Details

Details

BLOCKSHIPS
Blocking of Dunkirk Inner Harbour.
This operation was carried out on 2 successive nights,
under the command of Captain E. Dangerfield R.N. The ships
employed were as follows:
2nd/3rd June
dr. Vivacious,
M.A/S.B.7.
M.T.B.107, and the blockships
West Cove,
Edvard Nissen,
Holland.
3rd/4th June
dr. Shikari,
M.A/S.B.10,
M.T.B.107, and the blockships
Gourko,
Moyle,
Pacifico.
Two of the blockships were sunk on the way to the
harbour; the Holland by collision with an unknown personnel
ship; the Gourko by what is said to have been a magnetic mine(1).
The blocking operation was made difficult by the ebb tide,
and the strength of the out-going current was greater than had
been expected. Consequently, a gap of about 100 to 120 feet
was left unobstructed on the west side of the channel; part of
this gap, however, was shoal water, because of the shelving
bank.
The following awards were made to the operation staff;
Mention in Despatches.
Capt. E. Dangerfield R.N.
Lieut. R.A.F. Heap, R.N.
(1) Gourko was de-gaussed, and had been wiped in Chatham
Dockyard on 31st May.
107

Details

GOURKO( (1)
Blockship
Cdr. A.V. Hemming, R.N.
3rd June
2030
The blockships Gourko, Moyle
Pacifico, Shikari in company with and
M.A/S.B.10 off sailed from a position
(with M.T.B.107 in dr. tow) and
z, for Dunkirk.
the S. Goodwin L.V., via route
4th June
0130
The blockships anchored off Dunkirk,
between No. 14 W. and No.16 W. buoys.
Captain Dangerfield and the C.Os.
of the blockships transferred to
M.A/S.B.10 and made a reconnaissance
of the harbour.
0225
Cdr. Hemming returned to Gourko,
weighed and closed.
0230
Shikari which proceeded to lead to a
position for entering the harbour.
0240ca
Near No. 17 buoy Dunkirk roads,
Gourko anchored while Captain
Dangerfield in M.A/S.B.10 went
forward to see if all was clear.
0245
Gourko weighed anchor. When anchor
was nearly aweigh, a violent
explosion in Gourko occurred aft,
caused by a magnetic mine.
"Abandon ship" was ordered as Gourko
was rapidly sinking. She sank stern
first in 3 minutes. M.A/S.B.10
took off nine survivors and transfer-
red them to Shikari. Seven others
0345
were picked up some from alongside,
some out of the water by M.T.B.107.
One of the crew was missing, and 8
wounded.
were [The other 2 blockships carried on
with the operation.]
Authority - M.011431/40.

Details

M.A/S.B.10
89th A/S Group Portland
Lieut. R.G.H.G. Eyre,
R.M.
1st June
1715
Embarked Dunkirk. R.A. Dover and proceeded to
1900
Secured Dunkirk. at inner end of Eastern arm
2115
slipped. Underway throughout the night
directing evacuation.
2nd June
0300
Set course for Dover.
0430
Arrived Dover.
1815
Embarked R.A. Dover and Adm. Sir James
Somerville and their staffs and
proceeded to Dunkirk.
1945
Arrived Dunkirk.
2100
Slipped( and remained under way
throughout the night directing
evacuation.
3rd June
0300ca
Embarked some naval ratings of the shore
party from eastern arm and proceeded
with the R.A. Dover.
0427
Arrived Dover.
1500
Embarked Capt. G.A. Garnons-Williams R.M.
and proceeded to the Downs to issue
orders to blockships. Returned to
Dover 1630.
1800
Proceeded to join the dr. Shikari which
was with 3 blockships the Gourko,
Moyle and Pacifico]. Carried out
screening duties ahead of the block-
ships on passage to Dunkirk.
4th June
0115
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked the C.O's of
the blockships and Capt. E. Danger-
field, R.N. Reconnoitred the harbour.
0200
Returned to the blockships.
0215
The Gourko blew up. "Picked up all
survivors" and transferred them to
the Shikari". (2)
0345
Embarked the last of the block-ships'
crews and proceeded to Dover.
0600
Arrived Dover.
N11
Authority - R.O.II, p.474.
The following award was made:
Mention in Despatches
Lieut. R.G. H.G. Eyre, R.N.
(1) S.N.O. Dunkirk that General the Hon. H.R.L.G. Wake-Walker 2nd June. in
Alexander a"M.T.B." 2130 second on Despatch,
According to is the stated Appendix that to General Alexander S.N.O. Dunkirk left Dunkirk
however, in a motor it boat [1.e. M.T.B.102] with
(Capt. Tennant, R.N.)
e M.T.B.107.
257

Details

MOYLE
Blockship
Lt. Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, R.N.
3rd June
1800
Anchored off the S. Goodwin L.V.,
2015
2 other blockships in company.
Weighed and proceeded in order Shikari,
shill
Gourko, pacifico, Moyle. M.A/S.B.10
was in company, M.T.B.107 was in tow
of Shikar1.
4th June
0130ca
Anchored west of Dunkirk.
Capt. Dangerfield and the C.Os. of
blockships embarked in M.A/S.B.10
and reconnoitred the harbour.
0230ca
Weighed to shift berth close to the
entrance, Moyle's 2 lifeboats
towing alongside.
0245
Gourko struck a magnetic mine and sank
in 3 minutes.
0250
Ordered by Capt. Dangerfield to "Go in".
0300
Moyle entered harbour, and proceeded to
the inner channel. When between the
inner west pier and the wreck of the
Westcove she rammed the former, and
scuttled the Moyle. As Moyle sank,
she slid off the bank towards the
centre of the channel (as the Westcove
had done), and finally settled at a
slight angle to the line of the
channel, her after part being
against the Westcove.
Authority - M.011431/40.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
C.E.R.A. C.B. Clapson.
Mention in Despatches.
Lt. Cdr. R.H.D. Lane, R.N.
308

Details

M.T.B.107(1)
10th M.T.B. Flotilla
Lieut. J.Cameron, R.N.V.R
27th May
0800
Left Dover. Portsmouth for Felixstowe via
28th May
1200
1830
Arrived Felixstowe.
Left Felixstowe on patrol.
29th May
0400
Retd. to Felixstowe.
31st May
0600
1600
Left Felixstowe for Dover.
1745
Left Dover in company with M.T.B.67.
Off Dunkirk. M.T.B.67 closed dr.
Keith (R.A. Dover on board) for
orders. Proceeded to La Panne with
M.T.B.67.
-
Carried out various duties, including
some rescue work, and cruised in
company with M.T.B.67.
2100
Proceeded to Dover in company with
M.T.B.67.
2315
Arrived Dover.
1st June
1100
Left Dover with Cdre. T.J. Hallett on
board. Patrolled route X.
1600
Proceeded to Dover.
1830ca
Dover.
2nd June
1845
Left Dover for the Downs, where the
Captains of the blockships Westcove,
Edvard Nissen and Holland were
embarked and transferred to dr.
Vivacious.
2020
Proceeded in tow of Vivacious.
2230
Slipped tow; embarked Capt. Danger-
2330ca
field from Vivacious and set course
for Dunkirk. Arrived 2330ca.
Landed Capt. Dangerfield at East Pier.
On his return left harbour to search
for blockships. Two only found
[Westcove and Edvard Nissen]; the
third [Holland] had been sunk in a
collision on the way.
3rd June
0320ca
In harbour, embarked all the crew of
the lst and part of the crew of the
2nd blockships, and transferred them
to the Vivacious which was lying
outside.
0345
Proceeded, Vivacious and M.A/S.B.7
in company.
0630
Dover.
1735
Left Dover. Embarked the Captains of
the blockships Gourko, Moyle and
Pacifico and transferred them to the
dr. Shikari.
2030
Proceeded in tow of Shikari, blockships
in company.
4th June
0245
Followed blockship Gourko into Dunkirk.
Heavy explosion in Gourko as she
entered the harbour.
(1) M.T.B.107 was only received from the builders by road on
23rd May 1940. She had no astern gear.
316

Details

PACIFICO
Blockship
Lt.Cdr. G.H.F. Owles, R.N.
3rd June
2030
Sailed from " position off the S.
Goodwin L.V. in company with the
blockships Moyle and Gourko (q.v.)
4th June
0130
0230
The blockships anchored off Dunkirk.
Weighed and proceeded towards the
harbour entrance.
0245ca
Gourko was seen to be sinking by the
stern and turning over on her
starboard side.
Signalled to the dr. Shikari that
Pacifico would be scuttled in the
Gourko's allotted position.
The Pacifico intended to proceed
between and beyond the wrecks of
the Edvard Nissen and Westcove
and then drift down between them
broadside on.
The current was too strong to permit
of this manoeuvre, BO Pacifico rammed
the Westcove abreast her after hold,
dropped the anchor into her and
secured the cable. The stern then
came over to port towards the Nissen,
but after a certain point would not
turn further owing to the tide race
between the two ships.
Pacifico was then ordered to scuttle
the ship. The scuttling was
occompanied by a considerable sheet
of flame, as in the case of the
Westcove, but in this instance
probably due to oil fuel vapour.
0345
The crew was picked up by M.A/S.B.10.
Authority - M.011431/40.
The following awards were made:
D.S.C.
Lt. Cdr. G.H.F. Owles, R.N.
D.S.M.
Ch. Mech. H. Phillpott.
Mention in Despatches.
9/Lieut. D.M. Johnson, R.N.V.R.
P.O. A.J. Wilson.
A.B. A. MacDonald, R.N.V.R.
375

Details

SHIKARI (continued)
1st June
0330ca
0600
Shelling increases.
0620
Sailed Ordered to Dunkirk to fill to capacity.
Air with other ships for Dover.
1000
attacks en route.
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 623(1)
Army. French troops of General Piroux's
ep.
2130
Sailed for Dunkirk.
2nd June
0125
0200
Arrived Dunkirk. Embarked troops.
0540
Ship full. Returned to Dover.
r
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 470
troops. (1)
1845
Sailed under orders of the dr. Sabre
for Dunkirk.
-
Shore batteries opened fire as Shikari
dear
rounded No. 6 W buoy.
-
Embarked troops.
2200
Ship full. Sailed for Dover.
3rd June
0130
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 700
troops(1)
1800
Capt. E. Dangerfield, R.N., and his
staff arrived on board.
Sailed for the Downs and anchored
for 2 hours near the 3 blockships
[Gourko, Moyle and Pacifico].
M.T.B.107 brought the Captains of the 31.
blockships to the Shikari, on board
which a conference was held.
2030
Sailed for Dunkirk by route Z, acting
as guide for the blockships. Speed
7 knots; the M.T.B.107 was in tow
of Shikari.
4th June
0130
Anchored near Dunkirk harbour entrance.
0230
Ordered to weigh by Capt. Dangerfield
who had transferred to a "M.T.B."
(1)
[i.e. M.A/S.B.10]. Shikari led the
a
blockships to the entrance. Shortly
after weighing, the leading block-
ship [the Gourko] blew up, presumably
on a mine. The "M.T.B." picked up
survivors. (2)
0245ca
The remaining 2 blockships "carried on
with their job".
-
Shikari proceeded alongside and
embarked 400 French troops "who had
been left after the last ship
evacuating had sailed". Among those
embarked was General Bathelemy,
Commander of the Flanders Garrison;
he stated that 12,000 French troops]
still remained in Dunkirk.
0330ca
Shelling commenced. One shell hit the
jetty causing many casualties.
0340
Ordered to withdraw by Capt. Dangerfield
se
(1) (2) D.R.
Both M.T.B.107 and M.A/S.B.10 picked up survivors; these
Shikari. by the latter were transferred to the
133

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

42
43
Page
Page
Page
Lord Wakefield
3
Merbreeze
Page
21
Groups-continued
Northward Ho
Page
16
Mercury
M/S
27
Northwind
14A
27
Lorinda
Mewslade
3
Phase
Page
Laurel
11
43
29
Lormont
10
44-45
Norwich City
9
Lavatera
Philante
30
12
13
M. H. Stephens
14A
15
46
Notts County
19
Lavinia L
23
Lorna Doone
Philippe
34
4
Michael Griffiths
9
Nyula
19
Laws
30
Lorraine
17
14B
Louis Botha
17
Midas
49
10
23
Learig
16
5
Phineas Phrontes Beard
17
50-51
24
Migrante
2
Leda
4
Lovania
10
Phyllis Rose
5
28
Lowther
14A
Milford Duchess
52-53
Leeds United
23
3
Phyllisia
12
Leeward
28
Milford Duke
54
26
Loyal Friend
8
8
0.
Pict
37
Leicester City
3
Milford Earl
55
13
Oak
Picton Castle
32
S
Lucifer
20
Luda Lady
16
Milford King
56
19
Oaklea
26
Pintail
24
Lephreto
8
24
Luda Lord
2
Milford Prince
57
8
13
Ocean Breeze
28
Plantagenet
31
Leprechaun
25
Le Tiger
Lunar Bow
28
Milford Princess
58
12A
20
Ocean Brine
11
Playmates
29
8
Letna
32
Lune
30
Milford Queen
60
10
Ocean Eddy
22
Plinlimon
11
15
M/S 61 Training Flotilla
37
Plumer
21
Leyland
Lydd
16
35
Millwater
15
20
Ocean Gain
23
Libra
30
Minna
36A
9
Poinavon
12A
36A
Lydd II
Ocean Guide
Murama
23
35
Lydia Long
30
14
Ocean Lifebuoy
Pointer
8
Libra (Dutch)
27
5
36
Libyan
32
Mine Recovery Flotillas-
Muria
4
Ocean Lux
Pointz Castle
14A
Lydiard
Murmansk
35A
24
Polar V
Lichen
Lynx
10
12
Ocean Retriever
35
17
1
12
Polar VI
Liddoch
12
2
11
Myris
Ocean Scout
35
20
Lyric
36A
Poolzee
Liffey
Minicoy
Ocean Spray
36A
24
22
N.
23
Popinjay
Lilac
M.
Minona
35
Ocean Sunlight
22
Lily Oak
28
4
Nab Wyke
9
Powis Castle
Lincoln City
26
M.1
9
Mirabelle
6
14
Ocean Swell
27
Nairnside
27
Preston North End
26
19
M.2
29
Mirage
17
7
Ocean Toiler
12
Prince Leo
Lincolnshire
Namur
36B
M.3
9
6
37
Ocean Treasure
24
Mireille
Nancy Hague
12
Princess Beatrix
36A
Lizzie Birrel
M.A.C. 1 & 2
36
11
8
Ocean View
Llanthony
8
Mist
19
Princess Elizabeth
Naneta
10
Loch Aline
18
M.A.C. 6 & 7
36
28
12
Ocean Vim
5
Mistletoe
Natal II
Princess Mary
15
M.A.C. 5
14
22
8
Ode
12
Princessa
8
Loch Alsh
16
Mitres
Navicula
16
Ogano
3
Principal
27
Loch Buie
15
M.A. West
11
M.L. 100
14A
Negro
Loch Eribol
16
Madden
15
14
28
Ohm
26
Proserpine
28
M.L. 101, 102
Neil Mackay
Madeline
13
9
9
Okino
37
Prospect Ahead
29
Loch Hope
23
M.L. 107
Neil Smith
26
10
Oku
24
Providence
6
Lochinvar
20
Magnolia
8,19
Moed-en-Werk
Netsukis
36
23
Olivae
14
Provider
26
Loch Inver
14
Mahela
14A
Mollusc
New Comet
16
Newhaven N.B.
5
Olive
24
Ptarmigan
9
Loch Laggan
12
Maid Marion
2
Monarch
9
36A
Olive Tree
28
Puffin
31
Loch Leven
16
Majesta
12
Monarda
Newland
11
Olvina
9
Punnet
18
14A
Loch Long
37
Majesty
21
Mona's Isle
New Pride of Essex
11
New Prince of Wales I
Olympia
35
12
Pyramus
30
Loch Melfort
32
Ma Joie II
12
Monimia
Ombra
16
12
Pyrope
12A
16
Loch Moidart
17
Malacolite
35
Montano
Newspray
4
14B
One Accord
3
Loch Monteith
9
Mallard
31
Niblick
Moonstone
32
16
Onetos
14
Loch Oskaig
25
Mangrove
24
Moorgate
Niger
12
4
Night Hawk (Trawler)
4
Onward
9
Q.
Loch Park
Manor
2
3
Moravia
14
28
Oracle
13
Loch Rannock
5
Manora
4
Night Hawk
13
Queen Empress
Moray
14B
37
Oriole
Loch Tulla
28
Man-o'-War
18
Queen of Kent
21
25
Night Raider
Morgan Jones
23
19
Orlando
Lois
Nimrod
Queen of Thanet
21
10
Manx Prince
17
35
Mount Ard
29
Lombard
2
Orvicto
4
Nirvana
Queen of the South I
12
Marano
14A
35
Mount Keen
24
Nobles
4
Osako
London Pride
8
Queen of the South II
12
13
Marauder
9
3
29
Marcia
Moyle
8
Loon
Nodzu
23
Osta
4
Queen Worth
6
23
Oswaldian
Lord Ashfield
Nogi
15
17A
Quest
28
26
Marconi
Lord Austin
14A
M/S Flotillas-
Noontide
28
Othello
8
Quiet Waters
19
Mare
Lord Barham
14
27
Our Bairns
1
29
Norbreeze
12
14A
Maretta
Lord Beaconsfield
10
4
16
Nordhav I
14B
Our Kate
14A
26
Lord Collingwood
Margaret Hyde
15
5
16
Nordland
37
Overfall
14A
R.
11
Margaret Rose
37
13
Norina
37
Oystermouth Castle
7
Lord Essenden
19
Lord Gainford
Maria Joao
6
9
29
Racer
26
7
21
Norlan
37
Marie
Rachael Flett
Lord Grey
18
8
23
Norland
19
36c
11
Lord Hailsham
Marina
36A
P.
Radiant
2
9
10
Norna
2
Marinus
10
16
Radnor Castle
4
Lord Hood
12
10
Norman Wilson
20
Lord Hotham
14A
Marion
11
4
13
Norse
12A
Pangbourne
24, 36A
Raetia
30
Lord Howard
32
Mariout
12
Rambler Rose
35
Northcoates
29
Paragon
3
35
Lord Howe
10
Marmion
Northern Chief
30
Paramount
Raymont
7
11
13
Lord Inchcape
10
Marsoma
Pathway
Reaper
15
M/S Groups-
25
17
27
Northern Dawn
2
Martello
14A
30
Patti
28
Reboundo
29
Lord Irwin
24
1
Northern Duke
Martinet
Paul Rykens
Rebuff
12
Lord Keith
14
12A
7
20
2,3
30
Receptive
36c
Lord Lloyd
13
Northern Foam
11
Mary A. Purdy
Paynter
12
29
4-6
Northern Gem
25
25
14A
5
Recoil
16
Lord Melchet
Mary Sturgeon
28
Northern Gift
30
Peacemaker
Lord Middleton
13
Mary White
7
15
37
Northern Isles
30
Pearl
Recono Red Gauntlet
13
27
17
Lord Northcliffe
19
M.A.S.B. 1, 4 & 5
10-12
15
Pecheur
29
Lord Nuffield
9
14
Northern Light
26
16
14A
Red Sky
14A
36B
M.A.S.B. 6-10
Peggy Nutten
8
Northern Pride
25
15
Reed
Lord Plender
19
1st M.A.S.B. Flotilla
14
16-20
24
15
Northern Princess
30
Pelagos
12
Refraction
14
Lord Rodney
25
9
22-26
2nd Masona M.A.S.B. Flotilla
14
28-29
Northern Reward
30
Pelton
Refundo
28
30
Lord Selborne
11
12A
17
Master John
29
30
Northern Sky
30
Pembroke Pentland Firth
17
Regal
S
Lord Snowden
16
25
12A
Regardo
14B
Lord St. Vincent
2
Mayflower
23
31
Northern Spray
Perilia
14A
21
Lord Stamp
11
28
Northern Sun
30
Peter Carey
28
Regwa
May II
32
22
Lord Stanhope
2
7
34
Northern Wave
25
29
Reids
Medway Queen
26
Melora
16
Northlyn
29
Peter Hendriks
Lord Stonehaven
2
10
37-38
North Ness
23
Peter Nell
2
Mentor
18
40
24
27
41

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

43
Page
Page
Page
O.
M/S Groups-contd.
44
Mine Recovery Flotillas-
57
19
Oak
26
1
11
58
13
Oaklea
28
Pict
Page
2
22
59
21
Ocean Breeze
11
Picton Castle
32
Reilvo
Page
4
20
Ocean Brine
Minicoy
60
22
Pintail
24
Reparko
12A
St. Katherin
21
10
Ocean Eddy
Minna
61
37
Plantagenet
31
Reore
8
St. Kenan
23
Minona
21
Ocean Fisher
62
28
Playmates
29
Rerivo
36B
St. Loman
Minos
14B
M/S Training Flotilla
20
Ocean Gain
23
Plinlimon
11
Rako
5
St. Magnus
Mirabelle
17
Muria
14
Ocean Guide
23
Plumer
21
Rello
21
St. Melante
6
Mirage
Myris
12
Ocean Lifebuoy
35A
Poinavon
12A
Rverberation
35
St. Mellons
Ocean Lux
Pointer
9
Rala
10
St. Modwen
Mireille
11
28
Myvera III
9A
35A
Mist
Ocean Retriever
Pointz Castle
36
12
Rodora
18
St. Nectan
Mistletoe
22
Ocean Scout
36A
Polar V
24
Rhard Croft
3
St. Olaves
Mitres
14A
Ocean Spray
23
Polar VI
35
Rg
5
St. Olive
N.
Poolzee
35
14
M.L. 100
14
Nab Wyke
35
Ocean Swell
27
Fghto
St. Silio
36A
8
9A
Ocean Toiler
Popinjay
igoletto
St. Sunniva
M.L. 101, 102
Nairnside
14
12
2
7
Ocean Treasure
12
Powis Castle
22
36B
lime
St. Tudno
M.L. 107
Namur
27
inovia
19
1st Motor Launch Flotilla
2
Nancy Hague
37
Ocean View
Preston-North End
St. Wistan
19
Prince Leo
26
lion
8
St. Zeno
Moed-en-Werk
36
Naneta
S
Ocean Vim
5
36B
8
8
Princess Beatrix
distango
Salamander
Mollusc
Natal II
12
Ode
12
36A
12
9A
Princess Elizabeth
River Annam
Salpa
Monarch
Navicula
8
Ogano
3
10
22
River Esk
Saltash
14A
Princess Mary
Monarda
16
Ohm
15
27
26
Salvini
Negro
Princessa
River Clyde
Mona's Isle
11
Neil Mackay
28
9
13
Okino
37
Principal
River Garry
Salvo (Tug)
Neil Smith
Oku
27
27
Salvo
Monimia
16
9A
10
Proserpine
River Spey
28
14B
Salvonia
Montano
4
Memo
14A
Olivae
14
Prospect Ahead
Riviere
29
36B
Sandown
Moonrise
35
Netsukis
10
Olive
24
Providence
R. Levin
11
17
Moonstone
32
New Comet
23
Olive Tree
28
Provider
Robert Hastie
Sandringham
17
17
12
Robert Stroud
Sangarius
Moorgate
Newhaven N.B.
21
Olvina
9A
Ptarmigan
26
9A
Sanson
Moravia
14
11
Puffin
Robin Hood
Olympia
35
28
Saon
New Pride of Essex
31
Morama
Punnet
Robina
9A
New Prince of Wales I
16
7
12
Ombra
18
Rochebonne
Sapphire
Moray
14B
12
Onaway
Pyramus
19
Newspray
29
30
Sappho
Rodino
Morgan Jones
23
One Accord
3
Pyrope
11
New World
12A
Sarah Hyde
12
Rogate
9
Mount Ard
29
Sarah A. Pure
Niblick
14B
Onetos
11
Roger Beck
3
Sarba
Mount Keen
10
16
Onward
9A
Q.
Niger
Rolls Royce
35
Moyle
Night Hawk (Trawler)
4
Oracle
3
Queen Empress
Sargasso
8
1:
Romany Rose
23
Queen of Kent
Sargon
7
13
2
Oriole
Rona
18
Sarna
M/S Flotillas
Night Hawk
Queen of Thanet
18
2
Ronso
Night Raider
37
Orlando
16
Saronta
1
29
Queen of the Fleet
1l
Rooke
4
16
Nimrod
35
20
19
Orpheus
Queen of the South I
Sarpedon
12
Rosa
17
21
Sasebo
Nirvana
2
Orvicto
16
Queen of the South II
12
5
Rosebud
8
Sata
Nobles
4
Osako
14A
6
13
Queen Worth
9
Roseden
28
Saturn
7
21
Nodzu
23
Osta
9A
Quest
6
Rose Emma
12
Saucy
Nogi
15
Oswaldian
4
Quiet Waters
28
23
Rose Haugh
24
8
Sawfly
Othello
17A
Rose Hilda
Scalby Wyke
10
10
Noontide
28
15
11
8
Norbreeze
27
Our Bairns
8
Rose Valley
30
Scarron
Nordhav
36A
Our Kate
12
R.
Rosel
24
Scawfell
12
13
Nordhav I
Overfall
14A
Racer
7
Rose Marie
3
14
Sceptre
14A
Rachael Flett
26
Ross
16
Schelde
M/S Groups-
Nordland
37
Oystermouth Castle
Radiant
36c
Ross Ard
27
Schievan
1
24
Norina
27
Radnor Castle
2
Rotha
14B
Scomber
2,3
12A
Norlan
29
P.
Raetia
4
Rotherslade
23
Scotch Thistl
4-6
13
Norland
19
Pangbourne
16
Rambler Rose
30
Rowan
24
Scotia II
7
14A
Norna
21
Paragon
24, 36A
Raymont
35
Rowan Tree
14A
Scott
10-12
15
Norman Wilson
20
Paramount
3
Reaper
7
Roxano
36B
Scottish
13
15
Norse
12A
Pathway
11
Reboundo
S
Royal Charter
17
Scourge
14
15
Northcoates
29
Patti
17
Rebuff
29
Royal Eagle
12A
Scythe
16-20
16
Northern Chief
30
Paul Rykens
28
Receptive
12
Royallieu
35
Seabreeze
22
10
Northern Dawn
25
Paynter
7
Recoil
36c
Royalo
S
Seafarer
23, 24
Northern Duke
Peacemaker
12
Recono
16
Ruby
5
Seaflower
24
30
5
Red Gauntlet
13
Rugby
14A
Seagull
25
10
Northern Foam
30
Pearl
26
24
Northern Gem
25
Pecheur
27
Red Sky
17
Runswick Bay
5
Sea Holly
8
Northern Gift
30
Peggy Nutten
29
Reed
14A
Ryde
10
Sea King
28-29
30
12A
Northern Isles
Refraction
8
Sea Lord
30
Peken
35
Refundo
14
S.
Sea Mist
31
15
Northern Light
26
Pelagos
14A
28
Sabra
35,
Sea Monarch
32-33
21
Northern Pride
16,25
Pelton
15
Regal
8
Sabreur
35
Seaman
34
22
Northern Princess
30
Pembroke
12
Regardo
14B
Sailor King
22
Secuta
37-38
26
Northern Reward
30
Pentland Firth
30
Regwa
St. Adrian
5
Seddon
14A
40
16
Northern Sky
30
Perilia
17
Reids
9
St. Apollo
36c
Sedulous
41
24
Northern Spray
12A
Reigate
25
St. Cathan
9A
Selkirk
Peter Carey
Reighton Wyke
21
29
Semita
43
27
Northern Sun
30
Peter Hendriks
28
5
St. Celestin
Relonzo
36
Semnos
44-45
29
Northern Wave
25
Peter Nell
29
16
St. Claire
46
15
Northlyn
30
Remexo
17
Seriola
29
17
St. Cyrus
Phase
49
Remillo
5
Servitor
9A
North Ness
34
14A
St. Dominica
23
Philante
16
Sethon
50-51
10
14A
14B
Renascent
Northward Ho
20
St. Donats
Philippe
9A
Settsu
52
2
Northwind
9
Phineas Beard
24
Rennet
21
St. Elstan
5
Sevra
54
23
Norwich City
5
Renzo
9
St. George
19
55
Phrontes
8
Notts County
12
Resolve
56
19
13
Nyula
Phyllis Rose
20
23
Phyllisia

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
to were seen and no ships Dunkirk of No. 604
2120 on the 2nd June, to clear reported the air being for the attacked. night's work. Blenheims No enemy air-
craft Squadron then continued to patrol singly over throughout the night.
reported, and R.A.F. fighters intercepted successfully 3rd on three.
Only on three occasions during the 2nd June were enemy all aircraft formations
evacuation effort. Eighteen Blenheims a level (1,000-3,000
series of attacks on the batteries near bombed Gravelines, from low to coincide with the
During the early morning hours of Pointe the de June the R.A.F. carried out a
feet), but were unable to observe results.
By night, the policy was continued of directing a small proportion of our
effort to targets near the battlefront and the main weight against Germany ;
and air in conformity with this policy twelve Wellingtons attacked Bergues.
Blocking of Dunkirk Inner Harbour (Operation C.K.) (See Plan 4 and
Appendix Z)
The blocking of the inner harbour at Dunkirk was under the command of
Captain E. Dangerfield, R.N., and was carried out on two successive nights.
The operation was first timed to be carried out on the night 1st-2nd June, but
at 1808 on the 31st the Admiralty ordered its postponement.
On each night three blockships, escorted by a destroyer, an MA/S.B. and an
M.T.B., were employed. The blockships assembled in the Downs, and (as
usual) they were such crocks that one, the French built Emerald Wings (Govern-
ment Yard, Cherbourg, 1920) broke down soon after leaving Portsmouth for
the Downs and had to be towed back to harbour; a second could not keep up
with the convoy; and a third, the Moyle, developed defects which, however,
by dint of working on her all night, were remedied in time.
The ships finally employed on the night 2nd-3rd June were as follows :-
Vivacious (destroyer)
M.A/S.B. 7
M.T.B. 107
Blockships Westcove 2734 tons, built 1912
Edvard Nissen 2062 tons, built 1921.
Holland Dutch M.V. 895 tons, built 1923.
Early on the 2nd of June Admiral Nord asked that the blockships might be
sent over to arrive at the entrance to Dunkirk harbour at 0300 on the 3rd, the
latest hour at which they could enter on that night, by which time it was hoped
the evacuation would have been completed. During the afternoon of the 2nd
however, the Admiralty received a message from the Admiral postponing the
operation because the evacuation would not be completed that night. However,
the Admiralty still hoped to complete the evacuation and ordered the block-
ships to sail.
At 2030 on the 2nd the Vivacious, with Captain Dangerfield on board and
with M.T.B. 107 in tow and M.A/S.B. 7 in company, sailed from the Downs,
leading the three blockships, and proceeded to Dunkirk by Route Z. The
Holland, unable to maintain the 71 knots speed of the convoy, was soon lost
to sight astern. Nearing Dunkirk a tug (either the Sun X, Sun XI or Foremost
87), towing a very long line of boats, crossed her bows and still further delayed
her, but she eventually made contact with M.A/S.B. 7 and asked to be led
into the harbour. The other two blockships had anchored at 0230, and a
1 This is her correct name
111

Details

THE FINAL NIGHT, 3RD-4TH JUNE
CHAP. XII
The Locust also, after embarking troops ferried out to her from 2300, came
alongside the East Pier at 0225, and when she sailed ten minutes later had on
board 196 troops.
Mining of the Emile Deschamps
The personnel vessel King George V which left the East Pier about 0300 with
817 troops, ran into thick fog off the English coast. About 0615, near the
Elbow Buoy 21/2 miles east of the North Foreland, she passed a "small French
naval vessel." Suddenly there was a heavy explosion astern of her, and
within a minute the vessel had sunk.
The small French ship was the Fleet Auxiliary Emile Deschamps which had
sailed from Dunkirk for England at about 2100 on 3rd June, crowded with
troops and refugees. About 0558 the minesweeper Albury, 5 cables ahead of
her, gave her a course for the North Goodwin Light Vessel, which the French
ship had missed. A quarter of an hour later the Emile Deschamps struck the
magnetic mine which sank her.
Several vessels were near and hastened to rescue the survivors. The fire-
float Massey Shaw, on passage from Ramsgate to London, was only 200 yards
away at the time and picked up 40, reported to be all sailors, which she trans-
ferred to the Albury. The King George V lowered four boats and picked up
67. The minesweeper Kellett, called up by signal from the Albury, rescued
some very badly injured people as did also H.M.S. Nelson's motor boat, whose
log contains the apparently, but no doubt unintentionally, casual entry
' 2400. L/Sea. Eggington lost overboard with candle-lantern." Fog came
down again as the rescue operations were completed. Among the survivors
landed at Margate were 7 French women and a boy.
Blocking Operation repeated night 3rd-4th June
Owing to the failure of the blocking operation of the previous night to close
the port, the Admiralty, during the forenoon of the 3rd June, ordered it to be
repeated on this night with Admiral Abrial's concurrence. Captain E. Danger-
field, R.N. was again in charge. The ships employed were as follows :-
destroyer :
Shikari;
coastal craft: M. A./S. B. 10,
M.T.B. 107
blockships
Gourko, 1975 tons, built 1911,
Moyle, 1761 tons, built 1907,
Pacifico, 687 tons, built 1905.
The force sailed from the Downs at 2030 on the 3rd by Route Z, M.T.B. 107
being in tow of the Shikari, and anchored at 0130 on the 4th between No. 14 W
and 16 W buoys, near the entrance to Dunkirk harbour.
At 0230 Captain Dangerfield, who had transferred to M. A/S. B. 10 ordered
the ships to weigh and the Shikari proceeded to lead them to the entrance.
The Gourko's anchor was barely aweigh when a violent explosion occurred aft,
caused, it is reported, by a magnetic mine, although the ship was degaussed
and had been wiped in Chatham Dockyard as recently as the 31st May. The
Gourko began to sink rapidly and was ordered to be abandoned. She sank
stern first in 3 minutes. M. A/S. B. 10 took off 9 survivors and transferred
them to the Shikari. M.T.B. 107 rescued 7 others, some of them from the
water. One of the crew was missing, and 8 were wounded.
Meanwhile, the other two blockships carried on with the operation. The
119

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. XII
Moyle rammed the As Inner she sank, Western she Pier slid off abreast the bank the wreck towards of the Westcove
scuttled line channel, intention The of Pacifico the herself. as was channel, the to decided Westcove proceed her to after between had scuttle part done, down and in being and the between beyond finally against position the them settled the allotted wrecks Westcove. at of to a slight the the the Edvard Gourko. centre angle to of Her and the the
and Westcove and defeated then drift this the Pacifico broadside on. Nissen
the strong current after hold, dropped manoeuvre, anchor so into her and rammed However,
The stern then swung not over turn further owing to the tide Nissen, but, after
cove abreast her to port towards the Edvard secured
ships. of certain point, Orders would were then accompanied given for the by scuttling considerable of the Pacifico; race between As in the the case two a
due in this instance to vapour.
the Westcove, this was oil fuel a sheet of flame, probably
One shell hit the pier, causing many casualties, for there were still some 200
The time now was about 0330 and at this juncture shelling recommenced.
French troops on the East Pier. General Bathelemy, Commander of the
Flanders Garrison, who was taken off by the Shikari, stated that 12,000 French
troops still remained in Dunkirk. The Shikari carried 383 when she sailed
from Dunkirk at 0340 by orders of Captain Dangerfield; she was the last ship
to leave. Apart from an air attack, which caused no damage, her passage
home was uneventful.
An M.T.B. had been detailed to evacuate Admiral Abrial but the latter
could not be found, and as a matter of fact he was brought out from Dunkirk
in a French M.T.B. V.T.B. 25. Near the North Goodwin Light Vessel the
vessel's propeller became disabled by wreckage, and the Malcolm towed her
to Dover about 0600.
On the conclusion of the blocking operation there remained a gap of about
100 to 120 feet unobstructed on the west side of the channel. Part of this gap
was, however, shoal water, because of the shelving bank.
Disembarkation figures, 4th June
There were landed in England on 4th June 26,175 persons, of which British
ships had evacuated 21,600, French 3,838, and Belgian 737. These figures
included a number of survivors, both troops and ships' crews, from sunken
ships and some refugees. It was recorded that 622 of the total were evacuated
from the beaches, but it is doubtful whether any of these were actually
evacuated from the beaches, for the figure includes many such as the 43 French
troops landed by the Pangbourne, who were taken from a French vessel
(probably the mail packet Rouen) which had run aground on a sand bank: the
260 brought over by the Beatrice Maud: a number (apparently 210) recorded as
evacuated from the beaches and landed in England but actually ferried from
Dunkirk pier to various transports, by the motor launch Bonny Heather.
Operation Dynamo completed, 1423/4th June
Ammunition in Dunkirk was exhausted, enemy were and reported the remaining consisted
When the Shikari sailed, the to be only 3 miles away.
principally the of non-combatant units. troops Admiral Nord agreed that
was dispersed at 1030.
operation should be considered as Accordingly, terminated. The fleet of rescue ships
The decision to terminate the operation was agreed to by the French
120

Details