Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

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Details

Details

ALJANOR
Yacht (Owner
J.K. Mann).
?
1st June
p.m.
Left Sheerness (s/Lt. T.K. Edge-
Partington, R.N. in command) in a
1900
convoy of 12 M/B's for Remsgate.
Arrived Ramsgate. (s/Lt. Edge-
Partington transferred to the
W.D/M.L. Marlborough). There 1s
no further information except that
the Aljanor did not return from
Operation Dynamo.
Authority - TO.9144.
T0.9436.
R.O.III, p.302.
37

Details

Skoot
BRANDARIS
Cdr. Lt. C. Euman, R.N.,
W.F. Flowerdew, R.N.R., Retd. lst
Lieut.
[car. Euman gives few dates and no times]
19th
25th May
a.m.
Sailed from Tilbury to Southend,
27th May
Sheerness and the Downs.
p.m.
Left the Downs for Dunkirk.
Cdr. Euman then says:
From that datetill the 4th instant
I continued to ply between Ramsgate
and Dunkirk and Dover and Dunkirk in
command of the above ship 3 times,
the W.D. fast launches Marlborough
and "Wolf" [?Wolfe] five times(1)
and the Autocarrier from Dover once".
According to the Sk. Tilly, at 2300 on
27th May she met the Brandaris in the
vicinity of Nieuport buoy, returning
to the Downs, [presumably empty]
having received information that
Dunkirk had fallen.
According to D.R., the Brandaris
disembarked troops as follows:
29th May
Disembarked 166 troops.
30th May
Disembarked 164 troops.
Total 330
Authority - R.O.II, p.44.
The following awards were made:
Mention in despatches
Cdr. C. Euman, R.N. (Retd.)
(1) See Marlborough, rootnote (1)
124

Details

CHANTECLER
Dutch eel-boat
(13 tons)
S/Lt. T.K. Edge-
1830
Partington, R.N.
28th May
S/Lt. in Sheerness
twice during the night.
down
29th May
p.m.
The Vera was towed into Ramagate.
S/Lt. Edge-Partington was then given
2200
Left Ramsgate with the M/B Golden Lily
command of the Chantecler in company.
(a Lieut-Cdr. in command) and the
eel-boat Johanna.
2215ca
Chantecler only doing 4 knots, parted
company. The "compass which was
situated over the engine .....
revolved slowly round and round".
30th May
0900ca
Arrived off Dunkirk. Proceeded to the
east beach. Troops waded out;
about 30 of them hauled on board.
1030
Proceeded.
1800
S. Goodwin Light.
2200
Arrived Dover. Landed 30 British troops
31st May
1300
Returned to Ramsgate.
-
S/Lt. Edge-Partington returned to
Sheerness in the M/B Liebestraum
with S/Lt. Carew-Hunt, R.N.
Total 30(2)
[On 1st June, S/Lt. Edge-Partington took my
M/Y "Alhena" [?Aljanor] to Ramsgate in a
convoy of 12, arriving at 1900.
On June 2nd he went as navigator of the
W.D/M.L. Marlborough]
Authority - R.O.III, p.302.
(1) S/Lt. Edge-Partington states she was a 13 ton vessel.
(2) Not mentioned in D.R.
174

Details

Details

HAIG - Continued
1st June
-
sent her to Margate for doctors
(contd.)
for the Ivanhoe. These were put
aboard her near S.W. Spit; the
Halcyone took off troops from the
1740
Ivanhoe and disembarked them at
Margate. (1)
The Haig then proceeded to Ramsgate and
Lt. Cdr. Pisani disembarked.
2nd June( 2)
-
Cdr. H.R. Troup R.N. assumed command of
the Haig, assisted by Lt. V.A. de
Mauny R.N. (3), Lt. A.W. McMullan,
R.N.R., and S/Lt. J.G. Hollingshead,
R.N.R. The French Naval Attache -
Capitaine de Revoir was embarked.
2100
The Ha1g left Ramsgate, the W.D/M.L.
Marlborough in company, and a lifeboa
in tow.
3rd June
0030
The lifeboat became waterlogged and was
cut adrift.
-
Entered Dunkirk harbour and proceeded
alongside the centre pier.
Embarked 40 French troops and ferried
them to a ship outside. Embarked 39
troops from a ship grounded off the
Nouveau Avant-Port. Proceeded.
0200
Off the entrance of the harbour was
rammed by 2 French M/V's in rapid
succession, and holed amidships and
for'd on the port side. The fore
peak filled with water.
0300
Proceeded alongside the P.M/S Westward
Ho and hastily abandoned ship,
via the Westward-Ho's port paddle-box
door.
0650
The Westward-Ho landed Cdr. Troup,
Capt. de Revoir, the officers and
crew of the Haig and 48 troops at
Margate. (4)
Total 60
p.m.
The Haig was salved by R.A.F. personnel
and sailed to Ramsgate.
Authority - R.O.II, pp. 118, 369, 491, 548-9.
R.O.III, P. 271, 302.
The following awards were made: (5)
Mention in Despatches
Mr. R. Walter, First Engineer.
(1) Margate report records that the "Halcyon" landed 58 troops.
(2) According to a report by Asst. Dir. Mil. Transport, the
Haig landed 80 troops on 2nd June.
(3) Lieut. de Mauny had previously been over in the dfr. Ocean
Breeze.
(4) Lieut. de Mauny then joined the Sk. Pascholl.
(5) See also Patria.
8

Details

MARLBOROUGH
W.D./M.L.
J. Matthews, Master (First 3
S/Lt. R.W.D. Don, D.S.C., trips) R.N.
30th May
p.m.
Arrived Ramsgate.
31st May
0340
Left Ramsgate, the W.D/M.L's Wolfe,
0510ca
Entered Dunkirk harbour; embarked
Vulture and Swallow in company. (1)
troops from a P.M/S. The Marlborough
reported damage to her propeller,
0920
and proceeded (see Swallow).
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 51
troops. (2)
-
2007
Proceeded to Dunkirk and returned to
Ramsgate. Disembarked 21 French
troops.
1st June
S/Lt. R.A.W. Pool R.N. joined as a
deck hand.
1330
Left Ramsgate with a deck cargo of 600
gallons of petrol.
1500
Off Dunkirk fairway. Passed through
the wreckage of 2 French trawlers.
Told by a British trawler to return
to Ramsgate. Air attack. M/g hits
but no casualties. S/Lt. Pool
Jettisoned some of the deck cargo.
1830ca
Arrived off Ramsgate. Took off 40
French troops from a trawler aground
on a wreck outside.
2nd June
The Marlborough was then manned by a
volunteer crew of R.N. Sub-Lieuts,
Don (as Captain), Pool (as Cox'n)
T.K. Edge-Partington (as navigator)
and A. Carew-Hunt (as Lewis gunner);
also two Treasury solicitors (Messrs
Randall and D. Pollock), 3 stokers and
2 R.A.F. sergeants. The normal
civilian crew did not sail.
1930ca
Left Ramsgate, the W.D/M.L. Haig
(Cdr. H.R. Troup R.N. on board) in
company.
2230ca
went into Dunkirk harbour. Embarked
about 40 French troops from a jetty.
3rd June
0001ca Proceeded.
(1) Cdr. C. Euman, R.N., Captain of the Sk. Brendaris appears
to have been in command of the Marlborough for her two
trips on 31st May, because he states that he made five
He must then have made two trips in the Wolfe on 1st
trips in the W.D/M.L's Marlborough and Wolfe.
June - 2nd June, after which she was out of action and
(From 1838/2/6 to 0501/3/6, Cdr. Euman was in the P/V
took no further part in Dynamo.
Cdre. Autocarrier) Taylor states that the officers with him in the
Mariborough on 3rd /4th June were Sub-Lieuts. Don,
Edge-Partington, and Pool.
In the absence of any further information it is not
state when Cdr. Euman made his fifth trip.
(2) Ramsgate possible report to and report by Assistant Director Military
transport.
241

Details

MARLBOROUGH - Continued.
(contd.) 3rd June
0430
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 34
1930ca
troops.( (1)
Left officials). for Dunkirk (without the Treasury
[Previously - 12 slow M/B's had left
in tow. In the leading M/B - the
Mermaiden - was Cdre. A.H. Taylor;
about half-way across he transferred
2100
to the Marlborough].
Arrived Dunkirk. Landed Cdre. Taylor
at Quai Felix Faure, at the far end
of the harbour.
[s/Lt. Pool found a motor cycle and
carried out a reconnaissance].
The Marlborough spent about 2 hours
directing small boats in and out of
harbour.
2330
Some of the 12 slow M/B's arrived, as
did a French trawler, and embarked
troops.
4th June
0200
Cdre. Taylor re-embarked and the
Marlborough proceeded. Half way out
of the harbour, the rudder and
propellers were lost by striking
submerged masonry. The Marlborough
was taken in tow by the M.A/S.B.7,
which, however, could not go astern,
and rammed the jetty; S/Lt. Pool
went aboard her to assist. Then
the tow parted, and S/Lt. Pool was
left behind in M.A/S.B.7. Three French
trawlers refused to take the Marlborough
in tow. Eventually the M/Y Gulzar
took her in tow.
The tow broke during the night but
was re-established.
0700
The Marlborough arrived Dover in tow.
Total 146
Authority - R.O.II, pp. 44, 368, 491, 540.
R.O.III pp. 302, 305, 330, 485, 489.
eport and D.R.
242

Details

2
M.A/S.B.7 (continued)
3rd June
2255
Entered Dunkirk in accordance with
(contd.)
orders, to embark the French Admiral
Abrial. He could not be found.
Instructed by R.A. Dover to wait
outside.
4th June
0020
Made another unsuccessful attempt
to find the French Admiral.
0040
Towed a disabled W.D/M.L. [the
Marlborough, with Cdre. Taylor on
board from Western Jetty; the tow
parted and she was taken in tow by
the yacht Gulzar.
M.A/S.B.7 returned to the harbour
entrance.
0300
Proceeded.
0645
Arrived Dover.
Total 38
Γ.
Authority - R.O.II, p.479.
255

Details

MERMAIDEN
C.C.B., Weymouth
M/B (Owner,
Actg. S/Lt. C.E.S.Beale,
Lt.Com. P.M.Filleul,
R.N.
R.N.
P/O F.J. Norton, R.F.R.
29th May
1830
Left Weymouth, Lt. Martin R.N.R. in
command.
30th May
1500
Arrived Dover. Lt. Martin disembarked.
31st May
2300ca
Left Dover for Dunkirk, Pensioner P/O
F.J. Norton in command.
-
Air attack.
1st June
a.m.
Arrived La Panne. Ferried troops.
-
Air attack.
-
Picked up 24 British troops and 1
French officer from small boat.
-
Proceeded.
-
Air attacks. Making water. Engine
trouble.
1420
Ramegate, Disembarked 25 troops. (1)
Carried out repairs to engines.
3rd June
The crew not being willing to proceed,
with the exception of L/Sto. W.A.S.
Horne, they were relieved by
Actg. S/Lt. C.E.S. Beale, R.N. and 3
other volunteers. Commodore A.H.
Taylor was embarked.
1600
The Mermaiden left Ramsgate, in tow
of the tug Sun IV, one of a company
of 14 M/B's, in tow of the tugs
Sun IV, Sun XV, Tanga and Racia.
After passing "W" buoy, Cdre. Taylor
transferred to the W.D/M.L.
Marlborough.
In the neighbourhood of the S.W.
Ruytingen buoy, the tugs slipped the
tows.
2300
Arrived Dunkirk. Proceeded to Quai
Felix Faure. Ferried troops to
a "sloop" (2) outside the harbour and
assisted small boats.
4th June
0230
Proce ded to Ramsgate in company with
sun IV.
0340
Taken in tow by Sun IV.
0745
Arrived Ramsgate.
Total 25
Authority - R.O. II, pp. 364, 422, 588, 592, 595.
R.O.III. pp. 305, 488
(1) (2) Should Ramsgate report states 26 troops troops. to the G/B Locust, It anchored had
off been the arranged Mole but for she Locust to use a box lamp a group
have transferred could not be identified. with
of long flashes every 2 minutes.
267

Details

SUN VI (continued).
0515
3rd June)
Arrived Ramsgate.
0700
1600
At Towed Sun XV off Quern Bank.
Mesurier, 4 M.L's. M.V.O., R.N. Took in Le tow
Ramsgate. Embarked Cdr. E.K.
1700
Sun R.E. IV, and the tugs Tanga (Lt.
R.N. R. Sherwood, R.N.R.), Sun XV Cdr. (two
J.I. officers) and Racia (Lt. Cdr.
between Miller, D.S.O., R.N.R. towing
for Dunkirk. Commodore A.H. Taylor
them 14 motor boats, sailed
O.B.E., took passage in the leading
motor boat, Mermaiden; half way
Marlborough. across he transferred to the W.D/M.L.
The following boats were abandoned on
passage or at Dunkirk:
M.B. Thark, was abandoned half way
(foul propeller and rudder).
ml
M/B Santosy was abandoned near W buoy
(water in petrol).
M/B Diana Mary( 2) was abandoned at
Dunkirk (engine trouble).
Admiral Superintendents barge
3
(Portsmouth) piled up on some sub-
merged masonry in Dunkirk harbour and
was abandoned.
2320ca
The convoy arrived at Dunkirk, most of
the towed boats having been slipped
in the vicinity of the S.W.
Ruytingen buoy.
2330
Sun IV picked up 12 French troops from
an open boat at the entrance of the
harbour, and anchored east of the
entrance.
4th June
0115
One of the M/B's [Mermaiden] returned
and reported "no more troops at
Quai Felix Faure", and that Commodore
Taylor had left the Quai.
0200
Followed dr. Malcolm into the harbour,
with the tug Racia.
0230ca
Sun IV proceeded, picked up the waiting
M/B, Mermaiden] which was slightly
damaged, and sailed for Ramsgate.
(Sun XV picked up another vessel
half way across and towed it home).
0340
Took Mermaiden in tow.
of the 14 M/B's which started for
Dunkirk, 8 or 9 had to be abandoned.
The remainder found their way back
to Ramsgate.
0746
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 12
troops, (1) by launch.
[In his report Cdr. Le Mesurier says: "The
spirit of the Masters and crews of the
.....
tugs (especially the Sun tugs) was excellent"
and refers to the fact that the "owner of the
Alexander tug Company" was himself the Captain
of the Sun IV].
Authority R.O.II, pp. 406, 420.
Total 236(1)
W.W.
(1) (2) Not mentioned in
Diana Mary returned D.R. to Dover with 28 troops.
185

Details

SWALLOW
W.D/M.L. (1)
Lt.Col. R.L. Hutchins, M.C.,
S/Lt. W.R. Williams R.N.
Grenadier Guards.
W.R. Clarke, Master.
30th May
p.m.
Arrived Ramsgate from Woolwich.
31st May
0340
Left Ramsgate with Lt. Col. R.L.
Hutchins, in command, and the W.D/M.L's
Marlborough, Wolfe and Vulture in
company, en route for the beaches.
On passage to Dunkirk, the Swallow
damaged her propellers on wreckage.
Arrived Dunkirk. The Marlborough,
Wolf and Vulture did not go to the
beaches as had been arranged, but
entered the harbour and embarked
troops from a P.M/S. The Marlborough
then reported a damaged propeller
and proceeded at once for Ramsgate.
-
The Swallow proceeded to the beaches
alone.
Lt. Col. Hutchins describes the situation as follows:
0600
"Dunkirk was under a pall of smoke
from fires which appeared to be mainly
to the south and west of the port.
There were numerous wrecks outside
the harbour, and along the beaches.
There were large numbers of troops
on the shore as far as it was possible
to see to the eastward, and the
beach was strewn with all forms of
motor transport. Along the fore shore
were a very large number of pulling
boats, aground, capsized or damaged,
and abandoned. There were also a
considerable number of motor boats,
motor launches and yachts aground and,
in most cases, abandoned, and several
wrecks close inshore. About one
mile out in the Dunkirk roads were
numerous destroyers and other vessels
waiting to embark troops, but scarcely
any boats were running between the
shore and these ships
.....
the
beaches were quiet except for
occasional shelling and intermittent
bombing.
The Swallow pulled off a M/Y which was
aground, and laid her alongside a
small coaster which was at anchor.
1200
Ferried troops to the dr. Impulsive
until midday, and thereafter to the
1730
dr. Winchelsea, until about 1730.
Air attacks. Ferried, in all, about
1800ca
The 700. Swallow proceeded with about 30
troops on board.
2200
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 30 troops
1st June
Under repair.
2nd June
S/Lt. Williams [ex-X.209] took command
of the Swallow and left (p.m.) for
Dunkirk.
(1) 45' Scott Paine power boat. 203

Details

SWALLOW - Continued
2130ca
(contd.)
Arrived from Dunkirk. Embarked 15 troops
a full cutter in tow.
inner harbour and proceeded with
3rd June
0700
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 15
troops. (1)
Subsequent reported movements of the Swallow
are conflicting, thus:
S/Lt. Williams reports as follows:
3rd June
After-
Left for Dunkirk in the afternoon.
noon
Entered inner harbour. Ordered to
embark some French staff but could
find none; loaded with French and
British troops. The furthest end of
harbour was now in German hands
[see Marlborough]. Proceeded.
[4th June]
-
Arrived Ramsgate. (2)
Cdr. H.R. Troup, R.N. reports as follows:
3rd June
2000
Left Ramsgate in the Swallow.
2230
Arrived Dunkirk. Landed at centre pier
and ordered the Swallow to carry on
ferrying and to return to centre
pier at 0330/4.
Cdr. Troup then says that the
Swallow subsequently borke down
and did not return to the centre
pier. [cdr. Troup subsequently
left in the W.D/M.L. Pigeon].
Asst. Dr. of Mil. Transport reports as follows:
On the "4th [and last] trip (night) Engr.
Cherry and A/B Hay steamed up and down shore
2 hours, but could not find anybody.
Returned [4th June] full of leaks". (2)
Total 68
Authority - R.O.II,pp.492, 567, 369.
R.O.II, pp. 462, 490.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Sub. Lieut. W.R. Williams, R.N. (3)
(1) Not mentioned in or Ramsgate report. According to
Captain Duka, representing D.R. the Asst. Dir. of Mil.
(2) Ramsgate report Swallow records a disembarkation for Swallow of 23
Transport, returned empty.
(3) For French serivces troops in at the 0720 lighter on 4th X. 209, June. a tug [probably the
Racia] and the Swallow. (C.W.29685/40).
204

Details

THANK
Thames Local Defence Flotilla
Ambler,
[s/ the (See Special Service vessels).
in
1st June
1500
Loft of Sheerness for Reservato in charge
a convoy or 12 W/B's.
On arrival at kamagate, S/Lt. Carew-
Marlborough. Hunt transferred to the W.D/M.L.
June
1700
With Its. Ambler on board [report by
B/Lt. Carew-Hunt), the Thark left
Remegate for Dunkirk in tow of a
tog [the Sun IV].
Half wey across, rype fouled and #
Thark's propeller and rudder, and
she was abondoned.
Apparently much damaged, the Thank was
subsequently returned to her owner
N11
importy - R.O.III, D.329.
70.9436/40.
216

Details

M/B (Owner, C.G.
THARK
Thompson)
Mr. Ambler, Coxswain.
S/Lt. A. Carew-Hunt, R.N.
[s/Lt. Carew-Hunt had previously been in
the Liebestraum]
1st June
1500
Left of Sheerness for Ramsgate in charge
a convoy of 12 M/B's.
-
On arrival at Ramsgate, S/Lt. Carew-
Marlborough. Hunt transferred to the W. D/M.L.
3rd June
1700
With Mr. Ambler on board [report by
S/Lt. Carew-Hunt], the Thark left
Ramsgate for Dunkirk in tow of a
tug [the Sun IV].
Half way across, rppe fouled and the
Thark's propeller and rudder, and
she was abandoned.
Apparently much damaged, the Thark was
subsequently returned to her owner.
Nil
Authority - R.O.III, p.329.
TO.9436/40.
217

Details

V.T.B.26 VOLTURE
French fast M/B
Bell
30th May
See under V.T. B. 25 1 Ramsgate from Harwich.
31st May
0340
Bailed for Dunki.Pu beadhes, the
Wolfe in company.
W.D/M.L's Deallow, Repiborough and
-
on arrival at Dunkirk, the Yulture
(and Wolfa, led by the Marlborough)
entered the hurbour, The Available
continued on to the benehes.
The Valture embarked 32 troops from
0930ca
B P.M/S and sailet for Ramagete.
Arrived Ramagnte. Disembarked 32 Stock
1415
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked 26 Prench
troops, Proceeded,
2150
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 25
1st June
-
Bailed for Dunkirk.
1
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked 27 British
and French troops, and proceeded.
2020
Arrived Ramagate. Disembarked 28
I
troops.(1)
Thereafter the Vulture was out of
action.
Total 86
Authority - R.O.II, p.492.
R.O.III, pp. 462, 487.
3
Remagata report.

Details

VULTURE
W.D/M.L.
L.C. Bell, Mate, i/c.
30th May
p.m.
Arrived Ramsgate from Harwich.
31st May
0340
Sailed for Dunkirk beaches, the
W.D/M.L's Swallow, Marlborough and
Wolfe in company.
-
On arrival at Dunkirk, the Vulture
(and Wolfe, led by the Marlborough)
entered the harbour. The Swallow
continued on to the beaches.
The Vulture embarked 32 troops from
a P.M/S and sailed for Ramsgate.
0930ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 32 troops
1415
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked 26 French
troops. Proceeded.
2150
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 26 troops
1st June
-
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked 27 British
and French troops, and proceeded.
2020
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 28
troops. (1)
Thereafter the Vulture was out of
action.
Total 86
Authority. - R.O.II, p. 492.
R.O.III, pp. 462, 487.
in
(1)
Ramsgate report.

Details

W.D/M.L.
WOLFE
E.L. Beard, Master
p.m.
30th May
Arrived Ramsgate from Sheerness.
0340
31st May
Left for Dunkirk beaches,
Vulture W.D/M.L's Swallow, Marlborough the and
in company.
-
On arrival at Dunkirk, entered
P.M/S. harbour and embarked troops from the a
-
Sailed for Ramsgate.
0935ca
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 29
troops. (1)
1415
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Proceeded. Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
1930
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 21
troops. (1)
1st June
-
Sailed for Dunkirk. (2)
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked troops and
proceeded.
0930
Off 6 W buoy, picked up 2 exhausted
men from the water, one of whom was
supporting the other. (3)
-
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 17
troops and 2 sailors.
-
Sailed for Dunkirk. (4)
2nd June
0630
Arrived Ramsgate. (5)
From this time on the Wolfe was out
of action.
Total 69
Authority - R.O.II, pp.44, 492.
R.O.III, pp.286, 462.
(1) Ramsgate
Cdr. C. report. R.N. (Retd.) Captain of the Sk. Brendaris,
Mertborough and made Wolfe. five trips It is probable therefore that
in the W.D/M.L's
(3) Lt. Marlborough, footnote (1)). of the Sk. Brendaris,
(See Ma command of the Wolfe on-the 1st June.
(11)
Report berts the Wolfe on this occasion. states that the
who F.S. Flowerdew, this incident, 1st Lieutenant states that he was temporarily
(5) Ramsgate Wolfe made Asst. 2 trips Dir. Mil. on 1st Transport June. Motor Launch, with an
tow, states landed that 45 was at troops. 0655 the Wolfe, a There which is, must however,
presumably have show that come back this empty.
331

Details

Motor lighter
X.213
Pool,
31st
MAY
See X.217
The motor lighters X,217,
X.149, and the M/B 8,213.
Sheerness for Dunkirk beaches.
1.0. the Marsayrul Mansaymars* sailed from
Arrived Donkirk. During an sir
Bheerness about 0600 897 hame gate).
The motor lighter 3.225 also.left
1600cm
attack "2 lighters Beemed to
vanish" 1,213 and 3.1491.
X.217 was beached, and assisted by
the dinghy embarked about 50
French troops. These were transfer-
red to B. motor yacht [the Llenthony
which then left for Ramagate.
The X.217 continued to embark troops
using the Mareayru and a outter.
[2100ca]
With about 250 British and French
troops on board the X-217 left
for home, towing the Parzayru and
a cutter.
En route, the Marsayru broke adrift
from the tow and could not be found.
She was subsequently found by
S/Lt. T.E. Godman R.N.V.R. who vas
in a Naval Steam Pinnace, govel
1st June
0800
The X.217 with the outter 1a too
arrived at Remsgate. Disembarked
200 troops.(2)
Total 200
r
[8/Lt. Pool then transferred to
the W.D/M.L. Marlborough
Authority - R.O.III, p.305.
D.M.O. Sheerness, 0615/31.
"
L
$
S/Lt. Pool's dates bahind (DF
Wilson Lad
Estimated.
been
344

Details

Motor lighter
X.217(1)
0530
S/Lt. R.A.W. Pool, R.N.
31st May
The X.149, [i.e. motor and
Sheerness the sailed
Sheerness [The for Dunkirk beaches. from
motor lighter X.225
1600ca
Arrived Rams gate]. left
-
X.217 by
French attack vanish" the was dinghy Dunkirk. "2 troops. beached, X.213 about lighters embarked and During 0600 and X.149]. seemed about assisted for an also air 50 to
which then left for Ramsgate.
red to a motor yacht [the Llanthony
These were transfer-
-
The X.217 continued to embark troops
[2100ca]
using the Marsayru and a cutter.
With about 250 British and French
troops on board the X.217 left
for home, towing the Marsayru and
a cutter.
En route, the Marsayru broke adrift
from the tow and could not be found.
[She was subsequently found by
S/Lt. T.E. Godman R.N.V.R. who was
in a Naval Steam Pinnace, q.v.]
1st June
0800
The X.217 with the cutter in tow
arrived at Ramsgate. Disembarked
200 troops.(2)
Total 200
[s/Lt. Pool then transferred to
the W.D/M.L. Marlborough
Authority - R.O.III, p.305.
D.M.O. Sheerness, 0615/31.
(1) S/Lt. behind the actual dates
(2) Estimated. been

Details

Page 119
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. AMAZONE - Lieutenant Commander Laurence
French Packet S.S. NEWHAVEN.
Henry Phillips, R.N.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Laurence Henry Phillips, R.N.
Commanding Officer of H.M.S. AMAZONE.
Completed 3 trips to Dunkirk beaches in AMAZONE
and 2 in Personnel Vessel the French Packet NEWHAVEN,
in which he was embarked as moral stiffener to the
French Master, trouble having been experienced in
getting the civilian manned personnel vessels to
enter Dunkirk harbour.
In AMAZONE this officer displayed marked initiative
and determination under air attack and artillery fire
and succeeded in lifting a large number of troops from
the beaches. Whilst on board NEWHAVEN that vessel
completed 2 trips satisfactorily. When in Dunkirk
harbour with no troops in sight on the pier, went
ashore and personally conducted a French Colonel and
1,000 of his troops on board.
Recommended for mention.
RATING.
Ordinary Seaman Vincent Wakeham, P/JX.194588, Newfoundland
Rating.
Showed exceptional coolness and good seamanship
in handling various abandoned motor boats and the
AMAZONE'S dinghy in the surf. Great persistence
and resource. An outstanding rating, whose conduct
under fire amounted to gallantry.
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. BRANDARIS)
W.D. Launch MARLBOROUGH
W.D. Launch WOLF
~~~
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. (Ret.)
Personnel Vessel AUTOCARRIER - Master, C.M. Masters.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. (Ret.). Commanding Officer of
BRENDARIS, MARLBOROUGH, WOLF.
Carried out 3 trips in the BRANDARIS, 5 in the
MARLBOROUGH and WOLF as Commanding Officer, and one
round trip in the personnel vessel AUTOCARRIER as
moral stiffener to the Master and crew.
/In

Details

Page 16.
Page 13.
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
MISCELLANEOUS.
(Continued).
Motor Vessel LAROC.
Ratings.
Mate, Jack Lynn.
Engineer, Raymond Crane.
Deck Hand, Leonard Lynn.
Steward, H. A. E. Frost.
Motor Barge SHEFFIELD.
Commanding Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant John David Farquharson Kealy, R.N.
Hopper Barge LADY SOUTHBOROUGH.
Commanding Officer.
A. M. Poole - Master.
LIGHTER X209.
Commanding Officer.
Acting Master R. G. Banks.
Fleet Fuelling Craft C.9.
Ratings.
Petty Officer Stanley A. Steward, P/J.111270.
Petty Officer Arthur W. Duck, P/J.105768.
W.D. Launch MARLBOROUGH) )
Eel Boat JOHANNA.
Commanding Officer.
Acting Sub. Lieutenant Adrian Carew Hunt, R.N.
Tug ST. CLEARS.
Commanding Officer.
Mr. William Josiah Penny, Master.
Rating.
Able Beaman Arthur Chawner, O.N. N.K.
SMALL BOATS.
Officers.
Sub. Lieutenant E. S. Foreman, R.N.V.R.
Sub/
or/

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.

Details

-330
303
probable that to as Motor boats would not and
On Sunday the small Ramsgate was buzzing with rumours it seemed 2/6
volunteered "Marlborough". go Lewis Gunner in the War department go out so I Speed boat
civilian who had only had River "THARK" a man by the name of very highly This
coxswain At this of juncture the I would like to recommend the
man and back experience succeeded Ambler.
go
over again saved. on night and it was sunk but I believe that the boat the
to Dunkirk Mohday with no ficer in the boat. intaking He took the boa t
crew was
from the We treasury four Leading Stokers and two Sergeants of the
The "MARLBOROUGH" had a crew of four Subs, two solicitors
R.A.F. "HAIG" put to sea on Sunday night in company with our sister 2/6
a jetty and off about 40 "poilus". One of our solicitors
ship the took and had a quiet voyage acress. We went alongside
spoke French which assisted the operation œnsiderably. While we
were alongside there was slight enemy air activity and much against
the wishes of the rest of the crew who said I was merely attracting
attention, I succeeded in firing several hundred rounds into the
mishap. air, unfortunately with no success. We returned to Ramsgate without
Treasury and so we signed on an army officer who had been invalided
The next day, Monday, our solicitors had to return to the 3/6
and a retired colonel who had a reputation for being a crack shot
with a Lewis.
We went out at 1930 and picked Admiral Taylor up half way
across the channel from the Motor Boat "MERMAIDEN". When we got to
Dunkirk we went inside the harbour and quite a long way up the canal
and secured. The Admiral went ashore accompanied by two of our
crew armed to the teeth. The test of us occupied our time looting
and trying to start up derelict cars. Sub. Lt. Poole found a very
nice motor cycle and rode it round the docks.
We went off onceto bring boats to the point of
embarkation and then secured again. Shortly afterwards machine
gunning started quite near and a shell landed in a warehouse about
150 yards away. Fortunately our job was done so we were able to
leave. On our way down the canal we came on a blockage of
shipping, and going too near the shore went aground on some rubble
knocked into the water by a shell. We had the badluck to lose both
our screws and our rudder. Three French tugs refused to tow us off
but fortunately a Motor A/S Vessel who took us out to the main
harbour where we secured to the Motor Yacht "GULZA" who towed us back
to Dover.
4/6
We returned to Ramsgate on Tuesday morning by lorry to find
Schoot "PATRIA" which broke down on the way and we were towed in by
the operation had been cancelled. I returned to Sheerness inthe
a Drifter.
The times in the above are only approximate.
I have the honour to be,
A
Sir,
17 JUN 1940
*
Your obedient servant
at E
(SD.) A. CAREW HUNT.
Sub. Lieutenant, Royal Navy.
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Copy to: Commander-in-Chief, The Nore

Details

Director, S.V.P.
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS.
43562
0340 SWALLOW proceeded and VULTURE in company with embarked and at
(45' At 0300 Scott hours Paine on Power in
WOLFE to embark
five vessels miles lying East off-shore. of Dunkirk, and troops to convey from the them beaches to destroyers one mile East and other to
starboard damaged On passage the to Dunkirk, the wreckage of some description
was the at normal from the shaft. excessive revolution revolutions indicator and of there
ran likely revolutions that with only part of This normal engine throttle; subsequently it
appeared at least one blade was stripped. the
and On went arrival at Dunkirk, MARLBOROUGH entered
to plan, from which alonside a paddle minesweeper, harbour loaded contrary with
troops, other two boats she took off as many as she could partly and
Commander to he had damaged one propellor and proposed to return
ask why that were deviating from the plan and same; was informed by the
the we ahead of me did the I closed accommodate, MARLBOROUGH to
direct Ramsgate.
Observing that the round trip Ramsgate/Dunkirk, including
refuelling, would take about seven hours, and that the accommodation in
the boats was small, I considered it a waste of effort merely to
transfer troops already embarked and I explained this to the Master of
SWALLOW who had wished to return with the other boats (on account of
damage already sustained and the fact that the water was full of
wreckage and flotsam) and we proceeded to the beaches alone.
The situation at 0600 hours was as follows:-
Dunkirk was under a pall of smoke from fires which appeared
to be mainly to the South and West of the port. There were
numerous wrecks outside the harbour and along the beaches. There
were large numbers of troops on the shore as far as it was possible
to see to the Eastward, and the beach was strewn with all forms of
motor transport. Along the foreshore were a very large number of
pulling boats, aground, capsized or damaged, and abandoned. There
were also a considerable number of motor boats, motor launches and
yachts aground and, in most cases, abandoned, and several wrecks
close inshore. About one mile out in the Dunkirk Roads were
numerous destroyers and other vessels waiting to embark troops, but
scarcely any boats were running between the shore and these ships.
There was a light onshore wind, which unfortunately
freshened considerably later, andcaused a ground swell which made
embarkation more difficult.
The tide at 0600 hours was setting
There
was
heavy
bombardment
going
on
fairly on shore, hard but to the the beaches Eastward. were quiet except for occasional late shelling
and intermittent bombing which did not become heavy until
afternoon.
On arrival at the beach I saw one small motor yacht, which I
but which appeared capable of being refloated, and
was passed aground, her a towline and pulled her off. This yacht subsequently or
signalled rudder out of action. I took her out and laid her alongside a small
for further assistance and reported her steering gear
coasting vessel which was at anchor.
There was a Service cutter lying astern of this coaster, I
and I took it over for use in embarking the troops. At first, three
could see no British troops on the beaches, and in my first or
four trips I conveyed only French troops whom I took to H.M.S. to
IMPULSIVE from whom I borrowed 2, and later 2 more, hands man
/my

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Dynam 2153 Duto/ 263 1150
279
H.N.S. "Brandaris,"
c/o. G.P.O.
London.
6th June, 1940.
The Vice Admiral Commanding Dover,
Dover Castle,
Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to report in accordance with
More General Order No.448. will "Operation Dynamo" that I
proceeded to Tilbury a.m. 25th and took over command of
hend and Sheerness
there for Dunkirk p.m.
273
he 4th instant I
Dunkirk, and Dover
No.. R.E.2/014
thip three times, the
VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER.
"Molf" five times and
(Copy to:- COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, NORE).
We had the usual
cks on each trip and
With reference to your
1147/10/6, recommendations of per-
beaches. While
sonnel taking part in Operation
rrier" one torpodo
he Dunkirk Passage Buoy,
"Dynamo" under my orders were for-
10 great to get partiou-
warded in my Nos. M.I.1/14/015 and
C.M.B. type. All my
R.E.2/014 of 8th and 9th June, 1940,
der very trying
respectively.
in specially the
It is presumed that no
a "Marlborough" and
further recommendations are required.
"Auto Carrier" for their
bring arrangements at
NOE
13JUN1940 1940
the following impressions
DOVER
E
(Sd.) H.R. MARRACK.
00 reference:-
11th June 1940

Details

Dynam 153 8/150
1
279
H.M.S. "Brandaris,"
c/o. G.P.O.
London.
6th June, 1940.
The Vice Admiral Commanding Dover,
Dover Castle,
Dover.
Sir,
I have the honour to report in accordance with
More General Order No.448. - "Operation Dynamo" that I
proceeded to Tilbury a.m. 25th and took over command of
the above vessel and proceeded to Southend and Sheerness
thence to the Downs a.m. 27th leaving there for Dunkirk p.m.
of that date. From that date till the 4th instant I
continued to ply between Ramsgate and Dunkirk, and Dover
and Dunkirk, in command of the above ship three times, the
W.D. fast launches "Marlborough" and "Wolf" five times and
the "Auto Carrier" from Dover once. We had the usual
constant bombing and machine gun attacks on each trip and
while in Dunkirk Harbour and off the beaches. While
proceeding to Dunkirk in the "Auto Carrier" one torpedo
was fired at us near the entrance to the Dunkirk Passage Buoy,
but the distance and darkness were too great to get particu-
lars of our enemy though obviously a C.M.B. type. All my
ships companies behaved splendidly under very trying
conditions and I would like to mention specially the
Mercantile Crews on the W.D. launches "Marlborough" and
"Wolf" and the Cross Channel Steamer "Auto Carrier" for their
keenness, also the very efficient storing arrangements at
Sheerness Dockyard at short notice.
I most respectfully submit the following impressions
gained during the operation for future reference:-

Details

164
* 280
&
1) Officers should have more instruction in landing
or embarking from beaches.
2) Fast Motor Launches with Tee Drives utterly unamitable
for beach work, 1.0. propellers too vulnerable.
3) Good use could have been cade of Rocket Apparatus
substituting skirf for breeches bucy.
4) Efficient "Clear View cosential in small that lamohes.
(5) "Hailing Seta would have been $ great asset.
(6) Very good use could have been made of ordinary Grab
Dredgers as landing Pentoons lying mored head and
stern on to the beach by their anchor and grab DE the
steem or quarter according to the wind and tide. these
craft are available from London to Southampton.
(7) In conclusion my fastest telp vas from Ramagate to
Dunkirk and back with fifty-nine soliders in five
hours in the W.D. Launch "Marlborough"
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your obedient servant.
VICE ADMIRAL
Comminder, Royal By.
B - - JUN 1940
0
*
DOVER
E

Details

SECRET
44
Dynams 153.
43
H.M.S. "Brandaris,"
c/o. G.P.O.
London.
6th June, 1940.
The Commander-in-Chief the Nore,
Admiralty House,
Chatham.
Sir,
I have the honour to report in accordance with
Nore General Order No. 448. - "Operation Dynamo" that I
proceeded to Tilbury a.m. 25th and took over command of
the above vessel and proceeded to Southend and Sheerness
thence to the Downs a.m. 27th leaving there for Dunkirk p.m.
of that date. From that date till the 4th instant I
continued to ply between Ramsgate and Dunkirk, and Dover
and Dunkirk, in command of the above ship three times, the
W.D. fast launches "Marlborough" and "Wolf" five times and
the "Auto Carrier" from Dover once. We had the usual
constant bombing and machine gun attacks on each trip and
while in Dunkirk Harbour and off the beaches. While
proceeding to Dunkirk in the "Auto Carrier" one torpedo
was fired at us near the entrance to the Dunkirk Passage Buoy,
but the distance and darkness were too great to get particu-
lars of our enemy although obviously a C.M.B. type. All my
ships companies behaved splendidly under very trying
conditions and I would like to mention specially the
Mercantile Crews on the W.D. Launches "Marlborough" and
"Wolf" and the Cross Channel Steamer "Auto Carrier" for their
keenness, also the very efficient storing arrangements at
Sheerness Dockyards at short notice.
I most respectfully submit the following impressions
gained during the operation for future reference:-

Details

SECRET
-2-
(1) Officers should have more instruction in landing
or embarking from beaches.
(2) Fast Motor Launches with Vee Drives utterly unsuitable
for beach work, i.e. propellers too vulnerable.
(3) Good use could have been made of Rocket Apparatus
substituting skiff for breeches buoy.
(4) Efficient "Clear View" essential for small fast launches.
(5) "Hailing Sets" would have been a great asset.
(6) Very good use could have been made of ordinary Grab
Dredgers as landing Pontoons lying moored head and
stern on the beach by their anchor and grab on the
stern or quarter according to the wind and tide. These
craft are available from London to Southampton.
(7) In conclusion my fastest trip was from Ramsgate to
Dunkirk and back with fifty-nine soldiers in five
hours in the W.D. Launch "Marlborough."
I have the honour to be
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
8
.
(Euman,
THE NORE
Commander, Royal Navy.
II.
No:477.0C/40.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
Forwarded in compliance with Admiralty
Message 1652/6th June, 1940.
for A D M I R A L.
The Nore.
8th June, 1940.
VICE AD MIRAL 1940
Lynamo
DOVER
F

Details

2.
364
342
Greatly to the Master's disappointment, X 213's
machinery was not in a good enough condition for her
to be used.
78. Owing to a misunderstending, not here, which I have
been unable to trace, the motor boats which should have
hours later. Suspecting that the fifth column was at work
reached Sheerness from the Thames Adid not arrive until 24 Lou 30ᵗʰ hi
I informed your Chief of Staff, D.S.V.P., V.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C.s Ramsgate and Margate of the circumstances, and
of my intention to ignore any such messages. No possible
harm could have been done by sending boats on, at any rate
as far as Ramsgate. Had these boats not been delayed, they
would have been available on the last day on which evacuation
from the beaches was still going on. Some of them were
employed on the last two days in the vicinity of Dunkirk.
8. The type of machinery fitted in many of the boats and
its defective state, presented F.E.O. and Sheerness Dockyard
with some difficult problems and a great deal of hard work,
which was tackled, night and day, with great zeal and energy.
Some of the boats broke down later on, much to the
disappointment of their crews, who had done their best. Most
of them, I think succeeded in joining other boats and msking
at least one trip to the French coast.
9. The total number of craft prepared for service and
sent out from Sheerness was as follows :-
100 Motor Boats
10 Lighters
7 Schuits
1 Oil tanker
6 Paddle Steamers
10. On Sunday June 2nd, having got away all the personnel
and everything afloat that was sufficiently in good condition
to do useful service, I went to Ramsgate with Commander Troup,
arriving about 1600, in order to help N.O.I.C. and to
endeavour to assist in the cooperation of motor boats with
larger vessels.
I went in with a group of Schuits and slow motor boats
to the beach at St. Malo les Bains, where a British Officer
who had just got back reported that there were British troops
who had been unable to get into Dunkirk. None were found. I
have no doubt however from later enquiries that they had got
into the town. A volunteer whose name I have not yet been
able to get, landed from one of the Schuits and walked along
the beach to make sure there were none left. We brought him
off and his boat's crew, and a number of French soldiers who
were pulling for England in a small boat.
Commander Troup took the fast Army motor boats into
Dunkirk alongside the centre pier and brought off 79 French
troops when his boat was rammed by a French tug and had to
be abandoned.
11.
On Monday night I took a group of slow motor boats
up to the Quay Felix Faure, at the top of Dunkirk harbour.
I went on ahead in the fast boat "Marlborough" to identify
the quay. The motor boats were led in by the "Mermaiden",
Sub Lieut
who did very well to find the place in
the dark, 300 French Marines were embarked in the motor
boats and a French Trawler. Their bearing was excellent.
As the quay was now clear, and machine gun fire
was getting a little near, I decided not to get the motor
boats back on the chance of another load of troops. At
this period through no fault of the Officer at the wheel, we
had the misfortune to scrape over some masonry that had fallen
from the quay, losing our propellers and rudder.
Sidmonth- willing (Sea cadel Great

Details

2.
368
/
Quai Felix Faure, June 3rd - 4th.
- 346
For the final evacuation, 12 of the best slow motor
boats were to proceed on tow to Dunkirk and thence to the
Quai Felix Faure some way up the main harbour. I started
in the leading motor boat but transferred to the Army fast
boat "Marlborough", in order that I might if possible get
into contact with the French Naval Authorities and make sure
we had got to the right places, and also to give us a boat to
get away in, leaving the motor boats free for ferrying.
2. Our quay was not easy to identiy, even in the light
that remained, and I was very glad that I had gone ahead of the
tow. The quay was deserted, but after a time some troops
passed along the road in rear, on their way to the Avant
Port. Sub Lieutenant Karminsky who came ashore with me as
interpreter, tried to find someone to tell me whether we
had got to the right place but received the reply # sorry
I'm a stranger" Eventually we found we were correct.
About 2300, 300 French Marines arrived and explained that
they were all we had to take off. Then followed a good bad.
half hour of waiting for the motor boats, which had been
delayed on passage. I sent the "Marlborough" to look for
them, and soon after 2330 was relieved to see them coming.
The leading boat "Mermaiden" Sub Lieutenant
Beale
had done very well to find the place in the dark. Some
of the boats had missed their way and no doubt went into
the Avant Port where I expect they did good work. My
anxieties were entirely relieved by the arrival of a large
French trawler, who took all that the motor boats could not
and had room for more. Sub Lieut. Karminsky tried to induce
the Officer of some troops returning along the road to embark,
but they said they had their orders and could not vary them.
3. By about 0200 the quay was clear and as machine-gun
fire was getting a little near I decided not to get the
motor boats alongside this part of the harbour on the chance
of another load and so re-embarked in the "Marlborough" and
started to move down harbour. In avoiding two French
vessels, we had the misfortune to strike a heap of fallen
masonry which removed our propellers and rudder. After some
adventures fully described in the attached narrative by
Sub Lieut. Edge-Partington, we got a tow and returned to
Dover.
4.
The three Officers in the boat with me were Sub
Lieuts. Don, Edge-Partington, and Pool. All did well, and
showed coolness and resource in the somewhat interesting
situation in which we found ourselves.
5.
The report from "Mermaiden" has not yet been
received. The Sub Lieut. in command did well, and his name
also deserves mention.
Rear Admiral.
D.M.O.
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.

Details

390
-
(-2-)
367
Sub.Lieuts.Don, Edge-Partington and Pool, Coptain,
good and remained cool and resourceful in the
in which officers sailed on 3rd.-4th. All these showed themselves
Navigator I and Coxswain of the Army fast boat "Marlborough"
somewhat interesting situation in which we found ourselves.
Sub. Lieut. Pool, while I was ashore looking for the
French Marines, took a rench motor Bicycle, started it
with the help of the Stoker and rode round to see what
was happeming. I would not have allowed him to go but
B
I am delighted to find we have young Officers of his
spirit.
Sub.Lieut.
on 3rd.took the
motor yacht "Mermaiden", leading the rest, up to the
Quai Felix Faure under very difficult conditions. He
took off one load of Marines and came back again in
wait
time to tow out an Admiral's barge that had broken down.
I have not yet received the report which will be forwarded
when it comes.
26.
landed from the Schuit on
2nd.-3rd, walked along the beach at St. Malo les Bains to
make sure no troops were there. Subsequently went to
help the motor launch "Singapore" which was aground,
although it was daylight, and finally came away with me.
This gentleman was a member of one of the yachting
accociations and I hope it may be possible to trace him.
6. Although the following Officers did not come under my
personal observation, I was in close touch with them at
Sheerness, and draw attention to their names in case
their names have not been brought forward elsewhere.
CommanderE.C.Cordeaux, Senior Officer. "Eagle"
minesweepers. He was of much assistance to me personally
in promulgating the instructions given to the motor boats.
from his full knowledge of the situation on the beaches.
Lieutenant A. Tyson, in command of Schuit "Neiger".
He did at least five trips between Sheerne and the
beaches, he missed the operation on 2nd-3rd and I did
"A,
not therefore meet him in action, but I formed a very
favourable impression of him.
7.
A
list of all R.N.,R.N.R.,R.N.V.R. taking part
and civilians who signed on for the operation is attached.
(Sgd) Taylor.
*Sea Cadeb Sidmoult Willing

Details

3.
370
22.
Skipper beaches A. Gardner, at 2200 R.N.R. - Went in Tug "Tanga" arrived
bombed machine-gunned throughout the night, while
at the and on Friday, May 31st. They were
lying off an life inprovised boat jetty. He helped to ferry troops
life boat.
down and he returned on Saturday in "Leda", leaving the
in a power which "Tanga" had towed. This broke
23.
Sub Lieut. E.T. Garside, R.N.V.R. - Went to Le Panne in
"Elizabeth Green" and ferried for larger craft. He
sighted "Viewfinder" on the beach. He got back to
Ramsgate on Thursday May 30th, transferred to the R.F.A.
launch "Andora II" and returned to beaches where he ferried
for a bit and then brought back 23 French. Arrived
Ramsgate on Friday. On Monday night he was towed over in
the "Elizabeth Green" by a tug, which he could not after-
wards find and so he brought his load home.
24. Sub Lieut. R. Shrimpton, R.N.V.R. - In an Admiralty, open
36 ft. launch he was towed over by a drifter and pent
Saturday night at the beaches. On a later night he went
into Dunkirk.
25. Sub Lieut. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R. - Went over to Le Panne
in the "Frightened Lady" which was beached after fouling
the screw. He reported to an Admiral with side whiskers
who was escorting Gort. He was told to help some soldiers
getting abandoned pinnaces away. He also assisted to
build a jetty with trailers etc. Left the beaches in the
"Horst".
26. Sub Lieut. A.V. Weaver, R.N.V.R. - Went over in "Quijijana"
and brought back a party of 18 troops mostly Coldstream
Guards. He went over again in "Sun X".
27.
Sub Lieut. W.G.H. Bonham, R.N. went over in "BOBELI"
in the first batch and ferried until about midnight on
Wednesday night. His boat was broken up by a destroyer
which went full ahead while he was alongside. He went
on ferrying for a bit but had to abandon the "Bobeli" and
returned to Margate in the "Albury". He then went over
in the "Horst" which had to be abandoned owing to engine
trouble and a near miss.
28.
Sub Lieut. J.W. Culham, R.N. - in "Smolt" which broke
down on way over and was towed back by "Midas" ?. Went
over in "Glitter II" to the beaches about 6m East of
Dunkirk arrived at 1600 on Wed. 29th. Stayed ferrying
until 0200 on Thursday when she lost her rudder on some
wreckage and was towed back to Dover by a drifter. The
"Black Arrow" was seen aground at Dunkirk.
29. Sub Lieut. R.A.W. Pool, R.N. - Took lighter X.817 to
Dunkirk and then back to Ramsgate. He went over again
on last night to Dunkirk in the M.T.B. "Marlborough".
Mares
30.
Sub Lieut. E.G.B. Enxnish, R.N.V.R. - in "Skylark" but
she sank on the way over. He also saw "Mary Rose" sink
in mid ocean and the "Ellen Mary" run down by a life
boat and abandoned.
31,
Sub Lieut. E.A.E. Cornish, R.N.V.R. - was in the
"Lansdowne" which slipped her tow outside Dunkirk.

Details

487
SPECIAL FLEET ORDER No. 1.
458
8th June, 1940
EVACUATION of the BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE from DUNKIRK
The undermentioned ratings of the War Department Fleet are commended for
the gallant part they played in connection with the evacuation of the
British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk - 30th May to 3rd June, 1940
W.D.M.L."GROUSE"
T/Mate i/c
Mason, W.T.
T/A.B.
Taylor, J.R.
T/3/Engr.
Hewett, C.
W.D.M.L. "HAIG"
A/1/C1.Mr.
Wales, P.J.
A.B.
Allen, 8.
A.B.
Farmer, 7.
1st Engr.
Walter, R.
3rd Engr.
Crabb, S.
Mate i/c
Cains, A.B.
W.D.M.L. "KESTREL"
A.B.
Vine, A.E.
T/3/Engr.
Spain, J.H.
W.D.M.L. "MARLBOROUGH"
A/1/Cl.Mr.
Matthewa, J.
T/A.B.
Ferrier, C.
T/O.S.
Durrant, K.
T/3/Engr.
Stone, A.L.
T/3/Engr.
Stewart, R.
T/Mate 1/c
Yealland, E.L.
W.D.M.L. "PIGEON"
T/A.B.
Brenton, J.
T/3/Engr
Rowe, S.B.
T/Mate i/o
Clarke, W.R.
W.D.M.L. "SWALLOW"
Hay, H.
A.B.
Cherry, F.
3rd Engr.
Beard, E.L.
T/2/C1.Mr.
Thompson, A.
W.D.M.L. "WOLFE"
A.B.
Hodgkinson, D.
T/3/Engr.
Mate i/c
Bell, L.C.
Parry, A.J.
W.D.M.L. "VULTURE"
T/A.B.
Bygrave, F.
3rd Engr.

Details

DUNKIRK. May 30, 31, June 1, 2 & 3.
TOTAL
Mostly with Scratch Crews
Trips to Dunkirk.
Numbers
on 4th trip and all on 5th
W.D.LAUNCH
Date & time
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
0400 hrs.
1415 hrs.
Various hrs
Various hrs.
Various hrs.
rescued.
trip.
arrival
31.5.40.
31.5.40.
1.6.40.
2.6.40
3 - - 4 June
Ramsgate
15 French
20 French
Out of
Out of action
35
1.
"GROUSE"
0815 hrs.
action
Portsmouth
31.5.40.
2215 hrs.
1830 hrs.
1.6.40. Brought down an enemy
"HAIG"
0845 hrs.
Ferry service
Escorted a
80
Salved by R.A.F.
945
aeroplane by Lewis Gun.
2.
badly damaged
at Dunkirk p.m. 3 June.
2.6.40. Rammed by tug & report-
Lowestoft
at Dunkirk.
31.5.40.
800 saved
destroyer to
Sailed back to Ramsgate
ed sunk with 30 men on board.
Brought back
Sheerness
All saved.Engr.Walter landed at
65 at 2200
Margate.
hrs.
1830 hrs.
3.6.40. Salved by R.A.F.
35
20 French
"KESTREL"
0815 hrs.
Back empty
Reported sunk Dunkirk
55
4th trip. Leaking badly.
3 June, Towed into
5.
5th trip. Reported sunk off
Portsmouth
31.5.40.
2215 hrs.
2030 hrs,
o500 hrs.
Margate, engine disabled.
Dunkirk, but towed
(3.6.40)
into Margate.
51
21 French
40 French
20 French
Towed into Dover. Lost
132
5th trip. Towed back to Dover.
"MARLBOROUGH"
p.m.
propellers and rudder
4.
50,5,40.
2007 hrs.
1830 hrs.
0430 hrs.
462
491

Details

Statement from S.J. Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C.B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May. are the J.Juy Vincia
left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Durkish at
2.45pm.
at 4pm see were off the Sandetha Bany, ohen
548
eport by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd)
-
518
1500
From 1500 onwards we were subject to almost
continuous attack by enemy aircraft and had the
satisfaction of seeing 7 bombers brought down by
destroyers' and shore batteries' anti-sireraft
fire. Two enemy pilots escaped by parachute.
Majority of troops embarked at this point were
French.
1700
On hearing that there were a number of British
troops on the beach near La Panne proceeded
there with Sub. Lt. Cornish and his motor boat
and succeeded in embarking a number of British.
Total number embarked was not recorded by ne
but was approximately 150 altogether.
2030
Having valuable cargo aboard and observing that
there were a number of schoots and other craft
who, owing to the absence of small power driven
craft, were unable to get any troops. I decided
to return to Base with my load and turned over
my whaler to Sub. Lt. Cornish and asked him to
report to the Schoot "Atlantic", the Commanding
Officer of which told me that he had been there
all day without being able to get a single man
on board for reasons explained above.
Proceeded by route X in company with other drifters,
troop ships, tugs, etc. and were attacked by
enemy aircraft until past No 6 W Buoy, when they
were driven off by anti-aircraft fire from
British destroyers.
1st June.
1430
Arrived N. Goodwin L/V and anchored owing to
insufficient water in Ramagate.
1600
Weighed and proceeded in to Ramagate and discharged
That troops. evening was ordered to return to Dunkirk in
"Ocean Breeze" but order was cancelled as we
could not reach destination by 2130.
2nd June.
Ordered to proceed in Power Boat "Haig" with Lt. in
McMullan R.N.R. and Sub. Lt. Hollingshead
company with Marlborough, Kestrel and Swallow. Cmdr.
2100
Proceeded with Marlborough in company with with one
Troop R.N. in command of "Haig" and
lifeboat in tow.
3rd June.
0030
Approached Dunkirk; obliged to out lifeboat adrift
she became full of water and was hampering bollard.
Entered Dunkirk Harbour and proceeded alongside
speed as of "Haig" and damaging towing

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Page 13,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
MISCELLANEOUS.
(Continued).
Motor Vessel LAROC.
Ratings.
Mate, Jack Lynn.
Engineer, Raymond Crane.
Deck Hand, Leonard Lynn.
Steward, H. A. E. Frost.
Motor Barge SHEFFIELDs
Commanding Officer.
Sub.Lieutenant John David Farquharson Kealy, R.N.
Hopper Barge LADY SOUTHBOROUGH.
Commanding Officer.
A. M. Poole - Master.
LIGHTER X209.
Commanding Officer.
Acting Master R. G. Banks.
Fleet Fuelling Craft C.9.
Ratings.
Petty Officer Stanley A. Steward, P/J. 111270.
Petty Officer Arthur W. Duck, P/J.105768.
Eel Boat JOHANNA.
1
W.D. Launch MARLBOROUGH)
Commanding Officer.
Acting Sub.Lieutenant Adrian Carew Hunt, R.N.
Tug ST. CLEARS.
Commanding Officer.
Mr. William Josiah Penny, Master.
Rating.
Able Beaman Arthur Chawner, O.N. N.K.
SMALL BOATS.
Officers.
Sub.Lieutenant E. S. Foreman, R.N.V.R.
Sub/

Details

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

Details

Page 119
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. AMAZONE - Lieutenant Commander Laurence
Henry Phillips, R.N.
French Packet S.S. NEWHAVEN.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Lieutenant Commander Laurence Henry Phillips, R.N.
Commanding Officer of H.M.S. AMAZONE.
Completed 3 trips to Dunkirk beaches in AMAZONE
and 2 in Personnel Vessel the French Packet NEWHAVEN,
in which he was embarked as moral stiffener to the
French Master, trouble having been experienced in
getting the civilian manned personnel vessels to
enter Dunkirk harbour.
In AMAZONE this officer displayed marked initiativ
and determination under air attack and artillery fire
and succeeded in lifting a large number of troops from
the beaches. Whilst on board NEWHAVEN that vessel
completed 2 trips satisfactorily. When in Dunkirk
be
harbour with no troops in sight on the pier, went
nel
ashore and personally conducted a French Colonel and
sh
1,000 of his troops on board.
Recommended for mention.
RATING.
d,
Ordinary Seaman Vincent Wakeham, P/JX. 194588, Newfoundland
Ewbank, Dominion
Rating.
Showed exceptional coolness and good seamanship
in handling various abandoned motor boats and the
1
AMAZONE'S dinghy in the surf. Great persistence
and resource. An outstanding rating, whose conduct
under fire amounted to gallantry.
DSM
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. BRANDARIS)
W.D. Launch MARLBOROUGH
W.D. Launch WOLF
~~~
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. (Ret.)
Personnel Vessel AUTOCARRIER - Master, C.M. Masters.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. (Ret.). Commanding Officer of
BRENDARIS, MARLBOROUGH, WOLF.
Carried out 3 trips in the BRANDARIS, 5 in the
MARLBOROUGH and WOLF as Commanding Officer, and one
round trip in the personnel vessel AUTOCARRIER as
moral stiffener to the Master and crew.
/In

Details

Page 13,
Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel - List 'B'
MISCELLANEOUS.
(Continued).
Motor Vessel LAROC.
Ratings.
Mate, Jack Lynn.
Engineer, Raymond Crane.
Deck Hand, Leonard Lynn.
Steward, H. A. E. Frost.
Motor Barge SHEFFIELD.
Commanding Officer.
Sub. Lieutenant John David Farquharson Kealy, R.N.
Hopper Barge LADY SOUTHBOROUGH.
Commanding Officer.
A. M. Poole - Master.
LIGHTER X209.
Commanding Officer.
Acting Master R. G. Banks.
Fleet Fuelling Craft C.9.
Ratings.
Petty Officer Stanley A. Steward, P/J.111270.
Petty Officer Arthur W. Duck, P/J.105768.
Eel Boat JOHANNA.
1
W.D. Launch MARLBOROUGH)
Commanding Officer.
Acting Sub.Lieutenant Adrian Carew Hunt, R.N.
Tug ST. CLEARS.
Commanding Officer.
Mr. William Josiah Penny, Master.
Rating.
Able Seaman Arthur Chawner, O.N. N.K.
SMALL BOATS.
Officers.
Sub. Lieutenant E. S. Foreman, R.N.V.R.
Sub/

Details

Operation "DYNAMO" - Recommendations of Personnel.
Page 119
utch Skoot H.M.S, AMAZONE -
rench Packet S.S. NEWHAVEN.
Recommendations.
OFFICER
Lieutenant Commander Laurence Henry Phillips, R.N.
Commanding Officer of H.M.S. AMAZONE.
and in which 2 Personnel he Vessel the French Packet NEWHAVEN, AMAZONE
Completed in 3 trips to Dunkirk beaches in
French Master, trouble having been experienced in
was embarked as moral stiffener to the
getting the civilian manned personnel vessels to
enter Dunkirk harbour.
In AMAZONE this officer displayed marked initiative
and determination under air attack and artillery fire
and succeeded in lifting a large number of troops from
the beaches. Whilst on board NEWHAVEN that vessel
completed 2 trips satisfactorily. When in Dunkirk
harbour with no troops in sight on the pier, went
ashore and personally conducted a French Colonel and
1,000 of his troops on board.
Recommended for mention.
RATING.
Ordinary Seaman Vincent Wakeham, 194588, Newfoundland
Rating.
Showed exceptional coolness and good seamanship
in handling various abandoned motor boats and the
AMAZONE'S dinghy in the surf. Great persistence
and resource. An outstanding rating, whose conduct
under fire amounted to gallantry.
Recommended for decoration.
Dutch Skoot H.M.S. BRANDARIS)
W.D. Launch MARLBOROUGH
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. (Ret.)
W.D. Launch WOLF
Personnel Vessel AUTOCARRIER - Master, C.M. Masters.
Recommendations.
OFFICER.
Commander Charles Euman, R.N. BRENDARIS. (Ret.). Commanding MARLBOROUGH Officer WOLF. of
Carried out WOLF as Commanding AUTOCARRIER as one
3 trips in the BRANDARIS, Officer, 5 in and the
MARLBOROUGH in and the personnel vessel and crew. /In
moral round trip stiffener to the Master

Details

Dyram. 122.
302
279
FROM .... SUB. LT. T.K. EDGE-PARTINGTON. R.N.
DATE
****
6th June, 1940.
TO .... THE COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE, SHEERNESS.
Tuesday, 28th May, 1940,
1830. Left Sheerness in Motor Boat "Vera" which
broke down twice during the night, and was eventually towed
into Ramsgate on the afternoon of Wednesday, 29th May, 1940.
I was then given command of the converted Dutch Eel
boat "CHANTECLER" of 13 tons.
I left Ramsgate at 2200 that evening, in convoy with
"GOLDEN LILY" and "JOHANNA", after about a quarter of an hour we
left the convoy as we were only making good 4 knots.
I carried on alone endeavouring to navigate by a
compass which So was situated over the engine and which revolved
slowly round and round.
arrived off Dunitirk at approx. 0900 on the side 30th,
having had We a drifting mine scraping past our Starboard
during the night.
We passed before grounding. The soldiers off
Dunkirk wide and proceeded into the waded 3. beach out
as far as possible hauled about 30 of them aboard, before shoving of any
to us and we course back home. We saw no cloud signs and mist.
and enemy setting aircraft our during the day due to very low
Dunkirk at 1030 and sighted what I to thought find it to
be the N. Goodwin Light, so rather than go on up soldiers. I
We left Light at 1800, and steamed on only to Ramagate,
was went the into S. Dover Goodwin at 2200 and landed the 30 British
We spent the night at Dover and returned to Ramagate at
1300 on the 31st May.
Ramsgate that evening and returned Hunt. to Sheerness
in the Motor I left boat "LIEBESTRAUM" with S/Lt. Carew
following afternoon June 1st, 12. I took Te the arrived Notor Yacht at
"ALHENA" round The to Ramagate in a convoy of
1900 and spent the night there.
day, June 2nd, we were informed to that go only in
fast craft would "MARLBOROUGH", navigator. Lewis gunners. Captain,
The following be wanted that night, ao I volunteered S/Lt. Don was
S/Lt. the W.O.M/L Pool Cocewain and engineers S/Lt. as Carew and Hunt one N.T.B. one of stoker, the two A.B.'s
We and took two civilians the two R.A.P. from the Treasury!
One civilian, Pollock by name, was invaluable as he
spoke fluent French.
at 1930 in company with V.D. the M/L harbour "HAIG"
and arrived We at left Dunkirk Ramagate one at of approx. the inner 2230. piers. We entered Enemy opened aircraft fire
with were our flying Lewis gun with tracer
and secured over, alongside and, as many other ammunition. ships did, we
were shelling the harbour at vicinity. intervals and
shells were The exploding Germans at reqular intervals in the

Details

30.
-2-
in 280
We took 36 French soldiers aboard and left Dunkirk at
0000 approx.
We had a quiet journey back and arrived at Ramsgate at 0400
The following evening June 3rd, we again went out in the
"MARLBOROUGH" with special orders to Rendezvous with Admiral Taylor,
who had left at 1600.
We contacted him at about 2100 in mid channel and took him
aboard, then proceeding on our way to Dunkirk.
We arrived at 2230
and entered, going right up as far as we could past the wooden pier
into the inner basin, under Admiral Taylor's directions.
Here we secured alongside the wall and the Admiral went
ashore to find the French Naval Attache.
We remained alongside for about an hour with shells bursting
all around us, one actually bursting the other side of the jetty, and
a rainstorm of shrapnel came dropping around us!
The Admiral then sent us out again to find the small craft,
and show them where to come in and take off the troops.
A few of them followed us in and we secured alongside the
The shells were still dropping around us and by this
wall time we again. could hear the German machine gunners in the streets back not 400 and
yards away.
We were very relieved when the Admiral came
told us to shove off.
left at about 0130.
On our way out we were hammed in
the We jetty by a destroyer and went straight over a part the of boat the
nearly capsized, but fortunately righted herself.
close jetty which had been shelled and fallen into the fairway,
We found she was making no water, but we had lost both screw
and rudder.
M.A.S.B. offered to give us a tow but she could Pool not
astern A and fast consequently rammed the jetty herself. her. S/Lt.
go jumped aboard her to bear her off and got stranded
Three French trawlers refused to give us a tow back, and
eventually the Motor Yacht "GULZAR" took us in tow.
aground, for It had was, we gone over we would in all probability hit by
after all, possibly fortunate that we did been run
a shell which burst 30 yards ahead of us.
once during the night but we managed Pool to get who
in tow again The and tow arrived broke back in Dover at 0700, less S/Lt.
was in M.A.S.B.S07.
We left the "MARLBOROUGH" at Dover and returned to Ramagate
by lorry.
(Sgd) T.K. KDGE- PARTINGTON.
SUB- LIEUTENANT, R.N.

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306
283
Sub-Lieutenant R.A.W. POOL. R.N. (CONTINUED)
Page 2.
To then spent about two hours showing the small motor boats
in and out of the harbour.
At about 0150, Admiral Taylor returned and we proceeded out
of the herbour.
Half my out, a French trawler slewed round across the
fairway between the moles and in making a drab for the gap we took
the rudders and screws away. To then attempted to paddle out but
could make no headway.
Te hailed a motor boat which turned out to be the M.A.S.B.
"307" which took us in tow, I went aboard to assist in the bearing
off of her bows, the tow parted shortly aftermards, but a motor yacht
took the "MARLBOROUGH" in tow.
I then became a member of the 8.07's crew and 10 went back
the harbour to contact the French Admiral Abrial. The S,07's
Number up Cne,Idoutenant Richmond R.N.V.R. went ashore to try and find
him, but as he was away for some time I went after him but could not
find him. I then returned to find he me back also.
We then went out of the harbour and lay off waiting for the
blockships which eventually arrived and TO then followed R.A. Dover
in M.T.B. 102 out of harbour and arrived at Dover on Tuesday morning.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
(sa) R.A.V. POOL.
Sub-Listenant, Royal Navy.

Details

-330
303
2/6
On Sunday Ramsgate was buzzing with rumours and it seemed
probable that the small Motor boats would not go out so I
volunteered to go as Lewis Gunner in the War department Speed boat
"Marlborough".
At this juncture I would like to recommend very highly the
18
civilian coxswain of the "THARK" a man by the name of Ambler. This
man who had only had River experience succeeded intaking the boat to
to Dunkirk and back with no officer in the boat. He took the boat
over again on Monday night and it was sunk but I believe that the
crew was saved.
The "MARLBOROUGH" had & crew of four Subs, two solicitors
from the treasury four Leading Stokers and two Sergeants of the
R.A.F. We put to sea on Sunday night in company with our sister
2/6
ship the "HAIG" and had a quiet voyage acress. We went alongside
a jetty and took off about 40 "poilus". One of our solicitors
were alongside there was slight enemy air activity and much against
spoke French which assisted the operation considerably. While we
the wishes of the rest of the crew who said I was merely attracting
air, unfortunately with no success. We returned to Ramsgate without
attention, I succeeded in firing several hundred rounds into the
mishap.
and so we signed on an army officer who had been invalided shot
The next day, Monday, our solicitors had to return to the
and Treasury a retired colonel who had a reputation for being a crack
with a Lewis.
out at 1930 and picked Admiral Taylor up half way
We channel went from the Motor Boat "MERMAIDEN". When we the got canal to
Dunkirk we The Admiral went ashore accompanied by time
acress the went inside the harbour and quite & long way two up of our
and secured. the teeth. The test of us occupied our found a looting very
and crew trying armed to to start up derelict cars. Sub.Lt.Poole
nice motor cycle and rode it round the docks.
We went secured again. Shortly afterwards warehouse machine about
off oneeto bring boats to the point of
gunning started quite Fortunately our job was done blockage of
embarkation and then near and a shell landed in so a we were able to
150 leave. yards On away. our way down too near the the canal shore we went came aground the on badluck a on some to lose rubble
shipping, and going water by a shell. We had refused to tow us both off
knocked into the rudder. Three French tugs out to the main
but harbour our fortunately screws where and we our a secured Motor A/S to Vessel the Motor who Yacht took us "GULZA" who towed us back
to Dover.
We returned to Ramagate on I Tuesday returned morning to Sheerness by lorry inthe to find
Schoot the operation "PATRIA" had which been broke cancelled. down on the way and we were towed in by
a Drifter.
The times in the above are only approximate.
I have the honour to be,
OF
RAL
Sir,
17 JUN 1940
Your obedient servant
*
A
E
(SD.) A. CARSW HUNT.
Sub. Lieutenant, Royal Navy.
The Nore

Details

Directa, S.V.P.
435
435
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS.
At 0300 hours on Friday, 31st May, 1940., I embarked in
SWALLOW (45' Scott Paine Power Boat) in RAMSGATE HARBOUR, and at
0340 proceeded in company with MARLBOROUGH
WOLFE and VULTURE to embark troops from the beaches one mile East to
five miles East of Dunkirk, and to convey them to destroyers and other
vessels lying off-shore.
On passage to Dunkirk, we struck wreckage of some description
which damaged the starboard propellor; the revolution indicator of
the considerable vibration from the shaft. This engine it
starboard engine immediately showed excessive revolutions subsequently and there
was at normal revolutions with only part of the normal throttle;
ran appeared likely that at least one blade was stripped.
arrival at Dunkirk, MARLBOROUGH entered harbour contrary with
to plan, from which she took off as many as she could I closed MARLBOROUGH and to
and On went alonside a paddle minesweeper, partly accommodate, loaded
troops, two boats ahead of me did the same; informed by the
Commander ask why we that were he had damaged one propellor and proposed return
the other deviating from the plan and was to
direct to Ramsgate.
Observing take about seven THE effort in
that the round a
refuelling, the boats was would small, I considered embarked and it I & explained waste of this (on to the account Master of of
transfer troops wished already to return with the other the water boats was full of
SWALLOW who had sustained and the fact that beaches alone.
damage wreckage already and flotsam) and we proceeded to the
The situation at 0600 hours was as follows:-
was under a pall of smoke from fires There which were appeared There
numerous to be wrecks outside of troops the harbour on the shore was strewn as far with as it all was forms possible of of
mainly Dunkirk to the South and West of and the along port. the beaches.
were to large to the numbers Eastward, and the the foreshore beach were a very and abandoned. large number There
motor THE see THE Along or motor abandoned, damaged, the boats, Dunkirk and motor several Roads Launches were wrecks and but
yachts close one vessels out in waiting to embark these troops, ships.
numerous inshore. destroyers boats were and running other between the shore unfortunately and
scarcely any a light onshore and caused tide wind, at a which ground 0600 bombardment hours swell was which setting going made
the THE The There except was heavy for occasional until late chelling on
fairly on shore, hard but to the the bombing beaches which were quiet did not become heavy
and afternoon. intermittent On arrival but at appeared the beach her capable I saw off. one of small being This her THE which
was passed signalled aground, her for a towline further action. assistance her out assistance and resorted anchor. her alongside as small
rudder coasting took out vessel There it of over was which for a Service was use at in on cutter embarking the beaches, lying the whom astern and troops. I in took of my this to At first H.M.S. first, coaster, to three man I or
could and four I trips see no British troops borrowed only French 2, troops and later 2 more, hands /my
IMPULSIVE

Details

Details

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VIII
Typical of the urge which characterised sailed from Ramsgate this movement at 0205 of small craft was
escorting the trawler motor Strathelliot, boats, 8 which of which were disabled and in tow of on various the 31st May
the M/B Skylark, disabled, was in tow of Strathelliot. At 0640 the Skylark's vessels
towing bollard tore away and she was taken the in tow stern first. Then the M/B
embarked the Skylark in also the in became Strathelliot. tow-and damaged, later Shortly taken after in tow this stern the first-and M/B Malden crew Annie Lad ber, IV
crew were transferred to the Strathelliot and she and was Mary sunk after Rose was her sunk. Her
Mary Rose, which had been in tow of M/B the Rapid I, was damaged.
had to be taken she arrived
water fast, and dritting on to the was She
Dunkirk beaches with her pumps beach choked, she bilge abandoned. full of rubbish fund making off
useful purpose, however, by being used as a pier.
It is impossible to give the story of every ship, although each ship has its
which went over on the 31st May in company with the lighters X. 217 (S/Lt.
story. Here, for instance, is the unvarnished history of the M/B Marsayru
R.A. W. Pool, R.N.) X. 213 and X. 149. They arrived off Malo beach at about
1600. During an air attack X. 213 and X. 149 were sunk. The Z. 217 was
beached and, assisted by the dinghy, embarked 95 troops which were transferred
to the yacht Llanthony. The X. 217 continued to embark troops using the
Marsayru and a cutter. At about 2100 that evening, with the Marsayru's
skipper and crew and about 200 British and French troops on board, the X. 217
left for home towing the Marsayru and a cutter.
Shortly after sailing the Marsayru broke adrift, and in darkness could not be
found. Next day, the 1st June, however, at 1400, S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
in a Naval steam pinnace, off La Panne, sighted the Marsayru drifting with the
tide and unoccupied. She was found to be in working order; the engine was
started up and Sub-Lieut. Godman took an A.B. and a soldier as crew. He
left Petty Officer Morrison in charge of the steam pinnace with orders to lay off
and wait for the return of the Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow the Marsayru proceeded to the western end of the
beach capacity. and anchored; the dinghy ferried 19 troops to her, which filled her to
In the meantime the crew of the steam pinnace had embarked in the skoot
Doggersbank and had left the steam pinnace anchored near Dunkirk harbour.
Sub-Lieut. Godman decided to leave her there and sailed in the Marsayru for
England; from her. he overtook the Doggersbank on the way and obtained some fuel
and in tow waited for daylight. At 0430 on the 2nd June a trawler a took the Marsayru
At 2330 on the Ist June the Marsayru made fast to conical flashing buoy
embarked. to Ramsgate, which was reached at 0800, and the 19 troops were dis-
the Queen's pleasure launches Enterprise and Wave Queen), the Foremost Southborough,
White Heather,Westeriey,A Lansdowne, hopper barge .26. The M/B's. Marsayru,
and the 101, Lady Minotaur,
The motor coaster Hythe. M/B, the Dolphin's Balquhain, power Tigris boat, I, Rapid the Nelson's I, picket
the motor X lighters launch 95, 149, 209 (towing a boat), 213, Sherfield,
motor launches Grouse, Nanette II the lighter Y.C.63. The and War 217. The motor barge seven 30 knot
eighth, The skoot the Pigeon, Hilda went Haig, over on Kestrel, 1st June. Marlborough, Swallow, Department's Wolfe and Vulture an
Gipsy Three King, more Golden of towed Spray over II the and motor two life-boats. boats Moss Rose, Rose Marie, Lady Haig, Britannic
and
the M.F.H. Pickford & Co. Ltd.'s motor vessels went over, viz the Chamois, Hound
72

Details

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
APPENDIX G
22. REAR-ADMIRAL, DOVER to ADMIRALTY for 1ST SEA LORD
destroyers and sloops. Until more on a a strongly
Your 1019. Beaches crowded. Hardly small any ships are here for loading. Request
of
opinion essential to concentrate
1107/30
23. ADMIRALTY to F.O. DOVER STRAITS (R) V.A. Dover
taken to send as many as possible.
Understand pulling boats are weak link please confirm. Every step is being
1141/30
24. ADMIRAL TAYLOR, SHEERNESS to D.S.V.P. (R) D. of S.T.
no more be sent.
Thames river steamers have no condensers and cannot run on sea water. Request
1150/30
25. ADMIRALTY to VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE
War Office have placed seven 30-knot motor launches at your disposal and are
sending them to Ramsgate today Thursday. Naval crews are being sent to man
them.
Names of launches : Marlborough, Wolfe, Grouse, Kestrel, Vulture, Swallow,
Pidgeon.
1336/30
and later
26.
Add to list of fast military launches Haig.
1882/30
27. C.-in-C. PORTSMOUTH to ADMIRALTY, N.O.I.C. Ramsgate, VICE-ADMIRAL, Dover.
Small craft due Ramsgate approx. as follows:
1900/30 Power boat R.F.A. 115 (?)
2100/30 Fast motor boat, Admiral's barge and Examination Serv. Vessel
Llanthony.
0100/31 F.A.A. Tender Ocean Rover and hopper Foremost 102.
0880/31 Car Ferry Fishbourne (previously reported but delayed.)
1000/31 One self-propelled lighter.
1300/31 One self-propelled lighter and steam pinnace.
1852/30
28. F.O.I.C. LONDON to C.-in-C. NORE, VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER, N.O.I.C. RAMSGATE,
N.O.I.C. SOUTHEND, ADMIRALTY.
23 merchant ships motor-lifeboats and 46 rowing ditto in tow of six tugs leaving
Tilbury from now till complete, manned by volunteers and naval ratings
On arrival Southend they will be route-ed immediately to Ramsgate where first
tow should arrive about 0600 Friday [31st May].
1900/30
Friday, 31st May
29. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to C.-in.-C. NORE, F.O.I.C. HARWICH, Admiralty, R.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C. Ramsgate.
Boat convoy for last flight of B.E.F. departs Ramsgate 1300 Friday 31st for
Dunkirk via Route X. Anticipate time of return to Dover and Sheerness 1000
Saturday 1st June. Request all available M.T.B.'s may escort this convoy for as
much of the outward passage as possible and for the whole of the return passage.
Anticipated speed of advance outward bound six knots.
0459/31
30. VICE-ADMIRAL, DOVER to M.A/S.B.'s 06, 07, M.T.B.'s 68, 102 (R) R.A. Dover
M.A/S.B.'s are to rendezvous off Ramsgate at 1200 Friday 31st May with boat
convoy about to Dunkirk, and escort on outward passage also on return passage, sailing
0300, Sat. 1st June for Dover.
Off Dunkirk beaches, M.A./S.B.'s and available M.T.B.'s are to embark, under
the direction of R.A. Dover, the C.-in.C., B.E.F., and Staff.
M.T.B.'s report when ready to sail.
0736/31
168

Details

INDEX
Lord Southborough, 60, 69, 83.
Lorina, sunk, 45.
Louise-Irene, 73n.
Louise Marie, 62n.
Lucian Gougy, 107n.
Lusyne, Capt. P., 116.
Lutteur, 62.
Lydd, 28n, 36-7, 44, 52, 100-1, 103.
Lydie-Susanne, 73.
M.41, 73n.
McClelland, Lt. Cdr. J. W., 59n, 75-7 (work at La Panne).
McCullough, Lt. Cdr., 59n.
Mackay, 20n, 27, 35-6 (put out of action).
MacKewn, Lt. A. R., R.N.R., takes over St. Seriol, 48.
McRea, Lt. H. C. J., 37.
Maid of Orleans, 16-17, 22n, 24, 31n, 54n, 87 (damaged), 127.
Mainwaring, Lt. A. H., killed, 93.
Ma Joie, 60n.
Malabar, 85.
Malcolm, 28n, 54n, 55, 62 (makes two trips on 30th May), 83 (collides with Dunkirk pier),
109 (sent back empty), 112n, 114n, 116, 118.
Malden Annie IV, abandoned, 72.
Malet, Pilote, 73.
Malines, 29n, 37.
Mallard, 34, 99, 104.
Mallow, 88.
Malo, see Beaches.
Manxman, 29n, 54n, 102, 114n.
March, Mr. F. J., 47.
Maréchal Foch, sunk, 116.
Maretta, damaged, 13.
Margaux, 73.
Marie, 74.
Marlborough, 72n.
Marmion, 28n, 54n, 100-1, 107n, 109.
Marrack, Capt. H. R., 74.
Marsayru, adventures of, 72-3.
Mary Rose, sunk, 72.
Mary Scott, 100.
M.A./S.B.6, 52 (sinks Minikoi), 66-7 (takes Lord Gort to Dover), 75.
M.A./S.B.7, 111-112 (in operation CK.).
LA./S.B,10, 101-2, 108, 119.
Massey Shaw, 119.
Maund, Cdr. G. O., speeds up embarkation, 63-64; leads ships into Dunkirk, 101.
Medical Parties, sent across, 49.
Medway Queen, 23n, 27, 31, 100-1, 105, 107n, 109, 114n.
Merchant Navy, see Civilians.
Mermaiden, 72n.
Meuse, 114n.
M.F.H., 72n.
Michael Stevens, 107n.
Midas, 23n, 107n.
Mines and mining, British, 34; German, 38, 93, 110; French, 62-3.
Minikoi, sunk 52.
Ministry of Sea Transport, 21.
Ministry of Shipping, 5.
Minotaur, 72n.
Mirasol, 53.
Mistral, 39, 40n, 41 (damaged), 43.
Monarda, 71n.
Mona's Isle, 16, 19.
Mona's Queen, 16, 28, 31n, 38 (sunk).
Montgomery, Maj.-Gen. B. L., 2, 75, 77 (embarks).
Morrison, P. O., 72.
Montrose, 20n, 27, 32n, 36 (put out of action).
202

Details

ИМ
THE
SOME DIED
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING.
On
REF:
MINISTRY MESSAGE. OF SHIPPING.
OUT
more
159.
MESSAGE
1336/30 May.
IN
To
V.A. Dover. 327.
DATE 30.5.40.
SECRETARY
N.O.i/c Ramsgate.
IMMEDIATE
202
RECEIVED :-
From
SEATRANS, HERRATES.
DATE 29.5.40.
STATE SEAL 9 / STATE
NAVAL CYPHER (c).
TIME
From Admiralty.
LOR - DEPARTMENT
Addressed
SKATRAMS, DOVER, REFEAT TRANSPORTS, VESDO, LONDON.
a
War Office have placed 7 30-knot motor launches
at your disposal and are sending them to Ramsgate today
Date
AA
Tursday.
Naval crews are being sent to man them.
TRAVLERS HECO URASE BOTTOLK-SOSS SAILED 1950.
Names of Launches:-
T.H.I. 1945.
MARLBOROUGH
WOLFE
GROUSE
KESTREL D.O.S.T.
VULTURE S.T.A.8.
SWALLOW MR. DU BOISSON.
PIDGEON. S.T.N.GA
A.T.B.
EXTRA.
Gp 684 Gp 684
1336/30.
for D. 0. D. (H)
(SUB(C) - &L,Ld J.R & Ld
let S.L.
M.O.S.1.
C.S.O.to 1st S.L.
D.O.S.T.
Ons.(4)
Mr.D.H.Edwards.
O.D.(3)
Mr.DuBoisson.
O.I.C. (2)
S.T.N.6B.
D.S.D.9.
P.
V..CN.S.
Extra.
D.N.I.(4)
D.T.S.D.
D.VS.W.
V.P.
?)
.s.(T)
A .3.(H)
k.
(3)
2nd S.L.
1.(2)
M.
P.S.
6.
B.
tional Circulation.
S.T.

Details

Pare
w
W.H.Wibon of Braya olvition
Motor Passage vessel Princess Mand Taken x
11, marlborough Roy Therhe Bay B
Southend am Inc Essay.
Me phone has ?
molio Goal White Fox II /
Ell.1. Jones Wood wherfe
Thams St S.B10
hot
C.323:
Lynng of wallosey Bag Yeahl Statur
near Rochford basis
Mophine :
mohn yadt ) mary Roe Goven Diams
135, Lower Rd, SE 16 Phone BER 1920
Lying at acorn yard Sung Commercial
Dock, S.R.16
Kunce
!
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING
DOVER.
25th October, 1940.

Details

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

Details

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

Details

SECRET
44
Dynams 153.
43
H.M.S. "Brandaris,"
c/o. G.P.O.
London.
6th June, 1940.
The Conmander-in-Chief the Nore,
Admiralty House,
Chatham.
Sir,
I have the honour to report in accordance with
Nore General Order No. 448. - "Operation Dynamo" that I
proceeded to Tilbury a.m. 25th and took over command of
the above vessel and proceeded to Southend and Sheerness
thence to the Downs a.m. 27th leaving there for Dunkirk p.m.
of that date. From that date till the 4th instant I
continued to ply between Ramsgate and Dunkirk, and Dover
and Dunkirk, in command of the above ship three times, the
W.D. fast launches "Marlborough" and "Wolf" five times and
the "Auto Carrier" from Dover once. We had the usual
constant bombing and machine gun attacks on each trip and
while in Dunkirk Harbour and off the beaches. While
proceeding to Dunkirk in the "Auto Carrier" one torpedo
was fired at us near the entrance to the Dunkirk Passage Buoy,
but the distance and darkness were too great to get particu-
lars of our enemy although obviously a C.M.B. type. All my
ships companies behaved splendidly under very trying
conditions and I would like to mention specially the
Mercentile Crews on the W.D. Launches "Marlborough" and
"Wolf" and the Cross Channel Steamer "Auto Carrier" for their
keenness, also the very efficient storing arrangements at
Sheerness Dockyards at short notice.
I most respectfully submit the following impressions
gained during the operation for future reference:-

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SECRET
-2-
(1) Officers should have more instruction in landing
or embarking from beaches.
(2) Fast Motor Launches with Vee Drives utterly unsuitable
for beach work, i.e. propellers too vulnerable.
(3) Good use could have been made of Rocket Apparatus
substituting skiff for breeches buoy.
(4) Efficient "Clear View" essential for small fast launches.
(5) "Hailing Sets" would have been a great asset.
(6) Very good use could have been made of ordinary Grab
Dredgers as landing Pontoons lying moored head and
stern on the beach by their anchor and grab on the
stern or quarter according to the wind and tide. These
craft are available from London to Southampton.
(7) In conclusion my fastest trip was from Ramsgate to
Dunkirk and back with fifty-nine soldiers in five
hours in the W.D. Launch "Marlborough."
I have the honour to be
COMMANDERIVO 8
Sir,
CHHE
Your obedient servant,
Eumar,
THE NORE
Commander, Royal Navy.
II.
No:477.cC/40.
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING, DOVER.
Forwarded in compliance with Admiralty
Message 1652/6th June, 1940.
Phainson
for ADMIRAL.
The Nore.
8th June, 1940.
VIOE AD MIRAL 1940
Lynanco
DOVER
A

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2.
364
342
Greatly to the Waster's disappointment, X 213's
machinery was not in a good enough condition for her
to be used.
78. Owing to a misunderstending, not here, which I have
been unable to trace, the motor boats which should have
hours later. Suspecting that the fifth column was at work
reached Sheerness from the Thames Adid not arrive until 24 Lou 30ᵗʰ hi
I informed your Chief of Staff, D.S.V.P., V.A. Dover,
N.O.I.C.s Ramsgate and Margate of the circumstances, and
of my intention to ignore any such messages. No possible
harm could have been done by sending boats on, at any rate
as far as Ramsgate. Had these boats not been delayed, they
would have been available on the last day on which evacuation
from the beaches was still going on. Some of them were
employed on the last two days in the vicinity of Dunkirk.
8. The type of machinery fitted in many of the boats and
its defective state, presented F.E.O. and Sheerness Dockyard
with some difficult problems and a great deal of hard work,
which was tackled, night and day, with great zeal and energy.
Some of the boats broke down later on, much to the
disappointment of their crews, who had done their best. Most
of them, I think succeeded in joining other boats and making
at least one trip to the French coast.
9. The total number of craft prepared for service and
sent out from Sheerness was as follows :-
100 Motor Boats
10 Lighters
7 Schuits
1 Oil tanker
6 Paddle Steamers
10. On Sunday June 2nd, having got away all the personnel
and everything afloat that was sufficiently in good condition
to do useful service, I went to Ramsgate with Commander Troup,
arriving about 1600, in order to help N.O.I.C. and to
endeavour to assist in the cooperation of motor boats with
larger vessels.
I went in with a group of Schuits and slow motor boats
to the beach at St. Malo les Bains, where a British Officer
who had just got back reported that there were British troops
who had been unable to get into Dunkirk. None were found. I
have no doubt however from later enquiries that they had got
into the town. A volunteer whose name I have not yet been
able to get, landed from one of the Schuits and walked along
the beach to make sure there were none left. We brought him
off and his boat's crew, and a number of French soldiers who
were pulling for England in a small boat.
Commander Troup took the fast Army motor boats into
Dunkirk alongside the centre pier and brought off 79 French
troops when his boat was rammed by a French tug and had to
be abandoned.
11.
On Monday night I took a group of slow otor boats
up to the Quay Felix Faure, at the top of Dunkirk harbour.
I went on ahead in the fast boat "Marlborough" to identify
the quay. The motor boats were led in by the "Mermaiden",
Sub Lieut
who did very well to find the place in
the dark. 300 French Marines were embarked in the motor
boats and a French Trawler. Their bearing was excellent.
As the quay was now clear, and machine gun fire
was getting a little near, I decided not to get the motor
boats back on the chance of another load of troops. At
had the misfortune to scrape over some masonry that had fallen
this period through no fault of the Officer at the wheel, we
from the quay, losing our propellers and rudder.
Sidmonth- willing (Sea cader lical

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2.
368
/
Quai Felix Faure, June 3rd - 4th.
- 346
For the final evacuation, 12 of the best slow motor
boats were to proceed on tow to Dunkirk and thence to the
Quai Felix Faure some way up the main harbour. I started
in the leading motor boat but transferred to the Army fast
boat "Marlborough", in order that I might if possible get
into contact with the French Naval Authorities and make sure
we had got to the right places, and also to give us a boat to
get away in, leaving the motor boats free for ferrying.
2. Our quay was not easy to identiy, even in the light
that remained, and I was very glad that I had gone ahead of the
tow. The quay was deserted, but after a time some troops
passed along the road in rear, on their way to the Avant
Port. Sub Lieutenant Karminsky who came ashore with me as
interpreter, tried to find someone to tell me whether we
had got to the right place but received the reply # sorry
I'm a stranger" Eventually we found we were correct.
About 2300, 300 French Marines arrived and explained that
they were all we had to take off. Then followed a good rad.
half hour of waiting for the motor boats, which had been
delayed on passage. I sent the "Marlborough" to look for
them, and soon after 2330 was relieved to see them coming.
The leading boat "Mermaiden" Sub Lieutenant
Beale
had done very well to find the place in the dark. Some
of the boats had missed their way and no doubt went into
the Avant Port where I expect they did good work. My
anxieties were entirely relieved by the arrival of a large
French trawler, who took all that the motor boats could not
and had room for more. Sub Lieut. Karminsky tried to induce
the Officer of some troops returning along the road to embark,
but they said they had their orders and could not vary them.
3. By about 0200 the quay was clear and as machine-gun
fire was getting a little near I decided not to get the
motor boats alongside this part of the harbour on the chance
of another load and so re-embarked in the "Marlborough" and
started to move down harbour. In avoiding two French
vessels, we had the misfortune to strike a heap of fallen
masonry which removed our propellers and rudder. After some
adventures fully described in the attached narrative by
Sub Lieut. Edge-Partington, we got a tow and returned to
Dover.
4.
The three Officers in the boat with me were Sub
Lieuts. Don, Edge-Partington, and Pool. All did well, and
showed coolness and resource in the somewhat interesting
situation in which we found ourselves.
5.
The report from "Mermaiden" has not yet been
received. The Sub Lieut. in command did well, and his name
also deserves mention.
Rear Admiral.
D.M.O.
Sheerness.
8th June, 1940.

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390
-
(-2-)
367
Sub.Lieuts.Don, Edge- artington and Pool, Coptein,
Navigator and Coxswain of the Army fast boat "Marlborough"
in which I sailed on 3rd.-4th. All these showed themselves
good officers and remained cool and resourceful in the
somewhat interesting situation in which we found ourselves.
Sub. Lieut. Pool, while I was ashore looking for the
French Marines, took a rench motor Bicycle, started it
with the help of the Stoker and rode round to see what
was happening. I would not have allowed him to go but
B.
I am delighted to find we have young Officers of his
spirit.
Sub.Lieut.
on 3rd.took the
motor yacht "Mermaiden", leading the rest, up to the
Quai Felix Faure under very difficult conditions. He
wait
took off one load of Marines and came back again in
time to tow out an Admiral's barge that had broken down.
I have not yet received the report which will be forwarded
when it comes.
26.
landed from the Schuit on
2nd.-3rd, walked along the beach at St. Malo les Bains to
make sure no troops were there. Subsequently went to
help the motor launch "Singapore" which was aground,
although it was daylight, and finally came away with me.
This gentleman was a member of one of the yachting
accociations and I hope it may be possible to trace him.
6.
Although the following Officers did not come under my
personal observation, I was in close touch with them at
Sheerness, and draw attention to their names in case
their names have not been brought forward elsewhere.
CommanderE.C.Cordeaux, Senior Officer, "Eagle"
minesweepers. He was of much assistance to me personally
in promulgating the instructions given to the motor boats.
from his full knowledge of the situation on the beaches.
Lieutenant A. Tyson, in command of Schuit "Neiger".
lie did at least five trips between Sheerne und the
beaches, he missed the operation on 2nd-3rd and I did
A.
not therefore meet him in action, but I formed a very
favourable impression of him.
7.
A
list of all R.N..R.N.R.,R.N.V.R. taking part
and civilians who signed on for the operation is attached.
(Sgd) Taylor.
*Sea Cadeb Sidmoult Willing

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3.
370
22.
Skipper A. Gardner, R.N.R. - Went in Tug "Tanga" arrived
at the beaches at 2200 on Friday, May 31st. They were
bombed and machine-gunned throughout the night, while
lying off an inprovised jetty. He helped to ferry troops
in a power life boat which "Tanga" had towed. This broke
down and he returned on Saturday in "Leda", leaving the
life boat.
23. Sub Lieut. E.T. Garside, R.N.V.R. - Went to Le Panne in
"Elizabeth Green" and ferried for larger craft. He
sighted "Viewfinder" on the beach. He got back to
Ramsgate on Thursday May 30th, transferred to the R.F.A.
launch "Andora II" and returned to beaches where he ferried
for a bit and then brought back 23 French. Arrived
Ramsgate on Friday. On Monday night he was towed over in
the "Elizabeth Green" by a tug, which he could not after-
wards find and so he brought his load home.
24. Sub Lieut. R. Shrimpton, R.N.V.R.- In an Admiralty, open
36 ft. launch he was towed over by a drifter and pent
Saturday night at the beaches. On a later night he went
into Dunkirk.
25. Sub Lieut. S.C. Allen, R.N.V.R. Went over to Le Panne
in the "Frightened Lady" which was beached after fouling
the screw. He reported to an Admiral with side whiskers
who was escorting Gort. He was told to help some soldiers
getting abandoned pinnaces away. He also assisted to
build a jetty with trailers etc. Left the beaches in the
"Horst".
26. Sub Lieut. A.V. Weaver, R.N.V.R. Went over in "Quijijana"
and brought back a party of 18 troops mostly Coldstream
Guards. He went over again in "Sun X".
27. Sub Lieut. W.G.H. Bonham, R.N. - went over in "BOBELI"
in the first batch and ferried until about midni on
Wednesday night. His boat was broken up by a destroyer
which went full ahead while he was alongside. He went
on ferrying for a bit but had to abandon the "Bobeli" and
returned to Margate in the "Albury". He then went over
in the "Horst" which had to be abandoned owing to engine
trouble and a near miss.
28. Sub Lieut. J.W. Culham, R.N. - in "Smolt" which broke
down on way over and was towed back by "Midas" ?. Went
over in "Glitter II" to the beaches about 6m East of
Dunkirk arrived at 1600 on Wed. 29th. Stayed ferrying
until 0200 on Thursday when she lost her rudder on some
wreckage and was towed back to Dover by a drifter. The
"Black Arrow" was seen aground at Dunkirk.
29. Sub Lieut. R.A.W. Pool, R.N. - Took lighter X.817 to
Dunkirk and then back to Ramsgate. He went over again
on last night to Dunkirk in the M.T.B. "Marlborough".
Mares
30.
Sub Lieut. E.G.B. R.N.V.R. - in "Skylark" but
she sank on the way over. He also saw "Mary Rose" sink
in mid ocean and the "Ellen Mary" run down by a life
boat and abandoned.
31,
Sub Lieut. E.A.E. Cornish, R.N.V.R. - was in the
"Lansdowne" which slipped her tow outside Dunkirk.

Details

DUNKIRK. May 30, 31, June 1, 2 & 3.
Trips to Dunkirk.
TOTAL
Mostly with Scratch Crews
W.D.LAUNCH
Date & time
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Numbers
on 4th trip and all on 5th
arrival
0400 hrs.
1415 hrs.
Various hrs
Various hrs.
Various hrs.
rescued.
trip.
Ramsgate
31.5.40.
31.5.40.
1.6.40.
2.6.40
3 - - 4 June
0815 hrs.
15 French
20 French
Out of
Out of action
35
1.
"GROUSE"
action
Portsmouth
31.5.40.
2215 hrs.
1830 hrs.
1.6.40. Brought down an enemy
"HAIG"
0845 hrs.
Ferry service
Escorted a.
80
Salved by R.A.F.
945
aeroplane by Lewis Gun.
2.
Lowestoft
at Dunkirk.
badly damaged
at Dunkirk p.m. 3 June.
2.6.40. Rammed by tug & report-
31.5.40.
800 saved
destroyer to
Sailed back to Ramsgate
ed sunk with 30 men on board.
Brought back
Sheerness
All saved. Engr. Walter landed at
65 at 2200
Margate.
hrs.
1830 hrs.
3.6.40. Salved by R.A.F.
0815 hrs.
35
20 French
"KESTREL"
Back empty
Reported sunk Dunkirk
55
4th trip. Leaking badly.
5.
Portsmouth
3 June, Towed into
5th trip. Reported sunk off
31.5.40.
2215 hrs.
2030 hrs,
o500 hrs.
Margate, engine disabled.
Dunkirk, but towed
(3.6.40)
into Margate.
51
21 French
40 French
20 French
Towed into Dover. Lost
132
"MARLBOROUGH"
p.m.
5th trip. Towed back to Dover.
4.
propellers and rudder
50.5.40.
2007 hrs.
1830 hrs.
0430 hrs.
491

Details

Statement from S.Y Vincea: (Re, Dankish
522
C. B.O.
Sir,
6x Imday the 31" M May, are the Jug Vincia
left Ramagah in taw of three skelfs for Durkich at
2.45pm.
at 4Pm see were off the Sandethe Bany, who
548
eport by Lieut. V.A. de Mauny, R.N. (contd).
- 518
1500
From 1500 onwards we were subject to almost
continuous attack by enemy aircraft and had the
satisfaction of seeing 7 bombers brought down by
destroyers' and shore batteries' anti-sireraft
fire. Two enemy pilots escaped by parachute.
Majority of troops embarked at this point were
French.
1700
On hearing that there were a number of British
troops on the beach near La Panne proceeded
there with Sub. Lt. Cornish and his motor boat
and succeeded in embarking a number of British.
Total number embarked was not recorded by no
but was approximately 150 altogether.
2030
Having valuable cargo aboard and observing that
there were a number of schoots and other craft
who, owing to the absence of small power driven
craft, were unable to get any troops. I decided
to return to Base with my load and turned over
my whaler to Sub. Lt. Cornish and asked him to
report to the Schoot "Atlantic", the Commanding
Officer of which told me that he had been there
all day without being able to get a single man
on board for reasons explained above.
Proceeded by route X in company with other drifters,
troop ships, tugs, etc. and were attacked by
enemy aircraft until past No 6 W Buoy, when they
were driven off by anti-aircraft fire from
British destroyers.
1st June.
1430
Arrived N. Goodwin L/V and anchored owing to
insufficient water in Ramagate.
1600
Weighed and proceeded in to Ramagate and discharged
That troops. evening was ordered to return to Dunkirk in
"Ocean Breeze" but order was cancelled as we
could not reach destination by 2130.
2nd June.
Ordered to proceed in Power Boat "Haig" with Lt. in
McMullan R.N.R. and Sub. Lt. Hollingshead
Proceeded with Marlborough in company with
company with Marlborough, Kestrel and Swallow. Cmdr.
2100
Troop R.N. in command of "Haig" and with one
lifeboat in tow.
3rd June.
0030
Approached Dunkirk; obliged to out lifeboat adrift
she became full of water and was hampering bollard.
Entered speed Dunkirk Harbour and proceeded alongside
as of "Haig" and damaging towing