunedin
14
12A
Eveline
Foyle
20
Goth
Crevice
Dungeness
14B
18
Evelyn Rose
5
16
Holdfast
11
Franc Tireur
36A
14
Gowan
22
Holland
8
Cuirass
28
Dunluce Castle
28
Evening Primrose
Freres Coquelin
35B
Gowan Craig
19
14
Holly
15
Cumulus
12
Dunnet
2
Everton
Friesland
35
14A
G. R. Purdy
24
Hollydale
22
Curlew
15
Dunraven Castle
27
Evesham
Freyer
21
Grampion
15
Hondsrug
9
17
Curtana
5
Dusky Queen
11
Ewald
Friarage
24
Grateful
28
14B
Hopeful
18
Cutty Sark
Exchequer
Frons Olivae
22
Great Admiral
5
Horizon
28
8
6
Cypress
Fumarole
28
Gregory
26
Hornbeam
5
6
Exyáhne
36A
Cysne II
E. & T.S.
Fyldea
10
Greenfly
13
Hortensia
35
E.
14
Green Howard
19
Hosanna
11
Ex Fortis
22
Green Pastures
29
Hoverfly
21
Eager
14A
Explorer
12
G.
Greetings
4
Huddersfield Town
4
D.
Eaglet II
5
21
Gadfly
22
Grey Mist
11
Hugh Walpole
30
Dahinda II
2
Earl Essex
14
Gael
17
Grimsby Town
10
Hurrying Angel
9
13
Daisy Bank
25
Earl Kitchener
14
Galatea
5
Grosmont Castle
27
Hussar
Dale Castle
19
Easter Rose
27
F.
Galvani
14B
Grouville
28
Hval V
35
Dalmatia
8
Ebor Abbey
26
Fairhaven
Garola
35
Guava
5
Damito
9A
Ebor Jewel
17
Fairway
36B
Garry
20
Guide On
14A
Dane
22
Ebor Wyke
29
Fair Weather
14
Gaston Riviere
35B
Guiding Light
28
I.
14
Guelder Rose
23
Idyll
12
Dane Hill
23
Eccleshill
29
28
Gava
Fairy Knowe
Daneman
8,25
Ecila
14A
Gelert
9
Guillemot
31
Ijiun
8
3
Falconet
Daniel Clowden
29
Eden
11
Genberdina Johanna
6
Gula
14B
Imelda
29
2
Fano
12
24
Geneva
17
Gulfoss
15
Imperia
17A
Danube III
Edith M. Purdy
29
Faraday
14B
Genius
15
Gulzar
11
Imperialist
25
Danube IV
12
Edward Walmsley
13
Favour
Inchgower
27
Geordie
23
Gunner
25
2
Danube V
12
Edwardian
12A
Fawn
George and Albert
12
Gustave Dennis
35B
Indian Star
2
D'Arcy Cooper
28
14
Edwina
14
Fazenta
George Bligh
37
Gwenllian
35
Indian Summer
28
Darnaway
35
25
E. & F.
5
Feaco
George Cousins
26
Gwmaho
4
Industry
26
Darnett Ness
8
3
Egeria
17
Fear Not
George D. Irvine
14
Interloper
9A
Darogah
30
Internos
14A
12A
Eileen Duncan
Darthema
35
Feasible
15
George Adgell
11
8
Eileen Emma
10
Fedalmo
George Robb
15
Invercairn
28
Darwin
12
35
Eilla II
9
23
Georgette
3
H.
Invercauld
35
David Ogilvie
23
Felicity
Gervais Rentoul
10
Haarlem
36c
Inverforth
3
Davey
Elbury
16
Fenella
36A
28
Eldorado
Gilder
17A
Halcyon
13
Inverugie
12
Dayspring
25
Fentonian
12A
28
Iona
7
26
Dee
E. Lauland
Gillian
24
Halo
17
Fernmoor
29
20
Gilt Edge
8
Hanyards
3
Irvana
15
Defiance
Electra II
5
Ferry Belle
9
Girard
37
Harbinger
6
Isle of May
18
2
De la Pole
Elena
35
Ferryman
17
Girl Christian
22
Harlech Castle
27
Istria
28
14B
Delphinus
Elgin
Deodar
35
16
Elisabeth Therese
Ferry Prince
9
Girl Ellen
23
Harmattan
28
35B
Fertile Vale
22
Girl Gladys
10
Harrier
13
Deo-Na-Mara
22
Elizabeth Angela
11
11
Girl Helen
23
Harry Melling
23
J.
17
Fervent
Deo Volante
Elizabeth Green
12A
11
Girl Mary
22
Harvest Gleaner
14
Jacketa
11
28
Dervish Derby County
Elk
Fidget
22
Girl Pat
12
Harvest Hope
28
Jacinta
14
4
2
Fidra
Ellesmere
16
Girl Winifred
23
Harvest Reaper
7
Jack Eve
14A
9A
Filey Bay
19
Jacqueline Clasine
36A
Desiree
17
Elm
21
Gladys
29
Hatano
Destinn
35
Elna
25
Fintray
24
Glala
12
Hatuse
35
Jade
32
Devon City
5
Eloquent
9A
Fir
Gleam On
26
Hav
35
James Barrie
37
12A
Devon County
20
19
Firefly
Gleaner
31
Hawthorn
24
James Lay
15
Else Rykens
11
Dewey Rose
12A
Elsie Carn
28
Fisher Boy
28
Gleaners
22
Hawthorn Bank
18
Janetha IV
12
Dhoon
27
35
Fisher Lad
Glen Avon
23
Haybourne Wyke
3
[ano
11
Elsie and Nellie
16
Diana
Glen Gower
23
Hazard
29
[ason
31
14
El Tovar
12
Fitzroy
21
22
Glen Heather
3
Hazel
25
Jasper
13
Dirkje
9
Embrace
Flanders
14
Glen Kidston
17
Heather Belle
30
Jean Edmunds
35
Discovery II
6
Emilion Emerald Wings
27
Flandre
13
Doctor Lee
Glen Strathallan
19
Heather Sprig
27
Jeanie Deans
19
30
8
Fleming
17
Glen Usk
23
Hebe
29
Jeannie Howie
27
Doggers Dolores Bank
29
Empress Emperor of India
11
Flixton
27
Glitter II
12
Hekla
14
Jeannie Leask
8
9
36
Flora
22
Gloamin
7
Helen
5
Jeannie Mackay
22
Donna Doon Nook
12A
En Avant
9A
Floreat II
22
Gloria
29
Helen West
28
Jeannie McIntosh
14A
23
Doonie Braes
Englishman
6
Floreat III
18
35A
Helier II
36c
Jennet
18
Glow
5
Doorie Brae
Enterprising
19
Florence Brferley
4
35A
Heliopolis
18
Jennifer
17
Go Ahead
Dorade II
17
Ephretah
20
Florio
20
19
Helvellyn
19
Jenny Irvine
17
Goatfell
Dorando-Pietri
36A
Epine
28
14A
Golden Eagle
12A
Helvetia
14B
Jenny Irwin
35A
Flush
4
Flying Admiral
19
Hendon
20
Jessie Tait
27
Dorienta
11
Equerry
15
Golden Effort
Dorileen
22
Henriette
23
Jester
19
Erimo
22
Flying Breeze
7
Golden Emblem
8
Golden Gift
Henriette (Fr.)
35B
Jewel
7
Dorinda
Erin
37
3
Flying Wing
15
10
Erith
Golden Harvest
8
Hercules
36A
Jocelyn
21
Dorothy Dorothy (B.D.V.)
36c
27
Fontenoy
H 2
2
Erna
12
16
Foray
12A
28
Eroican
18,37
10
(C38488)
Force
Escalonia
17
Forecast
12A
28
Forerunner

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

Details

218
206
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 4.
SHIP: Motor Boat "Britannia".
Officer/
Rating
Reporting: S/L S.D. WARD.
1030 31 May 1940.
Proceeded from Submarine Basin and made fast to
H.M.T. "Fyldea" at buoy.
1355 31 May. Left in tow.
1150 1 June 1940. Arrive off Dunkirk. (Delay on passage due
to Samson posts, cleats, etc. carrying away.)
Cast off and proceed to Beach 1 mile East of harbour
under heavy enemy bombing. Attempted to warp off 2 Launches
aground by making fast line to sunken French destroyer "L'Adroit".
1300
Existing conditions of shoal water and falling tide
made it impossible to load the launch directly from the beach
three
without going aground so "acquired" their dinghies and made
launch fast to two sailing barges which were used throughout as
a landing stage, the dinghies bringing men to the barges and the
launch taking them out to "Fyldea" and other vessels.
(Approximately 200 men were carried in the dinghies.)
1815
Returned to "Fyldea" now aground. Ran out kite
wires to anchored barge and laid out trawlers X edge.
1845
"Fyldea" floated and proceeded in tow towards Dover.
0255 2nd June. Secured alongside Admiralty Pier to disembark
troops.
0415
Secured alongside Prince of Wales Pier.
Drew Savage
Hillier
Tester

Details

226
214
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 11
SHIP: "SKYLARK" 6.
RATING REPORTING: CADET RATING G.R. PRICE
Crew: Cadet Rating A.I. Foster and Stoker Roberts.
The "Skylark" was towed over by H.M.D. "FYLDEA" and
eventually arrived at Dunkirk at about 0700 on Saturday June
1st. The boats were sent to the beaches. "Skylark" towed in
the "Eastbourne Belle" whose motor had broken down. The
"Eastbourne Belle" ran onto a submerged car and the towing Line
became entangled around the screw of the "Skylark". C.R.Foster
went over the side and cut this rope free. We then proceeded
to the beach and picked up about 70 British Tommies and one
officer. These were taken aboard the "Fyldea".
2.
Second trip we picked up the crew of the Ferry "Nymph"
(motor boat) and about 60 British Tommies. These were taken
aboard the "Fyldea".
3.
Third trip, picked up about 70 French troops. We
returned to the "Fyldea" but found she was aground. After an
unsuccessful attempt to tow the "Fyldea" off I decided to try
and get the French I had away - we were being bombed.
4.
I left the harbour and met H.M.S. WORCESTER outside.
I put the troops aboard her and started to return to the "Fyldea"
for the others but the "Skylark's" motor stezedup. We therefore
abandoned the "Skylark" which was slightly on fike and embarked
on the WORCESTER. The WORCESTER was seriously bombed and Cadet
Rating Foster slightly injured by a machine gun bullet - he was
the only casualty.

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
M.T.B. 107 447
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 68 405
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 67,
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
D.C.M.B., 484
CHICO
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 x476
M.A.S.M. No. 7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8V487 8 491
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
193
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
VEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
X
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
x
TARANSAY

Details

-2-
497.8
sailed for
On Calais the night Roads:- of 25th/26th May, the following vessels
468
Botanic.
Fyldea.
7
Maretta.
Arley.
Polly Johnson.
Brock.
Calvi.
Grey Mist.
Conidaw.
Chico.
Playmates.
Willing Boys.
of Calais.
The object of the expedition was the possible evacuation
"Grey Mist" in charge of forces employed.
Commander M/S (Commander W.V.H. Harris R.N.) sailed in
The orders to form the expedition were received at 1900,
and vessels sailed at 2130, the first five trawlers to leave,
towing motor boats.
Vessels were ordered to rendezvous at No. 3 Buoy Calais
Roads, and await instructions from Commander M/S. Destroyer
force was in support.
On receipt of signal which had been wrongly decoded, two
motor boats were ordered into Calais Harbour. These boats had
left for the harbour when a further signal was received that
Calais was to be held at all costs, and the signal was ordered to
be sent by hand to the Brigadier Commanding Forces. "Conidaw"
was ordered to proceed immediately and deliver the message.
A further signal was then received recalling all forces
to the Downs. On receipt of this signal "Botanic" and "Maretta"
were ordered to remain until boats and "Conidaw" returned, and
Destroyer escort was asked to be provided. All other vessels
returned to the Downs.
Reports from Lieutenant Commander P.F. Cammiade R.N.V.R.,
Sub. Lieutenant M.R. Mills R.N.V.R., and Skipper R. 9nelgrove,are
attached (la, lb, lc, ld).
There was constant enemy air activity during the night,
and a considerable amount of firing ashore.
26th May. Danlaying Yachts"Gulzar" and "Grey Mist"
to Calais P.M. with Commodore W.P. Gandell, P.S.T.O. France. Report
of Lieutenant C.V. Brammall R.N.R. attached (No. 2).
"Arley" ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
She 27th May. shelled off Calais, and returned with engineer
seriously was heavily wounded. Operation was then cancelled.
"Fyldea" sailed, buoy laying, under the orders of "Skipjack"
employed on mine sinking duties.
"Thomas Bartlett", recalled on report of returned to
"Inverforth", & "Our shelling Bairns" of were "Arley". sailed
for Dunkirk, but ordered were to sweep the Admiral war channel, Dover. and
They harbour were p.m. then on orders from Vice
(Continued over).

Details

-3-
498
8
28th Inverforth May. Instructions were issued to these
46g
previous (Our misunderstanding, Bairns, programme - i.e. and sweeping Thomas war Bartlett) channel to - carry on vessels with to
a the M/S the Group Commander, who had but owing
joined Roads. command, Vessels proceeded to carry out the only just
7
Dunkirk Bartlett", whilst were shelled off Calais, sweep in
on our shallow endeavouring to get out of range, and"Thomas
ran a mine and sank. minefields, in vicinity of Dunkirk apparently A.W. Buoy,
struck R.N.R. Report of Lieutenant Commander A.A.
Martin attached (No. 3). page 122
"Nautilus" and "Comfort" sailed for Dunkirk Beach
under the direction of Lieutenant W.E. Gelling R.N.R. Report
of Lieutenant Gelling R.N.R. attached (No. 4). "Nautilus"
was damaged by bombs, and as far as is known "Comfort" was
rammed and sunk. No report has been received.
29th May - 0100. Six M/S Trawlers under the command
of Lieutenant R. Bill R.N. sailed for Dunkirk - embarking ladders
at Ramsgate en route. Reports of Lieutenant R. Bill R.N.,
Skipper Lieutenant G.W. Robinson R.N.R., and Skipper Lieutenant
L. Lake R.N.R. are attached (Nos. 5a, 5b, and 5c). lages 517, 523
29th May. "Lord Grey" and "Clythness" to Dunkirk.
Report of Lieutenant J. Simson R.N.V.R. attached (No. 6) pagrosh
30th May. "Sargasso", "Gulzar", "Conidaw", "Chico",
and "Starlight Rays" sailed for Dunkirk, embarked troops, and
returned. "Chico" did especially good work in bringing back
217 troops. This vessel is only 70' long. All ships returned
safely with troops.
31st May. "Sargasso", "Gulzar", and "Chico" to Dunkirk.
"Chico" employed ferrying, and was responsible for nearly a 1,000
troops being embarked. All returned safely with troops.
"Fyldea" and "Brock" to beaches with motor boat. "Brock"
damaged by bombs, and ordered to return. Report of Sub. Lieutenant
K.H.G. Roberts R.N.V,R. attached (No. 7). "Fyldea" returned with
troops.
page 025
"Lord Inchcape" and "Our Bairns" ordered to Dunkirk.
Sweeping proved impossible due to shell fire and bombing. Ordered
to return.
1st June.
"Sargasso", "Gulzar" and "Starlight Rays" to
Dunkirk for troops.
All returned safely.
"Starlight Rays", "Gulzar", and "Sargasso"
to 2nd June. troops. "Conidaw" and "Chico" standing safely. by for
life Dunkirk saving for duties on route "X". All returned
3rd June. "Starlight Rays", and "Gulzar" to Dunkirk
for troops. Both returned safely.
was carried During out,+ + this and 13 magnetic mines mine detonated were in vicinity "LL" of
period constant sweeping detonated, with "LL" without and skide a
the loss of a single probably, ship. by combired One fields Report of herself of Lieutenant and C.L.
Trawlers, hospital Lambert R.N.V.R. ship, which were who visited 3/4 cables the away. hospital ship attached (No. 7). ?
+ in DOWNS and Entrance of Dover Harbour.
(Continued over).

Details

-3-
idpper Lieut.
Robinson.
Arley.
503
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1 dalais.4
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
}kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brock.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
skipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
$kipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
Skipper
S.Bindler.
B.D. spridler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
Supper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunitiplt.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais LD.
Skipper.
Playmates.
1 off Calata.
Stather.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
Thompson.
w
of individual Officers.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Willing Boys.
1 Flushing, Calais,
Skipper.
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

Details

340/58.
505
Name.
is
Ship.
Anthony Brooke
Rank or Rating.
476
CLYTHNESS
.Heckstall Smith.
300 lin to
Walter Fredk.Salenius.
Skipper. Sub. Lt. R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
George S. Day.
what's Yook 150
Smauel B. Sussans
Mate. Chief Engineman. LT/RX 102500.
John A. Cargill.
Seaman.
LT/JX 175090.
For devotion to duty under very trying
circumstances (See report No. 6.
POLLY JOHNSON
Bonter, b
Skipper Lieut. Leonard Lake extricated his ship in a
Sunk.
sinking condition from Dunkirk in a heavy bombard-
ment. Was eventually forced to abandon ship, and
transferred his crew and himself to "Arley".
(See report Nos. 5b and c). 38 49
FYLDEA.
29/5 2/31/5
Liewt. John .K.M. Warde R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
has misses.
Thomas Owens,D.S.M.
Chief Engineer. X2573U.
?
Recommended for coolness and devotion to
duty during heavy bombing at Dunkirk.
(See report No. la).
31
BROCK.
Kenneth Henry G.Roberts.Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.
brooks
Behaved with great coolness and devotion
was became he saw no mile
to duty in assisting his Group Officer
suspected hishiplo
his ship from a perilous position).
(Lieutenant Robert Bill R.N.) to extricate
King water'
(See report No. 7).
NAUTILUS
Richard McLean.
Skipper (No.WS 3159).
J
p
For displaying great gallantry in going
strolp tisant
the side to save a seaman whilst
destroyer over and "Nautilus" were being
bombed.
m h hw sunk. each Duly
2nd Engineman.
George Addison.
Cook.
Andrew Strachan.
Worked conditions (See report No.4
hard in small boats all day during by
Lieutenant trying W.E. Gelling R.N.R).
GULZAR
Edward S. Woodhead.
Coxswain.
Seaman.
A
thips(30/5-2/6)
Charles H. Baldry.
Cook.
George Cliefe.
Greaser.
Arthur L. Shallis.
Peter Blake.
Signalman.
to duty been in very nade trying to
the
26th May
to 4th June,

Details

519
-3-
-
490
As instructed the wreck "John of the "Grenade" was drifting down on the I
follow and ships out. "Polly Johnson" and "Brock" and to
the other Cattling" to attempt to pull her clear trawlers,
7
up troops survivors, got clear, and proceeded out of harbour picked
at full speed. "Arley" was clear and "Fyldea" under way.
and several the more troops and survivors jumped on board. I was
The Skipper of "Fyldea" kept his ship close to the wall
further up but pier trying to find the Piermaster again for further
instructions, I failed to find him and just managed to jump
on board as she was leaving. This was at about 1815.
Lieutenant Peake the First Lieutenant of the "Granade"
then told me that the Piermaster had also instructed him to get the
ships clear of it and to go round to the beaches. I therefore took
the four remaining ships towards the beaches and signalled to the
ships there asking if there were any troops available for me. After
three unsuccessful attempts to obtain further troops to fill up to
capacity - all ships replying that they were themselves having
difficulty in completing I received signals from "Polly Johnson"
and "Brock" stating that they were damaged. I ordered "Arley" to
stand by "Polly Johnson" and to remove her crew and sink her if
necessary.
With "Brock" in company I then proceeded towards the "Jaguar"
who was anchored in the vicinity of the Nieuport Bank Buoy with her
troops on board and another destroyer alongside her, and asked if I
should take some from her. I was told to escort her as she had to Express
boats and I therefore told "Brock", whose damage was slight, to
proceed independently. I proceeded with "Brock for about two miles
to exchange the necessary signals and satisfy myself that she was
capable of making the journey and then returned to "Jaguar".
By this time she had weighed, and I followed astern of
her and signalled my maximum speed.
At about 1930, five German Dive Bombers passed on our port
side at about 2500 feet, in the direction of the "Jaguar" and started
to make an attack. We opened fire with the 12 pounder and one plane
detached itself from the formation and made an attack on us. As
the plane straightened up to attack I gave the order"hard-a-stareoard"
Six bombs were dropped which fell about 40/50 yards on our port beam.
We then straightened up and proceeded on our course.
The other planes attacked the "Jaguar" who replied with
her multiple pom-poms and zig-zagged, and no hits were registered,
although all attacks appeared to be very close to her.
After this attack she increased speed and she was soon
out of sight.
Having been left by "Jaguar" - who was taking a different
route I set a course for the Dyck Buoy and followed "y" route.
Between "T" and "S" buoys I overtook "Brock" and she
signalled that she could only steam at half speed and that she had
three serious cases on board. I signalled her to heave to and
went "Fyldea". alongside her and transferred her survivors and troops to
I then proceeded at full speed and arrived back at Dover
at 0300.
During the bombing raids and the periods between, the
situation was so tense that it would have been almost impossible to
realize any passage of time, so that the times in this report may
be in error to a considerable extent.

Details

Details

Details

Dynamo NE
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. 494
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head steamer to seaward Garry" in tow out of harbour. After
proceed up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the transport
then gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre.
I was ordered to tow transport out, as turning I had
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while the steamer came astern with engines.
towing her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
harbour all clear stern first, but for some reason, which I
This operation would have taken the vessel out of
cannot explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing
the towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by the lengthened
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G. wiring of
towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
which I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying us both
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to go full
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I e-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troopa coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).

Details

continued.
-2-
495+
H.M.T. cleared "Fyldea" harbour leading. of H.M.T. "Polly Johnson", "Brock" and with
I then astern passed ahead inside of H.M.S. "Grenade"
who faster informed owing to trouble megaphone that she was unable to proceed
When me clear by of harbour I closed on H.M.T. "Polly Johnson"
reduced she to slow charts had been shattered. We were by as then
to reported all her up position about m/d of a mile ahead of keep her
her. I took in the engineroom. and would I close any
faster. "Polly Johnson" I received was in difficulties and could not proceed any
speed, and I informed H.M.T. "Fyldea" that
Johnson", I did, keeping about me of a mile ahead of her.
which orders from "Fyldea" to stand by "Polly
Although I was only proceeding at slow speed, the "Polly Johnson"
still dropped astern.
I then received a message from H.M.T. "Fyldea" that if
"Polly Johnson" could not proceed I was to take her crew and
scuttle her clear of the channel and act independently. I
ordered this message to be sent to "Polly Johnson" as relayed from
"Fyldea". By this time we had reached a position half way between
Nieuport Buoy, and Middlekerke Buoy, and I stopped engines until
"Polly Johnson" came within hail. During this period several
more raids were carried out by German Aircraft on the Destroyers
and other craft close to us.
When "Polly Johnson" closed on me, the Skipper informed
me he was already to abandon ship; his confidential books etc.
were packed ready to pass to me. I then closed on her and lashed
alongside until the two stretcher cases and all the other members
of her crew and passengers were safely on board. I then cast off
and moved away from her.
The Skipper of "Polly Johnson" - Skipper Lieutenant
Lake R.N.R. (ret) informed me that the water in engineroom had
gained up to the platforms, and in the stokehold the water was
about to put her fires out.
After leaving "Polly Johnson" I requested one of our
Destroyers to sink her as she had been abandoned, but as I received
no satisfactory reply, I returned to her and fired two shots of
common shell into her at waterline.
As I had by now about 90 men on board, including several
wounded, I decided to make all speed for Dover. The tide was
setting to East North East, and assuming the "Polly Johnson" would
drive away from the channel, I left her, the Skipper agreeing that
she would sink in about two hours.
Soon after leaving "Polly Johnson" I received an 8.0.8.
from a Paddle Steamer who had been badly bombed whilst I had been
taking off from "Polly Johnson". I decided I could not take all
her men, so I steamed and intercepted one of the scouts, and two
French trawlers, and directed them to go to the paddler, which
they did. There was also one drifter standing by her and one of
our destroyers heading for her, so I decided nothing further could
be done, and returned to harbour forthwith.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Skipper Lieutenant R.D.,R.N.R.
ske Lieut G Kobinson RD RNR
HMT. "arley"

Details

Injurn 51.
3rd June, 1940.
N°: 7. 525
To: Commander M/S,
496
Dover.
REPORT FROM H.M.T. "BROCK".
Sir,
H.M.T. 1410 "Brock" left Dover Harbour with four
in tow proceeded at to on 31st May, 1940., in company with H.M.T. motor "Fyldes" boats
and Dunkirk by route "Y".
decided to return to "R" Buoy and go by "X" route.
As Middlekerke Bank Buoy could not be located "FyIdea"
abandoned.
One of our four boats having become water logged, was
(1/6/20)- 0810. Altered course at "R" Buoy and followed route "X".
1020. In vicinity of "W" Buoy ship was attacked by enemy
aircraft; several bombs were dropped but no damage was sustained.
1230. Off beach East of Dunkirk, sent the three motor
boats in shore.
1240. Again attacked, this time by a large number of
Junkers Dive Bombers. A great number of bombs were dropped
around both ships. One plane was seen to come down, probably
disabled by our "A.A" fire. No bombs registered hits but many
fell exceedingly close to the ship.
As first loaded small boats had closed "FyIdea" and there
appeared to be no more coming off at the time, also suspecting ship
to be making water, a signal was made to "Fyldea", whereupon per-
mission was given for "Brock" to return to Dover. At 1340 she
proceeded.
1420, when approximately 5 miles North of No. 5 V. Buoy
a shore battery fired three rounds at ship all dropping about 200
yards astern. It was difficult to ascertain exactly where the
battery was, but it appeared to be close East of Gravelines.
1940. Entered Dover Harbour.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Sub. GRoberts Lieutenant R.N.V.R.

Details

APPENDIX I.
160
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
162
-
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
A.A. CRUISER:
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VIMY
(40)
SLOOPS:
BIDEFORD
GUNBOATS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
UNESWEEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
EL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGO
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO
A/S VESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SANGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
re
SPECIAL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
ESSELS:
"LL" TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
it
A/S TRAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
ore
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WESTELLA
an
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
ue
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
all
INE RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
SILVER DAWN
RIFTERS:
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

Details

APPENDIX I.
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
RUISER:
CALCUTTA
YERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VILY
BIDEFORD
TS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
EEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
EL
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WESTWARD HO
ESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SARGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
AL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
LS:
ROYAL EAGLE
TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
RAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WISTELLA
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
ERS:
SILVER DAWN
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
the whole day, might at any time become impossible to close; were this to
happen, my last hope of reaching the coast would be gone".'
In order to secure the British northern flank Lord Gort decided to issue
orders for the occupation, as quickly as troops could be made available, of the
line of the Ypres - Comines canal and the positions covering Ypres. In the
absence of General Blanchard, who was visiting the Belgian G.Q.G. at Bruges,
Lord Gort communicated this decision that evening to the Headquarters of
the French First Group of Armies.¹
The necessity of evacuation was becoming a matter of paramount immediacy.
British destroyers bombard suburb of Calais
Meanwhile, on the 25th May, the trawler Lord Howe sailed to Calais with a
cargo of ammunition². She entered the port and discharged part of her cargo
in the face of heavy enemy fire from the dunes to the southward. In view of
the risk involved, Commodore W. P. Gandell, R.N. (P.S.T.O., French Ports),
who was on the quay, then ordered the Lord Howe to sail.
Outside Calais the destroyer Greyhound closed the Lord Howe, which was
carrying a request for bombardment support of the town. At the same time,
the Greyhound received a signal from the Vice-Admiral, Dover, ordering the
bombardment of the Calais suburb of St. Pierre. The Greyhound opened fire,
and at 2000, an H.A. battery east of Sangatte registered a hit on her, killing
2 and wounding 3. About this time the destroyer Grafton arrived and also
opened fire. The 2 destroyers returned to Dover as darkness set in.³
Evacuation of Calais countermanded
At 2130 a force of seven trawlers⁴, three yachts⁵ and two drifters⁶, sailed for
Calais road, ready to evacuate troops from Calais, the moment an order was
received to do so. Five of the trawlers towed motor boats. Commander
W. V. H. Harris, R.N. (Commander M/S, Dover), in the Grey Mist, was in
command. The destroyers Windsor and Verity left Dover at 2300, to cover
the withdrawal of this force.
On arrival off Calais, two of the motor boats were ordered into Calais harbour.
At about 0300/26, a signal was received that Calais was to be held at all costs;
furthermore, it was ordered that this signal was to be sent by hand to the
Brigadier commanding on shore. The Conidaw went in to deliver the signal.
All ships were then ordered back to the Downs, but the Botanic and Maretta
remained behind until the two motor boats and the Conidaw returned.⁷
The Botanic and Maretta were damaged by gunfire when returning on the
26th May, and were unable to take part in Operation "Dynamo".
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 43.
2 Lieut. L. C. Whittle, R.N.R., in the Lord Howe, says it was the 24th May.
3 Vice-Admiral, Dover's 1907/25/5.
4 The Botanic, Fyldea, Maretta, Arley, Polly Johnson, Brock and Calvi.
6 The Grey Mist, Conidaw and Chico.
5 The Playmates and Willing Boys.
7 Report by Commander M/S, Dover (R.O. II, p. 497).
13

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Gallant put out of action
The destroyers Jaguar, Gallant and Grenade, en route for Dunkirk by the new
middle Route x with instructions to test it for opposition by shore batteries,
were attacked at 1155 off. Snouw Bank by about 17 dive bombers. The attack
was concentrated on the Gallant which was damaged by a near miss and had to
retire; she was unable to take any further part in Operation "Dynamo".
"One dive-bomber, was seen to be hit by pom-pom, and while losing height
observes the Jaguar, was despatched by a fighter". This attack appears to
have taken place just when one of our main [fighter] patrols had turned for
home."¹
On arrival at Dunkirk, the Grenade reported that there had been no inter-
ference from shore batteries. Shipping was thus able to make use of the route
directly it had been swept. The minesweepers completed this work late on
the same afternoon, and the route was taken into use within a few hours of both
the other routes, Y and Z, being rendered unsafe for use by day owing to
the German shore gunfire.
Bombing of Dunkirk and beaches commences
At 1358 the S.N.O., Dunkirk reported to V.A. Dover that the bombing of
the beaches and of Dunkirk pier had commenced without fighter opposition.
This attack occurred while Hurricanes were sweeping inland to Cassel.¹
At 1250 the Grenade berthed alongside the east pier in Dunkirk outer har-
bour (the Nouvel Avant-Port), the Jaguar securing alongside her. The
Grenade was ordered by S.N.O., Dunkirk, to remain at his disposal and not to
embark troops. Between 1400 and 1525, the Jaguar embarked about 1,000;
level bombers were being held off by fighters and A/A fire during this period,
and two patterns of heavy bombs which were dropped close to the pier did no
damage to ships.²
Fourteen ships lying at Dunkirk
In the meantime, at 1330, six Oropesa trawlers of the Dover M/S Command,
viz. : the Fyldea (Lieut. R. Bill, R.N., S.O.), the Arley, Brock, Calvi, John
Cattling and Polly Johnson, arrived off Dunkirk harbour and the Fyldea and
Arley were ordered inside to pull the personnel vessel Lochgarry, which had
embarked over 1,000 troops, away from the east pier³. By 1420 when they had
done this, the six trawlers, triple-banked, occupied the Lochgarry's berth.
Ahead of the six trawlers were the Grenade and Jaguar; astern of the trawlers
was the personnel vessel Canterbury, and astern of her, at the Quai Félix Faure
in Dunkirk inner harbour (the Avant-Port), was the French destroyer Cyclone.
On the opposite side of the outer harbour, at the west Quay, lay the French
destroyers Mistral and Siroco. Outside the harbour, on the seaward side of
the east pier opposite the Grenade, was the P/V Fenella, and at 1430 the Special
Service Vessel Crested Eagle berthed astern of her (see Diagram p.40). Off Malo,
Bray and La Panne beaches were numbers of destroyers, minesweepers, skoots,
personnel vessels, trawlers, tugs and small craft.
I R.A.F. Narrative, p.326.
2 Jaguar's report.
3 See Fyldea's report.
39

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
West Pier
Grenade
Fenella
Jaguar
000
Crested Eagle
DOC
Canterbury
ASEA
Guiding
Inner
Jetty.
West
GH
Pier
Key
A: Polly Johnson
B: Brock
C: Fyldea
D Calvi
E:John Cattling
F : Arley
G: Mistral
H: Siroco
Ships Berthed
at Dunkirk,
Cyclone
1530,29ᵗʰMay,1940
The Tenb
TSD/HS(545)
This was the first occasion on which a massed target of ships had been pre-
sented in Dunkirk harbour, and the scene was thus set for one of the most
that disastrous air onslaughts of the operation ; indeed, it was only by good fortune
this early date. The air onslaught, which took place between 1530 and 2000,
the vital Dunkirk harbour channel was not blocked by sinking ships at
appears follows : to - have comprised 4 separate air attacks; the manner of it was as
Air onslaught begins
bombers¹. The first air attack over Dunkirk commenced at and made by 12
wide, but The 20 or 30 bombs which were 1530, harbour was fell mostly
One bomber the Polly Johnson was severely damaged dropped by on a the near miss (see p.44).
was shot down by fighters².
2 I See Mistral's report.
Fyldea's report.
40

Details

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

DUNKIRK NOTES
From Lt. J.A.Simson. In Command of Unit of M/S Trawlers
"Lord Grey"&"Clythness"
Based on Dover we had heard and seen a good deal of what was afoot
over the other side. Tragic stories, humorous stories, stories of
great courage.
As we were engaged on sweeping for magnetic mines with ships & gear
that were then a well-guarded secret, we did not actually antici-
pate being sent over unless magnetic minelaying took place off Dun-
kirk. As the Germans did not know then how to deal with the clear-
ance of their own magnetic mines we did not think they would lay
them except in the last resort.
However on Thursday the unit was given 1 hour's notice to sail for
Dunkirk and sailing & route orders were duly supplied. We sailed out
at 15.30 on a dull, cloudy day and the sea was as calm as a lake.
We had instructions to contact H.M.T. Fyldea if we met her homeward
bound, and ask for any information which might enable me to judge
whether our original orders should be modified. As our route was
changed twice in the course of the voyage - by wireless signal - it
is perhaps not surprising that we missed Fyldea.
Dunkirk was visible about 30 miles distant as it was burning furi-
ously. On the way across we had met numerous British & some French
Destroyers going 'full bat' for home, their decks a mass of khaki &
all their guns at maximum elevation - ominous! We seemed to be the
only people going our way and I suspected the worst - that we were
too late. My orders were to enter the harbour and make fast to the
most convenient stone quay, and report to Capt. Tennant.
As no one aboard the ship had been to Dunkirk before, we approached
s/o/
8/10
Line
21
6/4

Details

Details

Page 2.
IST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINESWEEPING CRAFT.
ALCHARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
REARD
ARLEY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
BOTANIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
BROCK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
CALVI
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
CLYTHNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CHICO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
COMFORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
CONIDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
DORIENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
FEASIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
FIDGET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
FISHER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
FYLDEA
MARE
STRIVE
GENIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
GULA
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
GULZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
INVERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
JACKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
JACKEVE
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
A/S TRAWLERS.
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
CAPE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
GRIMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
KINGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
#
CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
D.C. MOTOR-BOAT
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
M.A/S.B.6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
M.A/S.B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
DOVER FLARE-BURNING DRIFTERS
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
Sunk.
(Continued)

Details

Page 2.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
MINESWEEPING CRAFT.
ALCMARIA
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
RECERD
ARLEY
JOHN AND NORA
RELONZO
BOTANIC
JOHN CATTLING
RENASCENT
BROCK
LORD BARHAM
RESTRIVO
#
CALVI
LORD CAVAN
REWGA
CLYTHNESS
LORD COLLINGWOOD
RIG
CHICO (E.S.)
LORD GREY
SARAH HYDE
/
COMFORT
LORD HOOD
SARGASSO
CONIDAW
LORD INCHCAPE
SATURN
DORIENTA
LORD KEITH
SILVER DAWN
FEASIBLE
LORD MELCHETT
STARLIGHT RAYS
FIDGET
LORD RODNEY
STELLA RIGEL
FISHER BOY
LORD ST. VINCENT
STRATHELLIOTT
FYLDEA
MARE
STRIVE
GENIUS
MARETTA
SWIFT WING
GULA
#
NAUTILUS
TARANSAY
GULZAR
OLIVAE
THOMAS BARTLETT
INVERFORTH
OUR BAIRNS
THOMSONS
JACKETA
OVERFALLS
THREE KINGS
JACKEVE
POLLY JOHNSON
TWEENWAYS
UNICITY
A/S TRAWLERS.
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE
SPURS
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
STELLA DORADO
CAPE ARGONA
LADY PHILOMENA
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
OLVINA
TOPAZE
GRIMSBY TOWN
ST. ACHILLEUS
WESTELLA
KINGSTON ALALITE
SAON
WOLVES
THAMES SPECIAL SERVICE SHIPS.
CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
M.A/S.B's. M.T.B's. ETC.
D.C. MOTOR-BOAT
M. A/S. B. 10
M.T.B. 68
( ex "EXCELLENT")
M.T.B. 16
M.L. 100
M. A/S. B.6
M.T.B. 22
M.T.B. 102
M.A/S. B. 7
M.T.B. 67
M.T.B. 107
DOVER FLARD-BURNING DRIFTERS
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
Sunk.

Details

218
*
206
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 4.
SHIP: Motor Boat "Britannia".
Officer/
Rating
Reporting: S/L S.D. WARD.
1030 31 May 1940.
Proceeded from Submarine Basin and made fast to
H.M.T. "Fyldea" at buoy.
1355 31 May. Left in tow.
1150 1 June 1940. Arrive off Dunkirk. (Delay on passage due
to Samson posts, cleats, etc. carrying away.)
Cast off and proceed to Beach 1 mile East of harbour
under heavy enemy bombing. Attempted to warp off 2 launches
aground by making fast line to sunken French destroyer "L'Adroit".
1300
Existing conditions of shoal water and falling tide
made it impossible to load the launch directly from the beach
three
without going aground so "acquired" their dinghies and made
launch fast to two sailing barges which were used throughout as
a landing stage, the dinghies bringing men to the barges and the
launch taking them out to "Fyldea" and other vessels.
(Approximately 200 men were carried in the dinghies.)
1815
Returned to "Fyldea" now aground. Ran out kite
wires to anchored barge and laid out trawlers Kedge.
1845
"Fyldea" floated and proceeded in tow towards Dover.
0255 2nd June. Secured alongside Admiralty Pier to disembark
troops.
0415
Secured alongside Prince of Wales Pier.
Drew Savage
Hillier
Tester

Details

226
214
OPERATION DYNAMO
ENCLOSURE NO. 11
SHIP: "SKYLARK" 6.
RATING REPORTING: CADET RATING G.R. PRICE
Crew: Cadet Rating A.I. Foster and Stoker Roberts.
The "Skylark" was towed over by H.M.D. "FYLDEA" and
eventually arrived at Dunkirk at about 0700 on Saturday June
1st. The boats were sent to the beaches. "Skylark" towed in
the "Eastbourne Belle" whose motor had broken down. The
"Eastbourne Belle" ran onto a submerged car and the towing line
became entangled around the screw of the "Skylark". C.R.Foster
went over the side and cut this rope free. We then proceeded
to the beach and picked up about 70 British Tommies and one
officer. These were taken aboard the "Fyldea".
2.
Second trip we picked up the crew of the Ferry "Nymph"
(motor boat) and about 60 British Tommies. These were taken
aboard the "Fyldea".
3.
Third trip, picked up about 70 French troops. We
returned to the "Fyldea" but found she was aground. After an
unsuccessful attempt to tow the "Fyldea" off I decided to try
and get the French I had away - we were being bombed.
4.
I left the harbour and met H.M.S. WORCESTER outside.
I put the troops aboard her and started to return to the "Fyldea"
for the others but the "Skylark's" motor stezedup. We therefore
abandoned the "Skylark" which was slightly on fike and embarked
on the WORCESTER. The WORCESTER was seriously bombed and Cadet
Rating Foster slightly injured by a machine gun bullet - he was
the only casualty.

Details

25a
241
ST. CLEARS 428
LADY BRASSEY
130
DANLAYERS.
FOREMOST 87
ST. OLAF
X3+30
GULZAR
GREY MIST
M.T.B's, M.A.S.B's.
SARGASSO
D.C.M.B. & W.D.M.I.
+39
COMFORT
NAUTILUS
STARLIGHT RAYS
M.T.B. 107. 447
THOMSONS
M.T.B. 68 405
M.T.B. 67, 443
M.T.B. 16 ,
ECHO SOUNDING YACHTS.
M.T.B. 1020 459
CONIDAW
M.A.S.B. 10/474
CHICO
D.C.M.B., 484
M.A.S.B. 61468
RAMSGATE
M.L.
100 476
M.A.S.M. No.7x479
MOTOR BOATS.
W.D.M.L's 8.V487
SMALL CRAFT UNDER CONTROL OF
DOVER M/S COMMAND.
493
CONTRABAND CONTROL BASE
WEYMOUTH.
LL. TRAWLERS.
M.B. FORTY TWO
THOMAS BARTLETT
LIGHTER Y.C.72
INVERFORTH
M.B. TWO RIVERS
LORD INCHCAPE
M.L. MERMAIDEN
OUR BAIRNS
LORD GREY
REPORTS OF SMALL CRAFT RECEIVED
CLYTHNESS
FROM, CAPTAIN, H.M.S. EXCELLENT,
RELONZO
PORTSMOUTH.
RESTRIVO
H.M.S. ST. FAGAN
OROPESA TRAWLERS.
D/C MOTOR BOATS.
H.M.S.EXCELLENT'S A.A. MOTOR BOAT
BOTANIC
HOPPER GALLION'S REACH
FYLDEA
MARETTA
VESSELS OWNED BY LONDON &
ARLEY
ROCHESTER TRADING CO. LTD.
POLLY JOHNSON
1493.
BROCK
THYRA
CALVI
PUDGE
JOHN CATTLING
CABBY
SEINE
"M" DRIFTERS
DETAILED FROM
YARMOUTH.
FEASIBLE
SWIFT WING
REED
JOHN AND NORAH
GENIUS
ALCMARIA
LORD HOOD
LORD BARHAM
OVERFALLS
JEANNIE MACINTOSH
GULA
REWGA
TARANSAY

Details

-8-
497.8
sailed for
On Calais the night Roads:- of 25th/26th May, the following vessels
468
Botanic.
Fyldea.
Maretta.
Arley.
Polly Johnson.
Brock.
Calvi.
Grey Mist.
Conidaw.
Y
Chico.
Playmates.
Willing Boys.
of Calais.
The object of the expedition was the possible evacuation
Commander M/S (Commander W.V.H. Harris R.N.) sailed in
"Grey Mist" in charge of forces employed.
The orders to form the expedition were received at 1900,
and vessels sailed at 2130, the first five trawlers to leave,
towing motor boats.
Vessels were ordered to rendezvous at No. 3 Buoy Calais
Roads, and await instructions from Commander M/S. Destroyer
force was in support.
On receipt of signal which had been wrongly decoded, two
motor boats were ordered into Calais Harbour. These boats had
left for the harbour when a further signal was received that
Calais was to be held at all costs, and the signal was ordered to
be sent by hand to the Brigadier Commanding Forces. "Conidaw"
was ordered to proceed immediately and deliver the message.
A further signal was then received recalling all forces
to the Downs. On receipt of this signal "Botanic" and "Maretta"
were ordered to remain until boats and "Conidaw" returned, and
Destroyer escort was asked to be provided. All other vessels
returned to the Downs.
Reports from Lieutenant Commander P.F. Cammiade R.N.V.R.,
Sub. Lieutenant M.R. Mills R.N.V.R., and Skipper R. Smelgrove,are
attached (la, lb, lc, ld).
There was constant enemy air activity during the night,
and a considerable amount of firing ashore.
P.M. 26th May. Danlaying Yachts"Gulzar" and "Grey Mist"
to Calais with Commodore W.P. Gandell, P.S.T.O. France. Report
of Lieutenant C.V. Brammall R.N.R. attached (No. 2).
27th May.
"Arley" ordered to Dunkirk as W/T link.
She was heavily shelled off Calais, and returned with engineer
seriously wounded. Operation was then cancelled.
"Fyldea" sailed, buoy laying, under the orders of "Skipjack"
employed on mine sinking duties.
for "Thomas but were recalled on report of shelling and returned of to
Bartlett", "Inverforth",& "Our Bairns" were "Arley". sailed
They Dunkirk, then ordered to sweep the war channel, Dover.
harbour were p.m. on orders from Vice Admiral
(Continued over).

Details

-3-
498
88
28th Inverforth May. Instructions were issued to these
46g
previous misunderstanding, the sweeping war channel - but with to
(Our Bairns, programme - i.e. and Thomas Bartlett) to carry on vessels
a the M/S Group Commander, who had only owing
joined Roads. command, proceeded to carry out the just
7
Dunkirk whilst Vessels were shelled off Calais, and' sweep Thomas in
Bartlett", shallow endeavouring to get out of range, apparently
ran on our mine and minefields, in vicinity of Dunkirk A.W. Buoy,
struck a sank. Report of Lieutenant Commander A.A.
Martin R.N.R. attached (No. 3). page 122
"Nautilus" and "Comfort" sailed for Dunkirk Beach
under the direction of Lieutenant W.E. Gelling R.N.R. Report
of Lieutenant Gelling R.N.R. attached (No. 4). "Nautilus"
was damaged by bombs, and as far as is known "Comfort" was
rammed and sunk. No report has been received.
29th May - 0100. Six M/S Trawlers under the command
of Lieutenant R. Bill R.N. sailed for Dunkirk - embarking ladders
at Ramsgate en route. Reports of Lieutenant R. Bill R.N.,
Skipper Lieutenant G.W. Robinson R.N.R., and Skipper Lieutenant
L. Lake R.N.R. are attached (Nos. 5a, 5b, and 5c). pages 517, 523
29th May. "Lord Grey" and "Clythness" to Dunkirk.
Report of Lieutenant J. Simson R.N.V.R. attached (No.
30th May. "Sargasso", "Gulzar", "Conidaw", "Chico",
and "Starlight Rays" sailed for Dunkirk, embarked troops, and
returned.
"Chico" did especially good work in bringing back
217 troops. This vessel is only 70' long. All ships returned
safely with troops.
31st May. "Sargasso", "Gulzar", and "Chico" to Dunkirk.
"Chico" employed ferrying, and was responsible for nearly a 1,000
troops being embarked. All returned safely with troops.
"Fyldea" and "Brock" to beaches with motor boat. "Brock"
damaged by bombs, and ordered to return. Report of Sub. Lieutenant
K.H.G. Roberts R.N.V,R. attached (No. 7). "Fyldea" returned with
troops.
lageors
"Lord Inchcape" and "Our Bairns" ordered to Dunkirk.
Sweeping proved impossible due to shell fire and bombing. Ordered
to return.
1st June. "Sargasso", "Gulzar" and "Starlight Rays" to
Dunkirk
for
troops.
All returned safely.
"Starlight Rays", "Gulzar", and "Sargasso"
to Dunkirk 2nd for June. troops. "Conidaw" and "Chico" standing by for
life saving duties on route "X". All returned safely.
3rd June. "Starlight Rays", and "Gulzar" to Dunkirk
for troops. Both returned safely.
this period constant sweeping with "LL" without and skids
was During + and 13 magnetic mines were detonated, vicinity of
carried out,* ship. One mine detonated in and "LL" a
hospital ship, probably, 3/4 cables away. Report (No. C.L. 7).
the loss of a single by combined fields of herself of Lieutenant
Lambert Trawlers, R.N.V.R. which were who visited the hospital ship attached ?
+ in many DOWNS and Entrance of Dover Harbour.
(Continued over).

Details

-3-
adpper Lieut.
Robinson.
503
Arley.
gipper Lieut.
Lake.
Lt.Polly Johnson - sunk - 1
thief Skipper.
Mayhew.
Maretta.
1 Calais - bonbed.
;kipper.
Whammond.
Fyldea.
1 Buoy laying, 1
1 Beaches.
ikipper.
Jappy.
Brook.
1 Dunkirk, 1 Beaches.
$kipper.
Tucker.
Burke.
Ekipper.
Setterfield.
Adam.
skipper
S.Bindler,
B.D. spindler
Late Calvi - sunk. 1 off Calads, 1
in Dunkirk.
Skipper.
E. Smith.
Botanic.
pipper.
Aldan.
John Cattling. 1 Calats, 1 Dunicipit.
Sub. Lieut.
Mason.
Chico.
3 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Selanius
Clythness.
1 Dunkirk.
Skipper.
Snelgrove.
Conidaw.
1 Calais, 1 Duniciple,
1 Life saving party.
Sub. Lieut.
Liddall
Weale.
}
Grey Mist. 1 Boulogne, 1 off Calate.
Sub. Lieut.
Lieut.
CV
Brammall
Gulzar. See report under name of
Sub. Lieut.
RE
Evans.
individual Officers.
Lieut.
Eynon.
Skipper.
Johnson.
Hosanna.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Self.
Inverforth.
Skipper.
Kaye.
Tiller.
Lord Grey.
Skipper.
Littleproud.
Milford King.
1 off Calais LL.
Skipper.
Miller.
Our Bairns.
1 off Calais ID.
Skipper.
Stather.
Playmates.
1 off Calais.
Skipper.
Restrivo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Slater.
Relonzo.
LL Dover.
Skipper.
Buchan.
Starlight Rays. 2 Dunkirk.
Lieut.
Gaussen.
Sargasso. See report under name
Sub. Lieut.
Sub. Lieut.
Mills.
w
of individual Officers.
Thompson.
Skipper.
Thomsons.
Examination.
Drake.
Skipper.
Willing Boys.
1 Plushing, Calais,
Burrows.
Skide off Dover.
Skipper.
Mair (dead).
Comfort - sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk
Skipper.
McLean. - late -Nautilus. sunk - 1 Beaches Dunkirk

Details

340/58.
505
Name.
50
ship.
Anthony Brooke
Rank or Rating.
476
CLYTHNESS
Heckstall Smith.
300 lins to
Walter Fredk.Salenius.
Skipper. Sub. Lt. R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
George S. Day.
shalls Yook 150
Smauel B. Sussans
Mate. Chief Engineman. LT/RX 102500.
John A. Cargill.
Seaman.
LT/JX 175090.
For devotion to duty under very trying
circumstances (See report No. 6.
POLLY JOHNSON.
Bonter, b
Skipper Lieut. Leonard Lake extricated his ship in a
Sunk.
sinking condition from Dunkirk in a heavy bombard-
ment. Was eventually forced to abandon ship, and
transferred his crew and himself to "Arley".
(See report Nos. 5b and c). 38 mg
FYLDEA.
29/5 2/31/5
Liewt. John .K.M. Warde R.N.V.R. - Unit Officer.
has misses.
Thomas Owens,D.S.M.
Chief Engineer. X257EU.
Recommended for coolness and devotion to
duty during heavy bombing at Dunkirk.
(See report No. la).
38 of
BROCK.
Kenneth Henry G.Roberts.Sub. Lieut. R.N.V.R.
no brooks
Behaved with great coolness and devotion
became he saw no mole
to duty in assisting his Group Officer
suspected his shipto
(Lieutenant Robert Bill R.N.) to extricate
Keng water.
his ship from a perilous position).
(See report No. 7).
NAUTILUS J
Richard McLean.
Skipper (No.WS 3159).
b
For displaying great gallantry in going
strop "Grey tisunt
over the side to save a seaman whilst
destroyer and "Nautilus" were being
bombed.
mb sunk. each Deslige
George Addison.
2nd Engineman.
Andrew Strachan.
Cook.
Worked hard in small boats all day during
Lieutenant V.E. Gelling R.N.R).
trying conditions (See report No.4 by
GULZAR
Edward S. Woodhead.
Coxswain.
Charles H. Baldry.
Seaman.
trips (30/5
Cook.
George Cliefe.
Greaser.
Peter Blake.
Arthur L. Shallis.
Signalman.
to duty in very made trying to
THE to 4th June,
THE been 26th May

Details

-3-
519
*
490
As
the
wreck
of
the
"Grenade"
instructed follow the "John other Cattling" ships to was attempt drifting to pull down her on clear the trawlers,
I
7
up troops and survivors, out. "Polly Johnson" and "Brock" and to
at full speed. got clear, and proceeded out of harbour picked
"Arley" was clear and "Fyldea" under way.
further and several up the pier troops and survivors jumped on board. the I
The more Skipper of "Fyldea" kept his ship close to wall
instructions, but I trying to find the Piermaster again for was further
on board as she failed to find him and just managed to jump
was leaving. This was at about 1815.
then told clear me of the Piermaster had also instructed him to "Granade"
Lieutenant that Peake - the First Lieutenant of the
ships the four it and to go round to the beaches. I therefore get took the
ships three there asking if there were any troops available for me. to the After
remaining ships towards the beaches and signalled
capacity ships replying that they were themselves up
unsuccessful - all attempts to obtain further troops to fill to
and difficulty in completing I received signals from "Polly having Johnson"
necessary. by "Polly Johnson" and to remove her crew and sink her if
stand "Brock" stating that they were damaged. I ordered "Arley" to
who was anchored in the vicinity of the Nieuport Bank Buoy with her
With "Brock" in company I then proceeded towards the "Jaguar"
should take some from her. I was told to escort her as she had to I Express
troops on board and another destroyer alongside her, and asked if
boats and I therefore told "Brock", whose damage was slight, to
proceed to independently. I proceeded with "Brock for about two miles
exchange the necessary signals and satisfy myself that she was
capable of making the journey and then returned to "Jaguar".
her and signalled my maximum speed.
By this time she had weighed, and I followed astern of
side to at about 2500 feet, in the direction of the "Jaguar" and started port
At about 1930, five German Dive Bombers passed on our
detached itself from the formation and made an attack on us.
make an attack. We opened fire with the 12 pounder and one plane
We Six bombs were dropped which fell about 40/50 yards on our port beam.
the plane straightened up to attack I gave the order"hard-a-starboard" As
then straightened up and proceeded on our course.
her multiple pom-poms and zig-zagged, and no hits were registered,
The other planes attacked the "Jaguar" who replied with
although all attacks appeared to be very close to her.
out of sight.
After this attack she increased speed and she was soon
route I set a course for the Dyck Buoy and followed "y" route.
Having been left by "Jaguar" - who was taking a different
Between "m" and "S" buoys I overtook "Brock" and she
signalled that she could only steam at half speed and that she had
three serious cases on board. I signalled her to heave to and
went aea ongside her and transferred her survivors and troops to
at 0300.
I then proceeded at full speed and arrived back at Dover
situation was so tense that it would have been almost impossible to
During the bombing raids and the periods between, the
realize any passage of time, so that the times in this report may
be in error to a considerable extent.

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Dynamo ME
523
H.M.T. "ARLEY".
N°. $404
2nd June, 1940.
To: Commander M/S,
Dover.
Sir,
May proceed 29th at harbour received orders from H.M.T. "Fyldea" to
On 1430, arrival I at the entrance of Dunkirk on Wednesday
head to seaward Garry" I in tow out of harbour. After transport
steamer up "Loch and turn, whilst he took the
then was ordered to tow transport out, turning had
gained the most favourable position for the manoeuvre. as I
I took the stern rope from "Loch Garry", and
while towing the her stern clear of destroyers, commenced pushing after ahead
steamer came astern with engines.
This operation would have taken the vessel
harbour cannot all clear stern first, but for some reason, which out of
the explain, she reversed engines and went ahead, causing I
towing hawser to be slacked away to prevent parting.
starboard quarter, my boat deck pressed on to D.G.
On resuming pushing operation on "Loch Garry's"
her, causing it to take fire. This was caused by wiring the lengthened of
which towing hawser allowing my ship to go too far ahead, a position
very close to Western Pier head, and I was compelled to us go full
I had no time to adjust, as the tide was carrying both
speed ahead to clear us both.
and took up position astern of H.M.T. "Fyldea" and moored to
Having completed this manoeuvre I re-entered harbour,
Eastern arm, with H.M.T. "John Cattling" and "Calvi" berthed
outside of me; H.M.T. "Calvi" being the outside ship.
Aircraft, and although every ship in harbour put up full anti-
Soon after mooring, heavy bombing commenced by German
aircraft barrage, the bombs were dropped either side of the
Eastern arm.
during one of these a bomb dropped very close to "Polly Johnson",
Several raids were carried out at short intervals, and
Destroyer "Grenade" was hit, also H.M.T. "Calvi". The "Calvi"
wounding several of her guns crew. During a later raid the
was hit by a bomb on the port quarter, and soon commenced to
H.M.S. "Grenade" commenced settling down.
settle down, taking a very heavy list to port - at the same time
The next raid was directed more on the harbour, and
shore end of the Eastern arm causing a delay on the troops coming
along the pier. At this period the position became serious, and
it was decided all trawlers should clear harbour.
fouled by "Calvi" sinking alongside of her, I kept "John Cattling"
Owing to the serious position of "John Cattling" being
moored to me, whilst I towed her astern clear of "Calvi", I then
hove ahead, again close to pier, and embarked as many soldiers
as possible; the remainder of the troops going to the paddle
steamer berthed on the eastern side of the pier.
(Continued over).

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continued.
-2-
405+
H.M.T. cleared "Fyldea" harbour leading. of H.M.T. "Polly Johnson", "Brock" and with
I then astern passed ahead inside of H.M.S. "Grenade"
who faster informed owing to trouble megaphone that she was unable to proceed
When me clear by of harbour I closed on H.M.T. "Polly Johnson"
she to slow charts had been shattered. We were by as then
to reported all her up position about mld of a mile ahead of keep her
her. I took in the engineroom. and would I close any
reduced speed, and I informed H.M.T. "Fyldea" that
faster. orders from "Fyldea" to stand by "Polly
"Polly Johnson" I received was in difficulties and could not proceed any
Johnson", which I did, keeping about me of a mile ahead of her.
Although I was only proceeding at slow speed, the "Polly Johnson"
still dropped astern.
I then received a message from H.M.T. "Fyldea" that if
"Polly Johnson" could not proceed I was to take her crew and
scuttle her clear of the channel and act independently. I
ordered this message to be sent to "Polly Johnson" as relayed from
"Fyldea". By this time we had reached a position half way between
Nieuport Buoy, and Middlekerke Buoy, and I stopped engines until
"Polly Johnson" came within hail. During this period several
more raids were carried out by German Aircraft on the Destroyers
and other craft close to us.
When "Polly Johnson" closed on me, the Skipper informed
me he was already to abandon ship; his confidential books etc.
were packed ready to pass to me. I then closed on her and lashed
alongside until the two stretcher cases and all the other members
of her crew and passengers were safely on board. I then cast off
and moved away from her.
The Skipper of "Polly Johnson" - Skipper Lieutenant
Lake R.N.R. (ret) informed me that the water in engineroom had
gained up to the platforms, and in the stokehold the water was
about to put her fires out.
After leaving "Polly Johnson" I requested one of our
Destroyers to sink her as she had been abandoned, but as I received
no satisfactory reply, I returned to her and fired two shota of
common shell into her at waterline.
As I had by now about 90 men on board, including several
wounded, I decided to make all speed for Dover. The tide was
setting to East North East, and assuming the "Polly Johnson" would
drive away from the channel, I left her, the Skipper agreeing that
she would sink in about two hours.
Soon after leaving "Polly Johnson" I received an S.O.S.
from a Paddle Steamer who had been badly bombed whilst I had been
taking off from "Polly Johnson". I decided I could not take all
her men, so I steamed and intercepted one of the scouts, and two
French trawlers, and directed them to go to the paddler, which
they did. There was also one drifter standing by her and one of
our destroyers heading for her, so I decided nothing further could
be done, and returned to harbour forthwith.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Skipper Lieutenant R.D.,R.N.R.
ske Lieut G Robinson RD RNR
HMT. "arley"

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Injurn 51.
3rd June, 1940.
N°: 7. 525
To: Commander M/S,
- 496
Dover.
REPORT FROM H.M.T. "BROCK".
Sir,
in tow at to on 31st May, 1940., in company with H.M.T. "Fyldes" boats
H.M.T. 1410 "Brock" left Dover Harbour with four motor
and proceeded Dunkirk by route "Y".
decided to return to "R" Buoy and go by "X" route.
As Middlekerke Bank Buoy could not be located "FyIdea"
abandoned.
One of our four boats having become water logged, was
(1/6/20)- 0810. Altered course at "R" Buoy and followed route "X".
1020. In vicinity of "W" Buoy ship was attacked by onemy
aircraft; several bombs were dropped but no damage was sustained.
1230. Off beach East of Dunkirk, sent the three motor
boats in shore.
1240. Again attacked, this time by a large number of
Junkers Dive Bombers. A great number of bombs were dropped
around both ships. One plane was seen to come down, probably
disabled by our "A.A" fire. No bombs registered hits but many
fell exceedingly close to the ship.
As first loaded small boats had closed "Fyldea" and there
appeared to be no more coming off at the time, also suspecting ship
to be making water, a signal was made to "Fyldea", whereupon per-
mission was given for "Brock" to return to Dover. At 1340 she
proceeded.
1420, when approximately 5 miles North of No. 5 V. Buoy
a shore battery fired three rounds at ship all dropping about 200
yards astern. It was difficult to ascertain exactly where the
battery was, but it appeared to be close East of Gravelines.
1940. Entered Dover Harbour.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Sub. GRoberts Lieutenant R.N.V.R.