Details

HALFWAY
BILLY
M/B (owner, P. Kinson
8/Lt. M. Phinps, RJ
Nothing known of this vessel.
30th May
1800
Disembarked 140 troops. Panne by (1)
the
M/S
2207
on arrivel, S/LA. Phipps, made
trips to the beaches in the Handy
Billy-
The Handy Billy did not return from
Demberk
HAT
Authority - R.O.I. D.264.
TO.9436.
(1) D.R.
13 a

Details

SOUTHERN QUEEN
M/B(1)
S/Lt. B.G.P. de Mattos,
1100
R.N.V.R.
31st Ma.
Left of Dover, the with 3 other boats, tow
sk. Vrede. 2 miles in
Dover, the Vrede broke down. outside The
M/B's returned to Dover.
1st June
0700
Left Dover with 3 other boats, in tow
of the sk. Rika.
1300
Arrived Dunkirk roads.
1400
The Rika proceeded to Ramsgate with
survivors from a French destroyer.
The Southern Queen was sent back
under own power to Dover.
2200ca
Arrived Dover.
2nd June
1500
2245
Towed to Dunkirk by the tug Sun XI.
Arrived Dunkirk. Ferried about 200
troops; 2 loads from east pier, 2
from west pier.
3rd June
-
Sailed for Dover under own power.
0600ca
Halfway across, was taken in tow by
the tug Sun X.
0900
Arrived in tow at Dover.
Nil.
Authority - R.O.II, p.224.
(1) If this was "Southern Queen (F.E.154)", the owner was
Mr. G. Mockridge.
163

Details

MOTOR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
Notor Barge Sherfield
1
#
Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63.
185
Ex-Lighter X.95.
Motor Launch Nanette II.
Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
Dyram 189. 180
e
STATEMENT OF PATRICK THOMAS SULLIVAN, ABLE SEAMAN, C/JX,147897.
I am a survivor of the "SILVER QUISIDIV" that left Sheerness on
Wednesday 29th May, 1940, for Dunkirk. We stopped at Ramsgate for about
an hour, and then all the boats that WEBC capable put to sea at dusk, being
nine boats all told, on the way over one blew her engine, others dropped out,
and we finally reached Dunkirk at 0800 on Thursday.
We proceeded to ferry troops to H.M.S. "Esk" and then the German
artillery started shelling us, we carried on and after we had been working
for about two hours, the planes came over and started to bomb us, one coming
so close, it lifted us out of the water (roughly 25' off the starboard beem).
We managed to take about 1,000 troops to the big ships, and then on
our 10th or 11th trip, we had about 100 French soldiers on board, took them
to a Trweler, who told us to go to Dunkirk harbour for another ship.
We got there but found no ship, so we decided to come home. To had no
charts or compsss, but trusted to our sense of direction. Halfway over
we found a soldier's field compass and used that. Then we sighted land,
and thinking it was Ramsgate or some other Port, we turned towards it, and
got about half a mile off, when the Germans opened fire, then we discovered
it was Calais. They pounded away at us with six batteries for roughly 30
minutes, one round hitting us in the stern and another on the starboard
bow. The Yser, in company with us, was also hit and she started to draw
water badly.
She had a Verey's Light pistol and fired it, whereupon a
Destroyer came up and covered us.
We reached Ramsgate at 2100, managed to tie up and disembark the troops,
then she was slowly sinking. We lost everything we set out with, but we
were fitted out with clothes at the (word missing) and on H.M.S. PERVENT.
(sd) P.T. Sullivan.
Able Seaman, C/JX.147897.
ing
e

Details

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

Details

3. 396
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by
the pulling the boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then which being
ferried by fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0335 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0345 there were no
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (2) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the unamizous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow motior boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It might have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats working between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.S could go alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W.I and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not required on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June - Tuesday 4th. June.
A further operation for these nights was organised from
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV - Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N.J Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA - Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN XV Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA : Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. RINdRd, Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
Each tug was to take 4 motor boats in tow, with orders to work
from the Nouveau Avant Port and from any point of the East mole
which they could reach, and to ferry troops down to the ships along-
side or to the transport LOCUST. The tugs had no specific orders,
and I instructed the Officers in the tugs that they should wait just
outside the entrance to Dunkirk, keeping clear of ships going in and
out (of which I understood there were to be a good many) and to be
ready to go alongside to pick up troops as opportunity offered or to
assist as required.
The convoy left a little after 1700 with 14 motor boats in all,
two having failed (one with engine trouble, one was aground in
RAMSGATE). The passage across was uneventful, save for a certain
amount of trouble with the tows, and the encountering of two mines
in the neighbourhood of W. buoy which were dealt with by mine-
sweepers. Commodore H.) TAYLOR, R.N.R. took passage with me, but about
halfway Dunkirk. across was picked up by a Motor Torpedo Boat and went on to

Details

4. 397
The for the following reasons boats given were below:- abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. point arose Petrol here. failure. Abandoned near W. buoy. An interesting
had been The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
officer told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
certain who cans which were subsequently found to contain water. The
instructed to fill up with petrol at RAMSGATE from
Commander (E) RINI When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, at any rate on the staff. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever was, traced and identified.
(c) DIANA MARY. Engine trouble and damage to propeller. Abandoned
at Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERINTENDENT&S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged masonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.N.,VeR.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do so as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, SO I went in to
S.O.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
to The convoy arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed by trouble with the tows. Most of the boats had been slipped
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN buoy and sent on. The
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the entrance, and
in this position picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
and an officer, who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
it was learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
5. The motor boats carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
to the Eastward of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
any work to be done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths at the East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to berth.
6. At about 0115 (4th. June) one of my motor boats returned, and told
me that there were no more French troops at the QUAI FELIX FUARE,
and that Commander TAYLOR had left the QUAL. This boat was slightly
damaged and so I left her in company.
7. At about 0200 the two end berths on the East mole were clear. H.M.S.
"MALCOLM" went alongside and I fallowed in SUN IV, as also did the
tug RACIA, to see if there were any more French troops. There were
only a few, who embarked in "MALCOIM", this ship asked me to push
her stern in to the jetty, which I did.
sailed RAMSGATE; the return passage was uneventful. I was passed
I left at 0230, approximately, picked up the waiting motor boat, and
by two or for three destroyers and a minesweeper. Tug SUN XV towed home
another vessel one picked up halfway.
8.
Out 14 boats which started for Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be
abandoned of the for one reason or another, but the crews were recovered
safely. The remainder found their own way back to RAMSGATE, with the

Details

Details

length of piling runs out parallel to East Pier 295
292
wide. encloses the entrance to this channel - about 150 and
A new series of docks under construction has yards
into the harbour by this entrance is the West Quay.
entrance opening off the inner harbour, and jutting out an
93
West Quay was used entirely by the French; luckily for us
they did not consider East Pier suitable for embarkation. to
All British troops were embarked from East Pier, and on
se
last 2 days a large number of French troops also.
Bi g rise and fall of tide: at H.W. can step straight on
a destroyer's deck, but at L.W. it was a 15 ft. drop.
Many ladders were sent over and secured to sides of pier,
O
but sobdiers with rifles and packs took a long time to get
down ladders.
When I first went in (30th) there was a trawler (c) sunk
alongside pier and another ship (A) sunk outside the end.
The trawler and drifter shown sank later, as also the
(9
blockships.
4 berths alongside East Pier could be used. Inner one (F)
only by small ships at L.W., but at H.W. personnel ships
(7
could get into B, D and E.
On 24th May, KING ORRY had rammed the pier during a bombing
raid and made a large gap in it abreast E berth: until
this was bridged outer berths could not be used as roadway
along pier was cut. Harbour very shallow to the west of
West Quay, and place where ROUEN went ashore on night of
2nd June when leaving the quay is shown - also where
KELLETT grounded on night of 3rd June.
As soon as HEBE got alongside East Pier I went to local
Naval H. Q., while she was quickly filled up with 6-700
some of them wounded.
men, Naval H.Q. were established in a dug-out at shore end of
East Pier. This area was not large and was separated
from mainland by a bridge over a cabal. Surface was
uneven and covered with heaps of rubble; there was a
and a few ambulances, cars and wounded men.
Bofors small gun staff of the SNO, Captain Tennant, did wonderful the
The controlling the embarkation and dealing with shell
work ashore: they worked under constant Tennant fire
and were was away with the General, but was and that
situation short of sleep and food. Did not informed see that
as he of troops were ready to embark at sent pier in.
plenty would take all ships that could be East
At this cut off the end, so that the only Later, accessible this
they time gap in roadway halfway along Pier
completely points were inside this point. along its
embarkation bridged so that pier could be alongside. used whole
Had intended to keep HEBE as my headquarters, so she had
length gap was except where ships were sunk
not been used to embark any troops from beaches. Felt this I
could not refuse to do this at Dunkerque, and once
done the question of their disposal arose.
was returned to beaches and sent any surplus ships to load to
(8)
I Dunkerque, and from then on had continually to and try needs
hold beaches and Dunkerque. Also reported that, essential to more
at the balance between the respective claims until
boats of were available for ferrying, it was itself.
Explanation why Dunkerque was then being so little used
concentrate on evacuation from Dunkerque
and 25th so May, Dunkerque was heavily attacked from sunk, the and air
much effort expended on beaches:-
On harbour was full of ships. GRENADE was
when ORRY and several other ships alongside piers Party were ashore hit.
KING result of this, a junior member of Naval of the day,
whose off in a car to La Panne where he Dunkerque and
a judgment had been affected by events saw Lord Gort
dashed Admiralty that further embarkation from sending al
phoned was impossible. Dover was, therefore, took 2 days to
itself to beaches and none to Dunkerque: which had a
ships overcome results of this indiscretion, consi
erable temporary effect on the plans.

Details

Details

Page 5.
ICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO". - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
TTISH SHIPS (continued)
GER BANK
HANDY BILLY
TA (Tug)
HASTINGS LIFE-BOAT
ADNOUGHT II
HOLLAND
ADNOUGHT III
HOPPER 26
HESS OF YORK
HOUND (Lighter)
RF
HYTHE (Coaster)
1 )
IOLANTHE
4
IOTE
7 (Harbour
IRMA MARIA (Fishing boat)
9
Launches)
JABA
6
JACINTA (Trawler)
C. 715
JAMES 67 (Hopper Barge)
G. 694
JANIS
G. 950
JOHANNA (Eel Boat)
STBOURNE LIFE-BOAT
JONG
WARD NISSEN
JORDAN
WINA (Trawler)
KAYELL
IZABETH QUEEN
KESTREL
M.E.D. (Motor Life-boat)
KINGSGATE
PRESS
KITCAT (M.B.)
PRISE (Harbour Launch)
K.L.
DEAVOUR
LADY BRASSEY (Rescue Tug)
TERPRISE (M.B.)
LADY CABLE (M.B.)
ICA
LADY SHEILA
SKBURN
LADY SOUTHBOROUGH
AIR BREEZE (Drifter)
(Hopper Barge)
AWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
LANDANIA
ERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
L/NSDOWNE
ERVENT
LAROC
ISHBOURNE (I.O.W. Ferry)
LETITIA (Smack)
OREMOST 2 (Hopper Barge)
LITTLE ANN (M.B.)
OREMOST 87 (Tug)
LOTUS
ORMIDABLE
LOUISIANA
ORSA
MADAM SANSGENE
OSSA (Tug)
MAID ERRANT
RIGHTENED LADY
MALDEN
.W. 23 (Lighter)
MALDEN ANNIE IV
ALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
MA JOIE
ALZAR
MARASOLE
AY CRUSADER
MARGERITA
LENWAY (Barge)
MARLBOROUGH (W.D. Craft)
LITTER II
MARQUIS (Tug)
OLIATH
MARY ROSE
GOURKA
MARY SPEARING I
GRACE DARLING
MARY SPEARING II
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
MASSEY SHAW (Fire Float)
GREATER LONDON LIFE-BOAT
MAYSPEAR
GONDIA (Tug)
MEANDER
H. 75
MERMAIDEN (M.L.)
HAIG HALFWAY (W.D. Craft)
M.F.H. (Lighter)
MICHAEL STEVENS
MINEKOI (Tug)
(Continued)
Sunk

Details

505
4.
At dawn 2nd June, having embarked 70 soldiers
and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards
Dover. Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle
steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10
arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the
Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for
a
mechanic to repair my starboard engine,
I received orders to leave Ash.C. 10 at
Dover and to take charge of the Royal National
Lifeboat Jane Holland.
5.
I proceeded in this vessel under tax, at
1600 2nd June with orders to pick up Prench troops
at the Eastern Breakwater. I as employed on this sork
until dawn 3rd June, when I received orders to 80 to
B. and C beaches and take off the Beach lasters there,
On arrival at these beacher which were being heavily
shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers.
I was informed however by some troops who were enharking
in a destroyer, that the Reach Master had been taken
off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation
of this, I returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships
had left.
6.
It was now daylight and 1 set course for
Dover. Shortly afterwards my engine broke down and the
lifeboat was taken in tow by a motor host, 1 Sorroued
a mechanic from this hoat who succeded in getting the
engine running again, when we cast off.
A little laten the engine caught fire, and
became completely useless. The crew WGTV taken aff by
a C.M.B. from Dover and an the lifeboat var of very

Details

505
4.
At dawn 2nd June, having embarked 70 soldiers
and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards
Dover. Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle
steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10
arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the
Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for
a mechanic to repair my starboard engine,
I received orders to leave A.L.C. 10 at
Dover and to take charge of the Royal National
Lifeboat Jane Holland.
5.
I proceeded in this vessel under tax, at
1600 2nd June with orders to pick up French troops
at the Eastern Breakwater. 1 was employed on this 2018
until dawn 3rd June, when I received orders to go to
B. and C beaches and take off the Reach Masters there.
On arrival at these beacher which were being heavily
shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers.
I was informed however by some troops who were emhariting
in a destroyer, that the Reach Master had been taken
off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation
of this, I returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships
had left.
It was now daylight and I set course for
6. Shortly afterwards my engine broke down and the
Dover. taken in tox by a motor host, 1 horrowed the
lifeboat a mechanic was from this heat who succeded in getting
engine running again, when we cast off.
little later the engine daught fire, aff and
completely A useless. The crew 1674 taken very by
became a C.M.B. from Dover and as the lifeboat var of

Details

128
4.
At dawn and June, having embarked 70 soldiers
and finding every ship had left, I proceeded towards
Dover, Halfway across the Straits I sighted a paddle
steamer, and put the soldiers onboard her, A.L.C. 10
arrived at Dover about 1000 where I reported to the
Captain in charge of Auxiliary Services, asking for
a mechanic to repair my starboard engine.
I received orders to leave A.L.C. 10 at
Dover and to take charge of the Royal National
Lifeboat Jane Holland.
5.
I proceeded in this vessel under tow, at
1600 2nd June with orders to sick up French troons
at the Eastern Breakwater. 1 was employed on this work
until dawn 3rd June, when 1 received orders to 80 to
B, and C beacher and take off the Beach Basters there.
on arrival at there beacher which were being heavily
shelled, I was unable to find any trace of there officers
I was informed however by some troops who were embarking
in a destroyer, that the Reach Haster had been taken
off by another destroyer. Having obtained confirmation
of this, 1 returned to Dunkirk, but found all the ships
had left.
6.
It was now daylight and I not courre for
Dover, Shortly aftervards my engine broke down and the
lifeboat was taken in tox by a motor boat, I borrowed
a mechanic from this hoat who succeded in getting the
engine running again, when we cast off.
A little later the engine crught fire, and
became completely useless. The crew were taken off by
a C.M.R. from Dover and an the lifeboat was of very

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160
The following boats were abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
for the reasons given below:-
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. Petrol failure. Abandoned near 11. bucy. An interesting
point arose here. The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
had been instructed to fill up with petrol : RAMSGATE from
certain cans which were subsequently found tc contain water. The
officer who told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
Commander (E) R.N. When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, it any rate on the st If. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever W.S, traced and identified.
(c) DIAHA MARY. Engine trouble and to propeller. Abandoned
Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERIMENDENT'S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged nasonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.N.V.R.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do SO as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, 80 I went in to
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
S.0.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
The arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed convoy by trouble with the tows. liost of the boats had been slipped
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN bucy and sent on. The
in this picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the antrance, and
it was an learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
and officer, position who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
to motor Eastward boats of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
The carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
the done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths any work at to the be East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to borth.
me about 0115 no more French troops at QUAI
At (4th. June) one of my motor boats the returned, FELIX and FUARE, told
and that that there Commission were TAYLOR had left the QUAI. This boat was slightly
damaged and 80 I left her in convany.
At two end berths on the East mole were also clear. did H.M.S. the
tug "MALCOLM" went see if there were any more this ship troops. asked no to push were
about 0200 the alongside and I followed in French SUN IV, as There
only RACIA, few, to who embarked in "MALCOLM"; I did.
her stern a in to the jetty, which picked up the waiting Motor boat, and
I left at 0230, approximately, the return passage was uneventful, Tug SUN XV I towed was passed home
by sailed for RAMSGATS; destroyers and a minesweeper.
another two or vessel three ОДЭ picked up halfway.
Out boats which started for but Dunkirk, the crews 8 or wore 9 had recovered to be
safely. abandoned The for remainder one found their own way RAMSGATE, with the
of the 14 reason or another, back to

Details

APPENDIX A
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
TROOPS
MOTOR BOATS, LAUNCHES AND VESSELS (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
Constant Nymph
(Dr. B. A. Smith, Owner/Skipper)
Cordelia (S/Lt. C. A. Thompson, R.N.V.R.)
Couyt Bello IP
Cyb'
Dab II
(Lieut. R. W. Thomson, R.N.V.R.)
Defender
(Skpr. E. A. Turnnidge)
00
Diana Mary
Dreadnought II'
28
Dreadnought III'
Eastbourne Bello
Elizabeth Green
1
(S/Lt. E. T. Garside, R.N.V.R.)
10
Eastbourne Quoon'
Empross
(S/Lt. T. W. Betts, R.N.V.R.)
Enchantrass'
Encore
I
(Lt. Cdr. Wilson,)
44
Endcavour
(Skpr. F.C. Halls)
Enterprise
Escaul' 2
1
Eskburn
Eve'
27
(L/Sea. N. Furse, R.N.R.)
Ferry Nymph
Fervent
44
-
(Lt. Cdr. W.R. T. Clements, R.N.R.)
Fishbourne (I.O.W. Ferry)
Forty Two
I
(Lieut. R. Nimmo, R.N.R.)
Frightened Lady'
1
(S/Lt. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R.)
Gavines
-
Goy Crusader
-
(S/Lt. T. H. Rodgers, R.N.V.R.)
Gipsy King
-
Glitter11 (A. Botts) (H. Brown) (F. Hook, Deal boatman)
-
(Actg. S/Lt. J. W. S. Culham, R.N.)
Goldon Lily
I
Golden Spray II'
(J. O'Neill and N. Cohen, Deal boatmen)
(A. C, Crowthall, a Lloyd's official)
Gondolier King
Godolior Queen
-
Good
-
Grace Darling 11"
Guen Eagle 1
-
Halfway
Handy nilly
140
Honora' (S/Lt. M. Phipps, R.N.)
-
Hound (S/Lt. C, Minchin, R.N.)
(H. W. Knight, Capt.)
98
1 Lost,
, 4 Ex-Belgian canal boat.
Recorded ns sunk in Home Waters apparently subsequent to Operation " Dynamo."
148

Details

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

Details

Details

# sunk.
indicates Card for read and resul on service dring
this operation
$26.5.40
Additions to hist of ships taking part in operations Dynamo:-
4.6.40
Skoots
ATLANTIC
insired with Naval Grew
DEMOK.1.
DENEB
FREDANJA.
HILDA.
ORANGE YREESWIJH
TINY
TUNG
Other British Shipo.
ADVENTURESS
EDWARD NISSEN
AGNESS CROSS (Lipeboat)
ELIZABETH QUEEN ? GREEN
ALBATROSS III
E.M.E.D. (motor Liphoat)
ALOVETTE
EMPRISE (Harborn Lannch)
ANDORA.
ERICA.
ANDORA II (RAF Lanmch)
INNDORATI
ESKBURN
ANNE N ANNE
ATHOLA
FAIRBREEZE (Dript)
1
FAWLEY (Gosport Ferry)
BAIL
FERRY KING (Gosport Ferry)
BELFAST
FERVENT
BLACK JAVA
FISHBOURNE (19 w Ferry)
BLACKPOOL
FOREMOST. 2. (Hopper Bangh)
BONNY BELLE
FOREMOST 87. (Tug)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE- BOAT)
FORMID ABLE
B.P. ONE
FORSA
BRITANNIA
# FOSSA (Tug)
BULLFINCH
FRIGHTENED. LADY.
F.W 23 (Lighter)
CABBY
CANVEY QUEEN
GALLEON'S REACH (Hopper)
CHERFIELD
GALZAR
#
CLAUDE (WATER BOAT)
GLENWAY (Barge)
CORNELIA
GUTTER II
C9 C 11 C " } TUGS.
GOLIATH.
GOURKA.
CY 63
GRAPPLER (Lighter)
DHOON (TRAWLER)
GONDIA (Thg)
DOGGER BANK
H.75 H. 75
DORIA (TUG)
HAIG (WD. Crap)
DWARF
HALFWAY
D.1.
HANDY BILLY
D 4
HOLLAND
D7
(HARBOUR LAUNCHES)
HOPPER 26
D9
HYTHE ( Coasth )
D 16
Si C
DC 715
DG 694
DG 950
IT PHO

Details

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

Details

67
Extracts from letter from the Managing Director of the
NEW MEDWAY STEAM PACKET CO. LTD.
151
14th August, 1940
The "QUEEN OF THANET" which was stationed at Grantnam in
the Firtn-of-Forth and Flotilla Leader of Minesw eepers received
instructions on Thursday, during the evacuation to proceed to
Dunkirk. On arrival there, this vessel with many others pro-
ceeded to take in Troops off the beach under terrific bombing
and shell-fire from the Germans; in spite of this she took in
several hundreds of Troops and proceeded to Margate Jetty where
they were disembarked. Arrangements were then made for her
to take in oil fuel and proceed again to Dunkirk, as soon as
possible; she arrived over the following evening, and again took
on board several hundred more Troops and many wounded, and again
proceeded to Margate Jetty, disembarked the Troops, and after tak-
ing in Stores and water proceeded again for Dunkirk. When more
than halfway across the Channel they noticed a Steamer which
had evidently been bombed and loaded with 3,000 Troops was in
difficulties and seriously damaged; on arriving close to the
vessel she proved to bettieLondon North Eastern Mail Steamer,
"PRAGUE".
A destroyer was alongside transferring Troops from dis-
abled vessel, numbering 500. A wireless message was then
received by the "QUEEN OF THANET" asking him to call alongside
also, and take off the Troops. When within hamling distance,
the Commanding Officer of the "QUEEN OF THANET", Lieutenant
Commander Hallivell, R.N.V.R., asked 'How many Troops were left
on board' and the reply came, '2000. Commander Hallivell re-
plied, "I will take the lot". These were all safely embarked
including the few wounded, and again the vessel left for Margate
Jetty; this was on Sunday, May.
In the meantime the "PRAGUE" having been lighted was able
I
with precaution to proceed under her own steam to Dover on Sunday
I
night. "QUEEN OF THANET" again proceeded to Dunkirk, and
o
early Monday morning cleaned up the beach and brought over a
t
few Troops including 47 wounded. The total number of Troops
W
brought over by the "QUEEN OF THANET" was 4,000 plus wounded.
d
Lieutenant Commander Hallivell has since been promoted Commander
o
"MEDWAY QUEEN" This vessel I understand made three or four
trips to Dunkirk and each time brought over her full complement
pl
of about 800 passengers. I am endeavouring to get in touch
with the Commanding Officer of the "MEDWAY QUEEN", but each
al
occasion she was lying so far from the pier that I was unable to
De
jo
of
th
I see immediately we were hove up our anchor and kept the
he
twisting as I could and turning to likely clear to get run down whilst the Tug underweigh
were rowing as could see our crew of the barge and the in towards the
a bit, I the bombs. I paddled destroyers shore were
and crew of barge off in their boat towards us. I picked soldier stevedores
e
t
next wave of bombers "DUCHESS" were overhead. that had anchored in the Roads, them up, and also then boat the
(Continued)

Details

67
Extracts from letter from the Managing Director of the
NEW MEDWAY STEAM PACKET CO. LTD.
151
14th August, 1940
The "QUEEN OF THANET" which was stationed at Grantnam in
the Firth-of-Forth and Flotilla Leader of Minesw eepers received
instructions on Thursday, during the evacuation to proceed to
Dunkirk. On arrival there, this vessel with many others pro-
ceeded to take in Troops off the beach under terrific bombing
and shell-fire from the Germans; in spite of this she took in
several hundreds of Troops and proceeded to Margate Jetty Where
they were disembarked. Arrangements were then made for her
to take in oil fuel and proceed again to Dunkirk, as soon as
possible; she arrived over the following evening, and again took
on board several hundred more Troops and many wounded, and again
proceeded to Margate Jetty, disembarked the Troops, and after tak-
ing in Stores and water proceeded again for Dunkirk. When more
than halfway across the Channel they noticed a Steamer which
had evidently been bombed and loaded with 3,000 Troops was in
difficulties and seriously damaged; on arriving close to the
vessel "PRAGUE". she proved to be the London North Eastern Mail Steamer,
A destroyer was alongside transferring Troops from dis-
abled vessel, numbering 500. A wireless message was then
received by the "QUEEN OF THANET" asking him to call alongside
also, and take off the Troops. When within hamling distance,
the Commanding Officer of the "QUEEN OF THANET", Lieutenant
Commander Hallivell, R.N.V.R., asked 'How many Troops were left
on board' and the reply came, '2000. Commander Hallivell re-
plied, "I will take the lot". These were all safely embarked
including the few wounded, and again the vessel left for Margate
Jetty; this was on Sunday, May.
In In the meantime the "PRAGUE" having been lighted was able
I
with precaution to proceed under her own steam to Dover on Sunday
I
night. "QUEEN OF THANET" again proceeded to Dunkirk, and
o
early Monday morning cleaned up the beach and brought over a
t
few Troops including 47 wounded. The total number of Troops
W
brought over by the "QUEEN OF THANET" was 4,000 plus wounded.
a
Lieutenant Commander Hallivell has since been promoted Commander
o
"MEDWAY QUEEN" This vessel I understand made three or four
trips to Dunkirk and each time brought over her full complement
pl
of about 800 passengers. I am endeavouring to get in touch
with the Commanding Officer of the "MEDWAY QUEEN", but each
al
occasion she was lying so far from the pier that I was unable to
De
jo
of
th
I
as
I
see immediately we were likely hove up to our anchor and kept the Tug
he
could
a twisting bit, and I turning to clear the get bombs. run down I whilst the destroyers underweigh were
were and rowing as off could in see their our boat crew towards of the barge and paddled the soldier in towards stevedores the shore
rt
e
next crew wave of of barge bombers "DUCHESS" were overhead. that had anchored us. I picked in the Roads, them up,also and then boat the
t
(Continued)

Details

On the following day, Thursday, May 30th, the "St.
173
Helier" again left for Dunkirk, accompanied by two French
troopships, the "st.Helier" being the leading ship, and
halfway across was subjected to a fierce attack by three
planes. Nino bombs fell on the port bow about twenty yards
off the vessel, four bombs right ahead were even closer and
many fell on the starboard side. One of the planes was shot
down by anti-aircraft fire from the "St.Helier" Over 2,000
troops were embarked and the vessel turned to Dover at 7-0 a.m.
Friday, May 31st, arrived at Dunkirk again and loaded 30/5
1,600 French troops. On coming out the H.N.S. "Sharpshooter",
a mine layer, went across the "St.Helier's" bows and there was
a collision. At the request of the Captain of the "sharpshooter"
the St.Helier" did not withdraw but steamed into her at half
speed on one engine for forty minutes to ease the pressure on
the bulkheads. It was now quite dark and enemy planes came
over dropping flares to locate the ships. A tue came to attend
to the H.II.S. "Sharpshooter" Enemy planes were continually
around the ships and in the confusion the "Princess Eleanora"
struck the St.Helier" on the starboard bow. After ascertaining
this vessel required no assistance the voyage was just proceeding
when the Helier" ran over a wreck, but fortunately without
doing any underwater damage. The troops were landed at Dover.
On Saturday, June 1st, arrived at Dunkirk 3-30 p.m.,
1/6
16 planes being overhead dropping bombs. The Master of the
'St.Helier" was asked if he would wait and load stretcher
cases, to which he agreed and at 6-0 p.m. the vessel shifted
and while moving was shelled from the beach, two shells striking
the docking bridge and slightly wounding the second mate, but
it did not interfere with his duties. The "st.Helier" lay along-
side the quay in all for seven hours, the Harbour being fiercely
bombarded the whole time from planes and shore batteries. The
vessel embarked 40 stretcher cases and filled up with troops,
and left the berth at 10-15 p.m. being shelled from coast
batteries for thirty minutes before getting out of range. The
shells all went over the ship, most of them dropping within
thirty yards. Flames from fires on the shore lit up the sea
so that the ship was plainly visible.
OARDIFF.
After landing the troops on the Sunday morning the 2/6
Naval Authorities informed the Master that they considered he
had done enough and stated they were prepared to put a Naval
Commander in charge. Captain Pitman refused relief. A Naval
Commander and ten ratings were put on board to assist in case
the ship was required to take off troops from beaches. The
vessel, however, again proceeded to Dunkirk and loaded a full
complement of troops. The vessel had now become very difficult
to manoeuvre and it was afterwards found that the fore peak was
full of water, evidently arising from the collision damage
followed by underwater explosions, though this was not
discovered until the vessel had returned to Folkestone as it
ed
was too dangerous to allow any of the crew forward. The fore
peak was pumped out at Folkestone. The vessel was shelled
while she was alongside the quay at Dunkirk but fortunately
of
the aim was poor and all the she Is fell just short.
cor
the
Though other ships came to Dunkirk after this and took
aft
French troops, the S.S. "st.Helier" on this occasion loaded
the last of the B.E.F. numbering over 2,000. These British
troops were landed on Monday morning and the Helier" stood

Details

16
Extract Jun adminity weekly atelligue Refund
No.15 (Lint Ime, 1940). body on on T.09474. 16
DUNKIRK BEACHES.
243
The following narrative, based on noted made at the time,
has been contributed by an officer attached to R.A., Dover,
during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from Dunkirk.
Wednesday, May 29.
With R.A., Dover, and his staff I embarked in H.M.S. "ESK",
and at 2000 sailed for Dunkirk beaches. Halfway across the
Channel and it got dusk, huge fires showed the position of
Dunkirk and vividly lit up the eastern sky. A pall of black
smoke hung over the coast. At first it seemed that the whole
town must be burning, but as we approached I found that the
fires were confined to an area close westward of the town and
harbour where the oil refineries and storages were situated.
We steamed slowly up the narrow coastal channel and past
Dunkirk to the ten miles of beaches from which the troops were
being embarked. We had on board with us the naval beach
parties who were to be landed to superintend the boat embarka-
tion between Dunkirk at the western end and La Panne at the
eastern. The beach parties were put ashore in three sections at
different points in the ships' boats. The night was overcast and
very dark, and it was not possible to see how much activity there
was inshore. Boats were few, and not many ships were lying off
the beaches.
Thursday, May 30.
At 0200 we transferred to H.M.S. "HEBE" of Bray, and pro-
ceeded eastward along the coast to La Panne. Dawn found us
still there, and it brought with it one of the most astounding and
pathetic sights I have ever seen. Almost the whole ten miles of
beach was black from sand-dunes to waterline with tens of
thousands of men. In places they stood up to their knees and
waists in water waiting for their turn to get into the pitiably few
boats. It seemed impossible that we should ever get more than
a fraction of all these men away. The immediate and urgent
need was for more boats - both small pulling boats for inshore
work, and power boats to tow them seawards to the ships. These
we asked for, and as the day progressed many more arrived.
The weather to-day was most favourable, with low cloud and
poor visibility, little wind and a calm sea. Even so, there was
considerable surf on the beaches and inshore boat work was not
easy. The day was spent in getting into touch with the situation
ashore through S.N.O., Dunkirk, and the G.O., C. in C., and in
directing ships and boats as they arrived to where they were most
needed. It had been intended to keep "HEBE" free of troops for
R.A., Dover, but ships were too few and she filled up in Dunkirk
early in the day. After despatching her to Dover R.A. transferred
his flag to various destroyers as they waited to fill up off the
beaches.
One of the great difficulties was getting empty boats back
inshore. They had no boat keepers, and naturally a man, having
once got off to a ship, was not keen to return inshore again.
Some of the soldiers, however, did fine work in this wayy, and
went back many times.
During the whole of this day I saw no bomb drop on the
beaches, nor any enemy aircraft flying low to machine gun.
There were various ships attached by aircraft, but I do not think
any was hit. Air superiority was well maintained during the
- 1

Details

MOTOR CONVOY.
6/6/40. Dynamo 188.
Notor Barge Sherfield
1
#
Ex-Lighter Y.O. 63.
185
Ex-Lighter X.95.
Motor Launch Nanette II.
Sub Lt. J.D.F. Kealy, R.N.
Dyram 189. 180
e
STATEMENT OF PATRICK THOMAS SULLIVAN, ABLE SEAMAN, C/JX,147897.
I am a survivor of the "SILVER QUISIDIV" that left Sheerness on
Wednesday 29th May, 1940, for Dunkirk. We stopped at Ramsgate for about
an hour, and then all the boats that WEBC capable put to sea at dusk, being
nine boats all told, on the way over one blew her engine, others dropped out,
and we finally reached Dunkirk at 0800 on Thursday.
We proceeded to ferry troops to H.M.S. "Esk" and then the German
artillery started shelling us, we carried on and after we had been working
for about two hours, the planes came over and started to bomb us, one coming
so close, it lifted us out of the water (roughly 25' off the starboard beem).
We managed to take about 1,000 troops to the big ships, and then on
our 10th or 11th trip, we had about 100 French soldiers on board, took them
to a Trweler, who told us to go to Dunkirk harbour for another ship.
We got there but found no ship, so we decided to come home. To had no
charts or compsss, but trusted to our sense of direction. Halfway over
we found a soldier's field compass and used that. Then we sighted land,
and thinking it was Ramsgate or some other Port, we turned towards it, and
got about half a mile off, when the Germans opened fire, then we discovered
it was Calais. They pounded away at us with six batteries for roughly 30
minutes, one round hitting us in the stern and another on the starboard
bow. The Yser, in company with us, was also hit and she started to draw
water badly.
She had a Verey's Light pistol and fired it, whereupon a
Destroyer came up and covered us.
We reached Ramsgate at 2100, managed to tie up and disembark the troops,
then she was slowly sinking. We lost everything we set out with, but we
were fitted out with clothes at the (word missing) and on H.M.S. PERVENT.
(sd) P.T. Sullivan.
Able Seaman, C/JX.147897.
ing
e

Details

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

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3. 396
the pulling the boats hauled off to the barges, the troops then being
work getting a line ashore from the barges to the beach by which
ferried by fire-float to the waiting ships.
Lieutenant WALKER left at 0335 (2nd. June), the fire-float
being then just aground (low water 0400 approx). He had to leave
about 150 men on the barges, but there were no troops visible on
the beach up to 1 mile East of Dunkirk. At 0345 there were no
troops visible on the mole, and a paddle minesweeper was just
leaving. An anonymous Brigadier who boarded WALKER's craft, said
that at about 0200 there would be 1000 - 1500 British (2) troops
still to come.
At this stage, it was the unamizous opinion of all the officers
named above that small slow motior boats and pulling boats would
be of no further use on the beaches. It might have been worth while
trying to reach the barges 1 mile East of Dunkirk with fast
shallow draught craft at about 2200 (2nd. June).
It is worthy of remark that these wrecked barges made excellent
piers for motor boats to use, pulling boats working between them
and the beach with a line to haul themselves off. Three barges were
afloat at any state of the tide and two others were aground about
an hour before low water. M.T.B.s could go alongside the barges 3
hours either side of H.W.I and shallow draught boats for longer.
Beach parties, eventually, were not required on the night of
Sunday 2nd. June, and everybody was able to get some much needed
rest and food.
Monday 3rd. June Tuesday 4th. June.
A further operation for these nights was organised from
RAMSGATE, a copy of the orders being attached herewith. I organis-
ed the following tugs to tow:-
SUN IV Commander Le MESURIER, Lieut. MARTIN R.N.J Lieut.
FLETCHER, R.N.R.
TANGA Lieut. Commander SHERWOOD, R.N.R.
SUN
XV
Two R.N.R. Officers.
RACIA Lieut. Commander MILLER, D.S.O. R.N.R., Lieut.
WALKER, R.N.V.R.
Each tug was to take 4 motor boats in tow, with orders to work
from the Nouveau Avant Port and from any point of the East mole
which they could reach, and to ferry troops down to the ships along-
side or to the transport LOCUST. The tugs dad no specific orders,
and I instructed the Officers in the tugs that they should wait just
outside the entrance to Dunkirk, keeping clear of ships going in and
out (of which I understood there were to be a good many) and to be
ready to go alongside to pick up troops as opportunity offered or to
assist as required.
The convoy left a little after 1700 with 14 motor boats in all,
two having failed (one with engine trouble, one was aground in
RAMSGATE). The passage across was uneventful, save for a certain
amount of trouble with the tows, and the encountering of two mines
in the neighbourhood of W. buoy which were dealt with by mine-
sweepers. Commodore H.) TAYLOR, RNRI took passage with me, but about
halfway Dunkirk. across was picked up by a Motor Torpedo Boat and went on to

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4. 397
The for the following reasons boats given were below:- abandoned either on passage or at Dunkirk,
(a) THARK. Rope foul of propeller and rudder. Abandoned half way.
(b) SANTOSY. Petrol failure. Abandoned near W. buoy. An interesting
point arose here. The Sub-Lieutenant in command said that he
had been instructed to fill up with petrol at RAMSGATE from
officer who told him which cans to take was dressed as a Lieut.
certain cans which were subsequently found to contain water. The
Commander (E) RINI When this was discussed, the Sub- Lieutenant
reported this to the Engineer Captain (or Commander) at
RAMSGATE, who said that there was no Lieut. Commander (E) at
RAMSGATE, at any rate on the staff. I do not know if this offic-
er could be, or ever was, traced and identified.
(c) DIANA MARY. Engine trouble and damage to propeller. Abandoned
at Dunkirk.
(d) ADMIRAL SUPERINTENDENT&S BARGE (Portsmouth).
Ran on a pile of submerged masonry in Dunkirk and abandoned.
The officer in this boat (Sub-Lieutenant BIGGS, R.IN.V.R.) left
his charts on board. I should have sent him back for them, but
did not do so as it was near the time ordered for laeving, and
I thought he only had charts from RAMSGATE which gave no useful
information to the enemy. Subsequently reflections made ne think
he might have had a chart from Portsmouth, SO I went in to
S.O.(1) office at Portsmouth on 6th. June and reported the
circumstances, leaving S.0.(1) to pursue the matter further.
to The convoy arrived at Dunkirk between 2300 and 2345, having beende-
layed by trouble with the tows. Most of the boats had been slipped
in the neighbourhood of the S.W. RUYTINGEN bucy and sent on. The
other three tugs proceeded to the East of the entrance: SUN IV at
first stayed just to the West of the wreck outside the entrance, and
in this position picked up an open boat with a dozen French soldiers
and an officer, who had been isolated and escaped. From the officer
it was learnt that the Germans had possession of MARDYCK fort about
3 miles West of Dunkirk.
5. The motor boats carried on with their work, and SUN IV proceeded just
to the Eastward of the entrance, having a look to see if there was
any work to be done while passing. All appeared to be going well, all
berths at the East mole were occupied and there were one or two ships
lying off ready to berth.
6. At about 0115 (4th. June) one of my motor boats returned, and told
me that there were no more French troops at the QUAI FELIX FUARE,
and that Commander TAYLOR had left the QUAL. This boat was slightly
damaged and so I left her in company.
7. At about 0200 the two end berths on the East mole were clear. H.M.S.)
"MALCOLM" went alongside and I followed in SUN IV, as also did the
tug RACIA, to see if there were any more French troops. There were
only a few, who embarked in "MALCOLM", this ship asked me to push
her stern in to the jetty, which I did.
sailed at 0230, RAMSGATE; the return passage was uneventful. I was passed
I left approximately, picked up the waiting motor boat, and
by two or for three destroyers and a minesweeper. Tug SUN XV towed home
another vessel one picked up halfway.
8.
Out boats which started for Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be
abandoned of the 14 one reason or another, but the crews were recovered
safely. The for remainder found their own way back to RAMSGATE, with the