Details

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

Details

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

FENELLA P/V
I.O.N.S.P.Co.
Capt. W. Gubbon, Master.
29th May
0900ca
Left Dover.
1300
Off Dunkirk. Air raid in progress.
Berthed alongside Eastern Jetty.
Embarked troops and stretcher cases.
Continuous bombing attacks.
1700ca
About 650 troops on board. Dive bomb
attack. Direct hit on promenade
deck. Jetty hit and split in two,
some of the concrete being blown
through the ship's side below the
water line. Another bomb fell
between the jetty and the ship's side,
wrecking the Fenella's engine room.
Ship listing and making water.
Transferred troops and crew to the
Sp. S/V Crested Eagle. Fenella was
abandoned.
[1800ca
The Crested Eagle was bombed and set
on fire fore and aft, and had to
be beached. 16 of the Fenella's
crew were killed.]
Authority - D.R. para 39.
TM.6213/40.
212

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

General Steam Navigation Co. Ltd.
Operation Dynamo:
The following ships of the G.S.N.Co. took part in
Personnel ships
Queen of the Channel 1)
Royal Daffodil(2)
Royal Sovereign(2)
Special Service Vessels
Crested Eagle (1)
Golden Eagle
Royal Eagle
Motor Vessels
Bullfinch
(1) Sunk.
(2)
Designated a troop transport.
365

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

HALCYON (N.42)
6th M.S.F.
Lt.Cdr. J.M. S. Cox, D.S.C.,
R.N.
Cdr. E. P. Hinton, M.V.O.
R.N.
26th May
2015
Arrived Dover in company with the M/S
Skipjack.
27th May
1244
Anchored in the Downs.
1530
Weighed and proceeded with the dr.
Impulsive, the Skipjack and the
Trinity House vessel Patricia to
sweep a new channel [afterwards
known as "route x"] and to lay U, V,
and W buoys.
2225
Anchored off Goodwin Knoll.
28th May
0600
Weighed and returned to
0750
Dover.
Cdr. Hinton took over command of
the ship from Lt. Cdr. Cox.
1447
Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk. In
the Downs, the M/S's Sutton, Skipjack
Fitzroy and Salamander joined
company.
2115
Arrived off La Panne. Sent s/Lt.
Worthington R.N.V.R. in charge of the
M/B and 2 whalers to embark troops.
29th May
Swell made boat work difficult.
0525
Weighed and proceeded with 192 troops
on board. Shortly after, a big and
unaccountable explosion occurred just
off the bow.
1240
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 192 troops.
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2000ca
In the vicinity of Dunkirk, enemy
aircraft were engaged, and a
deliberate attack on a hospital
ship [the Isle of Guernsey was
observed. "One wounded man from
this ship was picked up out of the
water". (1)
-
On arrival at Dunkirk, out-going
destroyers informed Halcyon to
keep clear until dark.
30th May
0035ca
The M/S Sharpshooter joined company
and both ships anchored just to the
eastward of the burning wreck of the
Crested Eagle, [?the S.S. Clan
Macalister].(2)
0330
Weighed and proceeded with 232 troops,
leaving the M/B for the destroyers
to use.
-
off Dunkirk, another unexplained
explosion occurred in the water.
0820
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 232
troops. (3)
1556
Sailed for Dunkirk, in company with
Skipjack and Salamander.
(1) This was probably the airman whom the Isle of Guernsey
had been attempting to pick up.
(2) The Sharpshooter at this time was off La Panne. The
Crested Eagle was ashore between Malo and Bray; the
Clan Macalister was about 1 mile west of La Panne.
(3) D.R. gives 213.
9

Details

HEBE (N.24)
lst M.S.F.
Lt.Cdr. J.B. G.Temple, R.N.
28th May
1723
Arrived Dover.
1830
Ordered to raise steam and proceed to
La panne, using route Y.
-
Experienced difficulty in finding the
Whistle Buoy marking the channel
off Braye-Dunes. Having eventually
29th May
0110
found the buoy, the Hebe anchored off
La panne.
[on passing the Whistle Buoy, a heavy
explosion occurred about 1/4 mile to the
eastward
Using ship's boats, embarked troops
0350
until dawn, by which time about 100
troops had been embarked, 'including
a number of stretcher cases. Hebe
then proceeded.
1010
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 550
troops. (1)
1410
Proceeded for La Panne by route Y.
1840
off Whistle Buoy. Heavy dive bombing
raid in progress. Hebe attacked by
1900
3 Heinkels. After the attack, picked
up a wounded R.A.F. officer, and
proceeded into Dunkirk harbour, where
Capt. E.W. Bush, D.S.C., R.N. who
had been acting as S.N.O. (afloat),
was embarked. (2)
2115
Embarked survivors from a troop ship
[the Crested Eagle, a wooden ship
which had caught fire] which had been
sunk in the raid at 1900. There were
several severe casualties suffering
from burns. (See M.T.B.68)
2230
Arrived at La Panne, under the orders
of Capt. Bush.
30th May
0045
Received a signal from the dr. Esk to
send a boat for the R.A. Dover
[Rear-Admiral W.F. Wake-Walker O.B.E.]
and staff.
0100
R.A. Dover and staff embarked in Hebe(
[Capt. Bush then made a general
situation report to R.A. Dover, who
had been appointed S.N.O. (afloat)
-
Troops embarked from boats between La
Panne and Bray.
1000
Proceeded alongside at Dunkirk and
filled to capacity. [The R.A. Dover
landed, to see the S.N.O. Dunkirk
(Capt. W.G. Tennant, M.V.O., R.N.),
but he was away on a visit to
Lord Gort at La Panne].
The Hebe left Dunkirk under the orders
of R.A. Dover.
1530
off Bray, the R.A. Dover and his staff
transferred to the dr. Windsor( 4)
(1) D.R. This 1a considered excessive and is probably a
miscript for 150.
(2) D.R. states that Captain Bush was sent to Hebe as "S.N.O.
afloat off the beaches".
(3) R.A. Dover gives the time as 0200. Generally speaking,
Hebe's times differ from those of R.A. Dover by about 45
minutes. R.A. Dover states, however, that much of his
report had to be completed from memory.
(4) The Hebe's report incorrectly states that R.A. Dover
transferred to the dr. Keith at 1515.

Details

HOWSON. Captain J.M., R.N. (N.O.I.C. beaches)
Report by
29th May
At 1600 an additional beach party of 7 officers
[among them Cdr. H.G. Gorton, R.N. and Cdr.
R.J.O. Otway-Ruthven, R.N. under Captain J.M.
Howson, R.N. was sailed from Dover in the dr.
Sabre for Dunkirk. [Captain E.W. Bush, D.S.C.,
R.N., who had already visited Dunkirk, also
took passage in the Sabre, to act as S.N.O.
Afloat off the beaches, in the M/8 Hebel.
"on leaving Dover", says Capt. Howson, "the
intention had been that ..... my officers
should work on the beaches in two batches either
side of Bray, and that I should either double-
bank the S.N.O. [Capt. Tennant, R.N., S.N.O.
Dunkirk] or alternatively, work on the beaches,
with H.Q. at or near Bray, the whole being
subject to S.N.O.'s [capt. Tennant's] wishes
on arrival".
On the party's arrival at Dunkirk, Capt.
Tennant was found to be away on a visit to
Lord Gort at La Panne, and Capt. Howson was not
able to confer with him until 2300/29. On
his return to Dunkirk Capt. Tennant decided that
he did not wish to be double-banked.
At about 2330 Capt. Howson therefore divided his
force into 2 parties; one party under Cdr.
Gorton, proceeded along the beach to work east
of Bray, the other, under Cdr. Otway-Ruthven
proceeded to Bray. Capt. Howson went with the
latter party.
30th May
About 0100, a boat from the M/S Medway Queen,
which was anchored off, was hailed. A second
pulling boat and later a power boat also
appeared. Troops in the vicinity were hailed
and some 700-750 were sent off by early morning.
Later, the Sp. S/V Crested Eagle was passed,
high and dry, and still burning after being
bombed.
on approaching Bray, at about 0300, Capt.
Howson saw 4 or 5 destroyers and minesweepers,
and some skoots off shore; men were embarking
in the few odd boats that were available.
Several boats were ashore, holed, or without
oars.
Capt. Howson made contact with Corps H.Q. in a
house at Bray at about 0600 and met Cdr.
Gorton. He also met some naval officers
[probably the beach party working under Cdre.
T.H. Hallett, C.B., C.B.E., R.N.] who had been
working on the beach before his arrival
[1.e. since 2330, 29th May].
It was then about 0800, and Capt. Howson proceeded
by motor cycle to La Panne where he met Care.
J.S. Dove, O.B.E., R.N., who took him to see
the Q.M.G. with whom he discussed the situation.
Having learnt of R.A. Dover's presence in a
ship lying off [the M/S Hebe], Capt. Howson
signalled to him the urgent need of boat
keepers. Throughout this day, says Capt.
Howson, vast bodies of French troops covered
the beaches and dunes on their westward
march to Malo; fortunately the visibility was
poor. "More and more British troops continued
to arrive, but there were practically no ships
for them to embark in and only a few boats and
pontoon craft and perhaps a couple of power
boats. An A.L.C. A.L.C.5 operating off La
44

Details

LYDD
5th M/S Flotilla
Lt. Cdr. R.C.D. Haig, R.N.
28th May
1200
Sailed company. from Harwich, 5th U.S.F. in
2155ca
Arrived Dunkirk. off Braye-Dunes. Ordered to
Secured alongside eastern jetty.
2250
Proceeded. Embarked about 400 troops.
2318ca
When about 2 miles east of the harbour
entrance, collided with a drifter
[Girl Pamela]. Her crew was taken
on board "another drifter" [actually
the dfrs. Metsukis and Lord Howard
The Girl Pamela subsequently sank.
29th May
0200
off Kwinte Bank Buoy sighted (by the
light of an Aldis lamp) the bow and
stern portions of the dr. Wakeful
above water with men clinging to
them. Lowered a whaler and two
carley floats. The M/S Gossamer
ordered Lydd to put out her lamp and
drop a depth charge; the latter
order could not be carried out
because of the men in the water.
When 20 survivors had been picked up
the Dr. Grafton appeared and ordered
Lydd to circle round her.
0307ca
An explosion occurred at the Grafton's
stern she had been torpedoed].
Lydd sighted, nearly stern on,
an'M.T.B." about 50 yards away on the
starboard beam [it was in fact the
dfr. Comfort]; Lydd opened fire with
2 Lewis guns and raked her up the
stern.
Grafton was then closed, but as she
did not need immediate assistance,
Lydd circled round to finish off the
"M.T.B." A dark object was sighted
and Lydd opened fire with Lewis guns
and 4-inch; the Grafton also opened
fire. Lydd then rammed the supposed
"M.T.B."; as she was hit, figures
sprang at the ship and it was
thought that an attempt was being
made to board - fire was therefore
opened with rifles. Two men were
taken off the vessel, and it was
then learnt that she was the Comfort.
Grafton still needed no assistance,
80 Lydd proceeded to Ramsgate, where
-
she disembarked 300 troops.
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk by Y route.
-
1700
off Nieuport Bank buoy, air attacks
on ships, particularly the H/C
Arrived off Braye-Dunes. Sent boats
St. Julien.
1730
A call for assistance from the S.S.
inshore to embark troops.
1745
Macalister, which was on fire,
Clan was passed to the M/S Pangbourne
The which S/V Crested Eagle which on fire, had
had just arrived.
1800ca
Sp. bombed aft and was Lydd,
been beached herself close to
208

Details

I
PATRIA - Continued
1530
29th May
(contd.)
Sailed for Ramsgate where Lewis guns
were embarked.
(contd.
-
2300ca
Sailed independently for Dunkirk.
Arrived Dunkirk and proceeded to Bray,
where troops were visible from the
glow of a ship [the Crested Eagle]
on fire on the beach to the east.
Another skoot was in the vicinity
but no small boats.
-
Decided to ground the ship; it was
within 45 minutes of low water.
Pumped out the 6 tanks which had
previously been flooded.
30th May
-
"The troops holding hands, waded out and
clambered on board by nets, ladders
and ropes' ends. The sight of two
solid phalanxes of men, delineated by
phosphorescence in the water, steadily
advancing to the ship, will be
memorable. over 1,000 men were
embarked in just over two hours."
Among them were naval ratings -
casualties from the dr. Grafton and
the P/V Fenella.
0430
The Patria was refloated, and a further
150-200 troops embarked.
Sailed for Ramsgate.
1015
Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Margate.
1300
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 1200
troops. (1)
[Somewhat extensive repairs being
necessary to the Patria, Lt. Cdr.
Pisani transferred to the W.D/M.L.
Haig on 31st May].
Total 1400
Authority - R.O.II, p.lll.
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Lt. Cdr. N.L.J. Pisani, D.S.C., R.N. (Retd.)(2)
D.S.M.
L/Sea. W. Hagger.
(1)Margate
also report. Haig.

Details

ROYAL EAGLE
Sp. Serv.
Cdr. E.C. Cordeaux, M.B.
Vessel
M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., R.N.
Ty. Lt. Cdr. E.F.A. Farrow,
R.N.R.
29th May
1030
Left the Downs for Dunkirk by Y route,
the Sp. S/V Crested Eagle astern.
1530
Anchored off La Panne.
1630
Air attack. The dr. Greyhound damaged.
A drifter sèt on fire. Some
casualties embarked from boats crews
and soldiers. Cdr. Cordeaux went
overboard to assist rescue work and
to clear the propeller of a M/B.
After 1 hours' immersion, Cdr.
Cordeaux collapsed for 4 hours during
which time Lt. Cdr. Farrow assumed
command.
2030ca
Ordered by a M/S to return to Dover.
Cdr. Cordeaux decided to return to
£
Margate, as being more suitable.
30th May
0600ca
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 700
troops, (1) including the C.O.S. to the
C. in C.
1100ca
Proceeded by route Y.
When near West Hinder buoy, informed
that ships were to use X, not Y
route. Continued on Y route, in
view of the ship's high speed.
1530ca
Anchored 3 miles east of Dunkirk.
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk, but
in view of the number of troops on
the beach, ignored the signal.
2200ca
Ship full to capacity. Proceeded via
route Y. (Later, Cdr. Cordeaux
considered he had unduly hazarded the
ship by using this route).
31st May
0600
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 1710
B.E.F., 71 French, and (at Chatham)
50 casualties; total 1831. (2)
1st June
0800ca
Sailed for Dunkirk beaches, by route X.
When half way across, returned to
Ramsgate, by order.
1530
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2200
Arrived off the beaches. Embarked
French troops from a drifter.
2nd June
0300ca
Weighed and picked up men from two
boats inshore. Proceeded with 120
French and 6 British troops.
-
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 126
troops. (3)
Boiler defect. Cdr. Cordeaux transfer-
1320
red to Sp. S/V Golden Eagle.
Total 2657
Authority - R.O.II, p.282.
.M.6213/40.
(1) D.R. states these were landed on 29th May.
(2) D.R. states 1700 were landed on 30th May.
(3) D.R. states 1250 were landed on 1st June.
44

Details

SABRE (H.18) 16th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. B. Dean, R.N. (Retd)
27th May
2300
Off Dover. Ordered to proceed to
beaches east of Dunkirk.
28th May
0120
Off beach, 2 miles east of Dunkirk.
Embarked about 100 troops in the
ship's 3 boats. Machine gunned by
aircraft. One casualty. Two
drifters came alongside and trans-
ferred their troops.
-
Proceeded to Dover by Z route.
0520
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 158 troops.
0618
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0830
Took station astern of dr. Montrose
and followed her through Zuydcoote
Pass.
1030
One mile east of Dunkirk, went along-
side a wreck (1) and took off about 20
troops.
Off Dunkirk, sent in the M/B to take
100
off the crew of a disabled Hurricane.
The M/B grounded on a falling tide and
got sand in the engine.
1100
Montrose berthed at the east pier and
Sabre berthed on her. Embarked about
800 troops.
1230
Both destroyers proceeded, via Zuydcoote
Pass.
1410
Attacked by a squadron of H.L. bombers.
=
No damage.
1820
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1077 troops.
2130
Proceeded by Z route.
2345ca
Off Bray beach, sent in the only ship's
boat - a whaler. No troops seen.
29th May
-
Further east, troops were seen on a
a wreck. Went alongside and took
off a few B.E.F. The remainder, all
French were taken off by a French
gunboat.
More destroyers were seen off La Panne,
and the whaler brought off some
troops from there.
0515
Ordered to proceed alongside east pier,
leaving whaler and 1st Lieutenant
behind.
0550
Proceeded via route Y, with about 500
troops.
1030
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 531 troops.
1600
Having embarked some naval officers (2)
for Dunkirk, proceeded by X route.
1815ca
Arrived Dunkirk, went alongside and
disembarked the naval party.
Embarked a few troops. The pier was
dive bombed. One Ju.87 seen to crash.
Sabre left the pier. Outside the
harbour rescued some survivors from
the water, including the Second
Engineer of the Sp. S/V Crested Eagle
(1) that of the P/V Queen of the Channel.
(2) Probably This a party of seven officers for duty on R.N.; the beaches, among
under the Cdr. H.G. Gorton, R.N. (Retd.), R.N., and
was command of Captain J.M. Howson, Cdr. R.J.O.
Otway-Ruthven, R.G. Wardrop, R.D., R.N.R. Sabre. (Retd.). E.W.
them were R.N., Lt. Cdr. Cockburn, Capt.
Lt. Bush, Cdr. R.N. also took passage in the
52

Details

ST. CLEARS,
Tug (Sheerness)
W.J. Penney, Master.
28th May
1205
Left Sheerness, (in company with tug
Sun v) towing 11 naval cutters, for
Dover. Commander Hayward R.N.R. (1)
in command.
-
Left Dover, Sun V in company.
29th May
0015
Sun V in collision with dr. Montrose,
in fog(2). St. Clears "searched
the vicinity for two hours, but
failed to locate" the Sun V. (3)
0215
Proceeded.
-
Passing Gravelines, came under shore
battery fire. Two cutters in tow
were sunk.
-
Arrived at T buoy, where the tr.
Blackburn Rovers was stationed.
-
Passing Nieuport, fired on by shore
batteries. Two cutters were sunk,
a third was cut adrift (it was
however picked up by the Sp. S/V
Crested Eagle, and towed to La Panne).
-
Proceeded with 6 remaining cutters and
anchored off La Panne. Embarked
troops. Continuous air attacks.
-
Proceeded to an unknown destroyer which
had been hit. St. Clears was not,
however, required.
2130ca
Transferred the cutters to the Sp. S/V
Golden Eagle and proceeded to assist
the S1. Bideford which was aground.
2215ca
Endeavoured to take Bideford in tow -
but tow parted. Belgian
-
Picked up 70 French troops from small
boats.
30th May
2220ca
Defect in main engines.
1100 ca
Proceeded at slow speed to Sheerness.
Belgian
Disembarked 70, troops.
Total 70.
Authority R.O.II, p.428.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. W.J. Penney, Master. (4)
(1) The Navy List gives Cdr. C.J.L. Hayward, D.S.C., R.D., R.N.R.
(2) Montrose (Retd). was towed stern first to Dover by the tug Lady
(3) Sun Brassey. V took avoiding action and although severely damaged was
(4) London not sunk. 1940 (Supplement No. 34925) Transport states
59
that Long Capt. Gazette William of 16th Josiah Aug. "Penny" a was printer's Master error. of H.M.

Details

ST. SEIRIOL
Liverpool & N. Wales
Steamship Co. Ltd
Capt. R.D. Dobb, Master
27th May
1330
To Dunkirk in company with P/V
1930
Queen of the Channel (1).
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Air raid in
progress.
2000
Proceeded to the beaches, and sent in 3
2200
life boats to embark troops.
Before the life boats came back, the
St. Seiriol returned to Dunkirk
the Wolthound
harbour at the request of a
destroyer. There she embarked about
600 troops.
2400ca
Left the Mole and proceeded to look
for the life boats. They were being
used for ferrying.
28th May
0415ca
Left Dunkirk. Queen of the Channel(1)
bombed and sunk.
0600ca
Folkestone. Disembarked 493 British
176
and 1 Fr. troops. (2)
29th May(3)
0900
To Dover.
1230
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1800ca
Arrived Dunkirk. Berthed alongside
mole with the P/V Fenella and the
Sp. S/V Crested Eagle.
Shifted to the beaches. Crested
Eagle, which had left the mole, was
hit by a bomb and set on fire.
St. Seiriol lowered her 4th life boat
and picked up 150 men from Crested
Eagle.
30th May
0300
Fog. Anchored in the Downs.
0630ca
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 178 troops.
The Master and crew, suffering from
strain, were examined by a Medical
Officer. He found them "unfit to
carry on any longer, consequently they
all returned to their homes. (4)
Total 672
Authority - R.O.III, pp.213, 241.
T.0.6213/40.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. A.R. MacKewn, R.N.R.
(1) The report erroneously states "Channel 499. Queen".
(2) (3) D.R. The Master's states 800. Folkestone sail. Lt. report A.R. states MacKewn, R.N.R., 6 ratings, took
command. 1000/29 and six stokers joined ship proceeded.
Master refused At to a naval party of the 1 P.O., ship. The Master
(4) Report was 1 Sto. put by P.O., under the Chairman open arrest, of the and Liverpool the and N. Wales
Steamship Co. Ltd.
72

Details

VERITY - continued.
1840
29th May
A "paddle trooper" on fire, endeavouring
(contd.
to beach [i.e. the Crested Eagle].
Instructed her to stop and let Verity
get alongside and embark her
troops - but she could not stop.
1845
Embarked 20 B.E.F. and remained under
way in the channel.
1850
Dunkirk and Bray under heavy bombing.
Verity under constant bombing and
m.g. fire.
1910
Embarked 20 more B.E.F.
2010
Bombing eased. No embarkation boats
available; ship's whaler holed.
Verity proceeded towards Dunkirk.
Dunkirk again heavily bombed. Verity
followed Sabre out of Dunkirk roads
to Dover.
30th May
0130
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 104 troops.
Total 504
1
Authority - R.O.I, p.148.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lieut. E.L. Jones, R.N.
D.S.M.
Actg. L/Sea. F.J. Chivers.
Mention in Despatches.
Lt. Cdr. A.R.M. Black, R.N.
L/Sig. M.R. Dury.
272

Details

VERITY - continued.
1840
29th May
A "paddle trooper" on fire, endeavouring
(contd.)
to beach [i.e. the Crested Eagle].
Instructed her to stop and let Verity
get alongside and embark her
troops - but she could not stop.
1845
Embarked 20 B.E.F. and remained under
way in the channel.
1850
Dunkirk and Bray under heavy bombing.
Verity under constant bombing and
m.g. fire.
1910
Embarked 20 more B.E.F.
2010
Bombing eased. No embarkation boats
available; ship's whaler holed.
Verity proceeded towards Dunkirk.
Dunkirk again heavily bombed. Verity
followed Sabre out of Dunkirk roads
to Dover.
30th May
0130
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 104 troops.
Total 504
1
Authority - R.O.I, p.148.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lieut. E.L. Jones, R.N.
D.S.M.
Actg. L/Sea. F.J. Chivers.
Mention in Despatches.
Lt. Cdr. A.R.M. Black, R.N.
L/Sig. M.R. Dury.
272

Details

12
NORE COMMAND.
13
(THE NORE AREA.)
NORE COMMAND-continued.
SHEERNESS.
THE NORE AREA.
HARWICH-continued
LONDON.
Base Ship.-Wildfire.
SHEERNESS-continued.
M/S Trawlers.
Base Ship-Pembroke.
Base Ship.-St. Tudno.
Ba
M/S Drifters.
Group 4.
M/S Craft.
M/S Yachts.
[45] Boy Allen M/S
[2] Corenna X
London. Repairs. Completes
New Prince of Wales I
Sheerness.
22 kw.
Sheerness.
22 November.
[45] Aronia D
[2
Britannia I
(Captain M/S).
Sheerness. Repairs. Date un-
[40] P Berberis x/s D
Harwich.
-
-
[45] Devon County M/S
[45] Sylph
Rochester. certain. Refit. Date un-
22 kw.
certain.
[44] Stella Leonis X
Ipswich. Degaussing. Date
[2
Girl Pat
-
(Fast Motor Boat)
[45] Forerunner M/S
uncertain.
22 kw.
[2] Flemming X D
Harwich.
[:
Echo Sounding Yacht.
Sheerness.
Echo Sounding Yacht.
[45] Go Ahead M/S
[:
Myris
[43] Alouette II
-
-
f.o. Southampton.
22 kw.
-
[45] Lichen x/m
Sheerness. Repairs. Date un-
[
Paddle Minesweeper.
certain.
Group 5.
City of Rochester
Chatham. Future under con-
[45] Monarda X/M
[2] Stella Rigel x
THAMES AND MEDWAY.
sideration.
[45] Plumer M/S
Sheerness.
Harwich.
22 kw.
[2] Waveflower X
Harbour Defence Patrol Craft.
M/S Trawlers.
[43] Aisha
[45] Tilly Duff x/M D
Harwich.
-
-
f.o. Southampton.
Group 2.
[2] Lord Melchett X D
Ipswich.
[43] Amalfi
.
[45] Vernal x/M D
Sheerness.
f.o. Southampton.
[45] C Myrtle X D XN/HB
Sheerness.
[2] William Wesney X
Harwich.
[45] Amulree
Sheerness.
[45] Welcome Home M/S
Sheerness. Repairs. Date un-
[45] C Larch X D
Sheerness.
22 kw.
certain.
[45] Caleta
-
Sheerness.
[45] C Tamarisk XD
Sheerness.
[48] Caterina
f.o. Gosport.
[45] Pyrope X D
Clorinde
Sheerness.
f.o. Southampton.
Group 6.
45 Glala
-
Sheerness.
Group 3.
[40] Colne x/s D
[45] Bernard Shaw X D
Harwich.
Majesta
f.o. Cowes.
Sheerness.
[2] River Clyde X
[43] Chrystobel II
[45] Milford Prince x D
HARWICH AREA.
f.o. Southampton.
Sheerness.
[45] Ma Joie II
Sheerness.
[45] Edwardian X D
Sheerness.
HARWICH.
[45] Tilburyness X
Sheerness.
Boom Defence Vessel.
Base Ship.-Badger.
M/S Trawlers (Ungrouped).
[45] Loch Laggan
M/S Trawlers (Ungrouped).
[45] Arctic Hunter
[2] Arkwright x
Sheerness.
Yarmouth.
Mooring Lighter.
X/L D
[45] Asama X/L
Cape Melville X
[45] Sparsholt
Sheerness.
M/S Yachts.
[45] Grampion X
Yarmouth.
[2] Boy Pat
Approved suitable for Dan-
[2] Clythness X/L D
Grimsby. Allocated to Har-
Examination Vessels.
[35] James Lay X
(Cdre. M/S)
laying.
wich.
[45] Danube III
Lowestoft. certain. Repairs. Date un-
[2] Cordela X/L D
-
Sheerness,
[45] Milford Princess
[2] London Pride
Harwich.
Harwich.
45 Danube V
Yarmouth.
(Fast Motor Boat)
[2] Earl Kitchener
[45] Milford Queen X
XD
X/L D
[45] Danube VI
Sheerness. certain. Repairs. Date un-
Yarmouth.
[45] Nogi X
[2] Suma X D
Lowestoft. Repairs. Date
[45] Keverne
Yarmouth.
uncertain.
Sheerness.
[45] Norse X/L D
Danlaying Vessels.
[45] St. Katherine
Sheerness. Repairs. Completes
[45] Solon X D
10 April.
[2] Madeline
-
Yarmouth.
Harwich.
[45] St. Melante X/L D
[2] Oakland
Balloon Barrage Drifters.
Sheerness.
Boy Scout.
M/S Tugs.
Carry On.
Ex Fortis.
Citron.
George Inverugie. & Albert.
Marinus.
Magnetic Ships.
[2] Scythe S
Comely Bank.
[45] Corfield
Constant Hope.
Kiddawdry.
Our Newspray. Kate.
45 Bushwood
Clyde.
Sheerness.
Paddle Minesweepers.
[2] Slogan S
Harwich.
Elsie and Nellie.
Lavinia L.
Triumph. Rose Emma.
12th Minesweeping Flotilla.
[45] Golden Eagle D
Special Service Vessels.
[2] Souvenir S
Young Alfred.
[43] C Queen Empress x
Harwich.
Royal Eagle
Sheerness. (Allocated to Irvine
(S.O.)
f.o. for Chatham. conversion Completes to A/S vessel.)
[43] C Oriole x
I
Portsmouth.
CHATHAM.
M/S Trawler.
Crested Eagle
9 April.
[2] P Duchess of Fife
Lowestoft. Repairs. Date
Magnetic Ships.
C Foyle
f.o. Chatham.
XD
uncertain.
Chatham. uncertain. Reboilering. Date
20 April.
Completes
Harwich.
[2] P Borde
-
Sheerness. Repairs. Date un-
[2] C Marmion X
certain (about 2 weeks).
Three
Magnetic Aircraft.
[2] C Waverley X
Lowestoft. Refit. Date un-
[2] Springdale
Chatham.
-
Manston
certain.

Details

12
NORE COMMAND.
(THE NORE AREA.)
12A
LONDON.
THAMES Boom AND Defence MEDWAY
NORE COMMAND continued.
Gate
Base Ship-Pembroke.
[45] Idyll
-
-
(THE NORE AREA-continued.)
CHATHAM.
M/S Craft.
[45] Song
-
-
Base Ship.-St. Tudno.
SHEERNESS-continued.
New Prince of
Sheerness.
Wales I
[45] Sonnet
-
-
M/S Drifters.
Colette
-
-
SHEERNESS.
45] Boy Allen S
-
[45] Ode
-
-
Girl Pat - -
Base Ship.-Wildfire.
[45] Devon County S
20 kw.
[45] Forerunner S
M/S Yachts.
20 kw.
[45] Aronia D
[45] Go Ahead 20 kw.
Sheerness.
Echo Sounding Yacht.
Mooring Lighter.
[32] Myris
(Captain M/S).
-
-
[45] Sparsholt -
-
Sheerness.
[45 Sylph
Sheerness.
[45] Lichen X/M
-
(Fast Motor Boat)
[45] Monarda X/M
-
Paddle Minesweeper.
[45] Plumer S 22 kw.
Sheerness. Repairs. Date un-
certain.
City of Rochester
I
Chatham. Future under con-
[45] Tilly Duff x/M D -
Examination Vessels.
sideration. To be paid off.
[45] Vernal x/m D
-
[45] Danube III
Sheerness.
-
THAMES AND MEDWAY.
Danlayers (Trawlers).
[45] Welcome Home S
Sheerness.
20 kw.
[45] Danube V -
-
[45] Strathelliot D
-
Tilbury.
Harbour Defence Patrol Craft.
[45] Aisha
.
-
-
Sheerness.
[45] Danube VI
-
Chatham. uncertain. Repairs. Date
[45] Bracon Heath
-
Special Service Vessels.
[43] Amalfi
[45] Golden Eagle
,
Sheerness.
-
-
f.o. Southampton.
[45] Keverne
[45] Burnbanks -
-
-
-
Sheerness.
[45] Amulree -
-
Sheerness.
[45] Royal Eagle D :
[45] St. Katherine
[45] Dolores
-
-
-
Chatham.
[45] Caleta
-
-
[45] Crested Eagle
Sheerness.
[45] Caterina
-
-
M/S Trawlers.
[45] Chrystobel II
-
Group 2.
Magnetic Aircraft.
[45] Myrtle X D XN/HB
Three
I
Manston
[43] Clorinde
-
-
f.o. Southampton.
[45] Glala
Balloon Barrage Drifters (Sheerness).
Sheerness.
[45] Larch X D
-
-
-
-
Boy Scout
-
Sheerness.
Majesta
-
-
f.o. Cowes.
[45] Tamarisk XD
-
-
[45] Ma Joie II
Carry On
-
[45] Pyrope x D
-
-
Sheerness.
Citron
-
-
Group 3.
Comely Bank
-
[45] Bernard Shaw X D
Boom Defence Tenders.
Constant Hope -
[45] Milford Prince X D
Sheerness.
[45] Glitter II
[45] Edwardian X D
-
-
Elsie and Nellie -
[45] Kelpy
[45] Tilburyness x
-
Kennet
}
Civilian
Sheerness.
Ex Fortis
-
crews
M/S Trawlers (Ungrouped).
George and Albert
[50] Arctic Hunter
Queen of South I
Inverugie
X/LL D
-
Sheerness.
[45] Asama X/LL D
Queen of South II
f.o. Queenborough.
Sheerness.
J.T. Hendry
[45] Norse X/LL D
-
-
Kiddaw
[45] St. Melante X/LL D
-
-
Lavinia L.
[44] Star of Deveron
f.o. N. Woolwich.
Boom Defence Vessels.
-
[45] Loch Laggan
L/L
Marinus
[24] Thomas Bartlett
Dover.
-
Sheerness.
-
-
[45] Buckingham
L/L
-
Sheerness. Date uncertain. Engine defects.
Newspray -
Fentonian L/L
f.o. S. Shields.
-
[45] Sasha-
-
Left Rosyth 24 May.
Our Kate
Wallena L/L
-
f.o. N. Shields.
-
[45] Cadella
-
-
[45] Moorgate
Left Rosyth 23 May.
Rose Emma
Magnetic Ships.
I
-
-
In tow from Scapa Flow.
Triumph -
[45] Corfield
-
-
Dover.
-
[45] Bushwood -
Clyde. Completes 31 May.
Young Alfred
-
I

Details

Details

Details

Page 54
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. LYDD (Continued).
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Rodolph Cecil Drummond Haig, R.N.
Showed great skill and determination and seamanship
in the operations in which he was concerned over at
the beaches, and also in Dunkirk Harbour, and
succeeded in rescuing a large number of troops from
the CRESTED EAGLE, which had been bombed.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page BE
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE. - Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth, R.N.R.
subsequent off Dunkirk bombing, beaching and burning of CRESTED EAGLE the
During the aerial bombardment of the pier, and
displayed great gallantry, devotion to duty and were
on 29th May, the following officers and men
conspicuous amongst a gallant ship's company.
number of survivors.
disaster, their effort resulted in the rescue of a large
Remaining steady at their posts when overtaken by
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth. R.N.R.
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones, T.124.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Able Seaman George Frend, C/J.95190.
Chief Steward John Gooch, T.124.
Able Seaman George Tilleny, C/SS.7050, R.F.R. B.17336.
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J 93546.R.F.R. B.21781.
Ordinary Seaman Frank A.V. Patrick, C/JK.171302.
Recommended for mention.

Details

(1977) Wt. 20777/4432 50M 10/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
DS M
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
Leading Seaman Murdo Macleod, R.N.R., 5849D, H.M.S. SKIPJACK
Chief Petty Officer William Cobley, C/J.22075, H.M.S. SPEEDWELL
Leading Seaman Stanley Robert Holden, 106164,
H.M.S. SPEEDWELL
Able Seaman Thomas James Kesby, C/J.87250, H.M.S. SPEEDWELL
Petty Officer Harold Beasley, C/J.93287, H.M.S. SUTTON
Acting Stoker Petty Officer Albert George Dollery, P/KX.80017,
H.M.S. SUTTON
Fireman William Mitchell, T.124, - QUEEN OF THANET
Chief Mechanician Arthur Frederick Ford, P/K.21534,
H.M.S. WHIPPINGHAM
Stoker Petty Officer Charles William Donnelly, D/K.5995,
H.M.S. BIDEFORD
Acting Cook Albert Victor Hocking, D/MX.58549, H.M.S. BIDEFORD
Stoker 1st Class F.F. Beer, C/KX.86684, H.M.S. KINGFISHER
Able Seaman Cecil Arthur Leonard Hirschfield, C/J.100099,
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
Stoker Petty Officer William Edward White, C/K.64353,
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
Yacht Engineer F. Barter, T.124, H.M.Y. ANLAH
LXV
Able Seaman W.F. Lunn, 107117, H.M.Y. ANLAH
Engine Room Artificer A. Ferris, T.124, H.M.Y. BOUNTY
Signalman H.G. Hayes, C/JX.140933, H.M.Y. BOUNTY
HXV
Ordinary Signalman W.A. Denny, TP/X.1790, H.M.Y. BOUNTY
Able Seaman E. Fenton, P/JX.145044, H.M.Y. BOUNTY
Acting Petty Officer H.H. Smith, P/JX.125648, H.M.Y. CARYANDA
Able Seaman T.W. Schofield, 26827, H.M.Y. CARYANDA
Chief Petty Officer A.A.H. Gutsell, P/J.28475, H.M.Y. THELE
Chief Engineman Harry S. Sharman, LT/KX.105182, H.M.Drifter
Boy Roy
Cook Reginald G.A. Remblance, LT/SX.181854, H.M.Drifter
GOLDEN GIFT
Seaman Joseph Allen Peters, S.G.G.L., H.O., LT/JX.180429,
H.M. Drifter GOLDEN SUNBEAM
Mate James Bettess, R.N.R. LT/JX.187263, H.M. Drifter MIDAS
Seaman William Omar Blowers, R.N.R., LT/JX.181818, H.M. Drifter
MID'AS
Mate Sidney Rose, 185667, H.M. Drifter PAXTON
Mate Herbert Cuthbertson, LT/JX. 1858584, H.M. Drifter SHIPMATES
Stoker John J. Collins, LT/KX.105201, H.M. Drifter YORKSHIRE LASS
Seaman Samuel William George Bauldry, LT/JX.181750, (Acting
Second Enginemen) H.M. Drifter YORKSHIRE LASS
Chief Petty Officer Percy S.T. Munn, C/J.10033, Torpedo
Coxswain Pensioner, H.M.S. ROYAL EAGLE
Able Seaman George Frend, 95190, H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE
Chief Engineman A.A. Storr, X.6082, - FEASIBLE.
Stoker R. Whiteley, 100149, - JOHN AND NORAH
Second Hand John William Crawford, LT/JX.173174, - SWIFT WING
LXV
Able Seaman Alan Morrison, X.7814C, - JEANNIE MCINTOSH
Seaman John Guyan Mearns, LT/JX.179790, - GULA
Engineman W. Kennedy, R.N.R. EX. 369, H.M. Drifter DORIENTA
Coxswain Edward S. Woodhead, T. 124, H.M. Danlayer GULZAR
Greaser Peter Blake, 124, H.M. Danlayer GULZAR
Second Hand Charles Adams, L.H., JX. 173276, H.M.T. JOHN CATTLING
Petty Officer George Albert Coussens, P/J.7788, H.M.S. DWARF.
Ordinary Seaman Jack Randle, 182172, H.M.S. LLANTHONY.
VXV
Petty Officer B. Pope, R.N.R., D.5672, H.M.S. MONA'S ISLE.
Able Seaman Frederick Henry Herbert Wyatt, R.N.V.R., B.9/1806,
H.M.Y. ALOUETTE 11.
Chargehand B.A. Smith, Little Ship Club, Motor Boat NYMPH. CONSTANT
KXV
Skipper G.D. Olivier, Motor Yacht MASAYRU.

Details

(1977) Wt. 20777/4432 50M 10/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
M D
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
XV
Lieutenant John Vander Ould, R.N.V.R., Commanding Officer,
H:M.Y. LAHLOO
Petty Officer H.H. Holland, J.20594, H.M.Y. AHOLA
Able Seaman F.H. Finch, SSX.23237, H.M.Y. AHOLA
Yacht Engineer T.M. Weir, T.124, H.M.Y. EILA II
Petty Officer C.S. Smith, P/J.14350, H.M.Y. EILA II
Able Seaman C.S. Marriott, P/SSX.237766, H.M.Y. EILA II
Yacht Engineer D. Brewer, T.124, H.M.Y. LAHLOO
Seaman George F. Mathews, R.N.R., H.O., H.M. Drifter THE BOYS
Lieutenant-Commander Edward Frederick Allan Farrow, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. ROYAL EAGLE
Ordinary Seaman Hugh Watson Miller, C/JX.170070,
H.M.S. ROYAL EAGLE
Lieutenant-Commander Bernard Ralph Booth, R.N.R.,
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones, T.124, H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE
Chief Steward John Gooch, T.124, H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE
Able Seaman George Tilleny, C/SS.7050, R.F.R., B.17336,
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE
Able Seaman Frederick JamesSlack, C/J.93546, R.F.R., B.21781,
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE
X
Ordinary Seaman Frank A.V. Patrick, C/JK.171302,
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE
Sub-Lieutenant Norman Walter Albert Mann, R.N.V.R., Unit
Officer
Engineman J. Smith, H.O., H.M. Drifter DORIENTA
Stoker J.J. Shone, H.O., H.M. Drifter DORIENTA
Stoker J. Pirie, R.N.R., H.M.Drifter DORIENTA
Seaman Charles H. Baldry, T.124, H.M. Danlayer GULZAR
Cook, George Cliefe, T.124, H.M. Danlayer GULZAR
Signalman Arthur L. Shallis, OD.X.4505, H.M. Danlayer GULZAR
Lieutenant Charles C.L. Gaussen, R.N.V.R., H.M. SARGASSO Danlayer
Commodore Alfred Hugh Taylor, O.B.E., (Rear-Admiral Retired)
Commander John Williams Damer Powell, D.S.C. (Bar), R.N.R.,
(Retired), H.M. Drifter MARE
Skipper Henry Arthur Catchpole, R.N.R., H.M. Drifter STRIVE
Skipper Sub-Lieutenant Reginald Edward Lee, R.N.V.R., H.M. Yacht
Arthur Victor Long, R.M.R., H.M. Drifter THREE KINGS
ALOUETTE II
Second Hand John W. Fenwick, LT/KX.188753, H.M. Yacht
ALOUETTE II
Lieutenant Herbert Edward Wigfull, R.N.V.R., H.M.Y. CHRISTOBEL Il
Ordinary Seaman John Phillip Charles Mead, LT/JX.193106, II
H.M.Y. CHRISTOBEL
Acting Sub-Lieutenant G.A. Cadell, R.N., M.B. LADY CABLE
Lieutenant Engineer C. Victor Coggins, Alexander M.Y. MASAYRU. C.H.G. de Mauny, R.N., OCEAN Drifter BREEZE.
Sub-Lieutenant K.E.A. Bayley, R.N.V.R., Motor Boat PRINCESS LILLY
Sub-Lieutenant Michael Adam Anthony Chodzko, R.N.V.R.,
M/B. AURA
Sub-Lieutenant Marwood W. P/KX.87052, )Newhaven & PHYLLIS Lifeboat LUND ROSA
J.R. Yeatman, M/B. SKYLARK
Stoker 1st Class Spray, White, CDX.133 ) WOOD Boat
Ordinary Acting Petty Seaman Officer T.E. Achin, JX.149919, Belgian Motor YSER
XV XV Master, Coxswain Mr. Douglas George B. Butler, Motor
Kirkaldie, Motor Boat Vessel FERVENT LAROC

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39
43
to Dunkirk East Pier destroyers will be
sent there as well. All other craft
EAT
except Hospital Carriers to embark from
beach which is extended from one mile East
Inemyor Dunkirk to one mile Rest of La Panne.
Part 8 follows."
Scobing
being
It
intended
Part 8 received as follows -
"Whole length is divided into 3 equal ports
referred to as La Panne, Bray, Malo, from
daly East to West with a mile gap between each
port. La Panne and Bray have troop
concentration points each end and in middle;
Malo at each end. These points should be
tended by inshore craft.
Pass this nessage by V/S to ships not equipped
I/C, as opportunity offers. or Destroyer at
Dunkirk pass to S.N.O. Dunkirk."
referred so the by a dive-bomber
This was exactly what was required.
In the evening a series of fierce air attacks
ere made on the Enstern Arm. These resulted in H.R.S. GRENADE
eing bombed while embarking troops. at It looked for the
oment as though she night sink and block the entrance to the
If
arbour but 8 trawler and drifter were sent to assist her
nd managed to guide her into a pocket to the Westward of
information as to the blooking
he main channel. She burned fiercely for some hours and
by Commader
If
ventually blew up with a loud explosion.
1a reduced the
A travler was also bombed and sank in the channel
the simimum. in
bout 50 yards from the East Pier about two cables/from the
astern Lighthouse.
The transport FENELLA was aunk while loading at
he outside extremity of the Reatern Arm. She was practically
ully loaded but the troops were transferred to another ship
1th very little loss
A troop transport CRESTED EAGLE was bombed and
endered unusable. She drifted down towards Bray where she
an aground. A "J" Class destroyer was bombed off the
eaches but was taken in tow by another destroyer.

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135
140
was
noticed that ships at anchor had heavy boabs directed at them,
whereas Lydd who was under weigh was only treated to light
stuff. During the embarkation H.M.S. Crested Eagle, which had
bombed aft and caught fire, beached herself 01088 by and the
troops on board began to jump into the water. Lydd's bosts
immediately went to their assistance, picking up a large
number, including twenty five very badly burnt and injured non.
Albury arrived shortly after this and her assistance was
called for, which was at once rendered.
AS there was no doctor on board it was deemed essential to
get the wounded home as quickly as possible, and I laft the
scene at 2100, with three hundred troops enboard.
When off the Middelkirke Buoy at 2200 11 was reported to ne
that the D.G. cabled had caught fire and had had to be switched
off. IT was discovered that They had been pairced by bomb splint
-ters, the steering compase was now so sluggish that the ship
had to be steared by a star When visible. Temporary repairs to
D.G. cable were carried out next day.
At 2205 and so 3 was reserved from the Travler TOR BAY 2.
ON closing her it was discovered that all she had wrong was &
foul propeller. I explained about the necessity of getting ay
Wounded home quickly, told her that there were other ships
following, continued on ay way, and reported the matter on
arrival at Margate.
I arrived at Margate at 0515 30th May, but could not get
alongside to disembark until 0855, owing to the large number of
ships already there.
I then proceeded to Sheerness to coal and ammunition,

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316
- 322
Processings by H.H.S. SABRE for the period 27th May to 5th June.
After the first raid "SABRE" left the Dier and on arrival outside
found some men struggling in the water. Having no Doats left it
was necess ry to place the ship alongside each Ran and hoist his
In with a bowling. The survivors XIXX included the Second Enginee
of the "Crested Eagle" and a stoker from "Granade", both badly
burned; also some Frenchmen from a raft. During this time "SABRE"
Was repeatedly attacked by dive bombers but sustained no damage.
Then proceeded off BRAY to land portable wireless
set, loudspenkers, etc, with the talegraphists LA charge of then.
Some time was spent in searching for & boat (SABRE having none),
and 8 small otor launch vis eventually headed off and pressed
into service. The live Dombing attacks were continuous and a
number of ships were seen to be hit including "Bideford" and
"Shladin", three transports and & trawler. "SABRE" kept
ing at high speed and thus escaped, though she was severaly
shaken by near alsses, and every B a on look was blackened with
011 fuel splashes. to 2010 (by which time all assunition was ex-
penied) destroyers were ordered to withdraw. Returned in company
with "Verity" and "Saladin" who could only do 15 knots.
it 0515/30 securet alongside at Dover and landed
troops. Then procested to eastern , un, embarked ammunition and
borrowed a whaler from "Saudhurst". Processed it 0830 and return-
91 to Dunkirk. Secured to last Pier at 1145 and embarked troops.
On shoving off it MAS found that the ship MAS aground, but by
moving troops formard she vis got off without dalay. Some damage
W 8 sustained by the propellers and as LLC tome. At 1530 secured
at Dover. it 1615 proceeded sgain route "2" on account of
low visibility. A irictine nine MAS signted and/ras sunk by M.G.
fire. The 108 gradually disporsed; "SABRE" was shadowed by a re-
connaissance aircraft, and just before reaching No. 6 calais
/Ducy

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Dynamo 185.
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRO"
170
6th.June 1960
B14/0/1513
II.
Leading Seaman BROWN.
No.R.E.2/014.
Vice Admiral,
Dover.
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief,
that I took over dommand
The Nore.)
esday 29th.May 1940.
rt I tried to sort things
on, regarding any particular
Forwarded.
stremely hasty. I therefore
nga will suffice.
2.
Reports and recommendations
Friday 31st.May 1940 at
concerning the above named vessels
with X217 and 2 other
were forwarded by my Nos. M.I. 1/14/015
utenant POOL,R.N. We
and R.E. 2/014. of 8th and 9th
out 3 p.m. we came in sight
June, 1940.
moke and explosions as far
later we contacted the
3.
Of the vessels mentioned in the French soldiers from the
above reports only the "Royal Eagle", to the beach; it was
"Golden Eagle" and "Crested Eagle"
heen and capsized at once.
are specifically named in Appendix 1, it himself from being more
thdrew my ship to review
4.
In addition to the vessels
", stuff that looked like
named in Minute 1 above, the Yachts
iD devil as I know that
"Christobel II" "Caleta", "Glala"
our propellers in the way
"Amulree" and the tug "St Clears"
happen as soon as I had
were mentioned in my reports, and
each we managed to pick
are presumed to be included in the
captured and used a little
note to Appendix 1.
troops appeared to be a
>-loads for some 5 hours,
Jaba" and so on. On this
ADMIRAL
am Queen" (about 2000 tons
" she had put her nose.
30th JULINE, 1940
*
;ines of "Marsayru" and
1940.
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
ghout this day and the
SHEERNESS.
all a complete jumble in
stant fire of various kinds,
affird
the ship was not hit by
most
lune I think - we were
UMum
-done, nearest ship being
Marmay) by 4 brave Messershimi to who dived and
m. compair bell hadwith much vigour but exceedingly poor aim
tant fire 7 we messenour. We had a Bren and 2 rifles but did
the ship . are bus German pilots seemed disinolined to come
lune I thinwaleand 4 net and I had given orders to hold our fire
ar, nearechya pity.. A pity. After half an hour of this 3
rebbmit to worght and sight and we saw no more of the Messerschmits
and exceeding 2 rire bombed day we were bombed by a large formation of
d disinclleast I class up. At least I think it was our little
arders wer was one as. unless it was one on the horison, in
After half anre French soldienw . course of these operations we took off
iven calf an a these opeedirapd by miles.
we saw no more be British, others ads of 400 French soldiers. To our bitter
few hours - she and find no British, others ware luckier.
were bombed by aly a tied up with hingly for a few hours - she was on tow
At least I thinked. The sow rope rifompletely tied up with bits of line and
a it was one we cast about for a noling hard. The sow rope broke and we
iles. 80 of them tay evening having eaflecut day - faithruk thing. No arrived
day - faithruk thing. Hugh we cast about for a time. However
400 1 about
We borught back 2 preday evening having called from Ramagate
- faithruk
tip. We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice
evening h.s.
We borught

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CONFIDENTIAL.
252
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. Sheldrake.
Date
3rd. June. 1940. Reference RDA/C/38.
TO
The Commander in Chief. The Nore.
Through The Commodore in Charge. Sheerness.
boby to Senior Officer. Conettes.
1.
The following renort of operations carried out in accordance
with C-in-C. Nore's 1121/2 is submitted.
2.
Sheldrake sailed from Sheerness at 1615 with an additional
demolition party of 12, with orders to destroy the asdic gear in
Basilisk ashore off La Panne. On passage zig zagging was employed
where submarine attack could (be) reasonable expected.
3.
Routed via T Buoy (2005), Oostdyck (2053), Middlekerke (2128),
Nieuport Bk. (2024) Buoys I closed the shore in stages as the light
failed, and was able to identify Basilisk by 2131 andthen waited
till 2230 for darkness before closing in. She was awash up to her
FX deck in position Latitude 51degs. 08mins. 20secs. North. Long-
itude 2degs. 34mins. 50secs. East., 2 miles off shore.
4.
The demolition party was immediately placed abcard, while
Sheldrake lay off about a cable from the wreck. A Lew minutes after
midnight the fuzes were lit, and the whaler hoisted at 0017. The
officer in charge of demolitions has submitted a separate report as
to the location of charges, which were lowered as far below water
level as possible. The ship apperas to have already been pretty well
gutted by fire forward, and her bridge wrecked. He was unable to
make his way aft, but reports that her back had apparently been broke
en by an explosion in the vicinity of the engine room. one empty
C.B. chest was found.
5. a few enemy aircraft were seen. Sever fighting was taking place
Throughout the operation I was apparently not located though
up till midnight, the right 01 the enery be on the
beach abreast the ship, with their gun batteries on the left and
Dunkirk illuminated by firexas usual) to my right. This fighting died
down as the repeated bombing of gun positions by the R.A.F. took
effect. I regret it was not possible to close the reported position have
of Crested Eagle on the beach as Sheldrake would undoubtedly
been illuminated by our own parachute flares. I had also hoped by
placing been done depth to Wakeful, in addition to the internal demolitions, the
charges to complete the destruction of the ship, as but had
this possible: nor would a Mk. VII. charge fired from
throwers was have not operated in the shallow water in which she was lying.
6.
Apart from tide, there were no navigational difficulties, as the
buoys were lit.
continued overleaf

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273
F 262
THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE.
FLOTILLA
ROYAL EAGLE
GOLDENT EAGLE.
CRESTED EAGLE.

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Dynama 10, Alulo
FROM.
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA,
1st June, 1940.
263 274
DATE
TO
COMMANDER IN CHIEF, THE NORE.
(through and EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERINES).
PROCEEDINGS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA - A/A SHIPS. PERIOD
Submi Submitted.
27/31st May, 1940.
were proceed full speed to a position 9 miles East of
anchored to the at outer estuary a signal was received that/ships
During in the night of 27th-28th May when all ships were
Dunkirk and embark troops. All ships were underweigh within a
few minutes of the signal being decoded and proceeded towards
the North Goodwin. The passage through the Edinburgh Channels
under dark night conditions was not easy and I consider credit
is due to the Commanding Officers of the ships for the way in
which they were handled. The signal was cancelled before ships
reached North Goodwin and they returned to normal duties. Early
on 28th May ships were ordered to return to Sheerness forthwith
and land surplas crew not required for embarking troops.
I had previously issued a memorandum on the steps to be
taken if ships were used as troop carriers so that ships were
ready with the necessary organisation and special arrangements.
Later only two ships were stated to be required and I
detailed "Royal Eagle" and "Crested Eagle" and myself decided to
go to the "Royal Eagle".
Ships sailed from Sheerness at 1400 and were ordered to
proceed to the Downs. On arrival at the Downs I reported the
arrival of both ships to the Vice Admiral, Dover and also
endeavoured to find out from every ship visible in the Downs if
there were any orders for me. There were a number of troopers and
hospital ships present so I put ships to short notice for steam
and anchored for the night. There was considerable activity amongst
the transports during the early morning so that I again asked for
instructions and was then told to proceed to Dunkirk by route "y"
(Goodwin to West Hinder). I stationed "Crested Eagle" astern and
proceeded at 1030 high speed. On approaching the Belgian Coast
I noticed a few rounds from Shore Batteries falling round ships
ahead of me but the firing was not at all intense. On approaching
Dunkirk I saw a large number of men on the-beaches as far as La
Panne so not being able to get any instructions from anyone
proceeded to the spot where British Troops appeared thickest and
anchored at about 1530 close inshore to embark them. I sent
"Crested Eagle" to Dunkirk as I felt that on account of my original
re-appeared and anchored about 2 miles East of me and contenced
instructions ships might have been wanted there - however she soon
embarking troops. At about 1630 German planes were sighted and
bombing attack on ships and beaches. The "Royal Eagle" was only
"Royal Eagle" opened a heavy fire - the plane carried out a high
hit but a Drifter near was set on fire and HaMaSa
proceeded her own steam. A number of casualties occurred
"Greyhound" by splinters appeared to receive severe damage - although she later
the crews Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Sandown" who hours WEB a
to boats under and soldiers and were taken in board - amongst in them
volunteer Paymaster and I regret to say died some noticed later.
Although boats crew explosive bomba were used on ships the I line of a
beach. of what appeared proceeded slowly chiefly ow!ng to the for the
line only high to be incendiary bombs along lack of the
power Embarkation and the fact that few seamen were available
boats which boats were left with an insufficient Military crew.

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SECRET
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
Dynamo 132. 282
DATE
5th June, 1940.
267
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS MAY OF A/A SHIPS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
31st - JUNE 3rd.
On completing discharge of the Military Units at Sheerness
on May 31st H.M.S. "Royal Eagle" proceeded to a buoy and reported
ready to proceed.
On June 1st at 0800 a signal was received from V.A. Dover,
that all naddle minesweepers and minesweepers were to proceed
CONFIDENTIAL
Deproms. 140.
279
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
DATE
6th June, 1940.
266
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHE RNESS.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR H.M. SHIPS "ROYAL" "GOLDEN" AND CRESTED EAGLE".
"ROYAL EAGLE". (1). Lieut. Comdr. Farrow R.N.R. Commanding Officer
for coolness and ability in handling and directing his ship under
difficult conditions.
(2). Lieutenant Dunkerley R.N.R. For coolness
and ability in handling the ship and for inexhaustive energy and
skill in organising the ship and personally assisting in the
evacuation of Military Units under fire.
(3). Lieutenant (E) Helyer R.N.R. Chief Engineer.
For exceptional work outside his normal duties in organising the
ship for the reception of casualties and troops and for the
personal example of coolness and ability in embarkation and
rescue work under. fire.
Coxswain (Pensioner). For exceptional qualities of leadership
(4). C.P.O. Percy S.T. Munn C/J10033 Torpedo
and devotion to duty. The excellent morale of the ship's company
and the smooth and efficient working of the whole organisation
was due to a very great extent to the personal influence of this
elderly Chief Petty Officer.
(5). C.P.O. William J. Jones C/J2950 leadership D.S.M.
(Pensioner). For coolness and good qualities of
during the evacuation of troops.
(6). Ordinary Seaman Miller C/JX170070. For
120
untiring care and devotion to the wounded.
"GOLDEN EAGLE". (1). Lieutenant Newman O.B.E. Lieut. R.N.V.R. Newman (though On the
not indisposition in and the through Senior his of a remaining personal large his Commanding number example Officer) of Officer, troops and assumed leadership of under age command heavy and was has of bombing successful the little ship and
shell evacuating officer is 54 years initiative was real
undoubtedly sea experience, fire. the This but reason his that personal "Golden example Eagle" and was able to take an
FG"
active part in the evacuation.

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had been put at full the disposal and all officers of the troops cabine - all
and bunks were Captain's abin was occupied 1+11
as an example the naked men who had swam on by
dozen completely carried 1700 board.
Eagle" this
1pl ne in was
Engineers ratings Officers Second It Lieutena who is assisted who almost were was t outstanding most Wilson indefatigablein impossible ably. 201 Company, when to I would mention his all were any excellent officers or
extent to her Commanding Officer whose cool and balanced
consider that the efficiency of the ship is due to a but grea
to whom T was able
280
"GOLDEN EAGLE" continued.
(2). Lieutenant Lucas R.N.R. This officer
supported Lieutenant Newman and by his handling of the shi
personal efforts in berthing and securing carried out inva
work under dangerous and very difficult conditions.
(3). C.P.O. James S. Seaman C/J3192 Torped
Coxswain (Pensioner). For exceptional work in organising
leading the ship's company in difficult and dangerous work
elderly Chief Petty Officer led every form of work and act
and his untiring efforts resulted in the rescue of a very
number of men.
(4). Seaman E.C. Utton R.N.R. X19617a. Thi
seaman went ashore from H.M.S. "Golden Eagle" with a line
organised a ferry service between the ship and shore. He
exceptional coolness and ability under fire and his indiv
work throughout the whole proceedings was exceptional.
R.N.V.R. C/WRX84. For exceptionally good work and devoti
(5). F.J. Shirley, Acting Leading Telegrap
duty.
(6). Able Seaman Scott S.T. T.D./X1406. fire.
coolness and ability whilst at the helm under
his ship and after presence she had of been mind set on fire by severe of
coolness in the manner in which bombing
"CRESTED EAGLE". (1). Lieutenant Commander B.R. Booth he R
continuously IO keeping (2). the Sub. guns Lieut. of the R.M. maintaining ship Roberts in VIOV action R.N.R. For his guns si
series although of the severe ship bombing was on attacks fire and and out of control (until
finally to be abandoned.
F
G. Friend C/J95190.
(3). Able Seaman from the ship aban
excellent face of severe work in air assisting attacks until to fire she had last to be
orid no Cooch J.F. (T.124). CO.
air extreme attack care and and with devotion the ship to the finally wounded disabled whilstand
(4). Chief Steward on
BBW
eviteitink of elds asw odg
Cordeau
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL

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SECRET
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.-
Dynams 132. 282
DATE
5th June, 1940.
267
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF A/A SHIPS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
MAY 31st - JUNE 3rd.
On completing discharge of the Military Units at Sheerness
on May 31st H.M.S. "Royal Eagle" proceeded to a buoy and reported
ready to proceed.
On June 1st at 0800 a signal was received from V.A. Dover,
that all paddle minesweepers and minesweepers were to proceed
forthwi th to the beaches and I at once went on board "Royal Eagle"
and after having embarked extra lifebelts and some rafts from the
North Wall at Sheerness the ship proceeded to the beaches via route
"X" at full speed.
When half way across a signal was received from V.A. Dover
ordering "Royal Eagle" to Ramsgate to await instructions so the
ship was turned and anchored off Ramsgate. No instructions were
received but an Examination Vessel called alongside with a set of
directions to minesweepers and paddle minesweepers to proceed to a
point 11/2 miles East of Dunkirk at 2200 to embark troops. I
that "Royal Eagle" was meant to
btaining this I signalled that
CONFIDENTIAL
281
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR "ROYAL = "GOLDEN"
to arrive off the beaches
AND "CRESTED EAGLE".
Officer to anchor a full 1½
(s.o. T.D.D.F. Letter of 6th June, 1940
ve room for the ships coming
ench drifter with some French
arked them but by 2320 I had
II.
then some six or more
al to V.A. Dover to this
COMMODORE IN CHARGE,
SHEERNESS.
weepers were to be underway
resumed that this was on
rly continuous, though in the
Forwarded, concurring with the
recommendations of the Senior Officer,
Thames Local Defence Flotilla.
gistered on a wreck & few
as most of the shells fell
r just around the wreck.
Karnahi
1 splinters and I kept the
S much as possible.
CAPTAIN.
all commenced to weigh but
7/6/40.
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
0 ship near them and they were
as well as two seriously
h was manned by naval ratings.
ches about 0330 being the last
absence of boats only some 120
h had been embarked.
ess and owing to a boiler
n steam for half speed only.
to 1320 and I at once
Commanding Officer was in a
in leave and assumed command
received for "Golden Eagle"
00/3 and take off troops from
crossing by route "X" near"FG"
hich, after passing at some

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had been put at the disposal officers of the troops to all
and bunks were full Captain's and all abin was cabins 1411
as an example the who had occupied by
dozen second completely NIGHt"Royal naked Eagle" men carried swama 1700 on board.
Officers of whom some50 assisted were most casualties ably and 201 dis I lpline 0 would this THE TXTX
Engineers who was indefatigablein
Second Lieutena to Wilson Company, his
It is almost impossible to mention any officers
ratings who were outstanding when all were excellent but or
consider that the efficiency Officer of the whose ship is due to a grea
extent to her Commanding 10 cool whom and T balanced
was
shle
18%
"GOLDEN EAGLE" continued.
supported Lieutenant Newman and by his handling of the
(2). Lieutenant Lucas R.N.R. This offic
work under dangerous and very difficult conditions.
personal efforts in berthing and securing carried out. i
(3). C.P.O. James S. Seaman C/J3192 Tor
Coxswain (Pensioner). For exceptional work in organisi
leading the ship's com
elderly Chief Petty
and his untiring eff
number of men.
"ИНСТО" " JAYOR" HOT ВИОТТЛСИИ
(4). ,enot Atd "EIDAS to Tettel
COA
bris
seaman went ashore
organised a ferry ser
exceptional coolness
.II
work throughout the 1
(5). I
ПОЯАНО ИI ,88 8
R.N.V.R. C/WRX84. Fc
duty.
(6).
rith bebiew
coolness and ability
ent office to [BOO
"CRESTED EAGLE". (1).
coolness and presence
Birth IO
his ship after she ha
(2).
continuously keeping
series of severe bomb
MIATTRO смайатха
although the ship was
finally to be abandon
TOT 05005/27/0 (3).
excellent work in ass
orig
face of severe air at
riguoris) двятей .Jus (4).
extreme care and devo
[u] air attack and with t]
Date gntdmod
[se] a3d Das 928 to
BBW oviteitint Drus of
me extst of elds asw "eIn
OR
SENIOR
GLE". (1).
a presenee

Details

SECRET
mánoeuvring one rating near was the slightly wall fairly heavy shelling was in progress58 k.
284
and the harbour wounded by a splinter.
hemp at the entrance soon as I was just clear
outside round the bearing I found - so as the port paddle had many On fathoms arriving of
wreck with knives to the port, I stopped and got of the of
hands on and I was able to clear it. The bearing was a number
cleared light to proceed though only at half practically speed. In
the increasing of the ship was shelled from a gun position
coast I picked up a Service motor launch and also a lifeboat and
to the west Dunkirk, but was not hit. Soon after leaving the
towed them back to the North Goodwin.
H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE"
I have not yet seen the report from
the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. "Crested Eagle" but from the
evidence of a survivor it appears that, after I had ordered her
to Dunkirk on May 29th, she proceeded alongside the eastern side
of the East Mole at Dunkirk and embarked troops and casualties
including many from H.M.S. "Grafton" and a transport which
had both been sunk alongside by bombs. Heavy bombing and shell
fire was experienced but "Crested Eagle" was unhit until the
evening when she had just left the Mole to proceed home with her
load of troops and casualties and was hit by a bomb in the engine
room. A fire was started and it appeared that as the engines were
still working slowly the Commanding Officer decided to beach the
ship. Before or after she was beached it is believed she was hit
again by two bombs. It is thought that only a small proportion of
the ship's company were casualties but that many of the stretcher
cases who were accommodated in the wardroom and after part of the
ship were lost in the fire.
H.M.S. "GOLDEN" EAGLE". I would like to add the following remarks
in respect of th report of proceedings forwarded by Lieutenants
Newman and Lucas. Although technically Lieut. Lucas is second in
command of the ship (as an R.N.R. Officer - Lieut Newman being an
R.N.V.R. Officer), Lieut. Newman has carried out the duties of
First Lieutenant and there is no doubt that the initiative and
good work done by the ship during the absence of her Commanding
Officer was due almost entirely to Lieutenant Newman who took
upon himself the command and was loyally supported by the two
R.N.R. Officers-Lieutenants Lucas and Dent, who did excellent work
once Lieutenant Newman had decided what was to be done. Lieut. J.
C. Newman is 54 years of age and quite inexperienced in Naval
matters - but I consider that the part he played in these operations
is worthy of the highest commendation and I am convinced that had it
not been for his leadership and initiative "Golden Eagle" would not
have taken any active part in the proceedings.
I would like also to mention the goods work done by Lieut.
Lucas R.N.R. who handled the ship with great skill, and on the
occasion on which the ship was in Dunkirk harbour at night. I
consider that the fact that she got out safetly was in a great
measure due to his personal efforts on the springs, etc, as well
as his handling of the ship.
To the list of men recommended I would like to add Fredk.
J. Shirley, Acting Leading Telegraphist R.N.V.R. C/WRX84, whose
efficiency and extreme devotion to duty has been of the utmost
assistance to me as Senior Officer of the flotilla and also that
rely upon to take with degree of competency during
of Able Seaman Scott S.T. TD/X1406, who was the only man I could
the night visit to the Dunkirk. wheel I thoroughly any endorse the recommendations
given to C.P.O. Seaman and Utton, Seaman R.N.R.

Details

Dyrams 37. 291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss of H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 :. Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship Finella.
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
CONFIDENTIAL Dynama 269 286
nmenced in which some
ne harbour and ships in
"Grenade" washit, and
so intense that my
FROM.
The Extended Defences Officer,
Sheerness.
pening in the immediate
DATE... 7th June 1940.
ng between raids and
nder Clouston, R.N., who
To.
The Commodore in Charge
Sheerness.
ed her survivors came on
SUBJECT. Senior Officer, Thames Local
ges were passed by this
Defence Flotilla.
when a bomb dropped down
n. from "Finella" to "Crested
I wish to recommend the
'S from the damaged ships
Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence
Flotilla, Commander E.C. Cordeaux R.N.
proceed by Commander
M.B. M.R.C.S. L.R.C.P. for his great
judgment and initiative, and also for
y and steering an Easterly
iously until, as I learnt
his unflagging energy shown during the
ther, four of which hit the
whole period of operation Dynamo.
idles) were still functioning
His gallant action in going
ile, but I soon discovered
overboard when the whaler capsized
y from amidships right aft.
alongside ROYAL EAGLE and remaining
and the sides were in.
inthe water for over an hour to clear
;enant Jones, reported on
the propellor of the motor boat are15,
adly burnt) to say that
I consider, worthy of the greatest
ur, so decided to beach the
praise.
.P's and C.B's. were
ie P.O. Telegraphist.
to the beach where she
CAPTAIN,-
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
ed ground and with the wind

Details

Dyrams 37. 291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss of H.M.S. 'CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000
Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 berth but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella.
Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
SECRET
COPY.
270
enced
in
which
some
Dynamo
133
57 Greville Hall,
harbour and ships in
Greville Place.
Grenade" was hit, and
N.W.6.
30 intense that my
ning in the immediate
Extended Defences Officer,
Sheerness.
between raids and
5th. June
der Clouston, R.N., who
1940.
(t) at Istoeqa
1 her survivors came on
to
Sir,
es were passed by this
"Forward Report of Proceedings and list
With reference to your signal
when a bomb dropped down
of any recommendations" received after
rom "Finella" to "Crested
my arrival home at noon to day, I regret
that without reference to the deck and
from the damaged ships
signal logs I am unable to give a report
roceed by Commander
of the proceedings. This, I understand
has already been given by the S.O.,
and steering an Easterly
T.L.D.F. and I submit that if my report
isly until, as I learnt
forthwith. 10 urgent, that I return to the base
er, four of which hit the
Les) were still functioning
out individuals for special
I find it difficult to single
e, but I soon discovered
from amidships right aft.
recommendation, for the entire ship's
the sides were in.
company behaved magnificently
ant Jones, reported on
throughout the 5 days evacuation.
lly burnt) to say that
so decided to beach the
The following members are
deserving of praise for the reasons
p's and C.B's. were
stated.
P.O. Telegraphist.
Lieut. Dunkerley (N) RNR for the very
the beach where she
excellent navigational duties performed
under very difficult circumstances, and
ground and with the wind
for valuable rescue work in taking
drifting boats, taking them to the
charge of a motor launch and collecting

Details

Dyroms 37.
291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss of H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship inella
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
SECRET Думашо 271
289
menced in which some
C.O. ROYAL EAGLE's letter of 5thJune '40
concerning Report of Proceedings.
e harbour and ships in
"Grenade" was hit, and
so intense that my
ening in the immediate
II
THE EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER
g between raids and
SHEERNESS.
der Clouston, R.N., who
ed her survivors came on
Submitted,
ges were passed by this
I entirely concur with the
remarks made by Lieut. Commander Farrow.
when a bomb dropped down
The officers and men mentioned
from l. "Finella" to "Crested
also came under my own personal notice
and I can fully endorse the
recommendations made.
B from the damaged ships
proceed by Commander
I would like also to mention
the coxswain (leading seaman) of H.M.S.
/ and steering an Easterly
GREYHOUND'S motor boat, which after
busly until, as I learnt
H.M.S. GREYHOUND had been bombed worked
ther, four of which hit the
for a time from the ROYAL EAGLE.
iles) were still functioning
The name of this rating is not
known, but I was much struck by his
ile, but I soon discovered
/ from amidships right aft.
coolness and devotion to duty.
ad the sides were in.
Deall vill
enant Jones, reported on
adly burnt) to say that
e, so decided to beach the
P's and C.B's. were
COMMANDER R.N.
e P.O. Telegraphist.
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE
to the beach where she
FLOTILLA.
a ground and with the wind
aft

Details

Dyrouns 37. 291
Copy.
Commodore's Office, 273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss 1940. of H.M.S. 'CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella.
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
Думашо
Camepacs 214/0/1115
mmenced in which some
GRAMS
3320
Idmiral, Chatham.
Office of the Commander-in-Chieft.
The Nore,
PHONE :-
9
Admiralty House,
he harbour and ships in
Chatnam No. 3221.
(Extensions 210 and 519).
Chatham.
"Grenade" was hit, and
13th June, 1940.
so intense that my
pening in the immediate
No.187.P/40.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
ng between raids and
nder Clouston, R.N., who
LOSS OF H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE".
ed her survivors came on
ges were passed by this
With reference to Nore 3019/
187.P/40 of 5th June, 1940 paragraph
when a bomb dropped down
full names etc. are as follows:-
n.
from "Finella" to "Crested
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones. (T.124)
George Frend. C/J95190.
from the damaged ships
John Gooch. Chief Steward. T.124.
proceed by Commander
George Tilbury. A.B. C/S.S.7050.
sy and steering an Easterly
R.F.R. B.17336.
Frederick James Slack. A.B. C/J.93546.
iously until, as I learnt
ther, four of which hit the
R.F.R. B.21781.
Frank A.V. Patrick. Ordinary Seaman.
idles) were still functioning
ON/NK.
ile, but I soon discovered
VA
Ly from amidships right aft.
and the sides were in.
tenant Jones, reported on
a.Gndor. Hune
badly burnt) to say that
ar, so decided to beach the
for ADMIRAL.
3.P's and C.B's. were
ne P.O. Telegraphist.
VICE ADMIRA
to the beach where she
15 JUN 1940
ed ground and with the wind
R
aft

Details

Dyroms 37.
291
Copy.
Commodore's Office, 273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on
loss 1940. of H.M.S. 'CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May, the
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella".
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
trawlers.
1500 First raid after arrival commenced in which some
trawlers were damaged.
1530 onwards Bombing raids on the harbour and ships in
the vicinity almost continuous now, "Grenade" was hit, and
more trawlers damaged. Attack was so intense that my
attention was given to what was happening in the immediate
vicinity.
Troops were trickling along between raids and
boarding s/s HI inella
I was in touch with Commander Clouston, R.N., who
was incharge on the Jetty.
After "Grenade" was damaged her survivors came on
board "Crested Eagle" and W/T messages were passed by this
ship to Dover, VA.
1700 inella was about to sail when a bomb dropped down
her funnel putting her out of action.
Commenced to embark troops from "Finella" to "Crested
Eagle".
1700 to 1800. Troops and survivors from the damaged ships
were embarked and I was ordered to proceed by Commander
Clouston who remained on the Jetty.
Swung clear of Jetty and steering an Easterly
course, the ship was raided continuously until, as I learnt
afterwards, five bombs dropped together, four of which hit the
ship.
As the engines (paddles) were still functioning
I held on course for a little while, but I soon discovered
that the ship my was on fire, certainly from amidships right in. aft.
The deck was up four or five feet and the sides were
The Engineer, Lieutenant Jones, reported on
we should not be able to proceed far, so decided to beach the
the bridge at this time (although badly burnt) to say that
ship.
At this point all S.P's and C.B's. were
jettisoned in the steel chest by the P.O. Telegraphist.
Ship's head turned to the beach where she
brought up sometime Fire later. steadily gained ground and with the wind
aft

Details

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

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Diulo/
1392
FROM. EXTENDED SHEERNESS. DEFENCES OFFICER,
295
DATE..18th June, 1940.
24dim/8
Local Defence Flotills.
7
TO...COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
y 10/14/8
er, Sheerness.
"CRESTED EAGLE" ACTION OFF DUNKIRK.
DUNKIRK.
The attached letter from
Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence
Flotilla, is forwarded for information
with a copy of "Crested Eagle's" report
utenant Commander
of proceedings.
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE,
in
he loss of the ship
I should like to endorse Commander
Cordeaux's views of the behaviour of the
Commanding Officers, Lieut. Comdr B.R.
al account Lieutenant
Booth R.N.R. and Sub.Lieut. R.M. Roberts
tice to the splended
R.N.R.
fficers and ship's
ed on her way into
g and machine gun fire
CAPTAIN.
1 also later whilst
/lers
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
being made to rescue
at
-II-
MODORE-IN-CHARGE
No.. D.Y.1/01.
VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
ssed by his account of
Roberts RNR who
(Copy to:-
18 JUNE
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
up to their guns
THE NORE).
ombing attacks - the
ely unprotected -
Forwarded.
ed fire until
ition was exhausted.
th considers that the
DOMO COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
ily the reason that the
PHASHEERNESS.
appears to me also that the behaviour of
and Learnt rdommander Booth himself, in his general handling
BRUTE oth. TV=Dar NO, baannd situation is deserving of great praise.
le
Mr.
COMMANDER R.N.
S.O. T.L.D.F.
is
racipo 185120'E Wedgingte P.O. Telegraphist.
bb B 18,0 Iferwed turned to the beach where she brought up sometime
unges gained ground and with the wind aft in very few
MORE Brarme. Stifire fore and aft.
W Ourbman tmgas m.e. Summot to estimate the number of men on board, under
coanna ges they were embarked, I should say round about 600.
about amnesilly
the congriss were filled first, casualties from the bomb
HAVE fee Pall eltag.us мизовоге been severe. After beaching I advised all
Totino nizort BIL i/ue water as their only chance, and probably 200
is ad at one time in the water. I regret to say that
abr 1 anahine gunned.
the Negri Ie inter navadia of the hull, she was blazing furiously fore and
agnanz nor half an hour owing to the ship being all wood,
BEB TABLE brenvot as potat I can safetly say that any gear or instruments

Details

FROM
The Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence 10/14/19 Flotills. 276
7
DATE
16th June 1940.
Y
TO
The Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness.
SUBJECT..CRESTED EAGLE - ACTION OFF DUNKIRK.
Submitted-
I have now interviewed Lieutenant Commander
B. Booth the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE,
in
and have had a personal account of the loss of the ship
at Dunkirk.
I feel that in his original account Lieutenant
Commander Booth has hardly done justice to the splended
work accomplished by himself, his officers and ship's
company.
The ship was machine gunned on her way into
Dunkirk and under continuous bombing and machine gun fire
for many hours before being hit and also later whilst
/lers
on fire and whilst endeavours were being made to rescue
iat
the wounded.
I was particularly impressed by his account of
the behaviour of Sub. Lieutenant M.Roberts RNR who
2.
encouraged his gun's crews to keep up to their guns
under continuous machine gun and bombing attacks - the
guns and gun positions being entirely unprotected -
and continued careful and controlled fire until
practically the whole of the ammunition was exhausted.
Lieutenant Commander Booth considers that the
accurate pom-pom fire was undoubtedly the reason that the
ship remained unhit for so long.
It appears to me also that the behaviour of
Lieutenant Commander Booth himself, in his general handling
of the ship and situation is deserving of great praise.
COMMANDER R.N.
S.O. T.L.D.F.
da
steel chest by the P.O. Telegraphist.
Ship's head turned to the beach where she brought up sometime
later.
Fire steadily gained ground and with the wind aft in very few
minutes on fire fore and aft.
the conditions It is difficult that they were embarked, I should say round 600.
she was to estimate the number of men on board, about under
decks were filled first, casualties advised from the all bomb
explosions must the water as their only chance, and probably to 200
As the lower have been severe. After beaching I
men hands could to take be sighted to at one time in the water. I regret say that
they were badly machine gunned.
In less than of the hull, she was blazing furiously or instruments and
half an hour owing to the ship being all fore wood,
with aft and the I exception feel that I can safetly say that any gear

Details

-2-
518
Skipper considered not to embark made the return journey and instructed damaged I 489
I she inspected could "Polly Johnson" and although
more them to "Brock".
serious to transfer more than fifty men, and if damage became the
7
"Fynella" I was "Canterbury" then and a few other troops wandered in the
During and this lull more wounded troops were embarked
and I all Officers abreast each ship and instructed my ships them
jetty. stationed told that I could try and fill up up
unwilling in what they considered "fishing boats" at
order unwounded to embark men down into the trawlers. They were mostly to
first and made various excuses to try and get to the larger ships.
As the rate of filling up was so slow I asked the Pier-
master if I could send the four outside ships to sea to wait their
turns and decrease the target, but I was told that there would be
a large number of men ready as soon as the wounded had been
embarked and that the ships were to remain alongside.
I was then asked by the Piermaster if I would place a
trawler alongside the Western Jetty and light some smoke floats,
and he suggested that I might like to volunteer for the job. I
said that I was quite prepared to do the job by boat, but that I
did not consider it possible to place a ship alongside the jetty
as the foundations of the pier were shewing when I entered harbour,
and that my trawlers were all drawing over 15 feet while the rise and
fall on that day was only 11 feet.
"Jaguar" completed and left harbour during this period,
and a large paddle steamer (I think Crested Eagle) berthed shead
of "Fynella".
At about 1630 the second raid was carried out, but this
was a rather half-hearted affair. All ships opened fire as before,
and no damage was done to the ships alongside. About 20/30 bombs
were dropped as before but they were divided between three targets
"Jaguar" leaving the harbour - the ships alongside, and two French
destroyers on the opposite side of the harbour. The "Jaguar" was
damaged.
Fighters again appeared and the raiders were driven off.
The Canterbury completed and left harbour, and a destroyer
came in to take her place.
After this raid more troops started to come down the pier
and although traffic was still hampered by the wounded and stretcher
cases quite a large number were embarked in the trawlers.
At about 1800 the third raid started. This was a very
much more determined attack, and the bombers came over in waves at
a few minute intervals - fire was opened but fighters appeared and
it was impossible to tell if they were enemy or not and it hanpered
the firing to a great extent.
About 100 bombs were dropped, and the attack appeared to
be directed entirely on the pier and the ships alongside.
The "Calvi" and "Grenade" received direct hits and sank
ensign remained flying from the foremast. There was a Mrect hit
immediately. "Calvi's" masts and funnel were above water and her
amount of panic ensued and men started climbing out of one shore. ship
on the pier close to the end and "Fynella" was damaged. A cortain
into another, and some attempted to run back towards the
At this time I was with the Piermaster and he instructed with
me to draw revolver to quell the panto and to load up
survivors and my troops and to get the ships out as quickly as possible.

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
118
Report on Oneration "DYNAMO".
Page 7.
116
CONFIDENTIAL
115
Report on Operation "DYNAMO".
Page 6.
re
117
fighting formations were encountered. French troops handl ist
were either demoralised and had to be controlled by force or n
by the use of fire-arms, or were so rigidly bound by disciplin
and tradition that they would not embark except by complete
formation under their own unit officers. In either case, the
rate of embarkation was much slower than with British troops.
12.
INITIATIVE SHOWN BY COMMANDING OFFICERS AND
last
SUBORDINATE PERSONNEL.
A most satisfactory feature of the operation was
the high degree of initiative shown by Commanding and
Subordinate Officers of units operating off the coast,
ranging from H.M. Destroyers to comandeered motor boats. The
majority of officers and ratings in command were in situations
requiring independent action in extrenely difficult
S
conditions. Often the easiest course was to be satisfied
with work already achieved' and to return to the United
Kingdom with a final load of troops. The reverse action
was invariably executed, namely, continued operation off the 1
coast as long as there were both troops ashore to be
n.
evacuated and vessels off shore to receive them. If the
craft in use was damaged or sunk the crew invariably seized
some other boat to continue their efforts.
gh
Unaware of the military situation ashore and ofter
forced to move westward by bombardment from German artillery
or even by rifle fire from advancing German forces, the
majority of these boats, commanded often by stokers or
ure
hostility only seamen, had only one object in view, to lif
from the beach any, and all troops, British or Allied, with
sight of the water's edge.
e
On their return to the United Kingdom when asked
report their proceedings it was only in answer to direct
enquiry that it would transpire that these young men had
subjected, in many cases, to an unparalleled bombardment
an
the air. They appeared to consider that this was part of
day's work requiring no comment.
ork
13.
LOSSES OF TROOPS AFTER EMBARKATION.
It is a distressing fact that many ships were
or damaged on the return voyage when laden with troops.
is fortunate that in most of such cases the majority of
troops were saved owing to the large volume of traffic t)
was coming and going between Dunkirk and the United King
Exceptions to this were due to the rapidity with which ce
cer
ships sank after having been bombed or torpedoed, Such cases"
are as follows:-
loat
WAKEFUL torpedoed. Ship broke in half and only those on hore,
the upper deck were saved. About 600 troops were belostaff
CRESTED EAGLE. Was bombed and then beached in a burning ven
condition. Only about 300 saved out of 600 on board
ence to
SKIPJACK. 250 - 300 troops on board, most of whom,
Chi
unfor tunately, went down with the ship when sh sank. aff,
Bombed

Details

131
1?9
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9, 130
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
128
7/5
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the
extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in
which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It
appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the
withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion
anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number
of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at
the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing,
which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same
time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray.
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000,
not only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end of x Route. These attacks
were to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements
at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of
the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers
ahead of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them
with the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer
ahead of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of
the Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
GRENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
In addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour
but further inside. This presented a very good target and the
ships were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the
time being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in
leaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both
succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed
part of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
CANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops
but was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again
in these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying
alongside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
GRENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and
the trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire
had to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the
fairway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY,
who witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by
bombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having
ceased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and
trawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a
sunk drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived
to find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships, was
with no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in thantly
harbour
uld
little
36

Details

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

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

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

Details

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

Details

CASE 3711
31-1
35
28
28a
91Gon
91-7
H.M. SHIPS LOST DURING EVACUATION OF TROOPS FROM
11-2
DUNKIRK (Operation "DYNAMO")
Index(31)
WHS
& as below
28
Vice Admiral A. Bedford appointed to conduct informal enquiries
28a
into losses, to learn lessons for general application and to
ascertain the behaviour of material etc.
Reports.
List of ships and officers concerned.
X
Special remarks re:-
91Gen
Design Generally
91-7
Watertight Doors.
9147
Steering Gear. Wire Hauser connection of "Crested Eagle"
continued to function after heavy explosions, whereas
usual chain and rod connection would probably have
been fractured.
Protection of Steering Gear. Stores in after storing C
compartment should be as stowed as not to interfere
with steering gear if displaced by explosion etc.
(Also see D.710/41)
31-5
Scuttles for Escape of Personnel. More and larger scuttles
necessary. Aluminium scuttle frames too weak to
withstand heavy shocks.
Deck Protection. Experiments with Bitumastic and other
materials. Excellent resistance of decks of "Westward Ho"
to machine gún bullets.
X
11-2
Older Destroyers
"Whip" af ship excessive, following blow from explosion or near
miss. Reference to investigations into possible modification
of structures to avoid buckling etc.
11,11-2
Armament of Smaller War Vessels, including Minesweepers.
597a 59-42
2,31-5
Firefighting Equipment in H.M. Ships
X
5-3,19-2
Destruction of C.B's in Emergency. Particular reference to smaller
vessels operating in shallow waters.
Various incendiary etc. proposals.
Skipper MacLean of H.M. S. Nautilus praised by Vice Admiral
Bedford for special action taken to destroy confidential
publications.
11-2
Destroyers lost at Dunkirk.
11
Minor War Vessels lost at Dunkirk.
59 7.00
Behaviour of material. Special reports by Vice Admiral Bedford,
91Gen
x
with remarks by Controller's Departments etc.
9
Motor Boat, property of Lt. Tattersall, lost with H.M. Waverley,
Reference to claim for compensation
1940

Details

Details

4/7/88) (1709) Wt. 22622/4313 50M 9/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
6
Register No. N.L. 6245/40.
Minute Sheet No.2.
Shin
Date lost
Senior surviving
Officers.
Miscellaneous.
CRESTED EAGLE (con'd) 30th May
Probationary Temporary
Lieutenant
D.J.R.Davies,R.N.R.
-
VKING ORRY
11528
30th May
Commander J.Elliott,
R.N.R.
Temporary Lieutenant J. Lee, R.N.R.
-
"GRIVE
10168
1st June
Temporary Sub-Lieutenan
J.K.B.Miles, R.N.V.R.
"MOSQUITO 10932
1st June
Lieutenant
D.H.D. Gardiner, R.N.
Probationary Sub-Lieut.
E.S. Flint, R.N.R.
T.C.Skeat
for HEAD OF C.W.
22nd June, 1940.
Would Cw and ACR please stal
the present addresses of these
affecirs.
C. Wallworth
for Ho. ML
13.7.40
R.o.mote:
also dear Lerein
-
Sr. Jagan (H.m. Ing) 10932
-
Pellag II (H.M. armed Jush) 11387
Vessels marked 0 1 covered in reports

Details

NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP
RANK
SHIP IN WHICH NOW SER
PORTSMOUTH
H.C.J. McRae,
Lieutenant, R.N.
BRANLEBRAS
GRAFTON
Temp, Montesset,
WILDFIRE
R.E.Y.R.
D.J.R. Davies.
Pby. Temp.
VICTORY For Boom Defer es
CRESTED EAGLE
Lt, Cmdr. Cedra,
PERMISE for EMPEROR -
R.N.R.
J. Elliott
Cmdr. R.N.R.
VICTORY Additional
KING ORRY
warm STEAGAN
LACW RN
R.W.
HUSSAR breatlent the
PORTLAND
F.P. Tattersall
Temp. Lieut.
BOSCAMEN
WAVERLEY
Lieutenent, R.R.
GANGES
PLYMOUTH
Texp. Acting
BURTING B.O. A/P.
M. Richmond
BELLE
Comunder, R.N.V.R.
TRIOMPHANT
BASILISK
Exppor, J.N.R.
BEAVER for DRANGEY
DOVER
A.M. Lovis
Temp. Skipper,
LYNX For GOLDEN SUNBE
PAXTON
R.N.R.1pper,
BADDER for GAYA
C. Sanson,
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For YOUNG MON
GIRL PAMELA
R.N.R.
R. Maclean
Acting Skipper
LYNX For WILLING BOYS
NAUTILUS
R.N.R.
E.F. Dettman (WHITSTABLE)
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For EILEEN EMMA BCA
BOY ROY
R.N.E.

Details

NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP
RANK
SHIP IN WHICH NOW SERV
PORTSMOUTH
H.C.J. McRae,
Lieutenant, R.N.
BRANLEBRAS
GRAFTON
D.J.R. Davies.
Pby. Temp.
VICTORY For Boom Defen
CRESTED EAGLE
Lt, Cmdr.
J. Elliott
Cmdr. R.N.R.
VICTORY Additional
KING ORRY
G.H when STEAGAN
LACW RN
Excellent -ma
PORTLAND
F.P. Tattersall
Temp. Lieut.
BOSCAREN
WAVERLEY
PLYMOUTH
M. Richmond
Comunder, R.N.
TRIOMPHANT
BASILISK
DOVER
A.M. Lovis
Temp. Skipper,
LYNX For GOLDEN SUNBE
PAXTON
R.N.R.
C. Sanson,
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For YOUNG MON
GIRL PAMELA
R.N.R.
R. Maclean
Acting Skipper
LYNX For WILLING BOYS
NAUTILUS
R.N.R.
E.F. Dettman (WHITSTABLE)
Temp. Skipper
LYNX For EILEEN EMMA
BOY ROY
R.N.E.

Details

BOX BOX
TX Decease (mm/dd/yyyy)
Denib*
Γox ROL RITER
INVESTITION
E project
FREE
youret Dicrober,
PARX box STATE
OTHER LIMITY
of
8'N'S"
-
TXMX ходио
EYJGIOR
TW DOATH
***X FOR corner
DOASB
SVRITTER
at
Comergex. Brut
#VASETRX
1'5"
Lemo* ITems
BOROVERN
HOLITED
what
MARATE
KIND OSBX
-M
"I"
E'WE'
ALCJORI
CHECKED EVCTS
I'f'
D'I'S" DEATES*
102. Josh
AICJOBI hor. Boom
GSVLIOR
FOT House'
5'W
REVERESEVE
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP.
RANK
SHIP IN WHICH N
SHEERNESS
AND
YAEMOUTH
H. Jones
Temp. Lieutenant,
WILDFIRE
GRACIE FIELDS
R.N.V.R.
B.R. Booth, R.N.R.
Pby. Lt. Cmdr.,
PEMBROKE for EMI
CRESTED EAGLE
R.N.R.
BUROPA
D.H.D. Gardiner,
Lieut,, R.N.
HUSSAR
MOSQUITO
Chief Sicippor,
EUROPA
HARWICH AND IPSWICH
R.N.S.
A.H. Terry
Lieutenant, R.N.
GANGES
HAVANT
Team,
CAROLINE
L.K. Perrin,
Temp. Acting
BUNTING S.O. A/P
BRIGHTON BELLE
Lt. Cmdr. R,N.V,R.
Lientepant,
PATROCLUS
E. Chaney,
Skipper, R.N.R.
BEAVER for DRANG
WESTELLA
J.H. Mugridge
Temp. Skipper,
BADGER for GAVA
LORD CAVAN
Visable
OLIO for
R.K.T.E.
Commider, B.B.
Curney How

Details

Details

Ship
Date Lost
Senior surviving officers
Pre
Drifters.
PAXTON
29th May
Probationary Temporary
LYNX
Skipper A.M. Lovis, R.N.R.
BOY ROY
29th May
Probationary Temporary
LYNX
Skipper E.F. Dettman, R.N.R.
GIRL PAMELA
29th May
Temporary Skipper C. Sanson,
LYNX
R.N.R.
LORD CAVAN
1st June
Temporary Skipper J.H.
CLIC
Mugridge, R.N.R.
OAI
Danlayers.
COMFORT
29th May
None
NAUTILUS
29th May
Acting Skipper R. Maclean, R.N.R.
LYNX
Harbour Defence Patrol Craft.
AMULREE
1st June
Probationary Temporary Sub-
OSPR
Lieutenant G.P. Probert,R.N.V.R.
tra
Miscellaneous.
CRESTED EAGLE
30th May
Probationary Temporary Lieut-
PEMB
Commander B.R. Booth, R.N.R.
Probationary Temporary Lieutenant
VICT
D.J.R. Davies, R.N.R.
Por
KING ORRY
30th May
Commander J. Elliott, R.N.R.
ROSE
Temporary Lieutenant J.Lee,R.N.R.
PEMB
Home
Aven
Live
GRIVE
1st June
Temporary Sub-Lieutenant
R.N.
J.K.B. Miles, R.N.V.R.
MOSQUITO
1st June
Lieutenant D.H.D. Gardiner, R.N.
Probationary Sub-Lieutenant
Sick
E.S. Flint, R.N.R.
for :
Atta
Home
Newp
Minesweeper
SKIPJACK
lst June
Lieutenant-Commander F.B.
Proudfoot, R.N.
Temporary Lieutenant
PATRO
E. Richardson , R.N.R.

Details

P. NL 9530/40
84
CONFIDENTIAL.
Harwich.
10932
4th September, 1940.
No. 19/18 AB/40.
1940
Report of Enquiry into loss of H.M.Paddle A.A.
Ship "Crested Eagle" in operation "Dynamo".
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter N.L 6245/40 dated
1st August, 1940, be pleased to lay before their Lordships
the following report resulting from an Enquiry held into
the loss of H.M. Paddle A.A. Ship "Crested Eagle" on 29th
May, 1940.
2. Temporary Lieutenant Commander B.R. Booth, R.N.R, who
was in command of "Crested Eagle", was examined on 4th
September, 1940.
3. At about 1800 on 31st May, "Crested Eagle" was leaving
Dunkirk with troops on board when enemy dive bombers attacked
her. One bomb passed through the engine room to generator
flat where it exploded, fractured oil drums and started a
severe fire.
(ii) At the same time a second bomb struck the ship a
little further aft and a third and fourth still further aft.
4. The shock of the explosions lifted the ship well out of
the water and in a few minutes she was burning furiously
from the engine room to stern.
5. The ship was beached and abandoned, whilst further
bombing attacks were being made on her.
6. Before beaching the ship, the Commanding Officer had
thrown the steel chest containing S.Ps and C.Bs. and Charts
overboard in about 12 fathoms of water, 2 to 3 miles from
the shore.
7. When last seen at about 1845 the ship was almost
completely gutted by fire.
8. There is in the circumstances no criticism of material.
The severe bombing caused fires with which it was quite
impossible to cope. She had no W.T. bulkheads and excepting
for the hull was entirely constructed of wood.
9. With reference to paragraph 4 above, although the ship
was badly shaken by the explosion the steering gear continued
to function. This is attributed to the fact that instead of
the usual chain and rod connections, liable to fracture, from
the bridge to the tiller, she was fitted with a heavy wire
hawser which gave to the movement of the ship.
10. I was assisted in my enquiry by Lieutenant Commander (E)
W.G.H. Nicholson, R.N.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient aBeatord Servant,
Vice Admiral.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.

Details

28811
9. The damage was sustained bound by to GRACIE FIELDS
a ship of this type arise in
points, namely:- however, of to
(i) Had the main and auxiliary stop valves been in
a more accessible position it would have been
possible to shut off steam and thus gain access
damage. to Engine Room to inspect, and possibly repair,
of
constates
(ii) It Tod is considered that steel wire is preferable
to and chain connection to steering gear
(vide paragraph 9 of report on loss of CRESTED
EAGLE No 19/18AB/40 dated 4th September 1940).
To
10. I was assisted in my enquiry by Commander G. St.
Lewellyn, R.N. and Engineer Commander Thomas Arnold, R.N.
vjintaiv
nt
no
5030
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Jurie
alBertory
This
Vice Admiral.
10 tug notsolqxe
two W

Details

H.M.A.B.V.S. Paddle Minesweepers and A.A. Vessels, M/S Trawlers, etc.
Name of Ship and Date and No.
Item
of report
Existing Arrangements or
Recommendations
Fittings - Damage etc.
Paddle A.A. Ship CRESTED EAGLE
(1) Steering Gear
No.19/18 AB/40 of 4th September,
(1) Wire Hawser connection between
(1) Although Ship was very
wheel on bridge and tiller.
1940
badly shaken by explosions,
wire connections did not
fracture as so often happens
with rod and chain connection
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS
(i) Main Stop Valve
No. 25/24 AB/40 of 21st September,
(i) Situated in funnel casing on
(i) Valve should be in a
upper deck above boiler. Owing
1940
position more easily
to excessive heat valve would not
accessible.
be closed. In trying to do so so
Chief Engineer was badly burnt.
(11) Steering Gear
(11) Rod and chain connection
(ii) Wire hawsers considered
between bridge and tiller fractured
preferable - vide (1) above
by shock of bomb explosions.
for CRESTED EAGLE.
Harbour Defence Vessel AMULREE
(1) Watertight
(1) Deck openings not fitted with
(1) W.T. hatches would make
No.3/3 AB/46 of 10th August, 1940
compartment
W.T. covers.
ship less liable to sink in
the event of collision or
other damage
M.S. Trawler ARGYLLSHIRE
(1) Watertight
(1) Engines and Boilers in same
(1) Considered desirable to
No.22/21 AB/40 of 17th September,
compartment
compartment.
divide these by a W.T.
1940
Bulkhead.
(i) Auxiliary Steam
(1) No isolating valves.
(1) Isolating valves
A.B.V. KING ORRY
No.24/23 AB/40 of 20th September,
System
Escaping steam in after Steering
considered necessary, also
1940
compartment prevented access to
providing for shutting off
enable hand wheel to be connected.
steam to after steering
compartment.
(11) Scuttles near
(ii) Renders ship more liable to
(ii) Considered that
water line.
flooding when side is holed.
scuttles at or near water
line should be permanently
plated in.
M.S. Trawler POLLY JOHNSON
(1) Hull
(1) Splinter holes near water
(i) Considered necessary
line.
that these craft should
No.29/28 AB/40 of 4th October,
1940
carry a number of varying
size wooden plugs for
stopping shot or splinter
holes.
Small craft generally
C.B's and S.P's
Books kept in steel chests in
To ensure destruction when
cabin between decks.
as frequently occurs, access
to cabin is not possible,
it is preferable that books
be kept in lockers on bridge
and a weighted bag available
in which they can be quickly
placed for burning or
throwing overboard.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
Report on Operati on "DYNAMO".
Page 6.
fighting formations were encountered. French troops handled
were either demoralised and had to be controlled by force or
by the use of fire-arms, or were so rigidly bound by discipline
and tradition that they would not embark except by complete
formation under their own unit officers. In either case, the
rate of embarkation was much slower than with British troops.
12. INITIATIVE SHOWN BY COMMANDING OFFICERS AND
SUBORDINATE PERSONNEL.
A most satisfactory feature of the operation was
the high degree of initiative shown by Commanding and
Subordinate Officers of units operating off the coast,
ranging from H.M. Destroyers to comandeered motor boats. The
majority of officers and ratings in command were in situations
requiring independent action in extrenely difficult
conditions. Often the easiest course was to be satisfied
with work already achieved and to return to the United
Kingdom with a final load of troops. The reverse action
was invariably executed, namely, continued operation off the
coast as long as there were both troops ashore to be
evacuated and vessels off shore to receive them. If the
craft in use was damaged or sunk the crew invariably seized
some other boat to continue their efforts.
Unaware of the military situation ashore and often
forced to move westward by bombardment from German artillery
or even by rifle fire from advancing German forces, the
majority of these boats, commanded often by stokers or
hostility only seamen, had only one object in view, to lift
from the beach any, and all troops, British or Allied, within
sight of the water's edge.
On their return to the United Kingdom when asked to
report their proceedings it was only in answer to direct
enquiry that it would transpire that these young men had been
subjected, in many cases, to an unparalleled bombardment from
the air. They appeared to consider that this was part of the
day's work requiring no comment.
13. LOSSES OF TROOPS AFTER EMBARKATION.
It is a distressing fact that many ships were sunk
or damaged on the return voyage when laden with troops. It
is fortunate that in most of such cases the majority of such
troops were saved owing to the large volume of traffic that
was coming and going between Dunkirk and the United Kingdom.
Exceptions to this were due to the rapidity with which certain
ships sank after having been bombed or torpedoed. Such cases
are as follows:-
WAKEFUL torpedoed. Ship broke in half and only those on
the upper deck were saved. About 600 troops were below.
CRESTED EAGLE. Was bombed and then beached in a burning
condition. Only about 300 saved out of 600 on board.
SKIPJACK. 250 - 300 troops on board, most of whom,
unfortunately, went down with the ship when she sank.
WAVERLEY/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 9.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Wednesday, 29th May (continued).
route provided the passage between Calais Bell Buoy and
Dunkirk be made in darkness.
Route X passed some 26 miles to the South-westward of the
extreme N.E. point of the Northern Route Y, the locality in
which enemy M.T.B. attack threatened, and was shielded by the
French minefields in the Ruytingen and Dyck channels. It
appears that the enemy M.T.B. command failed to appreciate the
withdrawal of traffic to the S.W. and did not follow up.
In the evening it was reported that there was no congestion
anywhere on the coast, except at La Panne. The force at La
Panne was accordingly reinforced as ships became available.
30. An additional beach party of 7 officers and a number
of ratings under Captain J. Howson was sailed in SABRE at
1600 for Dunkirk, and Captain E. Bush, who had already visited
Dunkirk and was aware of the general conditions, was sent to
HEBE as S.N.O. afloat off the beaches. An M.T.B. was placed at
the disposal of the S.N.O. on the coast.
31. At about 1600 a heavy air attack commenced on the
East Mole Pier, Dunkirk harbour, mainly by dive bombing,
which lasted continuously for more than 2 hours. At the same
time, other air attacks took place on ships lying off Bray,
Attacks were renewed from time to time up till after 2000,
nt only on Dunkirk, but on ships off Bray, in the Zuydecoote
Pass and those in the Southern end or X Route. These attacks
vere to have a disastrous result on the evacuation arrangements
at Dunkirk. There were present alongside the inner side of
the Eastern Arm 2 destroyers GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 Trawlers
head of the GRENADE and JAGUAR, 3 more trawlers ahead of them
vith the CANTERBURY in the next berth, and a French destroyer
head of the CANTERBURY. Outside the harbour on the outside of
;he Eastern Arm the Transport FENELLA was berthed opposite the
RENADE and JAGUAR and the CRESTED EAGLE opposite the 6 trawlers.
in addition, the MALCOLM and VERITY were also in the harbour
ut further inside. This presented a very good target and the
hips were soon hit and embarkation of troops ceased for the
ime being. CANTERBURY, accompanied by JAGUAR, succeeded in
eaving harbour, but both were hit by bombs and damaged. Both
succeeded in reaching Dover, though JAGUAR had to be towed
art of the way and was subjected to many attacks on passage.
ANTERBURY reached harbour at 2115 and disembarked 1950 troops
ut was sufficiently damaged to prevent her being used again
n these operations. To return to Dunkirk - FENELLA was lying
longside on the outside of the pier, and was hit and sunk.
RENADE and one of the trawlers on the East side were hit and
he trawler sank in the fairway. GRENADE sinking and on fire
ad to be abandoned and appeared to be about to sink in the
airway. A trawler was detailed to tow her clear. VERITY,
no witnessed this occurrence was continuously straddled by
ombs for 35 minutes. Passage all along the pier having
eased, she cast off, and skirting the burning GRENADE and
rawler, proceeded out of harbour, grounding slightly on a
ink drifter in the entrance. At about 1800 KING ORRY arrived
o find the harbour occupied only by burning and sinking ships,
th no sign of any one on the pier nor any boat moving in the
harbour/

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

17.
'Dell
Leonard Travers,
Able Seaman a D/JX.133219, H.MS. Glengowe
Able Seaman James Wallis, C/SSX.27313, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Edwin George Webster, C/JX.142167, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Able Seaman George John Woodger, C/J.45802, H.M.S. Keith.
Able Seaman Frederick William Jacobs, C/J.100758, R.F.R., B.23901,
H.M.S. Malcolm.
Able Seaman James Kidd, R.F.R., D/SSX.13321, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J.93546, R.F.R., B.21781, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Seaman George Tilbury, c/ss.7850, R.F.R., B.17336, H.M.S.
Crested Eagle.
Able Peaman Richard Philip Smith, R.N.V.R., БЕЗДХХЗЛАЙ MD/X.1950,
H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman Harold Oscar Carter, C/SSX.17317, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Charles Raymond Craig, D/JX.141848, H.M.S. Bideford.
Signalman Harry Guy, C/JX.150713, H.M.S. Calcutta.
Signalman Eric Ernest Roden, C/J.103654, H.M.S. Locust.
Signalman Stanley Thompson, C/JX.133505, H.M.S. Kingfisher.
Signalman Leslie David Ball, R.M.V.R.? LD5/X.3548, H.M.S. Codrington.
Signalman James Stanley Duffy, R.N.N.R.A,C/TDX.1412,
Signalman Ronald Henry Walters, R.N.V.R., C/LDX.4178.
queen of Thanet.
Signalman John Albert Williamson, R.NV.R., LD/X.4036, H.M.S. Glenaven
Stoker First Class Jack Chadwick, D/KX.81834, HLM.S. Jaguar.
Stoker First Class Samuel Comben, P/K.62179, H.M.S. Vimy.
Stoker First Class Charles Irvine, C/KX.86537, H.M.S. Sabre.
Stoker First Class William Reginald Gordon Jones, C/KX.92890, H.M.S.
Wolsey.
Stoker First Class Percy William Spray, P/KX.87052, Newhaven Rosa Life Boa
Sick Berth Attendant Eric James Littlewood Gibson, D/MX.56025, Ivanhoe. H.M.S.
Sick Berth Attendant (R) Alfred Bassford, c/x.8080, R.N.A.S.B.R.
Sick Berth Attendant Albert William Keller, R.N.A.S.B.R., D/X.6785,
H.M.S. Havant.
Sick Berth Attendant James Timothy Tomlinson, R.N.A.S.B.R.? P/X.6941.
H.M.S. Vivacious.
Sick Berth Attendant Edward Welch, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/SBR/X.7341, H.M.S. Esk.
Sick Berth Attendant John Yeoman, R.N.A.S.B.R., P/X.7093, H.M.S. Express.
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry, D/JX.158456, H.M.S. Jaguar.
Ordinary Seaman Arthur Thomas Burton, P/JX.182142, H.M.S. Portsdown.
Ordinary Seaman Dominic Kenny, D/SSX.30221, H.M.S. Shikari.
Shaw
Ordinary Seaman William Lyons, D/SSX.30211, H.M.S. Shikari. are
Brigana aire

Details

Page 87
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
"M" DRIFTERS attached to H.M.S. WATCHFUL - Lieutenant Alexander Harper-
Turner N. Group Officer
troops from Dunkirk Harbour and off the beaches. They were
Thirteen Drifters were used in the operation, taking
continually being bombed and also shelled by shore
batteries. Three ships of the flotilla were put out of
action by near misses. The remainder all received
superficial damage from splinters and concussion.
k
Recommendations.
Page 35
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
e
R.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE. - Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth, R.N.R.
t
During the aerial bombardment of the pier, and the
subsequent bombing, beaching and burning of CRESTED EAGLE
off Dunkirk on 29th May, the following officers and men
displayed great gallantry, devotion to duty and were
n
conspicuous amongst a gallant ship's company.
Remaining steady at their posts when overtaken by
disaster, their effort resulted in the rescue of a large
number of survivors.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
iring
stere
M
Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth, R.N.R.
ivors
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones, T.124.
was
whom
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
DS
M Able Seaman George Frend, C/J.95190.
M Chief Steward John Gooch, T.124.
MY Able Seaman George Tilleny, 0/88.7050, R.F.R. B.17336.
M
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J 93546.R.F.R. B.21781.
M
Ordinary Seaman Frank A.V. Patrick, C/JK.171302.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page 54
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. LYDD (Continued).
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Rodolph Cecil Drummond Haig, R.N.
Showed great skill and determination and seamanship
in the operations in which he was concerned over at
the beaches, and also in Dunkirk Harbour, and
succeeded in rescuing a large number of troops from
m
the CRESTED EAGLE, which had been bombed.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Page as
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE. - Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth.R.N.R.
During the aerial bombardment of the pier, and the
subsequent bombing, beaching and burning of CRESTED EAGLE
off Dunkirk on 29th May, the following officers and men
displayed great gallantry, devotion to duty and were
conspicuous amongst a gallant ship's company.
Remaining steady at their posts when overtaken by
disaster, their effort resulted in the rescue of a large
number of survivors.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant Commander Bernard Ralph Booth. R.N.R.
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones, T.124.
Recommended for mention.
RATINGS:
Able Seaman George Frend, C/J.95190.
M
Chief Steward John Gooch, T.124.
Able Seaman George Tilleny, C/SS.7050, R.F.R. B.17336.
Able Seaman Frederick James Slack, C/J 93546 R.F.R. B.21781.
Ordinary Seaman Frank A.V. Patrick, C/JK.171302.
Recommended for mention.

Details

Details

Fire was opened and WES effective in
1964
THE NORTH LIVERPOOL AND
TELEPHONE 1654 CENTRAL
TELEGRAMS "ST TUDNO, LIVERPOOL.
WALES
TEAMSHIP Co LIMITED
5. ST TUDNO
T. s. ST SEIRIOL
40, Chapel Street
M. V. ST SILIO
T.G. BREW. SECRETARY
8th June, Liverpool,3 1940.
To The Liverpool & North Wales
Steamship Company Limited,
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool.
Dear Sirs,
"St.Seiriol"
On Tuesday the 21st day at 7.30 pm. while entering
Calais my vessel was attacked by Three Enemy Bonbers but
they failed to make a hit. while alongside more attacks
were made but we managed to get away at 8.30 pm, and
proceeded to Dover and then to the Downs to Anchor.
On Monday the 27th May at 1.30 pm. we proceeded to Dunkirk
in company with the "Channel Queen" arriving Dunkirk about
8.0 pm. alongside the Mole, but were ordered to go to the
Beaches to pick up Troops, using our Lifeboats. While the
$
lifeboats were away 1 was asked if 1 could go back to the
red
Mole by a Destroyer as there were a very large number of
troops there. It was now about 10.0 pm. and dark and heavy
bombing and gunfire all around.
1 got alongside the Mole in a very short time and
in
embarked 600 soldiers and left the Mole at about midnight.
I went back to look for my lifeboats but as they were being
used to convoy troops from the Beach to other craft 1
proceeded to Dover via the Calais route as ordered by a
Destroyer. During the passage 1 was again attacked by
Aircraft but got away without being hit. On arrival at
at
Dover I was ordered to Folkestone to disembark.
ds,
The M.V. "Channel Queen" was bombed and sunk.
On Wednesday 29th May we left Dover at 12.30 pm for
Dunkirk to embark troops. Arrived off Dunkirk in heavy
de
Mole, when the Mole was bombed, also the "Fenella" which
bombing and shore gunfire and proceeded to go alongside the
was alongside and the "Crested Eagle". 1 could not make a
landing. There no troops there so I proceeded to
the beach to embark were troops following the S.S. "Crested Bagle"
It
which had of troops. The bombing was now
terrific. a The complement "Crested Eagle was hit and went on fire, from
ns
and we lowered our only lifeboat and rescued 150 Air. men
the burning ship under very heavy fire from the
Arrived Dover about 6.0 am and disembarked. (Thursday
30th May).
Yours faithfully R.AAM
Master.

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

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396
3.
370
/th.38/5
No further ships arrived during the forenoon off Bray or
La Panne and a great opportunity was missed for embarking
troops undisturbed. During the forenoon the Sappers in
conjunction with the First Division, built a long pier of
lorries off Bray into the sea, with plank decking. This
was an excellent piece of work and proved invaluable later
as a pedestrian pier, but it was insufficiently stable for
such craft as paddle steamers to go alongside. Nor
was it desirable for smaller pier craft to go alongside
in safety especially in a lop. It was, nevertheless,
later invaluable for embarking troops into small boats.
During the forenoon I proceeded to Dunkirk and
met S.N.O. He informed me that embarkation had proceeded
very satisfactorily during the night and estimated that
12,000 to 13,000 troops had been embarked. I told him
that I estimated 6,000 to 7,000 troops had embarked during
the night from the beaches, and I stressed the urgency
for more ships to arrive and more and more boats, but few
if any ships arrived during the forenoon.
On my way to Dunkirk, I found the water Lighter
CLAUDE high and dry, but ample supplies of water, and
on my return to Bray arranged with the Military Authorities
for lorries and/gune to collect and déstribute this sorely
needed requirement.
Acting on S.N.O's instructions, I sent officers
on board the CRESTED EAGLE to destroy any secret equipment
still in her, but fire had already done all that was
necessary. In the afternoon (Thursday) one or two scoots
and 2 or 3 motor yachts and paddlers arrived and anchored
to the westward of Bray, where no doubt they first observed
large bodies of troops waiting embarkation. None,
unfortunately, proceeded East of the Bray Pier where the
First Division had waited many hours patiently and most
orderly. Eventually some of the First Division proceeded
to Dunkirk where they hoped embarkation facilities were
better. One or two destroyers or sloops passed en route
from the westward, to La Panne, and I tried without success
with at very ineffective improvised lamp to tell them to
anchor off the Pier. Eventually I managed to get at signal
to Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker in a passing ship asking him
to arrange for this. I sent an officer with a representative
of the First Division staff to Dunkirk to represent the
urgent need for destroyers to anchor off Bray. (Not until
two days later did I learn that all the destroyers, etc.,
had been given specific instructions as to which beaches they
were to anchor off). Later a certain number of destroyers
sloops and scoots had anchored off Bray and the embarkation
proceeded satisfactorily. Unfortunately however, owing to
at lack of Naval Officers, time after time did one see the a
projected procession of boats going off loaders with troops,
only to be cast adrift empty floating to seaward.
About 1700(?) I paid a further visit to G.H.Q.
to calar up a point about the allocation of troops to the
several beaches, and returned to Bray.
About 2000 I decided that I must go and interview
Admiral Wake-Walker who I believed to be embarked in at ship off
Bray. Before leaving I gave instructions that in the falling
tide/

Details

5.
411
managed to guide her into a pocket to the westward of the main chan-
nel. She burned fiercely for some hours and eventually blew up
with a loud explosion.
A Traw ler was also bombed and sank in the channel about 100
yards from the east pier, about three cables in from the East light
house.
The transport FENELLA was sunk while loading at the ouside
extremity of the Eastern Arm. She was practically fully loaded, but
the troops were transferred to another ship with very little loss.
The troop transport CRESTED EAGLE was bonbed and rendered
impotent. She drifted down towards Bray ,where she ran aground.
A "J" Class destroyer was bombed off the beaches and was taken
in tow by another destroyer.
Earlier in the day the transport PRINX MONA'S JISSI had
been mined and had sunk about 2 miles Bast of Dunkirk.
The enemy air attacks and bombardment had been particularly
ferocious today, but despite the losses we had sustained the
rate of embarkation of troops had been extremely good.
It was decided by the S.N.O. that on the following day only
one ship at a time should enter Dunkirk and noor alongside the
arm, as four or five ships being alongside at one time offered
too large and tempting target for the Heinkels.
We had hoped that ships would enter by night, but nothing
did so - a matter of some disappointment to us.
We got a hospital ship in after dark today. She was ordered
to Monitor Wharf - & considerable risk, as the wharf was being
unceasingly shelled. I supervised the transport of some 270
walking wounded, and a full load of stretcher cases. Unfortunately set
which had taken place an hour or so before had ship
a an tanker air raid opposite Monitor Wharf on fire and the hospital back
illuminated. This brought the bombers
was and thus two attacks brightly were made on her from the air i the bombs hit the
wharf ship got safely away.
A but number the of Naval Officers arrived this evening to reinforce
the beach
The only parties, vessels to arrive this tonight were two drifters

Details

Details

SECRET
Dyram 148.
5537
487
39
FROM.
The Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness.
DATE
7th June 1940.
TO
The Commodore in Charge, Sheerness.
SUBJECT. Thames Local Defence Flotilla operation Dynamo.
Reports and Recommendations,
The undermentioned reports are forwarded :-
SCHEDULE.
Defence of report dated 1st June covering the period 27th - 31st May)
Flotilla, May 31st - - 3rd June 1940 (in continuation
Report of Proceedings of A/A ships of Thames Local
Report of Proceedings H.M.S. ROYAL EAGLE.
ditto.
H.M.S. GOLDEN EAGLE
(The 1940 has been submitted by
Report of Proceedings and Loss of H.M.S.CRESTED the
EAGLE Commanding dated Officer 31st May direct to Commodore, R.N.Barracks, Chatham.)
Narative of Events H.M.S. CHRISTOBEL II
Report of Proceedings H.M.S. CALETA
H.M.S. GLALA
ditto.
H.M.S. AMULREE
ditto.
RECOMMENDATIONS. Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence Flotilla
For H.M.Ships ROYAL RAGLE, GOLDEN RAGLE,
CRESTED EAGLE.
For H.M.Yachts CHRISTOBEL KRinake II, CALETA, GLALA
and AMULREE.
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
CAPTAIN,
he
nen
1th June 1940 COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
SHEERNESS.
for
that
me
son
have happened. I do sincerely hist,
hope when names under in for your fot is
officer consideration Command will are not that sent be this overlooked. said night at

Details

ENCLOSURE NOIPAL SEA TRANSPORT OFFICER,
to LETTER DATED 27th JUNE, SOUTHAMPTON 1940 FROM
bes
535
LIEUTENANT ALLEN RAYMOND MACKEWN ,R.N.R
the sent Lieutenant Mackewn to take Command and 6
Master On of the "ST SERIOL" had refused to also
29th May, 1940, it was reported to me sail. that
I an armed party consisting of 1 P.O. and
Ratings sent together with 1 Sto.P.O. and 6 Stokers
onboard to help in the engine room.
endeavoured to get alongside. As this manned was
Lieutenant Mackewn took the ship to Dunkirk
and impossible, the two remaining boats were by
Naval Ratings.
The and survivors of H.M.S. "GRENADE" which had been of
of the "CRESTED EAGLE" which sunk, was
were whom were picked badly wounded were brought off the
on fire, up. About 200 soldiers, many from
beach.
Lieutenant Mackewn successfully brought the
ship back.
This Officer has been untiring in his devotion
to duty.
when I
He had the
was
Norwegian he was for some time in
had occasion to call confidence on him for in
special Whenever effort, I have he has fully repaid my
him.
Southampton
PRINCIPAL OFFICER.
SEMILTRANSPORT
27th June, 1940
509

Details

183
whose name I have forgotten to proceed alongside ahead of these
180
trawlers.
4. At about 15.00 the first deliberate attack on GRENADE
commenced; two bombs fell about 20 - 25 yards from the Starboard
Bow, killing one and wounding one rating on the Forecastle,
damaging A-gun and wounding one rating an the Searchlight Platform.
Some ratings in the trawlers ahead of GRENADE and one in the
CRESTED EAGLE on the other side of the pier were killed. I watched
these bombs fall until they were about 50 feet from the water and
there is no doubt that they were released simultaneously, as was, I
think, the case of the bombs which hit GRENADE at 18.00.
5. At about 17.50 12 ememy aircraft circled over the end of the
pier and the second deliberate attack on GRENADE commenced. Two
planes commenced a dive bombing attack and a number of bombs were
dropped. I have found it difficult to discover exactly where
GRENADE was hit, but I am of the opinion that two bombs were dropped
simultaneously as in the earlier raid, No.1 falling close to the
Starboard Side between A & B guns, making a hole in the side, causing
a fire at the after end of the Fore Mess Deck and sinking a trawler
Just ahead of GRENADE; No.2 hitting the ship near the Sick Bay,
penetrating nearly to the bottom of the ship before exploding.
About four minutes later a third bomb was dropped which hit
X gun shield, bounced into the water where it exploded between
GRENADE'S Port Side and the pier, damaging both. Details of the
damage done by these bombs are given in an appendix.
6.
Experiences of and action taken by Bridge personnel.
As soon as I heard the attack commencing I gave orders for
fire to be opened and for those not engaged to take cover. I did
not actually see the bombs falling, but I realised from their noise
that they were getting very close. When they hit all the Bridge
personnel were lying down. The force of the explosion blew everyone
3 - 4 feet into the air; I personally noticed that I was level with
the top of the screen at the back of the bridge before I commenced

Details

182
to tow us clear but this was rendered impossible as the fire by the
bridge prevented anyone getting forrard to let go the bow wires.
I ordered the trawler to take me to the pier where I met Commander
Clouston. I arranged with him for a Belgian tug, which was in the
vicinity, to push GRENADE clear of the channel and for depth
charges to be placed near the Asdic Dome and my cabin, should it be
X
found necessary when the fire had died out. I then proceeded on
board the CRESTED EAGLE.
7. The following report of what happened at the after end of the
ship is compiled from reports of Mr Clare, Gunner T, and Mr Crews,
Schoolmaster. When the raid started they were standing near the
after door of the after lobby and the former gave orders for all
those not manning the guns to take cover. When the bombs hit
GRENADE forrard there was a large concussion and vibration aft, all
the lights went out and clouds of dense smoke and steam appeared
forrard of the Bridge, giving the impression that the fuel was
burning furiously. All compartments except the magazine and shell
rooms were then closed down.
There was then a lull in the bombing and several ratings ran
aft from the Canteen Flat; a number of these ratings were ournt and
injured and were all covered with oil fuel. In two cases the fuel
on their clothes was alight. These latter were guided to the door
of the after lobby where they were stripped of their clothes and
attended by Leading Stoker Stables.
A certain number of ratings had jumped over the side but on
being ordered to return, they did so. Mr Clare then ordered the
ready-use lockers to be closed. On hearing the order from the Bridge
to take cover he got as many men as possible into the after lobby,
telling those remaining on the Quarter Deck to lie down. Then came
the bomb which hit X gun and burst in the water al ngside the ship.
The concussion was very severe; it parted all the stern wires and
gave the impression that the stern was under water. Many of the
ratings on the Quarter Deck, especially those who had been injured,
were eiker blown or washed over the side.
th Clare then gave orders for all magazines and shell rooms'

Details

7-186
hatches to be closed. It was then reported to him that the ship
183
was on fire in the vicinity of the Ward Room and he ordered the
magazine to be flooded. This was eventually done in his presence by
Leading Stoker Stables. He then heard the order to abandon ship.
He superintended getting out Carley floats and then went forrard to
try and blow up the Asdic Dome. He could not get past the fire in
G.
the Canteen Flat. By this time FRENADE had drifted alongside the
POLLY JOHNSON and he transferred to her.
8. Before the order to abandon ship was given the signal books
from the Bridge were transferred in a bag to the trawler FIDHEA,
Lieutenant Ward, R.N.V.R. The books from the wireless office were
not removed but were doubtless burnt in the fire which raged all
round the Bridge structure. Lieutenant Horne placed two rockets in
the chart house and fired two Verry's lights into it to destroy the
charts. He also tried to get down by way of the ladder outside the
Sick Bay to blow up the Dome, but was prevented by the fire. The
current Challenges and Replies were in a safe in the wheel house;
this safe could not be opened owing to damage but the fire was so
intense that it is considered that they were destroyed. As stated
before, arrangements were made with Commander Clouston to destroy
the Dome and Confidential Books should it be necessary. All other
signal books had been landed previously in accordance with your
instructions. The loss of signal books and failure to destroy the
Dome was reported by Lieutenant Horne on arrival at Dover.
9. I consider that the behaviour of all officers and men under my
command in GRENADE was admirable; the Engine Room Department stood to
their posts until the last minute and those men who were in the
water immediately returned to the ship when ordered to. I observed
that it was GRENADE'S men who manned some of the foremost pom-poms
of the CRESTED EAGLE after she had been hit.
Especially I should like to mention Mr Clare and Leading Stoker
Stables. T consider that the former acted with great coolness and
caurage taking complete control of the after end of the ship, giving
the order to close and flood the magazine at the correct moment, thus

Details

(Lt. Cdr. B.R.Booth's report of 31st May CENTRA
LOSS OF "CRESTED EAGLE" DURING OPERATIONS AT DUNKIRK.
34.6
342
II.
No. 3019/187.P/40.
REGISTRY
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copy to:- Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness):
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.)
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordships.
of the 2. ratings Enquiries brought to notice for their good service these
are being made to obtain the full and names
will be reported Commanding later. Officer, Lieutenant Commander
Bernard Ralph The Booth, appears to have behaved Drax. with great credit
213
GILLINGHAM (5187. 18757.
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS.
CHATHAM.
IRAL.
344
TEL:
ded I posted him as
mlayer x Capt of the yum at
6181
2 Pom Pom. This you he
1940
at in action for 20 minns after
hombing of the ressel.
Four German Prisoners on
and were of great assistance
rescuing wounded from the
maged compartements, these
in were handed over to
french N.CO. an reaching share.
Eng consult Lient. Luraball RNR.
were
am Sir
reach
was Serond absedient
Enet.
are
L.R.N.R.
a
a y u for a imention They

Details

Details

LOSS OF "CRESTED EAGLE" DURING OPEPATIONS AT DUNKIRK.
(Lt. Cdr. B.R. Booth's report of 31st May ICENTRA
346
342
II.
No. 3019/187.P/40.
REGISTRY
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copy to:- Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness).
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.)
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordships.
of the 2. ratings brought to notice for their good service and these
Enquiries are being made to obtain the full names
will be reported later.
Bernard Ralph Booth, appears to have behaved with great credit
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander
and to be deserving of recognition.
The Nore,
ADMIRAL.
5th June, 1940.
N.L.
6181
1940
34211
TEL:QILLINGHAM TEL: 15157 18757.
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS,
CHATHAM.
31.5.40
is
is
9 have the honou to
post on the conduct of
Telbury a.B. ow his coolness
born in evacuating
and courage during intensias
Toops while the ship we
blaze.
9 am Sir
you serond
L.R.N.R.
in for a immition They

Details

LOSS OF "CRESTED EAGLE" DURING OPERATIONS VP DUNKIRK.
(Lt. Cdr. B.R. Booth's report of 31st May ICENTRA
346
342
II.
No. 3019/187.P/40.
REGISTRY
SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY.
(Copy to:- Commodore-in-Charge, Sheerness).
Flag Officer Commanding, Dover.)
Forwarded for the information of Their Lordships.
of the 2. ratings brought to notice for their good service and these
Enquiries are being made to obtain the full names
will be reported later.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander
Bernard Ralph Booth, appears to have behaved with great credit
and to be deserving of recognition.
M
The Nore,
ADMIRAL.
5th June, 1940.
N.L.
6181
1940

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343
COMMODORE'S OFFICE.
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS.
CHATHAM.
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
of
H.M.S.
I have the honour to make the following report on the loss
"CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May, 1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000 : Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had on
board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 : Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F., to
proceed Dunkirk as it appared to him that there were only Belgian
and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430
:
Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer berth
but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella".
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several trawlers.
1500 : First raid after arrival commenced in which some trawlers
were damaged.
1530 onwards Bombing raids on the harbour and ships in the
vicinity almost continuous now, "Grenade" was hit, and more trawlers
damaged. Attack was so intense that my attention was given to
what was happening in the immediate vicinity.
Troops were trickling along between raids and boarding
s/s "Finella".
I was in touch with Commander Clouston, R.N.K., who was
in charge on the Jetty.
"Crested Eagle" After and W/T messages were passed by this ship to Dover, VA.
"Grenade" was damaged her survivors came on board
1700 : "Finella" was about to sail when a bomb dropped down her
Eagle". funnel putting Commenced her out to embark of action. troops from "Finella" to "Crested
1700
embarked :. and Troops I was and ordered to proceed by Commander Clouston who
1800 to survivors from the damaged ships were
remained on
Swung the clear Jetty. of Jetty and steering as I learnt an Easterly afterwards, course, five the
my bombs was four at able ship course this on was to or dropped fire, proceed five time raided The for As feet certainly (although the Engineer, a together, little continuously engines and so the badly from while, four decided Lieutenant (paddles) sides amidships of burnt) until, but which to were I and beach Jones, were to soon hit in. right C.B's. say still discovered the the reported that aft. ship. ship. were functioning we The should on jettisoned that the deck the not bridge I held was ship be in up the on
steel chest At by this the beach where she brought aft up in
sometime
later. Ship's steadily gained ground and aft. and with the wind board, very
few minutes Fire It she is difficult was on fire to fore estimate the number of men on

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343
COMMODORE'S OFFICE.
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS.
CHATHAM.
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
of H.M.S.
I have the honour to make the following report on the loss
"CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May, 1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000
:
Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had on
board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 : Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F., to
proceed Dunkirk as it appared to him that there were only Belgian
and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 :.
Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer berth
but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella".
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several trawlers.
1500
: First raid after arrival commenced in which some trawlers
were damaged.
1530
vicinity almost continuous now, "Grenade" was hit, and more trawlers
Bombing raids on the harbour and ships in the
damaged. Attack was so intense that my attention was given to
what was happening Troops were in trickling the immediate along vicinity. between raids and boarding
s/s "Finella". Clouston, R.N.Y., who was
I was in touch with Commander
in charge on the Jetty.
After "Grenade" was damaged her survivors came on board
"Crested Eagle" and W/T messages were passed by this ship to Dover, VA.
1700
"Finella" was about to sail when a bomb dropped down her
funnel : putting her out of action. to "Crested
Eagle".
Commenced to embark troops from "Finella"
1700 to
embarked and Troops I was and ordered to proceed by Commander Clouston who
1800 survivors from the damaged ships were
remained on
the Jetty. of Jetty and steering an Easterly afterwards, course, five the
bombs raided continuously of which hit
ship was Swung clear until, as I the learnt ship.
my was four able at this course on or dropped fire, time five The As for certainly feet (although the Engineer, a together, little engines and the badly from while, four Lieutenant (paddles) sides amidships burnt) but were I beach were Jones, to soon in. right say still discovered the reported that aft. ship. functioning we The should on that the deck the not bridge I was held ship be up on
to
proceed At this far, so decided to and C.B's. were jettisoned in the
steel chest Ship's by the beach where she brought up
sometime
later. steadily gained ground aft. and with the wind aft in very
few minutes Fire It she is difficult was on fire to fore estimate and the number of men on board,

Details

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

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. VI
1650, she left the harbour, but soon after was damaged by a near miss. She
was able to reach Dover, but took no further part in "Dynamo." At 1720
the berth vacated by the Canterbury in Dunkirk harbour was taken by the
destroyer Verity.
Intrepid severely damaged
Meanwhile, at 1700, the Intrepid, hurrying back to Dunkirk from Dover
(where she had disembarked 661 troops), was bombed between Middelkerke
Bank and La Panne. A near miss caused severe damage, started fires, and
killed 2 and wounded 19. The Intrepid had to return to Dover, and took no
further part in Operation "Dynamo."
Hospital ship deliberately bombed
At 1700 also, the H/C St. Julien, en route for Dunkirk harbour, was de-
liberately bombed for a considerable period" in the vicinity of Nieuport
Bank buoy1; she was slightly damaged by near misses. The St. Julien lay
off Dunkirk harbour for about 1/2 an hour waiting for an opportunity to enter;
when air attacks recommenced, however, she sailed for Dover without having
entered the harbour.
At 1730 the Siroco sailed from Dunkirk harbour with 500 troops and a little
later was joined outside by the Mistral which had only embarked 4 troops.
Both the French destroyers proceeded to Dover. The Mistral took no further
part in "Dynamo."
Grenade hit, Calvi and Fenella sunk
At about 1750 the third air attack was made over Dunkirk harbour by waves
of bombers; some 100 bombs were dropped. Allied fighters, being engaged
by enemy fighters, were unable to interfere with the bombing². A near miss
blew a hole in the Grenade's side; the trawler Calvi, lying outside the John
Cattling, received a direct hit and sank immediately. Her masts and funnel
were above water, and her ensign remained flying from the foremast. The
personnel vessel Fenella, which by then had 650 troops on board, was hit on
the promenade deck; a second bomb hit the pier, and blew some concrete
through the Fenella's side below the waterline; a third bomb, falling between
the pier and the Fenella's side, wrecked the engine room. The Fenella's
troops were disembarked on to the pier and re-embarked in the Crested Eagle.
The Fenella was abandoned while sinking. The P/V St. Seiriol, which shortly
before had secured alongside the outer east pier, astern of the Crested Eagle,
cast off and shifted eastward to the beaches.
Grenade hit, set on fire, and abandoned
Then five minutes after the third air attack had begun the Grenade received
two direct hits; her engines were put out of action and she caught fire. As
she swung round, some of her ships company were able to step on board the
damaged trawler Polly Johnson. The Verity (which had been continuously
I Reports by Pangbourne and Lydd.
2 According to the R.A.F. Narrative, p.327, two Hurricane squadrons which arrived at
1710 were attacked by large numbers of Me. 109's ; one Spitfire squadron was attacked
from above and behind at 1715, and another was in combat with enemy fighters at 1740.
" None of our squadrons encountered enemy bombers, and the attacks on our shipping
between 1630 and 1745 hours (resulting, amongst other casualties, in the Crested Eagle
being hit and beached off Bray) can thus not have been interfered with by our patrols'
R.A.F. Narrative, p.327).
43

Details

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

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and machine gun platforms, a bulkhead wrecking was dished, them
was severely shaken, and 13 killed,
wounded; of the passengers, and orders killed and 2 men
the ship's company, 3 officers 2 officers men and were 10 men were and 18
wounded. Then a fire broke out, further dive bomb were given to flood
and burn the signal books. A anchored. attack took
bombs fell wide. The Bideford
and the tug St. Clears The in tow; she was,
The M/S Kellett came endeavoured alongside the to take Bideford, the Bideford and took off about 300 troops,
in tow, but again the tow parted.
ever, fast aground, and the tow parted. dr. Havant then tried to take how-' her
Bideford towed to Dover
embarked in the Bideford. from La Panne dawn, gunboat Locust, carrying 620
During the night of 29th-30th Near May, 350 the French and 50 British troops
and at daylight she less than 21/2 knots course was set for
British and French troops floated - in tow. At beach, passed a tow to the Bideford,
Dover; en route, during the first 3 miles, the tow parted 3 times. Throughout
the 30th May the Locust struggled on with her burden. During the night
French soldier jumped overboard, fully equipped. The tow was stopped, a
buoy was dropped and a boat lowered; but, in spite of good visibility and a
calm sea, the unknown soldier was not recovered although a search was made a
at 1130 on the 31st May and disembarked 436 troops.
for 30 minutes. In spite of the tow again parting, the Bideford reached Dover
The momentous issues at stake in Operation "Dynamo" were not to be
attained without grievous losses, but the Bideford's heroic voyage to safety
marked a momentary respite from the rapidly mounting toll of lives and ships.
Twelve hundred troops wade out to a skoot
At about 2300 on the 29th May the skoot Patria arrived off Bray from Rams-
The Captain of the Patria, who decided to ground his ship, records that "The
gate and, in the glow of the still burning Crested Eagle, saw troops on the beach.
troops, holding hands, waded out and clambered on board by nets, ladders
and ropes' ends. The sight of two solid phalanxes of men, delineated by
phosphorescence in the water and steadily advancing to the ship, will be
memorable them Over 1,000 men were embarked in just over two hours." Among
Crested Eagle and the Fenella.
were naval ratings - casualties with severe burns from the Grenade, the
Dover unaware of losses
filtered heavy Lord Lord to Little Earlier Dover, Gort bombardment Gort through information in and and the and at the day to 3rd 0127 Dover, 3rd of other and Corps the Corps the that important except disastrous Vice-Admiral, destroyers at La that information losses Panne it there was Dover, of known the were had, afternoon informed being that however, hit Dunkirk the and soon come Calcutta early after was through evening 1600. under that
effort the beach was and to be embark made to the concentrate force. of the B.E.F. destroyers were and at La light Panne, craft and at that that end every of
I D.R.
46

Details

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

Details

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

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VII
and miracle. unpredictable difficulties, as a
such courage, energy and single-mindedness, that it has since and in come the face to be of such incredible
found
the
Hebe
situation, Captain the ferring By water 0100 to Bush. and her up Rear-Admiral to from "of their From the the waists." ghastly him, Esk, Wake-Walker Rear-Admiral Rear-Admiral he sight He took had of over the had the shore, Wake-Walker, Wake-Walker to duties watch black of with the off S.N.O. heard terribly standing in Bray, (Afloat) and, trans- from
gress of embarkation", says I could the which I had pro-
seemed to detect in his voice".¹
then seen, but I did not feel that accept note of despair which not I
proceeding to take charge off-shore at Panne, and the latter off-shore at
Commodores Stephenson and Hallett were La transferred to drifters, the former
Bray.
Wake-Walker was able to glimpse for the first
By dawn the Hebe was off La Panne, and in the growing light Adminal the growing lear Readminl
he had to work. He saw a dark line of men at the water's edge, and large
groups of men all over the beaches. Off Bray the Bideford was ashore with her
stern completely blown off and the Locust was trying to take her in tow. Nearer
Dunkirk the Crested Eagle was high and dry on the beach-burnt out. Lying
off the beaches were destroyers, sloops, drifters and other craft, while men
were making their way off in whalers, motor boats and pontoon craft. There
was a slight swell which made landing difficult, and many boats were lying
broached-to and stranded by the tide.
As daylight illumined the scene Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker saw that the
beaches were packed with troops, who were orderly and under proper control.
To anyone with an appreciation of the practical difficulties of embarking in
small boats with a long pull to seaward, the sight of that beach black with troops
was indeed almost dismaying. The numbers increased steadily as more men
filed down the sand dunes, and "at the back of our minds all the time", says
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, "was the question of how long the defence line
could hold and the weather remain fair." The crux of the matter was boats.²
Twice during the day Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker went to Dunkirk in un-
successful efforts to contact Captain Tennant. With his staff he transferred
from the Hebe to the Windsor and thence to the Worcester, as these ships in
turn " filled up with troops. Captain Bush took home in the Hebe
come off the benches".3
to stress the vital necessity for boats and crews if passage any large numbers were to
would Admiral was hampered by lack of means of about quickly". Ships
There was great difficulty in exercising control off the beaches. The Rear-
desirable, everything would be impracticable. The urgency of a the moment governed
arrive at beaches and start loading ; getting and redistribution, though
where At 2000 he on the 30th May Rear-Admiral Panne
and met Lord Gort and Captain Tennant. Wake-Walker landed at La discussed
1800 arrangements next were made for Lord Gort's The situation was Panne at
On this day, and Commodore Stephenson embarkation from of La it.
1 evening a method of identifying was the put beaches in charge from seaward was
2 2 R.A. report
M.A. Dover's p.4.
R.A. Dover's Dover's Report Report (M.017978/41). (M.017978/41). (R.O.III, p.374).
58

Details

Details

APPENDIX B
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Part V. List of Dutch Ships.
TRANSPORTED
Demok I (yacht)
M.74 (motor boat)
(Lt. Cdr. H.G. Boys-Smith, R.N.R. from Kestrel 1st June)
214
(L/Sea. R. W. Legg, Coxswain)
Part VI. List of Norwegian Ships.
S.S. Hird
(Capt. A. M. Fredhjem)
3,500
APPENDIX B
NAMED SHIPS AND VESSELS LOST AND DAMAGED DURING
OPERATION "DYNAMO "
(Dates in brackets)
Note: Large numbers of unnamed boats were also lost and damaged.
Part I. Ships and vessels lost
BY AIR ATTACK
DESTROYERS
GUNBOAT
Basilisk (1/6)
A.B./V.
Mosquito (1/6)
Grenade (29/5)
King Orry (30/5)
Havant (1/6)
Keith (1/6)
MINESWEEPERS
TRAWLERS
Brighton Queen (1/6)
DRIFTERS
Devonia (31/5)
Calvi (29/5)
Nautilus (29/5)
Boy Roy (27/5)
Gracie Fields (30/5)
Paxton (27/5)
Skipjack (1/6)
Polly Johnson (29/5)
Waverley (29/5)
PERSONNEL VESSELS
Clan Macalister (29/5)
HOSPITAL CARRIER
SEAPLANE TENDER
Crested Eagle (sp. S/V) (29/5)
Paris (3/6)
S.T. 243 (2/6)
Fenella (29/5)
Lorina (29/5)
Normania (29/5)
Queen of the Channel (28/5)
Scotia (1/6)
MOTOR LIGHTERS
X.149 (31/5)
LANDING CRAFT
TUGS
X.213 (31/5)
A.L.C. 16 (29/5)
St. Abbs (1/6)
St. Fagan (1/6)
BARGES
Lady Rosebery (1/6)
SMALL CRAFT
Doris (1/6)
Commodore (31/5)
Mirasol (1)
Southern Queen (P.L.17) (1)
DESTROYERS
BY TORPEDOES (E-BOATS)
Grafton (29/5)
TRAWLERS
Wakeful (29/5)
Argyllshire (1/6)
Stella Dorado (1/6)
I Date not known.
158

Details

INDEX
cut off, 8; to be held, by 13; E-boat), falls, 17.
27 (attacked 32, 46, 47, 54, 88 (shoots down Heinkel), 99'
104, 126.
71n.
Caleta, Calvi, 13n, 39, 43 (sunk), 44.
Canterbury, 16, 22n, 24, 29, 39, 42-3 (damaged), 48n, 54, 114n.
Cameron, Lieut., 79.
Canvey Queen, lost, 53.
Cap d' Antifer, 102.
Carama, 60.
Caribia, 29n.
Cassidi, Cdr. R. A., 51.
Caryandra, 71n, 74.
Casualties: Embarkation, 17, 32, 36, 64, 87 (final), 115.
Cecil and Lilian Philpot, 107n.
Cayton Wyke, 34n, 107n.
Cervia, 71n.
Chamois, 72n.
Chantecler, 54.
Chasse-Marée, 62n, 73n, 102.
Chico, 13n, 60n.
Christabel II, 71n.
Civilians, crews feel strain, 29, 48; supplemented by R.N., 48, 99.
Clan Macalister, sunk 41.
Claude, 59.
Clouston, Cdr., J. C., 44, 105, 110 (drowned).
Coastal Command, XIIIn, 38, 64, 83, 88-9, 93, 99-100, 115.
Coats, Lt. Cdr. E. C., 112.
Cockburn, Lt. Cdr., 49.
Cockle Bawley boats, 73.
Codrington, 28, 54n, 55, 61, 64n, 75, 77, 97, 101, 107n, 108-9 (sent back empty), 112n.
Coggins, Mr. C., 73.
Comfort, 36, 37 (sunk).
Commandant Delage, 35n.
Communications. Difficulties and delays, 57, 60, 122 ; on beaches, 67; established
between Dunkirk and Dover, 67-8; closed down, 76-7.
Commodore, abandoned, 74.
Conidaw, 13, 60n.
Constant Nymph, 60n.
Corap, General 1.
Cordelia, 60n.
Côte d'Argent, 54n, 94, 102, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n, 118.
Coulthard, J. W., 110.
Coxyde. See Beaches.
Crested Cock, 71n.
Crested Eagle, 32n, 39, 43, 44 (beached), 46, 58 (burnt out),
Croswell, S/Lt., E. C., 36, 47 (lands at La Panne), 76n, 77.
Cyclone, 39, 42, 68-9 (damaged).
Dangerfield, Capt., 111, 119-20.
Daylight evacuation abandoned, 97-8; French Admiralty wish resumption, 105.
Decoster, F., 116.
Defender, 73n.
Dench, Mr. A. J., 73.
Denis Papin, sunk, 93.
Denny, Capt. M. M., 94.
Destroyers bombard Calais, 13; brought from W. A. and Portsmouth Commands, 20,
61, and from patrol and escort, 28, 34 not to stop to aid ships, 38; brought off most
troops 55; H, 1, J classes withdrawn, 55, and ordered back, 61; G class all out of action,
55; not sent to Dunkirk harbour, 61 ; exhaustion of crews, 64, 113; heavy losses, 94
sent back empty, 108.
Devonia, beached to form pier, 83.
Diana Mary, 117.
Diligente, 73.
Dill, General Sir John, 10, 12 (becomes C.I.G.S.).
Dinard, 64.
197

Details

MINISTRY Hotel OF Group, HOTEL
Name of Vessel
Date.
Cause and Position.
a
and G.R.T.
Remarks.
essel
Date
Cause and Position
R.T.
Admiralty
Commissioned
Vessels.
y
oned
BRIGHTON QUEEN
(ctd.).
E
G.R.T. 807
1/6/40
Abandoned and
TERARD
blown up.
WAVERLEY
:.
G.R.T. 537
30/5/40
158
Abandoned at
ou
Sunk during operations
Dunkirk.
CRESTED EAGLE
at Dunkirk.
int
G.R.T. 110
30/5/40
e.
was
119
STELLA DORADO
G.R.T. 416
LASSIE.
fter.
in
WESTELLA
127
OS
Beached and abandoned
G.R.T. 413
1/6
Presumed
tis
OYALTY
at Male-les-Cains
total loss.
85
during evacuation at
Abandoned.
POLLY JOHNSON
Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 290
Sunk during operations
Struck submerged wreck
Abandoned.
THOMAS BARTLETT
at Dunkirk.
1/6
REEZE
at Dunkirk while
)
G.R.T. 290
rescuing survivors
er
from Beach.
THURINGIA
92
G.R.T. 396
Abandoned.
7
Bombed at Dunkirk
CALVI
ARA JEAN
a
1/6
G.R.T. 363
ing barge.
ARGYLLSHIRE
T. 119
G.R.T. 540
200
Blown up.
At Dunkirk
1/6
Abandoned.
3)
BLACKBURN ROVERS
IS
G.R.T. 422
ling barge.
.T.
PAXTON
1.
150
Abandoned.
do.
G.R.T. 92
Approx.
EC
31/5
BOY ROY
itb barge.
R.T.T. 95
R.T.
W.
70
do.
do.
RIGHTON BELLE
Approx.
EC.
.R.T. 396
31/5
28/5/40
imb barge
.R.T.
VONIA
.W.
60
Reported lost
R.T. 622
do.
31/5/40
About
on beach.
V.CLAUDE
31/5
ACIE FIELDS
ater boat
R.T. 393
do.
30/5/40
do.
BARK
do.
IVE
Jumb barge.
R.T. 687
do.
1/6/40
do.
SHETLAND
do.
G ORRY
Dumb barge
do.
do.
do.
.T.1877
30/5/40
do.
do.
F.23
do.
PAGAN
Dumb barge
ug.
-=3--

Details

Empire
HOTEL
S.S.-
CONFIDENTIAL.
20
P.
WAKEFUL. Torpedoed 29th May, 1940. Ship broke inhalf and
only those on the upper deck were saved. About
600 troops were below.
CRESTED EAGLE. Was bombed and then beached in a burning
condition on 29th May, 1940. Only about 300 saved
House,
out of 600 on board.
SKIPJACK. Bombed 1st June, 1940, 250 - 300 troops on board,
most of whom, unfortunately, went down with the ship
when she sank.
ough
WAVERLEY. Sunk by enemy aircraft, 29th May, 1940, 600 troops
were on board before ship was abandoned in sinking
intity was a
condition, but only 200 - 300 were picked up.
GRAFTON. Torpedoed and sunk by M.T.B. offKwinte Whistle buoy
in the early hours of 29th May, 1940. No record
in
personnel on board.
Ps as
LANCASTRIA. Sunk 17/6/1940 by aircraft while embarking troops,
tish
on board were 5,200 troops, several refugees and crew 320.
Military survivors known to have been landed amounted to 3,733.
ARANDORA STAR. Torpedoed 2nd July, 1940 while carrying 1673
(approx) passengers and crew, including 8 officers
and 195 men of the military guard. Of the 800 (approx)
saved 163 were members of the military guard.
MOHAMED ALI EL KEBIR. Torpedoed and sunk on 7/8/1940. When
ship sank there were stated to be 4 officers and about
30 soldiers on board, all of whom jumped overboard
"and some managed to get rafts and spars, being picked
up by the DestroyersWHALER".
ABOUKIR. Torpedoed and sunk on 28th May, 1940 whilst assisting
in the evacuation of Dunkirk. Known to have been
carrying about 250 people (officers, crew and evacuees)
of whom about 14 only were saved.
GREYHOUND. War Office casualties Liverpool, informed 3/2/1941
by Admiralty Letter M.O 1739/41 that no details
available.
CHROBRY. Ship hit by salvo of explosive and incendiary bombs
at 2340 on 14th May, 1940 and abandoned in flames early
15th May. Casualties caused by explosion of bombs and
through being trapped and overcome by fumes.
HYPERION. Mined in Mediterranean on 22/12/1940 and subsequently
sunk by H.M.S. JANUS. It is not thought that there
were any troops on board.
MAID OF KENT. Lost on 1/6/40 as the result of bombing attacks
during Dunkirk operations. No details available and
no information as to any military personnel on board.
MONA'S QUEEN. Personnel Vessel sunk by mine whilst off Dunkirk.
No other details available.
H.M.S. GRACIE FIELDS. Received direct hit from enemy aircraft
while carrying 700-800 troops. Impossible to ascertail
number of troops killed.

Details

SHIPMINDER, BLACKPOOL."
41006
Blackpool 23829.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING,
Empire Hotel Group,
GRAND HOTEL,
Lansdowne Crescent,
BLACKPOOL, S.S.-
7
28th March, 1941.
M.151359/41.
CONFIDENTIAL
Dear Mr. Walmsley,
7th March, I send With you the following information about remainder
further reference to my letter of the the
W.1.
of the ships of your list.
"GRAFTON" "HYPERION" and "WAKEFUL" were sunk were
and the "GREYHOUND" "CRESTED EAGLE" and "WAVERLEY", Admiralty which service.
H.M. at As not Messrs. Dunkirk such, investigated ships all last May/June, these their The ships S.S. casualties are were "SKIPJACK" the commissioned concern in Exchange this has of not Department. on the Buildings, been Admiralty lost. Quayside, and Her about we Owners, have
ch
Witherington may & Everett be able of to give you some time. information any .
The
Newcastle-on-Tyne, Army personnel she may have carried at any
23
information about Division I the am "CHROBY". afraid and we if have I She can not was find yet a Polish out been anything able vessel to about requisitioned get any her
SEAL
by which Sea will Transport help you, I will send it along.
in
THE a pe
Yours sincerely,
Chanchard
F. Walmsley, Esq.,
S.
MACALISTER.
C.L.
30/5
G.R.T. 6787
Bombed at Dunkirk.
D.W. 10905
S.S.SCOTTA
SUNK.
Pass.
G.R.T. 3454
1/6
D.W. 540
Bombed at Dunkirk
S.S.PARTS
Pass.
G.R.T. 1790
2/6
D.W. 650
Attacked 510 11.5'N by 2.07E. aircraft approx.
-1-

Details

Details

ugh
nti
was
S.S. MOHAMED ALI EL KEBIR This ship was torpedoed
at 2045 B.S.T. on 7th August whilst on voyage from
t i
Avonmouth to Gibraltar. There were on board 26
ips
Officers and 706. other ranks, of whom 40 or 50 are
rit
believed to be missing. There was a big swell, not
much sea, a moderate breeze, good visibility but
overcast. The ship immediately settled aft, but
th
remained upright during the launching of all
to
serviceable life boats and rafts. The ship sank in
about 1 hour 50 minutes.
S.S. GREYHOUND. I have no information about this
4
ship. Is she H.M.S.?
S.S. ABUKIR This ship was on voyage from Ostend
to the Downs with troops, air force pilots, personnel
and refugees. She was torpedoed about 5 miles due
E. of the W. Hinder Light Ship at 0115 B.S.T. on
28th May. I understand that there were 14 saved
out of 250.
S.S. GRACIE FIELDS. I have no information in
regard to this ship.
WAVERLEY. I have no information in regard to this
ship.
CHOBRY (Polish) This ship was attacked by aircraft
and set on fire on 16th May. I have no further
information about this ship.
HYPERION I have no information about this ship.
Destroyes
GRAFTON
I have no information about this ship.
SKIPJACK The only information I have about this ship
is that she was shelled from German long range guns
whilst in Granville Dock, Dover, on 28th November.
CRESTED EAGLE I have no information about this
ship.

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

"SILVERY BREEZE
cade
(4)
168
you et home alright, they have all forgotten, no wonder.
Frantically we kept running in front of the large red
rick building which will be familiar to thousands, the remains of
he white hot Crested Eagle still smouldering just eastward and still
bey marched column after column through the gaps in the sand dunes.
Whilst serving the Destroyer H.M.S. 4.40 I could not
get a volunteer from the soldiers to take the 3 or 4 ships life
boats back to the shore "They were all done up".
I ordered Roy Brown to do so he did this without hesitation
and continued this work for a considerable time, while his place on
the Shamrock was taken over by a seaman lent to me by the Destroyer
Commander. The Princess Maud ventured in too close and was aground,
scores waded out and climbed on board her but it was obvious she was
to be another souvenir for Fritz.
STATEM
I was ordered by an officer of this Destroyer not to bring
anymore wounded but my very next trip found me helping aboard a
badly wounded young lad, for this I was shouted at by the same
113
officer my reply was a rude army one which could not be withdrawn.
The officer was right, there was no room for medical
attention on his ship, burp what could you do.
I took in tow 3 large Carley Floats one behind the other
these were filled to capacity about 50 men in each standing up to
their waists in water in the net inside.
My craft was well loaded too, we were just making for our
Destroyer when I was brought to a standstill, my ungine stopped
the propeller had fouled, I believe a human @bstruction. There were
many in the shallow water. I signalled the Canvey Queen to take me
in tow and with a struggle against the tide she got us along side and
every man got aboard o.k. one of them took my revolver from under my
nose; its a way they have in the army. Naval men came down and tried
to free the obstruction without success. I was too weak to dive under
the thick black oil which surrounded us, so rather than be left
sitting on our useless craft I asked to be taken on H. S. ship
1
this was the last straw, having to leave my vessel which constituted
ay life savings.
the followed fire expinguishers were taken on the Destroyer. Roy Brown
My spare fuel was taken off by a small Naval motor boat,
one more glance at the beach.
me up quickly on board as she was about to leave. I took
up
youing
prayed.
Sat down beneath a gun with my hands over my face and
you
These notes are true and unpolished. allanBarrell
La ranna
Owing to the engines failing we had to leave with only a few
WE and proceeded back to Dunkirk W here we took five more load
the shore which we were now able to do owing to the rising
Whilst these operations were being carried out we were bei

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

Details

Braved
PIC WORK OF
ches
ST. SEIRIOL
Steamer's
SEVEN TRIPS TO
23
cuation
DUNKIRK
Making seven trips to Dunkirk in the
d them on to waiting
other ships, and then
midst of heavy bombing, the North Wales
iol herself with about 900
pleasure steamer St. Seiriol (1,586 tons),
f the seven voyages.
now on Admiralty service, played a
FICER'S GALLANTRY
brilliant part in the rescue of 335,000
rvived was a miracle in
men, in which a thousand ships of all
dozen aircraft flew over
sizes took part last May.
circled round to make
Only now is it possible to reveal the full
D with their missiles, and
story of her gallant work-as told by Mr.
cks with machine-gun
E. Keble Chatterton. the well-known naval
n the Crested Eagle, an
writer, in The Epic of Dunkirk (Hurst
0, became a furnace after
and Blackett, 10s 6d). Merseyside was well
Seiriol got as close as
represented among the rescuing craft. The
about 5½ hours her crew
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. for
pick up survivors.
instance, had eight of their ships engaged.
ficer, Mr J. McNamee,
and lost three of them-iKng Orry, Mona's
ulean service. Immedi-
Queen, and Fenella. The North Wales
Company's vessels were St. Tudno, St. Silio
he was at the beach,
and St. Seiriol, but it was the last-named
the boats, helping men
that won particular notice from the naval
id ferrying them to the
essel.
authorities.
"On arrival in
partially paralysed below
Exhausted Crew
1 that he asked was per-
According to Mr. Chatterton she proved one
back and do one more
of the most useful vessels engaged, and her
two masters during this
crew, subject to the immense strain of aerial
Morris and Captain R.
attack, and without rest during her continual
journeys to and from the historic beach, were
finally in an advanced stage of physical and
MINED CREW
nervous exhaustion. A week before her first
nal courage and endur-
trip sho had already managed to enter Calais
and, defying bombs. had reached the quay and
says Mr. Chatterton,
got away safely. Then. on May 27 she went
impressed the naval
over to assist at Dunkirk.
uch trips also strained
At first she was at the jetty, but afterwards
etermined crew, so that
lay off the beach, where her boats did
ver the military doctor
invaluable service. She would send three boats
hands were unfit to
to the beach, bring off an average of about
ger. They were sent to
forty-seven men in each, though bombs
rest and another crew
dropped from the planes like rain. and load
them on to waiting destroyers or other ships,
continue the brave duty
and then fill up St. Seiriol herself with about
be associated with this
900 men on each of of the seven voyages.
Later on, in June,
How she survived was a miracle in
Iready published, was
itself." says Mr. Chatterton. Often a dozen
ees from Le Havre,
aircraft flew over simultaneously, circled
beril from fierce enemy
round to make careful direction with their
air, and again got back
missiles. and raked the decks with machine-
gun bullets."
When the Crested Eagle, an oil-burning
who will sail on this
ship, became a furnace after a direct hit. St.
e should be spared to
Seiriol got as close as possible, and for about
ce-time duties, will be
five and a half hours her crew were toiling
wledge of the brilliant
to pick up survivors.
in "the most difficult
Her chief officer, Mr. J. McNamee,
nd military operation
performed herculean service. Immediately
as the Admiralty
after this he was at the beach, wading in
comparable with the
from the boats, helping men on to them, and
amers' part at Zee-
ferrying them to the nearest large vessel.
On arrival in port he became partially
nd, if Royal Daffodil
paralysed below the waist, yet all that he
why not Royal St.
asked was permission to go back and do one
more trip. She had two masters during
this time, Captain R. Morris and Captain R.
D. Dobb.
The Royal St. Seiriol ?
The exceptional courage and endurance of
St, Seiriol," says Mr. Chatterton, consider.
ably impressed the naval authorities. Such
trips also strained and shook her determined
crew, so that on arrival at Dover the military
doctor decided that all hands, were unfit to
carry on any longer. They were sent to their
homes for rest and another crew took the ship
to continue the brave duty that must ever be
associated with this pleasure vessel."
Later, in June, St. Seiriol was evacuating
lement each time. Our
refugees from Le Havre, again in deadly peril
from fierce enemy assaults from the air, and
bombed and shelled ahea
again got back safely.
The part played by St. Seiriol in the most
t from a few shell spli
difficult combined naval and military opera-
amage.
tion ever carried out" recalls the epic exploit
of the Mersey ferry steamers, Royal Iris and
Royal Daffodil, at Zeebrugge in 1918. When
peace comes, perhaps St. Seiriol will achieve
icer, Mr Macdonald, had
Royal fame.
and smashed the glass o
standing.
It seemed an unluc

Details

10/ml.
2.
107
the only casualty on board the "FENELLA" being Engineer Roy Motion
SM II 20 play
who suffered leg injury through bomb explosion. I must mention
that throughout all of these raids our Lewis gunners, F. Garrett
and J. Cowell who were members of the crew and two Bren gunners,
appointed to the ship by the Military Authorities at Southampton,
all remained at their gun posts in very exposed positions and
continued firing at the enemy aircraft.
xis
On going through the ship and making sure that every soul on
"Isec
board had been safely landed, I reported the fact to the Embark-
edd
ation Officer in charge of the jetty. I then suggested to him
that if he could obtain tugs or trawlers, we were prepared to tow
to
"FENELLA" away from the jetty to render the berth available for
other ships and beach her before she finally sank. He was in
favour of this suggestion and tried to get tugs, but no vessels
capable of towing were available. All the troops and the majority
of "FENELLA's crew had by this time been embarked on board the
steamer "CRESTED EAGLE." The Embarkation Officer then suggested,
as nothing further could be done with regards to "FENELLA," that I
and my Officers should proceed home in this steamer. Unfortunately,
this ship was herself bombed and set on fire within ten minutes of
leaving the jetty and had to be beached. I regret to say this
caused a number of casualties, among them sixteen of the "FENELLA's
crew who lost their lives.
I am, Sir,
(signed) Yours obediently,
(sgd) W. CUBBON.
Master.
boats.
3rd. June,
10-15 to take p.m. went inside the Piers, Could not
Deft Dover 6-30 p.m. arrived Dunkles
ropes, kept manoeuvring inside the
has to June, when Wg made Cost.
leave as water we
grounds
arriving at Downr
Dover for Plymouth is
Plymouth Friday TLE
1.
Waster.

Details

(EPORT From Captain R.D.Dobb.
H.M.T."St.Seiriol". "St.
oth June, 1940.
TO The Diverpool G North Wales
Steamship Company Limited,
40, Chapel Street,
233
Liverpool.
Dear Sirs,
"St. .Seiriol"
On Tuesday the 21st may at 7.30 pm. while entering Calais
my vessel was attacked by Three Enemy Bombers but they failed to
make a hit. While alongside more attacks were made but we managed
to get away at 0.30 pm. and proceeded to Dover and then to the Downs
to Anchor.
On Monday 27th May at 1.30 pm. we proceeded to Dunkirk in
company with the "Channel ueen" arriving Dunkirk about 8.0 pm. alongside
the Mole, but were ordered to go to the Beaches to pick up Troops,
using our Lifeboats. While the lifeboats were away I was asked if i
could go back to the Mole by a Destroyer as there were a very large
number of troops there. it was now about 10.0 pm. and dark and heavy
bombing and gunfire all around.
I got alongside the Mole in a very short time and embarked 600
soldiers and Left the Mole at about midnight. I went back to look
for my Lifeboats but as they were being used to convoy troops from the
Beach to other craft 1 proceeded to Dover via the Calais route as
ordered by a Destroyer. During the passage I was again attacked by
Aircraft but got away without being hit. On arrival at Dover 1 was
ordereu to Folkestone to Disembark.
The M.V. "Channel "ueen" was bombed and sunk.
On Wednesday 29 29th May we left Dover at 12.30 pm. for Dunkirk
to embark troops. Arrived off Dunkirk in heavy bombing and shore
gunfire and proceeded to go alongside the Mole, when the Mole was
bombed, also the "Fenella" which was alongside the "Crested Eagle".
+ couta not make a landing. There were no troops there so I
proceeded to the beach to embark troops follow ng the S.S. "Crested
Eagie" which had a complement of troops. The bombing was now terrific.
the "Crested Eagle" was hit and went on fire, and we Lowered our only
Lifeboat and rescued 150 men from the burning ship under very heavy
/Fire

Details

VI
2.
dnesuay 29th May. 9.0 am. Proceeded to Dover for Orders.
235
.0 pm. proceeded to Dunkirk by North Route. When off Ostend
we came under gunfire from Shore Batteries, also from the Air all
the way to Dunkirk. Our guns were in action all the time. 1
can only describe it as a Cavalcade of planes.
About 6.30 pm. we arrived off Dunkirk Pier to find it
damaged and ships sunk on both sides of it. We got orders to
embark troops from the Beach, but in the meantime the H.M.S. "Crested
Eagle" was bombed and set on fire.
We lowered the Dinghy 1/c of 2nd Officer with other men, and
1 took charge of our remaining Lifeboat with four Naval Stokers. We
proceeded to the rescue of the men from the Burning Ship and brought
them aboard.
After we got everybody that it was humanely possible from
the burning ship we went to the shore.
On our approach to the Shore we were received with Six
Revolver Shots in quick succession from the direction of Dunkirk.
1 proceeded to where the first batch of the B.E.F. paraded, and indeed
I am proud to say their discipline was wonderful. An Officer waded
out to meet the boat and inquired how many men I wanted to go into
the boat. I tola him 1 could take about 50 but to let them come
10 at a time, so that we could keep the boat afloat. After the
boat was loaded the boys on the beach pushed her into the deep water.
So we continued until I was ordered to come on board. We received
order to proceed to Dover to get medical attention for the wounded
men on board. in the meantime the Crew were doing everything
possible with the Timi ted medical stores at their disposal. On our
way back to Dover sometime about 1.0 am Thursday the Vessel came in
contact with something which caused her to shake, also about this
time we were in the Company of Seaplanes. I presume they were laying
mines. About 3.0 am we let go Anchor in the Downs during thick fog.
5.0 am. Weighed Anchor, proceeded to Dover where we arrived about
6.30 am. After reportingwe had wounded on board we were allowed to
proceed to the Admiraity Pier where we were met by the Medical Staff.
Sir, + have made this report as brief as 1 could in so far as
my memory would carry me back.
Yours obediently.
Joseph McNamee.
Chief Officer. H.M.T. "St. Seiriol"

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14th June, 1940.
Report from Mr. D.D.mcMahon.
Purser. "St.Seiriol". "St.
236
To.Mr.T.G.Brew. T.
Secretary.
The Liverpool & North Wales S.S.Co., utd.
40, Chapel Street, Liverpool.
Dear Sir,
On Tuesday 21st May we travelled to Calais light, and
on entering the Harbour we were bombed, and i was rather
surprised to see that none of the Shore Datteries opened fire
on the enemy plane, and our own Gunners were the first to
discover they were enemy planes and opened fire. When the
bombing had discontinued we proceeded and tied up at the
quayside. The Master then went ashore for instructions and
other bombers appeared but all bombs fell on the land side.
7 understand the Master received instructions to return to Dover.
On Monday 27th May. We received orders and travelled to Dunkirk
and tied up alongside the quay, but I understand instructions
were received to go and pick up troops from the shore by the
smaller boats.
The boats were Lowered and I volunteered to go into one
of them, but told that this was not necessary. Later on a
message was given to the Captain to return to the uay when the
Adjutant on the Ship and others went into the Town to see to the
Troops ready to be evacuated. Troops were put aboard and we
returned to Dover for instructions. There was very heavy bombing
during these operations, and our Lifeboats having already been
Launched we had to return without them. When we arrived at
Folkestone In the early hours or the morning + went ashore to
telephone the Office and 1 was very pleased to see the arrival of
our 2nd Officer (B.Jones) and his crew who had been picked up by
a Destroyer.
Wednesday 29th May. We again went to Dunkirk in heavy bombing.
We saw the "Fenella" had been bombed also the "Crested Eagle".
On arrival we were toia to go and pick up troops from the Beach,
as the Pier was not being used. The "Crested Eagle" had now
become a mass of flames and we proceeded to rescue those who

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253
620
THE WINE AND SPIRIT TRADE RECORD.
17TH JUNE, 1940.
THE PRICE OF ADMIRALTY.
scoured for craft of all descriptions, of which about
G.S.N. CO.'S FINE WORK.
1,000 took part in the evacuation.
"Never was there a more fantastic Armada," he
said. " Never a weirder collection of vessels set sail-
THE annual Pepys Commemoration Service was
pleasure steamers, cross-Channel steamers, coasting
held on 6th June at St. Olave's Church, Hart Street,
tramps, trawlers, drifters, motor-boats and launches,
E.C.3, the Lord Mayor (Sir William Coxen) and
motor and sailing barges. Every tug from the River
Sheriffs attending. The Rector (Reverend Prebendary
Thames was taken. At our request the Royal National
Wellard) gave an address on "The Price of Admiralty."
Lifeboat Institution sent 20 lifeboats from ports
between Lowestoft and Poole."
The address with curious appropriateness came close
Father and son would take their light craft across
upon the last hours of the Dunkirk evacuation. Pepys'
from some south coast port without a word to anybody
connection with the Navy of his time is so much
and bring it back full of troops. A Deal boatman took
common knowledge that it is unnecessary here to
his motor-boat with several rowing boats in tow and
expatiate upon the good work he performed. And
brought them back full of troops.
Twenty merchant craft met a glorious and self-
sacrificing end.
Looking at a map, the trip might seem short
I
enough, but to avoid minefields our ships had to make
21
W
d f
atic
w
e t
as
ist
ag
of
The Crested Eagle, lost in the great work of evacuating the
e
B.E.F. from Dunkirk, She was a magnificent steamer of the
"Eagle Fleet" owned by the General Steam Navigation
is
Co., Ltd.
a round trip of up to 160 miles. The men on the ships
Cabin Cruiser Mimosa
worked until they dropped, without sleep and often
y
(owned by Mr. Antony Gordon, brother of
without proper meals.
Mr. Luis Gordon).
The General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.-whose
boats on the Bordeaux to London and other routes
the work he did was done in the very centre, as it
during many years have brought over many thousands
ed
were, of Wineland.
of tons of Wine, etc.-had several of its fine passenger
en
London Wine merchants, particularly, in close
steamers engaged in the memorable work of the
evacuation. One steamer made repeated journeys
touch in various ways with the great port of London,
over and back, and two steamers were lost. When the
are also familiar with many of the vessels bringing
story is told, even in outline-for, as already indicated,
it
Wine, etc., to London and are well aware of the great
it will ever be impossible to secure all the details of
one of the most remarkable naval feats in history-
part played by the shipping companies - more
it will reveal many stirring episodes. On this page
especially the General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.-
we reproduce a photograph of the Crested Eagle
in serving the Trade.
(General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.) which was lost
t
in the great withdrawal. We also reproduce a photo-
Broadcasting on the part of the merchant navy
graph of one of the smaller craft engaged in the heroic
o
in the evacuation, Mr. Ronald Cross, Minister of
and hazardous work. It is the cabin cruiser Mimosa,
n
Shipping, said that they would never have a complete
from Shoreham, captained by Mr. Fred Clarkson.
The boat belongs to Mr. Antony Gordon (brother of
list of all the vessels that took part.
Mr. Luis Gordon, of Messrs. Luis Gordon and Sons,
Ports from the Humber to Southampton were
Ltd., sole agents and concessionaires for Domecq and

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Dynamo 185.
182
MOTOR YACHT "MARSAYRO"
170
6th.June 1960
B14/0/1513
II.
Leading Seaman BROWN.
No.R.E.2/014.
Vice Admiral,
Dover.
169
(Copy to Commander-in-Chief,
that I took over dommand
The Nore.)
esday 29th.May 1940.
rt I tried to sort things
on, regarding any particular
Forwarded.
stremely hasty. I therefore
nga will suffice.
2. Reports and recommendations
Friday 31st.May 1940 at
concerning the above named vessels
with X217 and 2 other
were forwarded by my Nos. I.1/14/015 utenant
POOL,R.N.
We
and R.E. 2/014. of 8th and 9th
out 3 p.m. we name in sight
June, 1940.
moke and explosions as far
later we contacted the
3.
Of the vessels mentioned in the French soldiers from the
above reports only the "Royal Eagle", to the beach; it was
"Golden Eagle" and "Crested Eagle"
imen and capsised at once.
are specifically named in Appendix 1, it himself from being more
thdrew my ship to review
4.
In addition to the vessels
" stuff that looked like
named in Minute 1 above, the Yachts
ID devil as I know that
"Christobel II" "Caleta"; "Glala"
our propellers in the way
"Amulree" and the tug "St Clears"
happen as soon as I had
were mentioned in my reports, and
each we managed to pick
are presumed to be included in the
captured and used a little
note to Appendix 1.
troops appeared to be a
>-loads for some 5 hours,
'Jaba" and so on. On this
ADMIRAL 1940
am Queen" (about 2000 tons
- she had put her nose.
*
30th JULINE,
;ines of "Marsayru" and
COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
ce
ghout this day and the
Dover
HEERNESS.
all a complete jumble in
tant fire of various kinds,
the ship was not hit by
more
lune I think - we were
tion to -done, nearest ship being
te 1 above, by 4 brave Messershimits who dived and
"
"Caleta th much vigour but exceedingly poor aim
the tug our. No had a Bren and 2 rifles but did
in my German pilots seemed disinolined to come
reports 0 and I had given orders to hold our fire
on Eagle" casA pity. After half an hour of this 3
above arcifically aght and we saw no more of the Messerschmits
2/014. of my 8th in addition of we were bombed by a large formation of
arded by Nos.
40.
in Minute 1 all. At least I think it was our little
stobel II" "saless it was one on the horison, in
eports only the me mentioned solddimurse of these operations we took off
the vessels ree" and opamony miles.
Eagle" and "C presumed tax, ocumnof 400 French soldiers. To our bitter
cifically named to Appell
ad tind no British, others ware luckier.
Christrisor a few hours - she was on tow -
"Amulre" stely tied up with bits of line and
n addition to vive MI
were men tisard. The tow rope broke and we
n Minute 1 a had a
are presfroit cast about for a time. However
obel II" "( pilots Be
e" and the I had give
note to rises - faithruk thing. No arrived
ntioned in ty. After
ts, evening having called from Ramsgate
sumed to be and we saw
Appendix 1.
ICEADM in We borught back 2 "prises" - a nice
IRA

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CONFIDENTIAL.
252
From
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S. Sheldrake.
Date
3rd. June. 1940. Reference RDA/C/38.
TO
The Commander in Chief. The Nore.
Through The Commodore in Charge. Sheerness.
boby to Senior officer. Conettes.
1.
The following re of operations carried out in accordance
with C-in-C. Nore's 1121/2 is submitted.
2.
Sheldrake sailed from Sheerness at 1615 with an additional
demolition party of 12, with orders to destroy the asdic gear in
Basilisk ashore off La Panne. On passage zig zagging was employed
where submarine attack could (be) reasonable expected.
3.
Routed via T Buoy (2005), Oostdyck (2053), Middlekerke (2128),
Nieuport Bk. (2024) Buoys I closed the shore in stages as the light
failed, and was able to identify Basilisk by 2131 andthen waited
till 2230 for darkness before closing in. She was awash up to her
FX deck in position Latitude 51degs. 08mins. 20secs. North. Long-
itude 2degs. 34mins. 50secs. East., 2 miles off shore.
4.
The demolition party was immediately placed abcard, while
Sheldrake lay off about a cable from the wreck.. A few minutes after
midnight the fuzes were lit, and the whaler hoisted at 0017. The
officer in charge of demolitions has submitted a separate report as
to the location of charges, which were lowered as far below water
level as possible. The ship apperas to have already been pretty well
gutted by fire forward, and her bridge wrecked. He was unable to
make his way aft, but reports that her back had apparently been broke
en by an explosion in the vicinity of the engine room. one empty
C.B. chest was found.
5.
Throughout the operation I was apparently not located though
a few enemy aircraft were seen. Sever-fighting was taking place ashore
up till midnight, the right 01 the enemy line t. he on the
beach abreast the ship, with their gun batteries on the left and
Dunkirk illuminated by fire(as usual) to my right. This fighting died
down as the repeated bombing of gun positions by the R.A.F. took
effect. I regret it was not possible to close the reported position
of Crested Eagle on the beach as Sheldrake would undoubtedly have
been illuminated by our own parachute flares. I had also hoped by
placing depth charges to complete the destruction of the ship, as had
been done to Wakeful, in addition to the internal demolitions, but
this was not possible: nor would a Mk. VII. charge fired from the
throwers have operated in the shallow water in which she was lying.
6. Apart from tide, there were no navigational difficulties, as the
buoys were lit.
continued overleaf

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273
F 262
THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE
FLOTILLA
ROYAL EAGLE
GOLDENT EAGLE.
CRESTED EAGLE.

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FROM.
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA,
Dynama 10, 263 Aveley
DATE
1st June, 1940.
274
TO
COMMANDER IN CHIEF, THE NORE.
(through and EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERINES).
PROCEEDINGS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA - A/A SHIPS. PERIOD
Submitted.
27/31st May, 1940.
were and full speed to & position 9 miles East
anchored to proceed at outer estuary a signal was received that/ships were
During in the the night of 27th-28th May when all ships
Dunkirk minutes embark troops. All ships were underweigh within of a
few of the signal being decoded and proceeded towards
under dark night conditions was not easy and I consider credit
the North Goodwin. The passage through the Edinburgh Channels
is due to the Commanding Officers of the ships for the way in
which they were handled. The signal was cancelled before ships
reached North Goodwin and they returned to normal duties. Early
on 28th May ships were ordered to return to Sheerness forthwith
and land surplas crew not required for embarking troops.
I had previously issued a memorandum on the steps to be
taken if ships were used as troop carriers so that ships were
ready with the necessary organisation and special arrangements.
Later only two ships were stated to be required and I
detailed "Royal Eagle" and "Crested Eagle" and myself decided to
go to the "Royal Eagle".
Ships sailed from Sheerness at 1400 and were ordered to
proceed to the Downs. On arrival at the Downs I reported the
arrival of both ships to the Vice Admiral, Dover and also
endeavoured to find out from every ship visible in the Downs if
there were any orders for me. There were a number of troopers and
hospital ships present so I put ships to short notice for steam
and anchored for the night. There was considerable activity amongst
the transports during the early morning so that I again asked for
instructions and was then told to proceed to Dunkirk by route "y"
(Goodwin to West Hinder). I stationed "Crested Eagle" astern and
proceeded at 1030 high speed. On approaching the Belgian Coast
I noticed a few rounds from Shore Batteries falling round ships
ahead of me but the firing was not at all intense. On approaching
Dunkirk I saw a large number of men on the-beaches as far as La
Panne so not being able to get any instructions from anyone
proceeded to the spot where British Troops appeared thickest and
anchored at about 1530 close inshore to embark them. I sent
"Crested Eagle" to Dunkirk as I felt that on account of my original
instructions ships might have been wanted there - however she soon
re-appeared and anchored about 2 miles East of me and contenced
embarking troops. At about 1630 German planes were sighted and
"Royal Eagle" opened a heavy fire - the plane carried out a high
bombing attack on ships and beaches. The "Royal Eagle" was only
hit by splinters but a Drifter near was set on fire and H.M.S.
proceeded under her own steam. A number of casualties occurred
"Greyhound" appeared to receive severe damage - although she later
to boats and soldiers and were taken in board - amongst them
volunteer crew and I regret to say died some hours later.
the Paymaster crews Subo Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Sandown" who W&B in a
Although boats explosive bomba were used on ships I noticed a
line only high to be incendiary bombs along the line of the
beach. of Embarkation what appeared proceeded slowly chiefly owing to the lack the of
power boats and the fact that few seamen were available for
boats which were left with an insufficient Military crew.

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SECRET
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
Dynamo 132. 282
DATE
5th June, 1940.
267
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF A/A SHIPS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
MAY 31st - JUNE 3rd.
On completing discharge of the Military Units at Sheerness
on May 31st H.M.S. "Royal Eagle" proceeded to a buoy and reported
ready to proceed.
On June 1st at 0800 a signal was received from V.A. Dover,
that all naddle minesweepers and minesweepers were to proceed
CONFIDENTIAL
Deproms. 140.
279
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
te
DATE
6th June, 1940.
7
266
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHE RNESS.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR H.M. SHIPS "ROYAL" "GOLDEN" AND "CRESTED EAGLE".
"ROYAL EAGLE". (1). Lieut. Comdr. Farrow R.N.R. Commanding Officer
for coolness and ability in handling and directing his ship under
difficult conditions.
(2). Lieutenant Dunkerley R.N.R. For coolness
and ability in handling the ship and for inexhaustive energy and
skill in organising the ship and personally assisting in the
evacuation of Military Units under fire.
(3). Lieutenant (E) Helyer R.N.R. Chief Engineer.
For exceptional work outside his normal duties in organising the
ship for the reception of casualties and troops and for the
personal example of coolness and ability in embarkation and
rescue work under. fire.
(4). C.P.O. Percy S.T. Munn C/J10033 Torpedo
Coxswain (Pensioner). For exceptional qualities of leadership
and devotion to duty. The excellent morale of the ship's company
and the smooth and efficient working of the whole organisation
was due to a very great extent to the personal influence of this
elderly. Chief Petty Officer.
(Pensioner). For coolness and good qualities of leadership
(5). C.P.O. William J. Jones C/J2950 D.S.M.
during the evacuation of troops.
ast
(6). Ordinary Seaman Miller C/JX170070. For
120
untiring care and devotion to the wounded.
"GOLDEN Lieutenant Newman O.B.E. R.N.V.R. (though On the
not indisposition of his Officer) assumed command of successful
EAGLE". (1). Commanding Officer, Lieut. Newman the ship
and the Senior remaining example and leadership was bombing and
in evacuating through his a personal large number of years troops of under age heavy and has little real
shell sea fire. This officer personal is 54 example and initiative take was
undoubtedly experience, the but reason his that "Golden Eagle" was able to an
om
FG"
active part in the evacuation.

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- -SECRET- -
had been put were at full the disposal and all officers of the troops cabins - 1+11 all
and as an bunks example the Captain's who abin had was occupied by
dozen completely naked men carried swam 1700 on board.
Eagle" this
Officers assisted most I would THE the STATE
THE 1pl ne
Second Lieutena to Wilson 201 Company,
Engineers who was indefatigablein his
It is almost impossible to mention any officers
ratings who were outstanding when all were excellent but or
consider that the efficiency of the ship is due to a grea
extent to her Commanding Officer whose to cool whom and balanced
T
was
able
280
"GOLDEN EAGLE" continued.
889
(2). Lieutenant Lucas R.N.R. This officer
supported Lieutenant Newman and by his handling of the shi
personal efforts in berthing and securing carried out inva
work under dangerous and very difficult conditions.
(3). C.P.O. James S. Seaman C/J3192 Torped
Coxswain (Pensioner). For exceptional work in organising
leading the ship's company in difficult and dangerous work
elderly Chief Petty Officer led every form of work and act
and his untiring efforts resulted in the rescue of a very
number of men.
(4). Seaman E.C. Utton R.N.R. X19617a. Thi
seaman went ashore from H.M.S. "Golden Eagle" with a line
organised a ferry service between the ship and shore. He
exceptional coolness and ability under fire and his individual
work throughout the whole proceedings was exceptional.
R.N.V.R. C/WRX84. For exceptionally good work and devoti
(5). F.J. Shirley, Acting Leading Telegrap
duty.
LIIB
(6). Able Seaman Scott S.T. T.D./X1406.
coolness and ability whilst at the helm under fire.
his ship and after presence she had been set on fire by severe
coolness of mind in the manner in which bombing
"CRESTED EAGLE". (1). Lieutenant Commander B.R. Booth he
continuously (2). the Sub. Lieut. of R.M. Robertactions shoberts.
series of keeping attacks guns and maintaining until SI
although the severe ship bombing was on fire and out of nottenbeve control
finally to be abandoned.
F
Able Seaman G. Friend C/J95190.
excellent work in (3). assisting to fire from the ship be aban
face of severe air attacks until she had last to
orid (4). Chief Steward Cooch (1) J.F. (T.124). CO
air extreme attack care and and with devotion the ship to finally the wounded disabled
whilstand on
BBW
order
of
asw
odg Cordeau
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL

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SECRET
FROM
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
Dynamo 132. 282
DATE
5th June, 1940.
267
TO
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER, SHEERNESS.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF A/A SHIPS OF THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE FLOTILLA.
MAY 31st - JUNE 3rd.
On completing discharge of the Military Units at Sheerness
on May 31st H.M.S. "Royal Eagle" proceeded to a buoy and reported
ready to proceed.
On June 1st at 0800 a signal was received from V.A. Dover,
that all paddle minesweepers and minesweepers were to proceed
forthwith to the beaches and I at once went on board "Royal Eagle"
and after having embarked extra lifebelts and some rafts from the
North Wall at Sheerness the ship proceeded to the beaches via route
"X" at full speed.
When half way across a signal was received from V.A. Dover
ordering "Royal Eagle" to Ramsgate to await instructions so the
ship was turned and anchored off Ramsgate. No instructions were
received but an Examination Vessel called alongside with a set of
directions to minesweepers and paddle minesweepers to proceed to a
point 1½ miles East of Dunkirk at 2200 to embark troops. I
that "Royal Eagle" was meant to
htaining this I signalled that
CONFIDENTIAL
281
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR "ROYAL " "GOLDEN"
to arrive off the beaches
AND "CRESTED EAGLE".
Officer to anchor a full 1½
(s.o. T.D.D.F.'s Letter of 6th June, 1940
ve room for the ships coming
ench drifter with some French
arked them but by 2320 I had
II.
then some six or more
al to V.A. Dover to this
COMMODORE IN CHARGE,
SHEERNESS.
weepers were to be underway
resumed that this was on
-ly continuous, though in the
Forwarded, concurring with the
recommendations of the Senior Officer,
Thames Local Defence Flotilla.
gistèred on a wreck a few
as most of the shells fell
E just around the wreck.
1 splinters and I kept the
S much as possible.
CAPTAIN.
0" commenced to weigh but
7/6/40.
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
0 ship near them and they were
as well as two seriously
h was manned by naval ratings.
ches about 0330 being the last
absence of boats only some 120
h had been embarked.
ess and owing to a boiler
13 steam for half speed only.
to 1320 and I at once
Commanding Officer was in a
in leave and assumed command
received for "Golden Eagle"
00/3 and take off troops from
crossing by route "X" near"FG"
hich, after passing at some

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SECRET
mánoeuvring.ne near the slightly wall fairly heavy shelling progress58 .
284
outside round the bearing the port paddle had arriving
the harbour was I found wounded by a splinter. was On in
hemp the entrance - so as soon as I was just many clear fathoms of
wreck at on with knives to to the port, I stopped and got a of the of
hands and I was able to clear it. The bearing was practically number
cleared light proceed though only at half speed. In
the increasing of the ship was shelled from a gun position
coast I picked up a Service motor launch and also a lifeboat and
to the west Dunkirk, but was not hit. Soon after leaving the
towed them back to the North Goodwin.
H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE" I have not yet seen the report from
the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. "Crested Eagle" but from the
evidence of a survivor it appears that, after I had ordered her
to Dunkirk on May 29th, she proceeded alongside the eastern side
of the East Mole at Dunkirk and embarked troops and casualties
including many from H.M.S. "Grafton" and a transport which
had both been sunk alongside by bombs. Heavy bombing and shell
fire was experienced but "Crested Eagle" was unhit until the
evening when she had just left the Mole to proceed home with her
load of troops and casualties and was hit by a bomb in the engine
room. A fire was started and it appeared that as the engines were
still working slowly the Commanding Officer decided to beach the
ship. Before or after she was beached it is believed she was hit
again by two bombs. It is thought that only a small proportion of
the ship's company were casualties but that many of the stretcher
cases who were accommodated in the wardroom and after part of the
ship were lost in the fire.
H.M.S. "GOLDEN" EAGLE". 1 I would like to add the following remarks
in respect of th report of proceedings forwarded by Lieutenants
Newman and Lucas. Although technically Lieut. Lucas is second in
command of the ship (as an R.N.R. Officer - Lieut Newman being an
R.N.V.R. Officer), Lieut. Newman has carried out the duties of
First Lieutenant and there is no doubt that the initiative and
good work done by the ship during the absence of her Commanding
Officer was due almost entirely to Lieutenant Newman who took
upon himself the command and was loyally supported by the two
R.N.R. Officers-Lieutenants Lucas and Dent, who did excellent work
once Lieutenant Newman had decided what was to be done. Lieut. J.
C. Newman is 54 years of age and quite inexperienced in Naval
matters - but I consider that the part he played in these operations
is worthy of the highest commendation and I am convinced that had it
not been for his leadership and initiative "Golden Eagle" would not
have taken any active part in the proceedings.
I would like also to mention the goods work done by Lieut.
Lucas R.N.R. who handled the ship with great skill, and on the
occasion on which the ship was in Dunkirk harbour at night. I
consider that the fact that she got out safetly was in a great
measure due to his personal efforts on the springs, etc, as well
as his handling of the ship.
To the list of men recommended I would like to add Fredk.
J. Shirley, Acting Leading Telegraphist R.N.V.R. C/WRX84, whose
assistance of to me as Senior Officer of the flotilla and also that
efficiency and extreme devotion to duty has been of the utmost
rely Able Seaman Scott S.T. TD/X1406, who was the only man I could
the upon to take the wheel with degree of competency during
given to C.P.O. Seaman and Utton, I thoroughly Seaman R.N.R.
night visit to Dunkirk. any endorse the recommendations

Details

Dyrams 37.
291
Copy.
Commodore's Office, 273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss of H.M.S. 'CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship Finella
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
CONFIDENTIAL Dynama 269 286
nmenced in which some
ne harbour and ships in
"Grenade" was hit, and
The Extended Defences Officer,
so intense that my
FROM.
Sheerness.
pening in the immediate
DATE... 7th June 1940.
ng between raids and
nder Clouston, R.N., who
TO.
The Commodore in Charge
Sheerness.
ed her survivors came on
SUBJECT. Senior Officer, Thames Local
ges were passed by this
Defence Flotilla.
when a bomb dropped down
n. from "Finella" to "Crested
I wish to recommend the
'S from the damaged ships
Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence
Flotilla, Commander E.C. Cordeaux R.N.
proceed by Commander
M.B. M.R.C.S. L.R.C.P. for his great
judgment and initiative, and also for
sy and steering an Easterly
iously until, as I learnt
his unflagging energy shown during the
ther, four of which hit the
whole period of operation Dynamo.
idles) were still functioning
overboard when the whaler capsized
His gallant action in going
ile, but I soon discovered
y from amidships right aft.
alongside ROYAL EAGLE and remaining
and the sides were in.
inthe water for over an hour to clear
:enant Jones, reported on
the propellor of the motor boat are15,
adly burnt) to say that
I consider, worthy of the greatest
ur, so decided to beach the
praise.
3.P's and C.B's. were
Kinnahi
10 P.O. Telegraphist.
to the beach where she
CAPTAIN,
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
ed ground and with the wind

Details

Dyrams 37. 291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss of H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000
Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330
Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship Finella.
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
SECRET
COPY.
133.270
enced
in
which
some
Dynamo
57 Greville Hall,
harbour and ships in
Greville Place.
Grenade" was hit, and
N.W.6.
30 intense that my
ning in the immediate
Extended Defences Officer,
Sheerness.
between raids and
5th. June
ler Clouston, R.N., who
1940.
(t) at eststa Istoeqa
1 her survivors came on
Sir,
es were passed by this
"Forward Report of Proceedings and list
With reference to your signal
when a bomb dropped down
of any recommendations" received after
rom "Finella" to "Crested
my arrival home at noon to day, I regret
that without reference to the deck and
from the damaged ships
signal logs I am unable to give a report
roceed by Commander
of the proceedings. This, I understand
has already been given by the S.O.,
and steering an Easterly
T.L.D.F. and I submit that if my report
isly until, as I learnt
10 forthwith. urgent, that I return to the base
er, four of which hit the
Les) were still functioning
out, individuals for special
I find it difficult to single
Le, but I soon discovered
from amidships right aft.
recommendation, for the entire ship's
1 the sides were in.
company behaved magnificently
ant Jones, reported on
throughout the 5 days evacuation.
lly burnt) to say that
so decided to beach the
The following members are
deserving of praise for the reasons
p's and C.B's. were
stated.
P.O. Telegraphist.
Lieut. Dunkerley (N) RNR for the very
, the beach where she
excellent navigational duties performed
under very difficult circumstances, and
ground and with the wind
for valuable rescue work in taking
drifting boats, taking them to the
charge of a motor launch and collecting

Details

Dyroms 37.
291
Copy.
Commodore's Office,
273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss of H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
1940.
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship Finella.
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
SECRET Dynamo 271 289
menced in which some
C.O. ROYAL EAGLE's letter of 5thJune '40
concerning Report of Proceedings.
e harbour and ships in
"Grenade" was hit, and
so intense that my
ening in the immediate
II
THE EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER
g between raids and
SHEERNESS.
der Clouston, R.N., who
ed her survivors came on
Submitted,
ges were passed by this
I entirely concur with the
remarks made by Lieut. Commander Farrow.
when a bomb dropped down
The officers and men mentioned
from le "Finella" to "Crested
also came under my own personal notice
and I can fully endorse the
recommendations made.
B from the damaged ships
proceed by Commander
I would like also to mention
the coxswain (leading seaman) of H.M.S.
/ and steering an Easterly
GREYHOUND'S motor boat, which after
busly until, as I learnt
H.M.S. GREYHOUND had been bombed worked
ther, four of which hit the
for a time from the ROYAL EAGLE.
iles) were still functioning
The name of this rating is not
known, but I was much struck by his
ile, but I soon discovered
/ from amidships right aft.
coolness and devotion to duty.
ad the sides were in.
Deall vill
enant Jones, reported on
adly burnt) to say that
6, so decided to beach the
.P's and C.B's. were
COMMANDER R.N.
e P.O. Telegraphist.
SENIOR OFFICER, THAMES LOCAL DEFENCE
to the beach where she
FLOTILLA.
a ground and with the wind
aft

Details

Dyroms 37. 291
Copy.
Commodore's Office, 273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on the
loss 1940. of H.M.S. 'CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May,
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship "inella.
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
Думашо
Camepacs 314/0/1115
mmenced in which some
GRAMS
3320
idmiral, Chatham.
Office of the Commander-in-Chieft,
The Nore,
PHONE :- 9
Admiralty House,
he harbour and ships in
Chatnam No. 3221.
(Extensions 210 and 519).
Chatham.
"Grenade" was hit, and
13th June, 1940.
so intense that my
pening in the immediate
No.187.P/40.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
ng between raids and
nder Clouston, R.N., who
LOSS OF H.M.S. "CRESTED EAGLE".
ed her survivors came on
ges were passed by this
With reference to Nore 3019/
187.P/40 of 5th June, 1940 paragraph
when a bomb dropped down
full names etc. are as follows:-
n.
from "Finella" to "Crested
Engineer Lieutenant Ewart Jones. (T.124)
George Frend.A.B. C/J95190.
"'s from the damaged ships
John Gooch. Chief Steward. T.124.
proceed by Commander
George Tilbury. A.B. C/S.S.7050.
sy and steering an Easterly
R.F.R. B.17336.
Frederick James Slack. A.B. C/J.93546.
iously until, as I learnt
ther, four of which hit the
R.F.R. B.21781.
Frank A.V. Patrick. Ordinary Seaman.
idles) were still functioning
ON/NK.
ile, but I soon discovered
VA
Ly from amidships right aft.
and the sides were in.
tenant Jones, reported on
a.Gndon. Hune
badly burnt) to say that
ar, so decided to beach the
forADMIRAL.
3.P's and C.B's. were
ne P.O. Telegraphist.
VICE ADMIRA
to the beach where she
ed ground and with the wind

Details

Dyroms 37.
291
Copy.
Commodore's Office, 273
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
31st May, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to make the following report on
loss 1940. of H.M.S. 'CRESTED EAGLE", under my command, on 29th May, the
The times are approximate only.
1000 Ordered to proceed in company with "Royal Eagle" to
Coast east of Dunkirk to embark troops. "Royal Eagle" had
on board S.O.T.D.F., Commander Cordeaux, R.N.
1330 Approaching coast I received signal from S.O.T.D.F.,
to proceed Dunkirk as it appeared to him that there were
only Belgian and French troops on the beach at that time.
1430 Made fast on eastern side of Dunkirk Jetty, outer
berth but one, which was occupied by troopship "Finella".
On the opposite side was "Grenade" and several
trawlers.
1500 First raid after arrival commenced in which some
trawlers were damaged.
1530 onwards Bombing raids on the harbour and ships in
the vicinity almost continuous now, "Grenade" was hit, and
more trawlers damaged. Attack was so intense that my
attention was given to what was happening in the immediate
vicinity.
Troops were trickling along between raids and
boarding s/s HI inella
I was in touch with Commander Clouston, R.N., who
was incharge on the Jetty.
After "Grenade" was damaged her survivors came on
board "Crested Eagle" and W/T messages were passed by this
ship to Dover, VA.
1700 inella was about to sail when a bomb dropped down
her funnel putting her out of action.
Commenced to embark troops from "Finella" to "Crested
Eagle".
1700 to 1800. Troops and survivors from the damaged ships
were embarked and I was ordered to proceed by Commander
Clouston who remained on the Jetty.
Swung clear of Jetty and steering an Easterly
course, the ship was raided continuously until, as I learnt
afterwards, five bombs dropped together, four of which hit the
ship.
As the engines (paddles) were still functioning
I held on course for a little while, but I soon discovered
that the ship my was on fire, certainly from amidships right in. aft.
The deck was up four or five feet and the sides were
The Engineer, Lieutenant Jones, reported on
we should not be able to proceed far, so decided to beach the
the bridge at this time (although badly burnt) to say that
ship.
At this point all S.P's and C.B's. were
jettisoned in the steel chest by the P.O. Telegraphist.
Ship's head turned to the beach where she
brought up sometime Fire later. steadily gained ground and with the wind
aft

Details

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

Details

CONFIDENTIAL
114/0/392
FROM. EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER,
SHEERNESS.
295
DATE. 18th June, 1940.
24d/m/8
276
Local Defence Flotills.
7
COMMODORE IN CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
¥
er, Sheerness.
"CRESTED EAGLE" - ACTION OFF DUNKIRK.
DUNKIRK.
The attached letter from
Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence
Flotilla, is forwarded for information
with a copy of "Crested Eagle's" report
utenant Commander
of proceedings.
H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE,
he loss of the ship
I should like to endorse Commander
Cordeaux's views of the behaviour of the
Commanding Officers, Lieut. Comdr B.R.
al account Lieutenant
Booth R.N.R. and Sub. Lieut. R.M. Roberts
tice to the splended
R.N.R.
fficers and ship's
ed on her way into
g and machine gun fire
CAPTAIN.
1 also later whilst
/ler
EXTENDED DEFENCES OFFICER.
being made to rescue
at
-II-
No.. D.Y.1/01.
STAMODORE- 18 ADMI
IN-CHARGE
VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
ssed by his account of
(Copy to:-
Roberts RNR who
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
up to their guns
THE NORE).
ombing attacks - the
ely unprotected -
Forwarded.
ed fire until
ition was exhausted.
th considers that the
S. COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
ily the reason that the
SHEERNESS.
appears to me also that the behaviour of
20
urned to and situation is deserving of great praise.
P.O. TeCommander Booth himself, in his general handling
le
Meal
given
COMMANDER R.N.
ERNERNES
S.O. T.L.D.F.
is
0. Telegraphist. or of the P.O. Telegraphist.
ed to the beach wieshould turned to the beach where she brought up sometime
ined ground and with theaey gained ground and with the wind aft in very few
re fore and aft.
on fire fore and aft.
to estimate the number snult to estimate the number of men on board, under
hey were embarked, I anceeat they were embarked, I should say round about 600.
ks were filled first, ceachdecks were filled first, casualties from the bomb
been severe. After bechaneve been severe. After beaching I advised all
water as their only chitroone water as their only chance, and probably 200
at one time in the wachen and at one time in the water. I regret to say that
ne gunned.
seachine gunned.
alf an hour owing to the ship being all wood,
of the hull, she was blazing furiously fore and
± I can safetly say that any gear or instruments

Details

FROM
The Senior Officer, Thames Local Defence 10/14/19 Flotills.
7
DATE
16th June 1940.
y
TO
The Extended Defences Officer, Sheerness.
SUBJECT. CRESTED EAGLE - ACTION OFF DUNKIRK.
Submitted-
I have now interviewed Lieutenant Commander
B.R. Booth the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. CRESTED EAGLE,
in
and have had a personal account of the loss of the ship
at Dunkirk.
I feel that in his original account Lieutenant
Commander Booth has hardly done justice to the splended
work company. accomplished by himself, his officers and ship's
The ship was machine gunned on her way into
Dunkirk and under continuous bombing and machine gun fire
for many hours before being hit and also later whilst
/lers
on fire and whilst endeavours were being made to rescue
ist
the wounded.
I was particularly impressed by his account of
the behaviour of Sub. Lieutenant M.Roberts RNR who
2.
encouraged his gun's crews to keep up to their guns
under continuous machine gun and bombing attacks - the
guns and gun positions being entirely unprotected -
and continued careful and controlled fire until
practically the whole of the ammunition was exhausted.
Lieutenant Commander Booth considers that the
accurate pom-pom fire was undoubtedly the reason that the
ship remained unhit for so long.
It appears to me also that the behaviour of
Lieutenant Commander Booth himself, in his general handling
le
of the ship and situation is deserving of great praise.
general
B
COMMANDER R.N.
S.O. T.L.D.F.
da
steel chest by the P.O. Telegraphist.
Ship's head turned to the beach where she brought up sometime
later.
Fire steadily gained ground and with the wind aft in very few
minutes she was on fire fore and aft.
It is difficult to estimate the number of men on board, under
the conditions that they were embarked, I should say round about 600.
As the lower decks were filled first, casualties from the bomb
hands to take to the water as their only chance, and probably 200
explosions must have been severe. After beaching I advised all
men could be sighted at one time in the water. I regret to say that
they were badly machine gunned.
with the exception of the hull, she was blazing furiously fore and
In less than half an hour owing to the ship being all wood,
aft and I feel that I can safetly say that any gear or instruments

Details

-2-
518
Skipper more than fifty men, and if damage became the
considered not to could embark made the return journey and instructed I
I she inspected "Polly Johnson" and although damaged
489
more serious to transfer them to "Brock".
7
During this lull more wounded troops were embarked in
"Fynella" and "Canterbury" and a few other troops wandered up the
jetty. I was then told that I could try and fill up my ships
and I stationed Officers abreast each ship and instructed them to
order all unwounded men down into the trawlers. They were mostly
unwilling to embark in what they considered "fishing boats" at
first and made various excuses to try and get to the larger ships.
As the rate of filling up was so slow I asked the Pier-
master if I could send the four outside ships to sea to wait their
turns and decrease the target, but I was told that there would be
a large number of men ready as soon as the wounded had been
embarked and that the ships were to remain alongside.
I was then asked by the Piermaster if I would place a
trawler alongside the Western Jetty and light some smoke floats,
and he suggested that I might like to volunteer for the job. I
said that I was quite prepared to do the job by boat, but that I
did not consider it possible to place a ship alongside the jetty
as the foundations of the pier were shewing when I entered harbour,
and that my trawlers were all drawing over 15 feet while the rise and
fall on that day was only 11 feet.
"Jaguar" completed and left harbour during this period,
and a large paddle steamer (I think Crested Eagle) berthed shead
of "Fynella".
At about 1630 the second raid was carried out, but this
was a rather half-hearted affair. All ships opened fire as before,
and no damage was done to the ships alongside. About 20/30 bombs
were dropped as before but they were divided between three targets -
"Jaguar" leaving the harbour - the ships alongside, and two French
destroyers on the opposite side of the harbour. The "Jaguar" was
damaged.
Fighters again appeared and the raiders were driven off.
The Canterbury completed and left harbour, and a destroyer
came in to take her place.
After this raid more troops started to come down the pier
and although traffic was still hampered by the wounded and stretcher
cases quite a large number were embarked in the trawlers.
At about 1800 the third raid started. This was a very
much more determined attack, and the bombers came over in waves at
a few minute intervals fire was opened but fighters appeared and
it was impossible to tell if they were enemy or not and it hampered
the firing to a great extent.
About 100 bombs were dropped, and the attack appeared to
be directed entirely on the pier and the ships alongside.
The "Calvi" and "Grenade" received direct hits and sank
immediately. "Calvi's" masts and funnel were above water and her
ensign remained flying from the foremast. There was a Mrect hit
on the pier close to the end and "Fynella" was damaged, A cortain
amount of panic ensued and men started climbing out of one ship
into another, and some attempted to run back towards the shore.
At this time I was with the Piermaster and he instructed
me to draw my revolver to quell the panic and to load up with
survivors and troops and to get the ships out as quickly as possible.

Details