Details

ISLE OF THANET
Hospital Carrier
(s. Ry. Co.)
Capt. A.J. Hammond,
Master.
[on 23rd May the Isle of Thanet brought 296 wounded
from Dunkirk, i.e. before Operation Dynamo commenced].
25th May
1556
Left Dover for Dunkirk the H/C Paris in
company.
1815
Arrived Dunkirk. The P/V Canterbury
having moored at Gare Maritime;
the Isle of Thanet moored alongside
her, with Paris on the outside berth.
1910
[Canterbury sailed, and Isle of Thanet
took the quayside berth].
2200
Commenced loading. Air attacks were
frequent throughout the operation.
Raging fires lit up the quayside and
the white painted hospital carriers
showed up prominently.
26th May
0100
608 wounded embarked.
0115
Proceeded.
0730
Arrived Newhaven. Disembarked 608
wounded. (1)
27th May
0634
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
0800
Shelled by shore batteries when off
Calais
Returned to Dover for alternative
route instructions.
1709
Left Dover for Dunkirk.
1750
The H/C Worthing asked for route, and
joined company.
2118
Dunkirk east roads. The Canterbury
came out of Dunkirk and signalled
that all casualties were aboard her,
and that it was impossible to enter.
Isle of Thanet and Worthing proceeded
to Dover.
28th May
0210
Off Dover. Ordered to Newhaven.
0254
Collided with the Exam. vessel
Ocean Reward, which sank immediately.
Searched for survivors, assisted by
the tug Lady Brassey. None were
found.
1051
Arrived Newhaven. Assisted to berth
by the tug Foremost 22.
Nil
Authority - M.6213/40.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R., no doubt because Operation Dynamo
did not commence until 1857 on 26th May.
67

Details

MONA'S ISLE
A.B/V.
Cdr. J.C.K. Dowding, R.D.,
R.N.R.
26th May
2000
2116(1)
Anchored off Deal.
Sailed for Dunkirk, by Calais route.
27th May
0115
Off Dunkirk.
Entered the harbour, but fouled the
propeller, so backed out of the
harbour. The propeller cleared
itself.
0130
Proceeded down channel to interrogate
French craft as to the situation.
0250
Signalled V.A. Dover for instructions.
A.B/V. King Orry"in similar position".
0321
Ordered to enter harbour at daylight.
0416
Entered harbour and berthed at Quai
Felix Faure during an air attack.
0530
Commenced embarking about 1500 troops.
0704
Proceeded out of harbour.
0730ca
Off Gravelines, some small craft and a
hospital ship [the Isle of Thanet]
were observed some distance ahead
being shelled.
0750
Mona's Isle straddled by shore guns;
some casualties.
0825ca
Attacked by six Messerschmitts;
casualties and damage.
0924
The dr. Windsor came alongside and put
a doctor on board. She then
escorted Mona's Isle to Dover.
1214
Entered Dover harbour, assisted by the
tugs Lady Brassey and Simla.
1353
Disembarked 1420 troops( (2) including
23 dead and 60 wounded.
1835
To Granville Dock for repairs.
1st June(3)
0909
Left dock. Proceeded to Dunkirk by X
route.
1305
Observed the wreck of the P/V Scotia.
H.15 [the dr. Esk] was alongside the
wreck taking off survivors. Closed
the wreck in company with a great
number of small craft proceeding to
Dunkirk; lowered 3 boats and picked
up a few survivors.
1422
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
1505
Between Nos. 11 and 13 buoys, straddled
by 2 salvoes from dive bombers.
Ship shaken, but no damage.
1540
Berthed inside Dunkirk at east pier.
Embarked troops.
1730
About 1500 troops on board. Waited till
darkness set in.
2100
Proceeded.
(1) D.R. first of the personnel vessels to reach was
Dover states that the Dynamo had commenced at 1857/26, at
the after Operation vessel Mona's Isle which arrived
Cdr. 2230/26 with 1312 definitely troops. states that his ship made and 2nd trips
armed boarding This is evidently incorrect. 2
Dowding at Dover on 27th May Mona's June
It only, 1s disembarking that troops D.R. has mentioned the although A. B/V. the
Isle probable P/V Mona's Queen, hours
latter in did error not for arrive the at Dover until the early of
(2) D.R.
27th May.
(3) D.R. Isle disembarked 1,500 troops (1) on
lst states June; that this Mona's is evidently incorrect (see Note
above).
295

Details

OCEAN REWARD(1)
Examination Service
Vessel
28th May
0254
off Dover, was ranned by the H/C.
Isle of Thanet and Bank immediately.
The Isle of Thanet and the tug
Lady Brossey searched for survivors.
None were found.
Authority - TM.6213/40.
A ed in D.H.
257

Details

Hospital carrier
PARIS
S. Ry. Co.)
Capt. E.A. Biles, Master
1556
25th May
Left Dover for Dunkirk, the H/C
Isle of Thanet in company.
1815
Arrived Dunkirk. Berthed outside
the Isle of Thanet. Embarked wounded.
000lca
26th May
Left Dunkirk with wounded on board.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked wounded. (1)
28th May
1830
Left the Downs, the P/V's Manxman
and Prague in company.
2250
All 3 ships grounded on Smac Bank.
The Paris and Prague came off
immediately, but the Manxman remained
aground for some hours.
29th May
0355
The 3 ships proceeded to Dunkirk, after
which they acted independently.
The Paris embarked troops and sailed.
Disembarked 400 troops( 2) at a home
port.
30th/31st
-
The Paris again went to Dunkirk and
May
returned with 230 troops. (2)
2nd June
1648
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
-
Between the N. Goodwin L.V. and W buoy,
1855ca
ran into thick fog. Near W buoy
the fog cleared. (3)
1900ca
About 15 miles N.W. of Dunkirk,
attacked by 2 aircraft. Severe
damage from near misses. Ship out
of control, all lights extinguished.
2000ca
Attacked by 3 aircraft. Further
damage to ship and her lifeboats.
A motor boat I see 40 foot ship's
fast motor boat. took Paris's boats
in tow. The Paris was abandoned.
-
All personnel transferred to the tug
Foremost 87, and the boats abandoned.
2311
The tug Sun XV sighted Paris listing
heavily to starboard; she made fast
a wire, but it parted.
3rd June
0100
The tug Sun IV arrived on the scene.
Air attack. It was decided by the
tugs that an escort would be necessary
-
The tug Lady Brassey sighted Paris
listing heavily and settling fast.
0400
The Paris sank 4 mile east of W buoy in
17 fathoms.
Total 630
Authority - T.M. 6213/40.
R.O.II, p.177
(2) 1) This was of Operation Dynamo.
(3) D.R. D.R., para. before the commencement near W buoy, was shelled
when off the 89 states, coast Engines put out be of action
a the but
French appears bombed. to
379

Details

Southern Railway Company
The following ships of the S. Ry.Co. took part in Dynamo:
Personnel ships
Autocarrier
Biarritz
Canterbury( 2)
Lorina (1)
Maid of Orleans( 2)
Normania (1)
Whippingham.
Whitstable
Hospital carriers
Dinard
Isle of Guernsey
Isle of Thanet
Paris
Worthing
Coaster
Hythe
Tugs
Foremost 22
800
{1} Designated Sunk. a troop transport.
D.R.
165

Details

Skoot
TILLY
Lt. Cdr. W.R.T. Clements, R.N.R.
Lt. Cdr. C.M. Ramus, R.N.R.
Lt. L.H. Holman, R.N.V.R., lst
Lieut.
27th May
1035
Arrived in the Downs, from Southend,
1500
Lt. Cdr. Clements in command.
Left for Dunkirk, via West Hinder,
Dyck and Middelkerke buoys, 5 small
motor vessels [ the skoots,
Brandaris, Hondsrug,
2300
Jutland and Twente in company.
8/9 miles from Dunkirk, an "armed
merchant cruiser" the P/V Canterbury
escorting two hospital carriers
[the Isle of Thanet and the Worthing],
signalled, "Dunkirk has fallen and
is in enemy hands. Keep clear".
One of the 5 small motor vessels
with which Tilly had sailed in
company was in charge of Lt. Barwell
[i.e. the Jutland], and she was now
2 a mile distant. The Tilly
repeated the above signal to her.
-
Proceeded towards Dunkirk, but when
close to Nieuport buoy altered course
for the Downs. On passage, met the
Sk. Brandaris which, having received
the same information was also
returning.
28th May
1745
Left Deal for Dunkirk, followed by 6
small motor vessels.
Proceeded via "U", and "W" buoys,
followed close astern by 5 other
skoots, including the Patria, the
Twente, and the Rian.
2300ca
Off Dunkirk.
2400ca
Entered Dunkirk harbour with Patria.
Moored alongside the mole, outside
the Patria. The M/S Medway Queen
berthed outside the Tilly.
Embarked troops.
29th May-
0330ca
Full of troops, the Tilly was towed
out stern first by the Patria, and
proceeded, followed by Patria.
0845
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 107
troops. (1)
[Lt. Cdr. Clements left the Tilly,
and (on 30th May) took command of the
Sk. Jutland].
Lt. Cdr. C.M. Ramus took command of
the Tilly.
p.m.
Proceeded via X route to Dunkirk,
towing 2 cutters.
30th May
a.m.
Off Bray. Sent cutters ashore for
troops which were embarked.
Left the cutters to assist other ships.
-
0940
Arrived Proceeded. Ramsgate. Disembarked 295
troops. (2)
(1) D.R.
(2) Ramsgate report. D.R. gives 294.
235

Details

164
163
APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
181
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
FLARE BURNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
DRIFTER:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
GUARDSHIPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLA
KING ORRY
A.B.V's:
LLANTHONY
CORVETTES:
KINGFISHER
G
ILLEMOT
F.A.A.
AIR FORCE
GRIEVE
AMULREE
TRAINING VESSEL:
M.T.B's:
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
PERSONNEL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX- MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
PRAGUE
OSPITAL CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST DAVID
PARIS
ST JULIAN
WORTHING
OTE:
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
Yachts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
tows of boats to the coast.

Details

APPENDIX I.
Page 2
of
and final.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
URNING
BOY ROY
GOLDEN GIFT
PAXTON
:
EILEEN EMMA
GOLDEN SUNBEAM
SHIPMATES
FORECAST
LORD HOWARD
THE BOYS
GERVAIS RENTOUL
LORD HOWE
TORBAY II
GIRL GLADYS
MIDAS
UT PROSIM
GIRL PAMELA
NETSUKIS
YORKSHIRE LASS
YOUNG MUN
IPS AND
LORMONT
MONA'S ISLE
KING ORRY
:
LLANTHONY
ES:
KINGFISHER
GUILLEMOT
CE
GRIEVE
G VESSEL:
i
16
M.A.S.B's:
6
67
7
68
10
100
102
107
EL SHIPS:
ARCHANGEL
LOCH GARRY
PRINCESS MAUD
AUTOCARRIER
LORINA
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
BEN MY CHREE
HAID OF ORLEANS
ROUEN
BIARRITZ
MALINES
ROYAL DAFFODIL
CANTERBURY
MANX MAID
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
COTE D'ARGENT
MANX MAN
SCOTIA
FENELLA
MONA'S QUEEN
ST. HELIER
KILLARNEY
NEWHAVEN
ST. SEIRIOL
KING GEORGE V
NORMANIA
TYNWALD
LADY OF MAN
P. LGUE
L CARRIERS: DINARD
ISLE OF GUERNSEY ST. ANDREW
ISLE OF THANET ST. DAVID
PARIS
ST. JULIAN
WORTHING
In addition, some 23 of H.M. Trawlers, Drifters and
achts of the Nore Command assisted by taking one or more
OWS of boats to the coast.

Details

Dynam. 297.
Confidential
144/4
H.M.S. "WCLSEY".
Yo L.P.1/12/40
12th June, 1940.
ir,
I have the honour to forward the following report of
roceedings of H.M. Ship under my command during the period May 22nd
June 1st. The delay in forwarding this report is regretted
ut, firstly, I did not think that reports from individual ships
ould be required.f such a large operation and further, your letter
0.B.14/0/1101/40 was not seen by me until my return from leave on
IthnJune.
2. H.M.S. "WOLSEY" was ordered to proceed to Dunkirk at 1913
2nd May. Ship berthed at the FelixfFaure jetty and about 200
unded soldiers (all walking cases). Ship sailed for Dover at 2105,
scured to Admiralty Pier at 0140/23 and disembarked wounded, finally
ecuring to buoy at o230.
3. At 0915/23 "WOLSEY" slipped and proceeded to the Downs to
struct Hospital Ships "ISLE OF THANET* and *WORTHING* to proceed to
unkirk. Hospital Ships were instructed to stop at Dover for route
it as they had not the necessary charts, "WCLSEY" had to lead.
hips berthed alongside at Dunkirk at 1430. "WOLSEY" embarked
oproximately 180 Officers and other ranks of the Army G.P.O. and
ther non-combatants. Ships sailed in company 2045 Hospital Ships
ere ordered to Newhaven, "WOLSEY" secured to Admiralty Pier 2330 and
isembarked troops 9 finally securing to buoy at 0415/24.
Le Havre with demolition parties. On return "WOLSEY" was ordered
4. Friday 24th May "WOLSEY" in company with *WINDSOR* proceeded
ooring cable proceeded of fixed buoy of Western Entrance boom destroyed dome
WOLSEY" to buoy. On passage to buoy, "WOLSKY" and
em ark ammunition for Calais. This was cancelled AM Saturday fouled and
already reported).
couring and carried returning to Dover 1850. At 1930 Fog encountered was ordered
alais 5. At 1445/26 out bombardment of the road to Seaward "WOLSKY"
"WOLSEY" in company with "WOLFHOUND" proceeded of the to
assage proceed to Dunkirk finally secured to Felix transports to
Basin, to act as W/T link ship. Faure jetty was 2350. on
Longside. WOLSEY" shifted berth remained under way in anchorage I berthed
but "WOLSEY" at 0530/27 to allow troop but finding come a
ommunication ast with Shore calculated I could remain shallow, and as
Ship Signal Station difficult there until one alongside hour
efore Low Water but 0930 I (reported immediately. by signal)
Pier 0700. I at 0915 I found water getting to anchorage
r-Raid endeavouring began at to move decided decided at rest 1030. of the Ship day,
nd ship was eventually and remained there for the with great
aintained roceeded to V/S anchorage touch with the clouds Shore of Signal smoke and Station almost 70 continuous rounds
ir-Raid. Ship was at claims to have brought but
ificulty due to the dense Action Stations all day, over down one plane, per
his un being is not fired. confirmed. *WOLSEY* was bombed on 1800 six occasions "WOLFHOUND" but no
hehored rrived ombs fell and THE bringing embarked back "WOLSEY" troops. approximately subsequently Both 150 ships
sailed for as Dover at
roops.

Details

RAS
of
-2-
MAY 26TH. A careful sweep of the Harbour and approaches
carried out during the forenoon and the area was declared
and the Harbour open at 1436. Sweeping operations were
later to ensure that delayed action mines should be destrope
The order to withdraw the B.E.F. from Dunkirk was given and
embarkation of the troops started this evening.
JOFF
A staff organisation known as "DYNAMO" was set up to carry
plan for evacuating the beaches at Dunkirk. Dutch Skoots,
Launches, Life-boats and numerous other small craft began
assemble at Dover and were berthed at Prince of Wales Piers
in Submarine Basin. These vessels were at once supplied
fuel, food and water to enable them to sail for Dunkirk at
earliest possible moment.
MAY 27TH. The tugs "Sun V11" and "Sun X" and "Persia" arriv
and reported for duty with K.H.M. They were detailed for
lighters and boats to Dunkirk.
MAY 28TH. At 0300 the Examination Vessel "Ocean Reward" ⑉
and sunk off Dover by the Hospital Ship "Isle of Thanet" with
loss of all hands. Boats were lowered by "Isle of Thenet
serched the position of the accident to gether with the tug
Brassey" but no survivors were found. The night was fine
calm and clear and both vessels were showing lights. Facts
contributory to the accident may have been the high speed
"Isle of Thanet" and possibly a misunderstanding on the pari
"Ocean Reward" that "Isle of Thanet" would stop off Dover
The tug "Foremost 87" arrived and joined the flotilla of
lighters and boats to Dunkirk. At 0830 the requisitioned
Skoots "Ruja", "Sursum Corda", "Jaba Amazone", "San Antonio"
arrived for duty on the Flanders coast. They required water
"Pacific", "Frendja", "Hebe", "Frisco Wega", "Pascholl" and
fuel and provisions and steps were to provide
During these operations the air raid taken warning at once sounded and
precautions in the Dockyard were taken. No attack develop
immediately after the "All Clear" was sounded these vessels
for Dunkirk.
MAY tow. 29th. The tug "Fairplay 1" with the water lighter "Cla "SM
was Lt. with Sub. the Comdr. detached Commodore Lieuts. Military and the R.G. K.A. for tug stores Wardrop Harwood, duty "Persia" sailed at R.N.R. Dunkirk. with E.S. for of Hill the Dunkirk. Commodore lighters and G. Jones "Sark" R.N.V.R. and
MAY connection numerous by motor of enemy the 30TH. boats Examination holes action. with H.M.S. arrived Superintendent's caused operation The Service "Jaguar" by former bombs "DYNAMO". was and had detached and staff, "Greyhound" thirteen aircraft for dead arrived duty on at board both duty Many
Dunkirk order by tugs and drifters. during the day All and whose were
Several Thames sailing barges orene
sailed during afternoon.
available at the Prince arrived and as will
visions same day. and ammunition. of Two Wales tugs Pier sailed they with them to
whom Many more vessels were now available evacuating the
many thousands were landed at Admiralty for Pier.
MAY 31ST. The Fleet in tow
"Locust". She had been Sweeper struck "Bideford" arrived which had
her depth charges and blown by & bomb aft
was taken in hand for temporary repairs H.M.S. Sanahu
800 troops on board at the time thirty and feetmoff suffered her
At the Prince of Wales Pier in the by the
"Ocean Cook" and "Challenge" towed morning the lighters and
"F.23" loaded with Military stores over to Dunkir&,

Details

MONDAY, 27TH MAY
CHAP. IV
task now is to evacuate to England maximum of your force possible."¹ No
policy had yet been laid down by French G.Q.G., or any other French higher
authority, for a withdrawal northward of the Lys, and, says Lord Gort, "I had
no idea what plans either he [General Blanchard] or Admiral Abrial had in
mind".'
Lord Gort failed to contact General Blanchard either at La Panne, or at the
French naval headquarters, situated at Bastion No. 32, Dunkirk. While at the
Bastion, however, at 2300, he was informed in the course of conversation with
General Koeltz (General Weygand's deputy) that the King of the Belgians
had asked for an armistice from midnight that night. The British Commander-
in-Chief thus found himself suddenly faced with an open gap of 20 miles between
Ypres and the sea, through which enemy armoured forces might reach the
beaches².
Owing to congestion on the roads Lord Gort was unable to reach his head-
quarters at Houtkerque until 0430 on 28th May; he then found that a telegram
had been received from the War Office at 0130/28 saying that the King of the
Belgians was capitulating at midnight, 27th/28th May.³
This was the derelict situation facing Lord Gort in the early hours of the
morning.
Dunkirk locks prepared for demolition
On the 27th May, on the orders of Admiral Abrial, the Royal Naval
demolition party which had arrived at Dunkirk on the 23rd May placed
demolition charges at the New, the Trystram and the Guillain locks in Dunkirk
harbour.
Route Z under fire Route Y adopted Route x prepared
Owing to the great lack of inshore craft for beach work the main naval effort
during the day had been confined to maintaining the flow of personnel vessels
to Dunkirk at the rate of 2 every 31/2 hours. Even this limited transport service
had been seriously interrupted by the fire of shore batteries between Les
Hemmes (east of Calais) and Gravelines. At 0623 the Biarritz and Archangel,
en route for Dunkirk escorted by the destroyer Verity, were shelled 6 miles
E.N.E. of Calais. The Biarritz was hit several times and had 1 killed and 2
wounded. The Archangel was also apparently damaged, and neither ship
took any further part in "Dynamo". At 0640, the M/V Sequacity and the
freighter Yewdale were also shelled off Calais. The Sequacity was hit four
times, and at 1020, when north of Dunkirk channel, after the crew had been
transferred to the Yewdale, the Sequacity went down by the head and sank.
At 0750 the armed boarding vessel Mona's Isle, loaded with troops, suffered
severe casualties and damage from shore guns off Gravelines, and also from
an air attack shortly afterwards, and had to go into dock for repairs. At
0800 the H/C Isle of Thanet was shelled off Calais and returned to Dover. At
0900, the A.B/V King Orry, returning from Dunkirk loaded with troops also
suffered casualties and damage from the Calais guns.
As a result of these happenings the Vice-Admiral, Dover, reported to the
Admiralty that the normal or southern route, Dover to Dunkirk (later known
as Route Z), was impracticable in daylight. Another, more northern route
(later known as Route Y), via the Dyck Whistle buoy, Middelkerk buoy, and
Zuydcoote Pass, was accordingly adopted. This, however, increased the
I Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 51.
2 Lord Gort's Second Despatch, para. 49.
3 Lord Gort's Second Despatch 50.
19

Details

CHAP. IV
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
attacked misses, and, twice arrival by dive-bombers at Dunkirk en at route, 1655, receiving found some damage
was
in progress. on an air attack by 21 from aircraft near
enveloped air raid casualties lying about depots the and The was
investigate in the a vast pall of smoke from the oil area of Naval Headquarterters to
Captain Tennant local proceeded situation. ashore The whole to the Bastion
with was blazing, masses of wreckage. were streets, which were littered town
Parminter ; On arrival at Colonel the Bastion, Whitfeld, Captain Sub-Area Tennant Commandant; held a meeting and with Brigadier
H. P. Henderson, R.N., the B.N.L.O. It to was retain decided that the harbour Commander
as a W/T link.
untenable, and that it was impracticable the Wolfhound at Dunkirk was
At 1900 Captain Tennant assumed the duties of S.N.O. Dunkirk,
ordered the Wolfhound and Wolsey to proceed to the beach east of Dunkirk and
and embark troops, using their own boats. This they proceeded to do, but
did not get away unscathed; the Wolfhound grounded as she left Dunkirk
harbour and received further damage from a bomb which struck the jetty six
feet away. She made no more trips to Dunkirk, but on that evening she and
the Wolsey became the pioneers of beach evacuation.
Beach evacuation begins
Meanwhile, during the afternoon, four personnel vessels and two hospital
carriers had sailed for Dunkirk¹. Of these, the personnel vessels Queen of the
Channel and St. Seiriol left Dover at 1330, by Route Y, and entered Channel Dunkirk
at about 1930, during an air raid. The Queen of the beaches. had At
harbour barely embarked 50 troops when both boats ships were had started diverted ferrying, to the S.N.O. Dun-
kirk to troyers' passed 2230, boats, embark signalled however, which this motor 1,000 order were the boats. before men. Wolfhound manned to the the The The St. St. as Queen to Wolfhound, Seiriol's necessary Seiriol send of a beach by the personnel by then megaphone Channel, naval and with ship then, ratings the using to and Wolsey returning the or her commandeered east towed own off pier, to the by except boats, Dunkirk, Dunkirk the beaches des- em- the her
she harbour, destroyers barked was about unfortunately picked Wolfhound 150 up troops a and further sunk Wolsey, from by 700 aircraft the to troops. embark early She next troops was morning from the first the (May ship, beaches, 28th) shortly though
after leaving Dunkirk.
" tomorrow night is problematical "
S.N.O. local By 1958, Dunkirk, and Captain he sent Tennant this dramatic had arrived signal to at immediately.
Evacuation on 27th May, only an hour after he a the duties of the of
situation, available craft to beaches T.O.Of.1988."kirk
" Evacuation tomorrow transmission, night is was not received until 2055, but in and the
Please send every problematical.
This I The signal, Queen delayed of the Channel, in St. Seiriol, Canterbury, Maid of Orleans, Isle of Thanet
Worthing.
22

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. IV
from the St. Seiriol and Queen of the Channel, in addition to the drifters'
beaches during the night
dinghies, enabled these drifters of the to 27th/28th lift some May. 2,000 troops from Malo and Bray own
Results of S.N.O. Dunkirk's 2005/27
assembling off the beaches on 1 cruiser, 27th/28th May the Wolfhound,
As a result of the action taken the on night S.N.O. of Dunkirk's signals, there
3 Channel skoots and (the the Lena, St. Hebe Seiriol). other II and All small Oranje) these ships boats, were ordered to use Queen of thers, their own
Wolsey and 6 other destroyers¹, a
pulling boats, were yet available.
boats for ferrying, as no power cutters, whalers or other
S.N.O. Dunkirk's signals had therefore a big result; but owing to the diffi-
culty of passing orders at night in a shattered harbour his decision to divert
vessels to the beaches had unforeseen repercussions, and it was associated with
a false report that Dunkirk had fallen, and the failure of one personnel vessel
and 7 skoots to reach the beaches that night. The circumstances are described
below.
The P/V Canterbury, which had entered Dunkirk harbour at 2000, left at
2058 with 457 troops, including 140 stretcher cases. Before leaving, she was
ordered by the Sea Transport Officer to turn back ships attempting to
enter Dunkirk the order, evidently intended to divert ships to the beaches,
was misunderstood. In the Dunkirk road, the Canterbury passed the order
to the P/V Maid of Orleans and to the H/C's Isle of Thanet and Worthing, and
those vessels thereupon turned back to Dover. Later the order became
definitely garbled, for the skoot Tilly (which was in company with the 4 skoots
Hondsrug, Jutland, Patria and Brandaris) met the Canterbury (in company
with the 2 hospital carriers) 8 or 9 miles from Dunkirk, and received from her
the signal "Dunkirk is in enemy hands. Keep clear." This signal was
variously recorded by some of the other skoots, as Dunkirk has fallen. Re-
turn"; and all five of them, as well as the skoots Bornrif and Twente, did in
fact return to the Downs, although the Jutland and the Patria first closed
Nieuport Bank buoy in an unsuccessful endeavour to obtain more definite
information. Some of the skoots, in turn, promulgated this false report to
other ships, notably to the P/V Dorrien Rose; this ship, which received the
signal, unsafe to approach Dunkirk," did at first alter course to the north-
ward, but, shortly after, again set course for Dunkirk. It was subsequently
thought by some of the vessels concerned that the false information had been
passed by fifth columnists," though there is very little proof of this.³
Chronic shortage' of beaching boats
Such was the beginning of the great build-up of ships4 and of the inaugura-
tion of beach evacuation. The successful development of the latter was
necessarily good in into I the The of northern situation the dependent chronic having sector shortage changed on between the by continuation the south-west of beaching and of boats⁵. fine north-east weather, A wind would and and of any Wakeful the have strength making made went
from Dunkirk. The Windsor remained time they arrived, Anthony the Gallant had not yet returned
2 Portsmouth whither she had escorted on the patrol. S.S. Kyno. The
Canterbury's report.
4 3 See Appendices H.30 and H.32.
5 Appendices D, E and F.
D.R. page 3, para. 11.
24

Details

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

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
the Vega and the Polish Blyskawica two were destroyers diverted from them to the
On patrol this day with these and eleven A/S trawlers². were the
A/S Thomas Chief 4 Widgeon, survivors. Owing trawler Skipper Bartlett, to Sheldrake, Thuringia a D. misunderstanding which W. Shearwater L. were was Simpson, sunk in company, by the D.S.C., a LL mine carried trawlers D.S.M., early out in R.N.R., Our the a sweep Bairns, a was in not Dunkirk Inverforth among Captain, and the
instead of sweeping the war channel. These to vessels were shelled off Calais; roads
ran on to a British minefield, and, striking 1017, sank with the guns, loss
and the Thomas Bartlett, while endeavouring a mine get at out of range of the
of 8 of her crew³.
During the night of 28th/29th May, to strengthen this patrol, all available
M.T.B.'s of the Nore and Dover Commands were ordered to patrol north-east
of the line Wandelaar L/V and Whistle Buoy.
Summary of troops landed in England
The figures for May 28th gave grounds for hope. 17,804 troops were trans-
ported to England⁴ (of which 11,835 were transported by destroyers). Of
these, 11,874 were lifted from Dunkirk east pier, and 5,930 from the beaches.
(See Table 2).
Ships lost or damaged on 28th May
LOST
DAMAGED
The A/S trawler Thuringia
The destroyer Windsor.
The drifter Ocean Reward
The M/S Brighton Belle
LL trawler Thomas Bartlett
P/V Queen of the Channel
The skoot Alice
The H/C Isle of Thanet
Stella 2 Dorado, Wyke, Kingston Alalite, being damaged Galena, Saon, Spurs,
I 2 The The Windsor Cayton had returned to Dover after in an air attack at 1145.
4 D.R. Report gives by Westella, C.M.S., 14,409, Dover Blackburn (R.O. Rovers, II, p.498). Kingston Lady Philomena Andalusite, and Kingston Thuringia.
disembarked by the various but this ships, figure as shown is not in confirmed Tables See also 2 and by Appx. the 3. recorded J.12 numbers of troops
34

Details

Details

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

Page 4.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYN/MO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES name
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
of Inen
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9
)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
(Tugs)
C. 11
)
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

Page 4.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (contimued)
PERSONNEL AND HOSPITAL SHIPS
ARCHANGEL
MANXMAN
AUTOCARRIER
MONA'S QUEEN
BEN-MY-CREE
NEWHAVEN
BIARRITZ
NEPHRITE (Store Ship)
CANTERBURY
NGAROMA
CLAN MACALISTER
NORMANIA
COTE D'ARGENT
} french
PARIS (Hospital)
COTE D'AZUR
PRAGUE
DINARD (Hospital)
PRINCESS MAUD
DORIAN ROSE (Store Ship)
QUEEN OF THE CHANNEL
FENELLA
ROEBUCK
FOAM QUEEN
ROUEN
ISLE OF GUERNSEY (Hospital)
ROYAL DAFFODIL
ISLE OF THANET (Hospital)
ROYAL SOVEREIGN
KILLARNEY
ST. ANDREW (Hospital)
KING GEORGE V
ST. DAVID (Hospital)
LADY OF MAN
ST. HELIER
LEVENWOOD (Store Ship)
ST. JULIAN
LOCH GARRY
ST. SEIRIOL
LORINA
#
SCOTIA
MAID OF ORLEANS
TYNWALD
MALINES
WORTHING (Hospital)
MANXMAID
WHITSTABLE
OTHER BRITISH SHIPS
ADVENTURESS
BONNY BELLE
AGNESS CROSS (Life-boat)
BOURNEMOUTH LIFE-BOAT
ALBATROSS III
B.P. ONE
ALOUETTE
BRITANNIA
ANDORA
BULLFINCH
ANDORA II (R.A.F. Launch)
CABBY
ANNE IV
CANVEY QUEEN
ATHOLA
CAVERSHAM (M.B.)
AURA
CHAMOIS (Lighter)
BAIL
CHERFIELD
BAT (Lighter)
CLAUDE (Water Boat)
BEE (Lighter)
COMMODORE
BELFAST
CONSTANT NYMPH
BLACK ARROW
CORDELIA
BLACK JAVA
CORNELIA
BLACKPOOL
C. 9 (Tugs)
BOBELI (Motor Cruiser)
C. 11
BONNY HEATHER
C.Y. 63
DABB II
DEFENDER
DHOON (Trawler)
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

-3-
nip.
Name & Address of Owners
Name of Master.
SS MAUD
London Midland & Scottish
Capt. H. Clarke.
IA
Railway,
Capt. W.H. Hughes.
L.M.S. Railway Headquarters,
Watford, Herts.
ST. SEIRIOL
Liverpool & North Wales
Capt. R.D. Dobb
S.S. Co., Ltd.,
40, Chapel Street,
Liverpool, 3.
/PRAGUE
London & North Eastern
Capt. C. Baxter.
Railway Company,
26, Glengall Road,
Woodford Green,
Essex.
KING GEORGE V
David MacBrayne Limited,
Capt. R.E. MacLean.
LOCHGARRY
44, Robertson Street,
Capt. E. MacKinnon.
Glasgow, C.2.
KILLARNEY
Coast Lines Limited,
Capt. R. Hughes.
2, Crescent Road,
Kingston-on-Thames,
Surrey.
ST. HELIER
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt. R. Pitman
c/o Chief Docks Manager,
Cardiff.
ST JULIEN
Great Western Railway Co.,
Capt.L.S.Richard
ST ANDREW
Paddington Station, W. .2.
Capt. H.C. Bond
ST DAVID
Capt. C.Joy.
PARIS
Capt. E. Biles
ISLE OF GUERNSEY
Southern Railway Co.,
Capt. F.W. Hodges
DINARD
Waterloo Station,
Capt. P. Lewis
WORTHING
S.E.L.
Capt. C.J. Munton
ISLE OF THANET
>
Capt. A.J. Hammond
60
&
These Masters took over when original Masters were too exhausted to
carry on.
x Evacuation of Calais.
+ This vessel was ordered to Dunkerque laden with B.E.F. petrol and
did not actually evacuate, troops.
INED
orized.

Details

STATE
STATE
131
OF
UPOX
55
For
COPY.
OF
H.C.T.S.S. ISLE OF THANET.
Report of Trips to and from Dunkirk,
On 23rd May left Newhaven at 00.08 bound for Dover for orders and
arrived off Dover at 03.38. Immediately we received orders to proceed
to. the Downs and anchor. 10.45 destroyer L.0.2. gave orders to follow
him to Dunkirk. At 14.17 we arrived at Dunkirk and an air raid was in
progress. H.C.T.S.S. Worthing lying at quayside berth and H.C.T.S.S.
Isleoof Thanet took outer berth, both vessels lying alongside each
other. At 14.49 we hove astern to quayside berth to await casualties.
There were continuous air raid warnings and numerous German planes
kept hovering overhead but no bombs were dropped. Ship moored head up
by Gare Maritime which had been bombed before our arrival. Gun firing
id
continued from ships and shore batteries at frequent intervals,
18.00 we commenced embarking casualties and at 19.50 the embarkation
was completed. Number of wounded on board totalled 296. At 20.37
in
order given Standby below and we were outside harbour at 21.05. Heavy
ne
pall of smoke hung over the coast this coming from fires around the
docks caused by bombing. At 22.57 arrived off Dover and received
S
orders to proceed to Newhaven. At 23.15 we were on our course. At
ond
02.20 on 24th we arrived off Newhaven but were detained for 45 mins.
r,
for signals. At 03.48 we moored alongside at No. 2 berth and at 6.20
ck
the disembarkation was completed. Vessel on immediate notice.
besga
On morning of the 25th we again left Newhaven at 11.46 and arrived off
Dover at 15.16. At 15.56 received orders to proceed to Dunkirk
adcompanied by s/s PARIS. Ships off Calais between us and the shore
being shelled by German batteries in wood west of Calais.
Arrived at Dunkirk at 18.15 "Canterbury" moored at Gare Maritime on our
arrival. We moored alongside her with the s/s "Paris" on the outside
berth. s/s "Canterbury" sailed at 19.10 and we took quayside berth.
X
At 22.00 commenced loading and air raid attacks were frequent during
the whole period of embarkation. One salvo of bombs fell close to
vessel, but although vessel was sprayed with shrapnel no damage was
done. Fires were raging all around the docks and lit the quayside where
we were lying, the white painted vessels shewing up prominently.
Loading of casualties was completed at 01.00 on the 26th. total number
on board 608 casualties. Left Dunkirk quay at 01.15 and proceeded to
Newhaven. Arrived off Newhaven at 07,20 received signals to enter
at 07.30 and moored at No. 2 berth at 08.00. At about 08.30
disembarkation of casualties commenced and at 11.15 completed.
Again, on the morning of the 27th at 01.10 we left Newhaven
for Dover for orders, arriving off Dover at 04.38. We received
orders to proceed to the Downs until 06.30 and at 06.34 left the
Downs and proceeded to Dunkirk. At 08.00 when off Calais we were
shelled from batteries on the French coast, several shells falling
close to my vessel. At the same time a vessel ahead of me between
Calais and Gravelines was being subjected to shell fire from another
battery on the coast. I deemed it prudent to return to Dover for
alternative route instructions and at 08.59 arrived off Dover.
At/

Details

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sa to bas so visa your 0.03m bne benes 20
39
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W.L.
15th August, 1940.
loat
7
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
A record is being compiled in the Ministry of Shipping of
the part played by the Merchant Navy in the Dunkirk operation,
and the owners of the vessels concerned have been approached for
copies of any reports they may have received from the Musters.
The Southern Railway state that reports from the Masters of
their steamers have been submitted to you through the P.S.T.O.
In the circumstances, would it be possible, please, for you to
supply copies of the reports, or, alternatively, to loan the
originals for inspection ? The names of the Southern Railway
steamers in question are:-
LORINA, NORMANNIA, CANTERBURY, MAID OF ORL ANS, BIARRITZ,
AUTOCARRIER, PARIS, ISLE OF GUERNSEY, DINARD, WORTHING,
ISLE OF THANET, HYTHE and WHITSTABLE.
(Sgd.) B. E. BELLAMY.
for
La
Director of Sea Transport.
o
ship)ii
p.s. "GOLDEN
SOVEREIGN"
channel
#
cl
#
S.S. "ABUKIR"
passenge
for by steamer G.S.N.
r
the Ministry)
Lo
in
GS an
our
Newmar
entrance enemy ---
A call for
th an es
bombs. the British Mission had previously would be waiting
for
me
off
consisting port. This of attack two destroyers lasted for half an hour when the airc
returned to Ostend.