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A.L.C.10(1)
Landing Craft
S/Lt. L.R. Ponsonby, R.N.V.R.
31st May
2400
A.L.C.10 and M.L.C's 12, 17, 21, 22,
arrived at Dover on board the S.S.
City of Christchurch.
1st June
1130
A.L.C.10 and M.L.C. Nos. 21 and 22 were
placed in the water.
1430
The City of Christchurch received
orders to leave Dover with M.L.C.12
on board, and A.L.C.10, M.L.C.21
and M.L.C.22 in tow, and drop them
at W buoy. (M.L.C.17 being damaged
was left behind).
2130
Having arrived at W buoy, the landing
craft proceeded to Dunkirk in line
ahead.
On arrival at the beach, S/Lt.
Ponsonby ordered the craft to carry
on independently, as he found it
"impossible to keep all the craft
under ... [his] personal control".
(See M.L.C.12)
2nd June
0400ca
A.L.C.10 left for Dover with 70 troops
on board. Half way across the Straits
[the P. M/S SNAEFELL] /
the troops were transferred to a P/S
1000ca
A.L.C.10 arrived Dover.
[s/Lt. Ponsonby was then put in command
of the M.L.B. / Jane Holland].
Authority - R.O.III, p.528.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
27

Details

BLEI MOR (1.3126) 3126)
French M.F.V.
This ship is reported to have taken part in
Dynamo, but no details are available.
under
the
Captain
E.
Authority - inistere de la Marine Marchande, Paris.
2nd/3rd June
dr. Vivacious,
U.A/S.B.7.
M.T.B,107, and the
West Cove,
Blei mor AD 381
Edvard Nissen,
3rd/4th June
auxiliary mine Tweeper
and
the
blockshipa
of the Dunkerque
command
Pacifico
blockships were sunit on the way to the
harbour; was lost the Holland in a gale collision
the 27th of March 1940 to have been 8 the
and the evidently operation the did not was by than
take been part in Dynamo or 100 to 120
UBG left unobstructed on the of the
this gap, however, was of the
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
bank.
The following the
Mention in Depostches.
Capt. E. R.N.
R.A.9. Homp, R.H.
(1)
106

Details

BLOCKSHIPS
Blocking of Dunkirk Inner Harbour.
This operation was carried out on 2 successive nights,
under the command of Captain E. Dangerfield R.N. The ships
employed were as follows:
2nd/3rd June
dr. Vivacious,
M.A/S.B.7.
M.T.B.107, and the blockships
West Cove,
Edvard Nissen,
Holland.
3rd/4th June
dr. Shikari,
M.A/S.B.10,
M.T.B.107, and the blockships
Gourko,
Moyle,
Pacifico.
Two of the blockships were sunk on the way to the
harbour; the Holland by collision with an unknown personnel
ship; the Gourko by what is said to have been a magnetic mine(1).
The blocking operation was made difficult by the ebb tide,
and the strength of the out-going current was greater than had
been expected. Consequently, a gap of about 100 to 120 feet
was left unobstructed on the west side of the channel; part of
this gap, however, was shoal water, because of the shelving
bank.
The following awards were made to the operation staff;
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. E. Dangerfield R.N.
Lieut. R.A.F. Heap, R.N.
(1) Gourko was de-gaussed, and had been wiped in Chatham
Dockyard on 31st May.
107

Details

EDNA (Y.H.119)
M.F.V. (owner, H.V. Little)
2nd June
2015
Bailed from the Downo
Took no part in Operation Dynamo.
the
[See Under Eastern District Fishing Fleet].
3rd June
0215
Anchored ore Dunkirk less Holland,
Authority - TO.9436.
which 989 comeunere
T0.9144.
Weighed and proceeded.
0310
Passed Dunkirk 3
astern of Gestcove.
When 0 cable end a half past the
occulting light on the inner uset
pier, Westerve remed the play
and swung athwart the Channel, The
out-flowing streem (about 2 knoto),
however, reduced her athwariship
angle, 80 by arrangement with Neatory
the Nissen endervoured to striks
stern as she passed on her way to
ren the cast breakwater.
The strength of the ebb stream was
however misjudged, and the Nissen
passing close under gesteove's
rammed the east breakeater,
of the Westcoxe. Wiesen let go an
anchor and spplied full port helm
and all engine power to increase this
blooking angle.
Westcove then "blew up and caught
fire aft's and it WEB seen that the
gap between the 2 ships' sterns had
increased from 20 feet to 00 feet,
owing to the current. The motor boes
run a howeer to the yestcoye's
and by heaving on this the gap was
reduced to 50 rest.
Niesen was then abendomed and the
scuttling charges fired from the
0413
Edvard Nissen blew up and settled
rapidly. The ware transferred
to M.A/8.B.7*
Anthority - M.011431/40.
The following
pention In pespatohes.
King-Wood, H.N.R.
4/Ltout. I.R. Griffiths, R.M.
O.P.O. its Woods.
270

Details

EDVARD NISSEN
Blockship
Lt. E.J. King-Wood, R.N.R.
2nd June
2015
Sailed from the Downs in company with
Westcove and Holland, Vivacious
way. (with M.T.B.107 in tow) leading the
2117
M.A/S.B.7 L.V. joined company off S.Goodwin
3rd June
0215
Anchored off Dunkirk - less Holland,
which was somewhere astern.
0240
Weighed and proceeded.
0310
Passed Dunkirk outer breakwater 3 cables
astern of Westcove.
When a cable and a half past the
occulting light on the inner west
pier, Westcove rammed the pier
and swung athwart the Channel. The
out-flowing stream (about 2 knots),
however, reduced her athwartship
angle, so by arrangement with Westcove
the Nissen endeavoured to strike her
stern as she passed on her way to
ram the east breakwater.
The strength of the ebb stream was
however mis judged, and the Nissen
passing close under Westcove's stern,
rammed the east breakwater, abreast
of the Westcove. Nissen let go an
anchor and applied full port helm
and all engine power to increase the
blocking angle.
Westcove then "blew up and caught
fire aft", and it was seen that the
gap between the 2 ships' sterns had
increased from 20 feet to 80 feet,
owing to the current. The motor boat
ran a hawser to the Westcove's stern
and by heaving on this the gap was
reduced to 50 feet.
Nissen was then abandoned and the
scuttling charges fired from the boat.
0413
Edvard Nissen blew up and settled
rapidly. The crew were transferred
to M.A/S.B.7.
Authority - M.011431/40.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches.
Lt. E.J. King-Wood, R.N.R.
S/Lieut. I.R. Griffiths, R.N.
C.P.O. H. Woods.
271

Details

HIS MAJESTY
M/V (Owner, J. Mears Ltd.)
Cdr.E.C.
Coats
R.N.
29th May
June
2010
Routed to the east of Dunkirk, proceeded
to Sheerness for supplies.
No report of her activities while at
Dunkirk. and the Edvard Bissons
2117
M.A/S.B.I joined the convoy off the B.
Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland
VOS unable to maintain the 7: knots
Authority - Sheerness D.Y.1/01. convoy and soon lost sight of
Hearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) stowing
a very long line of boats" crossed
Hollands bown and further delayed har.
3rd June
0315ca
Asked M.A/8.B.7 to lead Holland into
Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long
line of destroyers came out" or
Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there une
0 gap of over 6. mile and then a
large and feet transport."
(note: The following dentroyors left Dunkirk for Dover
at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher
(0230), Shitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248),
Codrington (0250), Express (0250).
The following transporta left Dunkirk at the
times stated in brackets:
Newhaven 1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines (0245)
Tynwald
2,375 tone, 4 stem turbines
0500)
Rouen
1,882 total, 3 steam turbines
was in Dunkirk
in the early
hours of 3rd
June (see
Thomas Kirk
Wright, P+240))
Cote d'Argent [3,047 tone, 4 steam turbines) (landed
troops at Doyer
on 3rd June)]
L.A/3.B.7 led Holland through the ⑈
lesween the destroyer line and the
Pote
Anceue accession a
ransport. When the transport and
oubles away, and steaming very
'nst with the first streaks or dawn
ehind her, the danger of collision
us abordage 92 affarant
scase apparent, and Holland sounded
ne blast end put the wheel hard to
daws Bizafforth du
tarboard, The transport, says
3- Car. Qoats, Thas then only to e/o
Newhaven du Rown
to starboard 10 pass well clear....
owever she appeared to alter to
ort". Blue strock Holland hard on
et de Pa cote of Arguit
be bridge and Just before the boiler
DOB bulkhead. The transport *did
at appear to suotain much damage,
un Rousn n'a pas apparences as
scked out and carried on". As
alland had no buayancy In hand, her
Druckergue cath nuit la
intain ordered Fabandon ship" a
stant reste s'chous a burst
IV accounts bofore who wes struck.
de Pa. fater of Emberquetage
Tax milian de for forencise
the 3 ferries
Foremost G7-
Note by Odr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
36 37

Details

HOLLAND
Blockship
Lt.Cdr.E.C. Coats R.N.
2nd June
2010
Weighed and sailed from the Downs to
Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious
leading, and towing M.T.B.107;
the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen.
2117
M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8.
Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland
was unable to maintain the 7½ knots
of the convoy and soon lost sight of
it.
Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing
a very long line of boats" crossed
Hollands bows and further delayed her.
3rd June
0315ca
Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into
Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long
line of destroyers came out" of
Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was
a gap of over a mile and then a
large and fast transport."
[Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover
at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher
(0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248)
Codrington (0250), Express (0250).
The following transports left Dunkirk at the
times stated in brackets:
Newhaven
1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines
(0245)
Tynwald
2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines
0300)
Rouen
1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines
was in Dunkirk
in the early
hours of 3rd
June (see
Thomas Kirk
Wright, p.240))
Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed
troops at Dover
on 3rd June)]
I.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap
etween the destroyer line and the
Note
Anceuse allution a
ransport. When the transport was
cables away, and steaming very
'ast with the first streaks of dawn
ehind her, the danger of collision
my abordage n'afparait
ecame apparent, and Holland sounded
ne blast and put the wheel hard to
daws Bizafforth du
tarboard. The transport, says
t. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c
Newhaven / du Rown
to starboard to pass well clear....
owever she appeared to alter to
ort". She struck Holland hard on
et de Pa cote d Argent
he bridge and just before the boiler
Dom bulkhead. The transport "did
ot appear to sustain much damage,
be Rouen n'a pas appareises' de
acked out and carried on". As
olland had no buoyancy in hand, her
Dewkergue cette nuit la
aptain ordered "abandon ship" a
etant zaste' ichour a P 'oceast
W seconds before she was struck.
de Pa fatee' d' Embacquat age
feesgee are miliere de Pa fournea
due 3 freen
Foremost 87.
Note by Cdr. Cras of French Historical Dept.
37

Details

HOLLAND
Blockship
Lt.Car.E.C. Coats R.N.
2nd June
2010
Weighed and sailed from the Downs to
Dunkirk. In company were Vivacious
leading, and towing M.T.B.107;
the Westcove and the Edvard Nissen.
2117
M.A/S.B.7 joined the convoy off the 8.
Goodwin L.V. opposite Calais, Holland
was unable to maintain the 7½ knots
of the convoy and soon lost sight of
it.
Nearing Dunkirk, a tug(1) "towing
a very long line of boats" crossed
Hollands bows and further delayed her.
3rd June
0315ca
Asked M.A/S.B.7 to lead Holland into
Dunkirk. Shortly after, "a long
line of destroyers came out" of
Dunkirk. "Astern of them, there was
a gap of over a mile and then a
large and fast transport."
[Note: The following destroyers left Dunkirk for Dover
at the times stated in brackets: Vanquisher
(0230), Whitshed (0245), Malcolm (0248),
Codrington (0250), Express (0250).
The following transports left Dunkirk at the
times stated in brackets:
Newhaven 1,888 tons, 3 steam turbines
(0245)
Tynwald
2,376 tons, 4 steam turbines
0300)
Rouen
1,882 tons, 3 steam turbines
was in Dunkirk
in the early
hours of 3rd
June (see
Thomas Kirk
Wright, p.240))
Cote d'Argent [3,047 tons, 4 steam turbines) (landed
troops at Dover
on 3rd June)]
M.A/S.B.7 led Holland through the gap
between the destroyer line and the
transport. When the transport was
6 cables away, and steaming very
fast with the first streaks of dawn
behind her, the danger of collision
became apparent, and Holland sounded
one blast and put the wheel hard to
starboard. The transport, says
Lt. Cdr. Coats, "had then only to a/c
5° to starboard to pass well clear....:
However she appeared to alter to
port". She struck Holland hard on
the bridge and just before the boiler
room bulkhead. The transport "did
not appear to sustain much damage,
backed out and carried on". As
Holland had no buoyancy in hand, her
captain ordered "abandon ship" a
few seconds before she was struck.
(1) Either Sun X, Sunk XI or Foremost 87.
37A

Details

Details

JANE HANNAH (L.N.98)
M.F.V. (Owner, B. Chase)
Harbour duties at Ramsgate on 4th June.
2nd June
160 [see under Eastern District Fishing Fleet].
Ryn.II. [1.0, the Bun x](1)
Cest off outside Dunkirk.
Readued two French sailors in the
herbour and took them to a destroyer.
Authority - T0.9436.
went right up harbour. French troops
T0.9144.
refused to embark.
3rd June
0330ca
Rejoined the tog outside harbour.
Ordered to collect beach masters from
B and C beaches. They had however,
left. Returned to Dunkirk. Found
all ships had gone.
04300a
Proceeded. Engine broke down.
0500ca
Taken in tow by a M/B. Engines
re-sterted, cust off.
After about is miles the engine caught
fire. A "O.M.B." [evidently the
M.A/S.B. 7 dame to the reacue.
Crew transferred. Life boat in flames
and abandoned.
M.A/S.B.7 appears to have taken
the crew to Dover).
6th June
The Jane Hollard yes found drifting OR
the English Channel. Her fore-and
box was store in; she had over
500 bullet holes in her, and WAS
full of water.
She vus brought in to Dover.
Authority - R.O.II, D.245.
R.O.III, D*529.
(1) It is probable that the Jane Holland was towed over on End
June by the Bun XI together with the life boat Michael
Stephene.
78

Details

JANE HOLLAND
R.N.L.I.
Sto. J. Strangeways.
(Eastbourne)
Sto. A.H. Shaw.
lifeboat.
S/Lt. E.R. Ponsonby,
R.N.V.R.
2nd June
1600
Left for Dunkirk in tow of the tug
Sun II. [1.e. the Sun XI ](1)
-
Cast off outside Dunkirk.
Rescued two French sailors in the
harbour and took them to a destroyer.
Went right up harbour. French troops
refused to embark.
3rd June
0330ca
Rejoined the tug outside harbour.
Ordered to collect beach masters from
B and C beaches. They had however,
left. Returned to Dunkirk. Found
all ships had gone.
0430ca
Proceeded. Engine broke down.
0500ca
Taken in tow by a M/B. Engines
re-started, cast off.
After about 4 miles the engine caught
fire. A "C.M.B." [evidently the
M.A/S.B. 7] came to the rescue.
Crew transferred. Life boat in flames
and abandoned.
[M.A/S.B.7 appears to have taken
the crew to Dover].
6th June
The Jane Holland was found drifting on
the English Channel. Her fore-end
box was stove in; she had over
500 bullet holes in her, and was
full of water.
She was brought in to Dover.
Authority - R.O.II, p.245.
R.O.III, p.529.
(1) It is probable that the Jane Holland was towed over Michael on 2nd
June by the Sun XI together with the life boat
Stephens.
79

Details

M.A/S.B.7
89th A/S Group, Portland s/Lt. A. Ecclestone,
R.N.
27th May
1700
Arrived Dover from Felixstowe,
1952
M.A/S.B.6 in company.
Embarked the "Chef de Cabinet" and the
"Secretaire" of the King of Belgium;
also the "Ancien Ministere".
1955
Left Dover for Nieuport, M.T.B.107(1)
in company.
28th May
0300
Disembarked Belgian Ministers at
Nieuport jetty.
0315
Left Nieuport jetty, M.T.B's 107(1)
and 22 in company.
0330
Set course for Dover. The two M.T.B's
set course for Harwich.
0525
Arrived Dover.
30th May
0020
Left Dover for Dunkirk with 13 Military
Officers carrying secret messages.
0240
off Dunkirk. The military officers
were landed at the 3 beaches.
Entered harbour to deliver secret
message to S.N.O. Dunkirk. 38 French
troops embarked.
I
0725
Proceeded.
1035
Arrived Dover.
1100
Disembarked 38 French troops.
1135
Left Dover to rendezvous off Ramsgate
31st May
with M.A/S.B. No.6 to escort convoy
of small craft.
1147
Off Deal, developed a fire in port
1203
Fire engine. extinguished. M.A/S.B.7 taken in
tow by tug Doria.
1517
Arrived Dover for repairs.
1730
Repairs completed.
2nd June
2100
Left Dover.
2117
Joined 3 blockships, in convoy off
South Goodwin L.V.
3rd June
0200
Proceeded to lead the 3 blockships
Westcove, Edvard Nissen and Holland]
0230ca
The rear blockship Holland] was
into Dunkirk Channel.
"rammed and sunk by a troopship
this blockship to take off the C.O. to
leaving Dunkirk". Went alongside
and Vivacious]. Proceeded of
crew, who were transferred
a the
THE the
them
107 to brought off the crew
Left blockship. Dunkirk. 7 miles to lifeboat, the westward,
0400
picked down and on fire [the
up the crew of a Jane
Holland]. broken Abandoned the life boat.
0625
2100
Left Arrived for Dover. Dunkirk ]. escorting an R.A.F.
M/B [
(1) Error for M.T.B.67.
254

Details

by
OOEL
DEAL
boy date
M.T.B.102 (continued) M.T.D. Flotilla
Ment. J.Cameron, R.H.V.
May
0800
Authority - R.O.II, p.459.
Lofa Dover, Portsmouth for Felizatows via
DOS
28th May
1200
1830
Arrived Felixatowe.
Left Felixatove on patrol.
The following awards were made: to Felixatowe.
D.S.C. May
0600
Left Pelizatowe for Dover.
Lieut. C.W.S. Dreyer, 1745 R.N. Left Dover in company with N.R.B.67.
Off Dunkirk. M.T.B.67 closed dr.
D.S.M.
Keith (R.A. Dover on board) for
00
E.R.A.3rd Cl.
orders. Proceeded to La Panno with
G.W. Hymas.
M.T.B.67.
YOU tall
A.B.
A.R.C. Stephens. ed out various duties, including
some rescue work, and cruised in
company with M.T.B.67.
2100
Proceeded to Dover in company with
M.T.B.67=
2315
Arrived Dover.
1st June
1100
Left Dover with Odre. T.J. Hallett on
board. Patrolled route X.
1600
Proceeded to Dover.
east JBI
1830ca
Dover.
2nd June
1845
Left Dover for the Downa, where the
Captains of the blockships Westerve,
Edvard Niesen and Holland were
embarked and transferred to dr.
Vivacious.
2020
Proceeded in tow or Vivacious.
2230
Blipped tow) embarked Capt. Danger-
2330ca
field from Vivacious end set course
for Dunkirk, Arrived 233008.
Landed Capt. Dangerfield at Seet Pien
On his return left harbour to search
for blockships. Two only found,
[Westoove and Edvard Nissen}; the
third Holland had been Bunk in a
collision on the way.
enot brrs
3rd June
03200a
In harbour, embarked all the crew of
the 1st and part of the orer of the
and blockships, and transferred them
to the Vivacions which was lying
outside.
0345
Prodeeded, Vivagious and N.A.B.D.7
in company.
0630
Dover.
snot DIE
1735
Loft Dover. Rebarked the Captains or
the blockships Gourko, Novle and
Pacifico and transferred them to the
dr. Rhikari.
2030
Proceeded in tow of shimari, blockship
in company.
4th June
0245
Followed blockship dourko into Dunkirk
Heavy explosion in COMPRO 00 ane
smit and
entered the haroouts
(1) M.T.B.107 wes only received from the builders to stand on
23rd May 1940. she no
(1)
315316

Details

M.T.B.107(1)
10th M.T.B. Flotilla
Lieut. J.Cameron, R.N.V.R
27th May
0800
Left Dover. Portsmouth for Felixstowe via
28th May
1200
1830
Arrived Felixstowe.
Left Felixstowe on patrol.
29th May
0400
Retd. to Felixstowe.
31st May
0600
1600
Left Felixstowe for Dover.
1745
Left Dover in company with M.T.B.67.
Off Dunkirk. M.T.B.67 closed dr.
Keith (R.A. Dover on board) for
orders. Proceeded to La Panne with
M.T.B.67.
-
Carried out various duties, including
some rescue work, and cruised in
company with M.T.B.67.
2100
Proceeded to Dover in company with
M.T.B.67.
2315
Arrived Dover.
1st June
1100
Left Dover with Cdre. T.J. Hallett on
board. Patrolled route X.
1600
Proceeded to Dover.
1830ca
Dover.
2nd June
1845
Left Dover for the Downs, where the
Captains of the blockships Westcove,
Edvard Nissen and Holland were
embarked and transferred to dr.
Vivacious.
2020
Proceeded in tow of Vivacious.
2230
Slipped tow; embarked Capt. Danger-
2330ca
field from Vivacious and set course
for Dunkirk. Arrived 2330ca.
Landed Capt. Dangerfield at East Pier.
On his return left harbour to search
for blockships. Two only found
[Westcove and Edvard Nissen]; the
third [Holland] had been sunk in a
collision on the way.
3rd June
0320ca
In harbour, embarked all the crew of
the lst and part of the crew of the
2nd blockships, and transferred them
to the Vivacious which was lying
outside.
0345
Proceeded, Vivacious and M.A/S.B.7
in company.
0630
Dover.
1735
Left Dover. Embarked the Captains of
the blockships Gourko, Moyle and
Pacifico and transferred them to the
dr. Shikari.
2030
Proceeded in tow of Shikari, blockships
in company.
4th June
0245
Followed blockship Gourko into Dunkirk.
Heavy explosion in Gourko as she
entered the harbour.
(1) M.T.B.107 was only received from the builders by road on
23rd May 1940. She had no astern gear.
316

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Tug (W.H.J. Alexander
SUN XI
& Co., Ltd.)
J.R. Lukes, Master.
2330
30th May
Left for Tilbury, Ramsgate. towing 3 sailing barges
1300
31st May
1530
Arrived Arrived Ramsgate. Ordered to Dover.
Dover with barges.
Sailed with a lighter, loaded with
1730
Arrived Dunkirk. A M/B took over the
stores and cans of water, in tow.
1800
Proceeded. lighter and beached her.
1900
Air attack. A drifter was sunk; the
1930
tug Contest picked up her crew.
Passed the tugs Sun XV, Sun VIII and
Sun IV going in.
2300
"Sorry for them, glad to get out".
Arrived North Goodwin. Anchored
inside S. Brake at 2400.
1st June
2130
Berthed a destroyer [the Worcester]
which had been in collision inside
Dover harbour.
2155ca
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk and pick
up anything.
2400
Off North Goodwin, there were seven
tugs, in single line ahead, viz. the
Challenge, Ocean Cock, Crested Cock,
Fairplay I, Sun VII, Sun XI, Sun XII.
2nd June
0200
Sighted small lights. Found a large
Govt. lighter Y.C.63 broken down
and full of wounded and troops.
Among them was "Captain (D) of the
19th Flotilla whose destroyer
[ the Keith had blown up".
0230
Took Y.C.63 in tow.
0630
Arrived Dover. Berthed lighter.
1400
Captain Fraser R.N. came on board.
1500ca
Left Dover, towing 4 boats, (1)
followed by tugs Sun X, Fairplay I and
Foremost 87.
[2115ca]
Foremost 87 picked up 6 life boats full
of wounded and survivors [from H/C
Paris] and turned back.
2245
Anchored west of Dunkirk Mole. Sun x
alongside. Embarked troops from M/B's
2330
Ordered inside the harbour to refloat
a grounded transport. Too shallow.
Transferred her troops by M/B's.
3rd June
0245
Went inside harbour again to assist a
sloop. Low water, went aground. Had
to back out.
0330
Daybreak. Full of troops, proceeded,
with a large life boat full of troops
in tow and also one small one
[the M/B Skylark III]
0900
Arrived Dover. Unloaded 188 troops.
Total 188
Authority W.W.
(1) One of which was the M. L/B Michael Stephens [and probably
the Southern Queen, and Jane Holland].
190

Details

VANQUISHER (continued)
0530
(continuea)
(contã)
The pier was crowded and the greatest
possible number was embarked,
believed to be not less than 1,200.
Air raids during embarkation. 4
bombs seen to drop near dr.
Vivacious's bow. Vanquisher's
0630
aerials shot away by Icarus 0.5" m. g's
Sailed for Dover.
0930
Dover. Disembarked 1200 troops.
2nd June
1100ca
Lt. Cdr. Alers-Hankey resumed command.
[Lt. Cdr. Bushell was sent to assist
the master of the P/V. Tynwald].
2130
Sailed for Dunkirk.
3rd June
0030
Off Dunkirk harbour. Embarked 35
French troops from a small boat while
lying off.
0230
Ordered by dr. Codrington to return to
Dover.
When 3 miles off Dunkirk a transport(1)
was observed to collide
with a vessel understood to have been
1
a blockship 2).
0445
Dover. Disembarked 37 troops(3).
Lieut. R.N. Hankey R.N., (1st Lieut.)
was landed for rest.
2045
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2400
Arrived off Dunkirk.
4th June
0200
Berthed alongside Eastern Pier, Dunkirk.
Embarked troops.
0240
Proceeded.
0430
Anchored off N. Goodwin L.V. in thick
fog.
0615
Dover. Disembarked 414 troops.
Total 3941
Authority - R.O.I., pp. 20, 138, 143.
None of the P/V's leaving Dunkirk at that time mentions incident. the
S.S. Holland
D.R.
261

Details

when in company with the drs Shikan and
Esk and the G.B. Mosquito a
VIVACIOUS (continued)
1700
By this time 175 British troops had
been evacuated.
1800
A
15 (including 3/00C)
/ She shore battery got Vivacious's range.
was hit and had/some casualties
and damage. She retired out of range.
31st/lst June
Throughout the night Vivacious
patrolled between La Panne and Bray.
1st June(1)
0530ca
R.A. Dover (in dr. Keith) ordered
Dunkirk. Vivacious to embark troops from
0610
Whilst waiting to enter the harbour
Vivacious was dive-bombed.
0630
Alongside Dunkirk.
0645
650 troops had been embarked. Proceeded
stet
HAT.
0915
Dover. Disembarked 650 troops. (2).
2nd June
1800
Left Dover with Capt. Dangerfield on
board to escort the 3 blockships
"Westgrove" (4), Edvard Nissen and
Holland.
2030
Vivacious leading the blockships, with
n
M.T.B.107 in tow, and M.A/S.B. No.
in company sai led from the Downs
and proceeded for Dunkirk by Z route.
3rd June
0220
Off Dunkirk.
0230
Capt. Dangerfield embarked in M.T.B.107
and proceeded to Dunkirk. The block-
ships were anchored.
0245
Blockships weighed and proceeded with
the intention of blocking the channel.
The Holland, lastin the line, was
rammed and sunk about 5 miles west
of Dunkirk. (3)
0300
Blockship Westcove entered Dunkirk.
0310
Edvard Nissen entered Dunkirk.
the block was not complete ...
[access] to the docks was still
possible" (5)
0320ca
M.A/S.B. No.7 and M.T.B.107 brought off
the crews of the blockships to
Vivacious, which had in the meantime
moved 3 miles to the westward.
0350
Shore batteries to the eastward open
fire on Vivacious. Proceeded.
0630
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 38 men. (6)
4th June
1145
Sailed for Portsmouth, dr. Icarus in
company. (7)
1830
Both ships arrived Portsmouth.
1999
Authority - R.O.I. p.161
Total 2206
(1) Vivacious's report gives this date as 31st May.
(2) D.R. gives 427 troops.
(3) Vivacious's report.
(4) Vivacious's report. This is an error for Westcove. A vessel
evidently an error derived from Vivacious's report; she
named "Westgrove" is included in D.R's list of ships,
is not in Lloyds Register.
(5) Vivacious's report.
(6) Evidently the blockship's crews. Recorded in D.R. as if
(7) D.R. states were that Vivacious disembarked 463 troops on 4th June.
they "troops".
(8) D.R. makes the total 2,612.
286

Details

WHITSHED
(D.77)
19th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. E.R. Conder, R.N.
1730
1st June
2240
Arrived Dover from Spithead.
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0130
2nd June
Berthed side of at the outer berth on the west
Dunkirk east pier.
After The pier was devoid of troops.
side craft(1) from the beach on the other
using a loud hailer army landing
A les-Bains] brought troops to the ship.
of the pier [presumably Malo-
few other troops were collected
0300
after a search along the pier.
Slipped as dawn was breaking and
proceeded to Dover.
0530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 512 troops.
2135
Proceeded to Dunkirk.
Just past W. buoy an aircraftsman
survivor [A.C.1. B. Kernohan] from
Cdr. J.C. Clouston's R.A.F. launch
[Seaplane tender 243] was picked up.
3rd June
0030
Arrived Dunkirk. No berth available in
harbour; lay-to outside. Ordered
by R.A. Dover to use the loud hailer
and stop other ships entering.
Embarked about 80 troops and 10
civilians from small craft.
0245
Sailed for Dover.
0315ca
At No.5 W buoy, the blockship Holland
was observed apparently splitting
in half and sinking. Survivors were
being taken off by M.A/S.B.No.7.(2)
0530
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 82 troops.
1900
Having embarked Cdr. H.J. Buchanan,
R.A.N., and a pier party, sailed for
Dunkirk.
2215
Arrived Dunkirk harbour. Conditions
difficult. Put part of the pier
party into "the M.T.B. that had R.A.
Dover on board" [i.e. M.T.B.102].
Got the Whitshed's bows alongside a
transport the Autocarrier and her
stern alongside the dr. Sabre and
embarked about 200 troops.
-4th June
0025
The Sabre left harbour and the transport
left at about the same time. The
Whitshed then went alongside and
embarked a further 400/500 troops.
0245
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 444
Sailed for Dover.
0530
troops. (3)
Total 1,038
Authority - R.O.I., p.175.
& It is not craft these were.
this
shipped
Cdr. Condor known says which this was the M.T.B.102;
(3) D.R. however at Dover at that time.
317

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

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Page 78.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
PORTSMOUTH INNER PATROL YACHTS.
Lieutenant Cyril Cornelius Bone, R.N.V.R, Senior Officer.
beaches from 0600/31/5 to dawn 1/6, they performed
Although the unit of nine yachts only worked off the
particularly critical valuable work off La Panne and Bray at
British time when La Panne was about to be finally a evacuated,
The period also happened to be one of intensive air
troops either embarking or withdrawing westward.
bombardment, interspersed with sporadic heavy artillery fire
on the beaches.
Particularly notable was the work of these boats
inshore, which included the embarkation of Lord Gort and
the G.H.Q. party. 3500 - 4000 troops were lifted.
Recommendations.
OFFICERS;
H.M.Y. LAHLOO:
Lieutenant John Vander Ould, R.N.V.R., Commanding Officer.
His yacht did particularly well, handling about
500 troops. Emabrked Lord Gort. Did valuable work
rounding up drifting boats for further beach work.
Recommended for mention.
H.M.Y. SERIOLA:
STEAM PICKET-BOAT:
M.Y. MASAYRU:
Sub. -Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman, R.N.V.R.
This Officer displayed remarkable determination,
endurance and devotion to duty. Commencing service in
SERIOLA, he skilfully worked open boats through the surf on
the beaches during31/5. The next day he was ordered to
command a naval steam picket-boat, and by his determination
and good judgment succeeded in operating this craft for
nearly 24 hours, though its coal capacity only sufficed for
6 hours. Also seized and directed the activities of a
number of abandoned boats found drifting off the coast.
Finally returned to Ramsgate and joined another vessel for
a further day's service at Dunkirk.
Specially recommended by Senior Officers for
great coolness under heavy fire in dangerous conditions.
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
H.M.Y. AHOLA:
Petty Officer H. H. Holland, J.20594.
Able Seaman F. H. Finch, SSX.23237.
Volunteers for boat work under fire, when boat
crew from another unit left their boat.
Recommended for mention,

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

Details

CASE 7711
Volume VII
1
WAR HISTORY.
X
52 Holland
52 France
X
52 Belgium
r
52 Germany
6
6-1 x
Index (1)
W.H.S.
EVACUATION OF REFUGEES AND ALLIED TROOPS FROM
FRANCE, HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
Arrangements for dealing with ----- in event of German Invasion.
Reception ports for
-----,
Report by V.A. Dover on Operation "DYNAMO"
Rear Admiral Wake-Walker.
Report on evacuation from Dunkirk 29.5.40 - - 4.6.40
1940 - 1941
1
$
NOT TO BE DESTROYED
PERMANENT RECORD
our
that
This file is quoted as an
original reference in the Official
all
The WAR History. At SEA
voz. 1

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

SECRET.
20
From Director of Trade Division.
To Consular Shipping Advisers Amsterdam
"
"
"
Rotterdam
"
"
"
Antwerp
(Copy to Naval Attache Hague)
QUESTIONNA.IRE to accompany N.C. 3/2/69.
(Note very early replies, even if incomplete, are of
the first importance. Accurate information, if
obtainable, should follow in a supplementary report).
1. Small coasters known to be laid up.
(a) In what localities are any laid up?
(b) In what numbers?
(c) In what state of readiness for sea as regards stores, fuel, crews,
quick access to the sea?
2.
Small coasters.
Do these craft carry anchor equipment with which they can moor
themselves head-and-stern? (Those which may come to Poole
or Milford Haven will be required to stow very closely and
stern moorings will be essential.)
3. Fishing Vessels.
What number and description are likely to take part in an
evacuation?
From what ports do they work? Where are any laid up?
4. Shipping.
What number and description is likely to be found in Flushing?
In Terneusen? In Ghent?
Considering Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Flushing, Terneusen,
Ghent :-
Do you agree with the estimate offered in Admiralty Memorandum
NL/TD 61/40 paragraph 3 as to the maximum number of refugees
which could safely be embarked, on the assumptions there made?
How long would be required to clear each port of Shipping?
Is any emergency line of communication prepared at Ymuiden,
Flushing, and Hook of Holland?
Is there any possibility, during an emergency evacuation of
observers at these three places checking and reporting the
numbers of ships which pass out?

Details

33
SECRET.
Any further communication
should be addressed to:-
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
London, S.W.1.
quoting "N.L/T.D.2014/40"
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
on the outside of the
envelope as well as in
22nd March, 1940.
the text.
Commander in Chief, The Nore.
Commander in Chief, Portsmouth.
Commander in Chief, Western Approaches.
Commander in Chief, Rosyth.
Vice Admiral, Dover.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
Flag Officer in Charge, Glasgow.
Flag Officer in Charge, Greenock.
Flag Officer in Charge, Belfast.
Flag Officer in Charge, Cardiff.
Naval Officer in Charge, Avonmouth.
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Flag Officer in Charge, Portland (copy for Naval Control
Service Officer, Weymouth)
Flag Officer in Charge, Milford Haven.
Flag Officer in Charge, Liverpool.
Rear Admiral Holland.
Vice Admiral Gordon Campbell.
I am to forward herewith a copy of two memoranda
of instructions ("X" and "Y" of T.D. 2014/40) as to the
evacuation of shipping from Dutch and Belgian ports and the
reception of refugees in the United Kingdom in the event of
an emergency.
Except where specially indicated instructions in this
matter supersede those in Admiralty letter N.L/T.D.61/40
of 26th January, 1940.
BY COMMAND OF THEIR LORDSHIPS,
CB.Coxwell
co.
ED
S & R E HALL
B
*
CEN

Details

Дуламо 186.
328
301
Admiralty House,
Sheerness.
June 6th, 1940.
REPORT GIVEN VERBALLY TO LIEUT. COMDR. D.E. HOLLAND-MARTIN, R.N.
A.B. S. Palmer D/JX 148052.
He was put in charge of the "Naid Errant", a 7 ton
motor yacht of about 30ft., which started from Sheerness.
She sailed for Dunkirk early on Friday, May 31st as
one of a convoy of 7 motor boats which included the "White
Heather". Before reaching the beaches close to Dunkirk he
helped to rescue the survivors of a French Destroyer. He
picked up about 20, which he transferred to a French tug, and
then proceeded to the beaches. On arrival the French soldiers
swarmed over his boat preventing him going astern so that he
drifted ashore. He left the "Naid Errant" and swam off with his
crew to a Minesweeper, whose name he did not know. Shortly
afterwards thellatter went aground, but, as the tide rose,
both the Minesweeper and the "Naid Errant" floated off. Palmer
asked permission to swim back to his boat, but this being
refused, he shouted to some soldiers on the beach to bring
her alongside. This they managed to do and Palmer jumped
on board, cast off from the Minesweeper, and set course for
home. He was the only naval rating, in a small boat without
a chart, with one serjeant and 8 other soldiers, who he thinks
were from the Middlesex regiment. The sergeant he said was
all right - "he had some rum in his bottle!". Palmer admits
to know nothing about the engines which had already given the
stoker trouble on the way over. Off Dunkirk they broke down,
and so he broke up the yacht's cabin door and made the soldiers
start to paddle. Luckily one of the engines started up and
at about 2200 he left the vicinity of Dunkirk seering W.N.W.
For a brief period one of the soldiers relieved him on the
wheel. The soldier was willing but/new nothing of steering a
course and, as Palmer found him making to the Eastward, he
took over again himself and remained on the wheel througout
the night. At about 0600 on Saturday, June 1st he picked
up the coast somewhere off Dover and followed it up to
Ramsgate arriving there about 1100.
On Sunday, June 2nd, without orders, he sailed
again with a crew of one other A.B., but as the "Naid Errant"
was too slow he was ordered back by the captain of the
"Usanco" after getting two or three miles out from Ramsgate.
A.B. Palmer stated that he passed for Leading
Seaman in May 1927, but presumably cannot have been
recommended. He says that he has three Good Conduct badges
and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He was drafted
for operation Dynamo from R.N.B. Devonport, where he has
recently been employed on the Plymouth City Patrol.
1025/2

Details

,
OPERATION
231
NO. 20
SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne).
STATEMENT BY $
Name
Service
Sunday 2nd
Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II.
Lifeboat "JANS HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). Cast
$
Sto. J. Strangeways
off outside and told to go to a landing right
PKX 95036.
up the other and of the harbour. Found they
0
Sto. A.H. Shaw
were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck
PKX 94553. E.R.PONSON@Y
the tug or drifter they were going alongside
One Sub.Lieut, R.N.V.R.
so they wont on up harbour. 31g enough hote
One A.B.
in the lifeboat bows to crawl through. Drenohed
One O.S.
with spray caused by shrapnel. Às proceeding
also there.
up harbour sear a destroyer out & small rowing
All came back.
boat down with two Fyench sailors in 11. They
took these to the first destroyer. Tent right
up harbour: saw Fyench troops but they refused
to be taken off. So they came back out of the
harbour to tug anchored outside. Then they
were told to collect troops from anywhere.
Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour.
Nearly every boat had gone by then. So they
got up sail and tried to get out of harbour.
Several destroyers passed, they waved and
destroyers waved back: one hour after dawn
when they were just about giving up hopes &
M.T.B. came. Towed them out, engine started,
then they were alipped and after about 4 miles
the engine began to smoke and she caught fire.
No one in sight and two M.T.B's came along to
resque. Took them aboard. Lifeboat in l'lames,
returned a.m. 31at.

Details

Dynom. 120,
363
-
Admiralty House,
341
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on Monday 27th May,
after getting final instructions from the Vice Admiral,
Dover, I proceeded to Sheerness and commenced duty as
"Dynamo" Maintenance Officer; my staff consisted of
Commander H.R. Troup, R.N,, who accompanied me from
Economic Warfare Division, and Lieutenant Commander D.B.
Holland-Martin, R.N. We had the invaluable assistance of
the Fleet Engineer Officer, Captain T.E. Docksey. Lieutenant
Commander Guinner, R.N. in command of the Schuit "Princess
Juliana" which had broken down, helped for the first day,
he then left to join N.O.I.C. Ramsgate whose need was
greater. Lieutenant Commander Filleul, R.N., from Weymouth
Contraband Base, also joined but was sent away in charge of
a lighter with petrol cans of water and subsequently joined
N.O.I.C. Margate. Lieutenant R.S. Hellby R.N.R. who came from
Weymouth Contraband Base, but was not fit enough to go to
362
Dynam. 120.
:0
347
mainder
crews
and
FROM : "Dynamo" Maintenance Officer, Sheerness.
rer on
(ate or
Dover.
DATE : 8th June, 1940.
to were
given
TO
:
Vice Admiral, Dover.
18 that
they
"y them
mg as
to
10 was
Submitted: A copy of my original
report forwarded to Commander in Chief, Nore
together with original reports of Officers whose
adders,
statements have so far been received are forwarded
were
3".
herewith.
had
ness
If to
aws
to,
I
Rear Admiral.
general
VICE ADMIRAL
rved
nduce
10 JUN 1940
S,N.S.O
*
ion on
DOVER
ed to
elied
ors.

Details

Dynom. 120,
363
Admiralty House,
341
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on Monday 27th May,
after getting final instructions from the Vice Admiral,
Dover, I proceeded to Sheerness and commenced duty as
"Dynamo" Maintenance Officer; my staff consisted of
Commander H.R. Troup, R.N,, who accompanied me from
Economic Warfare Division, and Lieutenant Commander D.E.
Holland-Martin, R.N. We had the invaluable assistance of
the Fleet Engineer Officer, Captain T.E. Docksey. Lieutenant
Commander Guinner, R.N. in command of the Schuit "Princess
Juliana" which had broken down, helped for the first day,
he then left to join N.O.I.C. Ramsgate whose need was
greater. Lieutenant Commander Filleul, R.N., from Weymouth
Contraband Base, also joined but was sent away in charge of
a lighter with petrol cans of water and subsequently joined
N.O.I.C. Margate. Lieutenant R.S. Hellby R.N.R. who came from
Weymouth Contraband Base, but was not fit enough to go to
sea, took his place.
2. Officers, ratings, volunteers and boats commenced to
arrive on Tuesday, and the work of preparing boats for
service occupied the whole of daylight hours for the remainder
of the week.
3. The first group consisting of 20 cutters with half crews
sailed for Dover on Tuesday in tow of the"st. Clears" and
"Sun V". The first group of motor boats sailed for Dover on
Wednesday. Subsequent groups were sent either to Ramsgate or
direct to the beaches, as directed by the Vice Admiral, Dover.
When there were insufficient Officers available, boats were
sailed in groups with at least one Officer trained in
navigation in each. Lighters were as far as possible given
motor boats to attend them.
4. Officers and Coxswains were given broad instructions that
failing orders and guidance from Officers on the spot they
were to find the places where troops were waiting, ferry them
off to the ships off shore, and continue the work as long as
possible, retaining enough fuel in reserve to get back to
Ramsgate. As far as I have been able to judge, good use was
made of the wide discretion given.
5. Requests were made from time to time for rafts, ladders,
lifebuoys and water. These and all the other demands were
met wholeheartedly by the Dockyard and H.M.S. "Wildfire".
6. Most of the owners and crews who brought boats
volunteered to serve in them; more would have done so had
what they were wanted to do. Many volunteers who had
it been possible to tell them before sailing for Sheerness
commitments went away to clear themselves and came back to
who lost their boats joined others at Dover and Ramsgate,
join, although their own boats had already sailed. Crews
or back to Sheerness to find another. There were I
am came glad to be able to say, very few exceptions to the general
at In Dardanelles, did all he could to get away and induce
enthusiasm. X213 the Master, a man of 60 years who had served
his the to take her. They went away to Chatham. S,N.S.O on
me and I suggest that the Dockyard would be well
sent drivers them back. They made a most unfavourable impression advised to
get rid of them. I feel sure that they could not be relied
on in any emergency and would have a bad effect on others.
One I regret to add, is an ex-service man.

Details

CASE 7711
Volume VII
1
WAR HISTORY.
X
52 Holland
52 France
X
52 Belgium
52 Germany
6
6-1 x
Index (1)
W.H.S.
EVACUATION OF REFUGEES AND ALLIED TROOPS FROM
FRANCE, HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
Arrangements for dealing with ----- in event of German Invasion.
Reception ports for
-----.
Report by V.A. Dover on Operation "DYNAMO"
Rear Admiral Wake-Walker.
Report on evacuation from Dunkirk 29.5.40 - 4.6.40
1940 - 1941
NOT TO BE DESTROYED
PERMANENT RECORD
our
This file is quoted as an
that
original reference in the Official
all
The WAR History. At SEA
voz. 1

Details

52H
523
6
96+
W Refugees from Holland of Belgium in Event
of German Invasion of those Countries.
arrangements for dealing with
)
north of south Indand
scoreand,
Isee of one
Bhannel Islands,
Bristol, Poole, de. considered as possible
reception areas.
Memorandum accrespondence ne
Gransport required.
Posts of Landing.
shore accommodation.
Home Office instructions.
96.1 Possible landing of Enemy agents posing
85 as refrgees. Suggestion shall Eoachguards
be given powers of arress 5 Details
swarement by D.
of refugees was smaller than expected, d that
Duted Constert arriving as Poole were all
dispersed into service.
1940

Details

MO
COPY
17th January, 1940.
928
SECRET AND IMMEDIATE
1940
Sir,
I am directed by Secretary Sir John Anderson to say, for the
information of Mr. Secretary Eden, that the question has been under
consideration, in consultation with the Departments concerned, of what
plans can be made beforehand for dealing with an influx of refugees from
Holland and Belgium in the event of an invasion of those countries by
the enemy. I am in this connection to invite attention to paragraphs
13 and 14 of the Report of the Sub-Committee on the Control of Aliens
in War (C.I.D. Paper No. 1543-B) and to the Minutes of the third and
fourth meetings of that Sub-Committee.
Enquiries as to what accommodation could be made available in this
country are being made by the Ministry of Health, and the Home Office is
also enquiring as to the position in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and the Isle of Man.
The question also arises whether some of the refugees might be
accommodated in Eire, and I am to ask whether Mr. Eden thinks a confidential
enquiry on the subject might properly be addressed to the Eire Government
by means of a memorandum on the lines of the memorandum enclosed herewith.
Copies of this letter and the enclosure are being sent to the Foreign
Office, Admiralty, War Office, Treasury, Ministry of Health, Scottish Health
Department, Ministry of Labour, Unemployment Assistance Board, Customs,
Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Transport, and Ministry of Food.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) A. MAXWELL
The Under Secretary of State,
DOMINIONS OFFICE.

Details

VERY SECRET
928
WAR REFUGEES
6
While nothing in this memorandum should be taken as indicating that
H.M. Government has any special reason to suppose that the possibilities
with which it deals are imminent, considerations of humanity and prudence
have led the Departments concerned to consider what steps would have to
be taken to deal with an influx of refugees from Belgium or Holland in
the event of a German invasion of those countries.
During the last war nearly 250,000 Belgian refugees were accommodated
here without insuperable difficulty, but it is estimated that at least
500,000 might be expected to escape on this occasion. ,In addition to this
great increase in numbers, the problem of accommodation has been very
greatly complicated by the danger of large scale air raids and the
necessities of existing evacuation schemes.
The French Government has indicated that although it would be prepared
to do all in its power to assist in the evacuation of refugees from Belgium,
it could not undertake to retain any substantial number owing to the grave
problems arising from the evacuation of the population of Northern France
and the presence in that country of the British Expeditionary Force as well
as the French Army.
For obvious reasons, any appeal to the public is impossible at present
but energetic steps are being taken to prepare emergency schemes for
accommodation in public buildings etc., in neutral areas. The resources of
reception areas are already fully taxed and it would be undesirable to send
large numbers of refugees - especially women and children - to evacuation
areas, where they might be expected to be subjected to severe air raids.
It is doubted, however, whether this course can be avoided if the total
should prove to be as large as is now feared.
H.M. Government is therefore anxious to explore all the possibilities
of accommodation outside Great Britain and semi-official approaches have
already been made to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and Northern Ireland.
The advantages to the unfortunate people concerned of being placed in an
area free from enemy attack will at once be apparent.
The purpose of this note is to bring the problem to the notice of
/the

Details

COPY.
HOME OFFICE,
9
WHITEHALL.
URGENT AND CONFIDENTIAL.
20th January, 1940.
S
929
dam
he
1940
Dear Cadogen,
I had a conference this morning with
representatives of the Admiralty, the Ministry of
Health and the Ministry of Food on the question of
what provisional arrangements can be made for a
to
situation which would arise If large numbers of
en
Dutch and Belgian refugees came to this country
3
owing to the invasion of Holland and Belgium. The
view of the Admiralty is that their representatives
in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Rotterdam ought to have
instructions which would enable them to tell the
captains of Dutch and Belgian ships where they must
go if they are bringing refugees to the United Kingdom.
Moreover, It appears from the discussion with the
Admiralty that there are insupurable difficulties
about bringing these ships into London or ports on
the South and Best coast. We urged upon the Admiralty
being nad for their safety and health during a 3 to 4 days winter
voyage.
This estimate is offered with the greatest reserve, and
should be subject to improvement in the light of fuller
information.
4./

Details

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

Details

Page 78.
Operation "DYNAMO" cets Recommendations of Personnel.
PORTSMOUTH INNER PATROL YACHTS.
Lieutenant Cyril Cornelius Bone, R.N.V.R. Senior Officer
beaches 0600/31/5 to dawn 1/6, they performed
Although from the unit of nine yachts only worked off the
particularly time valuable work off La Panne and Bray at
The period also happened to be one of intensive air
British embarking or withdrawing westward.
critical troops when either La Panne was about to be finally a evacuated,
bombardment, on the beaches. interspersed with sporadic heavy artillery fire arge
2
Particularly notable was the work of these boats
inshore, which included the embarkation of Lord Gort and
the G.H.Q. party. 3500 - 4000 troops were lifted.
Recommendations.
FFICERS;
KY. LAHLOO:
gine-
Lieutenant John Vander Ould, R.N.V.R., Commanding Officer.
C with
suaded
esh
His yacht did particularly well, handling about
1
500 troops. Emabrked Lord Gort. Did valuable work
erful
rounding up drifting boats for further beach work.
id him
Recommended for mention.
H.M.Y. SERIOLA:
STEAM PICKET-BOAT:
V.Y. MASAYRU:
Sub. -Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman. R.N.V.R.
May
D.S
C,
This Officer displayed remarkable determination,
ily
endurance and devotion to duty. Commencing service in
SERIOLA, he skilfully worked open boats through the surf on
S.
te
the beaches during31/5. The next day he was ordered to
o the
vor
command a naval steam picket-boat, and by his determination
to
and good judgment succeeded in operating this craft for
vas
nearly 24 hours, though its coal capacity only sufficed for
whon
6 hours. Also seized and directed the activities of a
number of abandoned boats found drifting off the coast.
Finally returned to Ramsgate and joined another vessel for
a further day's service at Dunkirk.
great coolness under heavy fire in dangerous conditions.
Specially recommended by Senior Officers for
Recommended for decoration.
sank,
nto
RATINGS:
H.M.Y. AHOLA:
Petty Officer H. H. Holland, J.20594.
Able Seaman F. H. Finch, SSX.23237.
Volunteers for boat work under fire, when boat
crew from another unit left their boat.
Recommended for mention.
a in

Details

Page 78.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
PORTSMOUTH INNER PATROL YACHTS.
Lieutenant Cyril Cornelius Bone, R.N.V.R, Senior Officer.
Although the unit of nine yachts only worked off the
beaches from 0600/31/5 to dawn 1/6, they performed
particularly valuable work off La Panne and Bray at a
critical time when La Panne was about to be finally evacuated,
British troops either embarking or withdrawing westward.
The period also happened to be one of intensive air
bombardment, interspersed with sporadic heavy artillery fire
on the beaches.
Particularly notable was the work of these boats
inshore, which included the embarkation of Lord Gort and
the G.H.Q. party. 3500 - 4000 troops were lifted,
Recommendations.
OFFICERS;
H.M.Y. LAHLOO:
Lieutenant John Vander Ould, R.N.V.R., Commanding Officer.
His yacht did particularly well, handling about
500 troops. Emabrked Lord Gort. Did valuable work
rounding up drifting boats for further beach work.
M
Recommended for mention.
H.M.Y. SERIOLA:
STEAM PICKET-BOAT:
M.Y. MASAYRU:
Sub. -Lieutenant Thomas Ellison Godman. R.N.V.R.
This Officer displayed remarkable determination,
endurance and devotion to duty. Commencing service in
SERIOLA, he skilfully worked open boats through the surf on
the beaches during31/5. The next day he was ordered to
command a naval steam picket-boat, and by his determination
and good judgment succeeded in operating this craft for
nearly 24 hours, though its coal capacity only sufficed for
6 hours. Also seized and directed the activities of a
number of abandoned boats found drifting off the coast.
Finally returned to Ramsgate and joined another vessel for
a further day's service at Dunkirk.
Specially recommended by Senior Officers for
great coolness under heavy fire in dangerous conditions.
DSC
Recommended for decoration.
RATINGS:
H.M.Y. AHOLA:
Petty Officer H. H. Holland, J.20594.
Able Seaman F. H. Finch, SSX. 23237.
Volunteers for boat work under fire, when boat
crew from another unit left their boat.
M
Recommended for mention.

Details

Details

Dynam 19th
1/9105
REPORT OF MR. A.T. MASTIN, MASTER OF S.S. FOAM QUEEN. 104
(Given verbally to Licut. Condr. D.E.Holland-Martin, R.N.)
June 7th, 1940.
The "Foam Queen" 1s a vessel of 1,000 tons belonging
to the British Channel Islands Shipping Co., Ltd.,
2. She went over to the Durkirk beaches on Friday May
As there were no small boats there, she was ordered
31st. beach herself by a Patrol boat. This she did and Isunched shore
transa to her life boat which towed a grass ashore. The used
to end ferry the life bont to and from the ship. In this my
of the grass was secured to 8 lorry and the grass
100 troops were brought off.
The "Form Queen" floated off at High unter and
more waited troops. There were none, and so she returned
3. till 0300 on Sat. 1st June, hoping to find same to
Ramsgate.
1
lis

Details

Dynamo 171.
304
281
Admiralty House,
Sheerness. 7th.June 1960
REPORT OF STOKER D.T.BANKS, Off.No. KX/86174.
(Given verbally to Lieut.Commander D.H.Holland-Martin, R.N.)
Banks could not remember any dates nor the names of his men.
He sailed from Ramagate in the "Pauleter", a 35ft.motor boat
with 2 Ordinary Seamen as crew, a Bren gun, a Lewis gun and a compass
which he didi not know how to use. He found his way to the beaches
guided by the blaze from Dunkirk. On arrival there some 40 British
and French soldiers, including several woynded, waded and swam off to
his boat. There were no larger graft near and so he took them on
beard and set course for home. It was now night but the fires in
Dunkirk illuminated his boat and he was subjected to both bombing
and machine gin attacks; one bullet is still in the woodwork of
"Pauleter"s" stern sheets. In one attack the plane dived so low
that Banks thought it would hit his boat. The Ordinary Seaman
the Bren gun seemed frightened of it and so Banks gave him the
on wheel and manned the gun himself and "put his finger on the trigger
when about 12 came out - a bit of sport!"
Banks got safely back to Hamagate and transferred to the
"Marasole" with his two Ordinary Semen. He was just taking her
alongside the nole when a near miss damaged the boat. She was
taken in tow by a trawler but later sank, Banks and his crew
transferring to the trawler.
The French troops on the sole were very cool, joking
and laughing with two lady ambulance drivers whom Banks later saw
in Ramagate.
At did seven more trips to the beaches or mole, bringing On
Ramagate he returned with his grow to the "Paulater"
and in her to England a total of about 400 Allied wounded, troops.
one straight of these back trips be resousd 3 survivors, one badly form
from the trawler "Blackburn Rover".
an leaving hour collecting the souvenirs including a mall rosary aloga.
One "Paulater" night secured alongaide the nole, they and spent some half
be gave his non a "Shin ashore" in Dunkirk
Banks finally brought the "Paulater" single-handed from
Ramagate to Sheerness on June 7th.
He was drafted from R.N.Barracks, Chathas for the
Dynamo operation.

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

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

155
IV.
-
150
Dunkirk 13.- the ship was attcked by a Junker 89 in a dive attack.
At about 0610 on 31st whilst waiting to enter
Five 250 or 500 1b bombs were released from 1000 feet but
fortunately missed the ship by about 20feet. No Damage was
caused.
during 14.- an air attack. 650 troops were embarked by 0645 and the
A difficult alongside was made successfully at 0630
ship sailed arriving at Dover id thoutincident, except for slight
and inaccurate enemy gunfire at ITc.6 buoy.
"Vivacious" arrived at Dov I at 0915 on 31st May remainin
there 15.- until 1800 on 2nd June.
At 1800 a 2nd June "Vivacious" sailed after embarking
object was to block Dunkirk Harbour. A conference of Captains S.S.
Captain 16.- Dangerfield R.I. to escort three block ships whose
of Holland) and of the M.T.BS of the blocking force was held T.B. the
the Blockships ( S.S. Westgrove, S.S.Bdward Missen and in
Downs. in and M.A.S. 07 in company moved off from the
At 2030 "Vivacious "leading the blockships, with M. Downsat
7 Captain knots D ngerfieldembarked in M.T.B.107 at 8230 and proce ded
107 tow, through ''' route arriving off Dunkirk at 022450.
to Dunkirk.
17.- ordered On to weigh and proceed to block last the in the
arrival off Dunkirkthe Block ships were channel. anchored
line, It had been rammed about five miles west
and subsequently at 0245 transpired that S.S.Holland, of the Dunkirk.
18.- Dunkirk at 0300
The block210 respectively. and Edward Nissen entered
19.- navgation It is in the approach brought channel off to the docks crews is of
unfortunate that the blockshing the was not
completeand and M.T.B.107 had fortunate by to this the that Bastward time this moved however movement opened three was a miles well the to
was made as at the the crews Weswxkitward
almost aimed fire complete on and to
without damage.
20.- "Vivacious" crew were landed
arrived at Dover at 0630 on 3rd June.
with Two the
At 1145 on the4th
31.J

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Part
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF H.M.S. WHITSHED.
The Rear Admiral (D) gave me orders to II
loud hailer and stop other ships entering and this
Some 80 troops and 10 civilians and others were en
from small craft. Orders were received to return
as no more troops were available and ship proceede
0245, When at No. 5 W. buoy H.M.S. HOLLAND was obs
apparently splitting in half and sinking. I stood
but survivors were taken off by M.T.B. 102 so I pr
arriving Dover at 0530.
A Dutch scoot flying the white ensign he
me in Dover harbour the previous afternoon piercin
oil tank. While off Dunkirk with H.M.S. MALCOLM 1:
across my bows an unknown paddle minesweeper rammed
stern and carried away part of the depth charge ra
Ship accordingly proceeded alongside Sandhurst when
damaged stern was made watertight.
although lying at one time alongside H. HEBE we
My ship's company were in very good heart
unaffected by their hysteria.
pier party ship sailed at 1900 for Dunkirk with the
Embarking Commander Buchanan, R.A.N. and
harmonica band playing.
jammed me in the entrance and and tide we
Ship arrived Dunkirk at 2215, 3rd June.
berth and a wire out but this got my I put part 0
ships off the Eastern arm. I the wind bows alongside
party into the M. T.B. that had parted. (D) abc
my and wires. The harbour was now French full of troops ships of all
again went alongside, but the Rear Asmiral would I
brow SABRE who had slipped and my me. I gave 8
alongside M. a transport's stern stern alon
sizes backing and filling. Eventually I got II
as to the transport to assist in inside them in embarking to
one the very tide was small narrow brow. or She, four however, decided th
they only had some three hundred on boar
more board. and about I or that ens fell can troops the Perforce same use M.T.B'S in falling sight time. I were of I she By sailed this again must now down at number I at and leave high had the 0245 embarked nn harbour about speed and board having H.M.S. 200 and with a and been furthe troops salvo SABRE so my the WI V
manoeuvring uncomfortably of to the ship One while
passage made in dense from fog. within a mile arrived of the Dover breakwa at
of After making of arrangements which about the was admin th
sailed at 1315 for a
I have the honour to be, Sir
Your obedient Servanys
The (Copies Vice (Sga.) E.R. CONDER
CANADA

Details

Dynamo 336.
2979
SECRET.
WAR. DIARIES.
DOVER
In compliance with Memo No. A14/0/330/40 dated 5th
February, the following record of the part played by the Dock-
yard Departments at Dover in the events which took place between 10th
May 1940 and 5th June, 1940 is forwarded.
ON MAY 10TH, at 0400 the German invesion of Holland, Belgium
and Luxemburg began.
In accordance with previous orders the operation XD was commenced
at about 0630 May 10th, and by 0830 over 20 tons of explosives had
been placed on board "Falconet", "Lady Brassey", "Gondia" and
"Simla". These stores and & Naval Demolition Party of 300 men
were then embarked in H.M.S. "Whitshed" "Wild Swan" "Verity" and
"Brillient" who sailed at noon for Dutch and Belgian ports.
ON MAY 11th. H.M.S. "Whitshed" arrived with several easualties
H.M.S. "Sandhurst" and at once taken in hand for repairs.
and damage caused by heavy air attacks. She was placed alongside At
2030 H.M.S. "Venimous" and "Verity" each embarked a Royal Marine
detachment with stores and ammunition and proceeded at midnight
for the Hook of Holland.
FROM TO MAY 22ND the principle activities in the Some Dockyard
were MAY 11TH with repairs to ships damaged by bombs.
destroyers concerned had between 50 and 80 holes caused by bomb splinters or or
aircraft patching. cannon, Damage to electrical circuits was also by
repairs to which were affected by welding sustained
nearly all
Belgian coast became expended and the difficulty of for the sole duty
The supply urgent owing to the large embarking number this rounds at of
ships. of ammunition to vessels operating of on the
A.A. ammunition Some destroyers were detailed coast. A
any of other port. to the vessels on the Belgian for them where
berth crane and at West reilway Pier, facilities are available. also
carrying ammunition Submarine Basin was reserved Ammunition was
sent off to ships in harbour tugs.
AT of to H.M.S. 0900 explosives ON "wild MAY were 23RD Swan", loaded operation "Venimous" in "Falconet" XDI were and was "Viay". carried also and embarked. "Simla" out, About about and 470 Commander taken 26 Royal tons off
Marines and details of the landing party. sailed for Boulogne.
from the Army At 1230 the
Welman, operation R.N. was was completed in charge and the destroyers of
ON MAY 24TH "Wolsey" and "windsor" and sailed embarked with at severe 0945. 6 tons damage in H.M.S.
"Wild explosive, the and at embarked and 80 were Royal taken Marines hand and
sustained for in action 1600 H.M.S. "verity"
ON H.M.S. "Wolsey" and Calais. "Wolfhound" embarked Military used for stores
ammunition repairs. and sailed for Calais.
The Prince ammunition of Wales Pier and stores from now in lighters and barges and for Dunkirk. small
and MAY 25TH and sailed for on was extensively for
The craft Submarine requiring repairs. "Burza" The in The ship's bottom in the
embarkation of Basin water was used for tugs a the had sailed
with been the Polish destroyer by air shattered attack. but temporary the night repairs the enemy had
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< certain the During aress Harbour, in of it and had several the been Harbour mine swel,
No outside seen and reported. and exploded. being laid.
was carried mines closed out were to 8 found in until Harbour but These the lgying positions One mine were exploded plott
and actually the mines had in been the later Western were Entrance swept within an hour of
damage was sustained.

Details

330
OPERATION
NO.20
SHIP:-
LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND* (Eastbourne).
STATEMENT BY di
Name
Service
Sunday 2nd
Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II.
Lifeboat *JANS HOLLOND* (Masthoume). Cast
$
Sto. J. Strangeways
off outside and told to go to & landing right
PKX 95036.
up the other end of the harbour. Found they
ó
Sto. Aella Shaw
were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck
PKX 94553.
the tug or drifter they vero goding alongside
One Sub.Ideut., R.N.V.R.
so they sent on up harbour. Mc enough hole
One A.B.
in the lifeboat bows to crawl through. Drenched
One 0.S.
with spray caused by shrupnels is proceeding
also there.
up harbour saar a destroyer out a mall rowing
boat down with two Fyench sailors in it. They
All came back.
took these to the first destroyer. light right
harbour: - Trench troops but they refused
up to be taken off. So they owne back out of the
harbour to tug anahored outsdde. Then they
were told to collect troops from anywhere.
Nearly every boat had gone by them. So they
Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour.
Several got destroyers passed, they vaved
up sail and tried to get out of harbour. and
destroyars naved backs one hour after dawn
when cards Towed them out, engine started,
they ware just about giving up hopes a
N.T.B. they vara alipped and after about 4 ailes fire.
the in sight and two E.T.3's - along
then engine began to moke and she daught to
No resease one Took than aboard. Edfeboat in flames,
returned bells 11st.

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CONTENTS
Page
Introduction
xiii
CHAPTER I
Preliminary Events, 10th to 18th May, 1940
Germany invades Holland and Belgium
1
Allies reach River Dyle
1
German thrust on French 9th Army front
1
Occupation of Walcheren and Zuid Beveland imminent
2
Germans cross Meuse
2
Dutch Army surrenders
2
Allies withdraw to River Escaut
2
French 9th Army front broken
3
Allied rail communications severed
3
CHAPTER II
The week before Operation "Dynamo", 19th to 25th May, 1940
Compulsory withdrawal of B.E.F. foreseen
4
...
R.A.F. Component begins return to England
4
...
Vice-Admiral Dover, represented at War Office Conference
4
Channel ports the German objective
4
Gerneral Weygand directing Allied operations
5
R.A.F. Component to set up rear H.Q. at Hawkinge
5
Naval Staff at Dover considers large scale evacuation
5
Provision of small craft considered
5
Counter-attack south of Arras
6
Germans approach Boulogne
6
Organisation of the canal line
7
Emergency evacuation again considered at the War Office
7
Canal line occupied
7
Boulogne cut off, Calais threatened
7
"The Operation will be known as 'Dynamo' "
7
Enemy within 20 miles of Dunkirk
8
Calais cut off
8
i

Details

RESTRICTED
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY EVENTS
10TH-18TH MAY 1940 (See Plan 1)
10TH MAY
Germany Invades Holland and Belgium
On the 10th May, following the invasion of Holland and Belgium, the Franco-
British forces under General Georges, commanding the French Front of the
North East, crossed the Belgian frontier and began their advance to the River
Dyle,¹ according to plan.
11TH MAY
Allies reach River Dyle
During the afternoon and evening of the 11th May the leading infantry
brigades reached the Dyle.
The news from the Belgian Army, of which King Leopold had assumed
command on the outbreak of war, was not good. At Maastricht the Belgians
had been unable to demolish important bridges over the Albert Canal and the
river Meuse, and the enemy had begun to move across them; whilst the
Belgian anti-tank obstacle eastward had been reconnoitred by the French
Cavalry Corps and found to be not only badly sited but unfinished.²
12TH MAY
German thrust on French 9th Army Front
The Allied advance to the Dyle was successfully completed by the 12th May.
The B.E.F. was in position between Wavre and Louvain, with the French 7th
Army (General Giraud) on its left and the French 1st Army (General Blanchard)
on its right. On the right of the French 1st Army was the French 9th Army
(General Corap) of the French Southern Command. Disquieting news was,
however, received from the south, where a German thrust with at least two
armoured divisions¹ was reported as developing on the front of the French
9th Army.
This thrust eventually proved to be the beginning of the German break-
through and their sweep westward, which cut off the Allied northern forces
from the main French forces in the south, led to the capture of Boulogne and
Calais, and culminated in the evacuation of Dunkirk.
General Billotte was in command of the French First Group of Armies,
which included the French 1st Army (with the French Cavalry Corps), and
the French 7th Army. Between these two armies lay the Belgian Army
(under the independent command of their King), and the B.E.F., which,
though under the command of General Georges, was not under that of General
Billotte. On this day, however, it was agreed to co-ordinate the action of the
British, French and Belgian forces, and General Billotte was appointed to
perform this task.³
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 18.
2 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 19.
3 Lord Gort's Second Despatch para. 22.
1

Details

THE WEEK BEFORE OPERATION "DYNAMO"
CHAP. II
Organisation of the Canal line
On the 21st May, also, steps were taken to defend the south-western flank
of the Allied force by organising the defence of the canal line from the Escaut
to La Bassée, and to continue it to St. Omer and the sea at Gravelines.¹
From this date all arrangements for air co-operation with the B.E.F. were
made by the War Office in conjunction with the Air Ministry, the air liaison
work being carried out in England at Hawkinge.2
Emergency evacuation again considered at the War Office
Meanwhile, in London, a meeting was held at the War Office at which, once
again, the emergency evacuation across the channel of very large forces, now
100ming close ahead, was under consideration.³
22ND MAY
Canal line occupied
By the 22nd May the 85 miles of canal line from Gravelines, through St. Omer
and Aire, to the Escaut (west of St. Amand) had been occupied, so far as was
possible, with the 10,000 men available. This line was divided into sectors,
for each of which a British commander was responsible,¹ but the number of
anti-tank weapons was barely adequate to cover all the crossing places, and no
effective watch could be kept against small parties of infantry crossing the
canal between the bridges.¹
Boulogne cut off, Calais threatened
The ports of Boulogne and Calais were now no longer working and con-
sequently the supply situation had grown worse than ever. It was found too
that, at such short notice, the port of Ostend could not be adapted to military
requirements.4
Boulogne was, in fact, by this time completely cut off, and by the evening
enemy armoured forces were within 9 miles of Calais.⁵ At Merville, the last
remaining advanced landing ground available for the R.A.F. Component was
abandoned.
On the night of 22nd/23rd May, according to plan, the Allied withdrawal
to the Belgian frontier defences was carried out.⁶
" The operation
...
will be known as Dynamo'
Meanwhile, the Admiralty had begun to make definite preparations for an
evacuation from the Continent. There were at this time, lying at Poole and
in the Port of London, some 50 Dutch skoots (schuyts), 200 ton-motor coasters
which had escaped from Holland. On the 22nd May the Admiralty, after
allocating 8 of these vessels to the War Office for use as supply ships, directed
the Commanders-in-Chief Portsmouth and the Nore to take over and man the
remainder, arrange for their organisation and assembly, and report the names
of the vessels as they became ready for service. At the same time it was in-
timated that, when ready, the skoots would be placed at the disposal of V-A.
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 34.
2 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 29.
D.R.
4 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 37.
5 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 36.
6 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 39.
7

Details

MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
The "build-up" of small craft commences
Early on the 27th May, the Ministry of Sea Transport had been asked by
the Admiralty to find between 40 and 50 small craft, which were to assemble
at Sheerness for a special requirement". The Director of the Small Vessels
Pool (Vice-Admiral Sir Lionel Preston, K.C.B.) supplied a list of what were
thought to be suitable vessels, but it was soon found that a great number of
these were not in a fit state for service. A meeting was therefore held at the
Admiralty which was attended by a representative of the Director of Sea
Transport, Mr. H. C. Riggs. On Mr. Riggs' suggestion, Admiral Preston agreed
to send some of his officers to the various boat-yards from Teddington to
Burnham and Brightlingsea, to inspect and send to Sheerness all vessels fit for
service¹. Forty motor boats or launches were thus obtained, and arrange-
ments made for them to reach Sheerness by 28th May.2 Very few of these
reached the Dunkirk beaches by the 29th May, but they were the forerunners
of nearly 300 small craft, which were destined to play an important part in the
embarkation from the beaches of some 99,000 troops, by ferrying them to off-
lying ships.
In the evening of the 27th the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Ramsgate, assumed
by arrangement the duty of fuelling and despatching all small power boats with
the attendant pulling boats forming the inshore flotilla.
Some delays occurred in the assembly at Ramsgate or in the Downs of small
craft despatched from other commands, owing to many of them being routed
to Dover in error, instead of to the Downs. Once despatched by the authorities
no communication with these small vessels was possible until they arrived at
their destination; this resulted in delays of up to 24 hours or more before
assembly, because during the night misfortune befell many tows that came
adrift owing to the moderate weather or collisions, and the business of rounding
them up could not be effected until daylight.
"Dynamo Maintenance Officer" appointed
To take charge of these small craft, Rear-Admiral, A. H. Taylor, O.B.E.,
(with the acting rank of Commodore), after getting final instructions from the
Vice-Admiral, Dover, proceeded to Sheerness on the 27th May to act as
Dynamo Maintenance Officer." He was responsible for the preparation of
various vessels, small motor craft, and pulling boats, for service in Operation
'Dynamo his staff comprised Cdr. H. R. Troup, R.N., and Lt. Cdr. D. E.
Holland-Martin, R.N. The type of machinery fitted in many of the vessels
and its defective state presented the Fleet Engineer Officer, Captain T. E.
Docksey, R.N., and Sheerness Dockyard with some difficult problems; but
within a week, under Commodore Taylor's general direction, no less than 100
motor boats, 10 self-propelled lighters, 7 skoots, 1 oil tanker, 6 paddle steamers,
and numerous pulling boats, were prepared for service and sent out from
Sheerness.
S.N.O. Dunkirk assumes duty 1900/27
Meanwhile, at 1315, Captain Tennant left Dover for Dunkirk in the destroyer
Wolfhound, with a naval beach and pier party of 12 officers and 160 ratings.
A communications staff was also taken, as it was intended that the Wolfhound
should relieve the Wolsey at Dunkirk as W/T link. The Wolfhound was
I T.O. 9144/40.
2 Appendix G. 3.
21

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
to were seen and no ships Dunkirk of No. 604
2120 on the 2nd June, to clear reported the air being for the attacked. night's work. Blenheims No enemy air-
craft Squadron then continued to patrol singly over throughout the night.
reported, and R.A.F. fighters intercepted successfully 3rd on three.
Only on three occasions during the 2nd June were enemy all aircraft formations
evacuation effort. Eighteen Blenheims a level (1,000-3,000
series of attacks on the batteries near bombed Gravelines, from low to coincide with the
During the early morning hours of Pointe the de June the R.A.F. carried out a
feet), but were unable to observe results.
By night, the policy was continued of directing a small proportion of our
effort to targets near the battlefront and the main weight against Germany ;
and air in conformity with this policy twelve Wellingtons attacked Bergues.
Blocking of Dunkirk Inner Harbour (Operation C.K.) (See Plan 4 and
Appendix Z)
The blocking of the inner harbour at Dunkirk was under the command of
Captain E. Dangerfield, R.N., and was carried out on two successive nights.
The operation was first timed to be carried out on the night 1st-2nd June, but
at 1808 on the 31st the Admiralty ordered its postponement.
On each night three blockships, escorted by a destroyer, an MA/S.B. and an
M.T.B., were employed. The blockships assembled in the Downs, and (as
usual) they were such crocks that one, the French built Emerald Wings (Govern-
ment Yard, Cherbourg, 1920) broke down soon after leaving Portsmouth for
the Downs and had to be towed back to harbour; a second could not keep up
with the convoy; and a third, the Moyle, developed defects which, however,
by dint of working on her all night, were remedied in time.
The ships finally employed on the night 2nd-3rd June were as follows :-
Vivacious (destroyer)
M.A/S.B. 7
M.T.B. 107
Blockships Westcove 2734 tons, built 1912
Edvard Nissen 2062 tons, built 1921.
Holland Dutch M.V. 895 tons, built 1923.
Early on the 2nd of June Admiral Nord asked that the blockships might be
sent over to arrive at the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at 0300 on the 3rd, the
latest hour at which they could enter on that night, by which time it was hoped
the evacuation would have been completed. During the afternoon of the 2nd
however, the Admiralty received a message from the Admiral postponing the
operation because the evacuation would not be completed that night. However,
the Admiralty still hoped to complete the evacuation and ordered the block-
ships to sail.
At 2030 on the 2nd the Vivacious, with Captain Dangerfield on board and
with M.T.B. 107 in tow and M.A/S.B. 7 in company, sailed from the Downs,
leading the three blockships, and proceeded to Dunkirk by Route Z. The
Holland, unable to maintain the 71 knots speed of the convoy, was soon lost
to sight astern. Nearing Dunkirk a tug (either the Sun X, Sun XI or Foremost
87), towing a very long line of boats, crossed her bows and still further delayed
her, but she eventually made contact with M.A/S.B. 7 and asked to be led
into the harbour. The other two blockships had anchored at 0230, and a
1 This is her correct name
111

Details

CHAP. XI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
quarter of an hour later they all three proceeded, with the Holland last in the
line, to carry out their part in blocking the port. As they neared Dunkirk a
"long line of destroyers came out of the harbour. " Astern of them", stated
the Holland, there was a gap of over a mile and then a large and fast trans-
port". M.A/S.B. 7 led the Holland through the gap between the destroyer
line and the transport. When the latter was 6 cables away, and steaming very
fast with the first streaks of dawn behind her, the danger of collision became
apparent, SO the Holland sounded one blast and put her wheel hard astarboard.
Lieutenant-Commander E. C. Coats, R.N., captain of the blockship, reported
that the transport had then only to alter course 5° to starboard to pass well
clear. However, she appeared to alter to port", with the result that she struck
the Holland hard on the bridge and just before the boiler room bulkhead. The
transport, which did not appear to have sustained much damage, backed out
and carried on her way. The Holland had no buoyancy in hand, and, a few
seconds before she was struck, her captain ordered abandon ship", seeing
that it was inevitable she would be rammed. The bows sunk at once and rested
on the bottom, there being apparently only 8 feet of water under her keel;
the stern remained above water. Two seamen were crushed and seriously
injured in the collision. M.A/S.B.7 took off the crew and transferred them to
the Vivacious. The wreck of the Holland came within an ace of being rammed
a second time, for two more ships, reported to be destroyers, passed and missed
the Holland's stern by no more than a few feet.
At 0300 the blockship Westcove entered Dunkirk, followed ten minutes later
by the Edvard Nissen. Both ships proceeded into the channel leading to the
inner harbour. When in her allotted position the Westcove put her wheel hard
astarboard to ram the Inner Western Jetty, but her bows struck mud about
50 feet from the pier, with the ship at an angle of about 30° across the channel.
By going full speed ahead on the engines, the athwartship's angle was increased
to 50°.
As the Edvard Nissen came in with the intention of ramming the East Pier
she endeavoured to strike the Westcove's stern a glancing blow in order to in-
crease her angle to the channel before scuttling herself; but underestimating
the strength of the ebb stream she passed close under the Westcove's stern, and
rammed the East Pier abreast of the latter. Letting go an anchor, she applied
full port helm with all engine power to increase the blocking angle. The
Westcove now fired her scuttling charges, which probably owing to coal gas in
the bunkers, caused a large column of flame and smoke to envelop the ship's
stern. When this had dissipated, the crew, who had pulled clear in their boat,
saw that the Westcove had slid off the sloping bank of the channel and was
lying on an even keel in the line of the piers, almost in mid stream, thus causing
a minimum of obstruction. Between the sterns of the two ships there was
now a gap of 80 feet which was reduced to 50 feet by heaving on a hawser run
by the Edvard Nissen's motor boat from the ship's stern to the Westcove. No
more could be done and the Edvard Nissen abandoned ship and fired her
scuttling charges from the boat. M.A/S.B. 7 took out both ship's crews to
the Vivacious.
1 No transport reported being in collision at this time and it has not been possible to
identify any of the vessels concerned. The following destroyers and transports sailed from
Dunkirk at the times given destroyers - Vanquisher 0230, Whitshed 2045, Malcolm 0248,
Codrington 0250 and Express 0250; transports Newhaven (French 1,888 tons) 0245,
Tynwald (British 2,376 tons) 0300, Rouen (French, 1,882 tons time not known but ship
was in Dunkirk in the early hours of 3rd June), and Côte Argent (French 3,047 tons, time
not known but ship landed troops at Dover on 3rd June.)
112

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX A
TROOPS
SAILING BARGES (contd.)
TRANSPORTED
Claud (water boat)'
/
Doris¹ (F. Finbow, Master)
/
Duchess (H. J. Wildish, Master)
/
Ena
100
(A. G. Page, Master)
Ethel Everard
/
(T. Willis, Master)
F.W. 23 (dumb)
13
Glenway (W. H. Easter, Master)
213
H.A.C.
100
(R. H. Scott, Master)
Haste Away
-
Lark'
/
(R. H. Scott, Master)
Monarch
-
Queen
-
Queen Alexandria
-
Royalty
-
(H. Miller, Master)
Sark (dumb)
-
Shannon
-
Shetland (dumb)
-
Spurgeon
-
(- Haisman, Master)
Tollesbury
200
(R. Webb, Master)
Warrior1
-
Total
886
LIFE BOATS
Total 19, R.N.L.I. life boats2, of which I was lost.
Abdy Beauclerk
-
Cecil & Lilian Philpott
51
(A/B W. J. Morris, Coxn.
Charles Cooper Henderson
-
Charles Dibdin
-
Cyril & Lilian Bishop
-
(Actg. P.O. W.H. Adkin)
Edward Z, Dresden
50
E.M.E.D. (Lt. Cdr. R. W. Faulkner, R.N.R. (?Retd.) )
39
(Lieut. R. H. Mead, R.N.V.R., died)
(P.O. Tel. W.H. Cooley)
Greater London
48
(S/Lt. W. D.F. Claydon, R.N.R.)
Guide of Dunkirks
-
(S/Lt. R. H.C. Amos, R.N.V.R.)
-
Jane Holland
(S/Lt. R. H. Wallace, R.N.V.R.)
-
(Sto. J. Strangeways) (Sto. A. H. Shaw)
Lord Southborough
(S/Lt. E. R. Ponsonby, R.N.V.R.)
17
(E. Parker, Coxswain)
I Lost.
2 The Dunkirk, reserve life boat Agnes Cross carried out duties at Dover. She did not go to
3 At been the same time of Dunkirk evacuation, this boat had just been built and had not yet
named.
146

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX Z
APPENDIX Z
SIGNALS RE OPERATION C.K.
THE BLOCKING OF DUNKIRK INNER HARBOUR
Sunday, 2nd June
1. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
night. He will signal if their placing to postponed.
Admiral Nord requests that blockships is will be arrive at entrance at 0300 tomorrow
0405/2
2. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER STRAITS, S.N.O.
DUNKIRK
My 1600/31st May, not to S.N.O. Dunkirk. Operation is to be carried
forces sailing from the Downs about 1900 today Sunday. E.T.A. Dunkirk roads out,
0200 3rd June.
Final order to block is to be given by Captain Dangerfield who will enter Dunkirk
ahead of forces and consult with Admiral Nord as necessary.
Owing to the tide, blockships cannot enter Dunkirk harbour after 0300 on night
2nd/3rd June.
1300/2
3. ADMIRALTY to S.N.O. DUNKIRK (R) V.A. Dover, R.A. Dover Straits
French now state that following has been received from Admiral Nord.
"Evacuation will not be completed during the night of 2nd/3rd. Blocking of
Dunkirk must not take place for the moment".
We hope, however, to complete evacuation tonight and blockships are being
sent. Captain Dangerfield has orders to proceed to Dunkirk in advance of block-
ships and get in touch with Admiral Nord and arrange time of blocking with him.
1552/2
[Here see Appendix Y.15].
Monday, 3rd June
4. Vivacious to ADMIRALTY (R) VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Operation C.K. completed. Two blockships¹ sunk between breakwater, but
regret obstruction of channel not achieved.
T.O.R. 0445/3
I The two blockships were the Westcove and Edvard Nissen. The third block-
ship, the Holland, was lost en route.
5. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER STRAITS
My 1300/2 [Appx. Z.2]. Operation is to be repeated tonight June 3rd, forces
sailing from the downs about 2000 today Monday. E.T.A. Dunkirk roads 1158/3 0130/4.
RESTRICTED
194

Details

INDEX
Greatwood, Lt., 76.
Grenade, 28, 43-4 (damaged), 46, 50n (reported sinking), 55 (sunk).
Greyhound, 13 (bombards Calais) ; in Dynamo, 23, 27, 42 (damaged), 47 (remains in
action), 54n, 55n.
Grey Mist, 13.
Grimsby Town, 104, 110.
Grive, 38, 93 (sunk), 60, 90-1.
Grouse, 72n.
Guillemot, 114n, 117.
Gula, 71n.
Gulzar, 17, 60n, 114n, 118.
H.A.C., 71s.
Haig, 72n, 90.
Halcyon, 20, 28n, 45, 47n, 54n, 82, 86 (attacked), 91, 107n, 109, 114n, 117.
Hallett, Vice-Admiral T. J., (act. Cdre.), 49 (takes charge off Bray), 58, 79; leaves, 80 ;
effect of his arrival, 126.
Hancock, Capt. C. A., 29.
Handy Billie, 81.
Hanora, abandoned, 53 : sunk, 55.
Harris, Cdr. W. V. H., 13.
Harvester, 28n, 35-6, 47, 54n, 55n.
Harwich, F.O.I.C., 70; assistance to ships at, 94.
Havant, 46, 55n, 91 (sunk), 93.
Hawkinge, 5, 7.
Hebe, 44, 47n, 49, 50 (flag of R.A. Dover), 54n, 58 (hoists flag), 66, 67, 70, 76 (Whaler),
76n, 83 (slightly damaged), 84 (shoots down Heinkel).
Hebe II, 20, 24, 27, 28n.
Hemans, Lt. M. A., 81.
Henderson, Comdr. H. P., 22.
Hilda, 20, 29n, 32, 72n, 78, 90.
Hird, 37.
Hirschfield, A. B., C.A.L., 93.
Holford, Maj. C.F. L., R.M., 8.
Holkham, Capt. A., 38.
Holland, 111-2.
Holland, invaded, 1; surrenders, 2.
Holland-Martin, Lt. Cdr. D. E., 21.
Holmes, Maj.-Gen. W. G., 82.
Hondsrug, 20n, 24, 102, 114n, 116-7.
Hospital carriers, attacked, 16, 17, 43, 45, 104; space too valuable for them, 87.
Hound, 72n.
Howson, Capt. J. M.: S.N.O. Beaches, 49, 59; stops waste of boats, 60; returns to
Dover, 74; orders beach parties to embark, 79, 80; effect of his arrival, 126.
Hutchins, Lt. Col. R. L., 69-70.
Hythe, 32, 72n.
Icarus, 37-8 (damaged), 54 (makes two trips in 24 hours), 55n, 69, 83 (in collision), 87, 97
101 (in collision).
Impulsive, 20, 23, 27, 55n, 64n, 70, 83 (damages propeller).
Indépendence, 73n.
Ingénieur Cachin, 73.
Intrepid, 37, 38, 43 (damaged), 54n, 55n, 61n.
Inverforth, 34.
Ironside, General Sir Edmund (CIGS), 5.
Isle of Guernsey, 17, 45 (damaged).
Isle of Thanet, 19, 22n, 24, 28, 34 (sunk).
Ivanhoe, 37n-8, 54n, 55n, 77n, 83 (bombed), 86, 90-1 (damaged), 93.
Jackal, hunts submarine, 69.
Jacketa, 32n, 51n.
Jaguar, 28, 39, 41 (damaged), 42, 61n (in need of repair).
Java, 32, 42, 47.
Javelin, 28, 37-8, 54n, 55n, 61n, 105 (forbidden to sail).
Jeannie MacIntosh, 71n.
Jeune France, 62n, 73n.
200

Details

OREGO
OF
-2-
at could the not basin get anybody to sign me on I was
basin with a and by about 18.00 was making signed on and back
my little petrol, water breaker and enough tank and deck
cargo of crew di two young ratings, a full my way out of the
very overcrowded. small sacks of potatoes - raw. The boat lump seemed of raw
beef, and two gang for about a week, including provisions a large to last
These and told me that we had got to tow a navy cutter hailed, to us
As we passed out of the basin the Commodore
tow nearly as much as my own little craft and had very thick new
were brand new boats, fully squipped and weighing Sheerness. pretty
that considerable misgivings and was truly grateful for the fact
ropes. I must admit that I regarded this idea with
my boat had Samson posts and not cleats.
trusting to luck for the rest. The faster boats, which
out for Ramsgate, having our own chart of the Estuary and
Orders being orders, we took the cutter in tow and dug
also of the bigger and less burdened by their cutters, got were out
sight about dusk and another motor cruiser about the
in sight. The launch was having continuous engine trouble
size as my own and an open launch were the only vessels same left
but the other motor cruiser was having a little trouble I
Before it became quite dark a drifter turned up from Sheerness
turned back and closed them so that we could keep together. so
und informed us that she had been sent out to look after the
motor boats. Her Captain decided to anchor for the night and
we tacked on to him. The occupants of the open launch went
remained on my boat and slept between the intervals of
on beard the drifter for the night but my crew and myself
up for on deck to be sick, as it was by no means a comfortable popping lie
a 24 foot boat under five tons in weight.
the drifter kindly suggesting that she should take the and,
We got under way early in the morning of the 29th
and cutters and the defective launch in tow, the other motor three cruiser
the reason for these
mine sailed independently but keeping more or less
company ahead with the drifter until off the Foreland, when in went
bright argestions
a bit as the course was clear and there was we
has never been
drifters shipping to indicate safe channels. The number of plenty busy little of
explained to me,
should about was amazing, one stopped us and
but it was very sue
weather any how.
trip, so we continued on our way until another stopped the and
go to Belgium but could not supply the petrol suggested for we
suggested we should go to Holland and offered to take us
to tow, be and provide petrol from somewhere later. As this us appeared in
when ropes and were towed some miles in the direction of Holland
an order from a superior officer we accepted their tow
after a Dostroyer had an "Aldis" conversation with the
was really had a mine-sweeper and had got to go and sweep mines,
which the latter informed us in a kindly manner that Drifter, he
so we better double back to Ramsgate on our own and
us a course. We arrived at Ramsgate and got tied up in the gave
outer harbour in time for a late lunch and I then made engiries
about the job in hand.
The course changed
sweral times, on
I found that the course to Dunkirk then in operation had
would take MO the best part of 24 hours, as I could not count
grown to be a round trip of 140-150 miles and as such a trip
account fields of mine
on doing maximum speed and should have to consider petrol in
15 men, all my boat would hold, was not good business. The
any case, 1t seemed to me that a mere dash over to rescue about
Commander whom I saw on the point, like all the Naval Officers
with whom we had any dealings, was just as helpful as was
possible and agreed with me that the best use for my boat was
to go over with two Navy rowing boats in tow to a ship so that
we could operate on the beach and fill the ship. After a few
enquiries I was told to rendez-vous outside the harbour at
09.30 on Thursday, 30th May, and accordingly had a good night's

Details

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

Details

Details

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

Details

-2-
could not get anybody to sign me on I was signed on and back
at the basin and by about 18.00 was making my way out of the
basin with a crew ar two young ratings, a full tank and deck
cargo of petrol, water breaker and enough provisions to last
my little gang for about a week, including of large lump of raw
beef, and two small sacks of potatoes - raw. The boat seemed
very overcrowded.
As we passed out of the basin the Commodore hailed us Romszate
and told me that we had got to tow a navy cutter to Sheerness.
These were brand now boats, fully souipped and weighing pretty
nearly as much as my own little craft and had very thick new
tow ropes. I must admit that I regarded this idea with
considerable misgivings and was truly grateful for the fact
that my boat had Samson p O sts and not leats.
Orders being orders we took the cutter in tow and dug
out for Ramsgate, having our own chart of the Estuary and
trusting to luck for the rest. The faster boats, which were
also the bigger and less burdened by their cutters, got out
of sight about dusk and another motor cruiser about the same
size as my own and an open launch were the only vessels left
in sight. The launch was having continuous engine trouble
but the other motor cruiser was having a little trouble so I
turned back and closed them so that we could keep together.
Before 1t became quite dark a drifter turned up from Sheerness
and informed us that she had been sent out to look after the
motor boats. Hor Captain decided to anchor for the night and
we tacked on to him. The occupants of the open launch went
on board the drifter for the night but my crew and myself
remained on my boat and slept between the intervals of popping
up on deck to be sick, as 16 was by no means a comfortable lie
for a 24 foot boat under five tons in weight.
We got under way early In the morning of the 29th and,
the drifter kindly suggesting that she should take the three
cutters and the defective launch in tow, the other motor eru
and mine sailed independontly but keeping more or less in
the reason these
company with the drifter until off the Foreland, when we word
ahead a bit as the course was clear and there was plenty of
has never been explained
bright auggestions
shipping to indicate safe channels. The mber of bury little
drifters about was amazing, one stopped us and suggested we
should go to Belgium but could not supply the potrol for the
to me, but it was very
trip, so we continued on our way until another stopped us and
nice weather anybox.
suggested we should go to Holland and offered to take us in
tow, and provide petrol from somewhere later. As this appeared
to be an order from a superior officer we accepted their tom
ropes and were towed some miles in the direction of Hol land
when a Destroyer had an "Aldis" conversation with the Drifter,
after which the latter informed us in a kindly manner that be
was really a mine-sweeper and had got to go and sweep mines,
so we had better double back to Ramsgate on our own and gave
us a course. We arrived at Ramsgate and got tied up 10 the
outer harbour in time for a late lunch and I then made
about the job in hand.
I found that the course to Dunkirk then in operation 1
grown to be a round trip of 140-150 miles and as such a to
would take me the best part of 24 hours, as I could not 00
on doing maximum speed and should have to consider petrol
or
any case, 1t seemed to me that a mere dash over to resoue
e
15 mon, all my boat would hold, was not good business. The
Commander whom I saw on the point, like all the Naval Office
with whom we had any dealings, was just as helpful as was
possible and agreed with me that the best use for my boat was
to go over with two Navy rowing boats in tow to a ship DO that
we could operate on the beach and fill the ship. After a few
enquiries I was told to rendez-vous outside the harbour at
09.50 on Thursday, 30th May, and accordingly had a good night's

Details

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

Details

125
R.P. Biddle, Esq.,
Docks & Marine Manager,
H.M.T. "CANTERBURY"
63
Southampton.
14th June, 1940.
Dear Sir,
hereunder 19th details of the work performed by this June, I the
In response to your requests of the 7th and 10th give
from May to 4th June inclusive. In addition to vessel, the from
At 00.04 Canterbury was present during the operations at the Hook Havre, Holland.
the the French ports of Boulogne, Calais, Dunkerque evacuations and Le
19/5
owing arriving to alongside at 05.48 and laid there under steam Cherbourg (2 hours
on the 19th May vessel left Southampton for of
20/5 Weymouth 11.25 on the 20th vessel left for Weymouth, were
and at refugee train being 24 hours late. 1264 Refugees embarked notice)
Roads from 15.45 to 16.44 when she proceeded anchoring to in
Pier arriving at alongside 17.45. After disembarking passengers, Weymouth vessel Pier
Oiler at 20.45 and steamed to Portland Harbour, going alongside left
21/5
at in Harbour, 0620, anchor watches were set and steam maintained. ship
21.39. Oiling commenced at 22.43 and at 2300 anchored R.F.A.
proceeding afterwards going alongside Oiler 15.49 Dover Harbour then
at 1500, vessel left anchorage for Dover and anchored in On 21st.
19.35. direct to Boulogne at 17.50, arriving at No. refuelling and
assistance Conditions in Boulogne were very difficult, low 4 berth at
from the embarked. During these operations Boulogne was a struggle attacked
troops as regards mooring, this was achieved after water and and no
air. On completion of embarkation, vessel left being at
22/5
were arriving at anchorage in Dover Harbour at 22.08 when anchor 20.18
were at the Admiralty Pier, when the troops, numbering 529,
and berthed set and steam maintained. At 05.25 on the 22nd ship left watches anchorage
13.20. embarked 571 officers and men and arrived at No. the at
meantime disembarked. At 11.52 vessel left forCalais, having in
loaded, Troops were landed and 198 refugees, prisoners and 4 berth
at when vessel left for Dover at 16.20, anchoring in wougded Harbour
23/5
The prisoners were disembarked, this being completed in 24
the 1748, thence to Ferry jetty at 19.42. At 20.46, the wounded Dover and
not refugees were kept on board until 04.00 on the 23rd, and minutes. it
at the until 06.15 that the ship was finally discharged. Ship was
24/5 when she proceeded to No.3 berth Admiralty Pier. At 07.30
24th, Ferry Jetty under immediate steaming orders until 03.30 remained on the
embarkation of troops commenced, but at 21.30 orders were received
25/5 left the night until 11.00 on the 25th. At 14.46 on this day, the
discharge equipment and personnel, the operation continuing throughout to
batteries for Dunkirk, arriving at 17.09 after being shelled by German vessel shore
26/5 then 18.50, arrived Dover No.2 berth 2131 and thence to anchor at 24.00,
at on route. After embarking 1246 troops, vessel left Dunkirk
shore. Dover for Dunkirk. German batteries again opened fire from the she
left remained under immediate steam until 1758 on the 26th, when
at Arriving at Dunkirk ship was berthed outside the"MAID OF ORLEANS'
27/5
bombing and by enemy aircraft being continuous. 1340 troops were loaded
20.30. Loading operations were carried out under difficulties,
discharged vessel left Dunkirk at 00.20 arriving Dover No. 4 berth at
by 05.10, when immediate steam was maintained until 14.38 03.09,
when she again left for Dunkirk. Arriving Dunkirk at 20.00, 457
troops were embarked, the majority of these were wounded and included
active. When leaving at 20.58 orders were received from the S.T.O.
140 stretcher cases, conditions were again bad, enemy aircraft being
to turn back to their base any vessel attempting to enter Dunkirk,
this instruction was conveyed to two Hospital Carriers and one Transport
28/5
During the crossing, enemy aircraft continually dropped paraghute flares
at various points along the route. Arriving at Dover, at 02.25,
disembarkation commenced and continued until 05.45, all hands being
engaged in this duty. Left berth at 05.45 for Ferry Jetty, left Ferry
Jetty 12.00 and went to No.4 berth to oil. Left No.4 berth at 16.30
to berth at Ferry Jetty. All this time ship wasunder full steam.
At 17.00, lacking receipt of orders, I decided to shut down with a view
to giving the crew some rest and granted partial leave. On the morning
of the 29th, the Chi ef Officer and the Chief Engineer reported sick
being/
P.T.O

Details

OPERATION
231
NO. 20
SHIP:- LIFEBOAT, "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne).
STATEMENT BY $
Name
Service
Sunday 2nd
Started off in a lifeboat towed by SUN II.
Lifeboat "JANE HOLLAND" (Sastbourne). Cast
$
Sto. J. Strangeways
off outside and told to go to & landing right
PKX 95036.
up the other and of the harbour. Found they
$
Sto. A.H. Shaw
were under fire in the harbour. Shell struck
PKX 94553. E.R.PONSONBY
the tug or drifter they were going alongaide
One Sub.Lieut, R.N.V.R.
so they went on up harbour. 31g enough hote
One A.B.
in the lifeboat bows to crawl. through. Drenohed
One O.S.
with spray caused by shrapnel. Às proceeding
also there.
up harbour saw a destroyer out & small rowing
All came back.
boat down with two Fyench sailors in 11. they
took these to the first destroyer. Tent right
up harbour: saw Fyench troops but they refused
to be taken off. So they came back out of the
harbour to tug anchored outside. Then they
were told to collect troops from anywhere.
Engine stopped just before dawn inside harbour.
Nearly every boat had gone by then. So they
got up sail and tried to get out of harbour.
Several destroyers passed, they waved and
destroyers waved back: one hour after dawn
when they were just about giving up hopes &
M.T.B. came. Towed them out, engine started,
then they were alipped and after about 4 ailes
the engine began to smoke and she caught fire.
No one in sight and two M.T.B's came along to
resume. Took them aboard. Lifeboat in l'lames,
returned a.m. 31at.

Details

Dynam. 120,
363
.
Admiralty House,
341
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on Monday 27th May,
after getting final instructions from the Vice Admiral,
Dover, I proceeded to Sheerness and commenced duty as
"Dynamo" Maintenance Officer; my staff consisted of
Commander H.R. Troup, R.N,, who accompanied me from
Economic Warfare Division, and Lieutenant Commander D.E.
Holland-Martin, R.N. We had the invaluable assistance of
the Fleet Engineer Officer, Captain T.E. Docksey. Lieutenant
Commander Guinner, R.N. in command of the Schuit "Princess
Juliana" which had broken down, helped for the first day,
he then left to join N.O.I.C. Ramsgate whose need was
greater. Lieutenant Commander Filleul, R.N., from Weymouth
Contraband Base, also joined but was sent away in charge of
a lighter with petrol cans of water and subsequently joined
N.O.I.C. Margate. Lieutenant R.S. Hellby R.N.R. who came from
Weymouth Contraband Base, but was not fit enough to go to
362
Dynam. 120.
Budget
:0
347
mainder
crews
and
FROM : "Dynamo" Maintenance Officer, Sheerness.
rer on
(ate or
Dover.
DATE : 8th June, 1940.
to were
given
TO
:
Vice Admiral, Dover.
18 that
they
"y them
mg as
to
10 was
Submitted: A copy of my original
report forwarded to Commander in Chief, Nore
together with original reports of Officers whose
adders,
statements have so far been received are forwarded
were
3".
herewith.
had
ness
it to
aws
to,
I
Rear Admiral.
general
VICE ADMIRAL
rved
nduce
10JUN 1940
S,N.S.O
*
ion on
DOVER
E
R
ed to
elied
ors.

Details

Dynom. 120,
363
Admiralty House,
341
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on Monday 27th May,
after getting final instructions from the Vice Admiral,
Dover, I proceeded to Sheerness and commenced duty as
"Dynamo" Maintenance Officer; my staff consisted of
Commander H.R. Troup, R.N,, who accompanied me from
Economic Warfare Division, and Lieutenant Commander D.E.
Holland-Martin, R.N. We had the invaluable assistance of
the Fleet Engineer Officer, Captain T.E. Docksey. Lieutenant
Commander Guinner, R.N. in command of the Schuit "Princess
Juliana" which had broken down, helped for the first day,
he then left to join N.O.I.C. Ramsgate whose need was
greater. Lieutenant Commander Filleul, R.N., from Weymouth
Contraband Base, also joined but was sent away in charge of
a lighter with petrol cans of water and subsequently joined
N.O.I.C. Margate. Lieutenant R.S. Hellby R.N.R. who came from
Weymouth Contraband Base, but was not fit enough to go to
sea, took his place.
2. Officers, ratings, volunteers and boats commenced to
arrive on Tuesday, and the work of preparing boats for
service occupied the whole of daylight hours for the remainder
of the week.
3. The first group consisting of 20 cutters with half crews
sailed for Dover on Tuesday in tow of the"st. Clears" and
"Sun V". The first group of motor boats sailed for Dover on
Wednesday. Subsequent groups were sent either to Ramsgate or
direct to the beaches, as directed by the Vice Admiral, Dover.
When there were insufficient Officers available, boats were
sailed in groups with at least one Officer trained in
navigation in each. Lighters were as far as possible given
motor boats to attend them.
4. Officers and Coxswains were given broad instructions that
failing orders and guidance from Officers on the spot they
were to find the places where troops were waiting, ferry them
off to the ships off shore, and continue the work as long as
possible, retaining enough fuel in reserve to get back to
Ramsgate. As far as I have been able to judge, good use was
made of the wide discretion given.
5. Requests were made from time to time for rafts, ladders,
lifebuoys and water. These and all the other demands were
met wholeheartedly by the Dockyard and H.M.S. "Wildfire".
6. Most of the owners and crews who brought boats
volunteered to serve in them; more would have done so had
what they were wanted to do. Many volunteers who had
it been possible to tell them before sailing for Sheerness
commitments went away to clear themselves and came back to
who lost their boats joined others at Dover and Ramsgate,
join, although their own boats had already sailed. Crews
or back to Sheerness to find another. There were I
am came glad to be able to say, very few exceptions to the general
at the In Dardanelles, did all he could to get away and induce
enthusiasm. X213 the Master, a man of 60 years who had served
his to take her. They went away to Chatham. S,N.S.O on
me sent and I suggest that the Dockyard would be well
drivers them back. They made a most unfavourable impression advised to
get rid of them. I feel sure that they could not be relied
on in any emergency and would have a bad effect on others.
One I regret to add, is an ex-service man.