JAVELIN

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

ABUKIR (P.V.)
G.S. N. Coy.
R.M. woolfenden, Master
27th May
2200ca
Left Ostend for the U.K. with about
200 troops and Belgian refugees on
board.
28th way
0015
Near North llinder Buoy, a torpedo
crossed 50 feet aliead of the ship.
0045ca
A torpedo passed about 20 ft. astern
of the Abukir. Almost immediately
a third torpedo was fired and also
missed.
0100ca
Sighted un E-boat 300 ft. on the port
beam.
0105ca
The Abukir attempted to ram the E-boat,
which fired a fourth torpedo at 150
yards range. The Abukir was hit and
Bank in about 11 minutes.
There was no time to lower boats,
and the E-boat turned on her search-
light and machine-gunned the survivors
in the water.
0700ca
The drs. Codrington, Javelin, Crenade,
and Jaguar on patrol, sighted the
Abukir's survivors. They picked up
the Master and 32 others, including
2 women (See Appendix П.6).
The survivors were transferred to
the Grenade and taken to Dover.
[The Abukir took no part in Operation Dynamo].
7

Details

CODRINGTON (D.65) lst Destroyer Flotilla Capt. (D) G.F. Stevens- -
Guille, D.S.O.,
O.B.E., R.N.
28th May
0500
A patrol was established by the drs.
Codrington, Javelin, Grenade and
Jaguar between N. Goodwin L.V. and
Kwinte Bank light buoy.
-
Grenade was detached having had
transferred to her the survivors of
the S.S. Aboukir and an F.A.A.
D
Gladiator plane.
1045
Codrington sailed for Dunkirk, Javelin
and Jaguar in company.
1315 # ca
Dunkirk. Codrington secured alongside
and embarked troops.
1740
Proceeded by Y route.
2145
Dover. Disembarked 866 troops.
29th May
0430
Sailed by Y route for Dunkirk, dr.
Greyhound in company. Sent Greyhound ;
to La Panne.
0750
Codrington arrived at Bray Dune.
Embarked troops.
1430
Proceeded by Y route with 910 troops
on board.
1830
Dover. Disembarked 910 troops. (1)
30th May
0155
Proceeded for Dunkirk by X route.
0420
Off Dunkirk.
Went to La Panne and embarked 830
troops.
0925
Proceeded by X route for Dover.
1240
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 799
troops (2)
1450
To Dunkirk by X route, dr. Winchelsea
in company.
1755
Dunkirk. [Detached Winchelsea] Proceeded
to La panne.
2010
Secured Dunkirk east pier. Embarked
about 1100 troops.
2115
Proceeded by X route to Dover. Two
air attacks. No damage.
2300
Fell in with dr. Anthony, damaged by
bombs. Escorted her.
(3)
0040
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1100 troops
31st May
0445
Off Braye. Embarked troops. Ordered the
Sailed for Dunkirkby X route.
0730
intended final evacuation of beaches
to act as cover at Braye during
that night, and to keep the ship
clear of troops.
1130ca
Left Arrived Dover. Disembarked 478 troops.
Dunkirk by X route.
1455
1730
Enemy bombed formation broken up by
Sailed for Braye by X route.
1915
Allied fighters.
(1) D.R. says 766 troops.
(3) (2) D.R. D.R. states 1901, which appears excessive.
196

Details

GRENADE
28th May
(H.86) 0500 Destroyer A (Nore Command) Cdr. R.C. Boyle, R.N.
and patrol, established Kwinte between Bank light the N. Goodwin L.V.
Javelin, by buoy, was
0700ca
Survivors and of the S.S. Aboukir(
of a F.A.A. Gladiator 1)
detached transferred to the Grenade, were which
Presumably, the Grenade landed these
from the destroyer flotilla. was
survivors and then proceeded to
1730
The Grenade sailed from Dunkirk with
Dunkirk, where she embarked troops.
over 900 troops on board.
-
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,000
troops. (2)
29th May(3)
0830
Proceeded to Dunkirk by route I, the
drs. Gallant and Jaguar in company.
1155
Dive bomber attack off Snouw bank.
The Gallant was damaged and retired.
1250
The Grenade berthed alongside the
west side of the east pier; the
Jaguar berthed outside her. Grenade
did not embark troops, because S.N.O.
Dunkirk stated that he wanted a
destroyer to remain alongside.
1400
The P/V Lochgarry, which was berthed
ahead of the Grenade, cast off
(assisted by the trs. Fyldea and
Arley) and left the harbour.
1420ca
The Fyldea, and the 5 trawlers Arley,
Polly Johnson (the last 4 having just
Brock, Calvi, John Cattling and
entered the harbour), then occupied
the berth vacated by the Lochgarry.
The Fyldea and Arley secured along- 4
side the pier; the remaining
trawlers secured alongside them,
Air three abreast. commenced. Grenade pier could
1530ca
attacks fire because the the
not on her side.
was on
Jaguar was ordered to provide She
The Jaguar for the Lochgarry. Lochgarry
A/A cover off and closed the harbour
which cast was then off the
Two a the two near also in trawlers S/V were
There damaged;
Crested casualties [See Fyldea] Eagle the and eastern which in was the side Sp. berthed of the
Air alongaide east attack. pier. The Jaguar, off the
1630ca
(1) The Abukir was 220 survivors including were
killed crew, troops fire.
the
(2) (3)
D.R. D.R. records in the a 29th May. This is of evidently an from error.
Lad
Grenade on

Details

HANORA
M/B (Owner,
s/Lt. C. Minchin, R.N.
C.E. Thompson)
29th May
0600
Sailed from Dover in company with the
M/Y's Viewfinder, Advance, Bobeli and
Elizabeth Green. Also in company
was a sixth yacht, which, however,
turned back.
0700
The flotilla of 5 yachts was joined by
the M/B Reda.
1500
All six vessels arrived off La Panne
S/Lt. Minchin who had arrived at La
Panne in the M/S Lydd, and had
ferried in the Lydd's M/B until she
broke down, thentook over the
Hanora, and towed small craft to
off-lying ships.
1900ca
The Hanora fouled her propeller, and
was abandoned. Her crew transferred
to the Elizabeth Green and thence
1250
to the Lydd.
The Hanora did not return from Dunkirk.
Off
fire Hieuport. Smoke
made to cover the approach of a
Division of French destroyers then
Authority - R.O.II, p.569.
coming down the channel.
TO. 9436.
rived Dover. Disembarked 600 troops.
30th MAY
0500
sailed for Obserness, in company the
drs, Javelin, Ivanhoe, Introvid,
Icarge and Havent.
0836
Arrived Sheerness,
1651
Sailed in company with Ivanhoe, Icaros
and Impulsive.
2005
Detached with Carus to go to Le Penne,
21000a
Anchored and storted embarkation.
Ambarkation very slow.
2132
Signalled for extra boats to assist.
2210
Icarus reported enemy U.T.B's.
2306
Torpedo passed down the port side
missing the storn by about 5 yards.
2316
Another torpedo passed even less
distance shead. Hydrophone effect
heard on the searned bearing.
31st May
0426
Ordered to Dunkirk.
0635
Becored to Dunkirk pier, Filled
up with troops.
0655
Sailed.
0930
Arrived Dover, Disembarked 207 troops
1124
Bailed.
1400
Aprived punkirk. The motor boat took
letters from Toarus (for Lord Gort)
to H.Q. Proceeded alongside a
transport 4) and embarked troops.
(1) Mackey says the time was 0005 on 29th May.
(2) B/Lt. Croswell says that Lord Gort name to La Panne besch
on 30th May and ordered the pier to be built. Built
the direction of Col. Porter, it was ready for Use by
1400 the going day.
(3) 8/1/20 Croswel remained on La Panne batch until 1830/31st
Noy, when be embarked in the M/Y Thele, which entled
for Pasagate at 0325 on 1st June.
(4) Rot 1dentified.
15

Details

HARVESTER (H.19) 9th Destroyer Flotilla
Lt. Cdr. M.Thornton,
R.N.
28th May
2035
Sailed from Dover via Y route, dr.
Mackay in company.
2330(1)
Mackay grounded west of Zuydcoote Pass.
29th May
0050
Off Braye-Dunes. Sent the M/B inshore
1/c of S/Lt. E.C. Croswell, R.N.;
he reported troops on the beach.
All boats sent in and embarkation
7
began; it was very slow at first,
but improved considerably when, at
about 0500, Harvester had moved to
La Panne, it was possible to get
troops from a grounded "paddle-
steamer" [the P.M/S Oriole]
0500ca
S/Lt. Croswell was landed with a small
beach party with instructions to ask
the Army to make a pier. (2)
1250
The Harvester proceeded with 600 on
board, S/Lt. Croswell and 2 ratings
being left behind. (3)
-
Off Middelkerke buoy a shore gun
opened fire from Nieuport. Smoke was
made to cover the approach of a
Division of French destroyers then
coming down the channel.
1540
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 600 troops.
30th May
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, in company the
drs. Javelin, Ivanhoe, Intrepid,
Icarus and Havant.
0836
Arrived Sheerness.
1651
Sailed in company with Ivanhoe, Icarus
and Impulsive.
2005
Detached with Icarus to go to La Panne.
2100ca
Anchored and started embarkation.
Embarkation very slow.
2132
Signalled for extra boats to assist.
2210
Icarus reported enemy M.T.B's.
2306
Torpedo passed down the port side
missing the stern by about 5 yards.
2316
Another torpedo passed even less
distance ahead. Hydrophone effect
heard on the seaward bearing.
31st May
0426
Ordered to Dunkirk.
0635
Secured to Dunkirk pier. Filled
up with troops.
0655
Sailed.
0930
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,207 troops
1124
Sailed.
1400
Arrived Dunkirk. The motor boat took
letters from Icarus (for Lord Gort)
to H.Q. Proceeded alongside a
transport and embarked troops.
(1) Mackay says the time was 0005 on 29th May.
(2) S/Lt. Croswell says that Lord Gort came to La Panne beach
on 30th May and ordered the pier to be built. Built under
the direction of Col. Porter, it was ready for use by
1400 the same day.
(3) S/Lt. Croswe 11 remained on La Panne beach until 1830/31st
May, when he embarked in the M/Y Thele, which sailed
for Ramsgate at 0325 on 1st June.
(4) Not identified.
16

Details

HAVANT
9th Destroyer Flotilla
Lt. Cdr. A.F. Burnell-
Nugent, D.S.C., R.N.
29th May
1815
Sailed from Dover.
2100
Arrived off Braye-Dunes. The motor
cutter and whaler were sent in and
arrived back with French troops of
which there were a large number on
the beach.
-
Ordered by the M/S Hebe to proceed to
La Panne.
-
As there were no troops there, returned
to Bray, where the Sl. Bideford,
aground and with her stern blown off,
asked for assistance.
An attempt was made to tow Bideford
but the tow parted. In the meantime
embarkation of French troops continued
by various shore boats.
30th May
0130
Proceeded.
0400
Arrived Dover. Disembarked about 500
French troops. (1)
0500
To Sheerness in company with other
destroyers under orders of the dr.
Javelin.
31st May
0400
Sailed from Sheerness for Dunkirk.
0800
Arrived Braye-Dunes. Embarked about
400 troops.
1300
Proceeded to Dunkirk harbour and
embarked a further 600 troops.
Proceeded.
1700
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 932
troops 2)
-
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2145
Secured alongside the jetty. Embarked
about 1,000 troops.
2215ca
Proceeded.
1st June
0230
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 1,000
troops 3)
-
Sailed for Dunkirk.
0730
Secured alongside the jetty. Embarked
troops.
0800
Heavy air attack. The dr. Ivanhoe,
just outside the harbour and full
of troops was hit amidships.
0840ca
Havant went alongside Ivanhoe; the
M/S Speedwell was alongside her
other side. All troops and wounded
were transferred.
Havant proceeded with about 500 on
board.
Heavy dive bombing attacks on the way
down Dunkirk channel.
0906ca
when at the end of the Channel, Havant
was hit by 2 bombs in the engine
room which passed through the star-
board side. A third bomb dropped 50
yards ahead, and exploded as the
Havant passed over it.
(1) D.R. states 291.
(2) D.R. shows a second disembarkation (of 533) on 31st May.
(3) D.R. states 882.
19

Details

HYTHE
Coaster (s. Ry. Co. Ltd.)
R.W. Morford, Master.
31st May
0230
Left Dover for No.3 beach Dunkirk.
The Captain states that he "was given
May
an Army road map to navigate on".
In the narrowest part of Dunkirk
channel, the sunken P/V Normania
was passed, "her flags still flying,
only her mast and funnels showing".
0634
0545
Arrived at the beach. Observed the P/V
0600
Lorina broken-backed and aground.
Wind and sea conditions were bad, so
0800
decided to enter Dunkirk, and berthed
at the east pier.
1001
1130
Proceeded with 650 officers and men, 18
wounded, and 4 French and 2 Belgian
To
Officers.
1640
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 749
troops. (1)
the
turn
No damage. by Total 749.
towed
clear
the
1600/
Jaguar domaged. The
1630
Clan Nacalister
dr. Express went to assist Jaguar.
Authority - TM. 6213/40.
dr. Na.100.m(5) assisted the Clan
Tearus under way but
continued mabarking.
1730
Doggersbank commenced to transfer
about 470 troops to Icarus.
Air attack.
1830
Doggersbank's transfer completed.
Долгов proceeded by X route.
Near to Dushirk, sir attack by about
to A P.M/8. Just sheed of
Icarus and approaching an opposite
course WEB sunk. (4) Icarus attacked
by about 10 dive bombers. Slight
damage from near misssa; 1 killed 25
wounded.
At 5W buoy attacked by single
sircraft.
2050
Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (5)
30th May
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, under orders of
Javelin, in company with dre.
Intropid, Ivanhoe and Impulaive.
1715
X route to Dunkirk under orders of
Ivanhoe, in company or des. Impulsive
and Harvestor.
2100ca
orr Briv Reberked troops by 2
whalers.
31st May
04000a
The M.L.B. Lord Southborough now
in the embarkation.
0700
Proceeded.
1000
Dover, Disembarked 781 troops.
(1) Icarus onits to Vanguisher.
(2) Icarus this.
(3) Cares but
the for 1730.
(4) This
(5) D.R. not mention
(1) D.R.
5049
49

Details

ICARUS (D.03)
20th Destroyer Flotilla
Lt.Cdr. C.D. Maud R.N.
28th May
2300
Arrived Dover from Plymouth, drs.
Intrepid and Ivanhoe in company.
29th May
0145
Sailed for Dunkirk with drs. Javelin,
Intrepid, Ivanhoe and Vanquisher(1)
in company.
0425
Ivanhoe detached (2) to assist dr.
Grafton off Kwinte bank buoy.
0545
Anchored off Dunkirk.
0600
Javelin and Icarus proceeded alongside
the eastern arm; Icarus inside,
embarked troops.
0800
Proceeded.
1130
Dover. Disembarked 950 troops.
1215
To Dunkirk by Y route.
1515
Anchored off Zuydcoote under orders of
dr. Codrington.
Later, grounded with the turn of the
tide. Subsequently Icarus's stern
was towed clear by the sk. Doggersbank
No damage. Embarked troops.
1600/
Air attack. Jaguar damaged. The
1630
freighter Clan Macalister hit aft.
dr. Express went to assist Jaguar.
dr. Malcolm assisted the Clan
Macalister. Icarus got under way but
continued embarking.
1730
Doggersbank commenced to transfer
about 470 troops to Icarus.
Air attack.
1830
Doggersbank's transfer comp leted.
Icarus proceeded by X route.
Near to Dunkirk, air attack by about
40 aircraft. A P.M/S. just ahead of
Icarus and approaching an opposite
course was sunk. (4) Icarus attacked
by about 10 dive bombers. Slight
damage from near misses; 1 killed 25
wounded.
At 5W buoy attacked by single
aircraft.
2050
Dover. Disembarked 500 troops. (5)
30th May
0500
Sailed for Sheerness, under orders of
Javelin, in company with drs.
Intrepid, Ivanhoe and Impulsive.
1715
X route to Dunkirk under orders of
Ivanhoe, in company of des. Impulsive
and Harvester.
2100ca
off Bray Dune. Embarked troops by 2
whalers.
31st May
0400ca
The M.L.B. Lord Southborough now
assisted in the embarkation.
0700
Proceeded.
1000
Dover. Disembarked 781 troops.
(1) Icarus omits to mention, Vanquisher.
(3) Icarus says this was the Codrington, but the latter left
(2) Icarus does not mention this.
the area for Dover at 1430.
(4) This was probably the Waverley.
(5) Estimated. D.R. does not mention
50

Details

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

Details

INTREPID (D.10) 20th Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. R.C. Gordon, R.N.
28th May
2300
Arrived Dover from Plymouth, in
company with drs. Icarus and Ivanhoe.
29th May
0130
Intrepid, Icarus and Ivanhoe slipped,
and joined dr. Javelin (S.O.)
outside the breakwater. dr.
Vanquisher( 1) joined, and the 5
destroyers proceeded in company via
route Y for Dunkirk.
0430
Off Kwinte buoy, Ivanhoe was detached
to assist the dr. Grafton.
0500
Arrived off Dunkirk. Intrepid anchored
"off the harbour". Vanquisher
anchored about 1 mile east of the
harbour. Javelin and Icarus
proceeded into the harbour.
0530ca
The P/V Mona's Queen(2), anchored
astern of Intrepid, blew up on a
magnetic mine. Intrepid lowered M/B
to assist in rescue of survivors.
Vanquisher( lowered her whaler.
0730
Entered Dunkirk harbour, and berthed
alongside eastern arm. Embarked 675
troops.
0840
Proceeded independently via route Y.
1200
Dover. Disembarked 661 troops. (4)
1400
Proceeded to Dunkirk by route Y.
1700
Between Middel Kerke and La Panne,
air attack. Considerable damage from
a near miss; two killed 19 wounded.
Fires started, and owing to the
difficulty in extinguishing them,
course was altered shortly afterwards
for Dover.
2000
Dover.
30th May
0500
Sailed from Dover (in company with drs.
Javelin, Ivanhoe, Icarus, Impulsive
Havant and Harvester).
0845
Arrived Sheerness - thence
lst June
0400
to Middlesborough for repairs.
Total 661
Authority - R.O.I. p.72.
(1) Intrepid says it was the dr. Vimy. 0705. The Vimy, however,
(2) Intrepid did not says sail this that was day the until Mona's Isles. The A.B/V. Mona's
(3) Intrepid Isles was says the Vimy lowered "boats". See note (1)
in dock on 29th May.
above.
(4) D.R.
59

Details

IVANHOE (D.16)
20th Destroyer Flotilla
Cdr. P.H. Hadow, R.N.
29th May
0145
Left Dover, drs. Javelin, Icarus,
0430
Intrepid and Vanquisher in company.
Off Kwinte buoy, Ivanhoe was detached
to stand by the dr. Grafton.
Embarked survivors from her and
accelerated her sinking by gunfire.
0615
Proceeded to Dunkirk.
0856
Dunkirk. Secured alongside mole and
embarked troops.
1115
Sailed for Dover.
1610
Dover. Disembarked 614 troops.
1745
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1820
Near S.W. Goodwins buoy, picked up 4
survivors from aircraft K.8773 and
transferred them to a nearby drifter.
2100
Off Dunkirk.
2240
Recalled to Dover.
30th May
0250
Dover.
0500
To Sheerness, drs. Javelin, Intrepid,
Icarus and Impulsive in company.
0930
Sheerness.
1715
To Dunkirk, drs. Impulsive, Icarus,
and Harvester in company.
2115
Dunkirk beach. Commenced embarking
troops.
31st May
0315
Proceeded alongside Dunkirk pier and
embarked further troops.
0415
Sailed for Dover.
0800
Dover. Disembarked 1290 troops.
0955
To Dunkirk.
1300
Off the beaches. Acted as V/S link
between Dunkirk and R.A. Dover.
Embarked troops. Air attacks.
2145
Off La Panne. Continued embarking
troops.
1st June
0230ca
A large body of British troops arrived
at La Panne beach.
0400ca
Continuous m.g. attacks by low flying
aircraft. One (possibly two) aircraft
shot down.
0715
Proceeded with about 1000 troops on
board. Level bombing attacks off Bray
0800
Dive bombed off Dunkirk. One direct
hit. Severe damage. 26 killed, 30
wounded. Troops and wounded transfer-
red to dr. Havant and M/S Speedwell.
Assisted to Sheerness by tg. Persia.
Two further air attacks en route.
Total 1904
Authority-R.O.I p.76.
68

Details

-1-
JAGUAR (F.34)
1st Destroyer Flotilla Lt.Cdr. J.F.W.Hine, R.N.
28th May
1045
From patrol, proceeded to Dunkirk,
in company with drs. Javelin and
Codrington.
Off Bray-Dunes, lowered motor cutter.
and whaler, and with them and a
derelict whaler and skiff, embarked
troops.
1550
Left boats in charge of Javelin, (q.v.)
and entered Dunkirk.
1730/
Embarked 700 troops, and proceeded,
1900
dr. Impulsive in company.
29th May
0100
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 700 troops.
0830
To Dunkirk by X route, drs. Grenade
and Gallant in company.
1155
Off Snouw Bank about 17 dive bombers
attacked the 3 destroyers. Gallant
was damaged and retired. One dive-
bomber, hit by pom-pom, was finished
off by a fighter.
1250
Secured alongside Grenade at Eastern
Arm, Dunkirk.
1400/
Air attack, while embarking about 1,000
1525
troops. Ordered to provide A.A.
cover for P/V Lochgarry. Closed
Lochgarry off the harbour entrance.
1500/
Whilst taking station ahead of
1605
Lochgarry, dive bombers attacked with
salvoes of 4 bombs. About 14
salvoes aimed at Jaguar one at
Lechgarry. A near miss severely
damaged Jaguar, holing her near
waterline, and putting engines and
Catimpton
steering out of action. A list to
port developed. [Codrington seen to
close a transport which had been hit
by level bombers.] Jaguar drifted
to within 50 yards of & wreck.
1710
Torpedoes and depth charges having been
Fevella
jettisoned, dr. Express towed along-
side at 4 knots, while the majority
of Jaguar's troops were transferred
to her. sk. Rika closed Express
and removed more troops.
1800
Express took Jaguar in tow, from aft,
by hawser, at 9 knots.
1850
Tow parted; Jaguar anchored.
1905
Express embarked Jaguar's wounded, and
proceeded.
1950
Jaguar's engines repaired - proceeded
at 20 knots.
2014
Straddled by bombs very close astern.
2026
Another level bomber attack.
2350
Entered Dover harbour.
Total 700
Authority - R.O.I. p.80.
75

Details

2
JAVA - Continued.
let Destroyer Plotills Cdr. Pugaley, R.
28th May
0500
The following awards were made: vinte bank light buoy, in company
on patrol between No Goodwin L.V. and
1045
dre. Godrington, Granade and Jaguar
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk in
D.S.M.
Sea. H. Griffith.
company with Codrington (Captain (D
1st Destroyer Plotfile).
1315
Arrived off Dunkiris.
1330
Mention in Despatches.
Javelin and Jaguar ordered to embark
troops from Bray Dune. Javelin
Mr. V. Smith, Mate.
sent her motor cutter and whaler
inshore to embark troops. (2)
1800
About 700 troops embarked in Javelin
during air attacks.
1830
Proceeded, in company with Codrington
2230
Dover. Disemberked 700 troops. (1).
29th May
0145
Javelin took drs. Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
Icarus, and Venquisher under his
orders and proceeded to Dunkirk.
Instructions were to proceed by 8
route, but this route could not be
ascertained, so Y route was used.
0425
dr. Grafton sighted in a sinking
condition. Detached Ivenhoe to
assist.
0500ca
Off Dunkirk.
0825
Entered the harbour. Secured alongsi
the breakwater. Embarked troops.
0910
Proceeded. Air attack.
1240
Dover. Disembarked 700 troopa.
1806
To Dunkisk, dr. Havent in company.
1934
Javelin ordered to return to Dover.
Total 11:00
(2) Both boats were surrounded and awamped as they neared the
(1) Not mentioned in D.B.
boats found abandoned, transported about 700 tronps to
shore. They were however bayled out, and with 2 shows
the Javelin, in spite of bombing otherks. In this work
were assisted by Jaguar's boats (see
84

Details

JAVELIN (F.61) 1st Destroyer Flotilla Cdr. A.F. Pugsley, R.N.
28th May
0500
On patrol between N. Goodwin L.V. and
Kwinte bank light buoy, in company
drs. Codrington, Grenade and Jaguar.
1045
Ordered to proceed to Dunkirk in
company with Codrington (Captain (D)
1st Destroyer Flotilla).
1315
Arrived off Dunkirk.
1330
Javelin and Jaguar ordered to embark
troops from Bray Dune. Javelin
sent her motor cutter and whaler
inshore to embark troops. (2)
1800
About 700 troops embarked in Javelin
during air attacks.
1830
Proceeded, in company with Codrington.
2230
Dover. Disembarked 700 troops. (1).
29th May
0145
Javelin took drs. Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
Icarus, and Vanguisher under his
orders and proceeded to Dunkirk.
Instructions were to proceed by Z
route, but this route could not be
ascertained, so Y route was used.
0425
dr. Grafton sighted in a sinking
condition. Detached Ivanhoe to
assist.
0500ca
Off Dunkirk.
0825
Entered the harbour. Secured alongside
the breakwater. Embarked troops.
0910
Proceeded. Air attack.
1240
Dover. Disembarked 700 troops.
1806
To Dunkirk, dr. Havant in company.
1934
Javelin ordered to return to Dover.
Total 1400
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
(2) Both boats were surrounded and swamped as they neared the
shore. They were however babled out, and with 2 shore
boats found abandoned, transported about 700 troops to
the Javelin, in spite of bombing attacks. In this work they
were assisted by Jaguar's boats (see Jaguar)

Details

VANQUISHER(
1)
(D.54) 11th Destroyer Flotilla Lt. Cdr. C. B.Alers-
14122
28th days
Sailed for Dover (Appx D.1800)
Hankey R.N.
0145
29th May
Proceeded to Dunkirk via route Y under
with drs. Icarus, Ivanhoe and
orders of dr. Javelin, [in company
Intrepid (2)]
0430
Off Kwinte buoy. [Ivanhoe detached to
assist dr. Grafton
0544
Anchored harbour. about 1 mile east of Dunkirk
0630ca
P/V Mona's Queen, a short distance away,
was blown up by a mine. Sent away the
whaler to pick up survivors. The
Master (Capt. Holkham) and 31 of the
crew were recovered. One died on
the homeward passage. Mona's Queen
sank in 2 minutes.
0800
Waiting to go alongside Dunkirk pier.
0945
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Berthed at
Proceeded to Dunknik to
East Pier and embarked troops.
1030
Proceeded.
lateyout Dover
1430
signatted
Dover. Disembarked 250 troops. (3)
reported
2100
To Dunkirk by X route, in company with
obstruction w the hanbour
dr. Esk. which carrying
1
Phirace
2340
Stopped off Malo beach. Esk proceeded
towards Bray Dune.
30th May
0100
Closed Malo beach and anchored in 3
fathoms. Sent in M/B, whaler and
skiff to embark troops.
Reported
0400
Berthed alongside East Pier, Dunkirk.
that include to
Air attack. Embarked troops.
0630
Sailed for Dover.
practicable
0900
Dover. Disembarked 700 troops. (4)
1130
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1500
Berthed at Eastern arm Dunkirk.
Embarked troops and General Wason.
1600
Proceeded.
1910
Dover. Disembarked 700 troops. (4)
31st May(5)
1100
Lt. Cdr. W.C. Bushell, R.N. relieved
Lt. Cdr. Alers-Hankey, sick.
1700
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2040
Entered Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
2100
Proceeded.
1st June
0030
Dover. Disembarked 640 troops.
0230
To Dunkirk.
0530
Entered Dunkirk. Berthed alongside
Icarus (6). Shortly after, dr.
Windsor berthed outside Vanquisher.
Mess tables were rigged across "B"
gun decks of inside ships and troops
were hurried across to outside ships.
(1) From 28th to 31st May Lt. Cdr. Alers-Hankey's dates are
1 day behind the correct dates. The correct dates, as
shown in Vanguisher's log have been inserted accordingly.
Times are approximate.
(2) Not mentioned by Vanguisher.
(3) D.R. has copied Vanguisher's date error in recording 28th this
(4) D.R. dates the 2 disembarkations of 30th May, as having
disembarkation (see (1) above) and dates it May.
(5) D.R. 2 disembarkations for 30th May viz: 582 could and
taken place on 29th May.
622, gives (presumably in error for 31st May) which not
(6) Icarus was alongside the P/V Maid of Orleans.
have taken place.
260

Details

VIVACIOUS (1) (D.36).
Lt. Cdr. F.R.W. Parish R.N.
Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, R.A.N.
2200
27th May
From patrol to Dunkirk.
28th May
0030
Dunkirk beach. Air attacks. The
Polish aircraft. dr. Blyskawica shot down one
0330
To Dover with 353 troops.
-
1030(7)
Dover. Disembarked 302 troops (D.R.)
To Dunkirk by the eastern route.
-
broathing dropped
Heavy air attack off Dunkirk eastern
atteship.
entrance, Two aircraft shot down; (2)
the pilot of a third A/C baled out.
1230
Three miles east of Dunkirk.
1815
Assisted by ships boats, M.T.B. 16 and
a skoot, embarked about 553 troops.
1830
Proceeded in company with the drs.
Codrington and Javelin.
2200ca
Dover. Disembarked 359 troops (D.R.)
29th May
1100ca
Ordered to proceed to Sheerness with
the drs. Wolsey and Vimy.
1300
Arrived Sheerness for special service.
1800
Left Sheerness.
a
2100
Operation cancelled. Ordered to return
to Dover.
En route to Dover, ordered to Dunkirk.
30th May
0200ca(8) Dunkirk. Took in tow a broken down
"M.T.B." (3) which had been picking
up survivors of the .B/V. King Orry
(q.v.) which had sunk just about
that time. Vivacious sent a drifter
(evidently the Lord Grey) to pick
up survivors. Lord Grey transferred
the 10 she picked up to the
Vivacious. (5)
-
During the day 650 men were taken off
the beach.
-
On arrival at Dover, Lt. Cdr. Parish,
suffering from "overstrain", was
relieved by Cdr. Dechaineux.
650 troops were disembarked. (4)
31st May (6)
0530
Left Dover for Bray.
0700ca
Throughout Bray. the day sea and wind
see manuscript
conditions made embarkation difficult.
Air attacks were intermittent.
1500
Aircraft engagement. Two Spitfires
shot down and 2 enemy bombers. A
fifth plane was also shot down.
(1) Dates and times throughout Vivacious's report are mostly
(2) D.R. incorrect. states Vivacious shot down 2 A/C in Dunkirk roads on
(3) This was evidently D.C/M.B. (q.v.)
27th May.
(4)
D.R. gives 2 disembarkations on 30th, viz: 537 and 486.
(5)
See Lord Grey
(6)
Vivacious's report gives this as "30th May".
(7)
Vivacious's report gives this as "1030 on 27th May".
(8)
Vivacious's report states "Vivacious remained in Dover
Harbour until 0530 30th May".
285

Details

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 JULY, 1947                                             33^3
keepers to swim or to wade out to the drifting            Throughout the operation all engines con-
boats which, had been cast away by the soldiers        tinued to give trouble. Many engines were old
on disembarkation.                                    and almost all were of different types. Several
     101. By -the night of the 30/3ist a consider-    boats could not be used as they had diesel
 able number of collapsible boats and pontoons        engines and no stokers or civilians trained in
 had been received from the Royal Engineers           .these were available. Each engine, especially
 of the B.E.F. These were of great assistance         the older ones, required careful nursing, and
 and paddled off about 10 men in each trip,            signs of distress from the engines were not
 but again, in spite of all efforts, in the vast      understood. These difficulties were partly over-
 majority of cases the soldiers left these craft      come by obtaining engine drivers from Chatham
 when they arrived at the offshore ship.              and by the provision of cadet ratings, and Sub-
                                                      Lieutenants, R.N.V.R. from KING ALFRED
     102. Much of the most meritorious work of        who claimed knowledge of I.C. engines, but
 lilting off the 'beaches was done ;by the offshore   many engines were of types unknown even to
 warships' own boats, who were tireless in their      these.
efforts. All small pulling boats and small power         108. Fresh water for the motor boats was
boats were lowered and were lent from ship to         difficult to supply in sufficient quantity, owing
ship when their own parent ship left the coast        to lack of water tanks in most boats, especially
to unload at a United Kingdom port. In addi-          those of the open type. Large supplies were
tion, H.M. Ships seized drifting and abandoned        required as the troops were reported to be
boats as opportunity offered and manned them          suffering severely from thirst. Both at Ramsgate
up with boat keepers. Owing to the physical           and Dover the Base Staff provided as many
exhaustion of these boats' crews after hours of       galvanised iron cylinders and tanks as could be
work, relief crews of stokers were frequently         found and made serviceable, and these proved
provided from amongst the many volunteers             most satisfactory.
that came forth.
    103. A typical example of dogged work by              109. On two occasions skoots and small boats
                                                       approaching the coast were turned back through
a ship's boat was afforded by the action of            false information. On the first occasion on the
JAVELIN'S 'and JAGUAR'S boats off Bray                 afternoon of 28th May, at least 6 skoots, who
beach in -the afternoon of 28 / 5. When their two      were without definite orders where to proceed,
motor cutters and two whalers first grounded off-      encountered a returning skoot when about 10
shore they were rushed and swamped by soldiers.        miles off the coast.     This skoot stated that
Order being restored the boats had to be baled         Dunkirk had already fallen into German hands
out and the wet engines -restarted, following          and that the evacuation had ceased. As a result
which 700 -troops were embarked by these few           of this ill-judged comment, the arrival of at
boats in a short time during continuous bombing        least 6 skoots was delayed at ovet 24 hours,
attacks.                                              until this situation had been cleared up.
  104. Of the power boats available by far                The second occasion occurred during the night
the most useful and suitable were the A.L.C.s,         of ist June, and has been referred to in para-
M.L.C.s* and .the small type of R.N.L.I. life-        graph 72 of the narrative. On this occasion
boat. The high speed service motor boats such          although the services of a -number of small
as DOLPHIN'S and EXCELLENT'S boats                     craft were lost to the coast, it transpired that
and the R.A.F. Seaplane tenders proved un-            sufficient were already there to cope with the
suitable for work in shallow waters on a lee          troops available.
shore owing to the vulnerability of their pro-
pellers and rudders and their poor manoeuvring            no. An important flotilla was formed by 40
powers at low speeds.                                 Dutch motor coasters, referred to in this report
                                                      as skoots, 21 of whom were commissioned at
   105. Of the civilian manned craft one of the       Tilbury and Sheerness, and 19 at Poole. All
best performances was that of the London Fire         these vessels ultimately made the Flanders coast
Brigade fire float MASSEY SHAW. All tihe              and operated with a varying degree of success,
volunteer crew were members of the London             usually governed by the reliability of their
Fire Brigade or Auxiliary Fire Service and suc-       strange engines when handled by Naval stoker
ceeded in doing 4 round .trips to the beaches in      ratings. Too large to be used as beaching craft
their well-found craft. Reference should also         except under the best conditions, they were
be made to the Royal National Lifeboat Institu-       mainly used as intermediaries between the small
tion crews of the Ramsgate and Margate life-          boats and the offshore warships to reduce the
boats who took their boats over to Dunkirk.           distance the pulling boats had to traverse and
                                                      periodically returned to U.K. themselves fully
  106. Locally, at both Ramsgate and Dover            loaded when beach work ceased, or the supply
a number of civilian volunteers came forward          of reception warships temporarily decreased.
to man the boats and to drive their engines.             Some of these skoots handled more than 1,000
These men did good work.                              troops during the course of the operation.
  107. At both Ramsgate and Dover when the
business of manning these civilian power boats           in. It is of interest to note that on the fina
was set about the same difficulties were              night after the last two destroyers had left at
experienced: —                                        0340 a number of the larger power boats con-
     (i) of obtaining drivers with knowledge of       tinued to work in Dunkirk Harbour and only-
  the very varied types of internal combustion        left when they came under small arms fire from
  engines;                                            German troops who had penetrated into
     (ii) of making the engines of these boats        Dunkirk at certain points.
  run, most of them having been laid up since            112. About 30 Naval Officers and 320 ratings
  the previous summer.                                were employed for varying periods in pier
  * Admiralty footnote: M.L.C. = Mechanised Vehicle   parties and at shore signal stations in Dunkirk
Landing Craft.                                        and as beach parties. A great number worked


Details

33^4          SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 JULY, 1947
unceasingly without relief or rest, exposed to         distinguishing between the uniforms of such
incessant air attacks, for seven days. The             officers as were present and those of other ranks.
work of these officers and men was of the              It was soon realised that it was vitally necessary
greatest value and contributed largely to the          to despatch Naval Officers in their unmistakable
success of the undertaking.                            uniform with armed Naval beach parties to take
                                                       charge of the soldiers on shore immediately
   113. As regards the bearing and behaviour           prior to embarkation. Great credit is due to
of the troops, British and French, prior to and        the Naval officers and Naval ratings for the
during the embarkation, it must be recorded            restoration of some semblance of order. Later
that the earlier parties were embarked off the         on when troops of fighting formations reached
beaches in a condition of complete disorganisa-        the beaches these difficulties disappeared.
tion. There appeared to be no Military officers
in charge of the troops, and this impression           Dover,
was undoubtedly enhanced by the difficulty in             18.6.40.


                             APPENDIX I TO F.O. DOVER'S DESPATCH
List of H.M. Ships, Personnel Ships and Hospital Carriers taking part, showing those lost or damaged
                               (by bomb, gunfire, mine or collision)
A.A. Cruiser CALCUTTA
Destroyers
  BASILISK                    (sunk 2gth May)          HAVANT                    (sunk ist June)
  GRAFTON                     ( „ „       „ )          KEITH                     ( „ „ „ )
  GRENADE                                              WAKEFUL


  ANTHONY ...                 (damaged soth May) SABRE                           (damaged 30th May
  EXPRESS ...                 (    >?   jISl    ,, )                                    and 2nd June)
  GALLANT ...                 (         29th   „ ) SALADIN ...                   (   „     29th May)
  GREYHOUND                   (    „    29th „ ) SCIMITAR ...                     (   „ 3ist „ )
  HARVESTER                   (         3ist „ ) VENOMOUS                         (   „     ist June)
  ICARUS                      (         3ist „ ) VIMY                             (   „     ist „ )
  IMPULSIVE                   (         3ist „ ) VIVACIOUS ...                    (   „     ist „ )
  INTREPID ...                (         29th „ ) WHITEHALL                        (   „     ist „ )
  IVANHOE ...                 (    „     ist June) WINDSOR ...                    (   „ 28th May)
  JAGUAR                      (    „    2gth May) WOLFHOUND                       (   „ 29th „ )
  MALCOLM ...                 (    „    3ist May WOLSEY     ...
                                    and 2nd June) WORCESTER                                 30th    „
   MONTROSE                    (   ,, 29th May)


   BLYSKAWICA (Polish)                  MACKAY                               WHITSHED
   CODRINGTON                           SHIKARI                              WILD SWAN
   ESK                                  VANQUISHER                           WINCHELSEA
   JAVELIN                               VERITY
 Total 41, of which 6 were sunk and 23 damaged.

 Sloops and Gunboats
   BIDEFORD             ...    (damaged ist June) MOSQUITO ..                     (sunk ist June)
                                                  LOCUST
 Corvettes
   KINGFISHER           ...    (damaged ist June) GUILLEMOT


 Guardships and Armed Boarding Vessels
   KING ORRY (damaged 27th May and sunk 30th May)                            LLANTHONY
   MONA ISLE (        „ 27th May and ist June)                               LORMONT

 Minesweepers
   BRIGHTON BELLE              (sunk 28th May)          SKIPJACK .                (sunk ist June)
  DEVONIA                      ( „ 3Ist „ )             WAVERLEY                  ( „ 29th May)
   GRACIE FIELDS ...           ( „ 28th „ )


Details

3304          SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 17 JULY, 1947
outside of the entrance. She remained in sole          35. Rear Admiral Wake-Walker proceeded
occupation of the harbour until shortly after       from Dover in ESK at about 1900 for passage
midnight 2Qth/30th, when her Captain rightly        to HEBE off the coast where he was to carry
decided to take the ship out of harbour before      out the duties of S.N.O. Dunkirk in charge
she also was sunk, thus freeing the berth and       of all embarkation arrangements, taking over
safeguarding the channel from 'being blocked.       from Captain Bush who had been working in
   Little information of these disasters filtered   HEBE under the orders of S.N.O., Dunkirk.
through to Dover, except that it was known          He expected to arrive at Dunkirk at 2330.
that Dunkirk was under heavy air bombard-              36. As a result of the heavy casualties and
ment and that the destroyers there were being       losses amongst the destroyer force, particularly
hit soon after 1600.                                the misfortunes which befell those of the larger
   31. At 1906 the Vice Admiral promulgated         and more modern types, a consultation was held
the plan for 'the night by signal as follows:       between the Admiralty and the Vice Admiral
                                                    which led to a decision to withdraw destroyers
" Evacuation of British troops to continue at       of the " H ", " I " and " J " Classes from
maximum speed during the night. If adequate          " Dynamo ". All destroyers of the " G " Class
supply of personnel vessels cannot be main-         were already out of action.
tained to Dunkirk East Pier, destroyers will
be sent there as well. All other craft except          There remained available for " Dynamo "
hospital carriers to embark from beach which        15 destroyers: —
is extended from one mile East of Dunkirk                 ESK                   WORCESTER
to one mile East of La Panne. Whole length               EXPRESS                WINDSOR
is divided into three equal parts referred to            ANTHONY                 VERITY
as La Panne, Bray, Malo, from East to West                KEITH                 VANQUISHER
with a mile gap between each part. La Panne               CODRINGTON            SABRE
and Bray have troop concentration points each             MALCOLM                SCIMITAR
end and in middle, Malo at each end. These                WHITEHALL              SHIKARI
points should be tended by inshore craft. Pass            WINCHELSEA
the message by V/S to ships not equipped W/T        Excluding any casualties, this number of
as .opportunity offers."                             destroyers might be expected to maintain a
                                                    flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast
   32. About 1900 a telephone message was           and would lift 17,000 troops in 24 hours.
received from La Panne Military Headquarters           37. The day closed with a formidable list of
through the War Office and the Admiralty to         ships lost or damaged, a marked reduction in
the effect that Dunkirk Harbour was blocked         the number of destroyers available and with
by damaged ships, and that all evacuation           failure to achieve the high rate of evacuation
must therefore be effected from the beaches.        hoped for. Some 38,000 were landed in Eng-
   About the same time a corrupt message from       land during the 24 hours, but the effect of the
 S.N.G. Dunkirk;, was receded stating con-          day's occurrences was to be more marked next
tinuous bombing, one destroyer sinking, one         day when instead of some 50,000 to 60,000
transport with troops on board damaged and          which had been calculated as the probable
impossible at present to embark- more troops,       achievement only 48,000 odd were in fac^ trans-
though pier undamaged.                              ported.
                                                    Thursday, ^oth May.
   33. In this confused situation the Vice
Admiral, Dover, at 2128, ordered all ships             38. As an example of the difficulty of any
approaching Dunkirk not to close the harbour,       one man appreciating the situation at Dunkirk
but instead to remain off the Eastern beach to      and the beaches during the night, at 0300/30
collect troops from the shore, and 'the drifters    the S.N.O. on the French Coast reported that
and minesweepers which were about to be             he had no destroyers. In fact, at that time,
despatched to Dunkirk Harbour were also             all available destroyers, namely 10, in the
diverted to the beaches.                            Dover Command, were either on, or on passage
                                                    to or from, the coast, and the remaining five
   It appeared, therefore, at this time that the    were at Dover discharging troops, embarking
use of Dunkirk Harbour would be denied to           ammunition, fuelling, etc. and were to sail
us except possibly to the small ships.              within the next four hours.
   Signals addressed to S.N.O. Dunkirk,                Simultaneously the V.C.I.G.S. reported that
HEBE, VERITY, who were known to be in               the beaches were well organised, the troops in
the vicinity of Dunkirk, „ were sent requiring      good heart, and there had been no bombing
information as to the accessibility of the          since dark, but that there was still a great
Eastern pier for personnel vessels. Admiral         shortage of small craft, urgently required. This
Nord was also informed that Dover was out           last fact was well known to the Vice Admiral,
of touch with Captain Tennant, and asked            Dover.
whether it was still possible for transports to        39. Commander-in-Chief, • Nore, was re-
enter the harbour and berth alongside.               quested to send as much towing hawser as
   No reply to these enquiries could be expected    possible to Ramsgate, as quickly as possible,
until after midnight.                               for supplying the skopts, to haul boats off
   34. In the event only four trawlers and a        the beaches, thus speeding up the boat work to
yacht entered Dunkirk during the hours of           compensate for the shortage of boats, which
darkness, and as enemy activity was much re-        would continue for at least another 24 hours.
duced only two bombing attacks being made,             40. At 0500 the seven modern destroyers
it subsequently transpired that a good oppor-       remaining with Vice Admiral, Dover—
tunity had been missed. It is probable that         ICARUS, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, IVAN-
ships to lift some 8,000 to 10,000 troops could     HOE,       HARVESTER,          HAVANT       and
have been made available for Dunkirk during         JAVELIN—sailed to Sheerness in accordance
the night at little loss to embarkation from the    with Admiralty instructions. The MONTROSE
beaches.                                            and MACKAY sailed for repairs.


Details

Page 19
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
S.S. JAGUAR (Continued).
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry, D/JX.158456.
Though only 18 years of age, showed great initiative
and leadership in taking charge of soldiers on after
lower mess deck, instructing them to place hammocks
against the ship's side and afterwards extinguishing
a fire.
Recommended for mention.
Able Seaman Harold Alfred Keeling, D/SSX.17807.
Though wounded in the jaw, continued to fight the
port 0.5 machine gun in spite of a continuous hail of
bomb splinters.
Recommended for decoration.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer James William Carr, D/K.63042.
In charge of No.2 Boiler Room when bomb damage
caused the boiler room to rapidly fill with steam and
put out all lights. Carr, although wounded, remained
at his post until he had shut off all valves necessary
to isolate the boiler, afterwards making attempts in
protective clothing and wet towels, to enter the boiler
room and locate damage.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer John McCarthy, D/K.65035.
Though wounded in the hand and face, showed great
zeal and devotion to duty in locating and repairing
damage.
Recommended for decoration.
Lance Corporal Chapman, 6208138, 1/8th Middlesex Regiment.
Displayed great initiative, leadership and power
of command in controlling an attempted rush of troops
to the upper deck during a heavy bombing attack on
H.M.S. JAGUAR on the 29th May off Dunkirk.
Recommended for mention.
The following ratings formed part of the boats'
crews engaged in ferrying troops from Bray beach to
various ships, and were so employed continuously for
from 14 to 16 hours without food, wet through and
subjected to frequent bombing attacks. Commanding
Officer JAVELIN reported that 'the conduct of JAGUAR'S
boats was exemplary and reflects credit on all concerned.'
They are recommended for mention.
Frederick/

Details

Page 2.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
DESTROYERS.
H.M.S. GRAFTON.
Officers:
Lieutenant Hugh Charles James McRea, R.N.
Lieutenant Leslie Edney Blackmore, R.N.
H.M.S. GRENADE.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Richard Courtney Boyle, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant John Bremer Richards Horne, R.N.
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE.
Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John David Lewis Williams, R.N.
H.M.S. JAGUAR.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John Franklin William Hine, R.N.
H.M.S. JAVELIN.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Anthony Follett Pugsley, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant James Isaac Arthur Mitchell, R.N.
Ratings.
Leading Stoker Leslie A. F. Gollop, P/JX.136910
Acting Leading Stoker F. C. Smith, P/JX.138236.
Leading Stoker Robert Keith, P/K.57158.
Stoker Lawrence Robinson, (2nd Class) P/JX.27218.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Emile Frank Narlaine Deschaineux, R.A.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine Parish, R.N.
Sub. Lieutenant Thomas Keath Metcalfe, R.N.R.
Midshipman Rupert Blackwood Hallowes, R.N.R.
H.MS. WAKEFUL

Details

Details

134
139
...herself.
IT was then discovered that the Yessel ranned was the
drifter 'Comfort' and not he M.T.B.. V.A.Dover was informed of
the circumstances as far as I then knew than; I also informed
Jason and Javelin not with shortly afterwards, of diafton's
plight. On further questioning the two survivors of the
Comfort, it was ascertained that she had been picking up
survivors from the Wakeful, when and explosion threw
all on board into the water and disabled the Yessel. Three
men managed to scramble back again, of whom two got on board
Lydd and the other who was apparently badly wounded, went down
with the vessel when ahe was rammad.
I landed the troops at Ramsgate and returned to Dunkirk
by $ X route.
When off Nieuport Bank buay as 1700 a large number of
enemy aircraft started dive-bombing ships arriving and leaving,
paying particular attention to the hospital ship St.Julien
which had repeated attacks made on her.
I arriver off Bray at 1730 and sent boats inshore to
embark troops. I did not anchor but lay to off the beach. At
about 1745 andurgent call for assistance was received from 3.8.
clan Mee Allister which was on fire aft. I passed this to
Pangbourne who was just arriving, as I had already started
embarking troops. panghourne then went alongaide the burning
ship.
Embarkation was not such hampered as far as Lydd was
conserued by the almos incessant boubing assacks; but 16 was

Details

134
13
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 13.
132
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
30/5
Thursday, 30th May.
40. As an example of the difficulty of any one man
appreciating the situation at Dunkirk and the beaches during
the night, at 0030/30 the S.N.O. on the French Coast reported
that he had no destroyers. In fact, at that time, all
available destroyers, namely 10, in the Dover Command, were
either on, or on passage to or from, the coast, and the
remaining 5 were at Dover discharging troops, embarking
ammunitition, fuelling, etc. and were to sail within the next
4 hours.
Simultaneously the V.C.I.G.S. reported that the
beaches were well organised, the troops in good heart, and
there had been no bombing since dark, but that there was still
a great shortage of small craft - urgently required. This
last fact was well known to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
41. Commander-in-Chief, Nore, was requested to send as
much grass hawser as possible to Ramsgate, as quickly as
possible, for supplying the skoots, to haul boats off the
beaches, thus speeding up the boat work to compensate for the
shortage of boats, which would continue for at least another
24 hours.
42. At 0500 the 7 modern destroyers remaining with Vice
Admiral, Dover - ICARUS, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, IVANHOE, HAR-
VESTER, HAVANT and JAVELIN - sailed to Sheerness in accordance
with Admiralty instructions. The MONTROSE and MACKAY sailed
for repairs.
43. Meantime the Vice Admiral, Dover, had been much
exercised regarding the possibility of the continued use of
Dunkirk harbour for personnel vessels and was anxiously
awaiting the report from VANQUISHER, who had been sent to
investigate the reported obstruction. VANQUISHER'S report
was received at 0610 stating entrance was practicable but that
obstruction exists towards outer inside end of the EASTERN ARM.
Pending amplifying reports, the sailing of personnel vessels
to Dunkirk was resumed, although at this time there were still
4 personnel vessels presumed to be in the vicinity of Dunkirk
Harbour, whose movements and whereabouts throughout the night
still remained obscure.
The Vice Admiral asked R.A. Dover, who was in HEBE,
whether personnel ships could, in fact, still use Dunkirk. In
the meantime a series of signals from Rear Admiral Dover, and
destroyers off the coast, were received, stating that the
beaches were filling up rapidly and more ships and boats were
urgently required there. Although it was known that the
destroyers could use Dunkirk, it appeared at this time that the
best division of transport was to send the great majority of
destroyers to the beaches, where urgent demands could not be
ignored, and the personnel vessels to Dunkirk Harbour, only an
occasional destroyer being sent to Dunkirk from the reduced
number now available for the operation.
44/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
154
Page 35.
156
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Inshore Flotillæsand Naval Shore Parties (continued)
boats which had been cast away by the soldiers on
disembarkation.
106. By the night of the 30th/31st a considerable
number of collapsible boats and pontoons had been received
from the Royal Engineers of the B.E.F. These were of great
assistance and paddled off about 10 men in each trip, but
again, in spite of all efforts, in the vast majority of cases,
the soldiers left these craft when they arrived at the
offshore ship.
107. Much of the most meritorious work of lifting off
the beaches was done by the offshore warships' own boats, who
were tireless in their efforts. All small pulling boats and
small power boats were lowered and were lent from ship to
ship when their own parent ship left the coast to unload at
a United Kingdom port. In addition, H.M. ships seized
drifting and abandoned boats as opportunity offered and
manned them up with boat keepers. Owing to the physical
exhaustion of these boats' crews after hours of work, relief
crews of stokers were frequently provided from amongst the
many volunteers that came forth.
108. A typical example of dogged work by a ship's boat
was afforded by the action of JAVELIN's and JAGUAR's boats
off Bray beach in the afternoon of 28/5. When their two
motor cutters and two whalers first grounded offshore they
were rushed and swamped by soldiers. Order being restored
the boats had to be baled out and the wet engines restarted,
following which) 700 troops were embarked by these few boats
in a short time during continuous bombing attacks.
109. Of the power boats available by far the most
useful and suitable were the A.L.Cs., M.L.Cs. and the small
type of R.N.L.I. life-boat. The high speed service motor
boats such as DOLPHIN's and EXCELLENT's boats and the R.A.F.
Seaplane tenders proved unsuitable for work in shallow
waters on a lee shore owing to the vulnerability of their
propellers and rudders and their poor manoeuvring powers at
low speeds.
110. Of the civilian manned craft one of the best
performances was that of the London Fire Brigade fire float
MASSEY SHAW. All the volunteer crew were members of the
London Fire Brigade or Auxiliary Fire Service and succeeded
in doing 4 round trips to the beaches in their well-found
craft. In contrast to this performance and that also of
the R.N.L.I. crews of the Ramsgate and Margate life-boats,
who took their boats over to Dunkirk, no volunteers, except
for the coxswain and engineer of the Dover life-boat, were
forthcoming from the R.N.L.I. crews of the other life-boats,
which were accordingly manned by R.N. crews. Also it must
be noted that civilian craft of such flotillas as the Rye
fishing fleet did not relish the idea of carrying out ferry-
ing work off the Flanders coast. Fishing boats and pleasure
boats from as far along the south coast as Brixham and
Dartmouth arrived at various times up to p.m. 30/5, but again
the civilian crews were not prepared to proceed to Dunkirk.
Accordingly, the most suitable of such boats as could be
manned by the Naval personnel available were taken up, but
the remainder took no part in the operations.
111./

Details

APPENDIX I.
160
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
162
-
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
A.A. CRUISER:
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VIMY
(40)
SLOOPS:
BIDEFORD
GUNBOATS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
UNESWEEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
EL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGO
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO
A/S VESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SANGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
re
SPECIAL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
ESSELS:
"LL" TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
it
A/S TRAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
ore
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WESTELLA
an
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
ue
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
all
INE RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
SILVER DAWN
RIFTERS:
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 13.
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
Thursday, 30th May.
40. As an example of the difficulty of any one man
appreciating the situation at Dunkirk and the beaches during
the night, at 0030/30 the S.N.O. on the French Coast reported
that he had no destroyers. In fact, at that time, all
available destroyers, namely 10, in the Dover Command, were
either on, or on passage to or from, the coast, and the
remaining 5 were at Dover discharging troops, embarking
ammunitition, fuelling, etc. and were to sail within the next
+ hours.
Simultaneously the V.C.I.G.S. reported that the
beaches were well organised, the troops in good heart, and
there had been no bombing since dark, but that there was still
a great shortage of small craft - urgently required. This
last fact was well known to the Vice Admiral, Dover.
41. Commander-in-Chief, Nore, was requested to send as
nuch grass hawser as possible to Ramsgate, as quickly as
ossible, for supplying the skoots, to haul boats off the
beaches, thus speeding up the boat work to compensate for the
hortage of boats, which would continue for at least another
14 hours.
42. At 0500 the 7 modern destroyers remaining with Vice
dmiral, Dover - ICARUS, IMPULSIVE, INTREPID, IVANHOE, HAR-
ESTER, HAVANT and JAVELIN - sailed to Sheerness in accordance
ith Admiralty instructions. The MONTROSE and MACKAY sailed
'or repairs.
43. Meantime the Vice Admiral, Dover, had been much
xercised regarding the possibility of the continued use of
unkirk harbour for personnel vessels and was anxiously
waiting the report from VANQUISHER, who had been sent to
nvestigate the reported obstruction. VANQUISHER'S report
as received at 0610 stating entrance was practicable but that
bstruction exists towards outer inside end of the EASTERN ARM.
ending amplifying reports, the sailing of personnel vessels
o Dunkirk was resumed, although at this time there were still
personnel vessels presumed to be in the vicinity of Dunkirk
arbour, whose movements and whereabouts throughout the night
till remained obscure.
The Vice Admiral asked R.A. Dover, who was in HEBE,
hether personnel ships could, in fact, still use Dunkirk. In
he meantime a series of signals from Rear Admiral Dover, and
estroyers off the coast, were received, stating that the
eaches were filling up rapidly and more ships and boats were
rgently required there. Although it was known that the
estroyers could use Dunkirk, it appeared at this time that the
est division of transport was to send the great majority of
estroyers to the beaches, where urgent demands could not be
gnored, and the personnel vessels to Dunkirk Harbour, only an
ccasional destroyer being sent to Dunkirk from the reduced
umber now available for the operation.
44/

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 35,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events,
Inshore Flotillasand Naval Shore Parties (continued)
boats which had been cast away by the soldiers on
disembarkation.
106. By the night of the 30th/31st a considerable
number of collapsible boats and pontoons had been received
from the Royal Engineers of the B.E.F. These were of great
assistance and paddled off about 10 men in each trip, but
again, in spite of all efforts, in the vast majority of cases,
the soldiers left these craft when they arrived at the
offshore ship.
107. Much of the most meritorious work of lifting off
the beaches was done by the offshore warships' own boats, who
were tireless in their efforts. All small pulling boats and
small power boats were lowered and were lent from ship to
ship when their own parent ship left the coast to unload at
a United Kingdom port. In addition, H.M. ships seized
drifting and abandoned boats as opportunity offered and
manned them up with boat keepers. Owing to the physical
exhaustion of these boats' crews after hours of work, relief
crews of stokers were frequently provided from amongst the
many volunteers that came forth.
108. A typical example of dogged work by a ship's boat
was afforded by the action of JAVELIN's and JAGUAR's boats
off Bray beach in the afternoon of 28/5. When their two
motor cutters and two whalers first grounded offshore they
were rushed and swamped by soldiers. Order being restored
the boats had to be baled out and the wet engines restarted,
following which 700 troops were embarked by these few boats
in a short time during continuous bombing attacks.
109. Of the power boats available by far the most
useful and suitable were the A.L.Cs., M.L.Cs. and the small
type of R.N.L.I. life-boat. The high speed service motor
boats such as DOLPHIN's and EXCELLENT's boats and the R.A.F.
Seaplane tenders proved unsuitable for work in shallow
waters on a lee shore owing to the vulnerability of their
propellers and rudders and their poor manoeuvring powers at
low speeds.
110. Of the civilian manned craft one of the best
performances was that of the London Fire Brigade fire float
MASSEY SHAW. All the volunteer crew were members of the
London Fire Brigade or Auxiliary Fire Service and succeeded
in doing 4 round trips to the beaches in their well-found
craft. In contrast to this performance and that also of
the R.N.L.I. crews of the Ramsgate and Margate life-boats,
who took their boats over to Dunkirk, no volunteers, except
for the coxswain and engineer of the Dover life-boat, were
forthcoming from the R.N.L.I. crews of the other life-boats,
which were accordingly manned by R.N. crews. Also it must
be noted that civilian craft of such flotillas as the Rye
fishing fleet did not relish the idea of carrying out ferry-
ing work off the Flanders coast. Fishing boats and pleasure
boats from as far along the south coast as Brixham and
Dartmouth arrived at various times up to p.m. 30/5, but again
the civilian crews were not prepared to proceed to Dunkirk.
Accordingly, the most suitable of such boats as could be
manned by the Naval personnel available were taken up, but
the remainder took no part in the operations.
111./

Details

APPENDIX I.
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
RUISER:
CALCUTTA
YERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VILY
BIDEFORD
TS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
EEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
EL
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WESTWARD HO
ESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SARGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
AL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
LS:
ROYAL EAGLE
TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
RAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WISTELLA
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
ERS:
SILVER DAWN
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List E
DESTROYERS
H.M.S. GRAFTON.
Officers:
Lieutenant Hugh Charles James McRea, R.N.
Lieutenant Leslie Edney Blackmore, R.N.
H.M.S. GRENADE.
Commanding Officer.
DSC
Commander Richard Courtney Boyle, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant John Bremer Richards Horne, R.N.
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE.
Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John David Lewis Williams, R.N.
H.M.S. JAGUAR.
Commanding Officer.
1
Lieutenant Commander John Franklin William Hine, R.N.
H.M.S. JAVELIN.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Anthony Follett Pugsley, R.N.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant James Isaac Arthur Mitchell, R.N.
Ratings.
Leading Stoker Leslie A. F. Gollop, P/JX.136910
Acting Leading Stoker F. C. Smith, P/JX.138236.
Leading Stoker Robert Keith, P/K.57158.
Stoker Lawrence Robinson, (2nd Class) P/JX.27218.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Commending Officer.
Commander Emile Frank Narlaine Deschaineux, R.A.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine Parish, R.N.
Sub.Lieutenant Thomas Keath Metcalfe, R.N.R.
Midshipman Rupert Blackwood Hallowes, R.N.R.
H.MS. WAKEFUL/

Details

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

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 19
S. JAGUAR (Continued).
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry, D/JX.158456.
and Though leadership only in 18 taking years of charge age, of showed great initiative
M.
lower against mess the deck, ship's instructing them to soldiers place on after
a fire. side and afterwards extinguishing hammocks
Recommended for mention.
Able Seaman Harold Alfred Keeling, D/SSX.17807.
D.S.M. port bomb 0.5 splinters. machine gun in spite of a continuous fight hail the of
Though wounded in the jaw, continued to
Recommended for decoration.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer James William Carr, D/K.63042.
In charge of No.2 Boiler Room when bomb damage
caused the boiler room to rapidly fill with steam and
M
D.S.M.
put out all lights. Carr, although wounded, remained
at his post until he had shut off all valves necessary
to isolate the boiler, afterwards making attempts in
protective clothing and wet towels, to enter the boiler
room and locate damage.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer John McCarthy, D/K. 65035.
Though wounded in the hand and face, showed great
zeal and devotion to duty in locating and repairing
damage.
ing
ered
Recommended for decoration.
ors
Lance Corporal - Chapman, 6208138, 1/8th Middlesex Regiment.
om
Displayed great initiative, leadership and power
M
of command in controlling an attempted rush of troops
to the upper deck during a heavy bombing attack on
H.M.S. JAGUAR on the 29th May off Dunkirk.
Recommended for mention.
The following ratings formed part of the boats'
crews engaged in ferrying troops from Bray beach to
various ships, and were so employed continuously for
from 14 to 16 hours without food, wet through and
subjected to frequent bombing attacks. Commanding
boats was exemplary and reflects credit on all concerned.'
Officer JAVELIN reported that 'the conduct of JAGUAR'S
They are recommended for mention.
OF
nu
Frederick/

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'.
DESTROYERS.
H.M.S. GRAFTON.
Officers:
Lieutenant Hugh Charles James McRea, R.N.
Lieutenant Leslie Edney Blackmore, R.N.
H.M.S. GRENADE.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Richard Courtney Boyle, R.N.
Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant John Bremer Richards Horne, R.N.
H.M.S. IMPULSIVE.
Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John David Lewis Williams, R.N.
H.M.S. JAGUAR.
Commanding Officer.
Lieutenant Commander John Franklin William Hine, R.N.
H.M.S. JAVELIN.
Commanding Officer.
Commander Anthony Follett Pugsley, R.N.
Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant James Isaac Arthur Mitchell, R.N.
Ratings.
Leading Stoker Leslie A. F. Gollop, P/JX.136910
Acting Leading Stoker F. C. Smith, 138236.
Leading Stoker Robert Keith, P/K.57158.
Stoker Lawrence Robinson, (2nd Class) P/JX.27218.
H.M.S. VIVACIOUS.
Commending Officer.
Commander Emile Frank Narlaine Deschaineux, R.A.N.
Officers.
Lieutenant Commander Frank Reginald Woodbine Parish, R.N.
Sub. Lieutenant Thomas Keath Metcalfe, R.N.R.
Midshipman Rupert Blackwood Hallowes, R.N.R.
H.MS. WAKEFUL

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Page 19
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
M.S. JAGUAR (Continued).
Ordinary Seaman Noel Edward Holmes Berry. 158456.
Though only 18 years of age, showed great initiative
and leadership in taking charge of soldiers on after
lower mess deck, instructing them to place hammocks
against the ship's side and afterwards extinguishing
a fire.
Recommended for mention.
Able Seaman Harold Alfred Keeling, D/SSX.17807.
Though wounded in the jaw, continued to fight the
port 0.5 machine gun in spite of a continuous hail of
bomb splinters.
Recommended for decoration.
Acting Stoker Petty Officer James William Carr, D/K.63042.
In charge of No.2 Boiler Room when bomb damage
caused the boiler room to rapidly fill with steam and
put out all lights. Carr, although wounded, remained
at his post until he had shut off all valves necessary
to isolate the boiler, afterwards making attempts in
protective clothing and wet towels, to enter the boiler
room and locate damage.
Recommended for decoration.
Stoker Petty Officer John McCarthy. D/K.65035.
Though wounded in the hand and face, showed great
zeal and devotion to duty in locating and repairing
damage.
Recommended for decoration.
Lance Corporal Chapman, 6208138, 1/8th Middlesex Regiment.
Displayed great initiative, leadership and power
of command in controlling an attempted rush of troops
to the upper deck during a heavy bombing attack on
H.M.S. JAGUAR on the 29th May off Dunkirk.
Recommended for mention.
The following ratings formed part of the boats'
crews engaged in ferrying troops from Bray beach to
various ships, and were so employed continuously for
from 14 to 16 hours without food, wet through and
subjected to frequent bombing attacks. Commanding
Officer JAVELIN reported that 'the conduct of JAGUAR'S
boats was exemplary and reflects credit on all concerned.'
They are recommended for mention.
Frederick/

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60
10 last lookout to leave the bridge was seriously wounded
the chest. Other ratings wounded were in the after supply
rty and were hit by bullots which penetrated the after
ireen, and on the Fore Mess Decks and in the Signal
stributing Office were hit by bullets penetrating the deck
ads. All aircraft made off, presumably when they had
pended their ammunition, and course was set for Dunkirk
company with Greyhound and Verity, who had by this time
rived from the eastward.
On arrival at Dunkirk there
is no berth available alongside the gier, four destroyers
bing alongside already, so I anchored off and waited for
berth to be vacated. At 1730 Gronade sailed and I proceeded
longside in her place. Smoke floats and a whaler for placing
ham were then handed over to the Naval Officer in charge of
mbarkation. About 1000 troops were embarked and I sailed,
1th Jaguar in company, by route Y, arriving at Dover after
n uneventful passage at 0100 on May 29th.
At 0400 after disembarking troops
moved out to No.11. buoy to repair damage which had been
aused during the machine gun attacks. The pipe from B gun
and two copper pipes in the engine room which had been fractured
y the detonation of near bomb misses, were sent to Sandhurst
or repair and efforts were made by the ship's staff to repair
the D/C coil. By 1300 the ship was once again ready for sea
accept for the D/G goil, which was temporarily repaired later
in the day.
At 0500 on May 30th Impulsive
iailed for Sheerness in company with Javelin, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
Coarus, Havant and Harvester, arriving and securing to No.10
moy at 0900. At 1600 orders were received to proceed with
all despatch to Dunkirk, and Ivanhoe, Icerus, Impulsive and
larvester sailed in company by route X. On arrival, Impulsive
proceeded alongaide the East Pier, the inshore berth, and
ambarked 1300 troops. This was the largest number embarked
and I did not consider there was room for any more. The passage
back to Dover by route X was uneventful and at 2400 the ship
secured alongside Admiralty Pier, after a long wait in the
outer harbour for a berth to become vacant.
At 0400 on May 31st, the ship
8. Dunkirk by route I, with orders to enbark troops
sailed Dunkirk for beach, and arrived off the beach at 0700. Although
from thousands of soldiers on the beach there were very
few whaler. The only power boat in the neighbourhood, in
there boats were to bring them off. Impulsive had no power boats and a
large came alongside. This boat, towing a cutter difficult
only one War Department motor boat with Colonel Hutchings and
charge, Impulsive's whaler, did magnificent work under
conditions and between 0800 and 1315 had transferred approx-
imately 450 troops from the beach to the ship.

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II
-118
wasmade in company with "Codrington" and "Javelin" as all A.A.
amunition had been experenmied.
9.-
Orders were received to proceed to Sheerness with
Woolsey and Vimy to arrive at 1300 for special service. Operation
⑇D' was commenced at 1800 This was cancelled at 2100 and the
ships were ordered to return to Dover.
sollapsed 10.- oring to injuries and strain and Has relieved by $
While at Sheerness Surgeon Lieutenant S. Grice V.R.
Surgeon Lieutenant P.A.Smyth R.I.V.P.
return 11.- to Dunkirk arriving at 0300 , using the Western Route, the
Before reaching Dover "Vivacious" was ordered to
orders being to evacuate troops one mile East Of the town.
picking 12.- up the survivors of the "King Orry" was taken in tow
On arrival XXXXXXX a broken down n M.T.B., which had been
until repaired.
with the operation. A drifter however, was sent to rescue as many
nen 13.- in the water but these had to be left in order to carry on
It was most distressing to hear the cries of a few
as pe sible and it is believed that most of these men were picked
up.
the day low misty weather made aircraft conditions
difficult 14.- and During 650 men were taken off the beach with hardly any
embarassment from the air.
arrival at Dover I was relieved by Commander E.F.V.
Deare 15.- Dechaineux on R.A.N. by order of V.A.Dover.
the 16.- rem ining The part report of the operation is
of proceedings of attached Commander herewith. Dechaineux for
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF COMMANDER B.F.V. DECHAINEUX.
1.- Commander H.M.S. Dechaineux "Vivacious" R.A.N. overstrain in place was of ordered was Lieutenant granted by V.A.Dover
to Commander assume command F.R.Parish of R.N. who, due to
sick leave.
30th 2.- May Bray in Dover on the Harbour Belgian until Coast, 0530 arriving on
at about 18 0700.
vas to embark army as many ashore. troops as possible and
3.- to provide supporting fire to the
4.- Throughout the day.

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-206
CONFIDENTIAL
RECOMMENDS FOR DECORATIONS AND MENTION IN DISPATCHES -
H.M.S. "JAGUAR".
(Page 4 of the Commanding Officer, H.M.S. "JAGUAR's" No.
of 13th June, 1940.)
John Lawrence Joyce, Able Seaman, D/SSX 20230
Edward Henry Inglett, Able Seaman, D/JX 156508
Frank Henry Hopwood, Able Seaman, D/SSX 18782
These ratings were boats' crews employed in
ferrying troops from Braye beach to various ships
and were employed continuously from fourteen to
sixteen hours, without food, wet through and subjected
to frequent bombing attacks. In paragraph 5 of
H.M.S. "JAVELIN's" 149/65, mention is made that "the
conduct of "JAGUAR"s" boats was exemplary and reflects
credit on all concerned".
boats at Braye, no details of individual merit can be
(Owing to "JAGUAR" being obliged to leave her
supplied).
9. The following non-commissioned officer on
passage is recommended for decoration.
G. Chapman, Lance Corporal 6208138 1/8th Middlesex Regt.
command in controlling an attempted attack. rush of soldiers
Displayed great initiative, leadership and power
of to the upper deck during bonbing
VIOE ADMIRAL
LIBUTENANT COMMANDER
17 JUN 1940
IN COMMAND.
*
E BEADE

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Dynamo 320
22007
SECRET
Hello & "Icarus"
10th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward this letter of proceedings
in accordance W 1th your letter No.B14/0/1101/40 of 4th June 1940.
of
Tuesday 28th Have
"Icarus" in company with "Intrepid" and "Ivanhoe" arrived
at Dover from Flymouth at 9500 and proceeded to secure to 110.3
Buoy while waiting orders.
Wednesday 80th Have
0145. "Icarus" sailed fro Dunkisk in company with "Javelin",
"Intrepid" and "Ivanhoe".
0545. Care to with the port anchor off Dunkirk writing for a
clear borth in the harbour.
0600. "Javelin" and "Icarus" weighed and receeded alongside
the Eastern Am, "Icarus" inside and embarked troops.
0800.
Blipped and proceeded to Dover.
1130. Secured in Dover and diserbarked troops.
1315. Slipped and in the absence of other orders returned to
Dunkirk, using " youte.
1510. Came to with the port anchor off WYDCOOTE under orders
of "Codrington". I anchored as close as pos ible inshore to
out down the length of the boats trips but later grounded
with the turn of the tide: no damage occurred and later on
the Schoot "Doggers Bank" towed my stern clear without
difficulty. On enchoring I had Lowered all boats, motor boat and both
whalere and also four Carlay floats, two large and two
small. It bad been of intention to try to get close
enough to the shore to be able to float the Carley floats
ashore on the end of a line and then haul then back to the
ship, leaving the notor boat to do the towing of the
shalers. It was 11 fortunate that the shelving beach and
not allow DD to get close enough to carry out this in
practice. I Loung that actually the Carley floate were
little used by the troops who were unhandy in the floats.
Air raids occurred during this embarkation period, the
first between 1600 and 1630, another at 1730 and again at
18308 in fact they appeared to be coming over at hourly
It during the first of these raids that "Jaguar" was
intervals with great regularity.
damaged to stand by "Jaguar" but "Express" was
was and the 8a.Sa Ulan Hacallister" hit art. I was
proceeding her before 1 had got under say: "Codrington" and
playing had her hoses on the stern where a fire broken out.
alongside meanshile proceeded to olan Macallister" had WILB
After this first

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SECRET
209
Page Se
The attack developed slowly, both our guns firing but
apparently not deterring him meh. At the nonent I Judged that
x was about to drop his babe 2-8 mde a very large alteration of
course to port and this salvo nissed. The enery plane then
sircled shood and round again to the port quarter for his second
itteck. This time I reduced speed elightly and saited tittil be
DDB about to drop his salve. In this attack 1 - certain that
N smoke screen outsed the pilot to mis 8 bed estimation of m
course because 08 be was nearly in the bonb release position I
BOW him give quite a considerable alteration of course to part
and I therefore increasedto full speed again and put the rudder
and 8' starboard and the second salvo fell clear to port.
the enemy then circled round sheed and to part as
efore. Some of our salvos seemed to be reasonably alose but be
as not to be deterred and approached for the third time. Code
gain it seemed to be the smoke that put him off ml I used the
time avoiding tactics as before and the third salvo missed to
port: these were mall So having expended all his bonbs
the enemy them retired to the southward. During each attack the
hip was machine-gunned but there - apparently DD comunities.
I returned to Dovor without further incident and
erthed at 8060 to disembark treeps.
Thursday 30th -
"Icarus" remained alongside until 0100 miting for
orders and summition and then processed alongside the Bantorn
and BD I complete berthed at the outer and until "Anthony" had completed
in to with fuels Both the fuelling borths were full
at 0800.
0500g to sheepmene under orders of "Javelin" "Impulsive". in company
0915. with Secured "Javelin", to No.II Budy Sheerness. Completed with fuel
Proceeded "Intrepid", "Ivanhoo" and oil
1715.
and committion. proceeded via "X" route to Dunkirk under and orders
of "Ivanhoe" in "Ivemboo" and "mpulaive" were the first off
Slipped and company with "yvenhoe" "Inpulsive" detailed
beach to attend to the on centeard, and the to the
"Harvester". the harbour itself, "Harvester" second beach
beseing eastword. Dunkirit: "Icarus" some salvees case being unpleasantly new the
under fire from shore gune due shile to
that trajectory.
MacAlister" mede a good I beacon approached GO she as
close was at to enchor the beach near the 8.8 Bray as possible "disn Beach and sand still drogged burring. a Dan Buy having with bent a
a
1
action
bombed before candle works been and be the effected "A" no while lantern sailing bracket time with "Icarus" to the "Icarus" for on either and two beach 10 Dunkirio propellor shalers as be was motor-boat change was possible lying being shaft 088: shelled to was at two Inform out or theerness officers make and then of the Dunkirk that good authorities and came alls these there was on possible board being had slow defects had of to -
the stepe asked slow were rate if being 10 of yould cabarication taben by the authorities I one informed Bells but I would that make if entters This a signal signal did
not to I V.A.Dover improve by explaining about informed the situation or that boats at were Bray being Beach. sent and the
would and improve was in the morning.
shortly after.

Details

Dynams 320
217
SECRET
214
H.H.S. "Icarus"
10th June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward this letter of proceedings
in accordance W 1th your letter No.B14/0/1101/40 of 4th June 1940.
of
Tuesday 28th Hay.
"Icarus" in company with "Intrepid" and "Ivanhoe" arrived
at Dover from Plymouth at 2300 and proceeded to secure to No.3
Buoy while waiting orders.
Wednesday 29th May.
0145. "Icarus" sailed fro Dunkisk in company with "Javelin",
"Intrepid" and "Ivanhoe".
0545. Came to with the post anchor off Dunkirk waiting for a
clear berth in the harbour.
0600. "Javelin" and "Icarus" weighed and receeded alongside
the Eastern Arm, "Icarus" inside and embarked troops.
0800. Slipped and proceeded to Dover.
1130. Secured in Dover and disembarked troops.
1315. Slipped and in the absence of other orders returned to
Dunkirk, using "y" route.
1515. Came to with the port anchor off SUYDCOOTS under orders
of "Codrington". I anchored as close as pos ible inshore to
out down the length of the boats trips but later grounded
with the turn of the tide: no darage occurred and later on
the Schoot "Doggers Bank" towed my stern clear without
difficulty. On anchoring I had lowered all boats, motor boat and both
whalers and also four Carley floats, two large and two
small. It had been my intention to try to get close
enough to the shore to be able to float the Carley floats
ashore on the end of a line and then haul them back to the
whalers. It was 11 fortunate that the shelving beach and
ship, leaving the motor boat to do the towing of the
not allow no to get close enough to carry out this in
practice. I foung that actually the Carley floats were
little used by the troops who were unhandy in the floats.
Air raids occurred during this embarkation period, the
first between 1600 and 1630, another at 1730 and again at
1830; in fact they appeared to be coming over at hourly
It during the first of these raids that "Jaguar" was
intervals with great regularity.
damaged to stand bgt "Jaguar" but "Express" was
was and the 8.8. "Clan Hacallister" hit aft. I was
proceeding her before 1 had got under Macallister" say: "Codrington"
playing had her hoses on the stern where a broken out.
alongeide meanwhile proceeded to Clan fire had and was
After this first.

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SECRET
216
Page Se
The attack developed slowly, both our gune firing but
parently not deterring him much. At the moment I judged that
3 was about to drop his boobs I made a very large alteration of
owse to povt and this salvo missed. The enemy plane then
ircled ahoad and round again to the port quarter for his second
stack. This time 1 reduced speed slightly and saited until be
as about to drop his salve. In this attack I B certain that
/ smoke screen caused the pilot to make a bad estimation of my
ourse because as he was nearly in the borb release position I
SW him give quite 8 considerable alteration of course to port
ad I therefore increasedto full speed again and put the rudder
and a' starboard and the second salvo fell clear to part.
The enemy then aircled round ahead and to part as
sfore. Some of our salvos seemed to be reasonably close but be
as not to be deterred and approached for the third time. Case
and avoiding tactics as before and the third salvo missed to
gain it seemed to be the smoke that put him off and I used the
be then retired to the southward. During each attack the
ort: these were small boybe. So having expended all his Sombe
hip enemy was machine-gunned but there were apparently no casualties* and
I returned to Dover without further incident
erthed at 8060 to disembark troops.
Thursday 30th Mays
"Icarus" remained alongside until 0100 writing for
rders m and ammunition with fuel. Both the fuelling borths had were completed
and then proceeded alongside the Eastorn full
nd to 80 I complete berthed at the outer and until "Anthony"
t 0800.
500g Sheerness under orders of "Javelin" "Impulsive". in company
Proceeded to "Intrepid", "Ivanhoe" and with oil
915.
with Secured "Javelin", to No.III Duey Theermess Completed fuel
715.
and Slipped annamition and proceeded company via with "X" "Ivenhoe" route to Dunkirk ware "Impulsive" detailed under and orders off
of "Ivanhoe" in "Ivembe" and "Impulsive" the first
beach to attend to the on eastward, the and the to the
"Harvester". harbour itself "Harvester" second beach
assing eastward. Dunkirk: "Icarus" some the case near the
guno due while to
Mat trajectory.
Se Se "glan MedAlister" still made burning a good : beacon approached an she as
elose been candle 788 before be the effected at "A" no to Lantern ancher sailing bracket time the beach to The new "Icarus" on for either and two 19 Dunicipks propellor whalers us motor-boat change mark shaft and and was dropped at out theerness of a action Dan good and Bacy having these there with had being defects slow bent had a to
work.
with the beach was was being off: shelled two officers and the Dunkirk authorities came was on board of -
bombed and while "Icarus" then that if alls entters possible did
the stope asked slow rate if 18 of one Dalla but I would that make a signal
not were being THE about or at Bray being Beach. sent This and signal the
34 improve TOTAL THE THE boats were
Shortly after.

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down the Lemigues
Dypamo 320
221
SECRET
Hello . "Iderus"
10th June 1960.
Sir,
I have the honour to furnard this letter is proceedings
1 accordance W 18h your letter No.H14/0/1101/40 of 4th June 1360.
&
Tuentay 938h
"Zourus" in company with "Intrepid" and "Ivanhoe" arrived
at Dover STORE Mymuth at 8300 and proceeded to secure to 20.0
Budy shile waiting orders.
Enduciday 27th Days
0165.
"Icarus" coiled too in corpony with "Jevolin",
"Intrepid" and "Ivanhoo".
0045.
Care to with the post enchor off Dunkisk uniting for a
clear borth in the hurbour.
0000.
"Javelin" and "Ionum" weighed and received alonguide
the Santam 120g "Icures" inside and experied troops.
0000.
Slipped and procerded to Daver.
1150.
Secured in Dover and dischorted troops.
1815.
slipped and in the absence of other orders returned to
Dunicis, using "g" route.
1510.
Care to with the post enchor are reported usler orders
of "Codrington". 1 enchored an close on poe this inshoro to
out down the Length of the bonto tatge but later groended
with the turn of the that 20 dacingo occurred and later on
the School Togers Benk* tened by otem claims without
sholers ond also four Coultry floots, two Inno office tuo
difficulty. Co unchoring 1 had Lowered all boato, color boat and and both
enough the end of 8 Line and then hour of the the
coall. to the share to be able to flont the than Carley book floats to
It had Deen of intection to try to got
schere loaving 00 the notor bont to do the touthing bench
not allow 100 round that naturally the carley in the vare
sholerew IS to got alone mach to earry flonts
chip. use E fortunate that the stelving out this in are
proctice. used 1 w the troope who used unherwity period, floots. the
Air 10.00 first little intervals 18 une redds between in during shot with commed the this 1000 great stret and appeared (meting Visa regularity. 1630, of this theme to another cubstation be reide contre at his that 1730 over cit. "Jagurs" and at hourly ugain 1 can von at
proceeding damaged and to the stand type 1 and "Jagom" got under but Encallister* "Express" say: "Codrington" una and use
THE to stem "cton share & give had broken out.
After this first

Details

Dynam.
-2-366
EVACUATION OF B.E.F. FROM DUNKIRR.
Report of Proceedings.
From...The Commanding Officer, H.H.S. "JAVELIN".
Date... 7th June,1940.
No. 450.
To...The Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
Submitted:
"JAVELIN" proceeded in company with Captain (D)
First Destroyer Fictilla in "CODRINGTON" and arrived off
Dunkirs at 1315 on 28th my.
2.
At 1830 "JAVELIN" and "JAGUAR" were ordered to
embark troops from BRAY PLAGE.
men were S. embarked in PJAVELINA by 1800 Dm boats ware turned
Both ships sent all boats inshoro and some 700
over to "GRAFTON", the Senior Dificer in the vicinity.
commending 4. one Officer and four rating 8 is attached.
A copy of by letter No. 60/65 of 4th June
were being 5. subarited but: all the bonbs fall Wide.
Several bombing attacks took Mace hile troops
"JAVELIN proceeded to Dover in company 1th
Captain (D) First st Destroyer Mosilla at 1880 securing alongside
the Adminity gior to discribe Y troms at 2250/20.
ms onlend to CaRD "INTRAPID" "IVANHOE"
at: 0 Instructions and are received to procest by route *I* but
"ICARUS" % "YAX under his orders and proceed to Dinkirs
by this ronto route FY/1 the only one then known in JAVELIN to any
45. could not be NET and STATE VSTD avoid taken
further dealy. At 04:5 "GRAFTON" vas aighted in A sinking mmtts
condition your & and "TWANHOE" WAS detached to rendor any assistance
possible. 9. On arriwal off BAY Dinkirk. Cuptain Sixteenth Destroyer
Motilla ordered all destroyors to
harbour at C. 0805 and secured Mongside the breakmater 08:5 to
*JAVELIN Vas overtimity ordered to enter at
enbark troops. Unbarkation as completed at 08:0 whon "JAVELIN"
returned to Dover arriving it 1840. Severe beauting took place
as the ship left.
disenbarking trops "JAVELIN" was ordered
to oil at East Jesty After and proceed storuss 80 Dunktrk really. with "HAVANT" as
in CONTRADY as goon Ships as proceeded the at Dovor. 806 but at 034 "JAVELIN"
received instructions to return in for to anting this report is regretted
and It is the to The the dolay that that your 10.B 4/0/ 10 /40 has only
Just boon received.
ADMIRAL
Commander (A.F.Pugsley.) in Command.
20JUN1940
*
are
DO HR

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

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
out because of the men in the water. By the time the Lydd had picked up
10 survivors, the destroyer Grafton, loaded with about 800 troops from Bray
beach, also arrived and ordered the Lydd to circle round her. The Gossamer
went on to Dover.
In the meantime, the Comfort had reached the stern portion of the wreck of
the Wakeful, and finding that it had fallen over¹, went alongside the Grafton
to warn her of the danger of torpedoes. It was then about 0240, and the
Grafton having first sighted a small darkened vessel about 3 cables on the port
quarter, signalled it to pick up survivors. Almost at once a torpedo hit the
Grafton's port side and exploded; a second explosion followed, thought to be
a shell or grenade hit, which wrecked the Grafton's bridge killing her Captain,
Cdr. C. E. C. Robinson, R.N., and 3 others. The torpedo blew off. the Grafton's
stern, abaft the after magazine bulkhead, and broke her back, but she still
floated on an even keel. A German submarine, U.69 had fired the torpedo.
The torpedo explosion almost swamped the Comfort; she rose, and Cdr.
Fisher was washed overboard. He seized a rope's end, but with the Comfort
going full speed ahead soon had to let go. The Comfort came round in a wide
circle until within about 50 yards of the stricken Grafton, whereupon the
Grafton and Lydd, mistaking her in the darkness for an E-boat, opened a heavy
raking fire with 4-inch and Lewis guns.²
Comfort cut in half
When the firing ceased Cdr. Fisher, who had reached the bow of the Comfort,
endeavoured to get abord; but the Lydd, having circled round to finish off
the supposed E-boat, bore down at full speed and, ramming the Comfort amid-
ships (it was then about 0307), cut her in half. Some of the Comfort's crew
attempted to spring aboard the Lydd, but the Lydd, mistaking them for boarders,
opened up with rifle fire. Two men were, however, taken off the rammed vessel
and it was then discovered that she was the Comfort. Altogether, the number
saved from this most tragic occurrence, shrouded in the darkness of the night,
were only 5, of which 4 were survivors from the Wakeful. As the Grafton then
appeared able to look after herself, the Lydd set course for Ramsgate.
When the Comfort went down Cdr. Fisher again sank, but he came to the
surface and, after swimming about until 0515, was picked up by a boat lowered
from the Norwegian S.S. Hird, which was en route from Dunkirk to England
with about 3,500 troops and refugees on board.
Grafton sunk
In the meantime, at 0400, the personnel ship Malines, which was returning
empty from Dunkirk, heard S OS signals; she placed herself alongside the
torpedoed Grafton and transferred the destroyer's 800 troops. "The Master
handled his ship with extreme skill," reported the acting Captain of the Grafton,
Lieut. H. C. J. McRea, R.N.
It was now 0430, just before sunrise, and the destroyers Javelin, Icarus,
Vanquisher, Intrepid and Ivanhoe, en route from Dover to Dunkirk, sighted the
sinking Grafton. The Ivanhoe went to her assistance and embarked the
I On the 30th May the corvette Sheldrake was ordered to destroy the Wakeful's asdic
apparatus. She found the Wakeful completely capsized with her stern resting on the
bottom. As, by then, information was received that the area had been mined, the Shel-
drake, to minimise the risk, sank the wreck by gunfire and a pattern of depth charges.
2 Later the Grafton's fire was shifted to another vessel further away on the port quarter,
which was observed to blow up with a bright flash. This may well have been the E-boat.
37

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
seriously wounded. Ivanhoe The Grafton fired 3 was shells by into then her listing at 500 heavily, and had her
end awash; the where she berthed alongside the yards range and after
proceeded troops. to Dunkirk, east pier and embarked then
assist ships in
Following the distress.¹ loss of the Grafton, destroyers were ordered not to stop to
Mona's Queen sunk by mine
the Vanquisher had anchored ahead of the The Intrepid, waiting for a and
In the meantime the Javelin off and Malo Icarus beach. had entered Dunkirk harbour,
was loaded with water mine and troops. sank in Then, at about 0530, the Mona's which
anchored off the fresh harbour, for the personnel vessel Mona's Queen, berth,
and whaler 31 and of the the crew. Intrepid's motor picked up the Master, Captain A. Holkham
Queen blew up on a magnetic boat two minutes. The anquisher's
The German minelaying effort
the night 28th/29th May, was maintained with great intensity during the
Minelaying by the enemy and during the dark hours probably took place during
following two nights. Not only was the Dunkirk road mined, including the
Zuydcoote Pass, but also Route X and the area round the Kwint buoy. Folke-
stone and Dover Harbour entrances were also mined. In spite of the large
number of mines laid, only one British ship other than the Mona's Queen
known for certain to have been sunk by magnetic mines - the Fleet Air Arm was
yacht Grive which was sunk on 1st June. On that date, also, the hospital
by a LL. trawler sweeping close at hand. The A/S trawlers Thuringia, estella
carrier St. David was damaged at anchor off Dover when a mine was exploded
and Blackburn Rovers were believed at the time to have been sunk by moored
mines laid by a U-boat, although at first it was thought that the last two at
rate had been torpedoed. If the enemy had been able to lay moored contact any
mines different². by aircraft, instead of magnetic mines, the results would have been very
Allied air cover, 29th May
hostile The remainder of the long list of naval losses on this day was caused by
and Dunkirk- was up of The 10 to 28th 44, miles 4 Dunkirk bombers. the squadrons; May, Furnes- of smallest Dunkirk, led area The on Cassel³. 25. actually was the except odds covered All 29th which fighter the for to largest a a Hurricane our further patrols fighters number strengthening were patrol had of concentrated fighters at encountered midday of on the within any covering fighter on one the a patrols radius patrol a 27th line
mately 1450. the following times 0440 during 0610, the 0720 day by fighter patrols at approxi- 1400,
patrols 1620, 1700 1800, 1930 2030, 2000 0925, 1030 1200, 1300 Command
the day; covered the line North Goodwins - 2110³. Coastal throughout
down by Me. all three 109's aircraft at about of 1130³. one of the Coastal Gravelines - Command Ostend patrols were shot
2 I Appendix 0.6.
2 R.A.F. V.A. Dover's Narrative, letter, p.326. No. A.14/0/876/40, p.3, paras. 7(a) and 7 (c).
38

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and returned to harbour; the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
Dutch eel-boats Johanna and Chantecler M.B. Golden Lily also The
and Ramsgate " compass at which 2200/29. was reached situated The the over beaches, the was engine. however, only capable revolved at 0900 of slowly 4 knots, round and and left her
she had no charts, lost way 30th Later darkness, and returned to
and brought back 30 troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
round"¹. She The Johanna did not on the 30th
Ramsgate on the morning of the May. on that day she was towed
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers available and with failure to achieve
The 29th May closed with a formidable list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
were in fact transported.²
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
21 times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers⁶
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
40,724. This figure probably puts does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
3 2 D.R., D.R. p.11, which para. incidentally 38. the total of troops and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Javelin, Malcolm, Express, Verity, Wolsey and Marmion
Royal 5 The Daffodil, Anthony, Royal Codrington, Sovereign, Esk, Scotia, and Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Worcester. Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess Sabre, of Scimitar, Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

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

Details

CHAP. VI
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
Ramsgate at 2200/29. situated over the engine. capable of 4 knots, also and left
Dutch eel-boats Johanna The Chantecler was only M.B. Golden Lily The
and returned to harbour; and the remainder Chantecler reached and the La Panne at 0500/30.
and brought back lost troops. her in the Downs in the get over on May,
and round"¹. She 30 The Johanna did not on the 30th and
compass which was reached the beaches, however, revolved at 0900 slowly round her
Ramsgate on the morning on that day she was towed
she had no charts, of way the 30th May. Later darkness, and returned to
to the beaches by the skoot Jutland.
Troops transported on 29th May
reduction in the number of destroyers and with failure to
The 29th May closed with a formidable available list of ships lost or damaged, a marked
the high rate of evacuation hoped for. The effect of the day's occurrences achieve
even more marked next day, when instead of the 50,000 to 60,000 British was
were in fact transported.²
troops which had been calculated as the probable achievement, only 48,000 odd
Nevertheless, 47,310 troops (including some 2,000 casualties) were landed
in England on the 29th May (see Table 2), 13,752 having been lifted from the
beaches and 33,558 from the harbour. Only about 11/2 per cent of these were
French troops³, whose organised evacuation had not yet begun. (See Appen-
dices Y.2 to Y.5).
During the morning and forenoon of the 29th May, when there was no
bombing of Dunkirk harbour, 1Q personnel vessels⁴ lifted 14,760 troops from
the east pier; during the afternoon, in spite of the bombing, the Canterbury
lifted a further 1,960.
The development of beach evacuation is indicated by the fact that nearly
2½ times the number of troops were lifted from the beaches on 29th May as
compared with the number lifted on the previous day. Seventeen destroyers⁵
each made one round trip during the 24 hours of the 29th May and an eighteenth
destroyer, the Icarus, made two such trips. On these trips the 18 destroyers
embarked and transported to England 10,694 troops of which 6,198 were
lifted from the beaches and 4,506 from Dunkirk harbour. Nine minesweepers6
together lifted 2,426 troops from the beaches although one of them, the Albury
did not land her troops in England until the next day.⁷ Among other ships
which brought back troops from the beaches was the cruiser Calcutta with
1,200.
The record of troops landed in England now stood as follows :-
From the
From the
Total for
beaches
harbour
the day
26th May
Nil
Nil
Nil
27th May
Nil
7,669
7,669
28th May
5,930
11,874
17,804
29th May
13,752
33,558
47,310
I Report by Chantecler.
3 D.R., which incidentally puts the total of and casualties landed on 29th Table May 2). as
2 D.R. p.11, para. 38.
40,724. This figure probably does not include troops carried by foreign ships (See Prague,
4 The Côte d'Argent, Killarney, King George troops V, Maid of Orleans, Manxman,
Royal Daffodil, Royal Sovereign, Scotia, and
Javelin, Malcolm, Sabre, Scimitar, Verity, Wolsey and Worcester. Marmion
5 The Anthony, Codrington, Esk, Express, Tynwald. Greyhound, Harvester, Intrepid, Ivanhoe,
6 The Albury, Duchess of Fife, Emperor Shikari, of Vanquisher, India, Fitzroy, Halcyon, Hebe, Leda,
and Sharpshooter.
7 See Table 3, in conjunction with the reports of ships' proceedings in Vol. II.
54

Details

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

Details

THURSDAY, 30TH MAY
CHAP. VII
reached the beaches, and by retrieving the abandoned and drifting pulling boats
they were able to do much to increase the rate of lifting¹.
Many more were on the way. The destroyers Basilisk and Venomous from
the Western Approaches Command were making for Dover, and the mine
sweepers Niger and Dundalk were coming down from the Humber. The
attempt to maintain an adequate rate of lift with only the older destroyers
soon proved unavailing, and all the modern destroyers of the H, I and J classes
which had been withdrawn on the 29th May were ordered back to Dunkirk
on the 30th².
Small craft were hastening up from Portsmouth, Newhaven and Sheerness;
six tugs were plodding along from Tilbury (towing 23 motor and 46 rowing
lifeboats), and five others had left Gravesend (towing barges). Yachts, drifters
and trawlers; launches, lighters and steam hopper barges; car ferries, coasters
and cockle boats; train ferries, speed boats and picket boats; seaplane
tenders, fishing craft and pleasure craft; steam pinnaces, sailing craft and a
Thames fire float-a host of vessels-were heading in ever-increasing numbers³,
for Dover, the Downs, or Dunkirk direct, while the cry more ships, more
boats", still went up off. the French coast.⁴
Set-backs were inevitable, but this concourse of ships, big and little, fast
and slow, manned by willing and eager crews fired by one purpose of saving
the British Expeditionary Force, continued to grow until it assumed the pro-
portions of an armada.
Late on the previous evening the Bideford had sent a call for large quantities
of rope for towing to be sent, and within a few hours 9 coils (1080 fathoms)
of 4-inch grass hawser were speeding by lorry from Chatham dockyard to
Ramsgate to help the skoots to haul boats off the beaches, thus speeding up
the boat work and compensating for the shortage of boats, 'which would
continue", says Vice-Admiral, Dover for at least another 24 hours "5.
Undoubtedly as a result of the messages and signals received on the 29th
May by V.A. Dover with regard to the harbour at Dunkirk, the number of
ships sent there on the 30th May was curtailed, with a corresponding reduction
in the volume of embarkation. After V.A. Dover's signal to Admiral Abrial
late on the 29th May, asking whether it was possible for transports to berth
alongside, further signals to the same effect were sent to the Vanquisher and
the Codrington and to Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker. Finally, at 1020, the
Wolsey was called upon for a detailed report of conditions alongside the east
pier; and by 1524 V.A. Dover was able to inform destroyers that a good
berth with bollards exists 400 yards from end of east
pier".
In the meantime signals were coming in from Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker
and from the Vivacious stating that the beaches were filling up rapidly and
more ships and boats were urgently required there.⁶ Although it was known
that the destroyers could use Dunkirk, it appeared, says V.A. Dover, that the
best division of transport was to send the great majority of destroyers to the
beaches, where urgent demands could not be ignored, and the personnel vessels
to Dunkirk harbour, only an occasional destroyer being sent to Dunkirk from
the reduced number available.⁷
I D.R. p.15, para. 49.
Javelin. 2 Appendices D.9, D.10. Except the Intrepid and Jaguar (in need of repairs) and the
3 Appendices G.20, G.27, G.28.
4 Appendices H.7 to H.10.
5 D.R. p.13, para. 41.
6 Appendices H.7, H.9 and G.22.
7 D.R. p.13, para. 43.
61

Details

CHAPTER XI
THE NIGHT 2ND 3RD JUNE
B.E.F. EVACUATED 2330/2
Plan for the night 2nd-3rd June
During the forenoon of the 2nd June considerable doubt existed at Dover
to the numbers remaining to be evacuated from Dunkirk. Captain Tennant
thought as that about 5,000 British and 30,000 French remained, but it was
estimated at Dover, that in addition to the rearguard of 4,000, (who had been
withdrawn according to plan, from the front line), a further 2,000 British
troops might be found in Dunkirk; while the estimated number of French
troops remaining increased during the forenoon from 25,000 quoted on the
previous evening to figures in the region of 50,000 to 60,000. Admiral Nord
himself estimated the French remaining to number 65,000 of which he hoped
that 30,000 might be evacuated on the night 2nd-3rd and the remaining 35,000,
who were holding the bridgeheads, on the following night.
Major-General Alexander intended that all British troops should be
evacuated by 2400 on 2nd, and Captain Tennant asked for the maximum
number of transports to be sent over. During the forenoon of the 2nd a joint
Naval and Military conference was held at Dover, attended by Rear-Admiral
Wake-Walker who came over from Dunkirk in the early hours, and by Com-
mander J. C. Clouston, Pier Master at the East Pier, to devise a plan to accom-
plish this. The French Admiralty wished daylight evacuation to be resumed,
but Vice-Admiral Ramsay refused to countenance it. The suspension of traffic
in daylight hours had the advantage of enabling all transport resources to
accumulate during the day and to be held available for a massed descent"
upon Dunkirk harbour during the night. By making provision for increased
pier and berthing parties and control of traffic in the harbour channels by
motor boats, it was hoped to berth all craft that were available between the
hours of 2100 on 2nd and 0300 on 3rd.
At 1052 Vice-Admiral Dover made a signal to the destroyers and mine-
sweepers, which practically amounted to a call for volunteers for the night's
work (Appendix T.3) :-
"The final evacuation is staged for tonight, and the Nation looks to the Navy to
see this through.
I want every ship to report as soon as possible whether she is fit to meet the call
which has been made on our courage and endurance".
The replies showed that there was no lack of willing spirit. Ships were fit
and ready", ready and anxious to carry out your orders", ship unfit but
...
officers and ship's company are willing to serve in any capacity : so the replies
came in. Only the paddle minesweeper Medway Queen, which had returned
to Ramsgate three hours earlier on her fifth evacuation trip, was unable to sail
owing to the exhaustion of her crew, and was sent on to Dover where additional
officers and crew were lent from the Sandown, which, like the destroyer Javelin,
was not degaussed and was consequently forbidden to sail.
It was hoped to avoid on this night the situation which occurred on the
previous night, when more ships could have used the pier had they been avail-
able, by working out a programme whereby personnel ships, destroyers, fleet
105

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Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX E
8. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to Sabre
Last chance of saving B.E.F. is tonight. Proceed with all despatch to beach one
to three miles east of Dunkirk and embark troops using own boats. Route from
Dover is by No. 6 Calais buoy, south of Dunkerque B.W. buoy and French coastal
route. Return by Zuydcoote Pass Q.Z.F.3. and Q.Z.S.60. Other British ships
will be off the beach. You should leave at your discretion and anyhow not later
than 0330.
2305/27
SIGNALS RE BUILD UP OF DESTROYERS
Thursday, 30th May
9. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY, C.IN-C. NORE
Dover 30th May, departures: Javelin, Impulsive, Havant, Harvester, Icarus,
Intrepid, Ivanhoe, at 0515, for Sheerness.
0538/30
Note: This followed a decision to withdraw the 7 modern destroyers from Operation
Dynamo.
10. C.-IN-C. NORE to Harvester, Havant, Ivanhoe, Impulsive, Icarus, Intrepid (R) C.S.
S/H, V.A. Dover.
Raise steam forthwith and proceed to Dunkirk by Route x for X-ray.
1531/30
Note: The decision to withdraw. the modern destroyers was revoked.
11. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. NORE (R) Ajax, Hotspur, V.A. Dover, Lynx
A spare destroyers crew is to be sent to Dover as soon as possible to provide
temporary reliefs in crews of destroyers operating off Belgian coast.
2341/30
APPENDIX E
SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF MINESWEEPERS
Note . 36 minesweepers took part in Operation Dynamo and were drawn from
the following flotillas: 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, and 12th.
Sunday, 26th May
1. ADMIRALTY to C.IN-C. HOME FLEET, (R) A.C.O.S., V.A. Dover, M/S 1, M/S 6
Owing to casualties, 6 M.S.F. at Dover has been reduced to two effective ships.
Oil-burning fleet sweepers are urgently required there to maintain channel for
communication with B.E.F.
Request two ships of 1st M.S.F. may be spared from your command and sailed
to join 6 M.S.F. at Dover forthwith¹.
1833/26
I Hebe and Sharpshooter arrived Dover 1723/28.
Monday, 27th May
2. C.-IN-C. NORE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
5th M.S.F. can sail from Harwich at daylight.
Would they be of use to you at Dunkirk.
2345/27
Reply
3.
No thank you very much.
0044/28
Tuesday, 28th May
Note: Admiralty message 1063/28 [not available] ordered the 7th and 8th M/S
Flotillas (which were at Rosyth) to Harwich, under the orders of the Vice-
Admiral, Dover.
4. C.-IN-C. NORE to F.O.I.C. HARWICH, (R) V.A. Dover, Admiralty
12th M.S.F. is to proceed to arrive off La Panne at 2200 today, Tuesday
5th M.S.F. is to proceed to arrive off beach between Zuydcoote and Malo-les-Bains
at 2200 today Tuesday
0939/28
T.O.R. 1036
163

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

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

Details

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