Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

ANKH
Portsmouth Inner Patrol
Lt. C.C. Bone, R.N.V.R.,
Yacht
Senior Officer, Inner
Patrol.
Lt. E.H. Sparkes, R.N.V.R.
C.O.
29th May
1800
Left Hamble for Dover in company with
the eight other yachts of the Inner
Patrol, viz: Bounty, Caryanda, Lahloo
and Thele of the 1st Division; and
Seriola, Eilla II, Ahola and Noneta
which comprised the 2nd Division.
Lieut. Bone, R.N.V.R. was on board
the Ankh.
30th May
1200
Arrived Dover.
1930
Left Dover for Bray, in company with
2 trawlers. (1)
31st May
0610
Off the beaches, within the 2 fathom
line.
Capt. J.M. Howson, R.N., N.O.I.C.
beaches, transferred from the dr.
Scimitar's M/B to the Ankh, which he
said was to be his "flagship".
Spent the day off Bray, towing loaded
boats to the destroyers, and on the
return journey taking empty boats
to the vicinity of the pier and
letting them drift ashore. Troops
were also ferried in Ankh.
The Ankh's M/L was lowered and used
to tow loaded whalers to the
destroyers.
It is estimated that 900/1,000 men
were thus ferried off.
1930
Air attack. Some damage to Ankh by a
near miss.
2000
Left Bray on instructions from Capt.
Howson who ordered the yacht
Amulree to act as escort.
1st June
0145ca
The Amulree was rammed by the dr.
Vimy in the Downs and sunk.
0815
The Ankh berthed at Dover. Captain
Howson disembarked.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II. p. 305.
The following awards were made:
D.S.M.
A.B.
W.F. Lunn.
Yacht Engr. F. Barter.
(1) Not identified, and not mentioned by Seriola any of and the Lahloo, other I.P.
yachts. sailed in company. Lt. Bone says and that "the
According to the Thele, that
flotilla" the yachts arrived off Bray at 0600 31st May,
thereafter they acted independently.
58

Details

EUJITUAN
Naval pontoon boat
You
T.B. Godern, R.N.V.R.
[0/20. Godman had been to Denkirk in
yay njës
the yeaht See under Portsdown he had
transferred to the yacht Noneta, in which he
took over the Naval Steam Pinnace.
returned to Remsgate. At 0530 on 1st June, he
1st June
0600
Left Hamegate with a crow of 5 and
0830
fuel for six hours steaming.
A passing trawler temporarily repaired
the Steam Pinnece's engine and
give her 3 sacks of coal. Bhe then
took the steam pinnace in ton.
1030
The tow rope broke for the third time.
The steam pinnace was taken in tow by
another trawler which had overtaken
her.
1200
Blipped the tow outside Dunkirk harbour
and proceeded towards La Panne.
Air attack on a sloop off the herbour
entrence [1t was the G/B Mosquito];
the sloop half submerged, consed fire
Just west of La Panne, picked up a
dinghy and making several tripe,
ferried 15 British troops to the
steam pinnace.
1400ca
Off La Penne, sighted the M/B Marsayru
drifting with the tide and unoccupie
[She had broken away on the previous
night when in tow of the lighter
X.217
The Mareayru was found to be in work-
ing order; the engine wes started
up, and an A.B. and a moldier were
taken as crew.
P.O. Morrison use loft to charge of
the steam pinnace, with orders to 1ay
off and wait for the return of the
Marsayru.
With the dinghy in tow, the Marsayru
proceeded to the western end of the
besch and anchored; the dinguy
ferried about 24 troops to her.
There WES insufficient room in the
to take any more.
1700
The kareayro weighed anchor, cast the
disghy advist. and proceeded eastward
to pick up the steam pinnace. She
VILTORIA
was found anchored, near the harbour,
and deserted. It wes decided to
leave her there.
The Marasyni proceeded to Remagate.
1900
Closed the OF Decreasebank which gave
the MATURATH case Fuel and the
course for Desegate. It USD
observed that the stemp pinnes's
orew were ou board END
2330
usde fast to a contant risabing bucy
and unsted for anytight.
2nd June
0430
A travier truis the to tow
to
0800
Arrived CANADA 19
FORMA
325

Details

NAVAL STEAM PINNACE
M/B MARSAYRU
S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
[s/Lt. Godman had previously been to Dunkirk in
the yacht Seriola. While there, he had
transferred to the yacht Noneta, in which he
took over the Naval Steam Pinnace.
returned to Ramsgate. At 0530 on 1st June, he
1st June
0600
Left Ramagate with a crew of 5 and
0830
fuel for six hours steaming.
A passing trawler temporarily repaired
the Steam Pinnace's engine and
gave her 3 sacks of coal. She then
took the steam pinnace in tow.
1030
The tow rope broke for the third time.
The steam pinnace was taken in tow by
another trawler which had overtaken
her.
1200
Slipped the tow outside Dunkirk harbour
and proceeded towards La Panne.
Air attack on a sloop off the harbour
entrance it was the G/B Mosquito]
the sloop half submerged, ceased fire.
-
Just west of La Panne, picked up a
dinghy and making several trips,
ferried 15 British troops to the
steam pinnace.
1400ca
Off La Panne, sighted the M/B Marsayru,
drifting with the tide and unoccupied.
[She had broken away on the previous
night when in tow of the lighter
X.217].
The Marsayru was found to be in work-
ing order; the engine was started
up, and an A.B. and a soldier were
taken as crew.
P.O. Morrison was left 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 and anchored; the dinghy
ferried about 24 troops to her.
There was insufficient room in the
Marsayru to take any more.
1700
The Marsayru weighed anchor, cast the
dinghy adrift, and proceeded eastwards
to pick up the steam pinnace. She
was found anchored, near the harbour,
and deserted. It was decided to
leave her there.
The Marsayru proceeded to Ramagate.
1900
Closed the sk. Doggersbank which gave
the Marsayru some fuel and the
course for Ramsgate. It was
observed that the steam pinnace's
crew were on board the Doggersbank.
2330
Made fast to a conical flashing buoy
and waited for daylight.
2nd June
0430
A trawler took the Marsayru in tow
to Ramsgate.
0800
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 19
troops.
326

Details

NONETA
Portsmouth Inner Patrol
Yacht
S/Lt. A. J.Potter-Irvin,
R.N.V.R.
29th May
and
See Seriola.
30th May
31st May
0400ca
Arrived off Bray in company with the
Patrol. eight other yachts of the Inner
The beaches were thronged with troops.
The Noneta collected a number of
floats and boats and towed them
close inshore, to drift in on the
tide.
-
Towing 4 of her boats ferried about 700
troops to a destroyer.
1620
Air attack. One near miss; one
soldier killed,a petty officer and
4 soldiers wounded.
1640
At S/Lt. Potter-Irwin's request,
S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R. was
embarked from the yacht Seriola.
1650
Leaking slightly, the Noneta proceeded.
2200ca
Arrived Ramegate
The Noneta ferried about 700 troops
from shore to ships.
Nil
[At 0500 on 1st June S/Lt. Godman
assumed command of a Naval Steam
Pinnace and sailed for Dunkirk].
Authority - R.O.II, p. 321.
346

Details

Details

SERIOLA
Portsmouth Yacht Inner Patrol Lieut. D.A. Dawson,
-
29th May
S/Lt. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R. was
R.N.V.R,
1800
The sailed divisions of the Inner patrol
transferred 2 to the Seriola.
The from Hamble in
2nd Division comprised company. the
Noneta. yeachts Seriola, Eilla II, Ahola 4 and
ep
the [The 1st
5 yachts Ankh
Bounty, Caryanda, Lahloo and Thele]
30th May
0930
2200
The flotilla arrived at Dover.
The flotilla sailed from Dover for Bray.
31st May
0500
The Seriola, leading her division,
arrived off Bray. The yachts then
acted independently.
Seriola ferried troops from the beach
de
1000ca
to off-lying destroyers.
Ordered by a destroyer to proceed to
La Panne and ferry troops from the
beach.
1500
Signalled by the dr. Keith to collect
2 whalers for operations off La
Panne during the evening.
1530
The Noneta having had 1 killed and
another badly wounded, asked for
the services of S/Lt. T.E. Godman.
He was transferred.
1630
Collected 2 whalers and proceeded to
La Panne.
1800
Ordered to close the Bounty which was
flying the flag of Cdre. G.O.
Stephenson. The commodore asked
for a special effort to be made that
night.
Continued ferrying troops from La
Panne™ throughout the night.
1st June
0700
Signalled by a destroyer to collect all
boats in the channel between La Panne
and Dunkirk, tow them to Dunkirk,
and then let them drift ashore.
0830
Embarked several boat loads of troops
and ferried them to a destroyer off
Dunkirk; her Captain asked the
Seriola to tow the Bounty to
Ramsgate as her port engine was
broken down.
0845
Closed the Bounty and embarked her C.O.
[Lt. Lundy] and Cdre. Stephenson.
Took the Bounty in tow and on the
Commodore's orders set course for
Ramsgate; the Lahloo (q.v.) was in
company. Slight damage from
aircraft machine gunning.
1430
Arrived Ramsgate. (1) Cdre. Stephenson
and Lt. Lundy disembarked.
Nil
(1) Ramsgate the "Lalm" [i.e. Lahloo],
"Servion" report [i.e. states Seriola] that and Bounty together disembarked
11 B.E.F. The Lahloo herself states that she disembarked
15.
122

Details

SERIOLA (continued)
Barrell,
The Seriola ferried about 900 troops
from shore to ships.
.)
29th Authority - R.O.II, p.308. Princess
May
Southend; in
ep-
ratings),
Queen (2 rating and
civilian), and Cocen
by 3 civilians).
r
The following awards were made: west of Dunkirk, the
or H.M.
D.S.C. Sub.Lieut. T.E. Godman, R.N.V.R.
The
[See also Noneta, Naval Steam Pinnace and Marsayru]
der
Eay
Canvey Oncen's
was takon in by Shamrock.
0430ca
Donkirk.
Abamrock, Cenvey Queen and Princess
Hand ferried troops to
including the [1.0. the Anthony] I
Doring
the
Maud aground and had to
be abandened.
Shamrock's propeller become fouled
and she was towed by the Canvey Queen
31
to the "H-40" which embarked her crew.
The Susmrook was abandoned.
1645
The Carryey Queen at this time was able
to perform uneful service towing
boats for the drifter Fairbresse.
The Canvey queen fouled her propeller,
and was abandoped off Dunkirk, (4)
1)
Mr. Barrell estimates that about 1500
1
troops were ferried by the above
motor vessels.
Authority TO.9436,-
Owner W.H. Wilson.
According E. to Crouch. a report in TO.9144, this was the M/S "Tilly")
but WILD no of the
Tilly not the
by 15/6/40.
123

Details

Details

299
m
278
2
PORTSMOUTH
INNER
PATROL
ANKH
BOUNTY
CARYANDA
LAHLOO
THELE
SERIOLA
EILA II.
AHOLA
NONETA

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
295
of Petty Officer T.Jones throughout operations.
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
The following officers, Lieut.D. Dawson, ub.Lieuts. Godman
and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate,
volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
ein and shelling from the land.
Difnams 298.
300 B14/0/
REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314
BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS
FROM
DUNKIRK.
Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA",
"LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed
in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at
Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from
Dover at 1930 on the 30th. and to proceed to the beaches at
Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The
flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and
acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it
was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they
had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They
either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships
or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations
were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could
operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and,
during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P.
Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as poss-
ible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission.
Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing
from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches
were available over the other side and had been assured that there
been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600,
were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats
thousands troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the
others remained were until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "AHOLA", "THELE",
Yachts that more damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the
"EILA II" "CARYANDA" ultimately returned to Dover; "SERIOLA",
"LAHLOO", & "BOUNTY" & "NONETA" to Ramsgate. On arrival, they all
reported and were told to stand by for orders; none, back however to Hamble were
damage by on course concerned, sent the the The over 4th. but great they fact again. only and, June all coolness that reported bearing two one and The all casualties those Yachts and the in at resource mind Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsggte Dover that returned of their having many were all on conduct Officers of the was sustained ordered them 5th. only under had June. and made considerable never Ratings almost possible In been due
under continuous fire before, bombing and I consider shelling that deserves the highest praise.
Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R.
VICE AUMIRAL
Senior Officer, Inner Patrol.
6th. June 1940.
15 JUN 1940
*

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of I should Petty Officer like to draw T.Jones special throughout attention operations. to the magnificent work 295
2
The Potter-Irwin following officers, Sub.Lieuts. Godman
and ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate,
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
air and shelling from the land.
308
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "SERIOLA"
COmmanding Officer, Lieut. D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R.
- 287
29. 1800. Left Hamble in formation for Dover, my division
consisting of "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA" & "NONETA".
30. 0930. Arrived Dover, and seet into submarine basin, S.O.I.P
and myself went to report to S.N.O. Dover and received
final orders for our departure.
2200. Left Dover.
31 0500. Arrived off Bray, leading my division, when we received
signal to commence embarking troops from beach to
destroyers lying farther out. This lasted until about 1000,
when I received a signal from a destroyer to proceed to
La Panne and carry on with the same routine there.
1200. Suggestion made to run a grass rope from "SERIOLA" to
the shore, which would enable the troops to pull themselves
out by the aid of this warp in boats etc. Sub.Lt.Godman,
r.n.v.r left "SERIOLA" in a whaler with a Lt., R.N.V.R. off
H.M.S. "Hebe2 to operate the shore end. Unfortunately, a
lorry was driven into the sea and turned over, fouling the
line, so this idea had to be abandoned. With great difficulty
we were able to get Sub. Lt. Godman aboard again as the whaler
which took him off, left the shore without him, with a full
load of troops. A severe bombardment was going on at the
time and, consequently, most small craft had withdrawn to
seawards but in spite of a big sea running at the time, we
managed to lower our dinghy and got him aboard in an
exhausted condition. We then prodeeded to continue disembarking
1500. troops. Received signals from H.M.S.Keith to go and collect
two whalers and crews foroperations off La Panne during the
1530. evening. Received signal from C.O. "NONETA" to say that she had
a dead man on board and her P.O. badly wounded. Closed her
and the C.O. suggested that he should take Sub.Lt. Godman to
with him. This I agreed to and advised him to return
Ramsgate "NONETA" was holed above the water line.
1630. Collected as the two whalers and crews and set off for La
Panne. the whalers and their respective crews.
1800. Received Beached signal from "BOUNTY" which was flying the
The of Commodore me and my crew that the hours 2100 on the that
flag Stephenson WMMXXXXX ordering us to close.
day Commodore to the told following morning were to be considered to get as
many Hour" and possible. We then returned to night. La
"Zero 0400 eh hoped we would do our utmost Panne and
continued men off transporting as troops throughout the
(Continued).

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
I should like Officer to T.Jones draw special attention to the magnificent work 295
of, Petty throughout operations.
2
officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman
accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate,
and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
air and shelling from the land.
-
309
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd).
288
ne 1 0700. Signal from destroyer to collect all boats lying in
the channel between La Panne and Dunkirk and to take them
in tow to the latter place so that they could then drift
ashore. This had been carried out by 0830. We then collected
several boathloads of troops who boarded us and we took them
to a destroyer lying off Dunkirk. The Captain of this
destroyer asked me if I could tow the "BOUNTY" back to
Ramsgate as her port engine had been put out of action.
This I agreed to.
0845. Closed "BOUNTY" which was lying on the other side of
the destroyer and took off Commodore Stephenson and Lt.
Lundy, R.N.V.R. (C.O. of "BOUNTY"). We then took "BOUNTY"
in tow. the Commodore gave me orders to leave the vicinity
immediately and set course for Ramsgate. "LAHLOO" was in
company with is. We were attacked by aircraft machine
gunning us but the damage done was slight.
1430. Arrived Ramsgate. Reported to S.N.O., Ramsgate,
S.O.I.P. at Hamble and to Flag Lieut. to C. in C., Portsmouth.
The following officers reported with me to S.N.O., Ramsgate:-
Lieut. Lundy of "BOUNTY",
Sub.Lt. Godman (with me on "SERIOLA")
We offered services for anything that might be required
Sub.Lt. Potter Irwin, C.O. of "NONETA".
and the our 0.qccordingly put our names down on the volunteerM did.
list, and asked us to report next day to him, which we
ne 2. When reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed use, that
no craft with a search of a suitable craft. We found ourselves M.T.B.101
we speed of less than 15 knots was of any
not so we went in suggested that we manned her
and being took her used, accross. so This unfortunately was not permitted
as it belonged to the R.A.F.
ne 4 Received orders from S.N.O. to sail at 0800 on the 5th. and
to collect charts and routes.
ne 5 with "BOUNTY" in tow, followed the by rate "LAHLOO" we were &
0830. "SERIOLA", I realised that minefields at off the
Nab going "NONETA" during we would left the Ramsgate. hours be in of the darkness, vicinity of so thought the it would be
advisable to make Examination for Newhaven. anchorage, to Newhaven. Shoreham. Exam Ship
refused 1800. Arrived us entry, at to shorehamporteported go to S.N.O.,
2030. Shoreham, Tied SOIP up at at and at 1030.
As
we
ne
6.
With ordering cancelled. sailed us to return at once
were as all were (Continued).

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
*
of I should Petty Officer like to draw T.Jones special work 295
2
The following wm Godman
and ships and me and reported to Ramsgate,
Our names accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering were services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
air and shelling from the land.
310
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd.)
*
289
e 6. 1500. Receive d orders from S.N.O., Shoreham to sail at
0400 the next morning.
ie 7. 0400. Left Canal with division and set course for Hamble.
1030. Arrived Hamble.
I estimate that, in all, approximately 900 soldiers were
taken off.
Sgd. D.A.Dawson, Lieut., R.N.V.R.
Commanding Officer of "SERIOLA" (and S.O. of Div. 2 of Expedition).
Note. I wish to make special mention of Sub. Lieut. T.E.Godman,
R.N.V.R., who while serving with me on "SERIOLA",
showed great coolness and devotion to duty under heavy
fire and in extremely dangerous conditions. He showed
jone
great bravery and initiative when, arriving in Ramsgate
in "NONETA", he at once volunteered and took another
ship back to the beaches.
D.a.Jamsa
Luid RNV.R

Details

BORT FROM SUB.LIEUT.T.E.GODMAN, R.N.V.R. ON EVACUATION OF
-317
NKIRK ON FRIDAY, MAY 31st. AND SATURDAY, JUNE 1st.
N
1 times approximate.
296 12
29.
Transferred to "SERIOLA" as assistant officer to Lieut.
D.A. Dawson, R.N.V.R. A report on the actions taken by
"SERIOLA" is being submitted by the C.O., Lieut, Dawson,
up to 1600 31st. May, when I was transferred to "NONETA"
at the request of Sub. Lieut. Potter Irwin, R.N.V.R.,
C.0.of "NONETA". The latter boat had been damaged by
a bomb, one soldier being killed and the Petty Officer
of "NONETA" badly wounded.
A report on "NONETA's" return journey to Ramsgate is
being submitted by the C.O.
31 2200. Arrived Ramsgate, landed soldiers and wounded
Petty Officer for medical attention and berthed ship.
e
1 0530. Reported to naval authorities on East Pier and
received orders to take command of steam naval pinnace
and carry out similar operations at La Panne and Bray
to those undertaken on "SERIOLA" the previous day.
The crew consisted of P.O. Morrison, one engineer, one
stoker and two The pinnace was provosioned,
fuelled for six hours' steaming at six knots and one
chart provided with the route to be followed plotted
on it.
0600. Cast off.
0830. The firebox fan broke down and it was no longer
possible to keep a sufficient head of steam to maintain
full speed. The engineer of a passing trawler effected
a temporary repair, gave us three further sacks of coal
to replenish our supply and took the boat in tow.
1030. The tow rope having parted for the third time,
the trawler signalled us to request to be taken in tow
by another trawler a short distance behind. This was
done and consequently our fuel reserves were maintained
for the work to be carried out at Dunkirk.
1200. Slipped the tow line outside the harbour which
the trawler entered, and proceeded towards La Panne in the
wake of a trawler which had several small craft in tow
and which started embarkation operations from the beach near
the harbour.
Bombers had been active from about 1100 but no direct hits
had been observed. Now, many enemy dive bombers appeared
and attacked a sloop off the harbour entrance which had
opened rapid A.A. fire but, after three or four salvos
of bombs had been dropped, the sloop half submerged and ceased
fire. Owing to the number of available craft already on that
vicinity to take off survivors, we proceeded on our course.
(Continued).

Details

REPORT OF "NONETA" [SubeLdeuteled.PotterImin R.N.V.R.) ON
321
EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK
A
300
All times approximate.
12
May 31. 0400 and Upon arrival at Bray the beaches were thronged with
men a number of floats and boats which had been
brought off to the waiting ships and not taken inshore
again. We collected as many of these as possible and
took them close to the shore, letting them drift in on
the tide.
The shallow water made approach to the shore
difficult, and so we got under way and went to Destroyer
H.42. The Commander of this ship had by then got
four of his ship's boats down and we found that our
best method of getting the men off was to tow the boats
in to the shore, all tied together, stand off until they
were full and then take them in tow back to the destroyer.
We carried out this operation, repeatedly, from day-break
until after mid-day when the destroyer was full and
recalled her boats. I estimate that in this way we got
700 men off. From mid-day onwards we picked up boats
or troops and took them to bigger ships.
At 1620 a large wave of enemy bombers attacked.
We were then just embarking troops from a float which was
sinking---it was impossible to get under way until they
were embarked and by that time a full scale air-raid was
in progress. As we moved away from the shore one bomb
fell very near to us on the starboard quarter. In
consequence of this one man was killed and four wounded.
Damage and casualties summarised:-
One soldier killed.
Petty Officer Lock wounded in the thigh in two places.
Four soldiers wounded.
The damage to the ship was not extensive.
Upon consideration and in view of the fact that there
was a heavy sea running I decided it was out of the
question to move the wounded men. Owing to the fact
that my Petty Officer was incapacitated, leaving me
Lieut. Dawson, in "Seriola", to request that Sub.Lieut.
single-handed, I signalled the C.O. of my Division,
Godman should join me, and that I had decided to leave
for Ramsgate.

Details

REPORT OF "NONETA" (Contd).
322
sub. Lieut. reported Godman that joined me about 1640 and the engineer N. 301
having I got we were leaking and making water very
slightly, under way at once.
12
We left Bray at 1650. Arrived at Ramsgate at about 2200,
when I reported to N.O.i/C. and arrangements were made to re-
move the wounded.
June 1. At 0500 Sub.Lieut.Godmen took over a naval pinnace
and sailed for Dunkirk.
At 1500 "Seriola", "Bounty", and "Lahloo" arrived
at Ramsgate. I reported to my C.O. Lieut. Dawson and sailed,
in company, to Hamble.
I would like to recommend very highly,
E.C. Hallet, Engineer T.124
B.P. Whitehouse, A.B. S.T.
C.Wilyman, A.B. S.T.,
for all their calm and brilliant work.
Under very difficult circumstances they set about
their task cheerfully and without a thought for themselves.
I consider myself particularly fortunate to have had these
men with me.
Petty Officer Lock was with me in the wheel-house
until he was wounded and although in great pain cheered
and encouraged the others and kept up the morale of the ship.
(Sgd) a I Potter Irain
Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R.

Details

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

Details

FRIDAY, 31ST MAY
CHAP. VIII
in the Bray and Malo sectors were being thinned out by movements westward
towards Dunkirk iteslf. This change of plan involved concentrating the special
tows and the minesweepers to which they were to transfer the troops, into the
stretch opposite the beach between Zuydcoote Sanatorium and one mile east
of La Panne¹, and also advancing the commencement of the operation by one
hour².
A risk was involved in this change of plan as the boat tows were not in com-
munication with the Vice-Admiral, and it would therefore be necessary for
minesweepers to see that the escorting M.A./S.B.'s shepherded the tows to the
new positions It had been explained to the Naval officers in each tow that
the minesweepers would be anchored so as to serve as guiding marks³.
" It was always impossible for me to do more than deal with the situation of
the moment", says Rear-Admiral Wake-Walker. "I did not know what ships
were coming or when-except for the pre-arranged plan of the sloops. Nor
was it possible for Dover to give me much information. Ships got back there,
unloaded, and were off again, the stream was constant but irregular and it was
not possible to see any way ahead. My policy was always to keep only sufficient
ships off the beaches and send all the others into Dunkirk, but the situation
changed continually."4
Small craft arrive in hundreds
It was in such circumstances that, at about 1900, Rear-Admiral Wake-
Walker had proceeded to Dunkirk in the Keith to see how the boat situation
was getting on. There he saw for the first time that strange procession of
craft of all kinds the story of which was to become famous-tugs, towing
dinghies, life-boats and all manner of pulling boats5-small motor yachts,
motor launches, drifters, Dutch skoots, Thames barges, fishing boats, pleasure
steamers⁶. This was indeed the first time that the small craft had come over
in hundreds⁷. Since noon Lt. Cdr. C. J. Wynne-Edwards, R.N. (of R.-A.
Dunkirk's staff), embarked in M.T.B.68, had been directing the tows to the
various beaches.
I See Appendix Q.18, observing that D.R. p.20, para. 61 says the beach between Bray
and 1 mile east of La Panne."
2 Appendix Q.19.
3 D.R. p.20, para. 61.
4 M.017978/41, p.17.
5 The following 14 tugs (their tows are shown in brackets) reached Dunkirk that evening:
The Racia (12 life-boats), Sun VIII (12 life-boats), Sun XV (6 life-boats), Vincia (3 life-
boats), Sun IV (9 boats), Tanga (6 boats), Ocean Cock (6 M/B's), Sun VII (seaplane tenders
243, 254, 276, 291 and A.M.C.3), Foremost 87 (two sailing barges), Fairplay I (sailing barge
Barbara Jean), Empire Henchman (sailing barge Aidie), Crested Cock (a lighter), Sun XI (a
lighter), and the Sun XII (sailing barges Tollesbury and Ethel Everard).
In the early hours of 1st June 4 other tugs arrived. The St. Fagan (auxiliary barges
Pudge and Lady Rosebery, and the sailing barge Doris), St. Abbs (auxiliary barge Thyra
and sailing barges H.A.C. and Duchess), Cervia (sailing barge Royalty), and the Persia
(sailing barge Glenway and Lark).
6 M.017978/41, p.19.
7 New arrivals off Dunkirk and the beaches on 31st May included the following The
yachts Amulree, Aronia, Glagla, Caleta, Christobel II and Llanthony, the nine yachts of the
Portsmouth Inner Patrol, viz the Ahola, Ankh, Bounty, Caryandra, Eilla II, Lahloo,
Noneta, Seriola and Thele and from the R.N. Air Station, Ford, the yacht Andora.
The drifters Ben and Lucy (towing 4 boats), Dorienta (towing boats), Monarda, Renas-
cent and the 13 drifters of the Yarmouth Base, viz Alcmaria, Feasible, Genius, Gula,
Jeannie MacIntosh, John and Norah, Lord Barham, Lord Hood, Overfalls, Reed, Rewga,
Swift Wing and Taransay. The drifters Fair Breeze and Ocean Breeze were again over,
the former towing a motor life-boat and 3 life-boats.
The steam hopper barges Foremost 102 (towing the Excellent's 35 ft. fast motor boat and
71

Details

Details

INDEX
Mosquito,44,727, 74, 88 (damaged), 92-3 (sunk).
Motor boats Control sunk Organisation, 5, 25.
93. to salvage pulling boats, 60-61,; follow Capt. Howson to England 74.
Movements 119-120.
M.T.B.67, 66n, 67.
M.T.B.16, 28, 113.
M.T.B.68, 66n, 71, 75.
M.T.B.107, 66n, 111, 119 (in operation CK).
M.T.B.102, 66n, 90, 108, 115.
Naiad Errant, 72n, 92.
Nautilus, sunk, 36, 42, 47.
Nanette II, 72n.
Nelson's, picket boa+, 72n : motor boat, 107n, 119.
Nayland, 32n, 47n, 114n.
Netsukis, 23n, 107n.
Nettle, Lt., 49.
New Britannic, 32n, 47n.
Newhaven, 102, 107n, 109, 112n, 114n.
Newhaven, sends small craft, 61.
New Prince of Wales, damaged, 74.
Ngaroma, 16.
Nicolle, General, 101.
Niger, 61, 86, 100 (meets small craft returning empty), 101, 107n, 109 (rams a French ship).
Noakes, Mr. W. H., killed, 73.
N.O.I.C. Beaches, see Capt. Howson.
Noneta, 71n.
Nord, Admiral. see Abrial, Admiral.
Nore C. in C., 8, 17 (to cover Dynamo) ; provision of boats, 51; M.T.B.'s, 70.
Normania, sunk, 44.
Ocean Breeze, 60, 71n.
Ocean Cock, 71n.
Ocean Reward, 28n, 34 (sunk).
Olivier, Mr. G. D., 73.
Olvina, 60 (goes to France in error), 91.
O.L.V. van Vlaandaren, 73n, 110 (lost).
Operations : CK Blocking of Dunkirk, 111-2, 119-20; XD (E) Dunkirk demolitions, 8,
19, 106; XD (G) Boulogne demolitions, 8-9.
Oranje, 20, 24, 29n, 47n, 100.
Oriole, 28n, 47 (beached to form pier), 107n.
Osborne, Mr. F. W., 73n.
Osborne, Mr. L. V., 73n.
Ostend, unsuitable for military requirements, 7; captured, 27.
Otway-Riven, Cdr. H. J. O., 49, 80n.
Our Bairns, 34.
Overfalls, 71n.
Pacific, 30n.
Pacifico, 119-120.
Pangbourne, 28n, 41 (damaged), 42, 97, 107n, 120.
Paris, 29n, 103-4 (sunk).
Parminster, Brigadier, 22.
Pascholl, 30n, 114n, 115-7.
Patria, 20n, 24, 29n, 46.
Patricia, 20.
Patrols : air, see Royal Air Force ; Naval of the routes, 20, 23, 28, 33-34 (ships taken off),
34 (strengthened), 85 (inshore channel).
Pauleter, 60n.
Paxton, 23n, 31 (damaged).
Pellag II, sunk, 95.
Persia, 71n, 90.
Personnel vessels : vulnerability, 28; not to be employed in daylight, 29, 99; strain
Pharailde, 73n.
on, 48; sailings suspended, 70; heavy losses, 98-9.
203

Details

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

Details

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

Details

Details

-
299
in
278
2
PORTSMOUTH
INNER
PATROL
ANKH
BOUNTY
CARYANDA
LAHLOO
THELE
SERIOLA
EILA II.
AHOLA
NONETA

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY (Contd).
295
I should like to draw special attention to the magnificent work
2
of, Petty Officer ,Jones throughout operations.
The following officers, Lieut. Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman
accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate,
on the following day if required.
on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
pin and shelling from the land.
Diframs 298
300 B14/0/
REPORT OF THE SENIOR OFFICER, INNER PATROL ON THE WORK CARRIED OUT 1314
BY YACHTS OF THE INNER PATROL IN THE EVACUATION OF THE SOLDIERS FROM
DUNKIRK.
Nine Yachts of the Inner Patrol, "ANKH", "BOUNTY", "CARYANDA",
"LAHLOO", "THELE", "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA", & "NONETA", sailed
in company from Hamble at 1800 on Wed. 29th. May, and arrived at
Dover at 0830 the following morning. We were ordered to sail from
Dover at 1930 on the 30th. May and to proceed to the beaches at
Bray and La Banne and assist in the embarkation of the troops. The
flotilla arrived off Bray at 0600, 31st. May and then divided and
acted independently. Owing to the shelving nature of the beach, it
was impossible for our yachts to approach very close; instead, they
had to lay off and assist boats coming off form the beach. They
either took the troops on board and transfered them to larger ships
or else took the small boats in tow to larger ships. The operations
were greatly hampered by the lack of good motor boats which could
operate from the beach. Thert appeared to be only a very few and,
during the day, some of these were left on the beach. All the I.P.
Yachts launched their motor boats and operated them as long as poss-
ible but the fresh onshore breeze soon put them out of commission.
Knowing the conditions on this coast, I had asked before sailing
from Dover whether suitable motor boats to operate on the beaches
were available over the other side and had been assured that there
were literally hundreds. There is no doubt that, had these boats
been over there before the beaches came under fire at about 1600,
thousands more troops could have been brought off. At dusk, the
Yachts that were damaged were ordered to return to Dover and the
others remained until dawn on Sat. 1st. June. "ANKH", "SERIOLA", "AHOLA", "THELE",
damage "EILA by course on reported "LAHLOO", sent the the The over II" 4th. but they and fact & "BOUNTY" again. only "CARYANDA" June all were that reported one two and The told & all casualties "NONETA" those Yachts ultimately to the at stand Yachts at Hamble, at Ramsgate to Dover by Ramsgate. returned returned for having were on orders; Officers the was sustained ordered to On 5th. Dover; none, only arrival, June. back and made however considerable Ratings to they possible In Hamble due were all
concerned, great and, coolness bearing and in resource mind that of many all of them had never been
under fire before, I consider that their conduct under almost
continuous bombing and shelling deserves the highest praise.
Sgd. C.C. Bone, Lieut. R.N.V.R.
VICE AUMIRAL
Senior Officer, Inner Patrol.
6th. June 1940.
15 JUN 1940
*

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of Petty throughout operations.
I should Officer like to T.Jones draw special attention to the magnificent work 295
2
The following officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman
and Potter-Irwin ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate,
volunteering services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
air and shelling from the land.
308
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "SERIOLA"
COmmanding Officer, Lieut. D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R.
- 287
29. 1800. Left Hamble in formation for Dover, my division
consisting of "SERIOLA", "EILA II", "AHOLA" & "NONETA".
30. 0930. Arrived Dover, and seet into submarine basin, S.O.I.P
and myself went to report to S.N.O. Dover and received
final orders for our departure.
2200. Left Dover.
31 0500. Arrived off Bray, leading my division, when we received
signal to commence embarking troops from beach to
destroyers lying farther out. This lasted until about 1000,
when I received a signal from a destroyer to proceed to
La Panne and carry on with the same routine there.
1200. Suggestion made to run a grass rope from "SERIOLA" to
the shore, which would enable the troops to pull themselves
out by the aid of this warp in boats etc. Sub.Lt.Godman,
r.n.v.r left "SERIOLA" in a whaler with a Lt., R.N.V.R. off
H.M.S. "Hebe2 to operate the shore end. Unfortunately, a
lorry was driven into the sea and turned over, fouling the
line, so this idea had to be abandoned. With great difficulty
we were able to get Sub. Lt. Godman aboard again as the whaler
which took him off, left the shore without him, with a full
load of troops. A severe bombardment was going on at the
time and, consequently, most small craft had withdrawn to
seawards but in spite of a big sea running at the time, we
managed to lower our dinghy and got him aboard in an
exhausted condition. We then prodeeded to continue disembarking
troops.
1500. Received signals from H.M.S.Keith to go and collect
two whalers and crews foroperations off La Panne during the
1530. evening. Received signal from C.O. "NONETA" to say that she had
a dead man on board and her P.O. badly wounded. Closed her
and the C.O. suggested that he should take Sub.Lt. Godman
with him. This I agreed to and advised him to return to
Ramsgate as the "NONETA" was holed above the water line.
1630. Collected two whalers and crews and set off for La
Panne. Beached the whalers and their respective crews.
1800. Received signal from "BOUNTY" which was flying the
flag of Commodore Stephenson WMMXXXXX ordering us to close.
The Commodore told me and my crew that the houes 2100 on that
day to 0400 the following morning were to be considered the
"Zero Hour" and eh hoped we would do our utmost to get as
many men off as possible. We then returned to La Panne and
continued transporting troops throughout the night.
(Continued).

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
I should like to draw T.Jones special attention to the magnificent work 295
of, Petty Officer throughout operations.
2
The following officers, D.A. Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman
and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to Ramsgate,
volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
air and from the land.
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd).
309
288
ne 1 0700. Signal from destroyer to collect all boats lying in
the channel between La Panne and Dunkirk and to take them
in tow to the latter place so that they could then drift
ashore. This had been carried out by 0830. We then collected
several boathloads of troops who boarded us and we took them
to a destroyer lying off Dunkirk. The Captain of this
destroyer asked me if I could tow the "BOUNTY" back to
Ramsgate as her port engine had been put out of action.
This I agreed to.
0845. Closed "BOUNTY" which was lying on the other side of
the destroyer and took off Commodore Stephenson and Lt.
Lundy, R.N.V.R. (C.O. of "BOUNTY"). We then took "BOUNTY"
in tow. the Commodore gave me orders to leave the vicinity
immediately and set course for Ramsgate. "LAHLOO" was in
company with is. We were attacked by aircraft machine
gunning us but the damage done was slight.
1430. Arrived Ramsgate. Reported to S.N.O., Ramsgate,
S.O.I.P. at Hamble and to Flag Lieut. to C. in C., Portsmouth.
The following officers reported with me to S.N.O., Ramsgate:-
Lieut. Lundy of "BOUNTY",
Sub.Lt. Godman (with me on "SERIOLA")
Sub.Lt. Potter Irwin, C.O. of "NONETA".
We offered our services for anything that might be required
and the S.N.O. accordingly put our names down on the volunteerM
list, and asked us to report next day to him, which we did.
ne 2. When we reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed that
no craft with a speed of less than 15 knots was of any use,
so we went in search of a suitable craft. We found M.T.B.101
not being used, so suggested that we manned her ourselves
and took her accross. This unfortunately was not permitted
as it belonged to the R.A.F.
ne 4 Received orders from S.N.O. to sail at 0800 on the 5th. and
to collect charts and routes.
ne 5 0830. "SERIOLA", with "BOUNTY" in tow, followed by "LAHLOO" &
"NONETA" left Ramsgate. I realised that at the rate we were
Nab during the hours of darkness, so thought it would
going we would be in the vicinity of the minefields off be the
advisable to make for Newhaven.
1800. Arrived at Examination anchorage, Newhaven. Exam Ship
2030. Tied us entry, at Southwick Canal, Shoreham. Reported to S.N.O.,
refused instructing us to go to Shoreham.
Shoreham, SOIP up at Hamble and Flag Lieut., Portsmouth.
ne 6. With of S.N.O., Shoreham, sailed at 1030. at As we
were permission leaving, received signal ordering us to return once
as all sailings for Portsmouth were cancelled.
(Continued).

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of I should Petty Officer like to draw T.Jones special throughout attention operations. to the magnificent work 295
2
The following officers, Lieut.D.A.Dawson, Sub.Lieuts. Godman
and Potter-Irwin accompanied me and reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate,
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering ships and services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to S.N.O. Ramsgate, we were informed
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
air and shelling from the land.
310
REPORT OF "SERIOLA" (contd.)
i
289
e 6. 1500. Receive d orders from S.N.O., Shoreham to sail at
0400 the next morning.
e 7. 0400. Left Canal with division and set course for Hamble.
1030. Arrived Hamble.
I estimate that, in all, approximately 900 soldiers were
taken off.
Sgd. D.A.Dawson, Lieut., R.N.V.R.
Commanding Officer of "SERIOLA" (and S.O. of Div. a of Expedition).
Note. I wish to make special mention of Sub. Lieut. T.E.Godman,
R.N.V.R., who while serving with me on "SERIOLA",
showed great coolness and devotion to duty under heavy
fire and in extremely dangerous conditions. He showed
jone
great bravery and initiative when, arriving in Ramsgate
in "NONETA", he at once volunteered and took another
ship back to the beaches.
D.a.Jamsa
Luid RNV.R

Details

REPORT OF 'BOUNTY' (Contd).
of The I should Petty following Officer like officers, to T.Jones draw special throughout attention Dawson, operations. to Sub.Lieuts. the magnificent Godman work 295
2
and Potter-Irwin ships accompanied and me and reported to Ramsgate,
Our names were accordingly entered on the Volunteer's List.
volunteering services on the following day if required.
June 2. Having reported to Ramsgate, we were informed
course of day, found M.T.B.101. lying idle and requested use
that only fast and shallow draft vessels were required. During
of same, but were informed that the vessel was R.A.F. property
and we were unable to obtain permission to use her.
Received instructions to stand by and later to return
to own Base.
Throughout twenty seven hours spent at Dunkirk and
adjacent beaches, were under continuous bombardment from the
air. and shelling from the land.
2
REPORT OF INNER PATROL YACHT "LAHLOO" (Contd).
201
ne 1 0400 (about). Destroyer signalled us to collect various
empty boats which were drifting about and tow them inshore
While doing this we were bombed and continually shot at by
enemy fighter aircraft. It occurred to me as poetic
justice that I who had been on night bombing duty at
Dunkirk in the last war should now be well bombed myself
in this war.
It should here be mentioned that my crew behaved splendidly
throughout. None of them had been properly under fire
before and they took the almost continuous bombing,
shelling and shooting up without a trace of nerves. My
Engr., D. Brewer was invaluable in sending and receiving
signals under these circumstances.
Collected several boats as ordered and also picked up
several boat loads of soldiers from shore again, putting
them aboard a sloop. While putting the last of these aboard
a bomb fell right alongside and a splinter broke the fore sky-
light and hit one of my crew on his steel helmet. This
ship seemed to bear a charmed life and though we had several
bombs alongside I can only think that they were so close
as to be ineffective.
While carrying on the work I have mentioned, we were closed
by BOUNTY with the Commodore aboard who was good enough
to express pleasure at finding that we were still carrying
on. He told SERIOLA to take BOUNTY in tow and ordered me to
slip the boats I was towing and to lead him back to Ramagate.
0815. Set course over Route X for Ramsgate. On the way
back we were again attacked, being bombed, and shot up by
fighter aircraft. Off the North Goodwin Light a launch
came alongside and bold me to return to Dunkirk, but I
had the Commodore's orders to precede him to Ramsgate and,
in point of fact, my crew and I were almost all in for we
had had no sleep for five nights, as before we left Hamble
we had been on patrol under special circumstances which
had made us do without sleep for two nights.
1500. Made fast at Ramsgate.
ine 2 Refuelled at Ramsgate. We were told that our boats were
not fast enough for further duty. I stayed aboard my
boat as leg was so swollen with what I am told was
BOUNTY that I volunteered and put my name down with theirs
shock, my could not walk, but the 00.'s of SERIOLA,
to take AND a fast NONETA boat over to Dunkirks but none was available.
une 3 & 4. In Ramsgate awaiting orders.
(Continued).

Details

BORT FROM SUB.LIEUT.T.E.GODMAN, R.N.V.R. ON EVACUATION OF
LIE/
NKIRK ON FRIDAY, MAY 31st. AND SATURDAY, JUNE 1st.
R
1 times approximate.
296 12
29.
Transferred to "SERIOLA" as assistant officer to Lieut.
D.A.Dawson, R.N.V.R. A report on the actions taken by
"SERIOLA" is being submitted by the C.O., Lieut, Dawson,
up to 1600 31st. May, when I was transferred to "NONETA"
at the request of Sub. Lieut. A.J.Potter Irwin, R.N.V.R.,
C.O.Of "NONETA". The latter boat had been damaged by
a bomb, one soldier being killed and the Petty Officer
of "NONETA" badly wounded.
A report on "NONETA's" return journey to Ramsgate is
being submitted by the C.O.
31
2200. Arrived Ramsgate, landed soldiers and wounded
Petty Officer for medical attention and berthed ship.
e
1 0530. Reported to naval authorities on East Pier and
received orders to take command of steam naval pinnace
and carry out similar operations at La Panne and Bray
to those undertaken on "SERIOLA" the previous day.
The crew consisted of P.O. Morrison, one engineer, one
stoker and two A.B.'s. The pinnace was provosioned,
fuelled for six hours' steaming at six knots and one
chart provided with the route to be followed plotted
on it.
0600. Cast off.
0830. The firebox fan broke down and it was no longer
possible to keep a sufficient head of steam to maintain
full speed. The engineer of a passing trawler effected
a temporary repair, gave us three further sacks of coal
to replenish our supply and took the boat in tow.
1030. The tow rope having parted for the third time,
the trawler signalled us to request to be taken in tow
by another trawler a short distance behind. This was
done and consequently our fuel reserves were maintained
for the work to be carried out at Dunkirk.
1200. Slipped the tow line outside the harbour which
the trawler entered, and proceeded towards La Panne in the
wake of a trawler which had several small craft in tow
and which started embarkation operations from the beach near
the harbour.
Bombers had been active from about 1100 but no direct hits
had been observed. Now, many enemy dive bombers appeared
and attacked a sloop off the harbour entrance which had
opened rapid A.A. fire but, after three or four salvos
of bombs had been dropped, the sloop half submerged and ceased
fire. Owing to the number of available craft already on that
vicinity to take off survivors, we proceeded on our course.
(Continued).

Details

REPORT OF "NONETA" Lieut. Potter-Irwin, R.N.V.R.) ON
321
EVACUATION OF DUNKIRK
- 300
All times approximate.
12
May 31. 0400 Upon arrival at Bray the beaches were thronged with
men and a number of floats and boats which had been
brought off to the waiting ships and not taken inshore
again. We collected as many of these as possible and
took them close to the shore, letting them drift in on
the tide.
The shallow water made approach to the shore
difficult, and so we got under way and went to Destroyer
H.42. The Commander of this ship had by then got
four of his ship's boats down and we found that our
best method of getting the men off was to tow the boats
in to the shore, all tied together, stand off until they
were full and then take them in tow back to the destroyer.
We carried out this operation, repeatedly, from day-break
until after mid-day when the destroyer was full and
recalled her boats. I estimate that in this way we got
700 men off. From mid-day onwards we picked up boats
or troops and took them to bigger ships.
At 1620 a large wave of enemy bombers attacked.
We were then just embarking troops from a float which was
sinking---it was impossible to get under way until they
were embarked and by that time a full scale air-raid was
in progress. As we moved away from the shore one bomb
fell very near to us on the starboard quarter. In
consequence of this one man was killed and four wounded.
Damage and casualties summarised:-
One soldier killed.
Petty Officer Lock wounded in the thigh in two places.
Four soldiers wounded.
The damage to the ship was not extensive.
Upon consideration and in view of the fact that there
was a heavy sea running I decided it was out of the
question to move the wounded men. Owing to the fact
that my Petty Officer was incapacitated, leaving me
Lieut. Dawson, in "Seriola", to request that Sub.Lieut.
single-handed, I signalled the C.O. of my Division,
Godman should join me, and that I had decided to leave
for Ramsgate.
two p.Bnued).
times aces.
May 31. 0400
May
31.
400
men
men and
ct
bi.
brought
g me
again.
ision,
took th
at Sub.Lieut.
ided to leave
the
N OF DUNKIRK
di

Details

REPORT OF "NONETA" (Contd).
322
Sub.Lieut.Godman reported that joined me about 1640 and the engineer N. 301
having I got under we were leaking and making water very
slightly, way at once.
12
We left Bray at 1650. Arrived at Ramsgate at about 2200,
when I reported to N.O.i/C. and arrangements were made to re-
move the wounded.
June 1. At 0500 Sub.Lieut.Godmen took over a naval pinnace
and sailed for Dunkirk.
At 1500 "Seriola", "Bounty", and "Lahloo" arrived
at Ramsgate. I reported to my C.O. Lieut. Dawson and sailed,
in company, to Hamble.
I would like to recommend very highly,
E.C. Hallet, Engineer T.124
B.P. Whitehouse, A.B. S.T.
C.Wilyman, A.B. S.T.,
for all their calm and brilliant work.
Under very difficult circumstances they set about
their task cheerfully and without a thought for themselves.
I consider myself particularly fortunate to have had these
men with me.
Petty Officer Lock was with me in the wheel-house
until he was wounded and although in great pain cheered
and encouraged the others and kept up the morale of the ship.
(Sgd) a.g Potter Irain
Sub.Lieut. R.N.V.R.