Details

Details

Details

Details

AMBLEVE
(Ex-Belgian) Canal boat S/Lt. R.E. Blows,
R.N.V.R.
[s/Lt. Blows was previously in the M/B Minikoi]
30th May
1556
The Ambleve and a sister ship, the
Sambre, left Dover for Bray in tow
of the M/S Skipjack. In company
were the M/S's Halcyon and Salamander
2100
Arrived off Bray. The Ambleve ferried
troops to the Halcyon.
-
A crew from the Halcyon relieved the
Ambleve's crew for a stand easy.
This crew ran the Ambleve aground.
-
S/Lt. Blows and his crew returned in
the Skipjack.
Nil
[on lst June S/Lt. Blows went to
Dunkirk in a M.L/B].
Authority - R.O.II, p.391.
44.

Details

CERVIA
Tug (william
Watkins Ltd.)
W.H. Simmons, Master.
31st May
2145
Left in Dover, sailing barge Royalty
two tow, and the tug Persia towing
in company.
sailing barges Sark and Shetland]
1st June
0720
1 mile east of Dunkirk pier, Royalty
being towed at full speed, slipped the
tow, and beached herself head on, on
Malo beach.
Air attack. Nine bombs fell in a line
along the starboard side of dr.
Keith, which was outside Cervia.
Cervia got under way to avoid the
turning and twisting destroyer.
Picked up crew and boat of Royalty
and also of S/B Duchess.
0800ca
Keith began to list, and was again
bombed; her guns were going all the
time as she steamed round and round.
She then stopped and let go her
anchor. As the crew began to abandon
ship, the bombers machine gunned them.
The tug Vincia began to pick up
survivors, and the tug St. Abbs got
alongside Keith's starboard bow. A
sloop(1) also went to her assistance.
Cervia turned round and picked up
soldiers from a M/B.
0815ca
At this time, the dr. Ivanhoe, to the
westward, was seen to be disabled,
and a "small tanker" [the M/S
Skipjack] astern of Vincia, went up
in flames.
-
Cervia then took the sailing barge
Tollesbury, which had 200 troops under
hatches, in tow. The M.L.B. Orient IV
was added to the tow, and Cervia
proceeded down Dunkirk roads. When
west of the pierhead, Ivanhoe was
seen to be in tow of the Persia and
Vincia, with decks full of survivors,
At No.5 W. buoy, about 20 planes
passed the Cervia.
0900ca
appeared. Ivanhoe put up a smoke
screen, and 9 bombs fell near a
cross-channel boat which, however,
kept on Cervia's port bow, bomb
going. 5 bombs fell about lifting 100
feet tug cut of the water. A the
the between a sloop and towing
exploded destroyer she was
In disabled [M/8 the Downs Saltash Cervia towing to was dr. Ramsgate. met Havant] by the
Java brought about 230 troops( and
and ordered 2) all
"In tug
1500ca
Cervia Dunkirk, the Tollesbury and the crew
out crews of of Duchess and Royalty,
Orient IV."
(1) The sk. Hilda and that the M/S this the up survivors. troops in
(2)
It
1s
considered
Tollesbury.
170

Details

FITZROY (N.03)
M/S (4th M.S.F.) Lt.Cdr. R.A. Forbes, R.N.
28th May
1530
Sailed in from the Downs for Dunkirk,
M.S.F's.
company with the 4th and 5th
2010
4 miles off Dunkirk, the Fitzroy was
ordered to investigate a fishing
smack and small M/B flying Belgian
colours. Eight Belgian officers, 2
French soldiers and 2 Jewish
refugees were embarked. The M/B was
hoisted on board. The smack was
taken in tow, but her stem pulled out
and she was abandoned.
2130
Fitzroy anchored off La Panne. Sent
away the ship's boats (1.e. 2
whalers, a motor skiff and the
Belgian M/B).
29th May
0030
The Belgian M/B was swamped in the
surf.
0350
Proceeded to Dover.
1115
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 109
British troops, eight Belgian
officers, 2 French soldiers and 2
Jews.
2235
Sailed for Dunkirk.
30th May
-
Anchored off Malo beach.
0430ca
Transferred troops from 2 skoots,
[1.e. the Sursum-Corda and the Hebe II]
-
Sailed for Dover.
1235
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 678 British
troops.
1950
Sailed for Dunkirk.
31st May
0210
Anchored off Bray. Only 3 soldiers
could be found.
0030
Proceeded to Dover.
0825
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 3 troops.
1850
Proceeded to rendezvous with the 4th
M.S.F. at W buoy.
lst June
0130
Anchored off Bray.
0132
The D/G gear caught fire and became
useless. Sent away the ship's boats.
Embarked 67 troops.
0345
Weighed and proceeded via route Y.
The M/S Skipjack was seen enveloped
-
in red flame; she then disappeared(1)
1215
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 67 troops.
The Fitzroy took no further part the in
operation Dynamo because of of
to her D/G gear. Two her
officers damage and 4 ratings volunteered
to go to Dunkirk in other ships.
Total 857
1000A
Authority - R.O.I, p.244.
amag
(1) The Skipjack was not hit until about 0845; she sank about
0900.
318

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

COSSAMER (continued)
31st liay
2207
(contd.)
nchored 4 cables 1 mile west of La
Phipps, from the shore. Panne,
Handy R.N. searched the S/L. M.
2300ca
to his Billie, hails. but received shore no answer in
Thousands the of troops now massing abreast
ship. The dr. Ivanhoe
troops. a M/B to assist in the embarkation lent of
1st June
0200ca
[Lt. Cdr. J.W. McClelland, R.N. (1)
swam off from the shore with a
The troops, forced out of La Panne,
situation report for R.A. Dover(2)]
were marching west. Among those
Gossamer embarked was a major, the
2nd in Command of the 2nd Bn.
Coldstream Guards.
Continued to embark troops and some
wounded. [Ivanhoe was also embarking
troops]. A Paddle minesweeper
[probably the Oriole] beached herself
to facilitate embarkation.
0500
Machine-gunned by low-flying aircraft.
0600
Captain (D) (Codrington) ordered
Gossamer to Dunkirk to "fill up".
Proceeded there with 675 troops
on board. En route went alongside
M/S Skipjack who required medical
in
supplies.
Berthed on Dunkirk east arm. Embarked
170 French troops.
0800
Proceeded. Air attack. dr. Ivanhoe
hit by bomb.
0906
Near 5 W buoy, attacked by 5 Ju.87
dive bombers; they were followed
by 9 or 10 more. The dr. Havant
received a bomb hit. Five misses
near Cossamer; the troops between
decks could not tell whether the
ship was hit or not. P.O. Stwd.
Hockney calmed them; he eat on the
ladder to the mess deck and sang
to the French soldiers.
0915ca
1345
Arrived Sheerness. Disembarked 845
R.A.F. fighters passed the ship.
troops
2nd June
A was made this night to Dunkirk and
p.m.
harbour trip and 470 troops embarked
landed at home. (3)
3rd June
A trip was made this troops night to
p.m.
final harbour and 490 were
Dunkirk embarked and landed at home. (4)
(1) S.N.O., A, B and C. beaches, La Panne, from 1600/31 to
(2)
(3) (4) D.R. does says not mention Dover"disembarkation.
Car.00/18 "V.A.
D.R. gives 400.

Details

HAIG
W.D/M.L.
Lt. Cdr. N.L.J. Pisani, D.S.C.,
R.N. (Retd.)
F.J. Wales, Master.
Cdr. H.R. Troup, R.N.
31st May
0845
Arrived Ramsgate from Lowestoft.
Lt. Cdr. Pisani (ex. sk. patria)
assumed command of the Haig and
transferred to her the Patria's
Lewis guns and gunners.
-
Sailed independently for Dunkirk. Air
attack on passage.
1415
Arrived Dunkirk and closed Malo-les-
Bains beach.
Loaded up 3 times with French troops
and ferried them to trawlers and
drifters.
On the 4th trip, embarked 57 French
troops and 3 British officers and
sailed for Ramsgate.
2200
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 60
troops. (1)
1st June(2)
a.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk. Air attack near
6 W buoy.
-
Arrived off Dunkirk. The beaches were
almost empty.
0800ca
While returning to enter the harbour,
saw the dr. Ivanhoe on fire and in
tow of the tug Persia.
Closed the Ivanhoe and offered
assistance. Haig was requested to
escort the Ivanhoe, which she did.
Lt. Cdr. Pisani then says:
"After circling him at speed, as
enemy aircraft were active, I
noticed that he had slipped his tow
and appeared to be proceeding at
about 12 knots. Persia fell astern
but at No.6 buoy Ivanhoe stopped
and told me to instruct Persia
to resume tow. As tow was being
connected, and subsequently for 1-1
an hour, 3 waves of 21 (each)
enemy bombers attacked Ivanhoe,
incoming transports, and out-going
miscellaneous vessels, all within
0845ca
2 miles of No. 6 W buoy". (3)
The Haig steaming at 30 knots
maintained a continuous fire with
her 2 guns, and circled the Ivanhoe
and the Persia. "Inaccurate bombing
resulted, only one salvo falling near
the Persia."
Near W buoy, a tug bound for Dunkirk
was contacted and sent to a destroyer
the Havant in distress near Hills
Bank.
-
off N. Foreland the fast M/B Halcyone
from Ramsgate closed the Haig who
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. or Ramagate report.
The Asst. Dir. Mil. Transport's report states, "Ferried
800 troops" and "Disembarked 65 troops".
(2) Lt. Cdr. Pisani mistakenly says "2nd June".
(3) It was at this time that the Haig witnessed the sinking of
the M/S Skipjack.

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

2
HALCYON - Continued.
30th May
2100
(contd.)
Anchored off Bray. Embarked 422 troops
assisted by a large private motor
boat [the Ambleve ] the exhausted
Naval crew of which were relieved by
S/Lts. Vann and Worthington and
ratings. After this M/B had broken
down, the Skipjack's M/B was
borrowed, used for towing whalers,
and then handed over to the
destroyers.
31st May
0325
Weighed and proceeded.
0830
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 422 troops.
1820
Sailed for Dunkirk. The passage up
Dunkirk roads was more difficult
than usual owing to the number of
new wrecks in the channel, the
complete darkness, and the large
amount of traffic.
A magnetic mine was seen dropping
off 12 E buoy, about 1/2 cable from
the ship.
1st June
0050
Anchored off La Panne. An intense
bombardment was in progress.
0330ca
Sent in whalers for troops, who also
swam or paddled off in rubber
boats. During this operation 30
fighters machine-gunned the ship,
the boats and the beach. Lieut.
N. Thurston, R.N., was mortally
wounded; the 2 whalers were riddled
and one rating seriously wounded.
Three ratings on board were also
wounded. One of our fighters
crashed in the sea near the ship
and the pilot was rescued.
-
Orders were received to go alongside
Dunkirk pier. This was done during
heavy dive-bombing attack.
While embarking French troops, about
40 planes dive-bombed the mole and
the ship without causing damage.
0840
Sailed for Dover. Shells from shore
batteries west of Dunkirk missed
astern.
1000ca
off W. buoy, attacked by dive-bombers.
Four heavy bombs fell between the
Halcyon and the P/V Prague. The
latter reported she was making
water aft; while Halcyon was
closing her, about 30 darts were
dropped, falling close on either
side of the Halcyon.
-
Having escorted the Prague for a
few miles, Halcyon went on ahead
as she had 17 serious casualties
on board and there were other ships
in the vicinity.
1340
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 508
troops. (1)
-
Delay in ammunitioning ship. Reverted
(1)
to 21/2 hours notice.
(1) D.R. gives a second disembarkation, of 243, on lst June,
which 1s evidently an error.
10

Details

HILDA - Continued
31st May
0600
Six volunteer motor boat drivers
joined.
Lieut. Beery, suffering from
exhaustion, was discharged ashore,
sick. The Hilda sailed for Deal.
0830
Arrived Deal. The ship was placed
under the orders of Captain R. Pim,
R.N.V.R.
-
Sailed for Dunkirk, towing six M/B's
[ the Britannic, the Rose Marie, the
Lady Haig, the Moss Rose, the
Golden Spray II and the Gipsy King] (1)
and two life boats [ex the Belgian
steamer Flandres (1).
1600ca
Arrived La Panne. Lay off for 30
minutes until the enemy shore guns
ceased shelling.
1630ca
Closed the beach slightly and Capt.
Pim went ashore to organise the
embarkation.
2030
Having embarked 600 troops, they were
transferred to the dr. Scimitar.
Returned to the beach and embarked
100 troops. Capt. Pim re-embarked
and the Hilda shifted to the westward.
1st June
0400ca
Closed the beach and embarked about 100
stragglers from the main body of
troops marching on Dunkirk.
0800ca
Closed the dr. Keith, which was flying
the flag of Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker.
Captain Pim reported the situation
and was ordered to close the beaches
east of Dunkirk and if there were no
troops to proceed to England.
0820ca
Shortly after, the Keith was repeatedly
attacked by strong formations of
bombers, put out of action and
abandoned. During this period,
the Hilda remained under way, zig-
zagging (as apart from the Keith and
the M/S Skipjack, there was little
else for the A/C to attack).
The Hilda at once proceeded to
rescue Keith's survivors, and assisted
by M/B's, recovered a large number,
including 2 British brigadiers and a
French general. (2) While so engaged,
0849
aircraft re-appeared and sank the
Skipjack half a mile distant.
Hilda then proceeded to pick up all
Skipjack's survivors( except
about 12, which were recovered by
a tug [the St. Abbs].
1100ca
Sailed for England with more than a
full load of troops.
1130ca
Passed Dunkirk breakwater. Shortly
after passing 6 W buoy, was overtaken
and passed by the P/V Scotia and a
paddle steamer [the P.M/S Brighton
Queen] laden with troops. When
these 2 ships were about 1 mile
ahead, dive bombers appeared and
sank them very rapidly.
The Hilda proceed to the spot and
(1) George Hammond & Co. Lloyd's Agency, Deal.
(2) Capt. Pim says "some 50, including the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F.
and other Staff Officers".
(3) Capt. Pim says "some 60 or 70".
32

Details

IMPULSIVE
20th Destroyer Flotilla Lt. Cdr. W.S. Thomas, R.N.
27th May
0840
Arrived Dover from Immi ngham.
1140
Sailed with the M/S's Skipjack and
Halcyon and the Trinity House Vessel
Patricia to establish and buoy the
searched channel from the North
Goodwin L.V. to Dunkirk, afterwards
known as Route X.
1919
This operation was completed.
2200
Impulsive anchored in the Downs.
2228
Sailed for the beaches east of
Dunkirk, using route Y.
28th May
0345
Arrived off La Panne. Both power
boats being broken down, sent two
whalers into the beach to embark
troops; then ferried troops to large
M/B's lying further off shore.
0520
Impulsive ordered by the cr. Calcutta
to Dunkirk east pier.
0620
Secured alongside east pier and
embarked about 750 troops.
-
Proceeded, using route Y.
1110
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 675 troops.
1235
Sailed for Dunkirk using route Y.
-
Off Kwinte Bank buoy, bombed by 6
Heinkels; 6 ratings wounded, B gun
put out of action, D.G. coil punctured
-
Set course for Dunkirk in company with
drs. Greyhound and Verity which had
arrived from eastward.
Anchored off Dunkirk, and waited for
a vacant berth, there being 4
destroyers Worcester, Anthony,
Grenade and Jaguar alongside.
1730
Grenade sailed and Impulsive took her
place. Embarked about 1,000 troops.
1900ca
Sailed with Jaguar in company, by route
Y.
29th May
0100
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 779 troops.
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, in company the
30th May
drs. Javelin, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
Icarus, Havant and Harvester.
0900
Arrived Sheerness.
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk using route x, under
orders of Ivanhoe in company the
Icarus and Harvester.
2100ca
Secured alongside Dunkirk east pier
and embarked 1,300 troops.
-
Proceeded by route X.
2400
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,112
troops. (1)
0400
Sailed for Dunkirk beach by X. route.
31st May
0700
Arrived off Malo-les-Bains. Impulsive's
only boat was a whaler. The only
alongside [it was the Swallow].
power boat in the vicinity came
whaler, the Swallow, with Lt. Col.
Towing cutter and Impulsive's
Hutchins in charge, "did magnificent and
between 0800 and 1315 had transferred to
work under difficult conditions,
about 450 troops from the beach
the ship".
(1)
date
as
31st
May.

Details

2
KEITH (continued)
31st May
2020/
(continued)
2310
Off Dunkirk, Braye and La Panne,
2400
Off La Panne. Lord Gort transferred
passing orders and marshalling boats.
to the Keith from the Hebe, in the
Bounty.
1st June
0015
Anchored off La Panne. A/A ammunition
now reduced to 2 rounds of 3-1nch
and 150 rounds of pom-pom per gun.
This shortage was represented to the
R.A. Dover.
0206
Off Braye.
0304
Lord Gort and General Leese, his C.S.O.,
proceeded in a "M.T.B." [this was
M.A/S.B.6 (q.v.)] for Dover. (1).
0510
Air (m.g.) attack.
0737
Dive bomb attack. All 3 inch ammunition
expended. A near miss damaged the
steering gear. Hand steering aft.
0805ca
Numerous dive bomb attacks. Ship
straddled. Hit in No.2 boiler room,
which was set on fire, flooded and
its crew killed. Heavy list to port,
upper deck touching the water.
Torpedoes and depth charges jettisoned
No steam. Ship anchored.
R.A. Dover and staff transferred to
a M.T.B. [i.e. M.T.B.102].
[They proceeded to Dunkirk; thence, at
0930, they proceeded to Dover.
Further dive bomb attacks on Keith.
Near misses. As the ship was settling
the order was given to abandon ship.
0830ca
The tug St. Abbs came alongside and
assisted by the tug Vincia took off
survivors and picked up others.
The sk. Hilda picked up 2 officers
and about 20 ratings and proceeded.
A grey schooner, or yacht, which
was picking up survivors was bombed
and sunk. The M/S Salamander picked
up seven ratings.
0849
The M/S Skipjack which had picked up
some survivors was bombed and sunk.
Signals were made to the Salamander
and the dr. Basilisk asking them to
sink Keith, but by now they themselves
had both been bombed, were out of
control and required assistance.
Salamander, however, fired 2 rounds
of S.A.P. at Keith's asdic dome.
Basilisk sank 3 hours later.]
0940ca
Keith was sunk in a salvo of bombs from
about 50 aircraft between La Panne
and Braye.
0950
The tug St. Abbs was bombed and sank
immediately.
(1) Keith says this was at about 0040/1.
109

Details

9
LEDA - Continued
31st May
0000ca
(contd).
boats were urgently required for
(contd).
embarking troops from the beaches.
Lt. Cdr. Unwin decided to enter
All Leda's boats having been lost,
Dunkirk harbour.
0015
Secured alongside the east pier.
Embarked about 50 stretcher cases and
350 troops.
0135
Proceeded out of harbour. After
rounding FG buoy, was in collision
with an unknown skoot [
]
which attempted to cross Leda's
bow from port to starboard. Slight
damage to the Leda.
0535
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 380
troops. (1)
Proceeded to Sheerness for repairs.
1700
Repairs completed. Proceeded.
2200
Rendezvous with M.S.5 [i.e. S.O., 5th
M.S.F. off W buoy.
2359
The Leda anchored off La Panne.
1st June
0230
Few boats available for embarkation.
Permission obtained from M.S.5 to
search for boats, BO proceeded
towards Dunkirk.
0300
Acquired a M/B and 3 launches, and
embarked 630 troops from the beach
off Zuydcoote Sanatorium (4 miles
east of Dunkirk). Engaged fighter
planes which were carrying out
machine gun attacks.
0715
Proceeded towards Sheerness. When in
Dunkirk roads, a heavy concentration
of bombers attacked ships.
0737ca
The dr. Keith 4 cables ahead, was
seriously damaged and steamed round
at high speed out of control. A
collision was narrowly averted.
0800ca
While passing Dunkirk breakwater, the
dr. Ivanhoe was seen to be damaged
and to be disembarking troops to the
M/S Speedwell. (2) Bombers then
attacked the dr. Havant ahead of the
Leda. They then attacked the Leda
but without success.
0815
Bombing attacks ceased and Leda
1410
Arrived proceeded. Sheerness. Disembarked 630
troops. (3)
A number of ratings had to be
treated by the M.O. for complete
exhaustion and most ratings fell
asleep where they stood.
2nd June
1645
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
2300
Arrived off Dunkirk harbour entrance. No
Secured alongside east pier.
were to be seen. The enemy
bombarded troops the harbour entrance with
shrapnel.
(1) (2) Margate Lt. Cdr. report. Unwin says it was the Skipjack, but this is
(3) D.R. incorrect. says 650.
158

Details

Details

MINESWEEPER GROUPS
On the forenoon of 30th May, representatives of the
C. in C. of the B.E.F. attended a conference with the V.A.
Dover.
The Military officers gave daylight, 1st June, as the
latest date up to which the British rear guard of 4,000 men
could hold the eastern perimeter.
Inter alia, the conference reached agreement on the following:-
(1) that by 0130 on lst June, the British forces ashore
should be reduced to the rear guard of 4,000,
(2) that special boats and tugs should be accumulated
and reserved for service in the early hours of
1st June
(3) that the rear guard of 4,000, plus R.N. beach parties
should be lifted between 0130 and 0300 on 1st June.
Accordingly, on 31st May, V.A. Dover ordered [0400/31]
that the M/S's be organised in 3 groups as follows:-
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Spare Group
Gossamer
Halcyon
Niger
Kellett
Leda
Skipjack
Salamander
Saltash
ROBB
Speedwell
Fitzroy
Lydd
Albury
Dundalk
Sutton
Further, the M/S's were to rendezvous, empty, with
S.0's of groups, at W buoy at 2200/31; the Groups were then
to proceed so as to arrive off the beach east of Dunkirk at
2400/31 in the following positions:-
Group 1 - Braye Dunes Hotel
Group 2 - La Panne Light
Group 3 - Niger and Salamander off Rosendael just east of
Malo], Fitzroy and Sutton off "Battery",
02° 27" E. [2 miles west of Zuydecoote Church].
Spare Group - Kellett between Groups 1 and 3.
Saltash Lydd (if not required to complete groups) to lie
betweer. Groups 1 and 2.
off Bray.
Troops were to be brought off in 3 flights by waiting motor
boats, the operation to commence at 0130.
of 31st May, however, the to military hold the plan
on the afternoon it was no longer possible Instead, the
was changed, because position with 4,000 troops. withdrawn
original covering the La Panne area was to be flight
westward, easternmost and Division lifted in from the beaches by the special
of boats.
This change of plan the the special the between
Bray tows and the mile M/S's east into of La hour.
nommencement and 1 of the operation by 1
276

Details

MINESWEEPER GROUPS
on the forenoon of 30th May, representatives of the
C. in C. of the B.E.F. attended a conference with the V.A.
Dover.
The Military officers gave daylight, 1st June, as the
could hold the eastern perimeter.
latest date up to which the British rear guard of 4,000 men
Inter alia, the conference reached agreement on the following:-
(1) that by 0130 on lst June, the British forces ashore
should be reduced to the rear guard of 4,000,
(2) that special boats and tugs should be accumulated
and reserved for service in the early hours of
1st June
(3) that the rear guard of 4,000, plus R.N. beach parties
should be lifted between 0130 and 0300 on 1st June.
Accordingly, on 31st May, V.A. Dover ordered [0400/31]
that the M/S's be organised in 3 groups as follows:-
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Spare Group
Gossamer
Halcyon
Niger
Kellett
Leda
Skipjack
Salamander
Saltash
ROSS
Speedwell
Fitzroy
Lydd
Albury
Dundalk
Sutton
Further, the M/S's were to rendezvous, empty, with
S.0's of groups, at W buoy at 2200/31; the Groups were then
to proceed 80 as to arrive off the beach east of Dunkirk at
2400/31 in the following positions:-
Group 1 - Braye Dunes Hotel
Group 2 - La Panne Light
Group 3 - Niger and Salamander off Rosendael [just east of
Malo], Fitzroy and Sutton off "Battery",
02° 27' E. [2 miles west of Zuydecoote Church].
Spare Group - Kellett between Groups 1 and 3.
Saltash betweer. Groups 1 and 2.
Lydd (if not required to complete groups) to lie
off Bray.
Troops were to be brought off in 3 flights by waiting motor
boats, the operation to commence at 0130.
on the afternoon of 31st May, however, the military plan
wrighanged, because it no longer possible to hold the
was with 4,000 troops. Instead, the
La Panne area was to be withdrawn
westward, and lifted from the beaches by the special flight
of boats.
tows and the M/S's into plan the stretch opposite the beach between
This change of involved concentrating the special
Bray east of La Panne, and also advancing the
commencement of the operation by 1 hour.
276

Details

Trinity House Vessel.
PATRICIA( 1)
1140
Sailed from Dover with the dr.
27th May
Impulsive and the M/S's Skipjack and
10ᵗʰ June
Halcyon to establish and buoy the
searched channel from the North
3rd June
Goodwin L.V. to the Ruytingen Pass
and thence into the Dunkirk roads,
June
afterwards known as Route X. It
yis
shortened the round trip from 172
miles to 108.
1919
This operation was completed.
awn Pahol boat
Eletregier as
Carpus (CARPIER)
(20le by for beard Leach
Photocical Siction)
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
383

Details

RAPHAEL-RAYMONDE (H.43)
Belgian trawler
Clarke,
R.N.V.R.
31st May
1930
Sailed from the Downs for Dunkirk in
company with the Pharailde (q.v.)
and 5 other trawlers. No details
2345
are available. 2 broken down
N/B's.
31st May
0130
Proceeded for Dunkirk, the W/B Mary
Done in tow, the in
company. Had trouble with the too
during the night.
0600ca
Handed the MOTY Rose 0787 to the
Strathelliot and carried on to
Dunkirk alone.
0915ca
Arrived Dunkirk beach. Embarked 72
troops and transferred than to sn
off-lying ship. Made use of a
drifting small boat to collect troops
from the beach.
2130
Transferred the last of 3 boat loada
to the Bleok Jave.(2)
2300
Engine feiled. Anchored and repaired
engine.
lat June
0410
Took two hoat loads to the M/S Skipjack
which loaned the Ranid I a boat
and crew (8/Lt. E.V. Ruck, R.N.V.R.
1/c). S/Lte Ruck filled the Rapid
and his own hoat with troops, and
book in tow 0 grounded M/L, with 32
French troops on board.
The Rapid I was unable to locate the
Skipjack, 80 she followed a tog
the St. Abbel towards La Panne;
the tug W&B dodging large salvoes
of bombs.
[0930ca]
The tug was hit by a bomb and complete y
disappeared; DO survivors were seen,
although the Rapid searched for ha f
an hour.
The Rapid I headed back to Dunkirk.
Picked up 3 sailore from a wrock.
1230ca
Commenced transferring treops to the
G/B Mosquito, which however proceeded
to the assistance of 8 sinking
transport [the Scotta]. The
followed.
When 2 miles ahead, the Mosquito was
hit by bombe and sunk. The Rupid
picked up 22 survivors including
S/Lt. E.S. Flint, R.N.R.
DE
Casting adrift a leunch which was in
tow, the Rapid I proceeded.
-
15 miles off Margate, she was taken in
tow by the Sk. Antie.
2100
Arrived Margate and lended 28 injured
and survivory.
Total
Number of Brittsh and Allied troops
FROM beach 788 RODPOX. 460.
(1) B/Lt. Clarke incorrectly calls this vessel the "Repide".
Several other reports copy this orror.
(2) No vessel of this insure centre traced, although Lt Occurs in
D. E's list of ships.

Details

RAPID I(1)
M/B (Owner,
S/Lt. J.C. Clarke, R.N.V.R.
P.G. Broom
30th May
1400
At Sheerness. Ordered to proceed to
the Downs in convoy with other M/B's,
under escort of the tr. Strathelliot.
2345
Arrived Downs, towing 2 broken down
M/B's.
31st May
0130
Proceeded for Dunkirk, the M/B Mary
Rose in tow, the Strathelliot in
company. Had trouble with the tow
during the night.
0600ca
Handed the Mary Rose over to the
Strathelliot and carried on to
Dunkirk alone.
0915ca
Arrived Dunkirk beach. Embarked 72
troops and transferred them to an
off-lying ship. Made use of a
drifting small boat to collect troops
from the beach.
2130
Transferred the last of 3 boat loads
to the Black Java. (2)
2300
Engine failed. Anchored and repaired
engine.
1st June
0410
Took two boat loads to the M/S Skipjack
which loaned the Rapid I a boat
and crew (S/Lt. E.V. Ruck, R.N.V.R.,
i/c). S/Lt. Ruck filled the Rapid I,
and his own boat with troops, and
took in tow a grounded M/L, with 32
French troops on board.
-
The Rapid I was unable to locate the
Skipjack, so she followed a tug
[the St. Abbs] towards La Panne;
the tug was dodging large salvoes
of bombs.
[0930ca]
The tug was hit by a bomb and completely
disappeared; no survivors were seen,
although the Rapid I searched for half
an hour.
-
The Rapid I headed back to Dunkirk.
Picked up 3 sailors from a wreck.
1230ca
Commenced transferring troops to the
G/B Mosquito, which however proceeded
to the assistance of a sinking
transport [the Scotia]. The Rapid I
followed.
-
When 2 miles ahead, the Mosquito was
hit by bombs and sunk. The Rapid I
picked up 22 survivors including
S/Lt. E.S. Flint, R.N.R.
-
Casting adrift a launch which was in
tow, the Rapid I proceeded.
-
15 miles off Margate, she was taken in
tow by the Sk. Antje.
2100
Arrived Margate and landed 28 injured
and survivors.
Total 28
Number of British and Allied troops
ferried from beach was approx. 460.
(1) S/Lt. Clarke incorrectly calls this vessel the "Rapide".
Several other reports copy this error.
(2) No vessel of this name can be traced, although it Occurs in
D.R's list of ships.
7

Details

RAPID I(1)
M/B (Owner,
S/Lt. J.C. Clarke, R.N.V.R.
P.G. Broom,
30th May
1400
At Sheerness. Ordered to proceed to
the Downs in convoy with other M/B's,
under escort of the tr. Strathelliot.
2345
Arrived Downs, towing 2 broken down
M/B's.
31st May
0130
Proceeded for Dunkirk, the M/B Mary
Rose in tow, the Strathelliot in
company. Had trouble with the tow
during the night.
0600ca
Handed the Mary Rose over to the
Strathelliot and carried on to
Dunkirk alone.
0915ca
Arrived Dunkirk beach. Embarked 72
troops and transferred them to an
off-lying ship. Made use of a
drifting small boat to collect troops
from the beach.
2130
Transferred the last of 3 boat loads
to the Black Java. (2)
2300
Engine failed. Anchored and repaired
engine.
1st June
0410
Took two boat loads to the M/S Skipjack
which loaned the Rapid I a boat
and crew (S/Lt. E.V. Ruck, R.N.V.R.,
i/c). s/Lt. Ruck filled the Rapid I,
and his own boat with troops, and
took in tow a grounded M/L, with 32
French troops on board.
-
The Rapid I was unable to locate the
Skipjack, so she followed a tug
the St. Abbs] towards La Panne;
the tug was dodging large salvoes
of bombs.
[0930ca]
The tug was hit by a bomb and completely
disappeared; no survivors were seen,
although the Rapid I searched for half
an hour.
-
The Rapid I headed back to Dunkirk.
Picked up 3 sailors from a wreck.
1230ca
Commenced transferring troops to the
G/B Mosquito, which however proceeded
to the assistance of a sinking
transport [the Scotia]. The Rapid I
followed.
-
When 2 miles ahead, the Mosquito was
hit by bombs and sunk. The Rapid I
picked up 22 survivors including
S/Lt. E.S. Flint, R.N.R.
-
Casting adrift a launch which was in
tow, the Rapid I proceeded.
-
15 miles off Margate, she was taken in
tow by the Sk. Antje.
2100
Arrived Margate and landed 28 injured
and survivors.
Total 28
Number of British and Allied troops
ferried from beach was approx. 460.
(1) S/Lt. Clarke incorrectly calls this vessel the "Rapide".
Several other reports copy this error.
(2) No vessel of this name can be traced, although it Occurs in
D.R's list of ships.
7

Details

ROUTES to Dunkirk
The routes to Dunkirk came to be known as Route Z (the
southern route), Route Y (the northern route), and Route X
(the middle route); they are shown on the accompanying Plan.³.
These routes were brought into use in the following
circumstances:
(Appx.n2)
On 27th May, the V.A. Dover reported to the Admiralty/that the
normal channel, Dover to Dunkirk (the southern Route 2) was
impracticable in daylight owing to fire from shore batteries
sited from Les Hemmes to Gravelines.
Consequently, the northern Route y, via Dyck whistle buoy,
Middel Kerke buoy and Zuydecoote pass, had to be used instead,
thus increasing the round trip from 80 miles to 172. Route Y
had to be used before it could be swept. (1)
Work was also commenced on a new channel (the middle Route X)
from the North Goodwin to the Ruytingen Pass, and thence into
£
the Dunkirk roads 2), thus shortening the round trip from 172
miles to 108. (See skipjack)
On 28th May, all ships proceeding to Dunkirk from Dover were
ordered to use the southern Route Z, provided that the passage
from No.6 Calais Bell Buoy to Dunkirk could be made in darkness
This order continued in operation, even after Route X was
brought into general use on 29th May.
(Appx.ns)
On 29th May, during the forenoon, the drs. Jaguar, Gallant and
Grenade were despatched via the middle Route X, to test the
opposition by shore batteries. On arrival at Dunkirk, Grenade
chadveen/
reported no fire from shore batteries.
In the early afternoon, Route X was brought into use for
destroyers! Small ships were still route-ed via Route YD
shortly after noon, however, enemy batteries near Nieuport,
brought the Zuydecoote Pass under spasmodic gunfire.
At 1606, Route X having been fully swept, (3) all ships were
ordered to use it(Appx.K.s).
Note: Route X passed some 26 miles to the south-
westward of the extreme N.E. point of
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. (4)
On the 29th May also, according to D.R., "the northern Route Y
having been swept, (4)(51t was arranged to sail personnel ships
to Dunkirk at daylight, and to continue to sail throughout
(1) L The M/S's Gossamer and Ross swept a section of the route
between the Dyck and Middel Kerke buoys on the forenoon
of 29th May.
however,
Kla
(2) (3) SeeVunder According Impulsive. to D. R..K At Skipjack 1530/29, Gossamer and North ROSS commenced Goodwin
a double Oropesa sweep from W buoy to the
(5)(4) The M/S's Ross and Gossamer commenced sweeping the section at
L.V.
of Route Y between the Dyck and Middel Kerke buoys
about 1100 on 29th May.
(4) Dover Command letter 14/0/876/40
41

Details

ST. ABBS.
Tug. (Portland)
Lieut. T.E. Brooker, R.N.
(Retd.)
31st May
1000
Left Dover with 3 barges in tow, viz.
the A/B Thyra(1), and the S/B's H.A.C.
and Duchess.
2100
The S/B Duchess (1) broke adrift and
was taken in tow by a "sloop" [ the
M/S Lydd].
1st June
0030
Anchored about 6 miles from Dunkirk.
0330
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
0600
Proceeded towards the beaches. Air
attack.
0630
Anchored. Thyra(2) towed H.A.C.
inshore to the beaches.
0730
Air attacks. Weighed.
0800
dr. Keith hit by bomb. St. Abbs
took off survivors, and picked up
others from ships boats and from the
water.
120
0830
The M/S Skipjack was hit by a bomb and
sank quickly. The M/S Salamander
which was also rescuing survivors
sailed for the harbour entrance. The
St. Abbs continued to rescue Keith's
survivors.
0900
The St. Abbs sailed for the harbour
entrance.
0930
St. Abbs blown up by bombs. She sank
"
in 45 seconds. About 130 ratings
and soldiers were on board; about
30 men were seen swimming in the
water after the St. Abbs sank.
Nil.
Authority - D.R. "losses". M.017681/40
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
L/Stwd. E.S. Lawrence.
(1) Said by Mr. R.B. Henderson, Boatswain, R.N., in his report
to be the S/B Doris. Actually the Doris was in tow of
(2) Mr. Henderson says it was the Duchess.
the tug St. Fagan.
56

Details

Details

SALAMANDER (N.86)
4th M.S.F.
Lieut. Cdr. L.J.S. Ede,
R.N.
26th May
2000
Left the Humber, under orders of
M/S Sutton in company with the M/S's the
Sutton and Fitzroy.
27th May
1510
Anchored in the Downs.
28th May
1540
Proceeded under orders of Sutton,
in company with Sutton and Fitzroy
roads. via R,S, and T buoys, to Dunkirk
-
Rendezvous-ed with the M/S's Halcyon
and Skipjack by S buoy, and proceeded
in company.
2130
Anchored off La Panne.
Using motor boat and whalers,
embarked 150 troops during the night.
29th May
0900
Transferred the 150 troops to the cr.
£
Calcutta.
Proceeded back to La Panne and
embarked troops by ship's boats and
small pulling boats.
1600ca(1) Air attack by Ju.87's. The dr.
Greyhound, one cable distant, was
hit she received 2 near misses] as
were several small ships.
1730
Proceeded via Dunkirk roads. Air
attack. Dunkirk and neighbouring
1=
beaches heavily bombed.
Proceeded via T, s and R buoys in
company with Sutton.
2320
Anchored off Dover in fog.
30th May
0740
Alongside Admiralty Pier.
Disembarked 289 troops. (2)
1610
Proceeded to Dunkirk roads, via U, V
and W buoys.
2100
Anchored off Bray.
Embarked 397 men during the night.
Closed the dr. Shikari and embarked
Brig.-Gen. Holden and a staff officer.
Transferred the motor boat to the
dr. Icarus which had no power boat.
Proceeded to Dover via W, V and U
-
buoys.
31st May
0810
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 393
troops. (3)
1800
Left Dover in company with Halcyon and
Skipjack to rendezvous with the
remainder of the M/S's at W buoy in
^ppx.Q.i] an error
accordance with V.A. Dover's
2200
At the
and
Fitzroy "followed astern of the other two
(4) /
groups"/ through Dunkirk roads, past
(1) the air attack took place the attack in the
Salamander forenoon; states the Greyhound that gives the time of as
(2) 1600. 29th May; May, it also which records is
D.R. a disembarkation dates this disembarkation of 324 troops on 30th
(3) evidently incorrect.
(4) There D.R. were 3 Groups of 82 Salamander was in Group 3. (See
Groups"

Details

SALAMANDER (continued)
31st May
2200
(contd. )
(contd.)
Was Dunkirk, to a position off Bray.
to then ordered by the M/S
[i.e. No. E] buoy.
avoid magnetic mines laid near No.8
anchor 1 mile to his eastward, Niger to
1st June
0015
Anchored accordingly. The beach at
Bray was under enemy shrapnel fire.
0050ca
Sent the ship's whaler in shore.
The whaler returned with a message from
General Montgomery to inform all
ships that he intended moving west-
ward to Dunkirk at once, as the
beach was becoming untenable. The
message was passed to all ships in
V/S touch.
The pontoon pier had been hit by
shell fire; no troops were embarking
so Salamander got under way and
176
closed the beach as closely as
possible.
0300ca
Troops began to come off in boats, and
were embarked. R.A. Dover ordered
all ships to embark men in boats and
then to move to Dunkirk at dawn.
0600
About 450 troops had been embarked
including 29 wounded and 11
stretcher cases.
A bombing attack took place, but no
ships were hit. 1 casualty in
Salamander from m.g. fire
-
Salamander proceeded westward, astern
of the dr. Keith and the M/S
Skipjack.
0820ca
Air attack on all 3 ships. Skipjack
was hit and sank. Keith was hit
and set on fire; she abandoned ship.
Salamander closed Keith and sent
away both whalers.
-
Whilst rescuing survivors, attacked by
Ju.87 dive bombers. A salvo of 4
bombs fell about 50 feet ahead; 2
of these exploded under water abreast
Salamander's bridge. The ship lifted
bodily, heeled to starboard, and
then settled down with a list to
port. She then sank about a foot -
suddenly. Believing the ship to be
sinking, the S.P.'s were thrown
overboard in a weighted bag.
The Engineer Officer and the 1st
Lieutenant reported that the ship
was still seaworthy, but that she
had gained a foot draught because
of flooded compartments. Damage
in the engine room had caused the
steam pressure to fall.
After about 15 minutes, steam was
Air attack; a salvo of bombs astern. fell on
raised for slow speed.
0915ca
the port quarter, 50 yards to proceed,
Salamander leaving Keith's the was survivors whalers about to and assist to take
picking
up to a tug the St. Abbs] standing' then
them but Captain (D) 19 [Keith] asked
by; on the bridge of the tug,
63

Details

SAMBRE
Ex-Belgian Canal
Boat
S/Lt. C.A. Thompson, the R.N.V.R. (M/B Cordelia)
reports on Sambre as follows:
29th May
1800
Three the ex-Belgian boats, the Sambre,
1815
tow of the drifter G.R.1740.6) (2)
Yser and one other left Dover in
One Belgian boat got a rope round its
1830
propeller and returned to Dover.
The M/B Cordelia now joined company
with G.R.1740 and the 2 remaining
Belgian boats.
2000
A destroyer( 1) took one of the two
Belgian boats in tow.
[2010
The Cordelia tied up astern of the
remaining Belgian boat and proceeded
in tow of G.R.1740 towards La Panne].
I
According to Cdre. A.H. Taylor:
170
30th May
The Sambre was towed over to Dunkirk
with a sister ship the Ambleve, by
the M/S Skipjack.
The Sambre, subsequently returned
to England.
Total Unknown
Authority - R.O.II, pp.239, 391.
)ᵃ
(1) No mentions this.
(2) destroyer Gerrais Bentrus where Fishing Number 740;
11 designation "G.R.17ap" s incomect. 86

Details

SKIPJACK (N.38)
6th M.S.F.
Lieut. Cdr. F.B. Proudfoot,
R.N. (Retd.)
1300
27th May
The M/S's Skipjack and Halcyon, the
destroyer Impulsive, the T.H.V.
Patricia, ing duties and a trawler for minesweep-
[viz:
L.V., for the purpose of laying the
rendezvous-ed off the N. Goodwin
light buoys U, V, and W on, and
sweeping, the new middle Route X.
This operation was carried out under
1919
orders of Skipjack.
The operation being completed, the
Patricia proceeded to Harwich, the
other ships to the Downs.
28th May
1545
The M/S's Sutton, Fitzroy and Salamander
sailed from Dover and
1630ca
were joined by the Skipjack and
Halcyon near S buoy. The 5 ships
proceeded in company to La Panne.
2130
Arrived off La Panne. The Skipjack
embarked troops and proceeded.
29th May
-
The Skipjack disembarked 184 troops
at Dover. (1)
30th May
-
The Skipjack, having apparently again
been over to Dunkirk, disembarked 231
troops at Dover. (2)
1556
V/ Exant/
The Skipjack, towing the ex-Belgian
canal boats Amblene and Sambre, and
in company with the Halcyon and
Salamander, left Dover for Bray.
2100
Arrived off Bray. The Skipjack
embarked troops and proceeded.
31st May
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 450 troops (1)
1800
Left Dover in company with Halcyon and
Salamander to rendezvous with other
M/S's at W buoy by 2200.
1st June
0030
The Skipjack anchored off La Panne.
She had only one small boat
(without a rudder); the ship's
boats had been left behind on the
previous trip. No boats came off
from the shore.
0330ca
At break of dawn, weighed, and
proceeding westward, managed to
secure 3 boats. Some troops were
also picked up.
Course was continued to about 1
mile east of Dunkirk, where there
was only one small skoot operating
[probably the Hilda]. Boats were
then sent in and embarkation
0530ca
The commenced. Skipjack was kept under way because
of the considerable air activity.
From this time onwards there was were
{1} D.R.
D.R. According to C.W. 29685/40, however, the Skipjack
made only three trips to Dunkirk, and was sunk on the
third trip.
146

Details

SKIPJACK (continued)
0530ca
1st June)
(contd.)
W/T continual bombing attacks.
for messages fighter were transmitted Several
one assistance. Except asking for
0600ca
fighters were seen.
period of about 5 minutes no
A derelict M/L was repaired and
0700ca
embarkation continued apace.
The M/S Gossamer came alongside to
deliver a bottle of chloroform re-
been embarked.
quired for some wounded troops who had
-
Except when boats were alongside, the
Skipjack circled round at full speed,
using full wheel to avoid attacks.
Between the attacks, troops were
embarked from boats.
0800
The 4 - in. ammunition was nearly
expended - only about 12 rounds a
gun being left.
0844
About 275 troops had been embarked.
0845
A flight of 10 Ju.87's attacked the
Skipjack. All guns opened fire
and full helm was put on. The
leading plane dropped its bombs, 2
of which hit the ship, one on each
side, abreast the whaler's davits.
The Skipjack immediately lost way
and developed a heavy list to port.
0846ca
A second plane dived, and 3 more bombs
hit the ship; one through the
bridge, one on the fo'c'sle and one
in the foremost boiler room. The
Lewis gun (L/Sea. Macleod, R.N.R.),
on the rangefinder platform, continued
however, to fire, and the plane
dived straight on into the sea. (1)
0847ca
The order was given to abandon ship.
0849
The Skipjack turned turtle (and remained
floating, bottom up, for some 20
minutes before she finally sank).
A further bombing attack was made
on the survivors in the water.
Most of the survivors in the water
were picked up by the Sk. Hilda, a
few by the tug St. Abbs. (2)
Nearly all the troops were below
0930
The decks. St. Abb's was hit by bombs and
sank immediately.
1730
The Hilda landed her survivors at
Lieut. Ramsgate. Cdr. Proudfoot handed over the
-
keys of the C.B. safe to the First
Lieutenant of Chatham Barracks.
Total 865.
Authority - R.O.I., pp.268, 352, 382.
R.O.II, pp. 391, 497.
M.017681/40.
V.A.D.'s 0006/27.
(1) D.R.
Lt. Cdr. Proudfoot says it was the tug St. Fagan, but
she had been sunk earlier in the day.
147

Details

3
SKIPJACK (continued)
The following award was made:
D.S.M. L/sea. M. Macleod, R.N.R.
The SKIPJACK was awarded the Battle Howom 'Dunkisk 1940.
$
148

Details

SUTTON (N.78)
4th M.S.F.
Actg. Cdr. G.M. Temple, R.N.
S.O. 4th M.S.F.
26th May
1900
Sailed from Grimsby, the M/S's
Salamander and Fitzroy in company.
1600
27th May
Anchored in Downs. The M/S's Skipjack
and Halcyon near by. Destroyers
full of troops continually passing
at high speed.
3
28th May
1545
Proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F.
in company, with the M/S's Salamander
and Skipjack, later joined by
Halcyon.
1730
Steering jammed; proceeded under
hand steering.
1750
Fifth M.S.F. coming up astern.
Sutton's steering repaired.
1825
Off Kwinte Bank buoy, a ship was seen
to be sinking. The Sutton rejoined
the 4th M.S.F. Hurricanes passed
overhead.
2030
More Hurricanes passed. Dunkirk
fires seen 10 miles away. Detached
the Fitzroy to investigate a boat.
2050
Turned towards the beaches and
proceeded eastward. Large numbers
of troops seen along Malo beach, with
more scattered and smaller groups
towards La Panne.
2125
Anchored off beach about 4 miles east
of Dunkirk [Bray]. M/B sent in to
contact troops.
2130
Commenced embarkation.
29th May
0200
103 troops embarked.
0300
Proceeded further eastward. Embarked
troops of the Leicester Regt.
0730
Went alongside the cr. Calcutta, some
miles off shore, and transferred
troops to her. The salamander
did the same.
0830
Returned to the beaches. Lack of
boats; rate of embarkation about 30
per hour, using ship's boats. 227
troops embarked.
Large masses of French troops
persistently attempted to intercept
boats and demand passage. Assisted
by British troops to head of
French swimmers by rifle fire from
50 yards further along the beach.
Dunkirk burning with much smoke.
No R.A.F. sighted all day.
1600
High level air attack on Sutton,
Salamander, the dr. Greyhound and a
A. salvo of bombs straddled Sutton.
paddle M/S the Sandown].
No hits. A dive bomb attack on
Sutton and Greyhound; the Greyhound
One line of 5 bombs close to G.H.Q.
set on fire by a near miss.
sea front; the last 2 of these
Small bombs were used, with several
on fell on either side of the Sutton.
incendiaries, one of which set on
fire a drifter, 2 cable from Sutton
[the tr. Nautilus (q.v.)].
Greyhound damaged by bombs.
199

Details

VINCIA
Tug (William Watkins Ltd.)
A.V. Hoiles, Master.
1450
31st May
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk towing 3
1900
civilian-manned life boats.
Off Sandettie buoy rescued an R.A.F.
1930
gunner who had parachuted.
Transferred the wounded R.A.F. gunner
to the dr. Venomous.
2100
Anchored off Bray. Sent in the life
boats and all ships boats. Embarked
troops until 0300.
1st June
0300
Had 200/300 troops on board. Proceeded.
In the roads, stopped by the dr.
Keith and ordered to transfer the
0530ca
troops to another destroyer, [the
Sabre] and to remain at Bray.
0815ca
Saw the Keith hit by several bombs.
Went to her aid. Keith sinking;
crew jumping overboard. Rescued 108
officers and ratings, some French
G.H.Q. staff and some British G.H.Q.
staff.
During these operations air attacks
were continuous.
Not far from the Vincia another one
of H.M. ships was blown to pieces
[the M/S Skipjack].
0930
Proceeded. Air attacks between Dunkirk
roads and Sandettie buoy.
1430
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 1 officer
and 83 ratings from the Keith and 24
members of the British and French
H.Q. staff. Later, returned to
Ramsgate.
Total 24
Authority - R.O.II, p.552.
R.O.III, p.496.
W.W.
282

Details

Details

Details

Details

44
Page
45
Page
5
Slogan
Page
36
Sata
15
Sluga
Page
Rose
8
Saturn
Smeaton
13
22
Sublime
23
Page
Rosebud
Saucy
35
Tonny
28
8
Snaefell
7
Suilven
22
Topaze
18
Wardour
Roseden
12
Sawfly
30
Scalby Wyke
Snap
23
Sukha
35A
Torbay II
9
War Duke
Rose Emma
24
19
Solitaire
10
21
Sulara
5
Rose Haugh
Scawfell
Torch
Warland
15
7
Solomon
Sulla
35A
Rose Hilda
Touchstone
6
30
Sceptre
14
Warrior II
9
Solon
Schievan
16
Suma
15
Rose Valley
Tourmaline
5
War Star
24
37
Solstice
Sumba
35A
Trade Wind
25
Rosel
3
Scomber
15
Warwick Deeping
Rose Marie
22
Song
Summer Rose
23
Tranio
27
War Wing
10
Scotch Thistle
8
18
Sonnet
Sunbeam II
36A
Tranquil
13
Wastwater
Ross
27
Scotia II
12
Southcoates
Sunflower IV
14
12
T.R. Ferrens
36
Watchful
Ross Ard
31
15
Scott
Southern Breeze
Sunlight
15
Scottish
25
Tritonia
9
Waterfly
Rotha
17A
24
Sunnyside Girl
28
29
Rowan
Scourge
29
Southern Chief
36c
Triumph
Watermeyer
12
Superman
4
Waveflower
29
Rowan Tree
Scythe
13
Southern Field
35A
Trophy
36B
36B
Supporter
23
Troubadour
Wee Cumbrae
Roxano
Seabreeze
28
Southern Flower
35A
36
12A
Surly
7
Welcome Home
Royal Eagle
Seafarer
28
36c
Troup Ahead
Southern Foam
19
Wellard
14
Surprise
36
True Accord
Royallieu
Royalo
14
Seaflower
Southern Gem
35A
29
29
Susannah Jane
Wellsbach
2
Tumby
36c
23
Wengan
5
Seagull
29
Southern Pride
Susarion
36A
Tunisian
Ruby
17
Sea Holly
Southern Shore
36c
14
Westella
35
Sutton
16
Turcoman
Rugby
32
5
Sea King
16
36c
West Haven
Southern Spray
Svega
35A
Runswick Bay
Turquoise
13
Ryde
10
Sea Lord
11
36c
West Neuk
Southern Star
Swan II
36
Tuscarora
19
36c
Westlyn
16
Southern Wave
Sweet Promise
35A
Ryde (Special Service)
8
Sea Mist
Tweenways
14
Westward Ho
29
Southsea
36c
Sea Monarch
Swift Wing
15
Twinkling Star
20
Whirlpool
Seaman
17
Souvenir
23
Sycamore
24
Whitethorn
Secuta
Spaniard
13
5
Sylph
12A
Widgeon
S.
32
Sedulous
36B
Sylvana
21
Sparsholt
12
Selkirk
16
Spartiate
Syrian
17A
U.
Widgeon of Fearn
Sabra
35
Wigan
18
Syringa
24
Uberty
14
Wildfire
Sabreur
35
Semita
8
Speedwell
10
Uberus
19
Willa
Sailor King
22
Semnos
19
Speedy
29
Ugie Bray
24
William Brady
St. Abbs
9
Seriola
8
Sphene
13
Ullswater
25
William Caldwell
St. Achilleus
13
Servitor
14
Spina
T.
36
Unicity
14
William Cale
St. Adrian
5
Settsu
37
Spindrift
9
Taeping
22
Unicorn II
22
William Hannen
St. Apollo
36c
Sevra
35
Spinet
29
Taipo
16
Unitia
7
William Purdy
St. Cathan
25
Shako
14
Spitfire III
17
Tamarisk
12A
Utilise
19
Wm. Stephens
St. Celestin
29
Shandwick
5
Spranza
23
Tamora
15
Ut. Prosim
10
William Wesney
St. Cyrus
17
Sharpshooter
29
Sprig o' Heather
27
Taransay
15
Willing Boys
St. Dominica
5
Shearwater
31
Springdale
13
Tarret
10
Wilna
St. Donats
16
Sheen
28
Springtide
Tartan
13
Willow
St. Elstan
20
V.
25
Sheldon
4
Spurs
Tea Rose
28
Windermere
St. Fagan
10
9
Sheldrake
21
Tekoura
30
Vadne
8
Windward Ho
St. Katherine
31
Stafnes
12
Shemara
Terje I-V
36c
Valena
9
Wistaria
St. Kenan
9
Stalberg
37
25
Shera
Teroma
24
Valesca
35A
Witham
St. Loman
35
Stalwart
9
25
Shika
Tervani
17A
Vandyck
30
Withernsea
St. Magnus
35
Star of Deveron
12A
26
Shila
Tessie
36A
Varanga
29
Wolborough
St. Melante
36
12A
Star of Hope
28
Tewara
26
Varanis
35A
Wolves
Shiona
St. Mellons
6
Star of the Realm
37
30
36
Vascama
21
Shipmates
Thalia
Wyoming
St. Modwen
10
Star of Orkney
15
23
Velia
6
9
St. Nectan
Shower
Thames (Dutch Tug)
28
Star of the Wave
5
Thames Queen
23
Velmont
35A
36A
St. Olaves
Shusa
35
Starlight Ray
11
26
Ventsyssel
18
9
Thaw
X.
St. Olive
Sicyon
5
29
Staunch
35A
The Boys
10
Venture
22
St. Sunniva
Signa
36
Stefa
35A
15
Vernal
12A
Xmas Rose
St. Tudno
30
The Brit
Signet
21
Vernon II
8
15
12A
Silanion
29
Stella Canopus
Their Merit
St. Wistan
36A
Silja
37
Stella Capella
25
Thele
8
Victoria
9
17A
Thermopylae
Victorian
32
St. Zeno
Silva
35
Stella Carina
22
Y.
Salamander
36c
13
Victory
8
36
Stella Leonis
The Provost
28
Salpa
16
Silver Cloud
Victrix
7
Yarta
Saltash
2
Silver Crest
2
Stella Orion
24
The Roman
35A
37
Yehonala
15
Stella Pegassi
25
The Tower
36B
Vilda
10
Vine
36B
Yehonala II
Salvini
Silver Dawn
11
Stella Polaris
19
The Way
29
Salvo (Tug)
36B
22
Yesso
Silver Fox
13
Thirlmere
25
Viola
Salvo
14
Silver Grey
19
Stella Rigel
29
Yezo
33
26
Violet Flowers
Salvonia
35
Silver Line
4
Stella Sirius
Thomas Altoft
5
York City
35A
Thomas Conolly
12
Virginia
21
Yorkshire Belle
Sandown
3
Silver Queen
27
Stina
Thomas Leeds
13
Visenda
26
2
Yorkshire Lass
Sandringham
10
Silver Seas
11
Stoke City
26
11
Viva II
Thomsons
13
Young Alfred
Sangarius
8,16
Silver Sky
14
Stonefly
Thora
17
Viviana
Sanson
3
13
36c
Young Cliff
Sindonis
26
Stour
21
Vizalma
Saon
Sir John Baker
32
8
Thornwick Bay
Young Ernie
35
Strathcoe
14
Young Jacob
Sapphire
10
23
Three Kings
Sir John Lister
8
Sappho
Strathderry
Thrifty
9
W.
Young Mon
13
7
3
Sarah Hyde
Sir Richard Grenville
Strath Devon
Thunderstone
36B
5
3
Sir Sydney
2
Strathelliot
12A
Tiger
17
Wagtail
15
Sarah Sarba A. Purdy
14
29
Sir Siren Walter Raleigh
14
19
Tiger (tender)
18
Waldemar
Strathgarry
12A
z.
19
12A
Wallena
Sargasso
2
Strathmaree
24
12
Sirra
Sargon
2
5
Tilburyness
10
Sisapon
Strath Rannock
22
Tilly Duff
12A
Walnut
15
Zaza
35
Titan
14
Waltona
27
Zwartze Zee (Dutch)
Sarna
21
Skidaw
Strathspey
3
26
Walwyns Castle
4
333
Sarpedon
35
16
Strathugie
Token
Skipjack
21
14
Skirmisher
17
Tokyo II
35A
Wanderer II
17
Strive
10
Student Prince
4
22
Sturton
(C38230) 380 6/40

Details

Page 62
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. SALAMANDER. - Lieutenant Commander Lionel James Spencer. Ede. R.
This ship did 3 trips to the beaches and
having continually been bombed ordered and machine-gunned. On one was
DO doing embarked dawn, the ship continued until 0600, and
Dunkirk at by Rear Admiral, Dover, to move occasion, westward
so attack one rating a further 450 men from Bray. During by
to attack KEITH, the ship was again subjected to
assist the was slightly wounded. Whilst proceeding one
bombing and lifted and four bombs exploded under water near a the
ship the ship bodily. Steam was lost, but was
got going again in about a quarter of an hour, when
further air attack took place. The ship proceeded back a
port as quickly as possible. Ship was again attacked, but to
she managed to reach Dover, proceeding on only one boiler.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS:
Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, R.N.
This Officer showed great zeal, initiative and
seamanship during the operations. The whole time he
was endeavouring to avoid air attacks, and, at the same
time, pick up troops from the beaches. His initiative
in disobeying the order of Rear Admiral, Dover, to
proceed from the beach towards Dunkirk at dawn, enabled
him to save a further 450 men, including 29 wounded
cases.
Having moved westward, an air attack took place
upon the SKIPJACK and the KEITH, the SKIPJACK being
sunk and the KEITH set on fire. Ship appeared to be
in danger of sinking due to a near miss, but after a
short time found she was still seaworthy and steam was
got on to the main engine.
By his great devotion to duty in face of these
air attacks, he was still able to bring his ship safely
to port.
Recommended for decoration.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, R.N.
Showed great initiative and skill in getting steam
up and the engines restarted after ship had been damaged
by near misses, and in addition it was due to him that
the morale of the engine room was so good after having
had three heavy attacks in four days, apart from this
attack, which was almost continuous for three hours.
By his great devotion to duty, it is felt that
the ship was got under way so quickly.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
E.R.A. C. H. Andrew, M.28768.
After the ship had been damaged, by his devotion
to duty and his initiative, he suceeded in starting up

Details

Page 64
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. SALTASH. - Lieutenant-Commander Thomas Randall Fowke, R.N.
in taking off troops.
This ship was engaged in the operations at Dunkirk
Recommendation.
RATING:
stoker 1st Class Bryan Gaughan, C/KX.79268.
While SALTASH was rescuing survivors from S.S.
BRIGHTON QUEEN, this rating stripped and swan with a
line to two men a quarter of a mile away. Finding it
a hindrance, he discarded it and eventually rescued
these two men. After a short rest, he continued to
swim out with lines to men closer to the ship.
By his devotion to duty and great gallantry, he
saved many men, although bombing and machine-gunning
was going on at close proximity to him.
Recommended for decoration.
H.M.S. SKIPJACK. - Lieutenant-Commander Francis Babington Proudfoot,
R.N. (Retired)
This vessel did three trips to the beaches and on the
3rd June was sunk.
Recommendation.
RATING:
Leading Seaman Murdo Macleod, R.N.R., 5849D.
In charge of Lewis gun on range-finder platform.
Showed great gallantry and devotion to duty in
continuing to fire his gun after having been consider-
ably shaken by first bombing attack. In last attack
brought down one enemy plane and was badly burnt.
Recommended for decoration.
S

Details

Page 122
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recom ndations of Personnel.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HILDA (Continued),
Dunkirk and subsequently, working in conjunction
with a flotilla of small boats at La Panne, was
largely responsible for the embarkation under
difficulties of 5,000 troops in some 12 hours.
During heavy bomb attack rescued a large number of
survivors from KEITH, including 2 British and one
French general officers. Followed this up by
rescuing nearly all the survivors of the SKIPJACK.
On the voyage to United Kingdom similarly rescued
survivors from the personnel vessel SCOTIA which had
been bombed and sunk, only leaving the scene when
other vessels appeared and his own craft was
dangerously overloaded, Returning to Dunkirk,a
further number of troops were taken off the beach,
during which time he was bombed and intermittently
shelled. Captain Pim, the local Senior Officer at
the time of HILDA'S activities, reports most
favourably on the efficient handling and performance
of Lieutenant Gray.
Recommended for decoration.
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth Willing.
As First Lieutenant of the HILDA, Lieutenant
Syddons-Willing was indefatigable. He carried out
arduous duties on the beach, assisted vessels
+
aground, and personally searched for troops in the
dunes. He was remarked by Senior Officers on the
spot as being outstanding in his conduct.
Recommended for decoration.
1
RATINGS.
Acting Petty Officer Leslie Charles Curd, C/JX.155644.
Able Seaman George Edward Godfrey. C/JX.144633.
Petty Officer Curd as coxswain and Able Seaman
Godfrey, were outstanding in everything that they
did. Many seriously wounded men were attended on
board and everything possible was done for the
large number of troops embarked. Conduct of these
2 ratings was exemplary throughout and they showed
great calmness under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HONDSRUG - Lieutenant Frederick Thomas
Renny, R.N.R.
Completed 4 trips to Dunkirk and the beaches,
recovering more than 1,500 troops.

Details

Page 5
Page 4.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
INESWEEPERS (continued).
M.S. ORIOLE.
Ratings
Petty Officer George Page, B/21629, R.F.R.
Leading Seaman Jack Giles, B/23499, R.F.R.
Telegraphist William Scothorn, B/Z/7560,
Seaman James Grace, R.N.R.
H.M.S. SALTASH.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Randall Fowke, R.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Harry Sobey, R.N.R.
Mr. John Tranack Mathews (E).
Ratings.
Sick Berth Attendant Frederick Hutter, X.7183.
Able Seaman Thomas Cranstone, B.22751 (R.F.R.).
H.M.S. SKIPJACK.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Francis Babington Proudfoot, R.N.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant Anthony Gresham McCrum, R.N.
Ratings.
Mr. F. Murrell, Canteen Manager, N.A.A.F.I.
H.M.S. WHIPPINGHAM.
Officer.
Lieutenant Eric Reed, R.N.R.
Ratings.
Petty Officer J. J. Clough, P/JX. 129586.
Acting Leading Seaman H. S. Giles, P/JX.125481.
Leading Stoker A. F. Knowles, P/KX.80212.

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.

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126
CONFIDENTIAL.
130
To: The Admiralty.
via: V.A. Dover.
H.M.S. "SALANDER".
Copies to: F.O., London.
5th June, 1940.
M.S.4.
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following narrative of events
which took place on Friday, 31st May, and Saturday, 1st June, 1940.
At 1800/31/5 I left Dover in company with HALCYON and SKIPJACK
to rendezvous with the remainder of the minesweepers at YY buay by 2200 in
accordance with V.A. Dover's 0357/31/5.
Here I took FITZROY under my command and followed astern of the
other two groups through Dunkirk Roads, past Dunicirie, to a position off Bray,
I was then ordered by NIGER to anchor one mile to his Eastward, to avoid magnetic
mines laid near No.8 Buoy. This was accomplished by 0015/1/6.
The beach at Bray was under shrapnel fire from inland energy
batteries, and as no boats closed no I lowered a shaler with a Volunteer
crew to land for soldiers (See appendix No.1).
The boat returned in about half an hour with one hand and a
message from General Nontgomery to inform all ships that he intended
moving Weatward to Dunkirk at once as the beach was becoming untenable.
This message I passed to all ships in V/S to ch.
The pontoon pier had been hit by shell fire and no troops
seemed to be embarking at all, so I weighed and kept under way closing
the beach as much as I could.
When a little light appeared, however, boats began to above
off from the beach and dame to no. RA Dover now ordered all ships to
embark men in boats and move Westwards to Dunkirk at dawn. A continual
stream of boats came off with military personnel, and by 0600/1/6 I had
embarked about 450 men, including 29 wounded of whom 11 were stretcher
cases, Attacks by aircraft took place on all ships and salvoes of bombs
were dropped, no ships being hit. We were then attacked by front
machine gun fire from Messerschmitt 109's, and one casualty was sustained.
L.S.A. Gullett was hit in the hand by a bullet. I then noved Westeard
astern of KNITH and SKIPJACK.
At 0820/1/6 an air attack took place on all three ships, and
SKIPJACK was sunk, and KSITH hit and set on fire. KSITH abandoned ship,
and I closed her and sent away both whalers as lifeboats. (See appendix
No.2). Whilst resouing survivors I was again attacked by Junkers 87
dive bombers, and a salvo of four bombs fall about 50 feet ahead of the
ship. They exploded under water when two bomba were approximately abreast
the bridge. The ship lifted bodily and heeled to starboard, and then
settled down with a list to part. She then sank about a foot, suddenly.
I feared she was in danger of sinking, so I ordered the S.P's on board to
be jettisoned. This was done in a weighted bag. (See appendix No.3)
I stopped engines and waited reports from the Singineer Officer and Recutive
Officer.
The Engineer Officer and First Lieutenant ascertained that the
forward, was and had flooded compartments amidahips In comprising about the cold and
ship still seaworthy, although she had gained about 1 foot of draught
hour rooms, steam WILLS gunners got on main engines again. (See Engineer Officer's
0001 stores and canteen store. attached a quarter of an
report).

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(1).
168
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
173
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salemander and Fitaroy in
Company+ sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh S.W.Wind, slight
Oh passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galates and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May Light breeze, calm sea, naximm visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jemmed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering+
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up eatern, steering repaired,
proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy aboam. Ship sinking in visinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles,
weather clearing, Fiteroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups
towards la Panne+ Desultory gânfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anohored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent schore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from send dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly ReA.S.C. and R.B's who had
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Tery
oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean
shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops
and the condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly
as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10stroops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in
batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good
for embarimtion, shelving sand and oalm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300, Moved to another position further East
and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now
commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down,
a considerable surf was running, managed to Embarked get a into
a Dutch scoot, of Leicestershire and was towad back Regiment. to ship. COMMANDING OFFICER
miles 0730, off shore, and disembarked all troops,
detachment proceeded alongaide Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander
19 JUN 1940
following.
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

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177
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE 1940. EVACUATION
182
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S. SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWESSPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th, May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired,
proceeded at 15 knots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 miles,
weather clearing, Fitzroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups,
towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.B's who had
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, amunition
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very
critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disdiplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 milsa. 0.0. reported no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The alean
shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops
and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly
as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
10 troops embarked batween 2130 and 0200, in
batches of 25, mostly with rifles and equipment. Beach good
for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. May. 0300. Moved to another position further East
and after dragging anchor into shallow water where line by now
commenced bringing off troops but motor boat broke down,
considerable surf was running, managed to get Embarked a small into
a a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship.
detachment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, miles off shore, and disembarked all troops,
proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some
following.

Details

(I).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY TO 5th. JUNE I940, EVACUATION
190
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON. FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dock,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. sea. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh W.Wind, slight
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breeze, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of Dover at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
I545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Halcyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering.
I750, 6th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired,
proceeded at I5 knots,
I825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires IO miles,
weather clearing, Fitzroy detatched to investigate boat.
2050, turnedtowards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups
towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to smoke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very
critical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. Reported no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The clean
shaven and comparatively fresh appearance of the troops
and the condition of their equipment, contrasted increasingly
as the evacuation progressed, with the evidences of strain
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
103 troops embarked between 2130 and 0200, in
batches of 25, mostly with rifles and eqipment. Beach good
for embarkation, shelving sand and calm weather.
Wednesday 29th. 0300. Moved to anothe position further East
commenced May. bringing off troops but motor boat broke down,
and after dragging anchor into shallow water where by now
a considerable surf was running, managed to get a line into
a Dutch scoot, and was towed back to ship. Embarked small
detatchment of Leicestershire Regiment.
0730, proceeded alongside Calcutta, who was anchored Salamander some
miles off shore, and disembarked all troops,
following.

Details

(1).
NARRATIVE OF EVENTS 26th. MAY 20 5th. JUNE 1940, EVACUATION
201
OF BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FROM DUNKIRK AND BEACHES TO
THE EASTWARD BY H.M.S.SUTTON, FOURTH MINESWEEPING FLOTILLA.
Sunday 26th. May. Raised steam and unlocked from Royal Dook,
Grimsby. Sailed at 1900, Salamander and Fitzroy in
Company. Sutton as Senior Officer. Fresh N.W.Wind, slight
sea.
On passage several Aircraft seen and heard,
mostly friendly. Passed by Galatea and destroyers.
Monday 27th. May. Light breese, calm sea, maximum visibility.
Anchored in Downs by orders of V.A.Diver at 1600.
Skipjack and Halcyon anchored near by. Destroyers full
of Troops continually passing at high speed.
Tuesday 28th. May. Calm, some rain, visibility one mile.
1545, Weighed and proceeded to Dunkirk, Fourth M.S.F. in
company with Salam Skipjack, later joined by Haloyon.
1730, steering jammed, reduced speed and proceeded under
hand steering.
1750, 5th. M.S.F. coming up astern, steering repaired,
proceeded at 15 lmots.
1825, Kwinte Bank Buoy abeam, Ship sinking in vicinity,
rejoined 4th. M.S.F. Hurricanes passing overhead.
2030, more Hurricanes, sighted Dunkirk fires 10 niles,
weather clearing, Fitaroy detached to investigate boat.
2050, turned towards beaches and proceeded East, parallel.
Observed large numbers of troops at intervals along beach
near Dunkirk, with more scattered and decreasing groups
towards la Panne. Desultory gunfire. No aircraft in sight.
2125, anchored off beach about four miles East of Dunkirk,
in four fathoms. No troops visible, owing to moke and
approaching darkness. Motor boat and whaler sent ashore
to contact troops. Troops appeared from sand dunes in
disorganised parties, mostly R.A.S.C. and R.E's who had
dumps and railheads. Troops were rather shaken by constant
lately been engaged on demolition of bridges, ammunition
air attacks, with machine guns. They had been waiting on
the beaches for 30 hours before contacting ships. Very
oritical of lack of Allied air support during whole of
retreat, but were cheerful and disciplined. Rather exhausted
after forced marches of 20 to 30 miles. 0.0. reported clean no
embarkation organisation or control ashore. The the
shaven condition of their aquipment, contrasted increasingly of strain
and comparatively fresh appearance of troops
as and the the evacuation progressed, with the evidences
shown by Ships companies of H.M.Ships.
,
of 25, mostly with rifles and aquipment. weather. good
10 troops embarked between 3130 and Beach 0200, in
batches for embarkation, shelving send and calm
Wednesday 29th. May* 0300. Moved to another position boat broke further down, East
commenced dragging anchor into shallow water to a line now
bringing off troops but motor where by
and after surf was running, managed get Embarked small into
a of Leicestershire Regiment.
a Dutch considerable scoot, and was towed back to ship.
miles following. 0730, off proceeded shore, and disembarked all troops, COMMARDING OFFICER
detachment alongside Caloutta, who was anchored Salamanter some
19 JUN 1940
H.M.S. "SUTTON"

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201
216
3.
23.
A heavy gun was also shelling somewhat blindly off Bray, the shots
falling outside the ships in fairly well defined areas which could be avoided.
24.
An encounter between our own and enemy aircraft took place off
Bray in which three of our own adroraft were shot down. Later air attack
developed on ships and 10 raids took place but no ships were damaged.
25.
In accordance with the plans tows of boats should have arrived off
Dunkirk about 1800. Two tows of dinghies arrived at 1700 and were sent
to La Panne where I also went in order to ensure the embarkation of the C.in c.
I left behind Ideutenant Communder in an M.T.B. to direct the
tows when they arrived and to order a large mmber of Hoppers and similar craft
to beach themselves on the rising tide at the Western beaches. At La Parme
I found that HEBE had embarked Cy-in-C. according to plan, and I ambarked the
rest of the H.Q. from the beach 2 miles west in KEITH's boats. During this
time KEITH and HERE were bombed and the boats were narrowly missed.
26,
I then returned to Dunicirk where the rest of the town did not
arrive till it was getting dark, making it very difficult to ensure their
finding the further beaches. Lt. Commander Wynne-Bhrards was left behind
in M.A.S.B.6. to direct then and I took KETTH up to La Fame to shepherd
some of the town in that direction. By this time the wind had dropped.
27.
About Midnight M.A/S.B.6 returned to KETTH, embarked the 0.-in-C.
and took him to Dover.
28.
HEITH remained off La Parme during the night, during which there
were reports of Parachute Mines off Bray, M.T.B's were heard to the Eastward,
probably our own, and a few shells fell among ships off La Panne. The town
and beaches at La Panne were heavily shelled and the embarkation moved
Westward in consequence. It was impossible to tell how the embarkation -
going in the dark as KETTH could not get close inshore, but such reports as
came in showed that it was slow and that beaches at la Panne were being
heavily shelled.
1st June
29.
As the enemy would be in occupation of La Panne in the worning
ships were ordered to withdrew to the Westmard at dam. At daylight the
situation was as follows. The beaches at La Panne were espity and - were
moving along all beaches to the Westward. Ships Bast of Bray were moving
Westward. A Minesweeper and a Paddler were schore off Bray: a large mmber
of boats were floating expty and without crews.
30. loading into Dunkirk and tried to get some of the boats collected by
During the next few hours I sent all ships that sere not full Hotor or
boats and towed West. I also spent some time trying to induse a tug to
assist the Minesweeper ashore. I kept BASILISK with 200 and eapty of troops
in case any covering fire was needed.
were 31. made on nearly all ships off the beaches by Dive Bumbers.
About 0730 large numbers of energy Aircraft appeared and attacks
KEITH, 32. During and a tug with survivors of KNITH and were the others
this period, one Destroyer off Dunkirk SKIPJACK was hit and BASILISK, sunk.
Bombs SKIPKACK, be dropped in threes and fives, one large and that
bombs had and three delay planes action of about 20 seconds. I have learnt this time. subsequently
Small, appeared to attacked together; one of my staff states scie
that all small a craft and beaches were machine gunned at
33. BASILISK so KNITH that was KRISH could load at Dunkirk and then return
short of assunition and I had intended to to transfer Dover. to
#
At 0745 a near miss jammed the stearing goar in KNITH and shortly
/ after

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272
DUPLICATE
. 288
A
continued.
informing to that the approaches had been sown
with magnetic stres - By compaes TBC behaving very
strangely and I decided to return via route Y.
Shortly after this I observed H.N.S. Skipjack
enveloped in red flame and then disappear .
The ship 788 then attacked from the stern by a
German the Aeroplane * Fire was opened by the 19
pounder and the aeroplene immediatley onnited
black smoke and dropped & very large bomb which shook
the ship , two thousand feet astern Many of my
ships company state definitiey that the aeroblane
also crashed into the see in company with Its bomb
but I was engaged in manoeuvring the ship and 11d
not personally observe this
H.N.S. Fitarcy returned to Dover and
disembarked 07 officers and sen and then nade fast
to No.4 Buoy.nt 1915.
On accortaining the inability of N.V.S.
Fitarcy to return to Dunkirit owing to the failure
June.
or the D/G gear and as minor enginerros repaire were
also necessary the following officers and nen
volunteored to go in other ships and proceeded as
follows..-
H.M.O. Winchelsea- Widshipman Bryce R.N.R
Signalman D. #interc/JX155114
1. Hard Stoker * 0/1197894
H.M.S. Halsyon
Sub Leiutenant Date Shaw
Signalman Prograt 0/31144084
Ordinary Seaman
At 2930 the 19 pounder amunition of H.N.B.Fitzeoy

Details

204
TRIPLICATE
#
continued.
informing me that the approaches had been sown
with magnetic mines By compase vas behaving very
strangely and I decided to return via route Y.
Shortly after this I observed H.N.S. Skipjack
enveloped in red flame and then disappear . *
The ship was then attacked from the stern by a
German *** Aeroplane * Fire VSS opened by the 12
pounder and the aeroplane immediatley and
black smoke and dropped a very large bomb which shook
the ship 2: two thousand feet astern * llany of my
ships company state definitiey that the aeroplane
also crashed into the sea in company with its bomb
but I was engaged in manoeuvring the ship and did
not personally observe this.
H.N.S. Fitaroy returned to Dover and
disembarked 67 officers and man and then nade fast
to No.4 Buoy.nt 1915.
On secortaining the inability of U.V.S.
fune
Fitaroy to return to Dunkirit owing to the failure
of the d/g gear and as minor enginerrom repairs were
also necassary the following officers and men
volunteered to go in other ships and proceeded as
follows..-
H.M.S. Winchelsea- Widshipman Bryce R.N.R
Signalman D. #intere/JX155114
W. Ward Stoker * 0/1007894
H.M.S. Halsyon
Sub Leiutenant D.A. Shaw
Signalman Proggat 0/JX144084
Ordinary Seaman
At 9930 the 19 pounder amunition of H.N.S.Pitzeoy

Details

68
I
-
67
to the westward and anchried opposite the
French battery until daylisht. During the
might I shifted borth further to the
westward to avoid "oras" from the
Perman batteries shelling the French fort.
June 1ˢᵗ
1/6
At darr [ closed the beach
ajain where some troops were seen marching
lowards Dushisk. They should no
particular clesse Is come off and only
about 100 straggles were embarled, the
main body antioning along the beach.
At about 0800 therefore [ closed
the "Kith flying the flag of hear Admiral
wake-walhor. Captain Pin reported the
situation and was andered IS close the
beaches close castward of Danhih, and
if there were no troops there to proceed
Is England.
Shortly often this stung formating
of enemy chise bonkers appeared and Kith
was aepeatedly attached until put out
of action and chandmed ship. During
this period E remained under way
3ig zagging as apart from Keith
and Skipjack there appeared the

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74
-3-
13. Several of the motor boats had now broken down and
between midnight and 3 a.m. complete repairs were done to
these boats, which was most creditable to the R.N.R. and
R.N.V.R. officers and ratings sent from EXCELLENT and KING
ALFRED to man them.
14. I found it necessary to shift my anchorage to the west
during the night, as shells meant for the beaches were
ricocheting over H.M.S. HILDA.
15. In accordance with my undertaking to the troops, I sent
off all boats again at 3.15 a.m. to search the beaches, starting
from the western end of Bray-Dunnes. During the next three
hours approximately only 250 men were taken off the beaches,
and these in small parties; they were apparently stragglers.
A large rearguard party marching along the beach decided to
continue to Dunkirk.
June.
16. At 7.30 a.m. approximately I closed H.M.S. KEITH and
reported the position to Admiral Wake-Walker. He told me to
continue my search of the beaches and if possible transfer my
troops to another ship, subsequently returning to England.
17. Unfortunately, with the exception of KEITH, SKIPJACK,
one destroyer a considerable distance away and an Admiralty tug,
there were no vessels to whom I could transfer these troops,
besides which, with the dive bombing and shelling, it would, as
it turned out, have been impossible.
18. dive bomber and was abandoned shortly afterwards.
At approximately 8 a.m. H.M.S. KEITH received at direct
hit closed from KEITH a and picked up some 50 survivors out of the water,
including this stage I jettisoned all my spare petrol. The off Admiralty the
I the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F. and other Staff Officers.
At went alongside KEITH before she sank and took the east
majority make a final inspection of the beaches and to see motor-
tug of the survivors. I then proceeded to that no to
boats had been left behind.
19. dive bomber Half an and sank immediately. I closed SKIPJACK picked
hour later SKIPJACK received a direct hit and from a
up some 60 or 70 survivors.
20. Dive bombing had been more while or less HILDA continuous proceeded since towards early
morning Dunkirk Germans or narrowly 21. three At on and seemed missed 10.30 occasions, passage the to attacks be home. but in in complete during went the British on the control fighters greater for of bomba, of England, two part sink. the were of and air. of H.M. seen being after the transports on day an two the
hour's I saw the steaming, latter while struckby dive bombers and
22./

Details

2??
OPERATION
SHIP:- MOTOR BOAT - TENDER TO SKOOT "HILDA".
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
&
A.B.
M.J.Stallard
Detailed for small motor boats and went on board
PJX 154107.
the HILDA, a Dutch Skoot: taken round to Dgal
31/5
1100ca
19 years of age.and took two ships lifeboats and six motor boats
A
Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R. inntow. Stallard was transferred into & small
Motor Boat and towed across to La Panne. Passing
An Q.S.
Dunkerque were mixed up with an de raid. Then
1600
The old man from Deal
he arrived at La Panne there was heavy firing
mentioned in a Sunday
and shells were dropping in the sea all around,
paper.
firing at the destroyers. They were told to go
inshore, when it was found that the propeller
was foul with rope. They were towed inshore
by another motor boat and were able to clear the
propeller. Picked up a pontoon full of soldiers
and returned to HILDA with them. Pontoon was so
badly damaged that it had to be left. Found a
naval cutter. Took outter in tow. Tyansforred
from motor boat to cutter to help soldiers into
boat. Went into beach and a passing destroyer
beached them. By then motor boat and cutter
were full of soldiers. Breakers soon had motor
boat and cutter swamped and outter full of water.
Stallard had to tell the soldiers and push and
pull them out of the boat, as their equipment
was caught up. Ordered them to push the boat off,
doing his best with an oar, After they got the
cutter off, all the soldiers got back in and
Stallard told them to get the cars. There were
only 4 oars. The Officer and 0.3. abandoned the
motor boat and came aboard the outter. The old
man stayed in his motor boat. The cutter was
1815 ca
rowed by Stallard and aix soldiers out to HILDA.
He stayed in the outter. This was after 6.0 Dalla
and shelling was going on. One shell landed
2200
200 yards ahead of them inshore and wiped out a
group of 6 soldiers waiting. By about 10.0 Dalla
one part of the beach had been cleared by
Stallard's party. They then moved to a jetty made
of Army lorries. Took a boatload of soldiers to
"MOSQUITO". They were told by an afficer in
MOSQUITO that on the next trip they would get a
bottle of bear each. This was the first drink
Saturday morning
they had since leaving Deal. Could hardly see
the sky for aeroplanes. One Spitfire attacked
37 German aeroplanes, brough down one and came
down himself into the sea. Started bombing
0800ce: 12/gune
immediately. Hit Keith; Captain Pin than ordered
boat to pick up survivors. After picking these
up: SKIPJACK was hit. Went down in two seconds.
0849ca:
Went over to pick up SKIRJACK'S survivors. There
were some soldiers but very few of crew. Returned
to HILDA. Ordered to take up tow astern. HILDA
was full of survivors in bad state, one died.
HILDA tried to get away from the heavy bombing.
Tried to get clear. One salvo of bombs fall
each side of motor boat. Finally /14000 escaped about

Details

Dyrom 391
il
368
June 5th, 1940.
1.
Lieut. A.J. Davies, R.N.V.R. -"Java" never got over the
other side and was finally towed to Sheerness by "Gorecht"
2.
Lieut. A.N. Blundell, R.N.R. - "Bornrif" did three. trips
between Ramsgate and beaches at Dunkirk. "King Orry" was
sighted sunk off Dunkirk.
3.
Sub Lieut. R.H.C. Amos, R.N.V.R. - "Iote" was beached and
abandoned after she had damaged her rudder while rescuing
two of her crew, who had fallen overboard on the morning
of Saturday June 1st. On night of Monday, June 3rd, Sub Lieut
Amos, R.N.V.R. and Sub Lieut. R.H. Wallace, R.N.V.R. were in
a new but unnamed power life boat which was towed over to
SUN
Dunkirk by Tug XV "About ..... (A).
On the 30th May D.S. "Horst" was known to have been abandoned.
4.
Sub Lieut. D.C. Williams, R.N.V.R. - left Ramsgate on the
night of Su day, June 2nd in the "Kiteat". On the way over
he became separated from the rest of the convoy. After
doing some work the other side he towed the "Singapore" back
to Dover and then on to Ramsgate on Monday, June 3rd.
5.
Lieut. R.W. Thomson, R.N.V.R. - After being discharged from
the "AEGer", where he had proved lacking in experience, did
4 trips in the "DABB II", two of which were unsuccessful.
6.
Sub Lieut. C. Minchin, R.N. - Went to the beached in the
"LYDD" where he ferried until the boat broke down. She was
abandoned and Minchin returned to Ramsgate in the "Lydd".
On Monday, against orders he tried to go over in the "Hel-
frinore" but she broke down.
7.
Sub Lieut. E.S. Foreman, R.N.V.R. - In the"Princess Freda"
he ferried from the beaches for a destroyer. He then
worked for the Dutch "Besta" --?, who finally towed him
back to Ramsgate.
8.
Sub Lieut. R.E. Blows, R.N.V.R. - Started in the "Minikoi"
but she was rammed and sunk by "MASB 6" off the downs at
0250 on Wed, May 29th. He next went over in the "Ambleve",
which with the "Sambre" was towed over by the "Skipjack",
for whom he ferried from the beaches. A crew from the
Skipjack releived his crew for 'stand-easy' and ran the
"Ambleve" aground. He and his crew returned in the
Skipjack. On Saturday, June 1st, he went over in a power
life boat. She was damaged by near bombs but the engines
continued to run.
9.
Sub Lieut. J.W. Pratt, R.N.V.R. - Ran aground in the
"Singapore" on beach at 0130 on Sunday June 2nd. She
rfloated at 0800 and he left with three French Officers.
On the way he picked up two British soldiers who were
French Officers' water bottles. He passed the "Mosquito"
floating around'. These were revived with wine from the
which was still afloat but had been deserted. In mid
channel he found three life boats which he took in tow
until his engines gave out and he was taken in tow by
the "Kitkat".
10.
Sub Lieut. I.F. Smith, R.N.V.R. - In "Jong" helped to
ferry home he sighted the "Iote" drifting round empty and
troops from the beaches on Friday, May 31st. On
way the "White Heather" empty but at anchor.

Details

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

Details

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

144 33
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 23
142
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events,
1/6
Saturday, 1st June, (continued)
machines being noted. During this attack BASILISK was put out
of action off La Panne and later sank while struggling home.
KEITH, SALAMANDER and SKIPJACK, who were moving westward along
the coast as the Bray and La Panne beaches had been emptied,
were heavily bombed, t. e former was hit and set on fire and
the latter sank. KEITH was abandoned and finally sank.
Nearly all troops on board KEITH and the crews of both vessels
were rescued by other ships. A third attack started over
Dunkirk, extending well out along Route X, and occurred between
1000 and 1040, to be again resumed at noon. After that there
was a lull until 1550, when another attack was delivered on
Dunkirk Harbour and all shipping therein for over half an hour.
At 1800 the Vice Admiral received the following signal from
Dunkirk: "Things are getting very hot for ships; over 100
bombers on ships here since 0530, many casualties. Have
directed that no ships sail during daylight. Evacuation by
transports therefore ceases at 0300. If perimeter holds will
complete evacuation tomorrow, Sunday night, including most
French. General concurs." The sense of this message was
passed on to Rear Admiral, Dover, off the coast.
69. In addition to the heavy scale of air attack during
the afternoon the sea traffic was very seriously interrupted by
artillery fire brought to bear on X Route near No.5 buoy. The
fire appeared to be accurate and it is believed some French
ships were sunk. 2 French Destroyers in the vicinity stopped
British ships approaching from England on X Route short of this
point, and it became evident that a very serious threat to
daylight evacuation was in being. Meantime, the toll of
casualties of ships during the day was mounting particularly
amongst the destroyers and shortly after midday the Commander-
in-Chief, Nore, called the attention of the Admiralty to this,
suggesting the discontinuation of the use of destroyers by day
off the French Coast. The summarisation of all these incidents
led to the Admiralty directing the Vice Admiral, Dover, to
suspend evacuation from Dunkirk at 0700, Sunday 2nd June, and
for it to be resumed the following night or from 1730/2,
depending upon the circumstances. From the above it will be
seen that there were to be no ships proceeding to Dunkirk
between 0700/2 and 1730/2. The above Admiralty directions
crossed a message from the Vice Admiral stating that all ships
had been ordered to withdraw from Dunkirk before daylight the
following day, owing to the heavy casualties to shipping.
70. In spite of enemy action more than 60,000 troops
were landed in the United Kingdom during the 24 hours, thanks
to the unremitting determination of Naval vessels who all
executed a succession of round trips, interrupted only by
necessary refuelling. The majority of the surviving vessels
had been operating ceaselessly for at least 5 days, and officers
and men were approaching a condition of complete exhaustion.
the
71./
each
of
the
on

Details

149
147
14536
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 26
Operation "DYNAMO" - arrative of Events,
1/6
Saturday 1st June (continued).
Personnel vessel PRAGUE attacked by enemy aircraft
when on return from Dunkirk in position 2 miles 315° from V.
Buoy loaded with troops. She was eventually taken in tow and
beached in the Downs opposite Sandown Castle.
Destroyer HAVANT attacked by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk, hit by bombs and sank.
Personnel vessel SCOTIA attacked by aircraft on way
back from Dunkirk loaded with troops, Ship sank but crew and
troops mostly picked up, the majority being taken by the ESK.
Gunboat MOSQUITO attacked by enemy aircraft at about
1200 and sunk.
Trawler WESTWARD HO. Slight damage by near misses
from aircraft.
Destroyer WORCESTER at 1630 - 1700 damaged by enemy
bombing attack on leaving Dunkirk. Proceeded to Dover under
own steam.
Corvette KINGFISHER damaged by enemy bombing attack
and rendered unseaworthy in rough weather.
Minesweeper SANDOWN damaged by shell fire in boiler
room.
Destroyer IVANHOE damaged by aircraft bombing attack.
Taken in tow and proceeded to Sheerness.
Destroyer VIVACIOUS damaged by aircraft bombing attack
returned to Dover under own steam.
Bearing
Personnel vessel MONA'S ISLE. On way to Dunkirk
straddled by enemy shore batteries at No.5 Buoy and subsequent-
ly attacked by dive bombers - all near misses. Ship proceeded
to Dunkirk - embarked troops. Advised by Senior Naval Officer,
Dunkirk, to wait until high water as ship was fully loaded and
returned at 0400, arriving Dover on June 2nd at 0150. Ship
was found to be making water in No.2 stokehold and steam pipes
to be leaking.
F.A.A. Training Yacht GRIVE after leaving Dunkirk,
was blown up by a mine.
Minesweeper SKIPJACK was off La Panne engaged in
embarking troops. Continuous air attacks were made on the ship
from 0530. No fighters were seen except for about 5 minutes.
250 - 300 troops had been embarked by 0845 when ship was hit
several times. Orders were given to abandon ship and within
about 2 minutes she turned turtle. Most of the troops were
lost, having been put below. Those in the water were machine-
gunned.
Destroyer BASILISK was embarking troops off La Panne
and

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

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
APPENDIX. VI.
179
to
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
177
5
Enemy aircraft destroyed by ships' fire.
Ship.
Locality.
Time.
Polish T.B.D. BLYSKAWICA
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
0315/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS
1130/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.S. WOLFHOUND
1140/27
Dunkirk Roads.
H.M.P.M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
1500/27
North Goodwin.
HcM.Sc MONTROSE
Dawn/28
Near Kwinte Buoy.
M.T.B. 16
1500/28
Bray.
1530/28
H.M.S. SABRE and other ships
Dunkirk Harbour.
1630/29
H.M.S. BIDEFORD
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. EXPRESS
Dunkirk Roads.
1700/29
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
Bray.
1900/29
S.S. LEVENWOOD (Store ship}
Bray.
S.S. LEVENWOOD ( - do
1210/31
Bray.
1220/31
H.M. Skoot AMAZONE
Dunkirk Roads.
1440/31
H.M.S. HEBE
La Panne.
1700/31
af
H.M.S. SCIMITAR and other
ships
Bray.
1700/31
S.S. LADY OF MAN (Trassport) Dunkirk Roads.
1700/31
nd
H.M.Y. ARONIA
La Panne.
1830/31
H.M.S. WHITSHED
Dunkirk Roads.
1930/31
H.M.S. SALTASH
Bray.
2000/31
S.S. NEPHRITE (Store ship)
On Route X.
2030/31
H.M.Y. GRIVE
Dunkirk Roads.
2030/31
H.M.Y. ARONIA
Dunkirk Harbour.
0500/1
H.M.S. IVANHOE
La Panne.
0530/1
is
H.M.S. LYDD
Bray.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER
Dunkirk Harbour.
0600/1
H.M.S. HARVESTER and
other ships
Dunkirk Roads.
0610/1
H.M.Ships CODRINGTON,
3
HARVESTER and others
Off Gravelines.
0750/1
S
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
La Panne.
0900/1
H.M.S. MALLARD
On Route X.
1015/1
H.M.S. CALCUTTA
Between W and Y Buoys.
1020/1
H.M.P. M/S MEDWAY QUEEN
West of Dunkirk.
1600/1
H.M.Y. ALOUETTE
Off Gravelines.
1700/1
H.M.Y. CRISTOBEL II and
other ships
La Panne.
1730/1.
H.M.S. WORCESTER
Dunkirk Roads.
2000/1
TOTAL: 35 enemy aircraft definitely destroyed by ships'
gun fire between 0300/27 and 2000/1.
ery
In addition over the same period 21 others were heavily
damaged by ships' fire (and seen in distress but
NOT seen to crash definitely) of H.M. Ships HARVESTI
IVANHOE, VIVACIOUS, WINCHELSEA, WOLFHOUND, SABRE,
LOCUST, FITZROY, LYDD, MALLARD, MOSQUITO, WOLSEY,
EXPRESS, JAGUAR, GLEN AVON, ORIOLE, H.N.Y. ARONIA,
as
Storeship NEPHRITE and French M.T.B.24.
)p]
Note: On 30th May flying conditions were bad and few
enemy aircraft operated. After the 1st June
operations proceeded only between dusk and day.
i

Details

Details

224
"
Page 5.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
Junel
51. As the ship was getting lower the order to abandon
ship was given and the majority of men, who were able to find
some timber to hold on to or to find a place in the floats,
left the ship. At this moment the enemy launched a further
dive bombing attack and a bomb struck our exposed starboard
side in the engine room, making a large hole. Several bombs
fell very close to and one fell among the men who had
abandoned ship. The aircraft were engaged by pom poms and
lewis guns.
52. Some twnety minutes later the tug "St. Abbe" was
sighted and eventually came alongside to take men off the ship.
This she did with the exception of volunteers who remained or.
board. She was ordered to go and pick up "Keith's" men in the
water.
In this she was assisted by the tug "Vincia" which
took back to Margate: Lieutenant Beauchamp, 83 ratings from
"Keith" and about ten of the General Headquarters Staff,
together with six seriously injured ratings.
A grey scoob also assisted and recovered Lieutenant
Verney, Pay. Sub. Lieutenant Craig-Waller, P.N.V.R., and about
four of "Keith's" men. Having a full load of soldiers, she
returned to England.
53. "Keith" was again bombed by dive bombers at this time.
54. After an interval, in which a search was made for
wounded and any confidential matter remaining, the tug "St.
Abbs" returned and, the ship now being not only immoveable
but without H.A. ammunition and sinking slowly, the remaining
men left the ship in her at about 0840.
1/6
55. Signals were made to "Salamander" and to "Basilisk"
asking them to sink "Keith" finally but both replied that they
were out of control and required tug assistance. The minesweep
er however proceeded westwardsand shelled "Keith" in vicinity
of Asdic cabinet.
ed
56. "St. Abbs" proceed/to the recovery of a number of men
in the water and on a wreck
of the "Skipjack"
which had been sunk during, it 1s believed, the last attack on
"Keith".
57. After recovering all these men and a number of
soldiers from a ship's lifeboat, the "St. Abbe" was attacked
by part of a large formation of enemy aircraft but without
result.
58. However, somewhat later, another extremely large
formation was sighted consisting mainly of high level bombers.
These did not attack the "St. Abbs" but proceeded to destroy
the "Keith" and attacked "Basilisk" some miles to the East.
"Keith" sank in a heavy salvo of bombs at about 0915.
59. A single, high flying twin-engined bomber was then
seen returning from Dunkirk. Again the "St. Abbs" circled as
fast as she could but this time a single bomb hit her
amidships and she sank very rapidly in about 30 seconds and
with her many wounded survivors at about 1000.

Details

234
222
REPORT ON THE LOSS OF H.M.S. SKIPJACK, 1st JUNE 1940. 0845
(1).
Skipjack anchored at 0030 on June 1st, 1940 off La Panne.
She had only one serviceable small boat and that had no
rudder. the ghinle boats having been left behind off Dunkirk
B22/
B22/112
233
221
16, Staunton Road,
Headington,
Oxford.
51
4th June 1940.
Sir,
I beg to submit the following report on the loss
of H.M.S. Skipjack under my command on the 1st June
last.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Lieutenant Commander,
(retired)
Royal Navy.
The Vice Admiral
Commanding
VICE ADMIRAL
5- JUN 1940
*
Dover.
DOVER

Details

234
REPORT ON THE LOSS OF H.M.S. SKIPJACK, 1st JUNE 1940. 0845 222
(1).
Skipjack anchored at 0030 on June 1st, 1940 off La Panne.
She had only one serviceable small boat and that had no
rudder, the ship's boats having been left behind off Dunkirk
on a previous trip.
Puler 52
(2).
It was understood that embarkation of troops would commence
at once in boats believed to be organised by the Army and
beach parties ashore. No boats, however, arrived.
(3).
During the time Skipjack was anchored off La Panne there was
considerable enemy air activity, one parashutemine being
dropped about one cable inshore from the ship. There was
some shelling.
(4).
At break of dawn about 0330 it was decided to weigh and
1/6
endeavour to pick up and man any derelict boats that could
be found. Skipjack, therefore, set a course to the west-
ward and managed to secure three boats; some troops were
also picked up. As several of H.M. ships were in the
vicinity, course was continued to opposite a point on the
beach about one mile to the eastward of Dunkirk, where there
was only one small skoot operating. The boats were then
sent inshore and the embarkation of troops commenced. The
ship was kept under weigh owing to considerable enemy air
activity.
(5).
From this time onwards, thought to be about 0530, there were
continued enemy bombing attacks. Several W/T messages were
transmitted asking for fighter assistance. Except for one
period of about 5 minutes no fighters were seen.
(6).
At about 0600 a derelict motor launch was got in working
order and embarkation of troops continued apace.
P.T.O.

Details

235
-2-
233
(7).
At about 0700 H.M.S. Gossamer came alongside to deliver a
bottle of chloroform required for some wounded who had been
embarked.
(8).
Except when boats were alongside Skipjack circled round at
full speed using full wheel to avoid attacks. Opportunities
were found in the lull between attacks to embark troops from
the boats.
53
(9).
At 0800 it was reported that 4" ammunition was nearly
X
expended, only about 12 rounds a gun being left. Orders
were, therefore, given not to open fire till the commencement
of the dive.
June
(10).
At 0845 Skipjack had embarked 250-300 troops. A flight of
10 Junkers 88 were seen to be about to attack. Fire was
opened with all guns and full wheel put on. The leader of
0845
the flight dropped his bombs, two of which hit the ship, one
on each side abreast the whallers davits. The ship
way
immediately lost weigh and took a strong list to port.
About a minute later a second plane made his dive and three
more bombs hit the ship, one through the bridge, one on the
fo'castle, and one in the foremost boiler room. The Lewis
gun on the rangefinder platform, however, never relaxed fire
and the plane never came out of her dive but went straight
on into the sea.
(11).
One minute after the ship was hit the second time, the order
was given to abandon ship and two minutes after this she
turned turtle. She remained floating bottom up for some
20 minutes before she finally sank.
(12).
A further bombing attack was made on the survivors in the
water.
P.T.O.

Details

Dynamo 65.
Dyrans. 33V.
Royal Chatham. Naval Barracks,
202
90
:que,
285
15th June, 1940.
13
sir,
I at have the honour to report the loss of H.M. Tug"St Abbs"
0
at Dunkirk 0930 on 1st June 1940, Lieutenant Brooker in command.
5
2.
Blst May, three barges in tow, the "Duchess", the "H.A.C." and
H.M. with Tug"St Abbs" sailed from Dover at 10 a.m. on Friday,
the "Doris", bound for Dunkirk.
ng
3. At 2100 31st May the last barge of the tow, the "Doris"
31/5
ne
or
broke adrift and was taken in tow by a sloop, name not known.
ing
4. At 0030, 1st June, H.M. Tug"St St Abbs" anchored approximately
say
six miles from Dunkirk, Lieutenant T.E. Brooker considering it
unadvisable and dangerous to proceed further before daylight.
5. At 0330 anchor was weighed and ship proceeded towards
Dunkirk.
6. At 0600 H.M. Tug"St Abbs" passed the piers and proceeded
LE
towards the beaches. Enemy aircraft commenced bombing the piers and
shipping.
yer
7. At 0630 the barges were slipped and ordered to proceed
it:
inshore to the beaches, the "Duchess" towing the "H.A.C."
H.M. Tug"St Abbs" anchored and waited for soldiers to embark.
8. At 0730 attacks by enemy aircraft intensified and anchor
take
was weighed, it being intended to proceed closer to the beach to
a men
on
facilitate embarking of soldiers.
9. At 0800 approximately, H.M.S. "Keith" was struck by a bomb
ng
and settled in the water. H.M.Tug " St Abbs" proceeded alongside
s:
H.M.S. "Keith" and took off survivors. Captain(D) of Nineteenth
S
Le
had
Flotilla, First Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Keith" and other ratings
remained on board to estimate the damage and consider the possibility
of S. "Keith" being towed back to England. H.M.Tug "st Abbs"
rties
ed.
I
proceeded to pick up survivors from ship's boats and from the water.
train
10. At 0830 H.M.S. "Skipjack" was struck by a bomb and sank
of
quickly. "Salamander" who was also rescuing survivors
Panne
sailed for H.M.S. entrance of the harbour. The bombing was very heavy. the
Lo and
remainder "St Abbs" then continued to pick up survivors. Bombing
H.M. Tug the returned alongside H.M.S. "Keith" and took off
re
and
became so of heavy the that crew, it was necessary to keep the ship at full speed
S to
and at 0900 H. M. Tug "St Abbs" sailed for the entrance.
O set
11. Tug "St Abbs" was blown up by four delay-action and
ations,
bombs At 0930 the water ahead of the ship. The bottom
stern dropped were completely into shattered and the ship sank in approximatel
p
i/c
hit
45 seconds.
nise
1
H. 12. were swimming in the water and after
M. Tug "St About Abbs" thirty sank. men Approximately one hundred thirty
que
al
ratings and soldiers were on the ship.
ark
0
13. June, I reached a wreck believed two to ratings be the
si
"Clan MacAlfister", At 2400, 1st in company with two "Salamander"s" soldiers, whaler's
from crew. H.M.S. "Skipjack" and were one from Captain(D), H.M.S. Nineteenth Flotilla, survivors
the First Also Lieutenant on the wreck of H.M.S. "Keith" and eight other

Details

10
302
About from seaward this time saw a Belgian fishing boat 200
tigate. down the Zuidcoote Pass. BASILISK appear on inves- scene
Was first of a dozen such boats which to
tion. appeared; on their way to Dunkerque to assist in shortly evacua-
As mists and clouds dispersed many aircraft appeared
scene, and fighters constantly came low over us. Often on
they were Spitfires, but our ships were not taking any
chances and opened fire indiscriminately on them.
Hoisted signal "Cease Fire" and blew syren to attract
attention, but our own machine gun aft in KEITH continued
firing - once firing started they could not hear the
"cease fire" gong.
KEITH now had only about 30 rounds of H.A. ammunition left,
SO decided would shortly transfer flag to BASILISK and send
(29)
KEITH into Dunkerque to fill up and return to Dover.
Before I could do this a very heavy bombing attack develop-
ed, first of all in and around Dunkerque itself. IVANHOE
was hit and entirely enveloped in smoke just off entrance;
2 hours later saw her being towed back to Dover. HAVANT
was sunk near the entrance.
(24)
Not long afterwards a compact formation of 30-40 JU 87's
appeared from the S.W. Everyone opened fire on them and
enemy spread out. Fire seemed effective and thought it
was driving them away, so left bridge for a moment.
KEITH attacked by 3 D/Bs: one bomb burst 10 yards astern
and helm jammed when hard over; two others near misses.
Ship soon under control in hand steering: 1 man hurt.
1900
Attacked by 3 more D/Bs: one bomb down after funnel and
(25)
exploded below; several casualties.
Owing to danger of fire, foremost torpedo tubes were fired As
to get rid of torpedoes. Holes in side from bomb.
ship could not steam let go anchor, and shortly after
(80)
MTB 102 came alongside. Could do no good in KEITH, so
transferred to the MTB with my staff and 1 wounded man.
Sent two nearby tugs to assist KEITH and then made for
Dunkerque. KEITH again attakked and hit under bridge:
heavy list to port, but H.A. gun still firing. She was
twice more and her men were taken off by a tug, which the
hit picked up men from BASILISK and SKIPJACK: both sunk:
latter also sunk at this time. Tug also was bombed down and and
about 30 of KEITH'S men lost, and planes came
machined gunned men in water.
MTB to see General Alexander (now in command Tennant.
bombed most of the way in, but managed to dodge after them.
0915
Landed Gort's departure), but he was away and so was
Learnt that plan was to continue evacuation during the next
(31)
(26)
night withdraw from their new positions at dawn and for several
from western beaches and Dunkerque; rear guard retire were to
Dunkerque. to This meant continuing embarkation
hours spaces round local H.Q. full of ambulances and ounded
of daylight: feared heavy losses.
Open doctors doing what they could.
with ships still afloat had left Dunkerque, MTB so returned and, in to
make spite of more bombing and machine gunning, Dover
All contact with VA, Dover. Left in the reached
1130
in safety at 1130.
Embarkation Plan to take place between 2100 and of 0330 Dunkerque. and was to
for the night:-
(27)
be from this a large number of ships and small also being were being sent
the 1½ miles of beach to the east craft
For and sent over. Personnel ships RAF to
assembled Dunkerque itself to go alongside pier. were the
into their efforts between 1900 and and 0700 from over
period concentrate when ships would be on passage to
Dunkerque. cross-channel type used for normal ferrying
Personnel across ships to = France. Manned by and their loading alongside crews
troops been going into the harbour so were very
and had could carry 3,000 men, used
(28)
valuable; the pier. but Some they were large targets and were reluctance with

Details

4/7/88) (1709) Wt. 22622/4313 50M 9/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
is
Register No. N.L. 6245/40.
Minute Sheet No. 1.
H.M ships lost during the wacuation of ther BEF from Dunkirk
The following are the names of the senior and next
senior surviving officers of the shins in question. so far as
can be ascertained from information available in C.W. In view
of numerous local changes in personnel, complete accuracy cannot
be. guaranteed, but the list which follows is believed to be
substantially correct.
Shin
Date lost
Senior surviving
Officers.
Destroyers.
GRAFTON N.L. 9553/40
29th May
Lieutenant H.C.J.McRea,R.1
Lieutenant L.E.Blackmore,
R.N
WAKEFUL
9339
29th May
Commander R.L.Fisher, R.N.
Lieutenant W.Scott, R.N.
GRENADE
9339
30th May
Commander R.C. Boyle, R.N.
Lieutenant E.C.Peake, R.N.
VKEITH
9907
1st June
Cantain E.L.Berthon, R.N.
Lieutenant G.J.A.Lumsden,
R.N.
/HAVANT
10932
1st June
Lieutenant-Commander
A.F.Burnell-Nugent, R.N.
Lieutenant A.H.Terry, R.N.
/BASILISK 9723
1st June
Commander M.Richmond, R.N.
Lieutenant-Commander
W.G.Boaks, R.N.
Minesweeper
SKIPJACK 9957
1st June
Lieutenant-Commander
F.B. Proudfoot, R.N.
Temporary Lieutenant
E.Richardson, R.N.R.
Paddle Minesweeners.
BRIGHTON BELLE 10932 28th May
Temporary Lieutenant
L.K. Perrin. R.N.V.R.
Temporary Lieutenant
W.J.C.Fuller, R.N.V.R.
GRACIE TELDS 11385 30th May
Temporary Lieutenant
A.C. Weeks, R.N.V.R.
Temporary Lieutenant
H.Jones, R.N.V.R.
WAVERIEY
9552
30th May
Temporary Lieutenant
S.F.Harmer-Elliott,
R.N.V.R.
Temporary Lieutenant
F.P.Tattersal1.R.N.V.R.
DEVONTA
11386
31st May
Temmorary Lieutenant
J.Brotchie, R.N.V.R.
Lieutenant A.F.Cox,
numbers indicate
R.N.V.R.
N.L. in this Ease.

Details

4/7/88) (1709) Wt. 22622/4313 50M 9/38 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
7
Register No.
Minute Sheet No.
Name
Ex.
Present
Location (17/7/40)
Appointment
Tempy.Lieut.E.
SKIPJACK
PATROCLUS
Northern Patrol.
Richardson,R.N.R.
Tempy.Lieut.L.K.
BRIGHTON
BADGER
Harwich.
Perrin,R.N.V.R.
BELLE
addl.for
Gp. of A.P.
Tempy.Lieut.W.J.C.
"
MEDWAY
Dover.
Fuller, R.N.V.R.
QUEEN (No.1)
Tempy.Lieut.A.C.
GRACIE
ORIOLE
Lowestoft.
Weeks, R.N.R.
FIELDS
in command
Tempy.Lieut. H.
"
LYNX addl.
Port Edgar.
Jones, R.N.R.
for AMBASSADOR
Tempy.Lieut.S.T.
WAVERLEY VICTORY addl. Hamble River.
Harmer Elliott,
for A.P.Duties
R.N.V.R.
Tempy.Lieut.F.P.
"
BOSCAWEN addl. Portland.
Tattersall,R.N.V.R.
for A.P.Base
Officer.
Tempy.Lieut.J.
DEVONIA
Southsea in
SOUTHAMPTON.
Brotchie,R.N.V.R.
command
Tempy.Lieut. A.F.
"
VERNON addl.
Portsmouth.
Cox, R.N.V.R.
for M/S Course
Sub-Lieut.D.J.
THOMAS
On sick leave
Hutton,R.N.V.R.
BARTLETT
until 8th July
Tempy.Lieut.A.R.
THURINGIA BACCHANTE for Scapa
Cornish,R.N.R.
LEICESTER CITY
in command
Pby.Tempy.Sub-
"
BACCHANTE addl.Scapa
Lieut.A.G.
for LEICESTER
Slemeck,R.N.V.R.
CITY
Sub-Lieut. J.S.
ARGYLISHIRE CALLIOPE for Blyth
Weddle, R.N.R.
ANEMONE
Ty.Sub-Lieut.
"
CAROLINE addl. BELFAST till complet
M.F.Villiers-
for MALLOW
then Portland.
Stuart,R.N.V.R.
(building)
Py.Ty.Sub-Lieut.
AMULREE
OSPREY addl. Portland.
G.P.Probert,R.N.V.R.
for M/B
training
Py.Ty.Lieut.Cdr.B. CRESTED
PEMBROKE for
Sheerness
R.Booth, R.N.R.
EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
Py.Ty.Lieut.D.J.R.
Davies, R.N.R.
11
VICTORY for
Portsmouth
Boom Defences
Portsmouth
Cdr.J.Elliott,
KING
ROSEMARY
Portsmouth
R.N.R.
ORRY
addl.

Details

in
NED СУДИИ
3'8"
J.Con
INVIDOR LOI
ASSERITY
=
REVAEB LOZ
DETOMENON RSITS
TV" OURS B'WA'E'
FX
Leah* yourse
BOMLING 2°
NAMELE
V'II"
B'M'
cyMoTa
HYHATON YWD INVOICE
D'H'D'
IVent* E'E'
ORRGIN EVOTE
B'N'E'
5'5" Booth* 5'W'5"
LOA PV*
БЕНЬКОКИ 4,
GEVOTE MIRITS
E 20062
Jsmb*
AIIDLINE
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP.
RANK
SHIP
LOWESTOFT AND YARMOUTH
LARKE
A.C. Weeks
Temp. Lieutenant,
SAND
GRACIE FIELDS
R.N.R. R.N.R.
LOVERS
L. Lake
Chief Skipper,
MINO
POLLY JOHNSON
R.N.R.
B.D. Spindler
Temp. Skipper,
EUROI
CALVIE
R.N.R.
A. Gove,
Chief Skipper,
EUROI
WESTELLA
R.N.R.
Ideal,
E.W.Y.B.
LIVERPOOL
M.F. Villiers-Stuart,
Temp. Sub-Lieut.,
CAROI
ARGYLLSHIRE
R.N.V.R.
E. Richardson
Temp. Lieutenant,
PATRO
SKIPJACK
R.N.R.
Combon
M.S.R.
BARROW
S.F. Harmer-Elliott,
Temp. Lieut,,
CLIO
WAVERLEY
R.N.V.R.
R.B.V.D.
R.W. English,
Commander, R.N.
Gurne
BLACKBURN BOVERS
Texas

Details

DEADMIT
'S' propopre*
Jombs
.
not
ADA Lemb*
y's' Counter
seep* B*W*B*
VERBINES
anowe
1'2" Jostrumon
Louis*
DEADNIT
V*S* Cox
prone*
SINTH OL OREN
KELLA
0"2"
product 8*W*
CITIZE
ВОЛЕВЗ
FEE
ГУНИК
NAME OF OFFICER AND SHIP
RANK
SHIP
TYBE
W.J.C. Fuller,
Temp, LieutenNnt MEDWA
BRIGHTON BELLE
R.N.V.R,
J.S. Weddle
Sub-Lieut, R.N.R. CALLI
ARGYLLSHIRE
D.J. Hutton
Sub-Lieut. R.N.V.R. GOSS
THOMAS BARTLETT
MISCELLANEOUS
E.L. Berthon
Captain, R.N.
VIC
KEITH
J.K.B. Miles,
Temp. Sub-Lieut.
R,N.
GRIVE
R.N.V.R.
6
F.B. Proudfoot,
Lt. Cmdr., R.N.,
PEMB
SKIPJACK
(Retd.)
E.S. Flint,
Pby. Sub-Lieut.,
DOLP
MOSQUITO
R,N.R.

Details

Details

22
(ATI) notional
.
$левет9
21
9msk
Name
Ex.
Present
Location (17/7/40)
Appo ntment
Tempy.Lieut.E.
SKIPJACK
PATROCLUS
Northern Patrol.
Richardson,R.H.A.
Tempy.Ideut.L.K.
BRIGHTON
BADGER
Harwich.
Perrin,R.N.V.R.
BELLE
addl.for
Gp. of A.P.
Tempy.Lieut.W.J.C.
MEDWAY
Dover.
Fuller, R.N.V.R.
QUEEN (No.1)
Tempy.Lieut.A.C.
GRACIE
ORIOL
Lovestoft.
Weeks, R.N.R.
FIELDS
in command
Tempy.Lieut. H.
"
LYNX addl.
Port Edgar.
Jones, R.N.R.
for AMBASSADOR
Tempy.Licut.S.T.
WAVERLEY
VICTORY addl. Hamble River.
Harmer Elliott,
for A.P.Duties
R.N.V.R.
Tempy.Lieut.F.P.
"
BOSCAWEN addl. Portland.
Tattersall,R.N.V.R.
for A.P.Base
Officer.
Tempy.Lieut.J.
DEVONIA
Southsea in
SOUTHAMPTON.
Brotchie,R.N.V.R.
command
Tempy.Lieut. A.F.
#
VERNON addl. Portsmouth.
Cox, R.N.V.R.
for IL/S Course
Sub-Lieut.D.J.
THOMAS
On sick leave
Hutton,R.N.V.R.
BARTLETT
until 8th July
Tempy.Lieut.A.R.
THURINGIA BACCHANTE for Scapa
Cornish, R.N.R.
LEIGESTER CITY
in command
Fby.Tempy.Sub-
BACCHANTE addl.Scapa
Licut.A.G.
for LEICESTER
Slemeck,R.N.V.R.
CITY
Sub-Lieut. J.S.
ARGYLISHGE CALLIOPE for Blyth
Weddle, R.N.R.
ANEMONE
Ty.Sub-Lieut.
"
CAROLINE addl. BELFAST till complete
M.F.Villiers-
for MALLOW
then Portland.
Stuart,R.N.V.R.
(building)
Py.Ty.Sub-Ideut.
AMULREE
OSPREY addl. Portland.
G.P.Probert,R.N.V.R.
for II/B
training
Py.Ty.Licut.Cdr.B. CRESTED
PEMBROKE for
Sheerness
R.Booth, R.N.R.
EAGLE
GOLDEN AGLE
Py.Ty.Lieut.D.J.R.
Davies, R.N.R.
"
VICTORY for
Portsmouth
Boom Defences
Portsmouth
Cdr.J.Elliott,
KING
ROSEMARY
Portsmouth
R.N.R.
ORRY
addl.

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

34
Vice Admiral A. Bedford,
Lieutenant Commander
Room 90 Archway Blook (s),
F.B.Proudfoot, R.N., (retired),
Admiralty.
16, Staunton Road,
Hendington,
Oxfordshire.
21st August,
0
(Copy to Secretary, N.L.Branch).
No.5.AB/4.0.
With reference to my telegram of Wednesday 21st August, you are
requested to attend an enquiry at the address given above at 1500 on
Friday 23rd August.
ted
2.
The enquiry, which is relative to the loss of H.M.S. SKIPJACK, is of
an informal nature and with the object of eliciting information as to the
behaviour of material and what lessons may be learnt from the experience gained.
3.
If you have a copy of your report on the loss of this ship you are
requested to bring it with you.
4.
A travelling warrant is attached.
R.N.R.
VILLING
@kigner
R.N.R.
not
R.N.
EXHI
*1330
Asspirt).
Secretary
for VICE ADMIRAL.
order WITH la
you will crand
It the to seniar -
As ovailable, be who Con or
the 18
SCREETARY
GADM L
UADM LIM
PASS
BRIN LE
PASS TO
ADDRESS
VICE ADMIRAL
ROOM FOR VED.ARD THE
PSE READ PSE READ
R 1002/23
78.

Details

Noted.
2. The 3" A.A. gun in KEITH was not primarily intended for close
defence. For this purpose the ship had two converted Mk. II* pom pom equipm rang
3. Shields are being provided for all close range weapons.
not:
4. The multiple pom poms are/available for SKIPJACK class except at t)
expense of other services.
5. D.T.S.D. referred re 0.5 inch Mk. IV twin equipments.
CW
WSG
BJ
3.9.40.
for DIRECTOR OF NAVAL ORDNANCE.
4
September, 1940.
&
1.
Concur with D.N.O. (There appears to be a typing
error in his paragraph 4.)
2.
0.5" Mark IV equipments cannot be made available for
SKIPJACK class as all are allocated to Auxiliary war vessels
None the less HALCYON class minesweepers are certainly under-
armed. Subject to D.N.O's and D.N.C's remarks it is proposed
to submit for approval in principle to alter their A.A.
armaments as follows, positions being prepared for the
additional guns as opportunity offers and the guns to be
allocated as and when available.
(A) GOSSAMER, LEDA, SEAGULL, HAZARD, HEBE, SHARPSHOOTER,
BRAMBLE, BRITOMART and SPEEDY:-
Add 1 - 0.5" Mark III and re-arange this
and existing 0.5" Mark III in sided positions.
(B) GLEANER and JASON (A/S Patrol vessels of H ALCYON Class)
Add 1 - 0.5" Mark III as for GOSSAMER etc.
(C) NIGER and SALAMANDER
Remove forward 4" V in C.P. II and substitute
4" V on H.A. III or IV mounting.
Add 1 - 0.5" Mk. III as for GOSSAMER etc.
(D) HALCYON, HARRIER, HUSSAR and SPEEDWELL.
Remove 2 pdr. II and substitute 2 - 2 pdr on
single mountings, sided. Priority for allocation
+1
to be after Corvettes.
requirement 3. for 11 additional 0.5" Mk. III equipments for Ships
Should it be clearly impossible to meet the
shown in para. 2 (A) and (B), single 2 pdrs. (2 per ship)
should be allocated in lieu and the existing 0.5"s diverted
to other services.
and
w
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND STAFF DUTIES
DIVISION.
14-9.40.

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 23
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Saturday, 1st June, (continued)
machines being noted. During this attack BASILISK was put out
of action off La Panne and later sank while struggling home.
KEITH, SALAMANDER and SKIPJACK, who were moving westward along
the coast as the Bray and La Panne beaches had been emptied,
were heavily bombed, the former was hit and set on fire and
the latter sank. KEITH was abandoned and finally sank.
Nearly all troops on board KEITH and the crews of both vessels
were rescued by other ships. A third attack started over
Dunkirk, extending well out along Route X, and occurred between
1000 and 1040, to be again resumed at noon. After that there
was a lull until 1550, when another attack was delivered on
Dunkirk Harbour and all shipping therein for over half an hour.
At 1800 the Vice Admiral received the following signal from
Dunkirk: "Things are getting very hot for ships; over 100
bombers on ships here since 0530, many casualties. Have
directed that no ships sail during daylight. Evacuation by
transports therefore ceases at 0300. If perimeter holds will
complete evacuation tomorrow, Sunday night, including most
French. General concurs." The sense of this message was
passed on to Rear Admiral, Dover, off the coast,
69. In addition to the heavy scale of air attack during
the afternoon the sea traffic was very seriously interrupted by
artillery fire brought to bear on X Route near No.5 buoy. The
fire appeared to be accurate and it is believed some French
ships were sunk. 2 French Destroyers in the vicinity stopped
British ships approaching from England on X Route short of this
point, and it became evident that a very serious threat to
daylight evacuation was in being. Meantime, the toll of
casualties of ships during the day was mounting particularly
amongst the destroyers and shortly after midday the Commander-
in-Chief, Nore, called the attention of the Admiralty to this,
suggesting the discontinuation of the use of destroyers by day
off the French Coast. The summarisation of all these incidents
led to the Admiralty directing the Vice Admiral, Dover, to
suspend evacuation from Dunkirk at 0700, Sunday 2nd June, and
for it to be resumed the following night or from 1730/2,
depending upon the circumstances. From the above it will be
seen that there were to be no ships proceeding to Dunkirk
between 0700/2 and 1730/2. The above Admiralty directions
crossed a message from the Vice Admiral stating that all ships
had been ordered to withdraw from Dunkirk before daylight the
following day, owing to the heavy casualties to shipping.
70. In spite of enemy action more than 60,000 troops
were landed in the United Kingdom during the 24 hours, thanks
to the unremitting determination of Naval vessels who all
executed a succession of round trips, interrupted only by
necessary refuelling. The majority of the surviving vessels
had been operating ceaselessly for at least 5 days, and officers
and men were approaching a condition of complete exhaustion.
71./

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 26
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Saturday 1st June (continued).
Personnel vessel PRAGUE attacked by enemy aircraft
when on return from Dunkirk in position 2 miles 315° from V.
Buoy loaded with troops. She was eventually taken in tow and
beached in the Downs opposite Sandown Castle.
Destroyer HAVANT attacked by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk, hit by bombs and sank.
Personnel vessel SCOTIA attacked by aircraft on way
back from Dunkirk loaded with troops. Ship sank but crew and
troops mostly picked up, the majority being taken by the ESK.
Gunboat MOSQUITO attacked by enemy aircraft at about
1200 and sunk.
Trawler WESTWARD HO. Slight damage by near misses
from aircraft.
Destroyer WORCESTER at 1630 - 1700 damaged by enemy
bombing attack on leaving Dunkirk. Proceeded to Dover under
own steam.
Corvette KINGFISHER damaged by enemy bombing attack
and rendered unseaworthy in rough weather.
Minesweeper SANDOWN damaged by shell fire in boiler
room.
Destroyer IVANHOE damaged by aircraft bombing attack.
Taken in tow and proceeded to Sheerness.
Destroyer VIVACIOUS damaged by aircraft bombing attack
returned to Dover under own steam.
Personnel vessel MONA'S ISLE. On way to Dunkirk
straddled by enemy shore batteries at No.5 Buoy and subsequent-
ly attacked by dive bombers - all near misses, Ship proceeded
to Dunkirk - embarked troops. Advised by Senior Naval Officer,
Dunkirk, to wait until high water as ship was fully loaded and
returned at 0400, arriving Dover on June 2nd at 0150. Ship
was found to be making water in No.2 stokehold and steam pipes
to be leaking.
F.A.A. Training Yacht GRIVE after leaving Dunkirk,
was blown up by a mine.
Minesweeper SKIPJACK was off La Panne engaged in
embarking troops. Continuous air attacks were made on the ship
from 0530. No fighters were seen except for about 5 minutes.
250 - 300 troops had been embarked by 0845 when ship was hit
several times. Orders were given to abandon ship and within
about 2 minutes she turned turtle. Most of the troops were
lost, having been put below. Those in the water were machine-
gunned.
Destroyer BASILISK was embarking troops off La Panne
and/
daylight/

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

Details

Details

Details

Ship sailed from Dover at 0850 on 29th May, did a days minesweeping
and arrived off Dunkirk, lit by the red flames of the burning oil tanks
at 0040 on 30th May. On this occasion troops were embarked off BRAY
DUNE in our own boats and canvas punts. There were no incidents of
note, and we sailed at 0515, arriving at Dover at 1015 on Thursday
morning. All boats were left on the beach by order from Rear Admiral
Dover.
Third trip. Sailing from Dover at 1330 with a party of signalmen
for LA PANNE, we arrived off BRAY at 1830. Admiral Wake Walker came
on board for passage to LA PANNE, where we transferred him to H.M.S.
"WORCESTER" and enchored at 1930. I can recall no. features of this
trip, which was eclipsed by the incidents of the following one.
we
proceeded at 0118 and arrived at Dover at 0600.
Fourth trip. In order to comply with Vice Admiral Dover's
0446/30 12 hours were spent at Dover.
A
smallamotor-boat,
the
"Handy
Billy! was requisitioned. We left at 1800 and anchored as ordered,
one mile west of LA PANNE and 4 cables from the shore, at 1207.
Sub-Lieutenant M.Phipps proceeded to search the shore in "Handy Bill
and reported no answer to his hails. Inside an hour, however, the
situation had changed, and thousands were massing abreast the ship.
UI called for more boats by searchlight up and down the immic coast,
and eventually was much assisted by H.M.S. "IVANHOE" who lent me a
motor-boat. The vital need now was for more boats. About this time
Lieutenant-Commander McLelland swam off from shore with a message for
Dover which he was just able to gasp out before collapsing. The
troops had been forcedout of LA PANNE and were marching West.
We
also embarked a Major, 2nd in Command 2nd Coldstream Guards, and on
his advice ordered the bulk of the troups to move West on Dunkirk in
small groups.
I decided to remain where I was and to embark the wounded and such
troops as refused to move on. "IVANHOE" remained with me.
At this time a paddle minesweeper most gallently grounded herself
close inshore to save as many as possible. I do not know har name.
At 0500 as I had expected a flight of Messerschmidt 109's appeared
from Eastward, flew low over the beaches and sprayed ships and men
with machine-gun fire. The silvery tracer bullets were clearly
visible in the morning light. Our fire did something to disperse
these machines and casualties did not appear to be heavy.
At 0600 Captain D in H.M.S. "CODRINGTON" asked me my intentions
End as I had 675 troops on board I replied I was proceedingt He
ordered me to Dunicirk to "Fill up".
On our way there we went alongside H.M.S. "SKIPJACK" who required
8oz.
chloroform. We then berthed on East Arm just beyond the break,
and very quickly embarked some 170 French troops. The enemy was now
bombing the town and massing off the harbour entrence. As I went
astern "IVANHOE" was hit as she steamed full speed past the pierhead.
We set course west, and were about to turn North at 5W Buoy when we
were attacked by some five Junkers 87 dive bombers. These were
followed by nine or ten otheres the a few minutes later. It was
at
this time that H.M.S. "HAVANT" was hit. During these
attacks
I
attribute our escape to the coolness and precision with which Lieut-
enant .Menisty and Yeoman of Signals J.Young ( C/J X 131436
observed each aircraft as it turned to the attack, and assisted me in
handling the ship. The salvoes sonbanneck of four small bombs and
one large one fell very close; on two occasions it was only our swing
during the flight of the bombs that saved us. The 0.5" machine-gun
fired until all the feree springs fell off. The 4" guns were hamp-
ered by the swing of the ship.
This was a most trying time for the troops between decks who could
not tell whether or not we were hit. A great deal was done to calm
them by P.O. Std. A.Hockney ( L 14824 ) who actually sat on the ladder
to the messdeck and sang to the soldiers.

Details

Page 4.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
MINESWEEPERS (continued).
H.M.S. ORIOLE.
Ratings.
Petty Officer George Page, B/21629, R.F.R.
Leading Seaman Jack Giles, B/23499, R.F.R.
Telegraphist William Scothorn, B/Z/7560.
Seaman James Grace, R.N.R.
H.M.S. SALTASH.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Randall Fowke, R.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Harry Sobey, R.N.R.
Mr. John Tranack Mathews (E).
Ratings.
Sick Berth Attendant Frederick Hutter, X.7183.
Able Seaman Thomas Cranstone, B,22751 (R.F.R.).
H.M.S. SKIPJACK.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Francis Babington Proudfoot, R.N.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant Anthony Gresham McCrum, R.N.
Ratings.
Mr. F. Murrell, Canteen Manager, N.A.A.F.I.
H.M.S. WHIPPINGHAM.
Officer.
Lieutenant Eric Reed, R.N.R.
Ratings.
Petty Officer J. J. Clough, P/JX.129586.
Acting Leading Seaman H. S. Giles, 125481.
Leading Stoker A. F. Knowles, P/KX.80212.

Details

19.
5.
petty Officer Edward William Higgs, C/JX.133416, H.M.S. Gossamer.
Petty Officer Walter Alfred Reginald Hooper, D/JX.142642,
Petty Officer Henry Joseph McAllister, C/J.16046, Pensioner 23168,
H.M.S. Malcolm.
Petty Officer Ernest Richard Meredith, P/J.95625, H.M.S.
H.M.S. Medway Queen.
OWE
Petty Officer$ James Owen Paget, .129854, H.M.S. Vivacious. Vimy.
Petty Officer Frederick William Parker, C/J.84930.
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92186, H.M.Skoot Hondsrug.
7.
Petty Officer Cecil Kenneth Souster, D/J.102935, H.M.S. Whitehall,
Petty Officer Joseph William Frederick Tibbles, P/J.108799,
H.M.S. Icarus.
Petty Officer Leonard Bertram Kearley-Pope, R.N.R., D.5762, H.M.S.
Mona's Isle.
re
ACting Petty Officer Leonard Charles/ Purd, C/JX.155644, H.M.Skoot S.
Hilda.
e.
Acting Petty Officer Herbert Henry Smith, P/JX.145044, H.M.Y.
Bounty.
Se.
Acting Petty Officer Ernest Wilfred Spickett, JX.128246.
Acting Petty Officer Ernest Francis Standley, C/JX.137068, H.M.S.
of Signals James Collins, C/J.69665, H.M.S.Lynx. keith.
Yeoman of Signals Alfred Charles Halls, C/JX.129457, H.M.S.
Malcolm.
Stoker Petty Officer George Albert Aitchison, C/K.61056, H.M.S.
Sabre.
Stoker Petty Officer Charles William Donnelly, D/K.59925, H.M.S.
Bideford.
Stoker Petty Officer Thomas Rochford, D/K.61034, H.M.S. Salamander
Stoker Petty Officer John Henry Salmon, D/K.66881, H.M.S. Hal cyon
la
Stoker Petty Officer William Edward White, C/K.64353, H.M.S.
Mosquito.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer James William Carr, D/K.63042, H.M.S.
Jaguar.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer Albert George Dollery, P/KX.80017,
#
H.M.S. Sutton.
r.
Petty Officer Steward John Lysaght, D/L.13388, H.M.S. Havant.
Leading Seaman David Anderson, 0/J.107567, H.M.S. Vanquisher.
Leading Seaman Oliver Frederick Mane Cooper, C/JX.137062, Niger. H.MS.
Leading Seaman John William Flattery, PYJX.131896, H.M.S.
Worcester.
Leading Seaman Arthur Charles Godden, P/JX.129206, H.M.S. Worceste. on. &4
e
Leading Seaman Willie Hagger, P/J.95873, H.M.Skoot Patria.
Leading Seaman Stanley Robert Holden, C/J.106164, H.M.S. Speedwell
.
Leading Seaman Eldric Ivan John Alfrd Gent Joplin, 138400,
H.M.S. Keith.
Leading Seaman Walter George Harold Last, P/JX.132139, Winchelsea. H.M.S.
41.
Leading Seaman Reginald William Legg, D/J.107221, H.M.Skoot Twente
.S.
C.
Leading Seaman Frederick Martindale, P/JX.136855, H.M.S. Vimy.
Leading Seaman Douglas Nicholas, D/JX.137869, H.M.S. Codrington..
11".
Leading Seaman James Sowerby, C/JX.109521, R.F.R. B.24793, Malcolm. H.M.S
4.
Leading Seaman Hugh James Spanton, C/J.114468.
Shaw
Leading Seaman Murdo Macleod, R.N.R., 5849D, H.M.S. Skipjack. are

Details

Page 2.
HICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
CRUISER.
TTTA
ROYERS.
ONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
LISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
INGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
ESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
ANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
TON
MALCOIM
WHITSHED
ADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
HOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
ESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
NT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
US
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
LSIVE
VANQUISHER
P.
EFORD
VETTES.
LLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
GFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
BOATS.
UST
#
MOSQUITO
ESWEEPERS.
ROSS
URY
HEBE
SALAMANDER
GHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALTASH
GHTON QUEEN
LEDA
SANDOWN
ONIA
LYDD
SHARPSHOOTER
HESS OF FIFE
MARMION
MEDWAY QUEEN
SKIPJACK
DALK
SNAEFELL
PEROR OF INDIA
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
CZROY
ORIOLE
SUTTON
ENAVON
PANGBOURNE
WAVERLEY
ENGOWER
PLINLIMMON
WESTWARD HO
SSAMER
PORTSDOWN
CIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
LCYON
QUEEN OF THANET
(Continued)
Sunk.

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 62
SALAMANDER. - Lieutenant Commander Lionel James Spencer, Ede,
continually ordered tripato the be besches On was
This ship bombed did 3 and and
having been at dawn, Dover, to one occasion,
to Dunkirk embarked a the further ship continued until 0600, move westward
so doing rating 450 men from Bray. and by
attack assist one the KEITH, was the slightly wounded. Whilst During proceeding one
to attack and four ship was again subjected to
bombing ship and lifted the ship bombs bodily. exploded Steam under was water near a the
got going again attack in about a quarter of an hour, lost, when but
was
f
I
port as to reach possible. Ship was again attacked, but to
further quickly air as took place. The ship proceeded back a
she managed Dover, proceeding on only one boiler.
Recommendations.
FICERS:
ive
Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, R.N.
This Officer showed great zeal, initiative and
seamanship during the operations. The whole time he
was endeavouring to avoid air attacks, and, at the same
time, pick up troops from the beaches. His initiative II,
in disobeying the order of Rear Admiral, Dover, to
proceed from the beach towards Dunkirk at dawn, enabled
t
him to save a further 450 men, including 29 wounded
cases.
Having moved westward, an air attack took place
upon the SKIPJACK and the KEITH, the SKIPJACK being
sunk and the KEITH set on fire. Ship appeared to be
in danger of sinking due to a near miss, but after a
short time found she was still seaworthy and steam was
d.
got on to the main engine.
By his great devotion to duty in face of these
air attacks, he was still able to bring his ship safely
ring
to port.
tere
D.S.O D.S.C
vors
Recommended for decoration.
as
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds. R.N.
hom
al
Showed great initiative and skill in getting steam
up and the engines restarted after ship had been damaged
by near misses, and in addition it was due to him that
the morale of the engine room was so good after having
had three heavy attacks in four days, apart from this
attack, which was almost continuous for three hours.
By his great devotion to duty, it is felt that
the ship was got under way so quickly.
DSC
D.S.C
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
E.R.A. C. H. Andrew, M.28768.
DSM
DSM
to duty After and the his ship initiative, he suceeded in up
had been damaged, by his starting devotion

Details

Page 64
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
v.s.
SALTASH. This - Lieutenant-Commander ship was Thomas Randall Fowke, R.N.
in taking
off troops. engaged in the operations at Dunkirk
Recommendation,
RATING:
stoker 1st Class Bryan Gaughan, C/KX.79268.
BRIGHTON line to two rating stripped and swan S.S.
While QUEEN, SALTASH this was rescuing survivors from
these a two discarded it and eventually Finding
hindrance, men he a quarter of a mile away. with a it
swim out men. After a short rest, he continued rescued to
saved many men, although bombing and machine-gunning
By his devotion to duty and great gallantry, he
with lines to men closer to the ship.
was going on at close proximity to him.
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
H.M.S. SKIPJACK. - Lieutenant-Commander Francis Babington Proudfoot,
R.N. (Retired)
This vessel did three trips to the beaches and on the
3rd June was sunk.
Recommendation.
rin
RATING:
ter
vor
Leading Seaman Murdo Macleod, R.N.R., 5849D.
as
hom
In charge of Lewis gun on range-finder platform.
Showed great gallantry and devotion to duty in
continuing to fire his gun after having been consider-
ably shaken by first bombing attack. In last attack
DSM
brought down one enemy plane and was badly burnt.
Recommended for decoration.
Mail
OF

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Onequs channel
Page 112:13.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Tilbury Dredging Co. S.S. QUEENSLAND - J. L. Bunt, Master.
Recommendations.
Deckhands W. Absolom and M. Hains,
DSM
Fine examples of British mercantile seamen. As
?D.S.M.
boats crews, continuously ferried troops under fire
until all boats were stove in or swamped. Also ran
lines to other boats full of soldiers when in
rk
difficulties and swamped, during heavy bombing.
Recommended for decoration.
H.M.Tug ST. ABBS. - Lieutenant Thomas Ernest Brooker, R.N. (Retired).
Recommendations,
Le
Leading Officer Steward Edmund Samuel Lawrence, P/L. 8649.
When KEITH, SKIPJACK and ST. ABBS were sunk
during a heavy bomb attack, some survivors were
embarked in a steam lighter. Leading Steward Lawrence
was conspicuous for his coolness, courage and devotion
to duty at all times, and foraged round the wreck for
:o
food and clothing, and assiduously tended the wounded
on the voyage home.
Recommended for decoration.
Tug FOREMOST 87. - J. Freyer, Master.
This tug was used throughout the operations for
purposes of salvage, and in particular for towing
barges to the beaches.
Recommendation.
Master, J. Freyer.
Showed great initiative and seamanship under
difficult conditions whilst being bombed in towing
loaded barges to the Dunkirk beaches, and also in
bringing same back again to Dover, and in the salving
of damaged craft.
D.S.C
Recommended for decoration.
Tug LADY BRASSEY. - T. J. Hopwood, Master.
M
This tug was used repeatedly for all kinds of
salvage jobs during the operation DYNAMO, very often

Details

Page 122
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HILDA (Continued).
Dunkirk and subsequently, working in conjunction
with a flotilla of small boats at La Panne, was
largely responsible for the embarkation under
difficulties of 5,000 troops in some 12 hours.
During heavy bomb attack rescued a large number of
survivors from KEITH, including 2 British and one
French general officers. Followed this up by
rescuing nearly all the survivors of the SKIPJACK.
On the voyage to United Kingdom similarly rescued
survivors from the personnel vessel SCOTIA which had
been bombed and sunk, only leaving the scene when
other vessels appeared and his own craft was
dangerously overloaded. Returning to Dunkirk,a
further number of troops were taken off the beach,
during which time he was bombed and intermittently
shelled. Captain Pim, the local Senior Officer at
the time of HILDA'S activities, reports most
be
favourably on the efficient handling and performance nel
of Lieutenant Gray.
sh
D.S.O.C
Recommended for decoration.
Sea Cadet Lieutenant Harry Sidmouth-Willing.
As First Lieutenant of the HILDA, Lieutenant
Syddons-Willing was indefatigable. He carried out
arduous duties on the beach, assisted vessels
aground, and personally searched for troops in the
dunes. He was remarked by Senior Officers on the
spot as being outstanding in his conduct.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS.
DSM
Acting Petty Officer Leslie Charles Curd, C/JX.155644.
Able Seaman George Edward Godfrey, C/JX.144633.
Petty Officer Curd as coxswain and Able Seaman
Godfrey, were outstanding in everything that they
did. Many seriously wounded men were attended on
board and everything possible was done for the
large number of troops embarked. Conduct of these
2 ratings was exemplary throughout and they showed
great calmness under fire.
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HONDSRUG - Lieutenant Frederick Thomas
Renny. R.N.R.
Completed 4 trips to Dunkirk and the beaches,
recovering more than 1,500 troops.

Details

Page 4.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
MINESWEEPERS (continued).
H.M.S.ORIOLE.
Ratings.
Petty Officer George Page, B/21629, R.F.R.
Leading Seaman Jack Giles, B/23499, R.F.R.
Telegraphist William Scothorn, B/Z/7560.
Seaman James Grace, R.N.R.
H.M.S. SALTASH.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Randall Fowke, R.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Harry Sobey, R.N.R.
Mr. John Tranack Mathews (E).
Ratings.
Sick Berth Attendant Frederick Hutter, X.7183.
Able Seaman Thomas Cranstone, B,22751 (R.F.R.).
H.M.S. SKIPJACK.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Francis Babington Proudfoot, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant Anthony Gresham McCrum, R.N.
Ratings.
Mr. F. Murrell, Canteen Manager, N.A.A.F.I.
H.M.S. WHIPPINGHAM.
Officer.
Lieutenant Eric Reed, R.N.R.
Ratings.
Petty Officer J. J. Clough, P/JX. 129586.
Acting Leading Seaman H. S. Giles, P/JX.125481.
Leading Stoker A. F. Knowles, P/KX.80212.

Details

Page 62
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. SALAMANDER. - Lieutenant Commander Lionel James Spencer. Ede.
This ship did 3 trips to the beaches and was
continually bombed and machine-gunned. On one occasion,
having been ordered by Rear Admiral, Dover, to move westward
to Dunkirk at dawn, the ship continued until 0600, and by
so doing embarked a further 450 men from Bray. During one
attack one rating was slightly wounded. Whilst proceeding
to assist the KEITH, the ship was again subjected to a
bombing attack and four bombs exploded under water near the
ship and lifted the ship bodily. Steam was lost, but was
got going again in about a quarter of an hour, when a
further air attack took place. The ship proceeded back to
port as quickly as possible. Ship was again attacked, but
she managed to reach Dover, proceeding on only one boiler.
Recommendations.
)FFICERS:
Lieutenant-Commander Lionel James Spencer Ede, R.N.
This Officer showed great zeal, initiative and
seamanship during the operations. The whole time he
was endeavouring to avoid air attacks, and, at the same
time, pick up troops from the beaches. His initiative
in disobeying the order of Rear Admiral, Dover, to
proceed from the beach towards Dunkirk at dawn, enabled
him to save a further 450 men, including 29 wounded
cases.
Having moved westward, an air attack took place
upon the SKIPJACK and the KEITH, the SKIPJACK being
sunk and the KEITH set on fire. Ship appeared to be
in danger of sinking due to a near miss, but after a
short time found she was still seaworthy and steam was
got on to the main engine.
By his great devotion to duty in face of these
air attacks, he was still able to bring his ship safely
to port.
Recommended for decoration.
Commissioned Engineer Thomas Kirby Reynolds, R.N.
Showed great initiative and skill in getting steam
up and the engines restarted after ship had been damaged
by near misses, and in addition it was due to him that
the morale of the engine room was so good after having
had three heavy attacks in four days, apart from this
attack, which was almost continuous for three hours.
By his great devotion to duty, it is felt that
the ship was got under way so quickly.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
E.R.A. C. H. Andrew, M. 28768.
After the ship had been damaged, by his devotion
to duty and his initiative, he suceeded in starting up

Details

Page 64
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
H.M.S. SALTASH. - Lieutenant-Commander Thomas Randall Fowke, R.N.
in taking off troops.
This ship was engaged in the operations at Dunkirk
Recommendation.
RATING:
stoker 1st Class Bryan Gaughan, C/KX.79268.
While SALTASH was rescuing survivors from S.S.
BRIGHTON QUEEN, this rating stripped and swan with a
line to two men a quarter of a mile away. Finding it
a hindrance, he discarded it and eventually rescued
these two men. After a short rest, he continued to
swim out with lines to men closer to the ship.
By his devotion to duty and great gallantry, he
saved many men, although bombing and machine-gunning
was going on at close proximity to him.
Recommended for decoration.
H.M.S. SKIPJACK. - Lieutenant-Commander Francis Babington Proudfoot,
R.N. (Retired)
This vessel did three trips to the beaches and on the
3rd June was sunk.
Recommendation.
RATING:
Leading Seaman Murdo Macleod, R.N.R., 5849D.
In charge of Lewis gun on range-finder platform.
Showed great gallantry and devotion to duty in
continuing to fire his gun after having been consider-
ably shaken by first bombing attack. In last attack
brought down one enemy plane and was badly burnt.
Recommended for decoration.

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel. Page
112,
Tilbury Dreaging Co. S.S. Recommendations, QUEENSLAND - J. L. Bunt, Master.
Deckhands W. Absolom and M. Hains.
Fine
until boats lines crews, all to boats in mercantile troops under seamen, As
difficulties and swamped, full during of soldiers or heavy swamped. when bombing. in Also fire
ran
Recommended for decoration.
H.M.Tug ST. ABBS. - Lieutenant Thomas Ernest Brooker. R.N. (Retired).
Recommendations.
Leading Officer Steward Edmund Samuel Lawrence, P/L.8649. 8649.
When KEITH, SKIPJACK and ST. ABBS were sunk
during a heavy bomb attack, some survivors were
embarked in a steam lighter. Leading Steward Lawrence
was conspicuous for his coolness, courage and devotion
to duty at all times, and foraged round the wreck for
food and clothing, and assiduously tended the wounded
0
on the voyage home.
Recommended for decoration.
Tug FOREMOST 87. - J. Freyer, Master.
This tug was used throughout the operations for
purposes of salvage, and in particular for towing
barges to the beaches.
Recommendation.
Master. J. Freyer.
Showed great initiative and seamanship in under towing
de
whilst being bombed also in
B.
difficult conditions to the Dunkirk beaches, and in the
bringing loaded barges same back again to Dover, and salving
of damaged craft.
Recommended for decoration.
Tug LADY BRASSEY. - T. J. Hopwood, Master.
kinds
of
salvage This jobs tug during was used the repeatedly operation DYNAMO, for all very ofter

Details

is
M.0346/41.
List C.
H.M. Ships proper lost during
Dunkirk Operations.
Name.
Date lost.
H.M.S. BASILISK
lat June, 1940.
H.M.S. GRAFTON
29th May, 1940.
H.M.S. GRENADE
30th May, 1940.
H.M.S. HAVANT
lat June, 1940.
H.M.S. KEITH
lat June, 1940.
H.M.S. WAKEFUL
29th May, 1940.
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
1st June, 1940.
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
lat June, 1940.

Details

17 0346/41 List C.
1+2
one
he
J. M. Ships proper lose during Dunkin
operations.
Date Lox Date Love
name
M.S. BASILISK 1"/ml 1940
ms. GRAFTON 29 May 1940
MS. GRENADE 30 May 1940
M.S. HAVANT 1st /une 1940
H.M.S. REITH
you / ml 1940
11m.5. WAKEFUL 29" May 1940
H.M.S. SKIPJACK 100/ml 1940
H.M.S. Mosquito 100 /une 1940.

Details

VESSEDNHAMER
OWNERS
REMARKS
SKYLARK VI
Bolsons Co.
SKYLARK IX
T.98. Returned to Owners.
-do-
SKYLARK X
Mr. Jackson
T.98. Returned to Owners 17.6.
SKYLARK
Returned to owner.
eddas T.B. Brookman
Returned to Owners.
SMOLT SMILING THROUGH H. Gartridge:
OJA.,W. Williams
T.98. Returned to Owners 5.6.40.10 II
SMUGGLER
T.98. Re-allocated to A.P.S.
G.D. Leyte
SNOW BUNTING
Returned to owner.
Mr. Wray
SONIA
Re-allocated A.P.S.
Loft, West Ltd.
No report received from List of
atenwo 03
Missing Vessels.
SOUTHERN QUEEN C.H. Harvey
No information of return from
PL.17
Dunkirk T.98.
SOUTH RAY
P.
Shore
Returned to owner.
SPINAWAY
B.
Figg
T.98. Returned to owner 19.6.
SPINDRIFT 20 Hewitt
Returned to owner.
STARFISH
T. Brown
T.98. Returned to owner 5.6.40.
STONEHAVEN W.H. Stonehouse
T.98. No report received from List
.begemed
of Missing Vessels.
SUMMER MAID
F.M.
Brown
A.P.S.
SUNDOWNER
Cdr.C.H. Lightoller Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SUNSHINE R.13) J. Berrion No information of return from Dunkirk.
SURREY
s.B.T. Thomas
Returned to owner.
SYLVIA
Toughs
A.P.Sallos
011.8
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA Southend
III
05 Jon Britannia Co.
Returned to owners.
SUFFOLK'S ROSE Jubilee Fishing Co.
Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
of
Service (6A).
SEA AIR .03 Jon O.H. Anderson
Prepared for Dynamo but did not go.
SKIPJACK
W.H. Ringer
Damaged. Returned to owner.
SOUTHERN QUEEN
C. Mockridge & Exrs.
of E. Saunders
Returned to owner.
230
benobuedA
florish .H.D
TANKERTON TOWERS S. Howden
Returned to owner.
TARPON
Mrs. Spragge
T.98. Returned to owners.
THARK
c/o Toughs
Taken by owners.
THETIS
H.F. Eaton
Lost while being towed from Dunkirk.
THE ANGLER Mr. Colding
Returned -sunsuitable.
THELMA
J.T. Phelps
Returned to owner prepared did not go.
THURN
Schofield
A.P.S.
THYME
Ramsgate Diesel
Released 1.6.40 Allocated to Special
Trawlers
Admiralty Service. 6A.
THREE BROTHERS C.F. Grant
Returned 3.6.40.
TIGRIS ONE
H. Hastings
Damaged. Returned to owner.
TOM HILL
T. Hill
Re-allocated Special Admiralty Service
to
(6A)
TRILLENE
Dr.
E.
Williams
T.98. Returned to owner 19.6.
TRITON
OJ
W.D. Wills
T.98. No report received to List of
Missing Vessels.
TWO SISTERS
R. Hayes
T.98. Returned to owner.
TWO RIVERS
F.E. Fothergill
No report received from List of Missing
Vessels.
TORTOISE
Held at Tough Bros. Owner unknown.
TREASURE
S. Rowden
Not required.
TONY LN.40
T. Neilson
Returned to owner.

Details

See
also
6.326
296
* NAYAL 11JUN1940 OFFICER IN CHARGE
274
From: CLARKE, J.C.
TO
Sub,Lieut:
*
RAMSGATE
N.O.I.C.
A
Commanding M.B. RAPIDE.
RAMSGATE.
10.6.40.
SUBMITTED RECORD OF M.B. RAPIDE removing B.B.F. from Dunkirk
Beach.
Received orders at SHEERNESS at 14.00 hours on 30-5-40 to proceed
to Downs in convoy with other motor boats, escort vessel Drifter
"STRATHELLIOTT".
Arrived Downs 23.45 towing two broken-down boats. Received order
from STRATHELLIOTT at 01.30 on 31-5-40 to proceed to Dunkirk to
embark troops from beach, taking M.B. MARY ROSE in tow. Had
trouble with tow during night and handed over to STRATHELLIOTT
about 06.00 hrs, and carried on to Dunkirk alone. Arrived about
09.15. Floated ladder ashore on line and proceeded to haul troops
aboard; slow process owing to surf. Dropped anchor seawards and
backed on to beach. Loaded and hauled off on flood with 72 aboard,
transferred to ship lying off shore (name not known), picked up
small boat adrift and used form ferrying from beach to my ship.
Transferred 3 ship loads, last one at 21.30 hours on to BLACK JAVA.
Anchored half mile off shore and repaired engine. At 04.10 hours
Attempted to pick up a load at 23.00 hours but engine failed.
SKIPJACK. SKPPJACK loaned me a boat and crew in charge of Sub.
on 196-40 picked up ship's boat and loaded two loads on to
Lieut. Ruck who went ashore and filled my ship and his boat and
also took in tow large motor launch with 32 French soldiers on
board which was aground. Was unable to locate SKIPJACK or any
salvoes of bombs. Followed her with object of transferring and my
other ship except large tug steaming towards La Panne, dodging
loads. She eventually hit and completely destroyed, we
were half unable hour. Turned round and headed back to Dunkirk and above picked
was to find any survivors, although we cruised around for
up three an sailors from top mast of a ship which was just
Abreast of Dunkirk harbour MOSQUITO have in sight; signalled her
water (name unknown).
and started Commander of MOSQUITO received message soldiers to proceed
transferring my troops and survivors.
Whilst to sinking doing transport so, and we cast off with three French
and SKIPJACK men on board, and followed her.
proceeded MOSQUITO ahead badly towed damaged and was home, we from picked hit and about having about hindered up 15 to 21 12.00 miles trouble cast survivors our hrs. movements. off the and and coast launch and ANTJE approximately Sub,Lieut. to adrift was Margate making as Flint, by she 2 miles better Skoot Was and
ANTJE, speed.
Were giving disembarked injured
Arriving as our engine Margate was approximately 21.35 hrs and
Sub. and survivors. Lieut. Flint, R.N.R., although badly wounded himself,
insisted on seeing

Details

297
275
-2-
hat his crew were comfortable and their wounds attended to with
he few bandages we were able to obtain from ANTJE.
lub. Lieut. Ruck and his boat's crew made it possible for us
so pick up nearly 200 soldiers from the beach under extremely
lifficult conditions.
My own crew of three were the means of preventing my ship from
apsizing by maintaining order among the French soldiers every
;ime we were attacked by planes.
To. of British & French soldiers removed from beach approx: 460.
LIST OF MOSQUITO SURVIVORS
Left arm & face.
FLINT, Sub.Lt. R.N.R.
LAKE
A.B.
RICHOLD
T.L
FRORT
0.S.
Left eye.
MUNDAY
Stoker
...
SHAFTOE
10
HUBBARD
Il
BLACKWELL A.B.
WINTER
0.S.
Face
MCQUADE
A.B.
...
CHALLEND
SIG.
MALCOLM
a
SMITH
L.S.A.
Bake & Hand
WRIGHT
A.B.
...
Feet & Back
SEALY
0.S.
...
Ankle & Shoulder
WHILTING
A.B.
...
SILLELT
Steward
Wrist
STAPLES
S.A.
...
Back
EATON
0.8.
:
POWELL
A.B.
MCCRILL
10
WILLIAMS
19
LIST OF SKIPJACK SURVIVORS.
RUCK, Sub.Lt. R.N.V.R.
MAINS,
Stoker
STARLING
#
MOYES
TEL.
WOUNDED FRENCHMEN.
Chervel.
Clement.
J.C.Clarhe
Sub frient
RNVR.

Details

299
-2-
ass
10.
Depearm 309.
B14/0
At have about taken 0030 we had a good
TELEGRAMS :-
waiting we the could arrival of the troops more. and There there was load, althoughough were
Admiral, Chatham
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, THE 27
TELEPHONE: :-
ADMIRALTY HOUSE.
to get alongside, so I decided, ships
Chatham No. 3997.
(Retensions 210 and 619)
CHATHAM.
and consulting "BORNRIF" TroMp, to go with what I had - after "HORNSRU
following independently.
13th June, 1940.
11.
of either the harbour where we were, and no incident to part
There was no shelling or bombing of the
No.477.C.C/40.
VICE ADMIRAL, DOVER.
in the harbour on the return journey.
INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM A.B. RANDALL EX "ST.ABBS".
12.
well taped beforehand, and nothing left to chance,
The officers of the ship had their organiss
For information.
The C.O. Lieut. Wise only joined the day before,
shewed great judgment.
When talking to wounded men in the Royal
Naval Hospital, Chatham, recently the following
Lieut. de Mornay, R.N. came as a volunteer
information was obtained from Able Seaman Randall
ex "St. Abbs":-
pilot me to harbour having made several recent 22
His service was invaluable. I took over the hand
"Left Dover 31st May, 1940, for Dunkirk,
of the ship at the entrance of Dunkerque, both enter
arrived at night and went into Dunkirk in the
and leaving, not that I doubted Wise's capacity,
morning picked up survivors of "Keith" (including
but because the importance of accurate handling
Captain) and "Skipjack", struck by bomb which ex-
such that I preferred to have it in my own hands.
ploded for minute later - ship sank, Boatswain
Henderson, Ldg. Offs. Std. LAWRENCE and A.B. RANDALL
13.
I have made no recommendations in respect d
of "St. Abbs" together with Captain of "Keith" were
this operation in view of the fact that the ships
saved and came over in a steam lighter. Ldg. Offs.
at no time under fire, whereas the majority of BILL
Steward LAWRENCE behaved with great coolness and
unconcern - foraged around wreck for food and clo-
taking part were continually bombed and shelled.
thing and assiduously attended wounded all the way
over."
It seems probable that Leading Steward
Lawrence was "Edmund Samuel Lawrence, O.N. P/L.8649,"
I have the honour to be Sir,
but Portsmouth Depot was unable to confirm that he
had been in "St. Abbs".
Your obedient servant,
70%
(SHammd COMMANDER R.N.
ADMIRAL
VICE ADMIRAL
15 JUN 1940
DOVER DO

Details

326
31
&
bris sivel only bean
26
300
COPY.
20
From: CLARKE, J.C.
Sub.Lieut:
To
Commander Troop, R.N.
H.M.S. WILDFIRE, SHEERNESS.
birs VITAM
Commanding M.B.RAPIDE.
10.6.40.
120
öma
SUBMITTED RECORD OF M.B. RAPIDE removing B.E.F. from
Dunkirk Beach.
broot I basede assiy
Twod CA TisH taxsoq eðlagf VIII III to
bits alexateH serdi VI
Received orders at SHEERNESS at 14.00 hours on
JuodA was alwel edd right medic evord
30.5.40 to proceed to Downs in convoy with other motor
30/5
adds DO anidmod to bontrom effe .beggorb
boate, escort vessel Drifter "STRATHELLIOTT".
and no voloste of
beggorh bird evods, bereved alexnich
Arrived Downs 23.45 towing two broken-down boats.
ebtewod SINDO 8 broose
Received order from STRATHELLICTT at 01.30 on 31.5.40 to
00 MISVO
MARY ROSE in tow. Had trouble with tow during night and
proceed to Dunkirk to embark troops from beach, taking M.B.
BBW
and of edudito of
handed over to STRATHELLIOTT about 08.00 hrs, and carried
31/5
notasovo 520 nedi 020m no one
on to Dunkirk alone. Arrived about 09.15. Floated
ladder ashore on line and proceeded to haul troops aboard;
Loob 5018 admod to
backed on to beach. Loaded and hauled off on flood with
slow process owing to surf. Dropped anchor seawards and
on Batwolle to to
OF
78 aboard, transferred to ship lying off shore (name not
ods evits bros
known), picked up small boat adrift and used for ferrying
Ms Devedo vilbeet Drts VINOLUP 68
from beach to my ship.
bits to of as I
anigued at smell and first nellivis st all
Transferred 3 ship loads, last one at 91.30 hours
.etegamen To
on to BLACK JAVA. Attempted to pick up a load at 88.00
hours but engine failed. Anchored half mile off shore
1/6
(by)
and repaired engine. At 04.10 hours on 1.6.40 picked
SKIPJACK up loaned me a boat and crew in charge of Sub.Lieut. and
ship's boat and loaded two loade on to SKIPJACK.
Ruck who went ashore and filled my ship and his boat
also took in tow large motor launch with 32 French
Tavo
board which was aground. Was unable to locate
SKIPJACK soldiers on other ship except large tug steaming towards
La or dodging any salvoes of bombs. Followed her with
and destroyed, and we were unable to hour. any
object Panne, of transferring my loads. She was eventually find hit
survivors, and headed back to Dunkirk and picked up
completely although we cruised around for half an
Turned three sailors round from top mast of a ship which was just above
water (name unknown).
Abreast of Dunkirk harbour MOSQUITO have in sight; and
signalled her and started transferring my troops
survivors. Commander of MOSQUITO received
Whilst doing so, to sinking transport and we cast off followed with
message three French to proceed soldiers and SKIPJACK men on board, and
her.
MOSQUITO and we picked up 21 survivors and Sub.Lieut. adrift
was hit about 18.00 hrs. and approximately
Flint, as she and badly damaged and hindered our
2 miles ahead proceeded home, having to cast the movements. launch
was by Skoot making ANTJE, better speed. Arriving and Margate survivors.
Were towed as our engine was giving trouble approximately ANTJE
was from about 15 miles off coast to Margate and
21.35 hrs and disembarked R.N.R., injured although badly wounded himself, thier
Sub.Lieut.Flint, seeing that his crew were comfortable able and to
wounds insisted attended on to with the few bandages we were
obtain us to Sub pick from Lieut up ANTJE. nearly Ruck and 200 his soldiers heat's from grow Pundible for

Details

1
Dynams 186.
328
31
-8-
301
Admiralty House,
extremely difficult conditions.
Sheerness.
My own crew of three were the means of
June 6th, 1940.
my ship from capsizing by maintaining order among
French soldiers every time we were attacked by
No. of British & French soldiers removed from beach PLan
REPORT GIVEN VERBALLY TO LIEUT. CONDR. S.HOLLAND-MARTIN,R.
LIST OF MOSQUITO SURVIVORS.
Flint, Sub.Lt. R.N.R.
Left arm and face.
Lake,
A.B.
A.B. S. Palmer D/JX 148052.
Richold
T.L.
Frort
O.S.
He was put in charge of the "Naid Brrant", a 7 ton
Munday
Stoker.
Left eye
motor yacht of about 30ft., which started from Sheerness.
Shaftoe
Stoker.
She sailed for Dunkirk early on Friday, May 31st as
Hubbard
Stoker.
of a convoy of 7 motor boats which included the "White
Blackwell
A.B.
Heather". one Before reaching the beaches close to Dunkirk He he
Winter
helped to rescue the survivors of a French Destroyer.
O.S.
A.B.
Face
picked proceeded to the beaches. On arrival the French that he
up about 20, which he transferred to a French tug, soldiers and
McQuade
Challend
Sig.
Malcolm
Sig.
swarmed ashore. He left the "Naid Errant" and swam off Shortly his
then over his boat preventing him going astern so with
Smith
L.S.A.
drifted to a Minesweeper, whose name he did not know. tide rose,
Wright
A.B.
Back
and
hand
O.S.
afterwards the Minesweeper and the "Naid Srrant" floated this being Palmer
crew latter went aground, but, as the off.
Sealy
Feet and back
Whilting
A.B.
Ankle and shoulder
both to swim back to his boat, but to bring
Sillelt
Steward
asked permission he shouted to some soldiers on the beach jumped
Staples
S.A.
Wrist
her alongside. cast off from the Minesweeper, and boat without for
refused, This they managed to do and Palmer set course
Eaton
O.S.
Back
on board, the only naval rating in a small who he thinks
Powell
A.B.
home. He was one serjeant and 8 other soldiers, he said was
McCrill
A.B.
a chart, with Middlesex regiment. The sergeant Palmer admits
Williams.
A.B.
were from the had some rum in his bottle!". given the
all right - "he about the engines which had already they broke down,
stoker trouble on the yacht's cabin door and started made up and
to know nothing the way over. Off Dunkirk the soldiers
LIST OF SKIPJACK SURVIVORS.
and so he broke up Luckily one of the engines seering W.H.N.
start to paddle. the vicinity of Dunkirk him on the
Ruck, Sub.Lt. R.N.V.R.
Mains,
Stoker.
at about 2200 he left one of the soldiers relieved nothing of steering
For a brief period willing but/new Eastward, he a
Starling
Stoker.
988
wheel. The as soldier Palmer was found him making to the the wheel throught
Moyes
Tel.
course and, himself and remained on he picked
OW
took over again about 0600 on Saturday, June 1st it up to
WOUNDED FRENCHMEN. Hold
up the the night. coast At somewhere off about Dover 1100, and followed sailed
evode
asw
B
TO
Chervel.
Clement.
(Sgd)
J.C
Clarke.
Drin
Ramagate was again "Usanco" too with slow after On arriving a Sunday, he crew getting was of there June ordered stated one two other 2nd, or back that without three A.B., he by miles passed the but orders, captain as have out for the he from been Leading of "Naid Remagate. the Srrant"
Lieutenant.
R.N.V.R.
Seaman recommended. in A.B. May Palmer He 1927, says but and that presumably Good he has Conduct three cannot Medal. Good where Conduct He was he badges drafted has
and for recently operation the Long been Service employed Dynamo from on the R.N.B. Plymouth Devenport, City Patrol.
St.

Details

Dynams 247
49
- 59
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE
June 5th,1940
Sir,
I have the honour to submit the following report in
accordance with your memorandum No.B14/0/1101/40 of 4th
June 1940.
H.M.S.Impulsive arrived at Dover
from Immingham at 0840 on May 27th 1940, and sailed at 1140
with H.M.Ships Skipjack and Halcyon and Trinity House Vessel
Patricia to establish and buoy the searched channel from the
North Goodwin Light Vessel to Dunkirk, afterwards known as
Route I. This operation was completed by 1919 and Impulsive
anchored in the Downs at 2200.
2.
At 2228 on May 27th orders were
received by signal to proceed with all despatch to the beaches
east of Dunkirk and enbark troops. Inpulsive weighed and
proceeding by route Y arrived off La Panne at 0345 on May 28th
and anchored as close inshore as possible. Both power boats
being broken down the two whalers were sent inshore to enbark
troops. These boats were employed ferrying troops from the
beach to large motor boats which were lying further off the
shore.
3.
At 0520 Impulsive was ordered by
Calcutta, anchored off La Panne, to proceed to Dunkirk and go
alongside the Eastern Pier to embark troops. Ship secured
alongside the outer end of the pier at 0620 and after
embarking approximately 750 troops sailed for Dover. Route Y
was used and after an uneventful passage ship arrived at Dover
at 1110. Troops were disembarked and, when several ratings
who had missed the ship at Imminghen, had rejoined ship,
sailed for Dunkirk at 1235 using route Y.
4.
It was during this passage, off
Kwinte Bank buoy, that the ship was attacked and heavily
bombed by six Heinkels. By proceeding at full speed and
making frequent and violent alterations of course, the bombs,
which could be seen falling, were successfully avoided and no
hits were scored. Aircraft were bombing from approximately
1000 feet. On completion of the bombing three aircraft
remained behind and attacked with machine guns. A northerly
course was steered during these attacks in order to avoid the
narrow channels, and it was during these attacks that the ship
was damaged and the casualties occurred --- 6 ratings being
wounded, 2 seriously. B gun was put out of action by an
armour pieroing bullet which penetrated the gun shield, wounded
the trainer and lodged in the air pipe to the run out cylinder,
causing the gun to remain in the recoil position. The D/G
goil was punctured by bullots and caught fire: this was quickly
extinguished. On the first attack developing 1 cleared the
bridge of lookouts and signalmen remaining up there by myself.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL Dyreams 332, 239
244.
Royal Naval Barracks,
Chatham.
15th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report the loss of H.M.Tug "St Abbs"
at Dunkirk at 0930 on 1st June 1940, Lieutenant Brooker in command.
2. H.M.Tug "St Abbs" sailed from Dover at 10 a.m. on Friday,
31st May with three barges in tow, the "Duchess", the "H.A.C." and
the "Doris", bound for Dunkirk.
3. At 2100, 31st May the last barge of the tow, the "Doris"
broke adrift and was taken in tow by a sloop, name not known.
N. At 0030, 1st June, H.M.Tug "St Abbs" anchored approximately
six miles from Dunkirk, Lieutenant T.E. Brooker considering it
unadvisable and dangerous to proceed further before daylight.
5. At 0330 anchor was weighed and ship proceeded towards
Dunkirk.
6. At 0600, H.M.Tug"st Abbs" passed the piers and proceeded
towards the beaches. Enemy aircraft commenced bombing the piers and
shipping.
inshore to At the beaches, the "Duchess" towing the "H.A.C.".
Y. 0630 the barges were slipped and ordered to proceed
H.M. Tug" St Abbs" anchored and waited for soldiers to embark.
8. attackes by enemy aircraft intensified beach and anchor to
was weighed, At 0730 it being intended to proceed closer to the
facilitate embarking of soldiers.
and 9. At Abbs" proceeded Nineteenth
"Keith" was struck alongside by a bomb
Flotilla, "Keith" and Lieutenant of H.M.S. "Keith" and the
H.M.S. settled took off survivors. Captain(D) other of ratings
remained of on board towed back to England. and from the
First to estimate the damage and consider H.M.Tug"St possibility Abbs"
proceeded H.M.S. "Keith" to pick being up survivors from ship's boats water.
"Skipjack" was struck by a bomb survivors and sank
quickly. H.M.S. of the harbour. "Keith" and took very off heavy. the
10. At 0830 H.M.S. "Salamander" who was also The rescuing bombing was
H.M. Tug"St Abbs" returned then continued to pick up the ship at full Bombing speed
sailed for the entrance alongside H.M.S. survivors.
remainder became of the that crew, it was necessary to the keep entrance.
and at 0900 so heavy H.M.Tug "St Abbs" sailed for
'St Abbs" was blown up by The four bottom delay-action and
". At 0930 H.M.Tug water ahead of the ship. sank in approximately
bombs stern were dropped completely into the shattered and the ship
45 seconds.
H.M. Tug 12. "St About Abbs" thirty sank. Approximately thirty ratings
men were swimming one in hundred the water and after
and soldiers were on the ship.
June, I reached a two wreck soldiers, believed two to ratings be the
13 company with "Salamander's" whaler's
S.S. one from H.M.S. Nineteenth Flotilla,
from the wreck were Captain(D), eight other survivors
the crew. First Also: Lieutenant on of H.M.S. "Keith" and

Details

247
M
242
CONFIDENTIAL
4.m. Ing St asss arounded alongside HMS "Lute"
and 802 off summirs Captain 0' of 19th
Tirst of HMS. cutt and other wakings
remaining on soard to istimate to damage and
consider the bossibility of HMS. kive being Ford
ouck to England. Hm zug stable ovocuded is pick
up survivers from ships ooals and from a
water
at 0830 Hims. skipjack was stawn any a sams
and same quickly. HMS. 'Salamander' which was
also reserving susvious sailed for a entance as
e harbour. The among was very heavy
H m Tug 'Stabs' actioned alongside H.MS. 'Lutt'
and 1002 off the temounder of a crew the
continued in sick us survious someing decame
So reasy that it was necessary 8 eup to ship
at full speed and at 0900 am sug 'stable saind
for the entrance.
at 0930 H.M. sing cable was diawn 100 by
four away. action bomes dispect into the water
ahead of te ship. The ootom and seen in were
completely shatered and the Ship same
approximately 45 secands
about king men were suseraming in a
water after HM. zug "stable" same. approximately
one hundred and tisty ratings and soldies were
on the ship.
at 400 June I reached - week, selewed is
a ce SS. clan in company win two
soldiers, two satings from mms. seep act and one wreek from
tims. "Salamander's whaless casw. aso on a
were Captain 0 to Jusi wwenkent steward an Hrs Keith
and atter survivers including reading so
howsence eight and Able Seaman Randall from nm. Ing albs

Details

2264
Page 5.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - PRELIMINARY REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
PERIOD 30TH MAY - 1ST JUNE, 1940.
(Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "Keith's" No.4/32 of 15th June '40)
51. As the ship was getting lower the order to abandon
ship was given and the majority of nen, who were able to find
some timber to hold on to or to find & place in the floats,
left the ship. At this moment the enemy launched a further
dive bombing attack and a bomb struck our exposed starboard
side in the engine room, making a large hole. Several bonks
fell very close to and one fell among the nen who had
abandoned ship. The aircraft were engaged by pom poms and
lewis guns.
52. Some twnety minutes later the tug "St. Abbs" was
sighted and eventually came alongside to take men off the ship.
This she did with the exception of volunteers who remained or.
board. She was ordered to go and pick up "Keith's" men in the
water.
In this she was assisted by the tug "Vincia" which
took back to Margate: Lieutenant Beauchamp, 88 ratings from
"Keith" and about ten of the General Headquarters Staff,
together with six seriously injured ratings.
A grey accor also assisted and recovered Lieutenant
Verney, Pay. Sub. Lieutenant Craig-Waller, R.N.V.R., and about
four of "Keith's" men. Having a full load of soldiers, she
returned to England.
53. "Keith" was again bombed by dive bombers at this time.
54. After an interval, in which a search was made for
wounded and any confidential matter remaining, the tug "St.
Abbs" returned and, the ship now being not only immoveable
but without H.A. ammunition and sinking slowly, the remaining
men left the ship in her at about 0840.
55. Signals were made to "Salamander" and to "Basilisk"
asking of control and required tug assistance. "Keith" minesweep
them to sink "Keith" finally but both replied The that they
were or however out proceeded westwardsand ed shelled in vicinity
of Asdic cabirat
56. "gt. Abbs" proceed/to the recovery of a number of men
which the had been sunk during, it 18 believed, the last attack on
in water and on thewreck
of the "Skipjack"
"Keith".
57. After from a ship's lifeboat, the aircraft but was without attacked
recovering all these men "St. and Abbe" a number of
by soldiers part of a large formation of enemy
result.
58. sighted consisting but proceeded to bombers.
However, somewhat later, mainly another of extremely high level large
formation not was attack the "St. Aboa" some miles to the destroy East.
These did and attacked "Basilisk" bomba at about 0915.
"Keith" the "Keith" sank in a heavy salvo of
59. A from Dunkirk. Again bomb hit her as
single, high flying twin-engined the "St. bomber Abba" was circled then
fast as she and she sank very rapidly about 1000. seconds and
seen returning could but this time a single in about 30
with amidships her many wounded survivors at

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
off Dunkirk at 1315. They had picked up that morning from arrived
The destroyers Codrington, Jaguar and Javelin, 33 survivors diverted from patrol,
S.S. Abukir, which had been torpedoed by United an E-boat while returning the
about 200 evacuees from Ostend to Grenade the which Kingdom; these survivors with
Javelin Dunkirk. were transferred using The their Codrington to own the boats, destroyer went embarked into Dunkirk troops harbour, from subsequently Bray while beach. the went Jaguar At on 1730 and to
the Grenade left Dunkirk with 1,000 troops on board.
skoot Lena. The Vimy also made a second
359 troops from Zuydcoote, assisted by ships' a the second.t.Bip,embarked
Between 1230 and 1815 the Vivacious, a her
Dunkirk harbour.
More ships were on the way. From 1230 onwards 19 minesweepers were
sailed from Harwich, from Dover and the Downs, for Dunkirk and the beaches.
By 2130 five of them had arrived off Bray beach I, and four off La Panne²;
three reached Dunkirk by 2140³.
Four other minesweepers arrived off the beaches late on the night of
28th/29th May4, and two more reached the beaches at 0600/29⁵.
Early on the 28th May the eight ships of the 7th and 8th minesweeping
flotillas had been ordered from Rosyth to Harwich, to work under the orders
of the Vice-Admiral, Dover⁶; they could not, however, reach the beaches
until about 72 hours later.
During the forenoon and afternoon of the 28th May the call went out for
more and more destroyers, and seven reached the evacuation area next day⁷.
In the signals from the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral, Dover, summoning
them there sounds the same note of extreme urgency, traceable to S.N.O.
Dunkirk's message⁸ declaring that evacuation on the night of 28th/29th May
was problematical. "If the older class destroyers and other vessels cannot
compete with the situation signalled the Admiralty, destroyers of all classes
are to be used for bringing men off'.9 Every available destroyer" in the
Western Approaches and Portsmouth Commands was to be sailed to Dover.
Destroyers on patrol or on escort duty were to be diverted to Dunkirk or the
beaches.¹¹
Vulnerability of personnel vessels
The vulnerability of the personnel vessels, with their large troop-carrying
capacity, was a cause of anxiety. On the 27th May the Biarritz and Archangel,
the Mona's Queen, King Orry, Sequacity, Yewdale, and the Isle of Thanet12,
I The Albury, Gossamer, Leda, Kellett and Sutton.
2 The Salamander, Halcyon, Skipjack and Waverley.
3 The Ross, Pangbourne and Lydd.
4 The Hebe, Sharpshooter, Duchess of Fife snd Emperor of India.
5 The Oriole and Marmion.
6
A.M.0163/28.
7 The Verity, Harvester, Esk, Malcolm, Express, Shikari and Scimitar.
8 Appendix M.4.
9 A.M.0754/28.
10 A.M.1229/28.
11 Appendices D.4, D.5 and D.7.
collided with the Examination Service Vessel leaving Ocean Reward, which sank
12 At 0254, on 28th May, shortly after Dover for Newhaven, the Isle of Thanet
Assisted by the tug Lady Brassey, a search was made for survivors, but none was found.
28

Details

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

Details

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

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
east of Dunkirk. deserted. The too, empty, small seen that the beach to the
enemy tanks or As the light grew, at 0330, it was position against
The Rear-Admiral, lorries in along the Keith, the beach, with the was Basilisk for supporting fire
and going instructions Panne back was westward, to to England move though westward as intended. sea to were was Dunkirk However, moving whilst ships westward those were boats which a still had loading off Bray vanished were by under La
to the men anchored the
had been hit by shell fire. she grounded aft and continued at daylight, and at about
her motor boat and two She closed the shore ship as the Panne, using
The minesweeper Speedwell whalers was to ferry troops a little to the west of La
shortly after low water, fire by aircraft of the thus to embark 0500,
and the ship, until minesweeper took off 100 her off. She sailed at boats,
under machine-gun the enemy Albury towed troops on shore, the troops
for Dunkirk. On the way she troops from the Ivanhoe 0730
made repeatedly damaged up her by but a number bomb unsuccessfully as of the troops Speedwell bombed. to 972 was and steaming The left minesweeper for past Dover her. at 0950 Salamander At Dunkirk after which being was she
anchored a mile east of Bray Dunes, similarly engaged in embarking troops was
with her boats, and she sailed for Dunkirk astern of the Keith and Skipjack
soon after 0600. At Dunkirk she came in for two air attacks in one of which,
at about 0820, she was damaged by a near miss, but she reached Dover on one
boiler at 1530 and disembarked 479 troops. It was her last trip. A mile east
of Bray, too, the minesweeper Sutton embarked 453 troops from the beaches
before sailing at 0600 for Dover. She was bombed and machine-gunned, but
the only man hit was one wounded soldier. The minesweeper Dundalk was
anchored nearer to La Panne, also embarking troops. Having no motor boat,
the Speedwell and Salamander both lent a hand to tow her whalers. From
0500 onwards she was subjected to air attacks at regular intervals, and about
0800 she decided to proceed to Margate," where she arrived at 1215 with
280 troops. Still further east, the minesweeper Halcyon was anchored off La
Panne embarking troops swimming off to the ship, paddling in rubber boats,
and in her whalers, during which she had one officer (Lieut. N. Thurston, R.N.)
mortally wounded and suffered some casualties amongst the crew from machine
gunning by enemy aircraft.
Off Bray, the destroyer Sabre was embarking 451 troops and the minesweeper
Niger 310, pressing into service carley floats and lifebelts with which men swam
from the beach. Daylight showed a minesweeper and a paddle minesweeper
ashore, and the Rear-Admiral hailed a tug which was on its way homeward
with soldiers on board, and told him to go in and try to tow off the minesweepers.
However, the tugs had been sent over from England with pulling boats in tow
and told to load up, and they regarded themselves as transports only, whereas
Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, who knew nothing of these instructions, naturally
regarded them as tugs. It was not until a gun was trained on the tug and an
R.N.V.R. Sub.-Lieutenant put on board to take charge, that the master's
anxiety to get away was overcome.
A welcome addition to the evacuation craft consisted of the first of a dozen
Belgian fishing boats which now appeared on the scene from seaward down
the Zyuidcoote Pass.¹
Early liftings from Dunkirk
At 0241 Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker had given orders for all small craft to
I Probably the 10 Belgian trawlers from Brixham, referred to in Section 176.
86

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Admiral, When Rear-Admiral Dover, all the Wake-Walker ships which left full had about of not been 0930 sunk to make had contact with
many with the signs and collisions. Some were a theme
the evidence of bumps first few hours at rest in harbour the
1800," he wrote, the of harbour their strenuous was times
all had were for many enjoying days."¹ the that many of them and had
Air Patrols
Consequent on the bombing of at the dawn. day before, As the
had asked for fighter aircraft protection appeared on the and
low over the ships. More and often not they were fighters constantly came
dispersed many than scene,
were not taking chances the nearly always opened
them. In order to stop firing Rear-Admiral
Flag-" Cease fire", and blew the syren to draw spite of which,
however, the after machine gun of his own ship the Keith continued to
nothing.² regardless of the cease fire" gong; once firing started they could hear fire
Route X to Dunkirk was patrolled during the early hours of daylight by the
A.A. cruiser Calcutta, which sailed from Margate at 0315 with the corvettes
Mallow and Shearwater and carried out a patrol between W and V buoys. The
Calcutta was recalled to Sheerness at 0938 in readiness to perform the same
service next night, and at 1015 she shot down a Heinkel which had bombed
and damaged the Mosquito by a near miss 15 miles from Dover.
Fighter Command provided 8 patrols during the 1st June of an average
strength of 3 to 4 squadrons. The main periods when no fighter protection
was afforded were approximately 0730-0850, 1020-1120, 1120-1145, 1545-
1615 and 1715-1845. Coastal Command continued to fly patrols of 3 aircraft
over the North Goodwins-Gravelines-Ostend line throughout the day.
Enemy air attacks begin St. Fagan sunk 0355.
Sporadic enemy air attacks began at early light. Ships alongside the mole
reported being attacked at 0415 and 0500. This was before the first main
R.A.F. air patrol appeared on the scene, for the R.A.F. had been asked to pro-
vide maximum protection from 0500 onwards.
Before the first patrol appeared enemy aircraft claimed what was to prove
the first of a long series of victims that day. The tug St. Fagan had towed over
from Dover during the night three Thames barges. At about 0355, in the
Dunkirk Channel, abreast the town the ship was hit by a bomb and practically
disintegrated. Only two officers, including her Captain, Lieut.-Commander
G. H. Warren, M.B.E., R.N., and 6 ratings, were saved out of a total comple-
ment of 25. They were picked up by the tug Tanga which had come over from
Ramsgate with 6 boats in tow and had hung off outside Dunkirk most of
the night waiting for troops to be brought out to her, and was then on her way
home with 160 men on board and a motor-boat in tow.
Almost simultaneously with the withdrawal of our aircraft at 0730 a heavy
dive bombing attack developed by a compact formation of some 30 or 40 Ju. 75s,
causing the loss of the destroyers Keith and Basilisk, the minesweeper Skipjack,
and the tug St. Abbs.
2 I Report, M.017978/41 p.29.
3 M.017978/41, p.23.
R.A.F. narrative.
88

Details

SATURDAY, 1ST JUNE
CHAP. IX
The second series of attacks, which began at about 0906 and caused the loss
of the Havant, coincided with the arrival of the third main R.A.F. patrol of the
day. Coastal Command patrols were also over the ships, and at about 1015
one drove off a He. 111 which was about to attack two destroyers.
The third, a particularly heavy and prolonged enemy air attack, took place
from about 1009 to 1120, at which latter time a patrol of 28 Hurricanes appeared
and within ten minutes was engaged with an enemy force of 50 or 60 M. 109s
and 110s. The presence of enemy bombers was also reported, but they were
not engaged. They were responsible for sinking the French destroyer
Foudroyant, the minesweeper Brighton Queen, personnel vessel Scotia, and
damaging a second personnel vessel the Prague. A fourth air attack developed,
at about 1230, during the Hurricanes' patrol. In this raid the corvette King-
fisher received damage from a near miss which rendered her unseaworthy in
heavy weather, and the gunboat Mosquito was sunk.
There was a lull after this and the next air attacks fortunately occurred at
a time when the fifth R.A.F. patrol was operating, at 1500 and 1530, and a
Coastal Command patrol was also on the spot; and no ship was damaged.
Renewed attacks occurred at 1600-1630 in the very short interval before the
sixth R.A.F. patrol came up, and it was in this raid that the paddle minesweeper
Westward-Ho, sailing from Dunkirk with 900 French troops, and the destroyer
Worcester were damaged, over 100 bombs being dropped near the latter ship
When this was over, visibility had so far declined that at 1750 the paddle
minesweeper Princess Elizabeth, trying to approach Bray beach, ran into
fog and was compelled to return to Dover. The seventh R.A.F. patrol was
troubled by poor visibility, and the eighth and last encountered no enemy
at all. No bombing attacks were reported after 1840.
Five destroyers, a gunboat, two minesweepers, two personnel vessels, and
two tugs were sunk or put out of action by the German bombers on this 1st
June.
The weight of the enemy attacks may be gauged from the fact that over
1000 German bombing sorties were reported over the Dunkirk area during the
day. Forty-three enemy aircraft were destroyed.
The first heavy air attack, 0730. Keith, Skipjack and St. Abbs sunk
The Keith and Salamander moved westward from the deserted eastern
beaches. At 0737, off Bray, a large number of enemy bombers accompanied
by fighters was seen approaching, and a dive-bombing attack was made on the
Keith. The latter's manoeuvrability was restricted by shoals, magnetic mines
and wrecks, but she was not hit. But a delay action bomb from a dive bomber
exploded just astern of the ship and caused the steering wheel on the bridge
to jam. Tiller flat steering was connected up and the ship was conned by
telephone from the bridge. By this time all the Keith's 3-inch ammunition
had been expended, and the only defence which the ship could put up was the
passive one of continuing to turn in small circles at high speed in the restricted
waters.
At about 0800 numerous dive-bombing attacks took place, and the Keith was
hit or near missed on the starboard side. A large hole was blown in the side at
the forward end of the starboard engine room below the water line, and the bulk-
head between the engine room and the after boiler room was ruptured, flooding
both spaces and killing Lieut. (E) W. H. Kenward, R.N. and several men. The
boiler room shortly afterwards caught fire, possibly as the result of a further
89

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
side by two further hits, within a few inches of the to port, which the
bomb hit. It seems probable for the that ship serious took a damage heavy list was now caused to
until the upper deck was with one anchor down. water. Steam was increased
lost and the ship stopped, depth charges set to safe and Torpedoes were gradually
no range on and all were jettisoned.
As the ship was now settling, the order Rear-Admiral to abandon Wake-Walker transferred
the Keith to M.T.B. 102 this moment a further series ship was given, and from
shook the ship with near misses amongst the men in the water.
the men left her. At which landed of dive bombing most attacks of
took off survivors and picked up men water. The skoot Hilda
About 0830 the tug St. Abbs came alongside in the and assisted by the tug Vincia
was bombed and sunk. As late as 1100 men were still struggling in the oil
rescued 7 ratings. An unidentified grey yacht which was picking up survivors
Lt. Gen. Laidsell, 2 officers, and 20 ratings. The minesweeper Salamander rescued
slick, and the motor barge Sherfield, which had arrived off the coast with a small
convoy of 2 X lighters and a motor launch, rescued 15.
At about 0940 aircraft again appeared, and the Keith was sunk in a salvo of
bombs from about 50 of the enemy. Three officers and 33 men were reported
lost.
Ten minutes later the St. Abbs, by this time off Dunkirk, was hit by bombs
and sank in 45 seconds. Of the 135 officers, ratings and trcops on board, 30
were left swimming in the water, including the Captain of the Keith, Capt. E. L.
Berthon, D.S.C., R.N., who was saved.
Meanwhile the Skipjack, which had been busy off Malo embarking troops
and fighting off continuous air attacks from 0530 which had reduced her
ammunition supply to about 12 rounds a gun, was dive-bombed at 0845 by 10
aircraft and hit by 2 bombs. A minute later 3 more bombs hit her. She
turned turtle and floated bottom upwards for about 2 minutes before finally
sinking. A few survivors were picked up by the Hilda and the St. Abbs. Nearly
all the 275 troops on board were below decks and had no chance to escape.
Enemy aircraft machine-gunned men in the water.
Ivanhoe damaged, Basilisk sunk.
Already, by this time, another destroyer had been put out of action. At
0800 off Dunkirk harbour, the Ivanhoe, with 1,000 troops on board which she
had embarked from La Panne, was dive-bombed and hit amidships. Damage
was severe and she had 26 killed and 30 wounded. The troops and wounded the
were transferred to the Havant, the Speedwell and the yacht Grive; and
proceeded to Sheerness. tug While within radius of 1 mile of No. 6 W buoy,
Ivanhoe, assisted by the Persia and escorted by the War Dept. M. L. Haig, 3
waves (each of 21 bombers) attacked the a Ivanhoe and other vessels in that area
for half an hour, but the Ivanhoe received no further damage.
and Dunkirk, the Basilisk the also Keith and bombed off La Panne. Three room,
At about the time that Ivanhoe were under attack off attacks Bray
were made. In the first was being exploded in No. 3 boiler out of
action; six other bombs auxiliary exploded steam underneath lines the ship, causing the upper
cutting the main and attack one bomb and putting all machinery deck
and the ship's sides to buckle.
Torpedoes and depth charges were jettisoned and at 0845 the ship was
floating on an even keel.
An hour later, while efforts were being made by the French trawler Jolie
90

Details

CHAP. IX
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Loadings at Dunkirk during the day
In
the
space
of
a
few
hours
the
supply cerned to shipping at at any the as losses time, during of asked the destroyers, whole the of enemy a the type previous had of vessel caused 7 which days. almost was as much damage Noremase
and services carrying used of ing personnel attack. 6 only through of power; in no vessels positions In less serious the no than short was other where damage. 15 perhaps view, of vessels they them however, Admiralty equally could could had been manoeuvre the compare serious. to effect lost give to with on The orders the thigh speed under bor them. operation, that possessed Up 9 to by date the sinking great loss the
Dunkirk Nevertheless, through and the despite growing the number increasing of difficulty of threading
was throughout day, though not without a series of setbacks. vessels
maintained the wrecks, the supply of personnel a way into
The Côte d'Argent, a French mail boat transferred to the orders of
Admiral Dover, disembarked 1,000 troops from Dunkirk harbour on the Vice-
disembarked 1,250 troops at Dover in the morning and left again about 0930
June, the King George V 700, the French vessel Rouen 800. The St. Helier. 1st
At 1530 she entered Dunkirk harbour to embark wounded and troops, and was
twice hit by shore batteries before sailing for Dover once more at 2230 with
1,334 troops.
The controlling organisation
The organisation which controlled the supply of shipping functioned in a
room below Dover Castle, known as the Dynamo Room from the codeword
of the Dunkirk operation. In charge was Captain M. M. Denny, R.N. With
him there were 20 or more officers, soldiers, naval officers and Board of Trade
and Sea Transport officials, and the work they did was marvellous. They
were controlling, organizing, fuelling and supplying, not only men-of-war, but
a variety of merchant vessels. Sometimes a merchant vessel would need a
crew to take her over to Dunkirk again, but within a few hours the Sea the
new Transport Officer would get one and the ship would sail. At Ramsgate, collected
and various other places besides Dover, ships and boats were where
Nore, and organised, but the head and control of the whole was in this room,
they worked continuously and tirelessly against time day and night.¹
for the numerous small craft, working parties, and beach small parties craft were of
provided by the Chatham serviced and controlled by N.O.I.C. to assist
Crews Depot. The great majority of the Ramsgate. At
Harwich, which exceptional called there to make a quick turn round their by vessels.
the inshore an flotillas were Naval and Military system was organised relieving the
tired those ships' ships companies of the work of cleaning and clearing
NAVAL LOSSES OF THE DAY.
SUNK BY AIR ATTACK.
Destroyers-Basilisk, Havant, Keith, French Foudroyant.
Gunboat Mosquito.
Minesweepers French Minesweeping Brighton Trawlers Queen, Skipjack. Denis Papin, Moussaillon, Vénus.
Personnel vessel Scotia.
Tugs St. Abbs, St. Fagan.
Barges Lady Robinson, Doris.
I Report of R. A. Wake-Walker, M 017978/41, p.27.
94

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

SIGNALS
APPENDIX Q
APPENDIX Q
SIGNALS RE EVACUATION ON 31st MAY AND
NIGHT OF 31st MAY 1st JUNE
Friday, 31st May
1. VICE-ADMIRAL to Gossamer, Leda, Speedwell, Halcyon, Skipjack, Salamander, Niger,
Ross, Albury, Kellett, Fitzvoy, Sutton, Saltash, Lydd, Dundalk, (R) C.-in-C.
Nore, F.O.I.C. Harwich.
Ships addressed are grouped as follows for special embarkation today Friday.
Group one. Gossamer, Leda, Ross, Albury.
Group two. Halcyon, Skipjack, Speedwell, Dundalk.
Group three. Niger, Salamander, Fitzroy, Sutton.
Spare. Kellett, Saltash, Lydd.
Each ship is to adjust programme forthwith as necessary to rendezvous empty
with Senior Officers of groups at W buoy
at 2200/31. Object final evacuation
of covering force of five thousand troops.
Execution. Groups are to proceed so as to arrive off beach eastward of Dunkirk
in following positions vide chart 1872 as close as possible to the shore at 2400/31.
Group One. Bray Dunes Hotel, 5 cables apart.
Group Two. La Panne light 41 cables apart.
Group Three. Niger, Salamander, Rosendael.
Fitzvoy, Sutton, battery longitude 02° 27' E.
Kellet, Saltash, spare ship between Groups One and Three and
Groups One and Two respectively. Lydd is to make rendezvous, and if not re-
quired to complete Groups, to lie off Braye.
Troops will be brought off in three fights by waiting motor boats commencing at
0130 or earlier. Maximum speed of embarkation essential. Seven ocean tugs will
lie to seaward of minesweepers to take overflow but maximum loading of ships is
necessary to ensure complete evacuation. Group One is to return to Sheerness,
Groups Two and Three to Dover. Spare ship to Harwich. Acknowledge.
0400/31
Note: The above signal was amended later-see Appendix Q.18.
2. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Every available ship will be required at Dunkirk during next 2 hours to evacuate
rest of Army.
0445/31
3. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Conditions on beach bad. On-shore wind. Whalers capsized.
0651/31
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRAL [LANDRIAU], Savorgnan de Brazza
Request you will send in all your available destroyers and ships to Dunkirk and
to beaches at once.
0819/31
5. ADMIRAL [LANDRIAU] to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
C.-in-C. Dover from French Admiral, Pas de Calais:
This night and tomorrow I continue maximum effort. I request support of aviation
on Dunkirk tomorrow as today.
T.O.R. 2104/31
179

Details

APPENDIX R
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX R
SIGNALS RE EVACUATION ON 1st JUNE
AND NIGHT OF 1st-2nd JUNE
Saturday, 1st June
1. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Dunkirk road.
Parachute mines are being dropped all over west of Bray. Request sweep of
0047/1
2. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Admiralty
dangerous area westward. reason, and mining, consider any beach work
Yesterday ships off Bray For were this under fire. Today's shorter front will bring
too costly and evacuation must be confined to Dunkirk. Small craft will be moved
westward at dawn.
0235/1
3. VICE-ADMIRAL, Sharpshooter DOVER to REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Halcyon, Skipjack, Speedwell,
Troops from La Panne now marching towards Dunkirk. Act accordingly.
0306/1
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER
We must take full advantage of low visibility to use beaches. Keep me informed
on this point.
0630/1
5. VICE-ADMIRAL, Dunkirk DOVER to GENERAL ALEXANDER, DUNKIRK (R) R.A. Dover, S.N.O.
On the likely assumption that complete evacuation will be ordered tonight the
problem beach. of transport makes it essential to use both sides of harbour, pier and eastern
I am planning on these lines and for evacuation to start at 2200/1.
0951/1 (as amended by 1044/1)
6. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS
All destroyers are to return to harbour forthwith.
1345/1
7. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to C.-IN-C. NORE, N.O.I.C. HARWICH, COMMODORE in CHARGE,
SHEERNESS, N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE, 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th M/S Flotillas
All available ships operating under V.A. Dover of the minesweeping flotillas
addressed, are required to assist in evacuation tonight Saturday.
Ships to sail to arrive off the beach between Dunkirk and a point 11 miles east, at
2200/1. Ships which have not D.G. equipment are not to sail. Ships report forth-
with whether they can comply.
1510/1
8. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to GENERAL ALEXANDER, S.N.O. DUNKIRK. C.-IN-C. NORTHERN
NAVAL FORCES (R) Admiralty
Evacuation will take place tonight Saturday from
(A) Beach betwween Dunkirk and 11 miles to the eastward, between 2100/1 and
0300/2, for 9,000 men.
(B) East Pier, between 2100/1 and 0330/2, for 7,000 men.
(C) East side inside harbour, between 2200/1 and 0300/2, for 1,000 men.
182

Details

INDEX
Silver Moon, crosses to France without charts or compass, 53.
Silver Queen, 53, 60n.
Simpson, Ch. Skpr. D. W. L., R.N.R., lost, 34.
Simson, Capt. D. J. R., Capt. D. (19), killed, 9.
Siroco, 39, 43, 62n, 69 (sunk), 85.
Skipjack, 20, 28n, 31, 60, 86, 90 (sunk).
Skipwith, Cdr. L. P., handling of Royal Sovereign, 108.
Skoots: Commissioned, 7; return to Downs in error, 20; reach Dunkirk and beaches, 29;
continuous service, 30.
Skylark, sunk, 72.
Small craft: provision of 5, 15, 17, 21, 32, 51 manning difficulty, 17; sent to Dover,
in error, 21, 22; shortage of, 24-5, 32-3, 61, 76, 80-82, 127 losses of 32, 36; difficulties
due to weather, 36, 48, 69-70; overcrowding, 36; supply increases, 51, 61, 71
ordered to move towards Dunkirk, 86-7; return empty to England, 100.
broached to and stranded, 58, 69-70; cast adrift and lost, 60; all vanished, 86;
Snaefell, 100-1.
S.N.O. Afloat, see Bush, Capt, E. W. and Wake-Walker, Rear-Adm. W. F.
S.N.O. Dunkirk, see Tennant, Capt. W. G.
Solomon, S/Lt. M. B. H., R.N.V.R., 73n.
Spanish refugees, 100-1.
Speedwell, 86, 90, 107n, 109, 114n, 117.
Spurs, 32n, 69 (hunts S/M.), 110 (damaged).
Starlight Rays, 60n, 107n, 108.
Stella Dorado, 34n, 69, 85 (sunk).
Stella Reigel, 85.
Stephenson, Vice-Adm. G. O., 49 (act. Cdre.), 58 (takes charge off La Panne), 66-7, 79,
83; effect of his arrival, 126.
Strathelliot, 72, 101.
Stubbs, Lt., 81.
Submarine Chaser 6, 107n.
Submarines (German): believed minelaying, 38; sighted, 69.
Sunshine, 60n, 75n.
Sun IV, 71n, 104n, 117.
Sun V, 32, 36 (put out of action).
Sun VII, 71n.
Sun VIII, 71n.
Sun X, 107n, 111.
Sun XI, 71n, 107n, 111.
Sun XII, 71n.
Sun XV, 71a, 104, 114n, 117.
Sunny Isle, lost, 110.
Surcouf, 62n.
Sursum Corda, 29n.
Survivors, machine gunned, 44, 90, 92.
Sutton, 28n, 31, 42, 47, 86 (attacked), 101.
Swallow, 69-70, 72n, 114n.
Swift Wing, 7In.
Tanga, 71n, 88, 114n, 117.
Tanks, British worn out, 6.
Taransay, 71n.
Taylor, Rear-Adm. (act. Cdre.), A. H., (Dynamo Maintenance Officer), 21, 97.
Tennant, Capt. W. G., 16, 50 (appointed S.N.O. Dunkirk); 21-22 (assumes duty)
22 (sends dramatic signal) 24, 48 (asks for all ships to be sent to Dunkirk) ; 50 (res-
ponsible England). under R.A. Dover) ; 50n (false report sent in his absence) ; 108 (embarks for
Thark, lost, 117.
Thele, 71n.
Thérèse Compas, 73.
Thérèse Louis, 62n.
Thirlwall, A/Ldg. Sea. R., 93.
Thomas Bartlett, sunk, 34.
Thornton, Lt. Cdr. M., 47n.
Thuringia, sunk, 34, 38.
Thurston, Lt. N., mortally wounded, 86.
Thyra, 71n.
Tibbits, Lieut., 79.
206

Details

Details

07
Owner.
UMO
6.40
aumo
&0.
REMARKS
OF SHIPPING, croup,
er.
A.P.S.
but
VESSEL
OWNERS
REMARKS
.08 fou PIP
SKYLARK VI
SKYLARK IX
Bolsons Co.
SKYLARK X
-do-
T.98. Returned to Owners.
SKYLARK
Mr. Jackson
T.98. Returned to Owners 17.6.
T.B. Brookman
Returned to owner.
SMILING THROUGH
H. Cartridge
Returned to Owners.
SMOLT
SMUGGLER
A.W. Williams
T.98. Returned to Owners 5.6.40.
SNOW BUNTING
G.D. Leyte
T.98. Re-allocated to A.P.S.
Mr. Wray
Returned to owner.
SONIA
Loft, West Ltd.
Re-allocated A.P.S.
SOUTHERN QUEEN
No report received from List of
C.H. Harvey.
Missing Vessels.
PL.17
SOUTH RAY
No information of return from
oug
SPINAWAY
P. Shore
Dunkirk T.98.
SPINDRIFT
S. Figg
Returned.to.owner.
unti
STARFISH
A. Hewitt
T.98. Returned to owner 19.6.
was
T. Brown
Returned to owner.
STONEHAVEN
W.H. Stonehouse
T.98. Returned to owner 5.6.40.
SUMMER MAID
T.98. No report received from List
SUNDOWNER
F.M. Brown
A.P.S. of Missing Vessels.
in
SUNSHINE SURREY R.13)
Cdr.C.H. Lightoller
A.J. Berrion
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
PS tis a
SYLVIA
E.T. Thomas
No information of return from Dunkirk.
c/o Toughs
Returned to owner.
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA Southend
A.P.S.
SUFFOLK'S ROSE
Britannia Co.
Jubilee Fishing Co.
Returned to owners.
SEA AIR
Re-allocated to Special Admiralty
SKIPJACK
C.H. Anderson
Service (6A).
SOUTHERN QUEEN
W.H. Ringer
Prepared for Dynamo but did not go.
C. Mockridge & Exrs.
Damaged. Returned to owner.
of E. Saunders
Returned to owner.
TANKERTON TARPON TOWERS S. Howden
Mrs. Spragge
Returned to owner.
THARK
THETIS
c/o Toughs
T.98. Returned to owners.
THE ANGLER
H.F. Eaton
Taken by owners.
THELMA
Mr. Colding
THURN
J.T. Phelps
Lost Returned while being towed from Dunkirk.
- unsuitable.
Schofield
THYME
Ramsgate Diesel
Returned A.P.S. to owner prepared did not go.
Trawlers
THREE BROTHERS
C.F. Grant
Released Admiralty 1.6.40 Service. Allocated 6A to Special
TIGRIS. ONE
H. Hastings.
Returned 3.6.40.
TOM HILL
T. Hill
Damaged. Returned to
TRILLENE
TRITON
Dr. E. Williams
Re-allocated (6A). Special Admiralty owner. Service
W.D. Wills
T.98. T.98. Returned to owner
TWO SISTERS
R. Hayes
Missing No Vessels. report received 19.6. to List of
TWO RIVERS
F.E. Fothergill
T.98. No Returned to owner.
TORTOISE
TREASURE
Vessels. report received from List of Missing
S. Rowden
TONY LN.40
T. Neilson
Held Not required. at Tough Bros. Owner unknown.
Returned to owner.

Details

POLLY THOMAS
008ADO
canad
MINISTRY Hotel OF SHIPPING, HOTEL,
Name of Vessel
363
and G.R.T.
8A
Date
Sailing barge
1/6
Cause and Position
20A
LARK
G.R.T. 67
At Dunkirk.
D.W. 140
M.0346/41.
List C.
1
T56le
FOSSA
Tug.
2/6
1. Ships proper lost during
H"March, 1941.
G.R.T. 105
Stranded
Dunkirk Operations.
Sands off on Dunkirk. Bryr Brayne
ed
House,
N.
S.S.TRAIN No.2. FERRY
Name.
Date lost.
About
d,
D.W. G.R.T.2678.
12/6
bandoned on at
1st June, 1940.
your letter of
ship
M.S. BASILISK
ough
S.S. P.C. BRUGES
M.S. GRAFTON
29th May, 1940.
rding herewith
ops
About
30th May, 1940.
oncerning the loss
ing
intity was a
G.R.T.2949
11/6
,M.S. GRENADE
D.W. 741
Bombed off Le Havre.
1st June, 1940.
d by you.
.M.S. HAVANT
buoy
a
S.TEIRESIAS
S
0 have been
1st June, 1940.
in
G.R.T.7405
17/6
.M.S. KEITH
PS as
ou will probably
D.W. 9644
.M.S. WAKEFUL
29th May, 1940.
roops,
tish
S.S. DIDO.
in Bombed 47.7°N. off St.Nazaire
20.
on is obtained
I.M.S. SKIPJACK
1st June, 1940.
3,733.
G.W.T.3550
ot always readily
673
18/6
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
1st June, 1940.
ers
TrawlerMANSK.
At Brest. Abandoned.
(approx)
D.W. G.R.T. 348
19/6
Blow
ncerely,
When
Dry &
Grounded at Brest.
nd about
MAhcak
oard
S.S.LUPPWORTH.
g picked
Aband
G.R.T. 279.
Prev,
D.W. 370
21/6.
isting
Abandoned at Brest.
een
S.S.LANCASTRIA.
evacuees)
G.R.T.16,243.
17/6
SUNK,
13,226.
/2/1941
Bombed. unknown. Position
Lue Coat School,
Is
M.V. KUFRA.
Church Road,
SUNK.
Wavertree,
G.R.T. 4364
23/6
LIVERPOOL, 15.
bombs
D.W. 2724
mes early
"MONA'S QUEEN' 29/5/40.
in Rammed 44° 11' by 'San 2°W. Diego'
bombs and
SUNK.
sequently
at there
DIFERRION.
sunk by H.M.S. JANUS.
10
10
1/6
off Sunk bunkirk. action
were any troops on board.
"DUCHESS"
29 survive
MAID OF KENT. Lost on 1/6/40 as the result of bombing available attacks and
G.R.T. 55 Net.
Spritsail barge
26 lost.
during no information as to any military personnel on
Dunkirk operations. No details board.
1/6
SUNK.
S.S. "ELLAVORE"
During at
Abandoned
MONA'S QUEEN. Personnel Vessel sunk by mine whilst off Dunkirk.
G.R.T. 1302.
Dunkirk
No other details available.
10/6
H.M.S. FIELDS. Received direct hit Impossible from enemy to aircraft ascertai
GRACIE while carrying 700-800 troops.
At Havre. aircraft, by
do.
number of troops killed.
SUNK.

Details

HOT? Isoa
MINISTRY Empire Hotel OF SHIPPING, Group, Hotel,
S.S.-
9.
20A
8A
uo Remale used
C.
M.0346/41.
List C.
1
bendoned ne off 100%
H.M. Ships proper lost during
H March, 1941.
156
Dunkirk Operations.
ed
Name.
House,
Date lost.
N.
H.M.S. BASILISK
d,
1st June, 1940.
your letter of
ship
H.M.S. GRAFTON
29th May, 1940.
rding herewith
ough
H.M.S. GRENADE
ops
30th May, 1940.
oncerning the loss
ing
antity was a
H.M.S. HAVANT
1st June, 1940.
d by you.
buoy
H.M.S. KEITH
1st June, 1940.
0 have been
a
in
H.M.S. WAKEFUL
29th May, 1940.
ou will probably
ps as
roops,
tish
H.M.S. SKIPJACK
1st June, 1940.
on is obtained
20.
, 3,733.
H.M.S. MOSQUITO
1st June, 1940.
ot always readily
673
ers
(approx)
ncerely,
When
MAhcak
nd about
oard
g picked
isting
een
evacuees)
Blue Coat School,
Church Road,
/2/1941
Wavertree,
ls
LIVERPOOL, 15.
bombs
mes early
bombs and
DIFERIOR.
sequently
sunk by H.M.S. JANUS. it 10
t 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

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

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

VESSEL
OWNERS
REMARKS
SKYLARK VI
Bolsons Co.
T.98 Returned to Owner
SKYLARK IX
do
T.98 Returned to Owners 17/6
SKYLARK X
Mr.Jackson
Returned to Owners
SKYLARK
T.E. Brockman
Returned to Owners.
SMILING THROUGH
H.Cartridge
T.98 Returned to Owners 5.6.40
SMOLT
A.W. Williams
T.98 Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SMUGGLER
G.D. Layte
Returned to Owners.
SNOW BUNTING
Mr. Wray
Re-allocated A.P.S.
SONIA
Loft, West Ltd,
No report received from list
of Missing Vessels.
SONNY
No report received from list of
Missing Vessels.
SOUTHERN QUEEN
C.H.Harvey
No information of return from
P.L.17
Dunkirk T.98
SOUTH RAY
F.Shore
Returned to Owners.
SPINAWAY
S.Figg
T.98 Returned to Owners 19/6
SPINDRIFT
A.Hewitt
Returned to Owner
STARFISH
T.Brown
DNG
T.98 Returned to Owners 5.6.40
STONEHAVEN
W.H.Stonehouse
T.98 No report received from List
of Missing Vessels.
SUMMER MAID
F.M. Brown
A.P.S.
SUNDOWNER
Cdr.C.H.Lightoller
Re-allocated to A.P.S.
SUNSHINE (R.13)
A.J.Verrion
No information of return from
Dunkirk
SURREY
E.T. Thomas
Returned to Owners.
X VIA
C/o Toughs
A.P.S.
SOUTHEND BRITANNIA
Southend Britennia Co.
Returned to Owners.
SUFFOLK'S ROSE
Jubilee Fishing Co.
Re-allocated to Sp.Admy See.
(6A)
SVANA
No report received from lists of
Missing Vessels.
SEA AIR
G.H. Anderson
Prepared for Dynamo but did not g
SKIPJACK
W.W. Ringer
Damaged. Returned to owners
SOUTHERN QUEEN
.Mockridge & Exrs.
Returned to Owners.
of E. Saunders
SILVER CLOUD. (11+5)
C.G BRINKLEY
RETURNED TO OWNER
SUE SUE (Rowboat)
E.C.WILSON.
LOST
SHRIMP. (Skiff)
H.E. PARKER
RETA. To OWNER- DAMAGED.
TALLYHO (Rowbarl)
F.C.WILSON.
Rela Damaged
TANKERTON TOWERS
S.Rowden
Returned to owner.
TARPON
Mrs.Spraggs
T.98 Returned to owners.
THARK
c/o. Toughs
Taken by owners
THETIS
H.F.Baton
Lost while being towed from
Dunkirk
THE ANGLER
Mr.Golding
RETURNED - UNSUITABLE
THELMA
Phelps
Returned to owner prepared did
not go
THURN
Schofield
A.P.S. PRESUMED LOST.
THYME
Ramsgate Diesel
Released 1.6.40 Allocated to
Trawlers
SP. ADMY. SCE. (6A)
THREE BROTHERS
C.F. Grant
Returned 3.6.40
TIGRIS ONE
H.Hastings
Damaged. Returned to owners
TOM HILL
T.Hill
Re-allocated SPL.ADMY SCE. (6A)
TRILLENE
Dr.E. Williams
T.98 Returned to owners 19/6
TRITON
W.D.Wills
T.98 No report received to list
of Missing Vessels.
TWO SISTERS
R.Hayes
T.98 Returned to owners.
TWO RIVERS
F.E. Fothergill
No report received from list
of Missing Vessels.
TORTOISE
?
Held at Tough Bros. Owner unknown.
TREASURE
S.Rowden
Not reqd.
TONY LN40
T.Neilson
Returned to owner

Details

LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
BRIGHTON QUEEN
LEDA
SALTASH
DEVONIA
LYDD
SANDOWN
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SHARPSHOOTER
DUNDALK
MEDWAY QUEEN
SKIPJACK
EMPEROR OF INDIA
NIGER
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
ORIOLE
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
PANGBOURNE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PLINLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GOSSAMER
PORTSDOWN
WESTWARD HO
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
HALCYON
QUEEN OF THANET
Sunk.
(Continued)

Details

Vessel
Repairs. and Replacements. S. d.
Total
L
Type
Claimant
Paper No.
Hire & Exs.
£.
£.
S.
d.
27.
4.
9.
"SKYLARK IV"
F.V.
(S.M.5)
F.P. Collins
Tm4796/40
44.
16.
O.
375.
0.
0.
"SKYLARK VI"
M.V.
J. Bolson & Son
TO 9198/40
17.
0.
O.
25.
0.
0.
"SKYLARK IX"
75.
O.
O.
M.V.
Pascall Atkey & Son
TO 9198/40
2.
3.
9.
D. Hillyard
2.
9.
6.
54.
10.
O.
"SKYLARK X"
M.V.
TO 9154/40
160.
7.
2.
"SEAGULL"
M.B.
C.E. Loose
TM 6099/40
7.
19.
5.
L.N.203
"SOUTHERN QUEEN"
500.
0.
O.
M.B.
C.H. HARVEY
TO 9271/40
5.
13.
6.
"SOUTH RAY"
M.Y.
S. Burch
TM 3790/40
12.
0.
A.G. Bruce
4.
3.
3.
27.
5.
0.
"SPINDRIFT"
A.N. Hewett
TM 3930/40
5.
15.
O.
"STONEHAVEN"
500.
0.
0.
M.V.
W.H. Stonehaven
TO 9181/40
"SURREY"
M.V.
Thomas Bros.
TM 3763/40
11.
4.
8.
5.
O.
0.
219.
0.
"SOUTHEND
P.M.B.
Southend Britannia
TM 3888/40
0.
0.
0.
75.
BRITANNIA"
Co.Ltd.
35.
0.
0.
"SUFFOLK'S ROSE"
M.V.
Jubilee Fish Co.Ltd.
TO 9564/40
29.
1.
0.
Re-allocated to
Special Admiralty
"SILVER SPRAY
M.V.
W.A. Ragless
TM 4924/40
29.
9.
7.
42.
12.
6.
Service.
"SUNSHINE"
R.13
TM 4783/40
203.
10.
A.T. Verrion
0.
"SUE SUE"
row
F.C. Wilson
TM 9567/40
20.
0.
0.
bt.
"SPURGEON"
S.BGE.
H.W. Harvey
TO 9297/40
15.
10.
6.
19.
15.
0.
"SKIPJACK"
M.B.
W.W.Ringer
TM 4749/40
31.
0.
0.
133.
16.
8.
6.
9.
0.
"SOUTHERN QUEEN"
M.B.
G. Mockridge
TM 4776/40
10.
O.
0.
Salvage Diving Tende:
F.E. 154
"SARAH & EMILY"
TM 5093/40
30.
0.
J. Todd
0.
"SEA BELLE"
M.B.
S.G. Odam
TM 5238/40
7.
15.
0.
"SANDOWN"
M.F.B.
G. Alexander
TM 6464/40
3.
4.
0.
24.
O.
O.
3.
12.
11.
"SERB" & "STONE"
S.BGE.
R & W Paul Ltd.
TO 9296/40
49.
11.
5.
Harrison (Lan.) Ltd.
5.
0.
0.
"SALTCOTE BELLE"
S.Bge.
Francis Gilders Ltd.
TO 9300/40
1.
15.
11.
Andrews & Ellis
TO 9303/40
See
"SUNBEAM"
S.Bge.
under
"Leslie"
If
"
TO 9303/40
It
11
"SIDWELL"
S.Bge.
11
.S.S.
Gen. Steam Nav.
TO 4270/40
116.
8.
11.
"SWIFT"
Co. Ltd.
"SHERFIELD"
M.BGE.
J.J. Prior (Transport)
Ltd.,
TO 9423/40
60.
17.
7.
Not completed.
"
If
If
If
30.
6.
"SHAWFORD"
M.BGE
7.
Not completed.

Details

ST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
f
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
BRIGHTON BELLE
ROSS
KELLETT
BRIGHTON QUEEN
SALAMANDER
LEDA
DEVONIA
SALTASH
LYDD
DUCHESS OF FIFE
SANDOWN
MARMION
DUNDALK
SHARPSHOOTER
MEDWAY QUENEN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
SKIPJACK
NIGER
FITZROY
SNAEFELL
ORIOLE
GLENAVON
SPEEDWELL
PANGBOURNE
GLENGOWER
SUTTON
PLINLIMMON
GOSSAMER
WAVERLEY
PORTSDOWN
GRACIE FIELDS
WESTWARD Ho
HALCYON
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
QUENN OF THANET
Sunk.
Conti

Details

early
at beachearricades always we Bray appeared part to know of to the when have as of day, far tanks, this no out.townrds.evening fighter patrevening there the enemy were seemed times when
sh
tide which and it was came La plank Panne. pier of venthes, footway Wi as lorries, the handrail so water etc., R.E. mark were did
westward. As the afternoon wore a the abandoned the enemy's hit and saw "VI bu
and "CLAN
the to - get or outer twor-boats that men alongside. At could out walk ong out the to
brunt boats many the late ships boats his on grass staff in embarked a get to
of the evening a number of wind powe cl
in most like closely to thele THE in these or three - would states In bar this have of
the evening. the C. tide England MA/SB.
Friday, to 1,200 May men. 31. was in the region of 5-6 time hours to water load - line power that 18, for except 1,000 from the
Saturday
June 1 under very was as
There
with During the bet
encourage high the enough boats and sea dry the broached for twelve to at northerly high water work breeze most and a heavy
and the La Dunkirk. were good general
that west towards there the direction of numbers of enem
in holding Dunkink therolding Dunkirk as it the tonly real hoperds the the hours. We all that and were Many left of
be by The off from not them. The more rate than and getting the a fraction a beaches was & The beaches was & beache armies evacuation on Dunkirk, so from slow
to of and close in was possible lay to
At TOTAL offing, on Ke
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< THE
when patrols little there trouble were sky entirely was during clear, adequate the but earlier despite part this of the the enemy aircraft could
part staff much of his transferred own were way again and to many some bombs gaps until were during the which late the day. afternoon Our and fighter evening, gave
87's though was skipjack Keith All an
It close
of The this bad weather and other H.M.S. days in "KEITH" small off craft dropped. Bray. up and He At enemy spent 0645, had a R.A. large things and
attack on on hit
the on most the beaches of the almost small craft and onshore near wind, coupled with down the stranding coast.
these time after At the 0805 second a further or third The strong ship salvo imme was diatelya moving at boiler a hi fre qu
off day, the and it became tovident that toyal evident that there been was slowed the no hope greater down the of the part work of
THE sar
Bray. shelled About We from proceeded noon the "HEBE" eastwards at La and Panne were reported originally that they planned. were bringing
side, then. M.T.B.
noon trouble. to try An to locate up the to shore La Panne in forced "KEITH" to withdraw towards being
eastward spotting work. of La enemy Panne A observation and may have balloon battery been was which up was a early few causing in the the
after-
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< with w s
1430 down off by aircraft La Panne but signal 1t was was still made there asking able for to this do some miles useful to
the
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 10-15 attack
number and at of the same time we a came tremendous under fire aerial from in a the hidden evering. shore to be At shot about
executed. frequent escorting STATE THE on broke while overhead. they engaged Our a the
fighters battle in which battery, large
type the most her the hit went off <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< the to from atta B
"KEITH" was bombed ships at 1500, and beaches without through. were success. mostly The ill
and
-3-
- 2 -

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68
I
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67
to the westward and anchried opposite the
French battery until daylisht. During the
might I shifted borth further to the
westward to avoid "oras" from the
Perman batteries shelling the French fort.
June 1ˢᵗ
1/6
At darr [ closed the beach
ajain where some troops were seen marching
lowards Dushisk. They should no
particular clesse Is come off and only
about 100 straggles were embarled, the
main body antioning along the beach.
At about 0800 therefore [ closed
the "Kith flying the flag of hear Admiral
wake-walhor. Captain Pin reported the
situation and was andered IS close the
beaches close castward of Danhih, and
if there were no troops there to proceed
Is England.
Shortly often this stung formating
of enemy chise bonkers appeared and Kith
was aepeatedly attached until put out
of action and chandmed ship. During
this period E remained under way
3ig zagging as apart from Keith
and Skipjack there appeared the

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75
74
-3-
13. Several of the motor boats had now broken down and
between midnight and 3 a.m. complete repairs were done to
these boats, which was most creditable to the R.N.R. and
R.N.V.R. officers and ratings sent from EXCELLENT and KING
ALFRED to man them.
14. I found it necessary to shift my anchorage to the west
during the night, as shells meant for the beaches were
ricocheting over H.M.S. HILDA.
15. In accordance with my undertaking to the troops, I sent
off all boats again at 3.15 a.m. to search the beaches, starting
from the western end of Bray-Dunnes. During the next three
hours approximately only 250 men were taken off the beaches,
and these in small parties; they were apparently stragglers.
A large rearguard party marching along the beach decided to
continue to Dunkirk.
June.
16. At 7.30 a.m. approximately I closed H.M.S. KEITH and
reported the position to Admiral Wake-Walker. He told me to
continue my search of the beaches and if possible transfer my
troops to another ship, subsequently returning to England.
17. Unfortunately, with the exception of KEITH, SKIPJACK,
one destroyer a considerable distance away and an Admiralty tug,
there were no vessels to whom I could transfer these troops,
besides which, with the dive bombing and shelling, it would, as
it turned out, have been impossible.
18. At approximately 8 a.m. H.M.S. KEITH received a direct
hit from a dive bomber and was abandoned shortly afterwards.
I closed KEITH and picked up some 50 survivors out of the water,
including the Q.M.G. of the B.E.F. and other Staff Officers.
At this stage I jettisoned all my spare petrol. The Admiralty
tug went alongside KEITH before she sank and took off the
majority of the survivors. I then proceeded to the east to
make a final inspection of the beaches and to see that no motor-
boats had been left behind.
19. Half an hour later SKIPJACK received a direct hit from a
dive bomber and sank immediately. I closed SKIPJACK and picked
up some 60 or 70 survivors.
20. Dive bombing had been more or less continuous since early
morning and the attacks went on while HILDA proceeded towards
Dunkirk on passage home. British fighters were seen on two
or three occasions, but during the greater part of the day the
Germans seemed to be in complete control of the air.
21. At 10.30 approximately I sailed for England, being
narrowly missed on several occasions by bomba, and after an
hour's steaming, while in the vicinity of two of H.M. transports
I saw the latter struckby dive bombers and sink.
22./

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232
OPERATION
NO.21
SHIP:- MOTOR BOAT - TENDER TO SKOOT "HILDA".
STATEMENT BY $
Crew
Service
&
A.B.
M.J.Stallard
Detailed for small motor boats and went on board
PJX 154107.
the HILDA, a Dutch Skoot: taken round to Dgal
31/5
1100ca
19 years of age.and took two ships lifeboats and six motor boats
A
Sub.Lieut.
R.N.V.R. inntow. Stallard was transferred into & small
Motor Boat and towed across to La Panne. Passing
An o.s.
Dunkerque were mixed up with an dr raid. Then
1600
The old man from Deal
he arrived at La Panne there was heavy firing
mentioned in a Sunday
and shells were dropping in the sea all around,
paper.
firing at the destroyers. They were told to go
inshore, when it was found that the propeller
was foul with rope. They were towed inshore
by another motor boat and were able to clear the
propeller. Picked up a pontoon full of soldiers
and returned to HILDA with them. Pontoon was so
badly damaged that it had to be left. Found a
naval cutter. Took outter in tow. Tyansforred
from motor boat to cutter to help soldiers into
boat. Went into beach and a passing destroyer
beached them. By then motor boat and outter
were full of soldiers. Breakers soon had motor
boat and cutter swamped and outter full of water.
Stallard had to tell the soldiers and push and
pull them out of the boat, as their equipment
was caught up. Ordered them to push the boat off,
doing his best with an oar, After they got the
cutter off, all the soldiers got back in and
Stallard told them to get the cars. There were
only 4 oars. The Officer and 0.3. abandoned the
motor boat and came aboard the outter. The old
man stayed in his motor boat. The cutter was
1815 ca
rowed by Stallard and aix soldiers out to HILDA.
He stayed in the outter. This was after 6.0 Dalla
and shelling was going on. One shell landed
2200
200 yards ahead of them inshore and wiped out &
group of 6 soldiers waiting. By about 10.0 Dalla
one part of the beach had been cleared by
Stallard's party. They then moved to a jetty made
of Army lorries. Took a boatload of soldiers to
"MOSQUITO". They were told by an officer in
MOSQUITO that on the next trip they would get &
bottle of bear each. This was the first drink
Saturday morning
they had since leaving Deal. Could hardly see
the sky for aeroplanes. One Spitfire attacked
37 German aeroplanes, brough down one and came
down himself into the sea. Started bombing
0800ce: 12/gune
immediately. Hit Keith; Captain Pin then ordered
boat to pick up survivors. After picking these
up: SKIPJACK was hit. Went down in two seconds.
Went over to pick up SKIPJACK'S survivors. There
were some soldiers but veryflew of crew. Returned
to HILDA. Ordered to take up tow astern. HILDA
was full of survivors in bad state, one diad.
HILDA tried to get away from the heavy bombing.
Tried to get clear. One salvo of bombs fall
each side of motor boat. Finally /14000 ascaped about

Details

Dyrom P2 391
-
368
June 5th, 1940.
1.
Lieut. A.J. Davies, R.N.V.R. -"Java" never got over the
other side and was finally towed to Sheerness by "Gorecht"
2.
Lieut. A.N. Blundell, R.N.R. - "Bornrif" did three. trips
between Ramsgate and beaches at Dunkirk. "King Orry" was
sighted sunk off Dunkirk.
3.
Sub Lieut. R.H.C. Amos, R.N.V.R. - "Iote" was beached and
abandoned after she had damaged her rudder while rescuing
two of her crew, who had fallen overboard on the morning
of Saturday June 1st. On night of Monday, June 3rd, Sub Lieut
Amos, R.N.V.R. and Sub Lieut. R.H. Wallace, R.N.V.R. were in
a new but unnamed power life boat which was towed over to
SUN
Dunkirk by Tug "About
.....
(A).
On the 30th May D.S. "Horst" was known to have been abandoned.
4.
Sub Lieut. D.C. Williams, R.N.V.R. - left Ramsgate on the
night of Su day, June 2nd in the "Kitcat". On the way over
he became separated from the rest of the convoy. After
doing some work the other side he towed the "Singapore" back
to Dover and then on to Ramsgate on Monday, June 3rd.
5.
Lieut. R.W. Thomson, R.N.V.R. - After being discharged from
the "AEGer", where he had proved lacking in experience, did
4 trips in the "DABB II", two of which were unsuccessful.
6.
Sub Lieut. C. Minchin, R.N. - Went to the beached in the
"LYDD" where he ferried until the boat broke down. She was
abandoned and Minchin returned to Ramsgate in the "Lydd".
On Monday, against orders he tried to go over in the "Hel-
frinore" but she broke down.
7.
Sub Lieut. E.S. Foreman, R.N.V.R. - In the"Princess Freda"
he ferried from the beaches for a destroyer. He then
worked for the Dutch "Besta" --?, who finally towed him
back to Ramsgate.
8.
Sub Lieut. R.E. Blows, R.N.V.R. - Started in the "Minikoi"
but she was rammed and sunk by "MASB 6" off the downs at
0230 on Wed, May 29th. He next went over in the "Ambleve",
which with the "Sambre" was towed over by the "Skipjack",
for whom he ferried from the beaches. A crew from the
Skipjack releived his crew for a'stand-easy' and ran the
"Ambleve" aground. He and his crew returned in the
Skipjack. On Saturday, June 1st, he went over in a power
life boat. She was damaged by near bombs but the engines
continued to run.
9.
Sub Lieut. J.W. Pratt, R.N.V.R. - Ran aground in the
"Singapore" on beach at 0130 on Sunday June 2nd. She
rfloated at 0800 and he left with three French Officers.
On the way he picked up two British soldiers who were
floating around'. These were revived with wine from the
French Officers' water bottles. He passed the "Mosquito"
which was still afloat but had been deserted. In mid
channel he found three life boats which he took in tow
intil his engines gave out and he was taken in tow by
the "Kitkat".
10.
Sub Lieut. I.F. Smith, R.N.V.R. - In "Jong" helped to
ferry troops from the beaches on Friday, May 31st. On
way home he sighted the "Iote" drifting round empty and
the "White Heather" empty but at anchor.

Details

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