Details

Details

MARGAUX (1462 tons) French cargo vessel
25th May
-
The Margaux and the French S.S. Hebe
were escorted to the Downs by the
sloop Belfort.
26th May
Anchored in the Downs.
There is no further information, but
according to D.R., on 31st May, the
"Margeaux" landed 369 troops in
England. (1)
4th June
Sailed from Dover for Brest escorted by
the sloop Belfort, the Normanville
and Fronsac in company.
Total 369
Phote by film fros of french In see)
Margaux left
Dunkirk with
1343 troofs
one of them died.
(night of 30 ,H/3/50
of May)
Ican't precise
if she Panded them
in U.K. os in France.
(1) D.R. "Margeaux" among the French destroyers; The
there places the not one of that name. named destroyer
Marceau larceau is took given no in D.R's list of French
was, however, part in Dynamo, but a vessel warships.
236

Details

102
101
M.011883/40
hdeart
CNS.
Ttte Service offer
102
Diva that 100
drawed W.W. received following for CNS
We canst refuse to Evacute Harchmin That
table then off with on own troop. Ae s however
to repeatedly upst thet Fail and of providing
transport failities Jo the Lada Les stick to
beat the Franch.
N.S Telephond to MARCEAU at 1600 telly
them the they mot Shed way available weft 70
Cracting are.
S
Spoke tome on telephne of 1610 + 2111
him the Three qwiws what for CNS +
to MARCEAN was has dealt with
spoke of CIGS Mather in same sense
spoke to V.A Doa - for him the what as
for tow.w.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
153
Page 32.
151
152
4/6
150
its
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 31
it of
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
he
3/6
at
S
ed 33
h
Monday, 3rd June (continued).
d
93.
In the evening the Vice Admiral was informed by the
B.N.L.O. Marceau that it was estimated 30,000 French remained
and that the French Admiralty agree that evacuation should be
terminated that night if possible. Force used was to consist
of 9 Personnel Vessels with one in reserve, 9 Destroyers
(maximum number available), 4 Paddle Minesweepers, 7 Fleet
Minesweepers, 9 Drifters, LOCUST, 2 Corvettes, 4 French
Destroyers and a number of organised motor boat flotillas
including lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover, together with a
large number of French and Belgian fishing vessels. The
lifting capacity of this force, if used to the full, was more
than 30,000, but it was certain that the facilities within
Dunkirk could not permit more than about 25,000 to be embarked
in the time available, and this number only if the French
troops moved with the greatest rapidity at all points of
embarkation. This point was impressed upon the French Liaison
Officers and a number of French officers and ratings added to
the augmented pier parties which were despatched to Dunkirk
at 2200 in advance of the evacuation force.
toots
94. The movements commenced according to plan. The
weather conditions at Dunkirk, although favourable as regards
ere
tide were adverse with a north easterly wind tending to blow
the
Personnel Vessels and Destroyers off the vital East Pier makin
berthing difficult. The MANXMAN, the seventh Personnel Ship
king
to
due to sail refused to sail, and her place was taken by the
theless,
ROYAL SOVEREIGN.
power
4/6
or
Tuesday, 4th June.
tretch
00/2/6.
95. At midnight when the earlier vessels had commenced
thin
the return voyage fog was reported in mid-channel and off the
cipally
Thanet coast and a number of ships had to anchor before
entering harbour. The EXPRESS and SHIKARI were the last ships llery the
to leave Dunkirk at 0318 and 0340 and carried approximately
1,000 troops and the British pier parties. Except for an air
attack on SHIKARI this final passage was made without inter-
e
ruption by the enemy and though the fog made navigation
r to
extremely difficult it undoubtedly served to shield the Armada
ne gun,
from enemy aircraft.
German
ceasing
96. When the count was taken later in the day it was
ements
ascertained that 27,000 troops had been evacuated as a result d as
of the night's operation and Admiral Nord agreed that the
operation should be considered as completed, observing that
all anmunition at Dunkirk had been expended and that the
olunteer
numbers left behind were small consisting principally of non-
combatant troops. This decision was agreed to by the French
1
Admiralty at 1100, and the operation Dynamo terminated by
Admiralty Message 1423/4.
97. It was realised that in all probability there might
be a number of open boats, barges, etc. tsmouth, bout in the
channel with troops on board. It was accr
scided
to
inary/
have

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 32.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 31
Operation "DYNAMO" - Narrative of Events.
Monday, 3rd June (continued).
93. In the evening the Vice Admiral was informed by the
B.N.L.O. Marceau that it was estimated 30,000 French remained
and that the French Admiralty agree that evacuation should be
terminated that night if possible. Force used was to consist
of 9 Personnel Vessels with one in reserve, 9 Destroyers
is
(maximum number available), 4 Paddle Minesweepers, 7 Fleet
Minesweepers, 9 Drifters, LOCUST, 2 Corvettes, 4 French
Destroyers and a number of organised motor boat flotillas
including lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover, together with a
large number of French and Belgian fishing vessels. The
lifting capacity of this force, if used to the full, was more
than 30,000, but it was certain that the facilities within
Dunkirk could not permit more than about 25,000 to be embarked
in the time available, and this number only if the French
troops moved with the greatest rapidity at all points of
embarkation. This point was impressed upon the French Liaison
Officers and a number of French officers and ratings added to
the augmented pier parties which were despatched to Dunkirk
at 2200 in advance of the evacuation force.
94. The movements commenced according to plan. The
weather conditions at Dunkirk, although favourable as regards
tide were adverse with a north easterly wind tending to blow
S,
Personnel Vessels and Destroyers off the vital East Pier making
berthing difficult. The MANXMAN, the seventh Personnel Ship
due to sail refused to sail, and her place was taken by the
ROYAL SOVEREIGN.
Tuesday, 4th June.
95. At midnight when the earlier vessels had commenced
the return voyage fog was reported in mid-channel and off the r
Thanet coast and a number of ships had to anchor before
entering harbour. The EXPRESS and SHIKARI were the last ships
to leave Dunkirk at 0318 and 0340 and carried approximately
1,000 troops and the British pier parties. Except for an air
attack on SHIKARI this final passage was made without inter-
ruption by the enemy and though the fog made navigation
extremely difficult it undoubtedly served to shield the Armadas
from enemy aircraft.
I
96. When the count was taken later in the day it was
ascertained that 27,000 troops had been evacuated as a result
of the night's operation and Admiral Nord agreed that the
operation should be considered as completed, observing that
all anmunition at Dunkirk had been expended and that the
numbers left behind were small consisting principally of non-
combatant troops. This decision was agreed to by the French
Admiralty at 1100, and the operation Dynamo terminated by
Admiralty Message 1423/4.
97. It was realised that in all probability there might
be a number of open boats, barges, etc. drifting about in the
channel with troops on board. It was accordingly decided to
have
val

Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX M
6. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
The Air Ministry are fully in the picture as to requirements at Dunkirk and are
doing all they possible can. If any particular requirements turn up, such as group
of ships being attacked, report to Admiralty as soon as possible.
1240/28
7. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to S.N.O. DUNKIRK
Can personnel ships still go alongside Dunkirk.
1135/28
8. B.L.O., Reply C.-IN-C. NORTHERN NAVAL FORCES to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Your 1135. Yes when fighters are actually keeping off bombers.
1337/28
APPENDIX M
SIGNALS RE EVACUATION 26TH AND 27TH MAY
(Additional to those in Appendices D to L)
26th May
1. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER C.-IN-C. NORE, C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH
Operation Dynamo is to commence.
1857/26
2. ADMIRALTY to C.-IN-C. NORE, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, C.-IN-C. PORTSMOUTH, B.N.L.O.
MARCEAU, B.N.L.O. DUNKIRK
Captain W. G. Tennant has been appointed S.N.O. Dunkirk. He will proceed
to take up his duties tomorrow Monday, May 27th.
2321/26
27th May
3. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER (R) Admiralty
Port continuously bombed all day and on fire. Embarkation possible only from
beaches east of harbour A.B.C.D.¹
Send all ships and passenger ships there to anchor. Am ordering Wolfhound to
load there and sail.
T.O.O. 2005/27
T.O.R. 2025
4. S.N.O. DUNKIRK to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
Please send every available craft east of Dunkirk immediately. Evacuation
tomorrow night is problematical.
T.O.O. 1958/27
R.O.T. 2055
[Here see Apps. D3 to D8].
- Note: See p. 23, footnote¹.
175

Details

SIGNALS
APPENDIX W
2. ADMIRALTY (1ST SEA LORD) to B.N.L.O. MARCEAU (R) V.A. Dover
Pass to Admiral Darlan from 1st Sea Lord.
I urge most strongly that evacuation be completed tonight, as after nine days
of continuous work of this nature officers and men of both H.M. Ships and merchant
ships are completely exhausted. Request early confirmation that evacuation will
be completed tonight, and number to be evacuated.
1512/3
3. B.N.L.O. MARCEAU to ADMIRALTY (1st SEA LORD), VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER
French Admiralty agree that evacuation should be terminated tonight, if possible,
and estimate approximately 30,000 men remaining.
In French opinion, only competent authorities are now Admiral Abrial and V.A.
Dover.
Captain de Revoir¹, and officer from V.A. Dover are en route Dunkirk to inform
Admiral Abrial of plans for termination evacuation. These officers should keep
V.A. Dover informed of numbers involved as French Admiralty unable to com-
municate Dunkirk.
1651/3
APPENDIX W
SIGNALS RE THE BUILD-UP OF SHIPS
FOR THE NIGHT OF 3rd/4th JUNE
I. DESTROYERS
Monday, 3rd June
1. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to DESTROYERS, MINESWEEPERS, AUXILIARY VESSELS
I hoped and believed that last night would see us through but the French who
were covering the retirement of the British rearguard had to repel a strong German
attack and so were unable to send their troops to the pier in time to be embarked.
We cannot leave our Allies in the lurch and I must call on all officers and men
detailed for further evacuation tonight to let the world see that we never let down
our ally.
The approach will be made later and the retirement earlier. The night pro-
tection of our fighters which stopped all bombing of the harbour last night will be
repeated.
1009/3
[Here see Appendices Y.18, Y.19 and Y.22.]
V. DISPOSITION OF SHIPS
2. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to FORCE K, MINESWEEPERS, Locust, Guillemot, Kingfisher
Dunkirk evacuation tonight Monday.
From East
Pier by personnel vessels, destroyers and paddle minesweepers.
From West pier
New outer port
by other minesweepers, corvettes, skoots and French vessels.
Inner harbour
Drifters and small craft.
All ships to leave by 0230/4. Locust will remain outside entrance receiving
loads ferried out by small boats. Tugs will be available outside Dunkirk.
1440/3
I French Naval Attaché.
189

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Page 8.
s OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART II - FOREIGN WARSHIPS
POLISH
BLYSKAWICA
FRENCH
AMIENS
DILIGENTE
MARCEAU
AMIRAL MOUCHEZ
EPERVIER
MISTRAL
ARRAS
FLORE
M.T.B. 24
BELFORT
#
FOUDROYANT
SIMOUN
BOUCLIER
IMPETUEUSE
SIROCCO
#
BOURRASQUE
INCOMPRISE
T. 112
BRANLEBAS
LEOPARD
T. 113
CYCLONE
T. 143
DUTCH
NETHERLAND MOTOR-BOAT M 74
# Sunk

Details

Page 8.
LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART II - FOREIGN WARSHIPS
POLISH
BLYSKAWICA
FRENCH
AMIENS
DILIGENTE
MARCEAU
AMIRAL MOUCHEZ
EPERVIER
MISTRAL
ARRAS
FLORE
M.T.B. 24
BELFORT
#
FOUDROYANT
SIMOUN
BOUCLIER
IMPETUEUSE
#
SIROCCO
#
BOURRASQUE
INCOMPRISE
T. 112
BRANLEBAS
LEOPARD
T. 113
CYCLONE
T. 143
DUTCH
NETHERLAND MOTOR-BOAT M 74
#
Sunk