Details

BORNRIF (D.B.11)
Skoot (121 tons)
Lieut. A.N. Blundell,
Lieut. S.C. Minard, R.N.R.
R.N.V.R., V. 1st Lieut.
25th May
1100
Lieut. Blundell took over the ship at
Tilbury from the Dutch captain.
27th May
1330
Sailed to Southend for routeing orders
for Dunkirk.
1530
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2300ca
An unknown skoot [see Tilly] hailed that
Dunkirk was in enemy hands and to
return at once to the Downs. The
Bernrif decided to continue on to
Dunkirk.
28th May
-
When approaching Kwinte buoy, four
vessels coming from Dunkirk reported
that the port had fallen (see
Centerbury). The Bornrif returned
with these vessels to the Downs.
1100
Anchored off Deal.
1700
Sailed for Dunkirk, the skoots
Patria, Twente, Rian and Tilly in
company.
29th May
0100
Arrived off Dunkirk beach [probably
Malo beach near the Sk. Hondsrug.
Embarked about 50 troops. A rope
having fouled the Hondsrug's
propeller, she drifted ashore. After
0300ca
some time the Bornrif managed to tow
the Hondsrug off and back to the
Downs.
1400
Anchored both vessels off Deal. The
Bornrif disembarked 50 troops. (1)
30th May
1600
Sailed for Ramsgate with the Hondsrug
in tow.
1930
Arrived Ramsgate.
Bornrif under repair.
3rd June
1500
Sailed for Dunkirk in company with the
Sks. Pascholl, Hondsrug, Reiger and
Lena.
2230
Secured alongside Dunkirk [west] Mole.
Embarked troops. Endeavoured,
unsuccessfully to tow off the grounded
Sk. Lena
4th June
0100
Cleared Dunkirk harbour.
0700
Arrived Ramsgate in thick fog and
grounded off the harbour entrance.
Disembarked troops by motor boats. (2)
Total 146
Authority - R.O.II, pp.27, 40.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R.
(2) Ramsgate report states that between 0820-0850, two launches
brought in 96 troops. D.R. does not mention any
disembarkation.
114

Details

EDWARD z. DRESDEN
R.N.L.I.
(Clacton)
Lt. Cdr. R.W. Faulkner,
life boat
R.N.R.[?Reta.]
W.P. Trotter (Bank of
England), a Lieut. R.N.R.,
a Lieut. R.N.V.R. and the
Naval crew.
2nd June
p.m.
Left Ramsgate too late to get to
Dunkirk and had to return.
3rd June
Lt. Cdr. Faulkner joined on this day.
1730ca
Left Ramsgate with several other vessels
in company. Outside Ramsgate was
taken in tow by a London tug,
[the Tanga] bound for Dunkirk. Four
other vessels were on the tow, one
of them being the M/B Madame Sans-
Gene.
-
En route, the Sans Gene and another M/B
got rope round their propellers, and
the latter had to be cut adrift.
-
Sighted a floating mine. Unsuccessfully
tried to sink it by M/G fire.
2300ca
Off Dunkirk, the tug cast off the tow.
One of Edward Z. Dresden's propellers
became fouled.
-
Attempted to tow off a stranded skoot
[the Lena] without success. Ferried
French and other troops to ships
outside the harbour. Made several
such trips.
4th June
0300
Proceeded.
10 miles out picked up a ship's life
boat full of soldiers, and embarked
them.
0730ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked troops.
Estimated Total 50(1)
Authority - J.D.C.
(1) Ramsgate report states "Two life boats - 184 Allied troops."
272

Details

2
HONDSRUG - Continued.
3rd June
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk in company with the
skoots Pascholl (s.o.,) Lena and
Bonrif.
2245
Arrived alongside the west pier at the
Nouveau Avant Port, Dunkirk, and
embarked French troops across the
Pascholl's decks.
[The Lena grounded and had to be
abandoned].
4th June
0000
Sailed for Ramagate.
0530
Arrived Ramsgate in fog. Disembarked
297 French troops and 11 French
HONOURS
sailors. (1)
FOR OPERATION DYNAMO
Total 1453(2)
Authority - R.O.II, pp.27, 79.
NOTE
The following awards were made: mon, as recorded in
D.S.C. the recipient's respective
the various Supplements to the London Gazette,
Lieut. F.T. Renny, R.N.R.
D.S.M.
P.O. J. Potts. 80 shown has been checked against
the recommendation of the appropriate authority
as being for services rendered In Operation
Dynamo.
Awards made to officers and men (whose ships
took part in Operation Dynamo), which are
recorded in the Supplements to the London
Oazette as being for services Meince the out-
break of WRITH or "off the Dutch, Belgion and
French consts", have not been shown herein.
(1) Ramsgate report attributes this disembarkation to the
"Handsing". D.R. states "Hondsrug - 500".
(2) Lieut. Renny states, "Total number of men landed, about
1500 in four effective passages from Dunkirk".

Details

LENA (D.B.10)
Skoot
Lt. Cdr. R.P.C. Hawkins, R.N.
Lt. R. Morton, R.N.V.R., (Retd.) 1st
Lieut.
27th May
0430
Sailed from Sheerness for Deal, calling
1100
at Southend for orders.
Anchored off Deal.
1300
2130
Sailed for Zuydcoote beach.
Arrived troops. Zuydcoote beach. Embarked
28th May
a.m.
Transferred 120 troops to the dr.
Shikari.
p.m.
Embarked 350 B.E.F. and sailed for
Ramsgate.
2330
Anchored off Remsgate.
29th May
0700
Disembarked 353 troops. (1)
1600
Sailed for Dunkirk.
30th May
-
Arrived off the beaches and embarked 300
B.E.F., using ship's boats.
0800(2)
Sailed for Ramsgate.
p.m. (3)
Arrived Ramagate. Disembarked 230 B.E.F
67 wounded, and 7 dead.
1st June
0545
Proceeded to Dunkirk with 25 small
kedge anchors.
1300
Arrived off the beaches. Embarked 400
B.E.F. Air attacks. One minor
casualty, slight damage to the ship.
The enemy bombed the wrecks in
Dunkirk roads.
2145
Sailed for Ramsgate.
2nd June
0535
Disembarked 340 B.E.F. and 6 French
troops, (4) at Ramsgate
3rd June
1100
Ordered to disperse and call at
Southend for instructions.
1130
Proceeded.
1145
Recalled.
1400
Received orders for embarkation at
Dunkirk harbour.
1530
Sailed for Dunkirk in company with 3
other skoots [i.e. the Pascholl (s.o.)
Hondsrug and Bornrif]
2300ca
The Lena grounded when going alongside
the middle pier of Avant Port,
A Dunkirk. tug was asked for, but none was
available. The Bornrif and a
British drifter endeavoured to tow
the Lena off, but without success.
4th June
0145
Being 2 hours after high water, and it
been ordered that no further
daylight, it was decided to abandon
having embarkation could take place after
(1) D.R., second disembarkation incorrect. (of 500
(3) (2) Lt. Cdr. Hawkins on 29th states May. that his times 0635. are Lt. Cdr. Hawkins
troops) which also gives a This is clearly approximate.
(4) Ramsgate that report. he D.R. gives 400.
Ramsgate states report records disembarked the time the as troops in the afternoon.
160

Details

LENA - Continued
0145
4th (contd.) June
(contd.)
ship. Part of the crew embarked in a
British drifter, part in a French
drifter, and the remainder, including
the officers were ferried in a life-
boat to the G/B Locust which was
outside the harbour.
The British drifter and the Locust
landed their parties at Dover, the
French drifter at Ramagate.
Total 996
Authority - R.O.II, p.27.
M.017681/40.
The following awards were made:
Mention in Despatches
L/Sea. L.M.W. Gibb.
1

Details

LEOPOLD ANNA - Continued.
-
(contd.)
About about 1 mile out, an enemy plane,
an to attack, was intercepted by
allied plane; the latter
however, damaged, and came down was, near
the H.76. The pilot could not be
picked up because of the risk of
grounding the ship. An English plane
then appeared and shot down the
German with one burst of fire; the
machine crashed on Dunkirk beach.
-
Altered course at 5 W buoy and passed
near an English ship, which was
bombed but not hit. The enemy plane
then circled round and aimed a salvo
of bombs at H.76, but none hit.
Zig-Zagged out of the danger zone and
came close to two English "patrol"
ships which exploded 2 magnetic mines.
The concussion was extremely violent,
but the H. 76's engines stood up to it.
1540
Arrived Ramsgate and disembarked 90
British and 22 French troops. (1)
The H.76 was "4 hours later than the
convoy, of which the greater part of
the ships had returned without troops".
1930
Sailed for Dunkirk in a convoy of 10
ships [see St. Pierre IV].
3rd June
02 30ca
Arrived off Malo-les-Bains.
Went alongside Dunkirk east pier and
embarked about 90 troops.
-
Sailed. In the darkness, ran aground
outside the harbour. Because of the
falling tide was not able to refloat
for 8 hours. Another ship ran
aground nearby.
Refloated at high tide and proceeded.
Came under fire from Gravelines
12 battery. miles out picked up 26 Spanish
sailors from a boat under oars.
Took the boat in tow.
1900ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 57
Allied troops and 25 Span1sh(2)
5th June
Sailed in convoy to Havre, under
-
command of Officier des Equipages
Vigue.
[Total 289. This total has
been included in the total
for the 17 ships headed by
the 2.50 and the St. Pierre
IV]
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folios No.12 and 34.
(1) Ramsgate report, which however names the A7 1900311908
(2) Ramsgate "Lena". report.
166

Details

Skoot
PASCHOLL
Lieut. T. Johnston,
Lieut. Lieut. J.W. (?) Donaldson, R.N. R.N.R.
S/Lieut. J.N. Wise, R.N.V.R,
J.F.A. St. Aubyn, R.N.V.R.,
Cdr. C.E. Hammond, D.S.O., 1st D.S.C., Lieut.
R.N.
2200
27th May
Sailed in command. from Portsmouth, Lieut. Johnston
28th May
1400
2230
Left Dover for La Panne.
29th May
0400
Arrived and La Panne. Embarked 300 troops
Wolsey(?).
transferred them to the dr.
-
Returned to the Downs.
1200
1900
Left Dover.
Arrived Deal. Proceeded to Dover.
30th May
0230ca
Arrived La Panne. Embarked 400
British and French troops.
1030
Proceeded.
1400
Air attack. Two casualties.
1815
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 157 B.E.F
145 Allied troops(1).
2200
A fresh crew was embarked.
Lt. Donaldson, R.N.R. took command.
31st May
-
Proceeded to La Panne, and embarked
troops.
1630
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 101
B.E.F. and 37 French. (2)
2nd June
-
Sailed to Sheerness.
1630
Lt. Wise in command. Sailed from
Sheerness to Ramagate.
3rd June
1500
Left Ramsgate, with Cdr. C.E. Hammond
D.S.O., D.S.C., on board and i/c of
the 5 skoots, Pascholl, Hondsrug,
Reiger, Lena and Bornrif.
1600
Reiger ran aground on the Quern sand.
2300
Arrived Dunkirk. Lt. Wise says, "the
town was blazing furiously and
presented a truly memorable
spectacle ..... some of the other
skoots had secured nearby. One
destroyer came up astern ..... wedged
[ the Lena] ran aground. A
us in, and carried some of our Q.D.
The congestion ..... was chaotic,
gear away with her bow hawser
ships going astern into others
shrieking their sirens, small craft
coming ahead, French destroyers
the exit most dangerous".
nipping here and there, rendering
4th June
0030
Proceeded, with about 300 French troops
0830ca
Ramsgate. on board. Disembarked 255 French(3)
Total 695
Authority - R.O.II, pp. 23, 27, 106, 108, 549.
(1) (2) Ramsgate report. D.R. gives 400.
(3) Ramsgate report.
Ramsgate report. D.R. gives 300.

Details

2.50 Sainte Pierre IV (C.1418) - Continued.
50 [Lydie Suzanne]
-
1st  June)
In in the
between a them (H.76)
disembarked. Ramsgate 12 ships where were the troops were to
Ramsgate specifically disembarkations
are not These
2100
report. mentioned in
The Z.50 sailed from Ramsgate in a
convoy of 12 ships.
Shortly down after sailing, the Z.50
to the and S/Lt. Le Coniat transferred broke
-
On the way over, 2 more of the 12
Saint Pierre IV (C.1418).
ships broke down.
2nd June
0400
On arrival at Dunkirk, the Anna-
Leopold ran aground. (Two hours
later she refloated, entered the
harbour, embarked troops and
sailed for Ramsgate).
In the meantime, the remaining 8
ships went alongside the east pier,
Dunkirk, and embarked troops - with
much difficulty - because the troops
were unwilling to embark in such
small vessels.
0600
The 8 ships sailed for Ramsgate.
1300ca
Off Ramsgate, the St. Pierre IV took
in tow a broken down vessel.
1350-
On arrival at Ramsgate, six trawlers
1430
landed 124 B.E.F. and 56 Allied
troops; the Antoinette Michel
(C.1376) landed 35 Allied troops;
and another trawler and the "Anna"
[?] landed 37 B.E.F. and 63 Allied
troops. (1)
1540
The Anna-Leopold landed 112 troops
at Ramsgate. In all, therefore,
about 450 troops were transported
The St. Pierre IV (C.1418) sailed
on this trip.
1930
nine Maria Gratia Plena (C.1298),
from ships Anna-Leopold (H.76)
Ramsgate; in company were the
Ave Colombe (C.1322), Jolie Mascotte (C.1376)
La Antoinette Michel "C.1457",
La (C.1347), Mouette (c.1441) and the
"C.1479" and "C.1502".
3rd June
0230
Arrived Dunkirk. Searched for troops Went
on Malo the seaward did
beach, but found side none. of the
alongside troops (V.Louis)
of east to make embark; the pier. St. them Pierre The one come of down. IV the went crew ashore
0400
The to convoy sailed.
& (3) Rams gate report. it was the "Leopold Lena". No
Thehip names of report of this these name says last is known. 3 ships are not known.
Dute &
359

Details

Page 123
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HONDSRUG (Continued).
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.R.
Displayed exceptional endurance, initiative
determination during 9 days of continuous operation, and
during which his vessel was frequently under air
attack. Handled his vessel with great skill and
judgment, consequently succeeding in avoiding the
navigational dangers which brought so many other
skoots to grief. Beached his vessel with good
judgment as necessary to embark troops.
Recommended for decoration.
RATING.
t
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92816.
9
Acted as coxswain and displayed high qualities
of leadership with his inexperienced crew. Showed
great coolness under fire when the unarmed HONDSRUG
was machine gunned and bombed, and was a tower of
strength throughout the operation.
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. LENA - Lieutenant-Commander Richard Purnell
Caesar Hawkins, R.N. (Ret.).
Recommendation.
RATING.
Leading Seaman Lauchan McLean Watt Gibb, D/J.64311.
Coxswain of this vessel. During 3 round trips
was conspicuous for his untiring work during
embarkation and attending to the comfort of those
troops embarked as far as was possible. His
conduct under bombing attack when the ship was
damaged was exemplary.
Recommended for mention.
Dutch/

Details

0
Shipwright 2nd Class (Pensioner) PN. 4307, Charles Motor Greenwood, Yacht ERICA.8899,
Petty Second Officer Engineer F.J. J. Norton, Steward, S.S. DORIEN ROSE Launch MERMAIDEN
Boswain P. McFadden, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Able Seaman J. Upperton, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Able Seaman T. Bassett, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Ordinary Seaman C. Bassett, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Fireman S. Khan, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Fireman M. Mohand, S.S. DORIEN ROSE
Petty Officer Telegraphist Cooley, P/J.93203, R.N.L.B.
WALTON & FRINTON
Able 1st Engineman Seaman MacManus, R. Walter, P/SSX.14756, Launch HAIG R.N.L.B. WALTON & FRINTON
T. 3rd Engineer J.H. Spain, Launch KESTREL
Able Seaman F. Cherry, 3rd Engineer, Launch SWALLOW
Master T.J. Hopwood, Tug LADY BRASSEY
VSkipper Henry Forester, Master W.S.3348, Tug ST. OLAVE
Master H.F. Boyce, HOPPER BARGE W.24
Auxiliary Fireman Eric Gordon Wright, London Fire Brigade Fire
Float MASSEY SHAW
Auxiliary Fireman Henry Albert William Day, London Fire Brigade
Fire Float MASSEY SHAW
Lieutenant Richard Eyre, R.N., M.A./S.B.10
Lieutenant Ralph Kenneth Livingstone Waller, R.N.V.R.,
M.T.B.68
Leading Seaman Percy Ward, JX.134801, M.T.B.68
Able Seaman Sydney Davey, 146839, M.T.B.68
Leading Seaman Albert Dawkin, PS/SX.17391, M.T.B.102
Lieutenant John Cameron, R.N.V.R., M.T.B.107
Chief Petty Officer M.J. Driver, 6134D, M.T.B.107
Leading Stoker C.W.T. Murrin, P/KX.82587, M.T.B.107
Lieutenant-Commander Laurence Henry Phillips, R.N.,
Commanding Officer of H.M.S. AMAZONE
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. (Retd.) Commanding Officer of
Lieutenant-Commander Kenneth Warden Stewart, R.N.,
BRENDARIS, MARLBOROUGH, WOLF
Petty Officer Thomas A. Willins, P/J.100988, Dutch Skoot
Dutch Skoot FREDANJA
1
Engine Room Artificer 4th Class Jack S. Ambrose, FREDANJA P/MX.65337,
Leading Seaman Lauchan McLean Watt Dutch Gibb, D/J.64311, Skoot FREDANJA Dutch
Lieutenant Petty Officer Alexander Tyson, R.N., Dutch Skoot H.M.S. Skoot H.M.S. LENA REIGER
VChief Able Master 1st Officer Seaman Officer William J. Francis R. Hay Fowles, F. Baker, Pembury, Herbert Hospital - BIARRITZ Hospital Franklin, Carrier Dutch Carrier Coaster P/J.96765, ISLE OF ISLE H.M.S. GUERNSEY OF GUERNS ZEUS
2nd Officer Arthur Patrick - PRAGUE
VV
W.C.E. William Leonard - PRAGUE - DAFFODIL
Second Engineer John Bingham Woodhouse, Joseph Paterson,
Master 7520070, R.A.M.C. Evans, - ROYAL
Commodore Captain John Konts.John Smith, Herbert Gilbert Hubert Oliver Otway Hospital R.N. - R.N.
First Officer Cecil Bond, ROYAL Carrier DAFFODIL ST. ANDREW
ST. C.M.G., HELIER (Vice-Admi ( award
R.N., (Vice Admiral Retire
THE THE THE THE Ruthven,
R.N.
McClelland, Junor, R.N. R.N.
Hay, - Frank SWALLOW Neil Brockett, R.N.R.

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274
252
From:- J. Travers-Moss, Motor Boat Kit-Cat,
Ramsgate.
Date:- 4th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
Report that whilst on duty on the 3rd instant
at Dunkirk we had decided to take a final look around
when we sighted the Singapore, who in turn had been
aground all night and, in attempting to get away,
had burnt out her clutch, so we took her in tow at
0830. This having reduced our speed considerably,
we did not deem it advisable to stay any longer.
As we reported verbally to you, in the south of the
harbour there lay a Belgian boat with 8,000 gals of
petrol aboard, but in view of our handicap V we were
unable to destroy same.
? Lena isso information
incorrect Liep
why the Leua ? She was Watch
Three were 6 Belgian boats -
Happer, "Sambre" etc

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1
N
2
The following REPORTS have been extracted from this file
and are being forwarded under cover of Vice Admiral, Dover's
letter concerning loss of ships during operation DYNAMO.
SKOOTS:
HORST
LENA
have been extracted :
under cover of VieST
NA
ships during on

Details

Dynam. 311.
27
I
FROM Commander in Command Mine Recovery Flotilla,
27
DATE
10th June, 1940
North Shields.
TO
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate
copy r. Cape Hultern
REPORT OF OPERATION ON NIGHT OF
3/4 June, 1940
Sir,
I have the honour to report the operation
of the 5 scoots under my command on the night of
3/4 June.
2.
On being refused permission to take the
drifters of the 2nd M.R. Flotilla, I was offered
command of the 5 Dutch Scoots, "PASCHOLL",
"HORNSRUG", "REIGER", "LENA" and "BORNRIF".
3.
There was little time to make any arrangements
and comminication was difficult. I made some rough
orders on a signal pad and sent them round by the
motor boat which took me on board "PASCHOLL".
4.
Under way about 1600 for RV at N. G odwin.
"REIGER" had meanwhile run aground on the Quern on
a falling tide and was out of it.
5.
Proceeded in company without incident, timing
my speed to reachlio. 12, buoy Dunkerque at 2230.
6.
My orders were to use Western pier Nouvean
avant Port and on rounding Western mole I headed into
the avant Port. I was unable to find enough water
anywhere in this area so I came astern and headed for
West pier of the main harbour, which I could seeagainst
the burning town.
7. go alongside West side of West Pier. They got their
Meanwhile 2 of my ships passed me and tried to
bows up to pier but had a job getting their stern to
and "LENA" which was the outside ship of the two grounded
just off the pier. I got alongside east side and
"HORNSRUG" came alongside me.
8. very glad to find Commander H.R. TroMp, who said he had
The Pier was full of French troops and I was
appointed himself Piermaster.
He and I were unable to get a tug to pluck
"LENA" off and finally had to take the men off and
leave her.
Lieut. Wise, R.N.V.R., and his Sub Lieut. were
meanwhile 9. loading the ship with men and "HORNSRUG" destroyer was
also loading vessel alongside each side astern of us. Cormander of
across my decks. There was a
escort complete control of the situation in spite and
Tromp had almost lost his voice, and without his help have been
having judgment the loading of 5 ships at once would
difficult.

Details

Statement from S.Y. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. in the Jug. Vincia
left Ramagah in taw of three skiffs for Durkich at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandettee Bany, other
549
Report by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd).
- 519
centre jetty and embarked French troops (approx
50 in number). Discharged troops to steamer
lying outside and returned for further load.
Were informed that there were 700 troops aboard &
steamer aground off Nouveau Avant Port so
proceeded alongside and took off 39 French troops.
As it was approaching daylight Cormdr. Troop
decided to return to base with load.
0200
Off entrance of harbour we were struck on portside
by two French motor vessels in rapid succession
and holed on port side amidships and portside
for'd. Forepeak rapidly filled with water so
we proceeded alongside paddle sweeper "Westward
Ho" which was on point of leaving.
As "Westward HO" already had her engines moving
and wash from her paddles was causing "Haig" to
fill rapidly, speedy abandonment was necessary
and all hands and troops boarded "Weatward Ho"
by port paddle-box door.
3rd June.
0700 Landed Margate.
ben June.
1530 Having been asked by Commander Hammond, D.S.O.,
D.S.C., R.N. to come as his navigating officer,
boarded schoot "Pascholl" (Lt. Wise R.N.V.R.)
and proceeded (Cmmdr. Hammond in command) with
"Lena", "Hondsrug" and another in company with
orders toreach Dunkirk No. 12 W buoy at 2300.
Courses and speed as requisite for Dunkirk.
2300
On arrival at Dunkirk entered harbour and
endeavoured to find Jetty in Nouveau Avant Port.
This was not practicable owing to insufficient
water so proceeded alongside centre jetty (East
side) and embarked 255 French troops. During
embarkation enemy action was conspicuous by its
absence and all was quiet.
th June.
0200
Left Jetty in order to allow other vessels to come
alongside and set course and speed as requisite
for Ramsgate. Left by X route and arrived off
N. Goodwin L/V at 0630. Owing to insufficient
water in Ramsgate and inability to anchor,
Channel and up Ramsgate Channel, arriving in time
proceeded to Downs by Gull Stream and Downs
to enter harbour at 0815. Discharged troops.

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Dynamo 65
ROYAL NAVAL BARRACKS,
CHATHAM.
285
291
TAI
6th June, 1940.
200
288
87
kerque,
LENA
90
I have the honour to report that the Dutch
293
ot "LENA" (D.B.10) departed Sheerness at 0430
the 27th May calling at Southend for orders.
times given are approximate, as the rough log
ation
t was left in the ship at Dunkirk.
ennant
3
h May. Departed Sheerness 0430. Called at
1e.
Southend for orders. Anchored off Deal 1100.
Departed for Zuidcote Beach 1300. Arrived 2130.
ds.
Embarked 120 British troops between 2206 -
ong
0400 (28th).
ome
h
May. 0001 - 0400. Embarking troops. Slow
ling
loading due to darkness and lack of boats.
say
Transferred the 120 to "SHIKARI" during forenoon
sh
and embarked 350 British early in the afternoon.
Departed for Ramsgate by Zuidcote Pass route.
Ships off the beaches attacked shortly after
89
leaving and hospital ship and transport bombed
without success off the Middlekerke buoy.
Anchored off Ramsgate 2330.
LE
th May. Disembarked 350 troops 0700.
Anchored in roads.
107
oyer
1500 entered for water and provisions.
ht:
1600 departed for Dunkirk by direct route.
th May. Embarked 300 British at daylight using our
own boats. 0800 departed for Ramsgate. Disembarked
take
troops during the afternoon. Informed at Ramsgate
men
that no further embarkations at Dunkirk would be
n
effected.
Anchored in Roads.
g
..
st June. 0545. Received orders to proceed to Dunkirk
Le
had
with 25 small kedge anchors. Departed Ramsgate and
arrived off beaches at Dunkirk 1300. No other ships
ties
were present. Embarked 400 British using our own
ed.
I
boats and grass to kedge anchor ashore. Attacked by
train
dive bombers before entering Dunkirk roads and
again off beach. There was one minor casualty from
of
splinters. Engineroom gauges smashed and ship
Panne
holed forward which was plugged with wooden wedge.
D and
As the enemy were bombing the wrecks in the roads,
re
idently taking them for transports afloat, I
nd
msidered it inadvisable to get under way before
to
rk. The troops were put below and no movement
owed to give the appearance of being abandoned.
set
5. Departed for Ramsgate.
tions, 1"
0630. Disembarked 400 troops at Ramsgate.
i/c
hit.
hed in roads to await orders for dispersal.
ise
ore
1100. Received orders to disperse, calling
and
- uthend for further instructions.
que
N. Retd.)
al
Proceeded.
5. Recalled. Anchored in roads.
ark
0
0. Received operation orders for embarkation
si
inkirk harbour.
D
Departed for Dunkirk in company with thre
chopts.

Details

M
017978
(Revised-June, 1933.)
CONFIDENTIALI
DATE
WHOM
287
90
RA.C RACINGS.
9.11.41
que
461/15.16.
290
SUBJECT.
NGS TO BOARD.
Report of R.A. wake walker on the wasuation
Ann Dunkint 29 may June. 1940
3rd June (cont.) 2300. Grounded when going alongside
middle pier of Avant port at Dunkirk. Tug was
286
ordered from ashore but did not arrive. The schoot
"BORNRIFF" and a British drifter endeavoured to tow
3/6
off but without success.
289
4th June. On being informed that no further embarkations
could take place after daylight and it then being about
two hours after high water I decided at 0145 to send
the crew to a British drifter astern. The first party
embarked on her , the second party in a French drifter
and the remainder including Lieutenant Morton, R.N.V.R. 107
the 1st Lieutenant and myself to a lifeboat ferrying to
H.M.S.LOCUST outside the harbour. The British drifter
and the Locust landed their parties at Dover, from
where I reported to the N.O.I.C. at Ramsgate. The
remainder of the crew were landed by the French
drifter at Ramsgate, and the crew returned to Chatham
complete at 1615. I consider the "LENA" of little
use to the enemy apart from the six tons of Diesel
oil onboard, as her screw hit an obstruction when
going astern.
I would mention L.M.W. GIBB, Leading Seaman
O.N. D.J. 64311, the coxswain, for his untiring work
during the embarkations, and attention to the troops
comfort aboard as far as was possible under the
circumstances.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R.DC Hanhmis
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, (R.N. Retd.)
The Vice Admiral,
Dover. Admiralty House,

Details

Details

Details

Details

Page 3.
OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
-
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
# KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
V. 4 ("Vernon' s" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
Ambleve.
Escaut.
transferred
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Meuse.
from
Craft)
Sambre.
Semoise.
page 9.
yser.
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
PASCHOLL
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PATRIA
ALICE
FRISCO
PRINCESS JULIANA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
REIGER
ANTJE
HEBE
RIKA
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RUJA
BART
HONDSRUG
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
SURSUM CORDA
BRANDARIS
JAVA
TILLY
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TINY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TUNG
DEMOK I
LENA
TWENTE
DENEB
ORANJE
VREDE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
ZEUS
(Continued)
# Sunk

Details

Page 123
Operation "DYNAMO" Recommendations of Personnel,
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HONDSRUG (Continued),
let
Recommendations.
40
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.R.
DSC
Displayed exceptional endurance, initiative and d
determination during 9 days of continuous operation,
during which his vessel was frequently under air
attack. Handled his vessel with great skill and
judgment, consequently succeeding in avoiding the
navigational dangers which brought so many other
skoots to grief. Beached his vessel with good
judgment as necessary to embark troops.
Recommended for decoration.
be
me]
RATING.
sh
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92816.
Acted as coxswain and displayed high qualities
of leadership with his inexperienced crew. Showed
great coolness under fire when the unarmed HONDSRUG
was machine gunned and bombed, and was a tower of
strength throughout the operation.
D S M
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. LENA - Lieutenant-Commander Richard Purnell
Caesar Hawkins, R.N. (Ret.).
Recommendation.
RATING.
Leading Seaman Lauchan McLean Watt Gibb, D/J.64311.
Coxswain of this vessel. During 3 round trips
was conspicuous for his untiring work during
embarkation and attending to the comfort of those
troops embarked as far as was possible. His
conduct under bombing attack when the ship was
damaged was exemplary.
ber
Recommended for mention.
N.1
Dutch/
nd
high

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" $ Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 123
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. HONDSRUG (Continued).
Recommendations.
OFFICER
Lieutenant Frederick Thomas Renny, R.N.R.
determination during which his during 9 days of continuous initiative and
Displayed exceptional endurance,
attack. vessel was frequently operation,
navigational judgment, consequently succeeding in avoiding and the
Handled his vessel with great under skill air
skoots dangers which brought so many other
judgment as necessary to embark troops.
to grief. Beached his vessel with good
Recommended for decoration.
RATING.
Petty Officer James Potts, D/J.92816.
Acted as coxswain and displayed high qualities
of leadership with his inexperienced crew. Showed
great coolness under fire when the unarmed HONDSRUG
was machine gunned and bombed, and was a tower of
strength throughout the operation.
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. LENA - Lieutenant-Commander Richard Purnell
Caesar Hawkins, R.N. (Ret.).
Recommendation.
RATING.
Leading Seaman Lauchan McLean Watt Gibb, D/J.64311.
of this vessel. During 3 during round trips
Coxswain for his work of those
was embarkation conspicuous and attending was to whessible anip was
troops conduct embarked under bombing as far attack as
damaged was exemplary.
Recommended for mention.
ing
Dutch/
itel

Details

5)
1
also
0001
/
MESSAGE.
OUT
SECRET.
To
C. in C. Nore 445
DATE
Repeated F.O.i/c London 62.
22.5.40.
V.A.Dover.
P/L by T/P.
mont
From Admiralty.
to
IMMEDIATE.
even
91009
1. From the following list of Dutch Coasters lyin
THE
DC
[[tw
in the Port of London four in ballast and of about 200-300
Беппат
IOW
1ftw
tons are to be sent immediately to Victualling Wharf
Subject
.S
Deptford to Load military supplies. These will be manned
Lftw
VOSST
by naval crews after arrival at Deptford, and will work
under the War Office.
in
3370
orit
2. As many of the remainder which are in light
to
ROBBIT
condition are to be taken over and manned by naval crews.
.H
ed
of
3. C. in C. Nore is requested to arrange for the
ru
organisation and assembly of these vessels which when
Aven to
.TOVO
ready will be placed at the disposal of V.A.Dover.
.a
4. Names of ships to be reported as they become
aleasev
200
ready for service.
.T
5. Arrangements are being made for sets of charts
to be sent to Chart Depot Sheerness.
6. Further signal will be made re disposal of
Dutch crews and provision of personnel for manning.
7. It is a matter of great important that these
Jal
bas
ships should be got ready as soon as possible.
Cortnol
BRABANT
BART
Virged
8.
TWENTE
ANTJE
HONSDRUG
TILLE
.Ja8A
BRANDARIS
REIGER
DELTA
das
LENA
PRINCESS
JULIANA
BORNEO
B.W.O.V
CARIBIA
ORANGE
LIBERTY
GORECHT
BERNINA
S.W.O.A
68
VREDE
RIKA
FIDUCIA
LIMBURG
B.M.O.A
JUNIOR
BORNRIF
0.8.0
PATRIA
AMSTELROOM
DENEB
MARTHA
,agO
.0.0
EXPRESS
MERCURIUS
AEGIR
.4.V.8
JUTLAND
1704/22.
D.O.D.(H)
.a.r.a
A.C.N.S. (A)
D.T.D. (3)
(15 apin)
1st S.L.
D.T.D. Basement
A.C.N.S.
2nd S.L.
0.8.0. to 1st S.L.
D.P.S. (2)
Controller
N.A.2nd S.L.
Deputy Controller
00s.(4)
I.S.P.S.
Ass. Controller Bath
O.D.(3)
Hydrog.
5)
S.V.P. Cdr. Stephenson Room 59
I.P.(3)
4th S.L.
W.R.Bath

Details

29
From
Flag Officer in Charge, London.
P.L.A. Building, E.C.3.
To
Head of M. Branch, Admiralty.
(Copy to:- Secretary to Commander In Chief,
The Nore, ref.477.c.c./40 of 13/6/40.)
Date
15th June 1940.
No.414/15/40.
Subject
"DYNAMO".
With reference to M.010027/40, the following
are the dates on which the crews of the Dutch Coasters
taken into service for operation "Dynamo" were returned
to their Depots.
Dates of commissioning were notified in
message 2. 1335 D of 27th May from Combrax, Chatham.
Name.
Date paid off.
Name.
Date paid off.
Bornriff.
6th June.
Orange.
6th June.
Bart.
Aegir.
5th June.
11th June.
Honsdrug.
5th June.
Antje.
5th June.
Delta.
5th June.-
Reiger.
6th June.
5th June.
Jutland.
5th June.
Hilda.
ked
Dogger Bank.
5th June.
Patria.
6th June.
Twente.
5th June.
Vrede.
6th June.
copy
6th June.
Caribia.
5th June.
Tilly.
Lena.
5/6
Not returned Rika.
5th June.
to London.
Gorecht.
7th June.
Brandaris
(at Sheerness)
11/10
5th June.
Princess Juliana.
Tiny.
6th June.
Rion.
6th June.
Java.
Rign
to
Secretary to
Rear Admiral.
Flag Officer in Charge.

Details

No.. D.Y.1/01.
ADMIRALTY
(Military Branch).
With reference to Head
of Military Branch's No. M. 010027/40
of 20th June, 1940, there is no
record at Sheerness of the paying
off of the requisitioned Dutch
Vessels "PRINCESS JULIANA", "LENA",
or "BRENDARIS".
"PRINCESS JULIANA" did
not take part in operation "Dyanmo",
having developed engine defects
after being stored. Shipkeepers
were placed on board on 31st May,
and remained on board until 8th
June, the vessel being towed away
by the Tug "VESTA" for Deptford.
U.Meane.
29th June, 1940. COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE,
SHEERNESS.

Details

63) Wt. 36485/0155 40M 12/30 S.E.R. Ltd. Gp. 671.
ADMIRALTY.
REFERENCE SHEET.
Head of M. Branch.
To
Secretary to
Commodore R.N.B.,
Chatham.
11th July,
19 40.
44
027/40.
Information required, or notified.
net
Combrax Chatham's 1335/27/5.
Please give dates of paying off PRINCESS
JULIANA, LENA and BRANDARIS.
5/4
b/b
b
P MODORE'S OFFICE
EW Austin
*
12 PEMBROKE JUL 1940
for Head of M. Branch.
S.
els
Ao
Fl
an
me,
wler

Details

S.S.B.A.
18 th July , 1940
- 3 +
Norfolk Broads:
The appointment of Capt. N.M.C. Thurston, R.N.
(retd). has been terminated.
The following further addresses and telephone Nos. of
R.N.O's are promulgated:-
Workington
Central Hotel, Workington. Phone:- Workington 150
Preston
Park Hotel, Preston. Phone:- Preston 56026
Whitehaven
Globe Hotel, Whitehaven.
48
Burnham-on-Crouch
(for Foulness)
Burnham 2103.
Burntisland
Burntisland 2123
(M. 013822/40).
2.
Oropesa M/S BEN EARN (S.S.B.A. No. 476(13) commissioned
on 18th July 1940.
(M. 02541/40).
3.
With reference to S.S.B.A. No. 551 (8) SUNLIGHT is
a coaster and not a trawler.
(L.D. 0803/40).
4.
The following vessels have been taken up for naval
service on Mediterranean station:-
Service.
Launch No. 69 }
Ismailia.
"
No. 65
LighterNo. 108
)
Special service.
"
No. 109 )
(M. 09625/40).
5.
With reference to S.S.B.A. No. 551 (10) CISTULA has
now been released and returned to owners.
(s.v.P. 340/40).
6.
The following miscellaneous vessels have been taken
up for naval service:-
Service.
Armament Supply, Scapa.
FRED EVERARD
ENA (Water boat)
Harbour work, Plymouth.
(released 27.6.40).
(M. 5880/39).
7. BOUNTIFUL has been re-commissioned as H.M.S. CABOT.
With reference to S.S.B.A. No. 522 (13) drifter
(M. 3408/40).
8.
H.M. Submarines TRIBUNE and SPEARFISH are to be
transferred to 3rd Submarine Flotilla. (V.A.(s). 1223/17).
9. JULIANA was Reference paid off 4th June, LENA 5th June, and BRANDARIS
S.S.B.A. No. 541 (6) Dutch coaster PRINCESS
6th June, 1940.
(M. 010027/40).
10.

Details

VESSERHAMER
OWNER
ЯДИМО
REMARKS JM882V
ABDE BEAUCLARK
Lifeboat
ABEL TASMAN
Dutch
JoodsTid везихойса
AEGIR
Dutch
ALICE
.I.А.И.Я
security
Dutch
AMAZONE
Dutch
ANTJE
Dutch
$8009711
OJ benefits
BART
.00 .K.B .0 & .9
"D"
Dutch
BORNRIFF
Dutch
BRENDARIS becreach
Isodetts ВОИТВАН
Dutch
CARIBIA
SHTYH
Dutch
TOS Wasmotat OK
antil 7838 SHIE
DELTA
(A) STACHERS
STATEMENT mott
Dutch
DESPATCH II benefits S
Dutch enta Itall Isvor
DOGGER BANK (bensuder
(a) STAORSTAR
Dutch
of Бептитея
office? nstbens0
STAOSHIRE
FERDANTA
Dutch .btd .00 18.8
FRISCO exem0 benefits
Dutche0 .M.B .0 58 .9
(81) STACHETIJ
TOT
CORECHT 03 benefits
Dutch mebH.8.2 Date:
TAOHERIS
of DenindeR
(Totoli S)
HEBE hev 10005 on
Dutch
(8) STAOSETIC
HONSDRUG FeersV gateelM
Dutch
xa
HORST S bite Demitter S
Dutch ITSAO ИТДВОЯ xH
(+) STACHATIS
besiges aeno
JAVA ATUJOT TO SEASE of
Dutch sibal
STAOSHERS
JUTLAND mort
Dutch .00 mottegivell
(afessev OL)
DIE INJURITY TOD
SERVETE SCIUDI
KAAPFALGA
Dutch della
52000214 Agridobia
YOUR
LENA
Dutch Говлойн Aground on Brady beach.
BILIN & 011900
XII STAOSBULI 4
ORANJE
Dutch
RITCAD
OD
NOTE
xe 1112 I
PACIFIC "dati
Dutch
HYHORIDA
PASCHULL
⑉06⑉
Dutch
⑉00⑉
I
PATRIA
on
Dutch antacida Tongos
XS TACESHIN I
PRINCESS JULIANA
Dutch
YORWAH
xe STACHERST
REIGER 03 hermiter &
Dutch
mebison
(b) НОИЛЯО
RIKA
Dutch
RUJA
Dutch
SANANTINO
Dutch
STADHAM
SURSUM CORDA
Dutchidelli blowdows
TTOO YEAR
зия ита ATAHOTM
Dutch
(dsods)
TILLY
Dutch
TWENTE
nosemic 18
BEDRIT
.renwo of Белшей
Dutch
(Jebdoth
VREDE Jon bib
LOOPE TELEPORT
Dutch
(THATEW XSTX BAMORT)
WEGA
Dutch
Jeodella STAOLMAS
ZEOS
bna CLOOD АВОЯ
anuz
******** HUMAN
ИОТИТЯЧ bire MOTJAW

Details

274
252
From:- J. Travers-Moss, Motor Boat Kit-Cat, Ramsgate.
Date:- 4th June, 1940.
To:- Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
when at we sighted the Singapore, who in turn had
Dunkirk we had decided to take & final look been around
Report that whilst on duty on the 3rd instant
0830. had This having reduced our speed considerably,
aground burnt out her clutch, SO me took her in at
all night and, in attempting to get away, tow
we reported verbally to you, in the south the of
did not deem it advisable to stay any longer. or
As we there lay a Belgian boat with 8,000 gals were
unable to destroy same.
petrol harbour aboard, but in view or our handicap st we
? lena isso mfrastim
incorrect LISP
may the Leva ? Shem Actity 44/54
Thousand Belgion book
Happer Sambie etc.

Details

298
FROM Commander in Command Mine Recovery Flotilla 276
North Shields.
DATE
...
10th June, 1940
NAVAL
OFFICER
TO
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate
11JUN1940
REPORT OF OPERATION ON NIGHT OF
3/4 June, 1940
MASSACHUSETTS
CHARGE
M
*
Sir,
I have the honour to report the operation
of the 5 scoots under my command on the night of
3/4 June.
2.
On being refused permission to take the
drifters of the 2nd M.R. Flotilla, I was offered
command of the 5 Dutch Scoots, "PASCHOLL",
"HORNSRUG", "REIGER", "LENA" and "BORNRIF".
3. and communication was difficult. I made some rough
There was little time to make any arrangements
orders on a signal pad and sent them round by the
motor boat which took me on board "PASCHOLL".
4. "REIGER" had meanwhile run aground on the Quern on
Under way about 1600 for RV at N. Goodwin.
a falling tide and was out of it.
Proceeded in company without incident, timing
my 5. speed to reachNo. 12 buoy Dunkerque at 2230.
avant 6. Port and on rounding Western mole I headed into
My orders were to use Western pier Nouvean
West anywhere pier of the main harbour, which I could seeagainst
the in this area so I came astern and headed for
avant Port. I was unable to find enough water
the burning town.
2 of my ships passed me and tried their to
7. Meanwhile West side of West Pier. their They stern got to
bows up to which pier was the outside ship of the side two and grounded
go alongside but had a job getting
and just "LENA" off the pier. I got alongside east
"HORNSRUG" came alongside me.
very 8. glad The to Pier find was Commander H.R. Tromp, who had
full of French troops and said I he was
appointed himself Piermaster.
I were unable to get a tag to off pluck and
"LENA" off He and and finally had to take the men
leave her.
Wise, R.N.V.R., and his Sub "HORNSRUG" Lieut. were was
meanwhile decks.
9. Lieut. loading the ship with men There and was a destroyer
also loading across alongaide my each side astern of us. in spite Commander of
escort TroMp had vessel complete his control voice, of and the without situation would his help have been and
having judgment almost the loading lost of 5 shipa at once
difficult.

Details

Details

501470
1 Sick Quarters at Ramsgate 4 SION HILL
June 7th
19 40
To NAVAL OF FICER IN CHARGE
RAMSGATE
Submitted
Report on the Medical Organisation at Ramsgate Naval
Base during the evacuation of the B.E.F. from the
French coast.
In such an emergency a basis of procedure had to
be rapidly improvised and modified according to
circumstances. Collaboration between the Naval. medical
personnel and the RAMC was essential and after the first
day was found to be working smoothly and efficiently.
The suggestion that the floor of the Merrie England
base should be used as & Clearing Station was supported
by the NOIC, and traffic from the eastern pier head
ATO
was so organised. Very little delay was found in
rapidly clearing the wounded from ships as they berthed.
tels
Smaller boats were dealt with at the Dover steps further
down. A naval and military doctor was always available
at the pier head for some time before and after high
led
tide at which time many of the larger vessels entered
the harbour. A pier head rallying point was
established for medical personnel, and here stocks of
dressings, stretchers and medical essentials were kept.
Transport in the form of ambulances Military, ARP, and
St.John's was always available and ample. I would
RILEA
United
JUTLAND
FREDANJA
TYCAP
CRASTS
JAJA
FOAM QUEEN
PACIFIC
BORNRIO
PASCHOLL
REIGER
SUN IV
LINIRED STAR
PATRIA
QUEEN
BRANDARIS
TANIA
RUJA
RESTREL
DELFUSE
SUN XV
HOPPER-
HANDBRUG
BARGE 24
(INO GEORGE y
SWALLOW
DWARP
CAVA
GROUSE
BOURNRIFT
ROYAL DAFFODIL
FABIA
PRINCE OF WALES
CARISTA
BAN
CELLETT
BOX FRED
ROYAL SOVERSION
LENA
VIRINO
SALVINA
DUCHESS OF FIFE ORIOLE

Details

(COPY).
Dyram 311
/166
From: Commander in Command Nine Recovery Flotilla, North Shields.
Date: 10th June, 1940.
trues TO artifieria on and staff
III
To: Naval Officer in Charges Managates. Indiana act 20
musters all no work 0152 at saidle
(Copy to)- Captain, H.N.S. "VERNON")
visal Dari club and 20 street 20 DOZ
.SI
of not Date Lequi [Iew
ord Bontot visa sets .0.0 od?
REPORT OF OPERATION ON NIGHT OF seems howere
3/4 JUITS, 1940.
Subject Extense gelmed 02 - saled
Sir ISTO food I CCM solvies ath
I have the honous to report the operation
to 0:52 to q.t.f. oill the to
of the 5 accots under m command on the 30 rights of # 3/4 oved June. of
2. of the 2nd Hells Plotilla, PER was offered command of the a Dutch
On being refused permission to take the drifters
Scoota, "PASCHOLL", "HORIBRUG", individualigo and #a "BORNRIF"
ON
and 3. communication was difficult. I made some rought orders on
There was little time to nake any atrangements
a signal pad and sent them round by the motor boat which took
me aboard "PASCHOLL".
02 wonners
Under vay about 1600 for RV at N. Goodwin.
4. "RNIGER" had meanwhile run aground on the juern on a falling
tide and was out of it.
Proceeded in company without incident, timing
5. my speed to each No. 12 Buiry Dunkerque at 2230.
orders were to use lestern pier Houvean avant Port, avant Port
6. rounding Ny Western nole I headed into the in this area 80
I I was unable astern to and headed for est pier of which
and, on find enough water anywhere the main harbour,
I came could 800 against the burning some
7. Hounwhile of lest Pier. They got "LENA" which up
2 of my ships passed no their and tried bows to go to
pier but had a job of the two grounded just alongaide 110.
alongside West side getting their stern to off and the pier. I was
108
the alongside outside east ship side and "HORNSREG" -
8. very glad to The find Pier Commender H.R. Troup, who appointed
was full of French trodpit said and he I had was
himelf Piermaster.
I were unable to get and A tug leave to pluck her. "LENA"
one and Family He and had to take the for DIT
Lieut. thership with and destroyer escort also
Wine, R.N. and his TORISRUG Sub. Lieut. was were
neerchile . scross loading my decise astern There of was us. is Comminder Troup
reasel Loading alongside each side the situation in spite of having the loading elmost
had complete control without of his help and judgment of
Lost ships his at voice, once would and have been
At about 0030 we had a Jull a good.ldea, in the arrival although BO I of decided, the we troops could after
have and 10. there taken were Troup, more. ships to There go waiting with was what to get I had alongaide, - "HORNBRUG" and "BORNRIF"
consulting following independently.

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. IV
round trip from 80 to 172 miles, and the for route the had to be swept before it
and thence into the Dunkirk Impulsive, the THE
be used. Orders were therefore given the North Goodwin
route (the middle Route X), from road, and at 1140
commenced by the destroyer Vessel Patricia. This
advantage of shortening the round trip to 108 miles.
Halcyon, and the Trinity House from 172 route X had the great and
Helier¹ and Royal Daffodil, which left at 1054 under escort of the des- St.
Among the earliest ships to use the Dover northern Route Y were the P/V's
The convoy was joined en route by the hospital carriers St. Andrew and St.
troyer Vimy; in company was the destroyer Anthony, escorting the S.S. Kyno.2
Julien. Route Y was certainly, at that time, out of range of gunfire, but two
bombing attacks were made on the hospital carriers between the West Hinder
and Kwint Bank buoys, and when the convoy arrived off Dunkirk heavy air
attacks were in progress there. The Royal Daffodil and the St. Helier entered
the harbour, but the latter was ordered to withdraw, and she and the 2 hospital
carriers returned empty to the Downs under escort of the Vimy. The Royal
Daffodil embarked 840 troops before returning to Dover.
Sea and Air Patrols
The principal patrol line covered in the morning of the 27th May by Fighter
Command, was Calais-Dunkirk, as it was not known that the Calais garrison
had ceased fire. From 1450 onwards, however, Calais fell out of the picture,
and it became possible to concentrate fighter protection more exclusively on
the work of evacuation³. Sixteen squadrons, varying in strength from 9 to 20
aircraft, were engaged on these activities from 0500-2130; patrols were, how-
ever, limited to squadron strength. Most squadrons carried out 2 patrols,
and 287 sorties in all were flown during the day.4
To cover the passage of ships between Dunkirk and the Downs destroyer
patrols had been established to the northward during the forenoon, and Vice-
Admiral, Dover, asked for 6 additional destroyers to strengthen the Dover
forces. The Admiralty immediately ordered 4 destroyers from the Western
Approaches Command, and 2 from the Portsmouth Command, to proceed
to Dover.⁵
Ex-Dutch skoots for Dunkirk
Other vessels were on their way to Dunkirk during the day, among them
being 15 skoots⁶. Of these the Lena, Hebe II, and later the Oranje, arrived
off the beaches and embarked troops during the night of 27th/28th May the
Abel Tasman, Alice and Kaap Falga, loaded with ammunition and food,
arrived off La Panne early in the morning of 28th May; the Hilda and Doggers-
bank reached Dunkirk by noon the 28th May, and were sent to the beaches;
while the remainder⁷, in error, returned to the Downs, after having got within
a few miles of Dunkirk.
2 Off R buoy the Anthony, with the Kyno, was ordered back to the Downs and sub-
I Eleven of the St. Helier's crew had been replaced by naval ratings.
sequently 3 to Portsmouth. The Kyno took no further part in Operation "Dynamo".
R.A.F. Narrative, p. 319.
5 4 R.A.F. Narrative, P. 320.
Scimitar were sent.
Appendices D. 1 and D. 2. The Wakeful, Mackay, Worcester, Montrose, Shikari and
6 7 See Appendix F.
The Bornrif, Brandaris, Hondsrug, Jutland, Patria, Tilly, and Twente.
20

Details

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

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP V
While a situation that could only mean surrender was now visualised in
England as possibly a stark necessity, General Weygand sent an urgent tele-
gram to Lord Gort appealing to him personally to ensure that the British
Army took a vigorous part in any counter-attack thought necessary; the
situation, said General Weygand, made it essential to hit hard.
Lord Gort, who saw the situation more clearly, observes, when he [General
Weygand] sent this message, he could have had no accurate information of
the real position or of the powers of counter-attack remaining to either the
British or French."
Germans take Ostend
That evening, at 2030, the Admiralty informed the Vice-Admiral, Dover,
that Ostend was reliably reported to be captured. Dunkirk was the only port
left in Allied hands.
Situation at Dunkirk becomes easier
Nor were the prospects at Dunkirk very hopeful. When the Wolfhound and
the Wolsey left Malo beach for Dover just after midnight on the 27th May the
whole of the port appeared to be ablaze¹.
At 0125 the cruiser Calcutta, en route for La Panne, was missed by a torpedo
100 yards astern fired from an E-boat. No further attack took place, and the
Calcutta arrived off La Panne beach an hour later to find that the destroyers
Grafton, Greyhound and Impulsive, and the paddle-minesweepers Sandown and
Gracie Fields, were already there.
Ever since 0030 destroyers making their first trip to the evacuation area
had been arriving off the beaches, and only two - the Gallant and the Wakeful -
went to Dunkirk. The Vivacious and the skoot Hebe II reached Malo beach
at about 0030, and the Sabre at 0120. The Hebe II, unable to find any troops,
entered Dunkirk harbour and embarked 150 from the east pier; the Sabre
embarked troops from two drifters. At 0320 the Vimy arrived off the beach
at Zuydcoote, 3 miles east of Dunkirk, and sent her boats to assist in filling up
the minesweeper Brighton Belle, which was embarking troops with the assist-
ance of the ex-Belgian canal boat Yser and a small pulling boat. The skoot
Lena had been off Zuydcoote since the previous evening and in the early hours
of the 28th May transferred the 120 troops she had embarked to a destroyer ;
the minesweeper Medway Queen, off La Panne since 2300/27, sailed with 600
troops on board.
By 0400 the situation in Dunkirk harbour appears to have eased, and at
0436 S.N.O. Dunkirk was asking for all vessels to go alongside the east pier.
At 0445 the Vimy, leaving her boats with the Brighton Belle, went into Dunkirk
harbour and embarked 613 troops. At 0955 the destroyer Mackay reached
Dunkirk from the Irish Sea, and picked up 600 troops in an hour from the sea-
ward end of Dunkirk east pier, giving up her berth to the destroyer Montrose.
The Sabre, which had in the meantime returned to Dover with a load of 158
troops from Malo beach, berthed outside the Montrose. An hour later, the
destroyers Worcester and Anthony arrived, and berthed ahead of the Montrose.
The pier was crammed with troops and several aircraft, attempting to bomb
it, were driven off by the destroyers' gunfire. Vast columns of smoke were
drifting westwards from the burning oil tanks ashore, and houses on the sea
front were bursting into flames from time to time².
I Report by the Wolfhound.
2 Report by the Montrose.
27

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

CHAP. X
THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
arranged from 801 and 806 Command been
of them (Appendix 0830 until J.7). 1100 Air on protection 2nd June, by and Coastal Fighter Command had
Command three aircraft during of Nos. these 206, hours, 235, to cover Route Squadrons X. operated under patrols Coastal of
Fifth column activities (Appendix H27-32)
such "Dynamo", effective fifth use during the war. type time during Operation
On the Ist June column there came activities to notice, of the for the of first
empty, the to keep a look out and turn such
Sutton in and company, orders were met sent a out from Dover power to the and small the Dunkirk with thing boats return the boats returning boats returning
At 2150 on the 1st the Minesweeper number of Niger, boats en route to
Apparently the severe minesweepers, conditions it was at in and first from enormous believed the S.N.T.O. at wastage Dover on that the small French boats boats and were Belgian to daunted their coasts; duty. by
but a report came about the Ramsgate during the evening that
fifth column skoot was going first beaches at Dunkirk giving false informa- a
tion and orders to return. The example to come to notice was at 1300
the 1st when the skoot Oranje, off Dunkirk Channel, was informed by another on
sufficient ships in Dunkirk Harbour, and that the Oranje's boats were not
skoot that evacuation from the beaches was complete, that there were already
required. The Oranje remained where she was, however, in case the four boats
turned for home about 1515, subsequent to air attack.
she had towed over were needed, and until all ships in her neighbourhood
Although on the night of the 1st-2nd June the services of a number of small
craft were lost to the coast, there actually were a sufficient number off the
beaches to cope with the troops available.
Embarkation from the beaches
The first ships of the night flight to arrive off the beaches were minesweepers,
which began to anchor off Malo about 2000 on 1st. Here there were already
some 3 or 4 Thames barges, besides the paddle minesweeper Medway Queen
which had arrived some four hours earlier and had been engaged in filling up
with troops ever since. The skoot Lena had been there since 1300 on the 1st.
embarking 340 B.E.F. and 6 French troops; she was slightly damaged by air
attack during the day, and sailed at 2145 for Ramsgate. By midnight on the
1st-3nd June there were anchored off the beaches the minesweepers Marmion,
Snaefell, Niger, Glen Avon, Emperor of India, Glen Gower and Lydd, besides the
personnel ship Portsdown and the special service vessel Royal Eagle. Loading
was a slow process, for there were more ships lying off the beaches than could
be loaded by the boats available. Only one ship finished in 3 hours, most of
them taking nearly twice that length of time.
with 213 troops. She left behind her, abandoned the beach, the R.N.L.I.
The Emperor of India was apparently the first ship to sail from Malo, at 0238,
motor lifeboat Mary Scott which had ferried troops on and towed the Emperor of
India's whalers from the shore until she broke down. Queen left
shot at troops boat, 0245, down and and after an some nearly enemy details, Il aircraft hours including at on anchor the 10 beach Spanish during west which refugees of Dunkirk. the The rescued ship Medway claimed from She took an to have open 426
down the crews of two motor boats, the whose engines broke
unrecorded, like SO many small craft which came to grief in the course of render-
after some hours of ferrying troops and one, towing, Aura, and another, with name
100

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
Casualties from collison and grounding
had It embarked was under 200 conditions French such troops of as the at these harbour the West that per which
was rammed when just clear 20 feet from the stern, 2319,
line, Edmond cutting René; her her degaussing port bow, circuits. and the The troops collision was caused opened the up two to the wawler water
which was undamaged. eventually joining a water, trawler,
swing alongside one another, The Kingfisher, making trans-shipped little to the ships to
towards England at 7 knots, casualty. company with the minesweeper proceeded
Leda, another collision
West Pier about an hour into the prevailing fog, and off 0300, the on the way back the
The Leda, having embarked after the 484 Kingfisher. French troops, At had pushed off from
she ran down the Belgian The Leda's bows
Margate, the ship ran trawler Maréchal Foch. Goodwin Light Buoy to
damaged, and for a while the minesweeper the Albury, which had sailed from were
West Pier at about the same time as Leda, with 400 troops, stood by her; the
but the Leda's forward bulkhead held, so the ship continued on her way to
Margate, escorted for a while by the Kellett until the latter had to break off
assist a ship in greater trouble and left her with the Kingfisher as companion to
in misfortune. The fog was thick at Margate, and in the roads the Kingfisher
was rammed once more, the personnel vessel King George V hitting her on the
starboard bow, though only minor damage was caused.
Meanwhile, the Maréchal Foch had sunk. In economy of operation this
Belgian trawler seems to have been unequalled, for despite the fact that her
entire complement consisted only of the Master, Captain P. Lusyne, and one
man, (F. Decoster), she had embarked no less than 300 troops. To accomplish
this, the ship had lain alongside the quay at Dunkirk since the 2nd of June, for
she had grounded on the falling tide and did not get away until the night of
the 3rd-4th. It is satisfactory to know that the Captain and his crew were
picked up and landed at Dover ; but half of the 300 troops she was carrying
were drowned. The French M.T.B. V.T.B 25 which was bringing Admiral
Abrial from Dunkirk picked up some but was hampered by a propeller disabled
by wreckage, and some were rescued by the destroyer Malcolm, which left
Dunkirk at 0245 and reported picking up, in fog near the North Goodwin,
survivors of an unknown schuyt' which had been sunk in collision with a
minesweeper.
Another ship that grounded in Dunkirk and was lost in consequence, was the
Skoot Lena. This vessel had sailed from England at 1530 on the 3rd June, in
company with four other skoots, the Pascholl (S.O.), Hondsrug, Bornrif, and
Reiger. The latter ran aground on the Quern Sand soon after leaving Rams-
gate, and was left behind. Going alongside the middle pier of Avant Port"
at Dunkirk (probably the West Quay or Guiding Jetty, or possibly the Inner but
Western high none British water, was drifter Pier) available orders were the having Lena and unsuccessful. attempts grounded been given made At at that about 1045 to no tow on 2300. further the her 4th off A embarkation tug June, by was the two asked Bornrif was hours crew for, to and after take em- a
place after daylight, it was decided to abandon ship. Part of remainder, the in-
barked in a British drifter, part in a French drifter, and the
cluding the officers, were ferried to the Locust outside the harbour.
forthcoming to tow off owing the difficulty for minutes
It was presumably to of tug was
considerable convoy of tugs Lena, arrived off within the entrance a to the
116

Details

THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
on motor boats, sailed the Thark with the motor boats,
the 3rd the tugs Sun from IV, Tanga, Ramsgate Sun to XV, Dunkirk. and Racia, Two towing of between them
were on account of water trouble petrol; the Diana Mary was
14 abandoned on the way across: in the while foul propeller and rudder,
mouth, to piled up 28 Dunkirk troops), on some with and submerged engine the barge masonry of the (though Admiral in Dunkirk she Superintendent, eventually harbour and returned Ports- was
abandoned. After waiting off Dunkirk since 2300 on the 3rd, the four tugs
ordered at about 0200 on the 4th to go alongside the (East) Pier and
embark were as many troops as possible, and by the time they were ordered to
out they had collected 203 between them. Of the 14 motor boats which
started clear from Ramsgate with the tugs only 5 or 6 found their way back ; all
the remainder were abandoned for one reason or another.
Embarkations at the West Pier (see Plan 4)
Owing to confusion of nomenclature it is impossible in every case to specify
definitely at which of the west piers or jetties the ships (other than destroyers
and personnel vessels which berthed at the east pier) embarked their troops.
In the western part of the port, reading from west to east, were (1) the West
Pier (termed western jetty in the Sailing Directions), (2) the West Quay or
Guiding Jetty, and (3) the Inner Western Pier (the inner or old western jetty
of the Sailing Directions). Of the other three skoots that came over with the
Lena, the Bornrif stated that she embarked 96 troops at the West Mole"
between 2230 on the 3rd and 0100 on the 4th, and the Hondsrug 308 at the
"West Pier' between 2245 and 0000; while the Pascholl, which had been
commanded by four different captains in 8 days, does not specify from which
part of the port she lifted the 255 troops with which she sailed at 0030. Another
skoot, the Rina, which had spent 24 hours at Dunkirk, sailed about this time
with 300 troops.
The corvette Guillemot, which had come over with the Kingfisher, went to
the Western mole" and secured ahead of the minesweeper Speedwell at 2355,
leaving again at 0154 with French troops embarked to capacity" (460).
This was her first and only trip, her previous service having been as base ship
at Margate. The Speedwell which had berthed nearly an hour earlier than the
Guillemot, took off 396 French troops, and the Halcyon, which had sailed from
Dover in her company, 501.
The minesweeper Kellett grounded forward against the western breakwater
on a falling tide when she attempted to go alongside at 0100. It was an
anxious moment, for almost simultaneously there same a report that 6 enemy
T.B.Ds. were proceeding south-westward from off Ostend ; but the motor
lifeboat Greater London towed the Kellett's stern away from the wall and enabled
her to back away. She embarked a few troops from motor boats and sailed
for Margate at 0220 by orders of Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker, for the West
Pier was occupied and it would be some time before she could be loaded, and
the Rear-Admiral feared that so slow a ship might not be able to reach England
while our fighter patrols were operating. Two of the personnel ships were sent
by Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker to the West Pier instead of to the East Pier,
since the former was continuously crowded with French troops, whereas at
the East Pier there were gaps in the flow of men. One of the two, the Royal
Sovereign, embarked 1,350 men and sailed overladen half an hour after
she should have been clear.
Among the many ships and craft of which few or no details are recorded
117

Details

Details

Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX G
7. It is a matter of great importance that these ships should be got ready as.
soon as possible.
Brabant1
Bart
8. Twente
Tilly
Antje
Hondsrug
Brandaris
Reiger
Delta
Lena
Princess Juliana
Borneo¹
Caribia
Oranje
Liberty
Vrede
Gorecht
Bernina
Fiducia'
Rika
Limburg'
Patria
Junior
Bornrif
Amstelroom
Deneb
Martha
Express
Mercurius¹
Aegiv
Jutland
1704/22
F.3. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, C.-IN-C. NORE, C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, (R)
F.O.I.C. London, F.O.I.C. Southampton, F.O.I.C. Portland
Admiralty 1703/22 and 1704/22 to certain addressees only. The operation for
which these ships are being prepared will be known as Dynamo.
1944/22
APPENDIX G
SIGNALS RE LACK OF SMALL CRAFT
Sunday, 26th May
1. ADMIRALTY to A/S CHATHAM, A/S PORTSMOUTH, (R) C.-IN-C. Nore, C.-in-C. Portsmouth,
V.A. Dover
Investigate and report how many cutters and whalers can be made available for
immediate service under V.A. Dover.
2028/26
2. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Combrax Portsmouth,
Commandant 1st D.C. Fort Cumberland
8 A.L.C's. with crews complete are available and will be embarked in S.S. Clan
Macalister at Southampton a.m. 27th May.
2337/26
Monday, 27th May
3. (ADMIRALTY) D.S.V.P. to COMMODORE, SHEERNESS (R) C.-in-C. Nore V.A. Dover
About 40 motor launches have been ordered to Sheerness of which 30 should
arrive at daylight tomorrow Tuesday. The rest during the day. These will be
manned on arrival at Sheerness
Request you will inform V.A. Dover when
boats are ready for service.
2035/27
Tuesday, 28th May
Note: [At 0436. S.N.O. Dunkirk asked for all vessels to be sent alongside east
pier.]
4. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to S.N.O. DUNKIRK (R) Fighter Command
Further destroyers and small craft are being sent now to Dunkirk.
0630/28
SIGNALS RE BUILD-UP OF SMALL CRAFT
5. N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
1st Mine Recovery Flotilla vessels Lord Cavan, Fidget, Jacketa, Silver Dawn
and Fisher Buoy. Tug Java. Drifters Lord Collingwood, Lord Rodney, Lord Keith,
Lord St. Vincent. Motor boats New Britannic, Walker I, Walker II, Angler, Nayland,
sailed Ramsgate for Dunkirk.
1550/28
I Was not available.
165

Details

INDEX
Johanna,54, 60.
John, and Norah, 71n.
39, 43-4. D.
G., 76.
G. de S. (P.S.T.O. 60. Dover), 48.
Jutland, 47n, 54,
Keith, at Boulogne, 9-10; In Dynamo, 55, 64, 66, 67 (flag of R.A. Dover), 71, 74, 76, 86,
Kaap Falga, 20, 29.
88-90 (sunk).
Kellett, 28n, 32, 41, 46, 97, 107n, 89. 109, 114n, 116-7, 119.
Kenward, Lt. (E) W. H., killed,
Kestrel, 72n.
Kingfisher, 60, 87, 89 (damaged), 114n, 116 (rammed), 117.
Killarney, 29n, 54n.
King George V, 54n, 94, 107n, 108-9, 114n, 116, 119.
King Orry, 16, 19, 28, 45 (sunk), 97 (damages Dunkirk pier).
Kingston Alalite, 34n, 110.
Kingston Andalusite, 34n.
Kingston Galena, 34n.
Kingston Olivine, 110.
Koeltz, General, 19.
Kuno, 20n, 24n.
Lady Brassey, 28n, 36, 91, 104.
Lady Haig, 72n.
Lady of Mann, 48n, 87, 107n, 109 (sent back empty), 114n, 118.
Lady Philomena, 34n, 91.
Lady Robinson, 94 (sunk).
Lady Rosebery, 71n.
Lady Sheila, 60.
Lady Southborough, 72n.
La Flore, 107n, 109.
Lahloo, 66, 71n.
Laidsell, Lt. Gen. W. G. (Q.M.G.), 8, 26, 59, 90.
Lambart, Capt. Hon. L. J. O., R.N. (ret.), lost, 93.
Lansdowne, 72n.
La Panne. See Beaches.
Lark, 71n, 95 (sunk).
Laroc, 60.
Leda, 28n, 32, 54n, 97, 114n, 116 (sinks Maréchal Foch), 118.
Lena, 20, 24, 27-8, 100, 116 (lost), 117.
Léopard, 73, 99, 107n.
Letitia, 73.
Lewes, Lt. Cdr. J. H., 45.
Lewis, Cdr. E. R., 106.
L.H.W.D., 114n.
L'Impétueuse, 62.
Llanthony, 71n.
Lloyd, General, 84.
Lochgarry, 29n, 39, 41.
Locust, 46, 58, 87, 107n, 108, 114, 116, 119.
Lord Barham, 71n.
Lord Cavan, 32n, 98 (sunk).
Lord Collingwood, 32n, 47n.
Lord Grey, 45.
Lord Hood, 71n.
Lord Howard, 23n, 107n.
Lord Howe, 13, 23n.
Lord Keith, 32n, 47n.
Lord Melchett, 85.
Lord Rodney, 47n.
Lord St. Vincent, 32n, 47n.
201

Details

OPERATION DYNAMO.
VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
ABDE BEAUCLARK
Lifeboat
ABEL TASMAN
Dutch
AEGIR
Dutch
ALICE
Dutch
AMAZONE
Dutch
ANTJE
Dutch
BART
Dutch
BORNRIFF
Dutch
BRENDARIS
Dutch
CARIBIA
Dutch
DELTA
Dutch
DESPATCH II
Dutch
DOGGER BANK
Dutch
FERDANTA
Dutch
FRISCO
Dutch.
CORECHT
Dutch
Dutch
HEBE
HONSDRUG
Dutch
Dutch
HORST
Dutch
JAVA
Dutch
JUTLAND
Dutch
KAAPFALGA
Dutch
Aground on Brady beach.
LENA
Dutch
ORANJE
Dutch
PACIFIC
Dutch
PASCHULL
Dutch
PATRIA
PRINCESS JULIANA
Dutch
Dutch
REIGER
Dutch
RIKA
Dutch
RUJA
Dutch
SANANTINO
Dutch
SURSUM CORDA
Dutch
TILLY
Dutch
TWENTE
Dutch
VREDE
Dutch
WEGA
Dutch
ZEOS

Details

Reference
VESSEL
OWNER
REMARKS
LENA
Dutch
Aground on Brady beach Mr.Bellamy
ORANJE
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
PACIFIC
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
PASCHULL
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
PATRIA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
PRINCESS JULIANA
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
REIGER
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
RIKA
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
RUJA
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
SANANTINO
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
SURSUM CORDA
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
M
is
TILLY
Dutch
Mr. Bellamy
TWENTE
Dutch
*
Mr.Bellamy
FRED
(LT
VREDE
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
WEGA
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
H H H
ZEOS
Dutch
Mr.Bellamy
KA

Details

Page 3.
r OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft )
v. 4 ("Vernon's pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S" A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

ENCLOSURE No
TO DOVER LETTER OF. 6 am 1940
Enclosure to letter No. 414/15/40 dated 15th June 1940.
from: Flag Officer in Charge, London.
Operation "DYNAMO".
I Tugs.
above Neso
Fossa.
Abandoned on sandbanks at Dunkirk. Ger Cebter 19/5 Themes
II Dutch Coasters.
Brandaris.
Working somwhere with Royal Navy.
Lena.
Abandoned (Dunkirk?)
BRAY
III Power Driven Barges.
J.R.P.
Lewis Castle.
Fence.
Sent to Southampton.
Leonard Piper.
Ferrocrete.
Cabby.
Sent to Clyde.
Sway.
Serlo
}
On way to Glasgow.
IV Sailing Barges.
Duchess.
x Lady Roseberry.
Lark.
Ethel Everard.
Abandoned at Dunkirk.
XRoyalty.
Doris.
x
Barbara Jean.
>Aidie.
VH.A.C.
<Spurgeon.
At Dover being repaired.
Beatrice Maud.
At Sittingbourne being repaired.
Ena.
At Ipswich being repaired.
V Dumb Barges.
Sark.
These barges were on passage from London
VShetland.
to West Coast when they were diverted to
/F.23.
Dynamo operation.
VI Yachts and Pleasure Craft.
A number of these is believed to have been taken up for the
Auxiliary Longshore Patrol.
Quest.
Leilah.
Nancebelle.
Brenart.
Gwenny.
Mirasol.
Mary Spearing.
Westwood.
Mary Spearing II.
Faith.
Willie & Alice
Devil Fish.
Francis.
Matilda. (Sanka Submarine Cantre Dever ?
pun
3/7
Pioneer/

Details

Page 3.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS (continued)
PORTSMOUTH A/P YACHTS
AHOLA
CARYANDA
NONETA
ANLAH
EILA II
SERIOLA
ANKH
LAHLOO
THELE
BOUNTY
MASAYRU
MISCELLANEOUS H.M. SHIPS (small craft)
A.L.C. 5
GREY MIST (Dan-laying
A.L.C. 15
Vessel)
A.L.C. 16
# GRIVE (F.A.A. Yacht)
A.L.C. 17
KINDRED STAR (Drifter)
ALOUETTE II
#
KING ORRY (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
# AMULREE (Harbour Defence
LLANTHONY (Examination
Patrol Craft)
Service Vessel)
ARONIA (Yacht)
LORMONT (Armed Boarding
BEN AND LUCY (Drifter)
Vessel)
BLUEBIRD (M.B.)
MONARDA (Drifter)
BYSTANDER
MONA'S ISLE (Armed Boarding
(Echo Sounding Yacht)
Vessel)
CALETA (Harbour Defence
ST. OLAVES (Rescue Tug)
Patrol Craft)
TARRET (A/S Yacht)
CHRYSTOBEL II (Harbour
THRIFTY (Drifter)
Defence Patrol Craft)
V. 4 ("Vernon's" pinnace)
"DOLPHIN'S" MOTOR-BOAT
VELIA (Armed Trawler)
EVELYN ROSE (Trawler)
VERNON I
"EXCELLENT'S' A/A MOTOR-BOAT
VIVIANA (A/S Trawler)
GAVA (Trawler)
GLALA (Harbour Defence Patrol
Craft)
DUTCH SKOOTS (Commissioned with Naval Crews)
ABEL TASMAN
DOGGERSBANK
PACIFIC
AEGIR
FREDANJA
PASCHOLL
ALICE
FRISCO
PATRIA
AMAZONE
GORECHT
PRINCESS JULIANA
ANTJE
HEBE
REIGER
ATLANTIC
HILDA
RIKA
BART
HONDSRUG
RUJA
BORNRIF
HORST (Abandoned)
SAN ANTONIO
BRANDARIS
JAVA
SURSUM CORDA
CARIBIA
JUTLAND
TILLY
DELTA
KAAPFALGA
TINY
DEMOK I
LENA
TUNG
DENEB
ORANJE
TWENTE
DESPATCH II
ORANGE YREESWIJH
VREDE
ZEUS
#
Sunk
(Continued)

Details

Details

1
2
The following REPORTS have been extracted from this file
and are being forwarded under cover of Vice Admiral, Dover's
letter concerning loss of ships during operation DYNAMO.
SKOOTS:
HORST
LENA

Details

Dynam. 311.
27
FROM Commander in Command Mine Recovery Flotilla,
27
DATE
10th June, 1940
North Shields.
TO
Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate
copy F. Cape. Hund remon
REPORT OF OPERATION ON NIGHT OF
3/4 June, 1940
Sir,
I have the honour to report the operation
of the 5 scoots under my command on the night of
3/4 June.
2.
On being refused permission to take the
drifters of the 2nd M.R. Flotilla, I was offered
command of the 5 Dutch Scoots, "PASCHOLL",
"HORNSRUG", "REIGER", "LENA" and "BORNRIF".
3.
There was little time to make any arrangements
and comminication was difficult. I made some rough
orders on a signal pad and sent them round by the
motor boat which took me on board "PASCHOLL".
4.
Under way about 1600 for RV at N. G odwin.
"REIGER" had meanwhile run aground on the Quern on
a falling tide and was out of it.
5.
Proceeded in company without incident, timing
my speed to reachlic. 12, buoy Dunkerque at 2230.
6.
My orders were to use Western pier Nouvean
avant Port and on rounding Western mole I headed into
the avant Port. I was unable to find enough water
anywhere in this area so I came astern and headed for
West pier of the main harbour, which I could seeagainst
the burning town.
7. go alongside West side of West Pier. They got their
Meanwhile 2 of my ships passed me and tried to
bows up to pier but had a job getting their stern to
and "LENA" which was the outside ship of the two grounded
just off the pier. I got alongside east side and
"HORNSRUG" came alongside me.
8. very glad to find Commander H.R. TroMp, who said he had
The Pier was full of French troops and I was
appointed himself Piermaster.
He and I were unable to get a tug to pluck
"LENA" off and finally had to take the men off and
leave her.
meanwhile 9. loading the ship with men and "HORNSRUG" was
Lieut. Wise, R.N.V.R., and his Sub Lieut. were
also loading across my decks. There was a destroyer
escort vessel alongside each side astern of us. Commander of
Tromp had complete control of the situation in spite and
having almost lost his voice, and without his help
judgment the loading of 5 ships at once would have been
difficult.

Details

522
C.B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May, are the S.Jug. Vincia
left Ramagah in tan of three skiffs for Dunkish at
2.45pm.
as 4pm see were off the Sandetter Bany, old
Report by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd).
5+9
-
519
centre jetty and embarked French troops (approx
50 in number). Discharged troops to steamer
lying outside and returned for further load.
Were informed that there were 700 troops aboard &
steamer aground off Nouveau Avant Port so
proceeded alongside and took off 39 French troops.
As it was approaching daylight Cormdr. Troop
decided to return to base with load.
0200
Off entrance of harbour we were struck on portside
by two French motor vessels in rapid succession
and holed on port side amidships and portside
for'd. Forepeak rapidly filled with water so
we proceeded alongside paddle sweeper "Westward
Ho" which was on point of leaving.
As "Westward HO" already had her engines moving
and wash from her paddles was causing "Haig" to
fill rapidly, speedy abandonment was necessary
and all hands and troops boarded "Weatward Ho"
by port paddle-box door.
3rd June.
0700 Landed Margate.
ben June.
1530 Having been asked by Commander Hammond, D.S.O.,
D.S.C., R.N. to come as his navigating officer,
boarded schoot "Pascholl" (Lt. Wise R.N.V.R.)
and proceeded (Cmmdr. Hammond in command) with
"Lena", "Hondsrug" and another in company with
orders toreach Dunkirk No. 12 W buoy at 2300.
Courses and speed as requisite for Dunkirk.
2300
On arrival at Dunkirk entered harbour and
endeavoured to find Jetty in Nouveau Avant Port.
This was not practicable owing to insufficient
water so proceeded alongside centre jetty (East
side) and embarked 255 French troops. During
embarkation enemy action was conspicuous by its
absence and all was quiet.
th June.
0200
Left Jetty in order to allow other vessels to come
alongside and set course and speed as requisite
for Ramsgate. Left by X route and arrived off
N. Goodwin L/V at 0630. Owing to insufficient
water in Ramsgate and inability to anchor,
proceeded to Downs by Gull Stream and Downs
Channel and up Ramsgate Channel, arriving in time
to enter harbour at 0815. Discharged troops.