Details

Details

CLAN MACALISTER( (1) S/S (Clan Line
Steamers Ltd.
Capt. R.W. Mackie, Master
27th May
0830ca
1300-
Arrived Southampton.
1800
Embarked the A.L.C's 3, 4. 5, 8, 15, 16,
17, and 18, Cdr. R.A. Cassidi, R.N.
in command, with two S/L's R.N.V.R.
1830
and 45 naval ratings.
Left Southampton.
28th May
0830ca
Anchored in the Downs, awaiting orders.
29th May
0100
Proceeded.
0400
Naval ratings commenced preparing A.L.C's
for action.
0900ca
Anchored about 5 cables west of No.6
buoy (about 1½ miles off Dunkirk).
A.L.C's hoisted out in following order
16, 15, 5, 17, 3, 8.
A.L.C.4 was being hoisted out,
following A.L.C.5, when the dr.
Vanquisher passed at speed, causing
the Clan Macalister to roll heavily.
As a result A.L.C.4 (q.v.) crashed
down on A.L.C.18 and both craft were
disabled, and had to be left in their
stowage positions.
1300
Commenced embarking troops from A.L.C.16
-
Shifted billet to just south of No.6
buoy.
1545ca
Air raid. Direct hit aft; heavy
damage, ship on fire.
1630
dr. Malcolm came alongside and took off
the troops and some of the crew that
were injured.
The fire gained ground; some of the
ammunition exploded.
1800
Malcolm proceeded.
Air attack. Further damage. One of
the heavy shells exploded. M/S
Pangbourne embarked Clan Macalister's
crew, and Captain Mackie "temporarily
abandoned" his ship, which remained
on fire for many hours.
The Clan Macalister settled on the
sea bed on an even keel and thereafter
acted as a target for enemy planes
which thought she was still afloat.
Authority - TM. 6213/40.
R.O. III, p.504.
H.S.hote - CLAN MACALISTER was on requisition as a mechanical Pransport
(M.T.) - are Service list of ministry ? Jansport 1.9. 1946.
(1) Not mentioned in D.R. Her tonnage was 6,900.
189

Details

GOSSAMER
5th M.S. F.
S.O., 5th M.S.F.
Cdr. R.C.V. Ross, R.II.
28th May
1230
Sailed with all from Harwich for
company the (except the Saltash), viz:
ships of the Braye-Dunes,
Pangbourne and Leda.
Kellett, Albury, Ross, Lydd,
2115
The Kellett and the Leda stopped off
Braye-Dunes; the remaining ships
went on to Dunkirk. Thereafter, the
dently. ships of the flotilla acted indepen-
-
Gossamer secured alongside the east,
2215
pier and embarked troops.
Sailed with 420 on board.
-
Just outside the Zuidcoote Pass, the
P/V Manxman was seen aground. The
P/V Prague was stopped, without
charts; a chart was sent over to
her.
-
In the vicinity of Kwinte Bank buoy,
the survivors of the dr. Wakeful were
seen in the water. Her Captain
(cdr. R.L. Fisher) said she had been
torpedoed. Gossamer lowered 3
whalers and a skiff, which picked up
a few survivors in the darkness.
The skiff was left alongside a
drifter; the whalers eventually
found their way back to the Gossamer.
-
Proceeded.
29th May
0655
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 420 British
troops. (1)
0850
Sailed from Dover, and spent the day
minesweeping.
30th May
0040
Arrived off Dunkirk, which was lit by
the red flames of burning oil tanks.
-
Embarked troops from Braye-Dunes in
the ship's boats and canvas punts.
0515
Proceeded, having left all boats on
1015
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 487
the beach, as ordered.
Sailed from Dover with a party of
British troops. (2)
1330
Arrived signalmen Bray. for La Embarked panne. Dover
1830
Arrived (Adl. off R.A.
1930
Anchored, Dover and embarked troops.
to the dr.
31st May
0118
Arrived Dover. Disembarked Billie(3) 502 troops.
0600
1800
Requisitioned the M/B Panne. Handy
for La
(1) D. R. 561.
(2) (3) D.R. dates gives 451 this Billie
Cdr. Ross calls this the
did not return from Dunkirk.
397

Details

GRACIE FIELDS P.M/S 10th M.S.F.
TV.Lt. N. Larkin, R.N.R.
Ty.Lt. A.C.Weeks, R.N.V.R.
27th May
2100
Slipped, and proceeded in company
with the M/S's Sandown, Medway
Queen and Brighton Belle.
28th May
0300ca
Off La Panne. Embarked troops, assisted
0625
by boats of the cΓ. Calcutta.
Gracie Fields and Sandown transferred
their troops to the Calcutta.
0700ca
Gracie Fields sailed from La Panne.
1530.
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 281
troops. (1)
29th May
0530
Sailed for La Panne, in company with
Sandown.
1430
Off La Panne. Embarked troops.
1800ca
Proceeded, with 700/800 troops on
board. (2).
1830ca
Dive bomb attack off Middel Kerke buoy.
Hit amidships; engines damaged and
steering gear jammed. 3rd Engineer
killed, S/Lt. A.J. Glover R.N.V.R.,
missing. Exact casualties not
known. 80 troops transferred to the M/S
Pangbourne, which took the Gracie
Fields in tow and proceeded.
2200
The M/S Kellett, at request of Pangbourne
acted as escort.
30th May
0130
Gracie Fields sinking; her sponsons
under water. Crew transferred to
the Pangbourne. Gracie Fields
abandoned near T buoy.
Total 281
Authority. - R.O.I, pp.279, 304, 329, 364.
R.O.III, p.9.
M.017681/40.
(1) Margate report.
(2) Lt. Weeks' report.
402

Details

JOSEPH MARIE
French M/S trawler
(107th Section)
A. Le Calvez, Maitre
de Manoeuvre. (1)
25th May
-
In company with the M/S La Trombe II,
was attacked by seven bombers off the
May
0500
Dyck Light Vessel. The La Trombe II
and the Dyck Light vessel were both
1500
sunk. The Joseph Marie, assisted
by 3 English vessels, rescued the
2200ca
crews and proceeded to Dunkirk.
26th May
-
Under fire in harbour; 2 fatal
casualties, 1 serious. The captain
was slightly wounded.
-
-
The Joseph Marie continued to sweep the
approach channels to Dunkirk.
29th May
-
In Dunkirk harbour, the Joseph Marie
28th May
1000
was bombed and sunk.
1730
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived
Donkirk.
to
the
east.
Nil
29th May
0250
No troops found. Decided to return.
0830
Arrived Ramsgate.
Authority - French Admiralty record, Folio No.11.
buoy.
Air
attack.
Arrived La Panne. Embarked French
troops. Air attack.
Proceeded with about 275 troops on board.
1830ca
Encountered the P.M/S Gracie Fields
which had been damaged by bombs.
While the Gracie Fields, (out of
control) steamed round in a circle,
the Jutland took off some of her
troops from the port side. Another
ship [the M/S Pangbourne did the
same on her starboard side.
2130oa
Proceeded on homeward voyage.
30th May
0630
Arrived Ramagate. Disembarked 300
troops.(1)
Tita sarwell and GROW relieved by
Lt. Cdr. Clements
fresh crew.
1530ca(3) Left Ramagate for Dunkirk beaches,
towing the Johanna(2)
the M/B Constant Nymph and at whaler
and W outter.
2330ca
Arrived Dunkirs beaches. Embarked
troops, assisted by the Constant
Nymah and Johanna.
51st May
Took in tow 5 boats which were adrift,
03000a
and proceeded.
(1) (2) Not Johanna mentioned sent in in 2 D.R. reports. In one she says she was towed
over the Jutland on 29th May, in the other on the "Thursday correct
(3) Lt. 30th May, lat Officer of the Sutland,
date night" was [i.e. 30th when Lt. Cdr. clements was under
by May]. It is that in command.
Lt. J.Bela Odr. Clements, P.N.V.R., that the Jutlant 186 osfied for
THE
returned
(1) Chief boatswain's mate.
103

Details

JUTLAND
Skoot
Lieut. G.L. Barwell, R.N. (Retd.)
Lt. Cdr. W.R.T. Clements, R.N.R.
(30th-31st May)
Lt. L. Hutchinson, R.N.R. (1st
Lieut).
27th May
0500
Lt. Barwell in command. Proceeded.
1500
from Sheerness to the Downs.
Sailed for Dunkirk via West Hinder Light
2200ca
and Kwinte Bank buoy.
A hospital ship coming from Dunkirk
signalled "Dunkirk has fallen".
[See Canterbury] Then another ship
made the same signal adding "I am
returning". Jutland replied "I am
proceeding".
-
Waited 3 hours near Nieuport Bank buoy
for orders. Then, in company with
the sk. Patria decided to return.
28th May
1000
Arrived in the Downs.
1730
Sailed for Dunkirk.
-
Arrived Dunkirk. Shifted 4 miles to the
east.
29th May
0250
No troops found. Decided to return.
0830
Arrived Ramsgate.
1000
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1715
Off Middel Kerke Bank buoy. Air attack.
-
Arrived La Panne. Embarked French
troops. Air attack.
-
Proceeded with about 275 troops on board.
1830ca
Encountered the P.M/S Gracie Fields
which had been damaged by bombs.
While the Gracie Fields, (out of
control) steamed round in a circle,
the Jutland took off some of her
troops from the port side. Another
ship [the M/S Pangbourne] did the
same on her starboard side.
2130ca
Proceeded on homeward voyage.
30th May
0630
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 300
troops. (1)
Lt. Barwell and crew relieved by
Lt. Cdr. Clements (ex-Tilly) and a
fresh crew.
1530ca(3) Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk beaches,
towing the eel-boat Johanna(2)
the M/B Constant Nymph and a whaler
and a cutter.
2330ca
Arrived Dunkirk beaches. Embarked
troops, assisted by the Constant
Nymph and Johanna.
31st May
Took in tow 5 boats which were adrift,
0300ca
and proceeded.
(1) (2) Not Johanna mentioned in D.R. In one she says she was towed
sent in 2 reports. on 29th the on the "Thursday correct
(3)
Lt. date over night" was by [i.e. the 30th Jutland 30th May, May ]. when Officer Lt. It Cdr. of Clements the Jutland, sailed was in under for command.
J. Bald R.N.V.R., lat says that the Jutland 1st June.
Lt. Dunkirk Cdr. on Clements, 31st May and returned on
104

Details

KELLETT (N.05)
5th M.S.F.
Cdr. R.C. Haskett-Smith R.N.
28th May
1200
2130
Sailed from Harwich with 5th M.S.F.
Arrived and anchored off Bray and
embarked B.E.F. in ship's boats.
29th May
0330
Sailed board. for Margate with 450 men on
1110
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 472
troops. (1)
1220
Left Margate.
1530
Heavily attacked by dive-bombers off
Nieuport Bank buoy, and machine-
gunned.
1830
Anchored off Bray and embarked troops.
Continuous air attacks.
1950
The sl. Bideford, nearby, was bombed
and had her stern blown off.
Kellett attempted to tow her, but
she was aground. Kellett then
went alongside Bideford, transferred
her troops, and ordered a tug (3)
[the St. Clears to stand by her.
2100
Left for Margate with 604 troops.
2200
Asked by the M/S Pangbourne to escort
her, as she was towing the P.M/S
Gracie Fields [about 3 hours later,
the Gracie Fields had to be abandoned
near T buoy].
30th May
0500
Arrived Margate.
1020
Disembarked 550 troops. (1)
1130
Sailed for Sheerness to coal.
31st May(2)
0300
Coaled.
1600
Sailed for Bray beach.
1st June
0030
Arrived off Bray. The expected boats
had not arrived. A military officer
came aboard with about 40 troops.
0130
Lt. Cdr. Craig embarked. Shelling of
the beach commenced and continued.
The troops could not be induced to
come off in the ship's whaler because
of machine gun fire and shelling of
the beach.
0215
Proceeded eastwards to find troops
and boats. Found neither, so sailed
for Harwich.
0445
Machine gunned by 3 Messerschmitts;
1130
Arrived Harwich, but found the port
4 slight casualties.
Arrived Sheerness and disembarked 40
Proceeded closed. to Sheerness.
-
Sailed troops. for Dunkirk but was recalled Medway.
2030
shortly after clearing the
2nd June
1500
Sailed alongside Dunkirk east British pier.
for Dunkirk harbour.
2340
Secured Embarked 350 French and 14 of
troops to the accompaniment
shrapnel fire.
(2) (1) Margate D.R. records 200 troops on 31st May,
which
Bideford
of
at
111
(3)
The
G/B
lossed
the
Locust

Details

KELLETT (N.05)
5th M.S.F.
Cdr. R.C. Haskett-Smith R.N.
28th May
1200
2130
Sailed from Harwich with 5th M.S.F.
Arrived and anchored off Bray and
embarked B.E.F. in ship's boats.
29th May
0330
Sailed board. for Margate with 450 men on
1110
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 472
troops. (1)
1220
Left Margate.
1530
Heavily attacked by dive-bombers off
Nieuport Bank buoy, and machine-
gunned.
1830
Anchored off Bray and embarked troops.
Continuous air attacks.
1950
The sl. Bideford, nearby, was bombed
and had her stern blown off.
Kellett attempted to tow her, but
she was aground. Kellett then
went alongside Bideford, transferred
her troops, and ordered a tug (3)
[the St. Clears to stand by her.
2100
Left for Margate with 604 troops.
2200
Asked by the M/S Pangbourne to escort
her, as she was towing the P.M/S
Gracie Fields [about 3 hours later,
the Gracie Fields had to be abandoned
near T buoy].
30th May
0500
Arrived Margate.
1020
Disembarked 550 troops. (1)
1130
Sailed for Sheerness to coal.
31st May(2)
0300
Coaled.
1600
Sailed for Bray beach.
1st June
0030
Arrived off Bray. The expected boats
had not arrived. A military officer
came aboard with about 40 troops.
0130
Lt. Cdr. Craig embarked. Shelling of
the beach commenced and continued.
The troops could not be induced to
come off in the ship's whaler because
of machine gun fire and shelling of
the beach.
0215
Proceeded eastwards to find troops
and boats. Found neither, so sailed
for Harwich.
0445
Machine gunned by 3 Messerschmitts;
4 slight casualties.
1130
Arrived Harwich, but found the port
Proceeded closed. to Sheerness.
Arrived Sheerness and disembarked 40
Sailed troops. for Dunkirk but was recalled
2030
shortly after clearing the Medway.
2nd June
1500
Sailed for Dunkirk harbour.
2340
Secured alongside Dunkirk east British pier.
Embarked 350 French and 14 of
troops to the accompaniment
shrapnel fire.
(2) (1) Margate D.R. records report. a disembarkation of 200 troops on 31st May,
which is evidently incorrect.
(3)
The
G/B
lowed
Rideford
of
at
111
the

Details

LEDA (N.93)
5th M.S.F.
Lt. Cdr. H. Unwin, R.N.
1200
28th May
Proceeded to Dunkirk beaches, in
company with the 5th M.S.F. On
2120
receiving the order to act indepen-
dently, anchored off Braye-Dunes.
4 whalers, a skiff and a motor boat
were lowered and sent in 1/c of
S/Lt. Jamieson, R.N.
29th May
0320
Hoisted all boats and proceeded via
Dyck buoy.
0917
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 301
troops. (1)
1015
Sailed for Dunkirk.
1445
Anchored off Braye-Dunes. Lowered
boats and embarked troops, assisted
by a large number of Army self-
propelled boats [1.e. A.L.C's].
1545
Engaged enemy bombers; one probably
damaged. Proceeded to Margate with
525 troops. The 3 whalers and the
M/B were left inshore 1/c of
S/Lt. Jamieson, with orders to assist
other ships.
1630ca
After passing Middelkerke buoy enemy
bombers were seen attacking a
hospital ship [the St. Julien] and
the M/S's Kellett and Pangbourne,
all outward bound.
2044
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 500
troops. (2)
2155
Proceeded towards the French coast by
the Dyck buoy. No ships were sighted
during this passage, so when off
30th May
0130
the Dyck buoy, decided to return to
the North Goodwin L.V., and proceed
by X route.
-
Arrived off Braye-Dunes, anchored and
embarked troops. A search was made
for S/Lt. Jamieson's party, but
without success.
1220
Proceeded towards Margate with 650
troops.
1815
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 537
troops. (3)
s/Lt. Jamieson returned on board and
reported that he had embarked troops
in the P.M/S Gracie Fields and the
G/B Locust until 0200/30, when only
the M/B was left, the whalers having
been sunk during an air raid the
previous afternoon. The M/B was
later abandoned because of engine
trouble and lack of fuel.
1955
Proceeded towards Dunkirk.
3let May
0000ca
The enemy were now shelling Dunkirk
harbour. The Leda signalled
her arrival to the signal station
on Dunkirk east pier, and received
a general message to the effect that
(2) (1) Margate report. Leda gives 365.
(3) Margate Leda gives 525.
Margate report. report. Leda gives 650.
157

Details

LYDD
5th M/S Flotilla
Lt. Cdr. R.C.D. Haig, R.N.
28th May
1200
Sailed company. from Harwich, 5th U.S.F. in
2155ca
Arrived Dunkirk. off Braye-Dunes. Ordered to
Secured alongside eastern jetty.
2250
Proceeded. Embarked about 400 troops.
2318ca
When about 2 miles east of the harbour
entrance, collided with a drifter
[Girl Pamela]. Her crew was taken
on board "another drifter" [actually
the dfrs. Metsukis and Lord Howard
The Girl Pamela subsequently sank.
29th May
0200
off Kwinte Bank Buoy sighted (by the
light of an Aldis lamp) the bow and
stern portions of the dr. Wakeful
above water with men clinging to
them. Lowered a whaler and two
carley floats. The M/S Gossamer
ordered Lydd to put out her lamp and
drop a depth charge; the latter
order could not be carried out
because of the men in the water.
When 20 survivors had been picked up
the Dr. Grafton appeared and ordered
Lydd to circle round her.
0307ca
An explosion occurred at the Grafton's
stern she had been torpedoed].
Lydd sighted, nearly stern on,
an'M.T.B." about 50 yards away on the
starboard beam [it was in fact the
dfr. Comfort]; Lydd opened fire with
2 Lewis guns and raked her up the
stern.
Grafton was then closed, but as she
did not need immediate assistance,
Lydd circled round to finish off the
"M.T.B." A dark object was sighted
and Lydd opened fire with Lewis guns
and 4-inch; the Grafton also opened
fire. Lydd then rammed the supposed
"M.T.B."; as she was hit, figures
sprang at the ship and it was
thought that an attempt was being
made to board - fire was therefore
opened with rifles. Two men were
taken off the vessel, and it was
then learnt that she was the Comfort.
Grafton still needed no assistance,
80 Lydd proceeded to Ramsgate, where
-
she disembarked 300 troops.
Left Ramsgate for Dunkirk by Y route.
-
1700
off Nieuport Bank buoy, air attacks
on ships, particularly the H/C
Arrived off Braye-Dunes. Sent boats
St. Julien.
1730
A call for assistance from the S.S.
inshore to embark troops.
1745
Macalister, which was on fire,
Clan was passed to the M/S Pangbourne
The which S/V Crested Eagle which on fire, had
had just arrived.
1800ca
Sp. bombed aft and was Lydd,
been beached herself close to
208

Details

Details

PANGBOURNE (N.37)
5th M.S.F.
Actg. Cdr. F. Douglas-
Watson, R.N.
2400ca
26th May
In company with the remainder of the
North Shields to Harwich.
5th M.S.F., less Saltash, sailed from
2300ca
27th May
Arrived Harwich.
1200
28th May
The Pangbourne sailed for Malo beach.
-
On arrival off the beach, was ordered
into Dunkirk harbour.
2145
Secured alongside the east pier, ahead
of the M/S Gossamer. When about
150 troops had been embarked, Cdr.
J.C. Clouston, R.N., N.O.I.C. on the
jetty, asked the Pangbourne to go to
the west pier, where, about 1½ miles
wounded. further up, were a number of badly
on arrival, about 1000 troops,
stretcher cases, and walking wounded
were found.
-
The tide was low and still ebbing, 80
gangways were rigged from the boat
deck to the wharf. About 450 troops,
stretcher cases and wounded were
embarked.
29th May
0030
Slipped and proceeded down harbour.
After rounding No.6 E whistle and
bell buoy, encountered 2 or 3 French
destroyers, stopped in the channel;
as a result, No.1 E buoy was over-
looked, and the Pangbourne grounded
on a sandbank north of Zuydcoote
Pass. Backed off and anchored until
buoys could be seen; then proceeded.
0300ca
Gunfire observed ahead, and several
destroyers passed proceeding towards
the French coast.
-
Passing the Kwinte buoy, one sunken
destroyer [the Wakeful] and another
badly down by the stern [the Grafton]
were also passed.
1000
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 400
troops. (1)
"The arrangements for disembarkation
of troops at Margate were most
efficient". (2)
1107
Slipped and proceeded to Dunkirk,
being joined by the M/S Lydd at N.
Lydd reported a submarine to tarboard;
Goodwin L.V.
1315
although it was not observed by
1321
1645/
a Several air attacks off Nieuport bank.
Pangbourne, submarine warning was broadcast.
1715
Two apparently blown from the deck of
exhausted British soldiers,
(1) (2) D.R.
Ty- Lieut. G.C. was the Pier Officer;
the P.S/Lt. M.K. Newman, Hamilton, R.N.V.R., R.N.V. R. was in charge of
office at Margate. in charge at Margate
he was assisted was the by signalman Sig. W.T. Burton.

Details

(II)
PANGBOURNE - Continued.
1645/
(9th May
1715
some small ship, were picked up.
(contd.)
1730
BOODES
Several bombers appeared to be about
to attack Pangbourne, but they
passed overhead, and attacked, for
Date
a considerable period, a hospital
ship [the St. Julien] 1 mile on the
and
starboard beam, without registering
any direct hits.
Just before passing Nieuport Bank buoy,
picked up a large life-boat.
Transferred 30 Belgian troops from
her and took the L/B in tow.
1800ca
on closing the beach, was ordered
alongside the S.S. Clan Macalister,
to embark her crew. She was on fire
aft, and the ammunition round the
after gun was continually exploding.
The crew, including some 30 Lascars
and several naval ratings (crews of
M/B's) were all embarked.
Anchored about half a mile off the
beach, opposite the [Zuydcoote]
Sanatorium [about 4 miles east of
Dunkirk]. All available boats sent
inshore in charge of Lieut. W.K.
0800
Tadman, R.N.R., and Mr. S.S. Rabbitts,
Boatswain R.N.
1800/
Numerous air attacks. No direct hits,
1900
but near misses holed the ship on
both sides, above and below the
water line, and the D.G. coil was cut
in several places. 7 ratings and
6 Belgian soldiers were killed, 7
ratings and 2 officers, and 2 Belgian
soldiers were wounded; among the
casualties were the 12 pdr. gun's
crew. During a lull in the bombing
the cable was slipped, the capstan
being out of action, and the ship got
under way. Troops, then coming off
in boats, were picked up, and the
boats abandoned, as they were holed
and the boats' falls were shot away.
On clearing Nieuport Bank, the P.M/S
-
Gracie Fields asked for assistance.
Direct hits had put her out of contro
and she was steaming at about 6
knots with her helm jambed, with 15L
The Pangbourne went alongside Gracial
starboard wheel on.
Fields, took off about 80 British
The M/S Kellett, by request, led the
troops, and took her in tow.
2200
Pangbourne, whose compasses were
still dead.
30th May
0130
The Gracie Fields reported that she
sinking. Slipped her, took her off
her was ship's company, abandoned
By position this time Kellett was out sight
and (51° 20' N., 02° 05' of E.)
broadcast her approximate
10011 THE adv a
and visibility was poor.
E
377

Details

3
PANGBOURNE - Continued.
0646
30th May
Sighted the S. Goodwin L.V. and was
(contd.
Mosquito. (1)
led into Dover by the G/B
1000
At Dover, disembarked 450 troops, and
the wounded and dead.
2000
1st June
Damage repaired but compasses still
out of action. Sailed to rendezvous
with the M/S Halcyon at N. Goodwin.
Did not find her. (2)
-
Now too late to go to the beaches, BO
proceeded eastward to assist ships
returning in difficulties.
2nd June
0532
Passed T buoy.
Off S buoy, transferred 23 British
troops from the tr. Stella Rigel.
1030
Arrived Dover. Disembarked 23 troops.
2000
Proceeded to Dunkirk in company with
the M/S's Halcyon and Speedwell.
3rd June
0030
Entered Dunkirk harbour. Ordered by
R.A. Dover to wait outside, as there
were no troops.
0200
A life-boat with 43 French troops and
4 officers came alongside and embarked
They stated that they were from a
French vessel, which had run aground
on a sandbank. (3)
Ordered by R.A. Dover to return to
England.
0215
Followed the M/S Albury until clear
of the channel and then made for
Folkestone.
-
Arrived Folkestone. Disembarked 47
troops.
Total 920
Authority - R.O.I, p.327.
The following awards were made:
D.S.O.
Actg. Cdr. F. Douglas-Watson, R.N.
C.G.M.
L/sto. R.K. Robb.
Mention in Despatches (Posthumous)
P.O. W.G. Hoare.
Mention in Despatches.
L/Sea. A. Reid.
(1) Not mentioned in Mosquito's report.
(3) Probably the French mail packer Rouen.
(2) She was delayed and had not left harbour.
378

Details

ELIZABETH
(J.111)
P.M/S
PRINCESS
(10th M.S.F.)
Lt. C.J. Carp,
26th May 28th
At (see Dover, Sandown). in the Basin, boiler R.N.V.R. cleaning
p.m.
Undocked.
28th May
a.m.
29th May
1300
Swung Sailed for from compass adjustment for D.G.
2013
Arrived Dover for La Panne.
ship's off La Panne. Lowered
guns were boats. Until dark, the both
aircraft. constantly engaging enemy ship's
2103
Ordered by "M/S 10" [this was
Sandown to whose pendant was J.20] the
off assist the P.M/S Gracie Fields,
the Middel Kirk buoy.
On being informed by the Gracie Fields
that she had been taken in tow
[by the P.M/S Pangbourne], the
Princess Elizabeth returned to La
Panne and resumed embarkation.
S/Lt. J. Tomkin R.N.V.R. who was in
charge of the boats, rounded up 3
SCOWS and took them in tow, plying
between the ship and the shore.
30th May
0536
Weighed and proceeded to Margate with
about 450 troops.
1420
arrived Margate. Disembarked 460
troops. (1)
Embarked 4 small boats and 4 ratings
for beach work.
1518
Left Margate for La Panne.
2223
Anchored off La Panne. Sent boats
ashore and embarked troops.
A fleet minesweeper loaned a motor
boat which was manned by P.O. H.G.
Coalbran and Sto. G.E. Baker.
Towing small boats, they filled the
Princess Elizabeth.
31st May
"The situation ashore was now showing
signs of organisation, although our
embarkation was necessarily slow
owing to the majority of the troops
0645
Turned over the boats to the "Essex
being wounded".
Queen" (2) and sailed with about 400
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 374
troops for Margate.
1325
troops. (3)
1435
Sailed for Bray beach by X route.
1950
Arrived off Bray, being attacked by
aircraft
when
let June
Embarked of air attacks troops and,
ceaseless shell fire.
0115
Left Bray for Margate with about 400
(3) (1) There Margate Margate of troops. this name in Operation Dynamo.
report. D.R. the P.M/S gives Brighton 385 troops.
Queen.
Biley Dunn & Wilson Lad
411

Details

SANDOWN (J.20)
P.M/S (10th M.S.F.)
Actg. Cdr. K.M. Greig,
2100
R.N., S.O. 10th M.S.F.
27th May
Slipped, Gracie ships in company, the P.M/S's
2
Princess Fields, Medway
Belle. Elizabeth( 1) Queen, and Brighton
p.
28th May
0200
Passed Dunkirk - heavy bombing and
0315
Anchored off La Panne. Sent in
machine gunning in progress.
available boats with an ex-Belgian all
canal boat. [the YSERI
Assisted by the cr. Calcutta's boats,
attacks. embarked 600 B.E.F. Frequent air
0615
Proceeded alongside the cr. Calcutta
and transferred troops.
er
[About an hour later, the Sandown apparently
sailed from La Panne].
£
1230
While in company with the Sandown,
the Brighton Belle struck a wreck
off the Gull Light Buoy during an
air attack and sank. All the crew
and troops were rescued and trans-
ferred to the Sandown, the Medway
Queen and the ex-Belgian M/B Yser.
Paymaster S/Lt. W.J. Butler, R.N.V.R.
of the Sandown was killed and 2
:
ratings wounded.
All
1430
Arrived Margate. Disembarked 201
troops. (2)
1930
Returned to Dover.
29th May(3)
0530
Slipped and proceeded with the Gracie
Fields to La Panne.
1430
Anchored off La Panne. Sent in all
boats and embarked 800 troops during
1)
heavy bombing. Had to get under
way twice.
Gracie Fields reported sinking,
after an attack off Middel Kerke
Buoy.
2103
Dispatched the Princess Elizabeth to
stand by her [in the meantime,
however, the M/S Pangbourne had em-
barked the Gracie Fields' troops
and taken her in tow].
2150(4)
Proceeded with 800 British troops to
Ramsgate.
30th May
0500
Arrived Ramsgate. Disembarked 860
troops. (5)
(1) According to the Captain of the Princess Elizabeth, that
vessel in the Basin undergoing boiler cleaning during
Medway Queen does not mention that the Princess Elizabeth
26th-28th was May and did not undock until p.m. 28th. The
(3) D.R. records report. 600 troops disembarked on 29th May. This
(2) Margate
was in company on 27th May.
(4) Sandown to be Sandown's report is in two-day periods;
appears incorrect.
(5) D.R., which times are on this confusing occasion includes Sandown among the
her says 1050. and sometimes inaccurate.
fleet minesweepers.
89

Details

STELLA RIGEL
Harwich
trawler
Unit Skipper L.P. Keable, R.N.R. ?
Offr: S/Lt. J.W.
29th May
1515
Wykenham, R. N. V. R.
Proceeded picking to patrol area east of S buoy,
Lord up the trs. Argyllshire and
Melchett outside the harbour.
30th May
0750
Area of S. Falls buoy for patrol.
Argyllshire in company.
31st May
2100
Ordered to by Argyllshire to patrol S buoy
West Hinder during the night.
1st June
0230
Argyllshire sunk by torpedo. (1)
Lowered a boat and picked up 5
survivors, which were transferred to
the dfr. Gervais Rentoul outside
Ramsgate. Picked up Lord Melchett
and patrolled S. Falls buoy area.
2nd June
0430
Picked up a M/B with 23 soldiers.
Embarked the troops and took the M/B
in tow.
0745
Transferred the 23 soldiers and the M/B
to the M/S Pangbourne.
1100
Air attack.
3rd June
1135
Arrived Parkeston.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.330.
(1) The having seen a S/M crash dive, and torpedo. while
manoeuvring Captain reported to attack he was struck amidships by a
176

Details

STELLA RIGEL
Harwich
trawler
Unit Offr: S/Lt. J.W.
Skipper L.P. Keable, R.N.R. ?
Wykenham, R. N. V. R.
29th May
1515
Proceeded to patrol area east of S buoy,
Lord Melchett outside the harbour.
picking up the trs. Argyllshire and
30th May
0750
Area of S. Falls buoy for patrol.
Argyllshire in company.
31st May
2100
Ordered by Argyllshire to patrol S buoy
to West Hinder during the night.
1st June
0230
Argyllshire sunk by torpedo. (1)
Lowered a boat and picked up 5
survivors, which were transferred to
the dfr. Gervais Rentoul outside
Ramsgate. Picked up Lord Melchett
and patrolled S. Falls buoy area.
2nd June
0430
Picked up a M/B with 23 soldiers.
Embarked the troops and took the M/B
in tow.
0745
Transferred the 23 soldiers and the M/B
to the M/S Pangbourne.
1100
Air attack.
3rd June
1135
Arrived Parkeston.
Nil
Authority - R.O.II, p.330.
(1) The having seen a S/M crash dive, and while
manoeuvring Captain reported to attack he was struck amidships by a torpedo.
176

Details

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Details

42
43
Page
Page
Page
37
M/S Groups-contd
Page
37
Mary White
46
Ocean Gain
Page
6
23
M.A.S.B. 1, 4 & 5
30
Ocean Guide
Polly Johnston
Page
Lord Gainford
13
9
49
23
Popinjay
11
Rime
19
Lord Grey
2
M.A.S.B. 6 & 7
29
50-51
9
Ocean Lifebuoy
5
Powis Castle
22
Rinovia
23
Masona
23
52-53
11
Ocean Lux
16
Ocean Retriever
Preston North End
27
Rion
Lord Hailsham
8
15
26
Lord Hood
Master John
28
54
2
36
Prince Leo
River Annam
22
32
10
7
23
Ocean Scout
36A
36B
Lord Hotham
Mayflower
Ocean Spray
Princess Elizabeth
River Clyde
55
13
Lord Howard
10
May II
10
24
23
10
Princess Mary
River Spey
5
60
Lord Howe
Medway Queen
18
20
Ocean Sunlight
M/S Training Flotilla
9
15
Princessa
River Ytham
36A
15
Lord Inchcape
16
20
Ocean Swell
8
27
Riviere
Principal
36B
Melora
27
Muria
Ocean Toiler
27
Lord Irwin
36
Robert Hastie
11
Mentor
3
14
Myris
Proserpine
5
Ocean Treasure
28
Robert Stroud
36
26
Lord Keith
25
Merbreeze
19
12
Lord Lloyd
Myrtle
Prospect Ahead
Ocean View
29
Robin Hood
Mercury
2
28
13
14
12A
Providence
Ocean Vim
6
Robina
7
Lord Melchet
19
Mewslade
5
Ptarmigan
16
Ode
9
Rochebonne
2
Lord Middleton
12
Puffin
36B
M. H. Stephens
N.
5
31
Rodino
Lord Northcliffe
Ohm
16
Michael Griffiths
26
Nab Wyke
Punnet
19
18
Lord Nuffield
10
Okino
Rogate
9
27
25
Midas
37
Nairnside
Pyramus
30
Lord Plender
21
Oku
Roger Beck
3
3
24
11
Migrante
Lord Rodney
Nancy Hague
Pyrope
12A
Milford Duchess
37
Olivae
Romany Rose
23
8
14
2
Naneta
Rona
18
Lord Snowden
20
Olive Tree
Milford Duke
8
28
Ronso
Lord St. Vincent
11
Nautilus
16
2
Milford Earl
26
11
Olvina
9
Rooke
20
Lord Stamp
11
Navicula
Milford King
8
Olympia
35
2
Q.
Rosa
22
Lord Stanhope
12A
Negro
16
Ombra
17
Lord Stonehaven
2
Milford Prince
Milford Princess
Neil Mackay
3
Queen Empress
Rose
36
15
One Accord
13
28
Queen of Kent
Rosebud
8
Lord Wakefield
3
Neil Smith
Onetos
21
13
Roseden
20
Milford Queen
15
9
Queen of Thanet
28
30
Netsukis
Oracle
21
Lorinda
Lormont
11
Minna
10
3
Queen of the South I
Rose Emma
12
12
New Comet
13
23
Oriole
13
Queen of the South II
Rose Haugh
24
12
Lorna Doone
Mine Recovery Flotillas-
Newhaven N.B.
5
Orlando
18
Queen Worth
Rose Hilda
15
14
8
Lowther
Newland
28
36A
Orvicto
35A
Quest
Rose Valley
30
1
11
6
Loyal Friend
New Pride of Essex
Osako
14
Rosel
24
Lucifer
3
2
22
11
Quiet Waters
28
New Prince of Wales I
Osta
11
Rose Marie
3
Luda Lady
35
Minicoy
4
12
Our Bairns
11
Ross
10
Luda Lord
21
Minona
6
Newspray
12
28
Niger
Our Kate
12
Ross Ard
27
Lunar Bow
Mirabelle
3
16
Overfall
14
Rotha
15
30
Mirage
Night Hawk
28
R.
Lune
6
Oystermouth Castle
17
Rowan
24
Mireille
11
Night Raider
37
Racer
7
Lydd
10
Rowan Tree
29
28
Nimrod
19
Rachael Flett
26
Lydd II
30
Mist
Roxano
36B
Lydia Long
27
Mistletoe
22
Nirvana
2
P.
Radiant
36B
Royal Eagle
12A
32
9
Nobles
4
Pangbourne
10
Radnor Castle
2
Lydiard
M.L. 100
Royallieu
14
Lynx
10
Moed-en-Werk
36
Nodzu
23
Paragon
24
Rambler Rose
30
Royalo
14
Paramount
3
Raymont
35
Mollusc
16
Nogi
15
Ruby
5
Noontide
28
Pathway
11
Reaper
7
Monarch
Rugby
17
9
M.
Norbreeze
Patti
17
Reboundo
23
Runswick Bay
5
Monarda
12A
27
M.1
Paul Rykens
28
Rebuff
29
8
11
Nordland
37
Ryde
10
Mona's Isle
M.2
29
Paxton
10
Norina
Receptive
36
Monimia
16
37
16
S.
M.3
Paynter
7
Recono
8
Moonstone
32
Norlan
29
36
Red Gauntlet
3
Sabra
35
M.A. West
11
Moorgate
12
Norna
36A
Peacemaker
5
Red Sky
16
Sabreur
35
Madden
15
5
Norman Wilson
20
Pearl
Madeline
Moray
Pecheur
27
Reed
15
Sailor King
22
13
Magnolia
Morgan Jones
17
Norse
12A
29
Refraction
8
St. Abbs
9
8
29
Peggy Nutten
St. Achilleus
13
Maid Marion
Mount Ard
29
Northcoates
Pelagos
5
Refundo
8
2
Majesta
Mount Keen
Northern Chief
30
24
Pellag II
9
Regal
2S
St. Adrian
5
12
Northern Dawn
25
15
Regardo
13
St. Apollo
31
Majesty
22
Pelton
M/S Flotillas
Northern Duke
30
Ma Joie II
Pembroke
12
Regwa
15
St. Cathan
25
12
Northern Foam
30
Malacolite
30
Reids
36
St. Celestin
29
35
1
29
Pentland Firth
9
St. Cyrus
17
Mallard
Northern Gem
25
Perilia
16
Reigate
31
4
16
Northern Gift
30
Mangrove
Peter Carey
21
Reighton Wyke
21
St. Dominica
5
24
5
10
Manor
30
28
Relonzo
11
St. Donats
16
2
6
Northern Isles
Peter Hendriks
16
St. Elstan
25
Manora
10
Northern Pride
25
4
7
Peter Nell
29
Remexo
21
Remillo
35A
St. Fagan
9
Man-o'-War
30
30
25
8
Northern Princess
Phase
14
St. Katherine
12
Manx Prince
23
Northern Reward
30
34
Renascent
35
10
Philante
20
St. Kenan
25
Marano
10
30
35A
Rennet
11
Northern Sky
Philippe
23
St. Loman
25
Marauder
35
19
25
36
Renzo
Marcia
3
12
Northern Spray
Phyllis Rose
9
St. Magnus
26
13
Northern Sun
30
37
Resolve
Phyllisia
23
St. Melante
12A
Marconi
23
25
14
M/S Groups-
Phineas Beard
26
Resolvo
Northern Wave
14
St. Mellons
30
Mare
20
32
Resparko
14
Northlyn
Pict
21
St. Modwen
9
Maretta
1
24
North Ness
17
24
Restrivo
Picton Castle
7
St. Nectan
36A
Margaret Hyde
11
2,3
14
31
Retako
15
12A
Northward Ho
Pintail
8
St. Olaves
9
Margaret Rose
4-6
9
29
Returno
Marina
Northwind
Plantagenet
35
St. Olive
5
37
10-12
13
19
11
Revello
10
St. Sunniva
26
Marinus
9
16-20
15
Norwich City
Playmates
19
21
Reverberation
18
St. Tudno
12A
Marion
12
22-26
16
Notts County
Plinlimon
12A
Rezala
4
24
23
3
St. Wistan
17
Mariout
28,29
Nyula
Plumer
8
Rhodora
5
St. Zeno
31
Marmion
35
30-32
23
Poinavon
36
Richard Croft
Salamander
16
14
Marsoma
13
34
21
O.
Pointer
24
Rig
23
Salpa
2
Martinet
27
37-38
22
Oak
26
Pointz Castle
35
Righto
36B
Saltash
10
Mary A. Purdy
20
40-41
26
Oaklea
28
Polar V
35
Rigoletto
Mary Sturgeon
29
43
26
Ocean Breeze
11
Polar VI
28
44-45
27
Ocean Brine
22
29
Ocean Eddy
37

Details

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Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

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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

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 Honours and Awards Committee have carefully
considered the claims to recognition of Officers and Men
for good services in Operation DYNAMO, and submit the
following Appointment and Awards as appropriate:-
Distinguished Service Order
Acting Commander Francis Douglas-Watson, R.N.,
17.177
H.M.S. PANGBOURNE.
Distinguished Service Cross
Lieutenant Commander William George Boaks, R.N.
H.M.S. BASILISK.
Lieutenant Eric Lister Jones, R.N., H.M.S. VERITY
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Leading Stoker Ronald Kenneth Robb, D/KX. 18359,
H.M.S. PANGBOURNE.
Distinguished Service Medal
Able Seaman Richard Mumford, J.97179, H.M.S. BASILISK
Able Seaman Herbert A. Alderson, J.108085, H.M.S. BASI
Able Seaman Frederick Joseph Chivers, P/J.78575, H.M.S
VERITY
Mention in Despatches
Commander Maxwell Richmond, O.B.E., R.N., H.M.S. BASIL
Able Seaman Horace Rawstron, R.N. 106622, H.M.S. BA
Ordinary Seaman Thomas W.H. Hancock, R.N.V.R., BD/X.17
VXV
H.M.S. BASILI
Lieutenant Commander Arthur Ronald Mawson Black, R.N.,
H.M.S. VERITY
Leading Signalman Martin Robert Dury, P/J64054,
H.M.S. VERITY
Leading Seaman Alfred Reid, D/J. 13129, H.M.S. PANGBOURN
Temporary Lieutenant Sydney Frederick Harmer-Elliott,
Vxv Chief Petty Officer William G. Thompson, C/J.4150,
R.N.V.R., H.M.S. WAVERLE
H.M.S. WAVERLEY.
Posthumous Mention in Despatches
Gunner (T) Ernest George Francis, R.N. (Retd. ), H.M.S.
VX Officer William George Hoare, P/J.80058, R.N., H.M.S. H.M.S.
Petty Warrant Engineer Harold James Tucker, BASILISK. WAKE
PANGBOURNE.
R.Gleadowe
for HEAD OF COMMISSION AND WARRANT BRANCH.
(R. GLEADOWE)
4th October, 1940.
H.M. The king has been Tripor to affore.
leased to approve mayber these awards.
CL:
Navul Societ amara Thealrare of25/10/40. 7/10 all Gazeltids pp 6227/8 otsup 14/10 tolder Gas
forcurs: 29/10/40

Details

SECRET.
OFFICE OF
FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING DOVER.
21st September, 1940.
No. A14/0/1397/40.
Sir,
With reference to Dover Despatch of 5th July, 1940,
No. A14/0/1015/40, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the
accompanying additional lists of personnel recommended for
Decoration or Mention in Despatches for their services in
Operation "DYNAMO".
2.
The ships concerned are:-
H.M.S. "BASILISK".
H.M.S. "VERITY".
H.M.S. "WAKEFUL".
H.M.S. "GRACIE FIELDS".
H.M.S. "PANGBOURNE".
H.M.S. "WAVERLEY".
In the case of H.M.S. "WAKEFUL" the recommendation is for
one posthumous Mention, and is in addition to those previously
forwarded; in all other cases no recommendations had been sent
in previously as the requisite information was not available
when the original lists were sent in. I am very anxious that
the names mentioned should receive the awards recommended in order
that the services of all the ships that took part in the operations
should be properly and fairly recognised.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) B. H. RAMSAY.
VICE ADMIRAL.
The Secretary of the Admiralty,
Whitehall,
LONDON, S.W.1.

Details

Page 50
OPERATION "DENAMO" - RECOMMENDATIONS OF PERSONNEL.
R.V.G. "GRACIE FIELDS - Tomporary Lieutenant Alfrod Clifford Weeks,
D.S.C., R.N.V.R.
(Awarded D.S.C. - London Gesotto 11th July, 1940).
S.M.O. "GRACIE FIELDS" was sunk during the night of
28th - 29th May as B. result of aircraft attack when returning
from La Panno Beach with 700-800 troops on board.
The ship remained afloat for some time, being taken in
tow by H.M.S. "PANGBOURNE", but she had to be abandoned in
B sinking position when noar T buoy.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
OFFICERS:
H
Temporary Lieutenant Harold Jones, R.N.V.R.
Displayed coolness and oourage during the air attack
and subsequently, showing a good example and leadership.
Recommended for Montion.
RATINOS:
Potty Officer Neil McLoon Speed, R.N.R., O.N. X. 9712 B.
(Awarded D.S.M. in London Gazotte of 11th July, 1940.)
He performed excellent and untiring work in transporting
troops between beach and ship and subsequently showed
splendia powers 05 Leadership after the ship had been
bombed.
Recommended for Mention.

Details

Page 6.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - RECOMMENDATIONS OF PERSONNEL.
H.M.S. "PANGBOURNE" - Acting Commander Francis Douglas-Watson, R.N.
The ship left Harwich, and arrived at Dunkirk on the
evening of 28th May; she returned t 0 Margate and disembarked
400 troops. On her second trip to Dunkirk she rescued the
crew of the "CLAN MACALISTER". She was subjected to air
attacks from 1645 to 1715 and from 1000 to 1900 (29th May);
the latter was particularly severe and caused some 24
casualties, including Belgian soldiers. On her way back
she towed the badly damaged "GRACIE FIELDS", rescuing the
latter's crew when she sank.
After undergoing temporary repairs to D.G. wiring and
for splinter damage, "PANGBOURNE" completed one more round
trip to Dunkirk and also brought in a number of soldiers
transferred to her by 8. trawler.
In all she completed 3 round trips, bringing back 920
men.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
OFFICERS:
Acting Commander Francis Douglas-Watson. R.N.
Commander Douglas-Watson displayed courage, resource
and professional skill of a high order in dangerous and most
DSO
difficult conditions. The steadiness of the ship's company
in the face of severe air attack and casualties was an
eloquent tribute to his leadership and example.
Recommended for Decoration.
RATINGS:
Leading Stoker Ronald Kenneth Robb, O.N. D/KX18359.
C.G.M
Remained on the forecastle during the first bombing
attack in charge of the capstan. When this was put out of
DSM
action and he was badly wounded in both arms, he stood by
in an exposed position ready to slip the cable. Afterwards
he continued to assist the repair parties although one arm
was out of action.
Recommended for Decoration.
Leading Seaman Alfred Reid, O.N. D/J13129.
As coxswain of the motor boat, Reid was of great
assistance to the officer in charge of the boats on the beach.
He carried out all orders in prompt and seamanlike manner
as well as acting on his own initiative when towing the
various boat loads back to the ship.
Recommended for Mention.

Details

Page 7.
OPERATION "DYNAMO" - RECOMMENDATIONS OF PERSONNEL.
H.M.S. "PANGBOURNE" - continued.
Petty Officer William George Hoare, Q.N. P/J80058.
Continued fighting his gun although he was wounded
very early in the attack. A later near miss severely
wounded him and he was carried to shelter in the officers'
bathroom.
During the return trip to Dover his fortitude and
courage was a magnificent example to the remainder of the
ship's company, some of whom were undoubtedly suffering from
shock and badly shaken. He was continually attended by
volunteers who later repeated his remarks and Jokes when
relieved.
In. M,
Recommended for posthumous Mention.

Details

469
WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY, 1940.
0600.
"ROSS".
383.
0900.
"LEDA".
301.
1010.
"PANGBOURNE".
400.
1110.
"KELLETT"
472.
1220.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1173. + 5 German Prisoners.
1340.
"ALBURY".
161.
1430.
"PATRIA".
200.
1445.
"CARIBIA".
300.
7-
1520.
"LEUS".
200.+ 2 Femalealiens.
1640.
"HORST".
350.
1800.
"ROYAL DAFFODIL".
1703.
1820.
"K.G.V."
853.
2100.
"LEDA".
500.
-
Total.
6996.
====

Details

476
500
Margate
Total.
"SANDOWN".
201.
"GRACIE FIELDS".
281.
"ROSS".
:
683.
383. 300.
"LEDA".
2218.
301. 500. 537. 380. 500.
"PANGBOURNE".
400.
"KELLETT".
1052.
472. 550. 30.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
6370.
1173. 1200. 1100. 47. 1500. 1350.
"ALBURY".
1136.
161. 445. 130. 400.
"PATRIA".
1400.
200. 1200.
"CARIBIA".
300.
"DEUS".
200.
"HORST".
1150.
350. 800.
"ROYAL DAFFODIL".
3203.
1703. 1500.
"K.G.V."
3578.
853. 500. 700. 1460. 65.
"GOLDEN EAGLE".
1750.
500. 1250.
"ROYAL EAGLE".
2058.
808. 1250.
"LYDD".
850.
200. 450. 200.
"PRINC. ELIZABETH".
1344.
460. 374. 510.
"AEGIS".
835.
355. 350. 130.
"MEDWAY QUEEN".
450.
"ORANJE".
600.
500. 100.
"DELLA".
203.
"DOGGERS BANK".
708.
308. 400.
"HOPPER V24".
980.
400. 580.
"WOLVES".
50.
"ADVENTURESS".
85.
"STELLA DURADO".
22.
"KING FISHER".
458.
91. 157. 210.
"LIFEBOAT".
17.
"SCOTTISH OP".
525.
33107.
TOTAL.

Details

134
139
...herself.
IT was then discovered that the Yessel ranned was the
drifter 'Comfort' and not he M.T.B.. V.A.Dover was informed of
the circumstances as far as I then knew than; I also informed
Jason and Javelin not with shortly afterwards, of diafton's
plight. On further questioning the two survivors of the
Comfort, it was ascertained that she had been picking up
survivors from the Wakeful, when and explosion threw
all on board into the water and disabled the Yessel. Three
men managed to scramble back again, of whom two got on board
Lydd and the other who was apparently badly wounded, went down
with the vessel when ahe was rammad.
I landed the troops at Ramsgate and returned to Dunkirk
by $ X route.
When off Nieuport Bank buay as 1700 a large number of
enemy aircraft started dive-bombing ships arriving and leaving,
paying particular attention to the hospital ship St.Julien
which had repeated attacks made on her.
I arriver off Bray at 1730 and sent boats inshore to
embark troops. I did not anchor but lay to off the beach. At
about 1745 andurgent call for assistance was received from 3.8.
clan Mee Allister which was on fire aft. I passed this to
Pangbourne who was just arriving, as I had already started
embarking troops. panghourne then went alongaide the burning
ship.
Embarkation was not such hampered as far as Lydd was
conserued by the almos incessant boubing assacks; but 16 was

Details

Dynam 106
153
H.M.S. *Pangbourne*
158
At Sea.
5th.June 1940.
Sir,
1 have the honour to forward the following narrative
in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6.
At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. May, H.M.S.
remainder
of
the
5th.4.S.
147
SLYDLE'S-CLOSE,
152
HIGHTOWN,
RINGWOOD.
From Lieut.-Commander H.G.Boys-Smith, R.N.R.
To
Vice-Admiral, Dover.
Date June 7th, 1940.
Subjet:- Summarized report of part taken by ships
and craft under my commend during the evacuation of
Dunkirk.
th a.m.
Joined Dutch Scoot "Trente" at filbury in command.
Sailed p.m. for Shoerness where vessel 403 prepared for
operations.
th p.m.
Sailed from Sheerness direct for Dunkirk beaches
via Rest Bindar Buoy in company with other "scoots".
3th 6330
When approaching Beaches was turned back by
Naval M.L. with orders to return to Ramagate. Half an
hour later was attacked by one salvo of bomba and
machine gun fire by a German comber which appeared to
be returning from the direction of England. Arrived
Ramsgate 8.m. same day.
18th p.m.
Sailed for Dunkirk via Buoys U, V, 1, and 6 West.
Dunkirk harbour entrance was reached just before midnight.
A full load of British troops was ferried off in drifters
(380). Ship sailed immediately by same route. Fierce
fires were blazing all over Dunkirk, lighting up the
sea. Continuous distant firing was heard. Local

Details

e/172
H.M.S. Pangbourne"
158
At Sea.
5th.June 1940.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following narrative
in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6.
At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. May, H.M.S.
with the remainder of the 5th.m.s.
149
3
154
Entire Ship's Company of "Twente" relieved for
24 hours 88 sleep had been unobtainable for 3 nights and
2 days running. "Twente" sailed immediately with relief
crew.
st. a.m.
"Twente" unaccountably not returned. Took cormand
of two Army Metor Launchee, "Kestrel" and "Grouse" instead,
and seiled for Dunkirk Beaches via U, 1, and * bucys.
Embarked a full load of French troops during afternoon.
Slow process. Motor Launches' dinghy *** used to begin
with but capsized. Slight swell. Troope then boarded
a grounded craft whilst Motor Launches were manosuvred
alongside seaward and of this. Considerable air
activity and bombing throughout operations. Returned
immediately to Ramsgate.
Whan off Goodwin Sands Launon I HAS In, "Kestrel",
began to sink. "Grouse" came alongaide and took off
some men. By hard baling and slow speed Ramagate was
somehow reached at midnight. Investigation and repairs
immediately put in hand. (Patent self-baling device
responsible for leak).
1st. Noon.
"Kestrel" fit for gea. Left for Dunkirk Baaches
via U, V, and * buoys. On approaching Dunkirk at 1530
most intense air activity was observed. Sky filled
with German bombers and shall bursts. Beach was reached

Details

H.M.S. "Pangbourne"
158
At Sea.
5th.June 1940
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following narrative
in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6.
At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. May, H.M.S.
with the remainder of the 5th.m.8.
150
4
155
at 1600. Dive bombers everywhere and shells falling on
beach. Although attack after attack TSS made by bombers
on various ships relatively ****** few hits appeared to
be secured. Motor Launch having lost dinghy on previous
day I went alongside an abandoned wreck. One of the
wreck's boats was swung out, lowered, and taken in too
by Launch. French troops were ferried to the Launch in
this boat by Launch crew. Conditions (other than state
of sea which was good) were shocking as German planes
were flying low, dropping bombs and using machine-guns.
Operation delayed 89 great difficulty was experienced
in rersuading some of the Frenchmen to ambark. So far
as I could understand, their units were incomplete and
they were unwilling that part of a unit should embark
without thefrest. At one point on the beach there were
at least 2,000 men, none of whom would embark. The
rowing boat bad to be pulled back to the Launch and towed
further Rest where 8 fresh start me made. Eventually
& full load was obtained and we sailed for Hamagate by the
same route. Throughout the first part of the return
journey repeated bombing and machine gun attacks were
made. On one occasion a salvo of 6 bombs was released
so low that they were plainly visible as they left the
racks. They all fell close together near the Launch but
all failed to explode. Several machine gun bullets

Details

H.M.S.
"Pangbourne"
15
At Sea.
5th.June 194
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following narrative
in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6.
At approximately midnight on Sunday 26th. May, H.M.S.
with the remainder of the 5th.m.s.
151
5
156
passed right through the Launch but only one soldier
was wounded (slightly).
When about half say across to Ramsgate a trawler
signalled that her engines had broken down owing to &
bomb attack. Ment and **** spoke another trawler and
told him to take her in tow. On another occasion a
flottila of life boats was met which reported having
been machine-gunned outward bound. Many wounded were
on beard.
This afternoon was much the moret day experienced
during the whole evacuation. The last bombing attack
I witnessed in the distance was made when my launch ***
approaching the .Goodwin Lt.-V.
Very few British fighters were seen during the day
and the German bombers appeared to do much as they pleased.
Ramagate was reached at 2230.
2nd.
Commandeered a large fast Dutch Netor Launch on the
everning of this day, and sailed for Dunkirk harbour at
2000 hrs. via U, V, and 1 buoys. On srrival found the
port of Dunkirk under heavy and quite contiruous shell
fire. Proceeded inside and secured alongside Eastern
Arm. Mole was being plastered with shells and many
dead Frenchmen were lying about. No sign of troops.
Sent one of crew to tastes inshore end of mole to
investigate. He returned with 30 Frenchmen ( all he could

Details

'yangbourne"
158
9
At Sea.
5th.June 1940.
Sir,
in accordance with your signal 2049/4/6.
I have the honour to forward the following narrative
midnight on Sunday 26th. day, H.M.S.
with the remainder of the 5th.w.s.
North Shields, and proceeded to Harwich, arriving at about
less "Saltash" slipped from Union Sharf,
2300 Monday 27th.May. The ship coaled and provisioned S.D.
Tuesday 28th. May, and proceeded to the beach east of Dunkin
at 1200. On arrival off the beach Fangbourne vas ordered
into Dunkirk harbour, and secured al ngside the last mole
at 2145. Some difficulty was experienced in getting along)
side properly as a wire cable vas discovered across the stem
which prevented the ship going ahead far enough to clear
the Gossamer, who was secured alongsidein the next berth to
Fastward seaward. Pangbourne's stern ma thus outside
Gossamer's stem which meant that embarkation of troops
could only take place over the lower bridge and & ladder
on the forecastle.
When about & hundred to & hundred and fifty
troops had embarked Commander .Clouston R.N. who vas
N.O.I.C. on the jetty informed ae that an unknown number
of badly wounded were isolated on & jetty the other side
or the entrance about one and a half siles further up, and
asked ae if I could go and collect them. 1 pointed out
the presence of the wire across my bow, but he assured Be
that the centre of the channel was clear, as he had just
seen some French destroyers go ug. 1 backed out clear and
proceeded as directed, turning before going alongaide.
In this 1 was assisted by thelight of blaming buildings
although the wharf itself was in deep shadow. Un securing
alongside 1 found about one thousand troops including a
large number of stretcher cases and saveral hundred walking
cases.
Owing to th a tide being low and still abbing
it was necessary to rig wooden gangways from the boatdeck
to the wharf, and the stretcher cases and walking cases
were embarked by this mathod. It soon became apparent
that we could not accomodate all the stretcher cases :
the quarterdeck. passages, Wardroom etc. were soon full
80 non-wounded were embarked over the bridge forward until
the ship was full. The troops on the mole behaved well
and carried out instructions, but as there appeared to be
very few officers or N.C.Os. ashore to take charge there
was, when it became apparent that the entire party could
not be taken off, & certain amount of crowding round the
gangways.

Details

154
Sheet 2. 159
At 0030 on Wednesday 29th. May I slipped and
proceeded down harbour. After rounding No.6E whistle
and bell buoy I found myself in among two or three
French destroyers, stopped in the channel, and as a
result missed No.13 bouy and went aground on sandbank
north of Zuydcoote Pass Engines were put to full astern
and the ship slid off into about ten fathoms. In order to
ascertain my exact position and wait until unlit bouys
could be seen I anchored and very shortly picked up the
Nieuport buoy While waiting the ship was roughly fixed
and found to be in position51 degrees 7 minutes 30 seconds
North, 2 degrees 28 minutes 48 seconds East, and clear of
the channel. I proceeded without further incident to
Margate. Just before dawn gunfire was observed shead and
shortly afterwards several destroyers passed ae proceeding
towards the French coast. Later passing the Kwiente buoy
one sunken destroyer and another badly down by the stern
were passed.
At I000 ship secured alongside Margate pier
and disembarked troops. Although no exact counting of
troops was possible, about 450 in all were landed, including
approximately 50 stretcher cases and 100 walking cases.
The arrangements for disembarkation of troops
at Margate were most efficient.
At 1107 Wednesday 29th. may slipped and proceeded
back to Dunkirk, being joined by Lydd at North Goodwin
light vessel. At 1315 Lydd reported & submarine to starboard,
although not observed by Pangbourne a warning was broadcast
at 1321 Between 1645 and 1715 just off Nieuport bank
several air attacks were directed against Pangbourne and
all ships in the vicinity. Immediately after this two
British soldiers were picked up in an exhausted condition,
apparently having been blown from the deck of some small
ship. At approximately 1730 several enemy bombers appeared
to be about to attack Pangbourne but passed overhead, and
were distinctly observed to attack & hospital ship about
a mile on the Starboard beam for & considerable period
without registering any direct hits. Just before passing
the Nieuport Bank buoy a large lifeboat containing some
thirty Belgian soldiers was picked up and the boat taken
in tow for use on the beach. On closing the beach 1 was
ordered to proceed Alanasise the Clan MacAlister lying at anchor
and embark the crew. This ship was on fire aft, and the
ammunition round the after gun was continually exploding.
The Master reported to ae that there was no chance of saving
the shipas all hoses were out and the steering gear out of
action. The crew, including some 30 Lascars, and several
Naval ratings, - crews of motor boats - were all embarked.
I then proceeded and anchored about half a mile off the
beach opposite the Sanatorium. All available boats were
lowered and sent inshore in charge of Lieut. Tadman
R.N.R. and Rabbitts, Boatswain R.N.. Between
1860 and 1900 the ship was subjected to numerous low
diving bombing attacks, although no direct hits were made
there were several near misses. The hull was holed on
both sidesabove and below the water line and the D.U. coil
cut in several places. It was during this period that all
casualties occurred, resultang in the death of of seven
the ratings and six Belgian soldiers, and wounding seven

Details

156
161
Sheet 4. & final
embarkation.
At 0200 a lifeboat with 43 French troops and 4 Officers
came alongside and embarked. They stated that they were
from a French vessel which had run aground on & sandbank.
Whilst getting this party inboard I was ordered by R.A.D to *
return to England. As Albury was leaving harbour at this
time I followed her out clear of the channel and then
proceeded to Folkestone and disembarked troops, then
proceeded to Dover and coaled as I had only 15 tons of
coal remaining. Owing to being unable to leave Granville
Dock until 2130 Pangbourne did not take part in any further
operations.
1 have the honour to be Sir,
Your Obsdient Servant
VICE ADMIRAL
Commander R.N.
9- JUN 1940
*
*
DOVER

Details

Dynam 162.
33 o
H.M.S. HARWICH. "Stella Rigel" 308
7th June, 1940.
Report on patrol of May 29th to June 3rd.
At 1515 on May 29th we cast off and proceeded out of harbour,
icking up H.M.T. "Argyleshire" and "Lord Melchett" outside. We
rrived off the position at 2200 and proceeded to our patrol area east
f S. Buoy. At 0030 on May 30th we observed a vessel stopped which got
nder way as we approached. As she did not answer the challenge we
ave chase and eventually stopped her. She proved to be M.S. "Ricas"
rom Ostend with troops.
At 0750 we picked up "Argyleshire" and returned to area of
Walls Buoy for patrol.
At 2100 on 31st May we received orders from "Argyleshire" to
atrol S. Buoy to West Hinder during night.
At 0230, having lost touch with "Argyleshire", and having
efound her, we were closing when she was struck by a torpedo and sank
mmediately. We lowered the boat and recovered five survivors, the two
fficers, the signalman, wireless operator and one Able Seaman. During
he course of the rescue a plane circled overhead and dropped parachute
lares, but took no action. The Captain reported having seen a
ubmarine crash dive, and while manoeuvring to attack he was struck
midships by a torpedo. We received instructions to land survivors at
earest port and proceeded towards Ramsgate. Artificial respiration
las carried out on A.B. Laycock for 3 hours until we transferred all
urvivors to H.M. Drifter "Gerrars Rontoul" outside Ramsgate to be taken
nto port. Picked up "Lord Melchett" and patrolled area of S. Falls
Buoy during daylight of June lst.
At 2015 received orders from "Lord Melchett" to patrol from
3. Buoy to West Hinden.
At 0430 on June 2nd we picked up a motor boat with 23 soldiers,
aking them aboard and the boat in tow. During this operation the
'Lord Melchett" had closed us, and reported seeing a torpedo passing close
inder our bow.
the soldiers and boat to her, rejoining the "Lord Melchett" on patrol.
At 0745 we were signalled by H.M.S. "Pangbourne" and transferred
enemy plane, which attacked us and dropped a salvo of four bombs close to
At 1100 all ships in neighbourhood were in action against' one
the "Lord Melchett", doing no damage.
daylight, and arrived at Parkeston at 1135.
At 0130 on June 3rd we received orders to proceed to Harwich at
(Signed) J.W. Wykeham.
Sub Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
p.p.

Details

133
22
.
131
CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12.
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
29/5
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and
sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft
in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to
other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and
abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft,
either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY
(Personnel Vessel)
M/S
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as
follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times
by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship
returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer
deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further
operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned
eventually under own steam.
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put
her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were
transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses
necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May

Details

APPENDIX I.
160
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
Narrative of Events.
162
-
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
A.A. CRUISER:
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VIMY
(40)
SLOOPS:
BIDEFORD
GUNBOATS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
UNESWEEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
EL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGO
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH WESTWARD HO
A/S VESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SANGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
re
SPECIAL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
ROYAL EAGLE
ESSELS:
"LL" TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
it
A/S TRAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
ore
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WESTELLA
an
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
ue
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
all
INE RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
SILVER DAWN
RIFTERS:
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

Details

92
CONFIDENTIAL
27SEP RAL
NL
11385
REGISTRY
/24AB/40.
1940
21st September, 1940.
Report of enquiry into the loss
of H.M. Paddle Minesweeper
GRACIE FIELDS
in Operation "Dynamo".
Sir,
With reference to Admiralty Letter .6245/40 dated
1st August 1940, be pleased to lay before Their Lordships the
following report resulting from an enquiry held into the loss
of H.M.Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS on 29th May 1940.
2. Temporary Acting Lieutenant Commander A. C. Wicks,R.N.R.,
who was in command of GRACIE FIELDS, was interviewed on
21st September, 1940.
3. At about 2030, on 28th, when ship was in vicinity of
Middlekerk Buoy, she was subjected to attack by enemy bombers
for about a quarter of an hour. Two bombs scored direct hits
in the Engine Room, wrecking the control platform and bursting
steam pipes.
(ii) Endeavour was made to shut off steam at the main
stop valve on the upper deck near the funnel, but
the valve could not be closed.
(iii) The explosion put the steering gear out of action
by fracturing the nal and chain connection.
4. Fires were drawn, the Engine Room was flooding steadily
and by the time access could be gained, there was about 6 feet
of water in the compartment.
5. PANGBOURNE came alongside and took off all troops and
crew of GRACIE FIELDS, except those required for taking her
in tow.
6. PANGBOURNE towed GRACIE FIELDS till about 0200 when,
sponsons being awash and Engine Room and Stokehold flooded to
a depth of 10 feet, it was decided to abandon her. Tow was
cast off and remainder of crew were taken on board PANGBOURNE.
7. The ship was then in about 10 fathoms and sinking.
Although it was not revealed when she actually sank, it seems,
from the evidence, unlikely that she remained afloat more than
about half an hour after being abandoned.
8. C.B.'s and S.P.'s not in use were in steel chest in
Captain's cabin, which was so wrecked that it was not possible
to have them. Those in use were taken on board PANGBOURNE and
landed at the port of arrival.
SS
retary
he Admiralty.

Details

CONFIDENTIAL.
Page 12,
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
Tuesday, 28th May (continued).
Personnel Vessel FENELLA attacked by enemy aircraft and
sunk alongside EASTERN ARM at Dunkirk.
Personnel Vessel MONA'S QUEEN sunk by mine whilst off
Dunkirk.
Paddle Minesweeper WAVERLEY sunk by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk. Bombed for 1½ hours.
Trawler POLLY JOHNSON damaged by enemy aircraft off
Dunkirk and finally sunk by ARLEY.
Paddle Minesweeper GRACIE FIELDS sunk by enemy aircraft
in position 51° 14' N, 2° 40' E. Troops were transferred to
other ships.
Danlayer COMFORT sunk in collision by LYDD.
Drifter GIRL PAMELA sunk in collision.
Danlayer NAUTILUS damaged by bombs when off La Panne.
Transferred troops to GREYHOUND, then set on fire and
abandoned, finally sinking.
The following ships were all damaged by enemy aircraft,
either by direct hits or near misses -
INTREPID
SALADIN
ST. SEIRIOL (Personnel Vessel)
BIDEFORD
KELLETT
CANTERBURY (Personnel Vessel)
PANGBOURNE
GALLANT
WOLFHOUND.
GREYHOUND
JAGUAR
Particulars of bombing attacks taken from reports are as
follows:-
SALADIN approached Dunkirk at 1845 and was attacked 10 times
by bombers. Steam pipes were fractured and fire started in
"ready" cordite aft. This was thrown overboard. Ship
returned to Dover owing to damage, the Commanding Officer
deciding that the ship would be a hindrance to further
operations.
GREYHOUND. Damaged by near miss. Steam pipes cut. Returned
eventually under own steam,
INTREPID. Continuously bombed during approach to La Panne.
One boiler room was put out of action. Ship returned to Dover.
BIDEFORD, attacked by enemy aircraft, bomb hit stern and put
her out of action. Ship was towed back to Dover. Troops were
transferred to KELLETT.
PANGBOURNE was damaged below water line by several near misses
necessitating dockyard repairs.
Thursday 30th May
!

Details

APPENDIX I.
to
Operation "DYNAMO"
-
Narrative of Events.
LIST OF H.M. SHIPS, PERSONNEL SHIPS AND HOSPITAL CARRIERS
TAKING. PART.
RUISER:
CALCUTTA
YERS:
ANTHONY
HARVESTER
MALCOLM
VIVACIOUS
BASILISK
HAVANT
MONTROSE
WAKEFUL
BLYSKAWICA
ICARUS
SABRE
WHITEHALL
CODRINGTON
IMPULSIVE
SALADIN
WHITSHED
ESK
INTREPID
SCIMITAR
WINCHELSEA
EXPRESS
IVANHOE
SHIKARI
WINDSOR
GALLANT
JAGUAR
VENOMOUS
WOLFHOUND
GRAFTON
JAVELIN
VANQUISHER
WOLSEY
GRENADE
KEITH
VERITY
WORCESTER
GREYHOUND
MACKAY
VILY
BIDEFORD
TS:
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
EEPERS:
ALBURY
HEBE
QUEEN OF THANET
BRIGHTON QUEEN
HALCYON
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
EL
DEVONIA
LEDA
SALTASH
DUNDALK
LYDD
SKIPJACK
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SANDOWN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
MEDWAY QUEEN
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
ORIOLE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PANGBOURNE
SHARPSHOOTER
GOSSAMER
PLYNLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WESTWARD HO
ESSELS:
ARLEY
COMFORT
MARETTA
BOTANIC
CONIDAW
NAUTILUS
BROCK
FYLDEA
POLLY JOHNSON
CALVI
GULZAR
SARGASSO
CHICO
JOHN CATLING
STARLIGHT RAYS
AL SERVICE CRESTED EAGLE
GOLDEN EAGLE
LS:
ROYAL EAGLE
TRAWLERS: INVERFORTH LORD INCHCAPE OUR BAIRNS THOMAS BARTLETT
RAWLERS:
ARGYLLSHIRE
KINGSTON ANDALUSITE STELLA DORADO
BLACKBURN ROVERS
KINGSTON OLIVINE
THURINGIA
CAYTON WYKE
LADY PHILOMENA
WISTELLA
GRIMSBY TOWN
SAON
WOLVES
KINGSTON ALALITE
SPURS
OLVINA
RECOVERY
FIDGET
JACKETA
ERS:
SILVER DAWN
FISHER BOY
LORD CAVAN

Details

Details

Details

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Page 2.
HICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940.
WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
CRUISER.
TTTA
ROYERS.
ONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
LISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
INGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
ESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
ANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
TON
MALCOIM
WHITSHED
ADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
HOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
ESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
NT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
US
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
LSIVE
VANQUISHER
P.
EFORD
VETTES.
LLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
GFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
BOATS.
UST
#
MOSQUITO
ESWEEPERS.
ROSS
URY
HEBE
SALAMANDER
GHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALTASH
GHTON QUEEN
LEDA
SANDOWN
ONIA
LYDD
SHARPSHOOTER
HESS OF FIFE
MARMION
MEDWAY QUEEN
SKIPJACK
DALK
SNAEFELL
PEROR OF INDIA
NIGER
SPEEDWELL
CZROY
ORIOLE
SUTTON
ENAVON
PANGBOURNE
WAVERLEY
ENGOWER
PLINLIMMON
WESTWARD HO
SSAMER
PORTSDOWN
CIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
LCYON
QUEEN OF THANET
(Continued)
Sunk.

Details

469
WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY, 1940.
0600.
"ROSS".
383.
0900.
"LEDA".
301.
1010.
"PANGBOURNE".
400.
"KELLETT"
472.
1110.
1220.
"ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
1173. * 5 German Prisoners.
1340.
"ALBURY".
161.
1430.
"PATRIA".
200.
"CARIBIA".
300.
1445.
N
200.+ + 2 Female aliens.
1520.
"LEUS".
350.
1640.
"HORST".
1800.
"ROYAL DAFFODIL".
1703.
853.
1820.
"K.G.V."
500.
2100.
"LEDA".
1
6996.
Total.

Details

Margate
Total.
ANDOWN".
201.
;RACIE FIELDS".
281.
)SS".
683.
383. 300.
LEDA".
2218.
301. 500. 537. 380. 500.
PANGBOURNE".
400.
KELLETT".
1052.
472. 550. 30.
ROYAL SOVEREIGN".
6370.
1173. 1200. 1100. 47. 1500. 135
ALBURY".
1136.
161. 445. 130. 400.
PATRIA".
1400.
200. 1200.
CARIBIA".
300.
DEUS".
200.
HORST".
1150.
350. 800.
ROYAL DAFFODIL".
3203.
1703. 1500.
K.G.V."
3578.
853. 500. 700. 1460. 65.
'GOLDEN EAGLE".
1750.
500. 1250.
'ROYAL EAGLE".
2058.
808. 1250.
850.
200. 450. 200.
"LYDD".
PRINC. ELIZABETH".
1344.
460. 374. 510.
835.
355. 350. 130.
"AEGIS".
"MEDWAY QUEEN".
450.
"ORANJE".
600.
500. 100.
"DELLA".
203.
"DOGGERS BANK".
708.
308. 400.
980.
400. 580.
"HOPPER V24".
"WOLVES".
50.
"ADVENTURESS".
85.
"STELLA DURADO".
22.
"KING FISHER".
458.
91. 157. 210.
"LIFEBOAT".
17.
"SCOTTISH OP".
525.
33107.
TOTAL.

Details

522
498
all soldiers and wounded. Clan Lacalister was then
ordered to seigh and proceed, It was however discovered
that the telemotor steering gear W&E not working, and
owing to the fire, which was raging aft, it was 1m-
possible to rectify this, or even to approach It
as the after magazine was in the centre of the
conflagration and liable to explode at any moment,
The Clan Macalister was therefore adandoned, and
the remaining officers, naval ratings, and crew
embarked in H.M.S. anghourne, which apparently 193
also subjected to heavy and continuous air attacks,
Two ratings of the A.D.C. crews were wounded while
onboard H.M.S. S. Pangbourne,

Details

Details

Diprams. 230
Bu/e/1251
3.5
No. 3172/212.
FROM:- The Naval Officer in Charge, Ramsgate.
DATE:-
11th June 1940.
TO:-
Flag Officer Commanding Dover.
RAMSGATE AND MARGATE : DYNAMO PROCEEDINGS.
On receipt of information that operation DYNAMO was likely
n
Dynomo 229.
339A
at
orts
tions
H.M.S. "Pangbourne"
ps
Vice Admiral
at Grimsby.
Commanding Dover.
10th. June, 1940.
led
J.S.
Sir,
ive
I have the honour to submit the following names of officers
crews
and ratings in accordance with your 2049/4/6. Lieut. MacClilland,
of
R.N. who although wounded continued to carry out his duties and
nds
remained in the ship until the completion of the evacuation.
n
Ldeut. Tadman, R.N.R. who took charge of the boats
r,
on the beach and by his coolness under severe bombing was mainly
gs
responsible for getting some 100 military mix other ranks on board.
Mr. S.C. Wiltshire, Come Engineer who in addition
to his normal duties as B.O. and repair officer was of great
day
assistance in embarking badly wounded stretcher cases from
e
the west inner mole at Dunkirk.
e
The following two ratings who have since died of
wounds are specially mentioned for their devotion to duty and it
is by the general wish of the ship's company that their names
are forwarded:
ning
y
Petty Officer William G. Hoare. P/J 80058.
a
al
Ldg. Stoker Thomas Richards. D/X 65339.
e
All hands behaved in the usual service manner during
action and it is extremely difficult to pick out any individual,
but the following names are submitted for their general bearing
er.
and example during the period in harbour whilst carrying out
atch
temporary repairs, when the nervous strain was increased by
on
temporary insotivity and uncertainty.
her
C.B.R.A. H.C. Warren. D/MX 46398.
P.O.Cook. T.C. Waterhouse. D/MX 49073.
ut
Yeo. of Signals. F.J. Robertson, D/JX 131329.
(Contd.

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. V
off Dunkirk at 1315. They had picked up that morning from arrived
The destroyers Codrington, Jaguar and Javelin, 33 survivors diverted from patrol,
S.S. Abukir, which had been torpedoed by United an E-boat while returning the
about 200 evacuees from Ostend to Grenade the which Kingdom; these survivors with
Javelin Dunkirk. were transferred using The their Codrington to own the boats, destroyer went embarked into Dunkirk troops harbour, from subsequently Bray while beach. the went Jaguar At on 1730 and to
the Grenade left Dunkirk with 1,000 troops on board.
skoot Lena. The Vimy also made a second
359 troops from Zuydcoote, assisted by ships' a the second.t.Bip,embarked
Between 1230 and 1815 the Vivacious, a her
Dunkirk harbour.
More ships were on the way. From 1230 onwards 19 minesweepers were
sailed from Harwich, from Dover and the Downs, for Dunkirk and the beaches.
By 2130 five of them had arrived off Bray beach I, and four off La Panne²;
three reached Dunkirk by 2140³.
Four other minesweepers arrived off the beaches late on the night of
28th/29th May4, and two more reached the beaches at 0600/29⁵.
Early on the 28th May the eight ships of the 7th and 8th minesweeping
flotillas had been ordered from Rosyth to Harwich, to work under the orders
of the Vice-Admiral, Dover⁶; they could not, however, reach the beaches
until about 72 hours later.
During the forenoon and afternoon of the 28th May the call went out for
more and more destroyers, and seven reached the evacuation area next day⁷.
In the signals from the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral, Dover, summoning
them there sounds the same note of extreme urgency, traceable to S.N.O.
Dunkirk's message⁸ declaring that evacuation on the night of 28th/29th May
was problematical. "If the older class destroyers and other vessels cannot
compete with the situation signalled the Admiralty, destroyers of all classes
are to be used for bringing men off'.9 Every available destroyer" in the
Western Approaches and Portsmouth Commands was to be sailed to Dover.
Destroyers on patrol or on escort duty were to be diverted to Dunkirk or the
beaches.¹¹
Vulnerability of personnel vessels
The vulnerability of the personnel vessels, with their large troop-carrying
capacity, was a cause of anxiety. On the 27th May the Biarritz and Archangel,
the Mona's Queen, King Orry, Sequacity, Yewdale, and the Isle of Thanet12,
I The Albury, Gossamer, Leda, Kellett and Sutton.
2 The Salamander, Halcyon, Skipjack and Waverley.
3 The Ross, Pangbourne and Lydd.
4 The Hebe, Sharpshooter, Duchess of Fife snd Emperor of India.
5 The Oriole and Marmion.
6
A.M.0163/28.
7 The Verity, Harvester, Esk, Malcolm, Express, Shikari and Scimitar.
8 Appendix M.4.
9 A.M.0754/28.
10 A.M.1229/28.
11 Appendices D.4, D.5 and D.7.
collided with the Examination Service Vessel leaving Ocean Reward, which sank
12 At 0254, on 28th May, shortly after Dover for Newhaven, the Isle of Thanet
Assisted by the tug Lady Brassey, a search was made for survivors, but none was found.
28

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Mistral damaged
At 1555 a bomb struck the west quay and damaged the Mistral, killing 3 and
seriously wounding 4, including her captain.
Jaguar severely damaged
Meanwhile, at 1550, the Jaguar was ordered out of Dunkirk harbour, to act
as escort to the Lochgarry then waiting outside. While taking station ahead
of the Lochgarry at about 1630 the second air attack over Dunkirk took place¹.
Dive-bombers attacked with salvoes of 4 bombs. About 14 salvoes were
aimed at the Jaguar and one at the Lochgarry. A near miss severely damaged
the Jaguar, holing her near the waterline and putting her engines and steering
gear out of action; a list to port developed. The destroyer drifted helplessly
until, at 1645, she was in danger of drifting on to a wreck 50 yards away. The
destroyer Express then sighted her and taking her in tow alongside transferred
some of her troops. The skoot Rika, en route for La Panne beach, although
she had been severely shaken by bombs off Middelkerke buoy, closed the
Jaguar and took off 295 troops. The Jaguar eventually reached Dover at
2350 (in spite of further high level bombing attacks at 2014 and 2026), making
the last part of the passage under her own power. She was unable to take any
further part in ' Dynamo."
Clan Macalister sunk
In the attack which damaged the Jaguar, the Lochgarry was also damaged
by a near miss; she was, however, able to proceed, and did so unescorted.
Near 6 W buoy, she passed the S.S. Clan Macalister which, after having hoisted
out 6 motor landing craft earlier in the day and subsequently embarked troops,
had just been bombed and was on fire and sinking. The destroyer Malcolm
had already taken off, the wounded members of the Clan Macalister's crew and
some of her troops, and the minesweeper Pangbourne had embarked the re-
mainder. The Clan Macalister settled on the sea bed on an even keel with
her upper works above water, and remained on fire for days. For days also,
she acted as a target for enemy airmen, who thought she was still afloat.
Gracie Fields abandoned
Continuing on her way near Kwint Bank buoy, the Lochgarry saw the paddle-
minesweeper Gracie Fields (which was carrying about 750 troops from La
Panne beach) hit amidships by a bomb. The Gracie Fields, unable to stop
her engines, and with her upper deck enveloped in clouds of steam, continued
underway at 6 knots with her helm jammed with 15° starboard wheel on.
Nevertheless, the skoot Twente, which was on her way to La Panne beach,
secured alongside the circling Gracie Fields and transferred as many injured
and others as she could. The skoot Jutland, returning from La Panne beach
with 275 French troops, also secured alongside the Gracie Fields' disengaged
side and took off some more of her troops.
Later, at about 1830, the minesweeper Pangbourne (which had just been
holed on both sides above and below the waterline and had had 13 killed and
11 wounded by near misses off Bray beach) went alongside the Gracie Fields,
transferred about 80 British troops, and took her in tow. The M/S Kellett,
carrying 550 troops from Bray beach, led the Pangbourne, whose compasses
had been put out of action by bomb blast. At 0130 next morning the Gracie
I At 1630 hours, a renewed spell of Luftwaffe activity began,
fighters was on the line.
when none of our
(R.A.F. Narrative, p.327).
41

Details

THE EVACUATION FROM DUNKIRK
CHAP. VI
and abandoned her.
The Pangbourne slipped the tow, Fields' ship's company
Fields (in approx. position 51° 20' N., took 02° off 05' the E) Gracie reported that she was sinking.
Grenade damaged
the Express (with 500 troops she and embark picked more up Bray beach) entered
Meanwhile, at about the time that had the Jaguar from had left Dunkirk harbour,
so, to berth however, alongside near-missed the previously the Grenade ahead mentioned and astern. second Only air troops. splinters attack took Before place, she could and the do it
Express, but the Grenade was damaged harbour. some casualties. The Express
Express was and had came on board the
thereupon cleared out of the
Greyhound severely damaged, Nautilus sunk
Anthony, which left La Panne for Dover at 1525 with 550 troops, was bombed
The bombing between 1530 and 1600 was widespread¹. The destroyer
at 1555 (and 1645), but the bombs fell wide. Off La Panne, at about 1600,
high level bombing attack was made on the destroyer Greyhound, on the mine- a
sweepers Sutton and Salamander, and on the paddle-minesweeper Sandown.
The Sutton was straddled but no damage was done. In the dive-bomb attack
which followed, however, the Greyhound was severely damaged by 2 near
misses, and had 90 casualties, 20 of which were fatal. The Sp. S/V
Royal Eagle, which was assisting in rescue work, escaped damage, but the
trawler Nautilus, which had already ferried some 600 troops from the beach,
was straddled by bombs and had her engines and steering gear put out of action.
Making water rapidly, she managed to get alongside the Greyhound and transfer
to her the 150 troops she was carrying. The Nautilus, already 6 feet down in
the water and sinking, was then abandoned and set on fire.
The Greyhound limped back to Dover carrying 506 troops, but for 4 hours
of the passage she was in tow of the Polish destroyer Blyskawica which had
been on patrol with the destroyer Vega in the vicinity of the West Hinder buoy.
The Greyhound took no further part in "Dynamo."
Waverley sunk
Meanwhile, at about 1630, the Cyclone left the harbour with 500 troops on
board en route for Dover. Near Kwint Bank buoy she saw the minesweeper
through her bottom, leaving a hole about 6 feet in diameter. Four of the 600
Waverley sinking; a bomb had struck her on the port quarter and passed right
troops she had embarked from La Panne beach were killed and a number
wounded. When the Waverley sank, many of her troops were left swimming or
trying to keep afloat, but the numbers thinned out considerably within 15/20
minutes². Golden The Cyclone picked up 158. About hour later the Sp. S/V
picked up a few more.
Eagle picked up 285 and, guided by a plane, an the tug Java and 2 drifters
Canterbury damaged
1,960 While these air attacks had been going on the had embarked
troops from the east pier. During a brief lull Canterbury in the bombing, at about
hours, 1" From to the the effect vessels that off-shore there came a series of 1545 and 1555
attacks (R.A.F. 2 seem Narrative, to have p.327). begun the at anchorages about 1430 at Bray when and none La Panne of signals, our were aircraft between being were bombed. on the line. These
Report by the Captain of the Waverley.
42

Details

TUESDAY, 28TH MAY
CHAP. VI
1650, she left the harbour, but soon after was damaged by a near miss. She
was able to reach Dover, but took no further part in "Dynamo." At 1720
the berth vacated by the Canterbury in Dunkirk harbour was taken by the
destroyer Verity.
Intrepid severely damaged
Meanwhile, at 1700, the Intrepid, hurrying back to Dunkirk from Dover
(where she had disembarked 661 troops), was bombed between Middelkerke
Bank and La Panne. A near miss caused severe damage, started fires, and
killed 2 and wounded 19. The Intrepid had to return to Dover, and took no
further part in Operation "Dynamo."
Hospital ship deliberately bombed
At 1700 also, the H/C St. Julien, en route for Dunkirk harbour, was de-
liberately bombed for a considerable period" in the vicinity of Nieuport
Bank buoy1; she was slightly damaged by near misses. The St. Julien lay
off Dunkirk harbour for about 1/2 an hour waiting for an opportunity to enter;
when air attacks recommenced, however, she sailed for Dover without having
entered the harbour.
At 1730 the Siroco sailed from Dunkirk harbour with 500 troops and a little
later was joined outside by the Mistral which had only embarked 4 troops.
Both the French destroyers proceeded to Dover. The Mistral took no further
part in "Dynamo."
Grenade hit, Calvi and Fenella sunk
At about 1750 the third air attack was made over Dunkirk harbour by waves
of bombers; some 100 bombs were dropped. Allied fighters, being engaged
by enemy fighters, were unable to interfere with the bombing². A near miss
blew a hole in the Grenade's side; the trawler Calvi, lying outside the John
Cattling, received a direct hit and sank immediately. Her masts and funnel
were above water, and her ensign remained flying from the foremast. The
personnel vessel Fenella, which by then had 650 troops on board, was hit on
the promenade deck; a second bomb hit the pier, and blew some concrete
through the Fenella's side below the waterline; a third bomb, falling between
the pier and the Fenella's side, wrecked the engine room. The Fenella's
troops were disembarked on to the pier and re-embarked in the Crested Eagle.
The Fenella was abandoned while sinking. The P/V St. Seiriol, which shortly
before had secured alongside the outer east pier, astern of the Crested Eagle,
cast off and shifted eastward to the beaches.
Grenade hit, set on fire, and abandoned
Then five minutes after the third air attack had begun the Grenade received
two direct hits; her engines were put out of action and she caught fire. As
she swung round, some of her ships company were able to step on board the
damaged trawler Polly Johnson. The Verity (which had been continuously
I Reports by Pangbourne and Lydd.
2 According to the R.A.F. Narrative, p.327, two Hurricane squadrons which arrived at
1710 were attacked by large numbers of Me. 109's ; one Spitfire squadron was attacked
from above and behind at 1715, and another was in combat with enemy fighters at 1740.
" None of our squadrons encountered enemy bombers, and the attacks on our shipping
between 1630 and 1745 hours (resulting, amongst other casualties, in the Crested Eagle
being hit and beached off Bray) can thus not have been interfered with by our patrols'
R.A.F. Narrative, p.327).
43

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Ships lost or damaged on 29th May
H.M. SHIPS SUNK
The destroyers Wakeful, Grafton and Grenade.
The armed boarding vessel King Orrry
The Special Service Vessel Crested Eagle.
The Paddle Minesweepers Waverley and Gracie Fields.¹
The Personnel Vessels Normania,1 Lorina, Fenella and Mona's Queen.
The trawlers Polly Johnson and Calvi.
The danlayers Comfort and Nautilus.
The drifter Girl Pamela².
H.M. SHIPS DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION.
The destroyers Saladin, Greyhound, Intrepid, Montrose, Mackay, Gallant
and Jaguar.
The sloop Bideford.
The minesweeper Pangbourne (required dockyard repairs).
The personnel vessel Canterbury.
The hospital carrier Isle of Guernsey.
OTHER VESSELS
SUNK A.L.C.16, the S.S. Clan Macalister (6,900 tons), the M/B's Minikoi,
Viewfinder, Bobeli, Hanora, Sceneshifter and Queen of England.
DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION The tug Sun V.
Destroyers of the "H," "I" and "J" Classes withdrawn
As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force,
particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern
types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral,
Dover, on 29th May, which led to a decision to withdraw the 7 destroyers of
the "H", "I" and "J" Classes from "Dynamo"3; they were the only
modern destroyers remaining with Vice-Admiral, Dover. All destroyers of
the "G" class⁴ were already out of action.
There remained available for "Dynamo" 15 destroyers : :-
Esk
Malcolm
Verity
Express
Whitehall
Vanquisher
Anthony
Winchelsea
Sabre
Keith
Worcester
Scimitar
Codrington
Windsor
Shikari
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to
maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000
troops in 24 hours⁵. It is noteworthy that in spite of their unsuitability for
the work of troop carrying, the 39 destroyers so employed in Dynamo"
brought off more troops-96,000-than any other type of ship (see Table 1).
The 45 personnel vessels brought off 87,000; the 36 minesweepers 46,000;
the 39 skoots 22,000 ; and among the smaller vessels, the 51 drifters brought
off 12,000.
I Actually sank on 30th May, as a result of damage received on 29th May.
2 In collision with the Lydd off Dunkirk harbour on the night of 28th/29th May.
3 The Icarus, Impulsive, Intrepid, Ivanhoe, Harvester, Havant and Javelin.
4 The Gallant, Grafton, Grenade and Greyhound.
5 D.R. p.11, para. 37.
55

Details

WEDNESDAY, 29TH MAY
CHAP. VI
Ships lost or damaged on 29th May
H.M. SHIPS SUNK
The destroyers Wakeful, Grafton and Grenade.
The armed boarding vessel King Orrry
The Special Service Vessel Crested Eagle.
The Paddle Minesweepers Waverley and Gracie Fields.¹
The Personnel Vessels Normania,1 Lorina, Fenella and Mona's Queen.
The trawlers Polly Johnson and Calvi.
The danlayers Comfort and Nautilus.
The drifter Girl Pamela².
H.M. SHIPS DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION.
The destroyers Saladin, Greyhound, Intrepid, Montrose, Mackay, Gallant
and Jaguar.
The sloop Bideford.
The minesweeper Pangbourne (required dockyard repairs).
The personnel vessel Canterbury.
The hospital carrier Isle of Guernsey.
OTHER VESSELS
SUNK A.L.C.16, the S.S. Clan Macalister (6,900 tons), the M/B's Minikoi,
Viewfinder, Bobeli, Hanora, Sceneshifter and Queen of England.
DAMAGED AND PUT OUT OF ACTION The tug Sun V.
Destroyers of the "H," "I" and "J" Classes withdrawn
As a result of the heavy casualties and losses amongst the destroyer force,
particularly the misfortunes which befell those of the larger and more modern
types, a consultation was held between the Admiralty and the Vice-Admiral,
Dover, on 29th May, which led to a decision to withdraw the 7 destroyers of
the "H", "I" and "J" Classes from "Dynamo"3; they were the only
modern destroyers remaining with Vice-Admiral, Dover. All destroyers of
the "G" class4 were already out of action.
There remained available for "Dynamo" 15 destroyers :-
Esk
Malcolm
Verity
Express
Whitehall
Vanquisher
Anthony
Winchelsea
Sabre
Keith
Worcester
Scimitar
Codrington
Windsor
Shikari
Excluding any casualties, this number of destroyers might be expected to
maintain a flow of one destroyer per hour to the coast and would lift 17,000
troops in 24 hours⁵. It is noteworthy that in spite of their unsuitability for
the work of troop carrying, the 39 destroyers so employed in ' Dynamo "
brought off more troops-96,000-than any other type of ship (see Table 1).
The 45 personnel vessels brought off 87,000; the 36 minesweepers 46,000 ;
the 39 skoots 22,000 ; and among the smaller vessels, the 51 drifters brought
off 12,000.
I Actually sank on 30th May, as a result of damage received on 29th May.
2 In collision with the Lydd off Dunkirk harbour on the night of 28th/29th May.
3 The Icarus, Impulsive, Intrepid, Ivanhoe, Harvester, Havant and Javelin.
4 The Gallant, Grafton, Grenade and Greyhound.
5 D.R. p.11, para. 37.
55

Details

DUSK TO DUSK, 1ST-2ND JUNE
CHAP. X
number and 8 destroyers were to enter Dunkirk harbour and go alongside the
East Pier, where British troops were. Only by using this pier would it be
possible to evacuate large numbers, and there was considerable apprehension
lest the Germans should shell it heavily and damage it or render it impossible
for ships to lie alongside. The pier had already been damaged by the armed
boarding vessel King Orry when she secured alongside at 1730 on 29th May
with her steering gear out of order and all instruments shattered by air attack,
but the gap had been bridged. Drifters and other small craft were to be sent
into the inner harbour at Dunkirk, to lift troops from the Quay Félix Faure,
in the Tidal Harbour, the North Quay, in the shipyard, and the quay in the
new outer harbour.
The French troops assembled on the west side of the harbour, and it was
intended that French vessels, including torpedo boats, should serve the West
Quay in the new outer harbour, whilst private small boats used the Quay Félix
Faure.
Assembly of shipping
Early in the afternoon of the 1st June Vice-Admiral Dover recalled all des-
troyers to harbour and minesweepers of the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th M/S Flotillas
were warned for duty only ships having degaussing equipment were to sail.
Five vessels, the Sharpshooter, Albury, Kellett, Ross, and Leda were unable to
comply; the compasses of another the Pangbourne, were unreliable, though
her D.G. gear was functioning ; and in the event, she sailed, led by a Dutch
skoot, though she was too late to go to the beaches, and accordingly proceeded
along Route Y as far as T buoy, looking for any ships in need of assistance.
The destroyers designated Force K, were to proceed in pairs at hourly intervals
to berth at the East Pier in Dunkirk harbour, returning to Dover when loaded.
If there was no vacant berth at the pier when a pair of destroyers arrived,
they were to assist at the beach instead. Four pairs were detailed, viz. the
Windsor and Icarus, Codrington and Sabre, Shikari and Esk, Winchelsea and
Whitshed. The Esk, however, which had been running almost continuously
since 27th May, was unable to sail and was given 24 hours stand off.
Preparations to assemble the requisite small craft for working off the beach
commenced early in the forenoon of 1st June, when a number of Senior Officers
were despatched from Dover in fast motor boats to round up all stray motor
boats in the Downs and along the routes, and direct them back in the evening
to the beach 11 miles east of Dunkirk. A flight of 30 motor boats and 34 life-
boats with 3 tugs, the last three large tugs left in London, was sent during the
early hours of 1st June from London to Ramsgate where they were prepared
for beach work, naval crews being placed in the lifeboats that lacked crews and
extra towage provided. Motor boats were also sent from Harwich and Sheer-
ness. A number of flotillas under Commodore A. H. Taylor and Captain the
Hon. G. Frazer were re-organised for the night's effort.
Abandonment of daylight evacuations (Appendix R)
It was decided to abandon daylight evacuation after 1st June, because the
scale of enemy air attack experienced on that day, and the fact that the Germans
could by now command the newly swept central route at its point of junction
with Dunkirk Roads by gunfire from the shore, rendered it too costly.
Vice-Admiral Ramsay, when drawing up the plan for the night, intended
sailings to cease at 0300 or 0330; and Captain Tennant at Dunkirk, who did
not yet know of the plan arranged for the night, independently gave orders,
97

Details

THE NIGHT 2ND-3RD JUNE
CHAP. XI
Teteghem, the event this was postponed 2000 and when it took place some
on a front of two miles. The until French intended to counter-attack at
There was no movement in the port. Later Admiral
was in the hands of the enemy, but they had not
advanced beyond. Further attacks were expected by the French this day,
when the situation regarding munitions might become critical.
Sailing of the night flight from England
The movement from England towards Dunkirk commenced at 1700. The
armada consisted of 13 personnel vessels, 2 large store carriers, 11 destroyers,
5 paddle minesweepers, 9 fleet sweepers, 1 special service vessel, 9 drifters,
6 skoots, 2 armed yachts, 1 gunboat, a large number of tugs, lifeboats, etc.,
formed either in organised tows or proceeding individually. For various
reasons, however, not all of these ships evacuated troops.¹
The composition of the French contingent was not known at Dover. Actually,
3 French torpedo boats, two minesweeping trawlers, two patrol vessels, and
17 trawlers and motor fishing vessels landed troops in England on the 3rd June.
One Belgian patrol boat and 16 or 17 trawlers brought troops.
B.E.F. evacuated, 2330/2
The first destroyers to reach Dunkirk were the Sabre and Shikari, which
sailed together from Dover at 1845. As the latter ship rounded No. 6 W buoy
enemy shore batteries opened fire, but caused no damage. Berthing was
carried out by an officer with a loud speaker at the pier head. Both destroyers
sailed again at 2200, the Sabre with 500 and the Shikari with 700 troops. The
Venomous, which arrived at 2150, had difficulty in going alongside the East Pier.
This was not a solid jetty, but was built of concrete piles through which the
west-going tide set. This, coupled with a fresh easterly wind, made it very
I The following ships (other than those on patrol which picked up survivors and landed
them) landed troops in England on 3rd June, (numbers in brackets) :-
BRITISH Destroyers - Codrington (44), Esk (500), Sabre (500), Shikari (700), Vanquisher (37),
Venomous (1500), Whitshed (82), Winchelsea (152), Windsor (1022) ;
Gunboat Locust (800)
Minesweepers - Albury (200), Duchess of Fife (300), Dundalk (399), Gossamer (490),
Halcyon (416), Kellett (364), Marmion (198), Medway Queen (481), Niger (430),
Oriole (750), Pangbourne (47), Speedwell (300), Westward-Ho (48) ;
Special Service Ship Golden Eagle (1);
Drifters - Forecast (108), Golden Sunbeam (163), Lord Howard (100), Midas (43),
Netsukis (119), Starlight Rays (319), Ut Prosim (49), Yorkshire Lass (103)
Trawler Cayton Wyke (300) ;
Skoot Doggersbank (50) ;
Yacht Sargasso (252) ;
Personnel ships - Côte d'Argent (955), King George V (1460), Newhaven (396),
Lady of Mann (18), Rouen (1286), Royal Sovereign (1500), St. Helier (2000),
Tynwald (1200) H.M.S. Nelson's M.B. (27)
Tugs - St. Olaves (200), Sun X (211), Sun XI (188), War Dept. M.Ls. (69)
Sailing barge Glenway (213)
R.N.L.I. Lifeboats Cecil & Lilian Philpot (51), Michael Stephens (52) :
3 motor boats and launches (300).
FRENCH Torpedo boats - Bouclier (340), La Flore (410) ;
Destroyer Léopard (19) ;
S/M Chaser 6 (50, apparently disembarked at Havre) ;
M/S trawlers - Ste. Bernadette de Lourdes (79), Ste. Denise Louise (78) ;
Patrol vessels - Lucien Gougy (78), Reine des Flots (500) ;
17 trawlers and M.F.V's. (1663).
BELGIAN Patrol boat A.5 (229) ;
17 trawlers (1583).
107

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

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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

LIST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
ROSS
BRIGHTON BELLE
KELLETT
SALAMANDER
BRIGHTON QUEEN
LEDA
SALTASH
DEVONIA
LYDD
SANDOWN
DUCHESS OF FIFE
MARMION
SHARPSHOOTER
DUNDALK
MEDWAY QUEEN
SKIPJACK
EMPEROR OF INDIA
NIGER
SNAEFELL
FITZROY
ORIOLE
SPEEDWELL
GLENAVON
PANGBOURNE
SUTTON
GLENGOWER
PLINLIMMON
WAVERLEY
GOSSAMER
PORTSDOWN
WESTWARD HO
GRACIE FIELDS
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
HALCYON
QUEEN OF THANET
Sunk.
(Continued)

Details

Details

ST OF SHIPS WHICH TOOK PART IN OPERATION "DYNAMO" - 26TH MAY - 4TH JUNE, 1940
PART I - BRITISH SHIPS.
A.A. CRUISER.
CALCUTTA
DESTROYERS.
ANTHONY
INTREPID
VENOMOUS
BASILISK
IVANHOE
VERITY
CODRINGTON
JAGUAR
VIMY
ESK
JAVELIN
VIVACIOUS
EXPRESS
KEITH
WAKEFUL
GALLANT
MACKAY
WHITEHALL
GRAFTON
MALCOLM
WHITSHED
GRENADE
MONTROSE
WINCHELSEA
GREYHOUND
SABRE
WINDSOR
HARVESTER
SALADIN
WOLFHOUND
HAVANT
SCIMITAR
WOLSEY
ICARUS
SHIKARI
WORCESTER
IMPULSIVE
VANQUISHER
SLOOP.
BIDEFORD
CORVETTES.
GUILLEMOT
MALLARD
SHELDRAKE
KINGFISHER
SHEARWATER
WIDGEON
GUNBOATS.
LOCUST
f
MOSQUITO
MINESWEEPERS.
ALBURY
HEBE
BRIGHTON BELLE
ROSS
KELLETT
BRIGHTON QUEEN
SALAMANDER
LEDA
DEVONIA
SALTASH
LYDD
DUCHESS OF FIFE
SANDOWN
MARMION
DUNDALK
SHARPSHOOTER
MEDWAY QUENEN
EMPEROR OF INDIA
SKIPJACK
NIGER
FITZROY
SNAEFELL
ORIOLE
GLENAVON
SPEEDWELL
PANGBOURNE
GLENGOWER
SUTTON
PLINLIMMON
GOSSAMER
WAVERLEY
PORTSDOWN
GRACIE FIELDS
WESTWARD Ho
HALCYON
PRINCESS ELIZABETH
WHIPPINGHAM
QUENN OF THANET
Sunk.
Conti

Details

Jany
sto
TO
TO
drive
-6-
226
sonth of
away, when the Areoplanes came on us again and dropped bombs, one
of which just missed the fore end of the bridge on the Port side,
own
stopped our Gyro Compass and shook the ship from stem to stern.
&
on
The Chief Officer had left the windlass running and took oover
one
under the Forecastle Head. Whenthe Raiders had pa ssed, we
tried our Telemotor but found that it was broken, so we stopped
the windlass. I called the Engineers up and told them our
position. It was hopeless to get aft to see if the Steam gear
was intact for no one could stay aft and steer owing to the
fire and there was the danger that our spare ammunition in the
Tonnage opening would explode at any moment. Just as I
suggested going aft (but was stopped by my Chief Officer) the
first of the big shells went off.
As it then seemed to me that we could not get to sea
and steer through the Sandbanks and that we seemed to be a ship
marked for destruction by the enemy who were dive bombing at us
frequently, we signalled a Destroyer which was embarking troops
inshore from us that we wanted assistance. He did not answer
but H.M.S, "Pangbourne" a Mine Sweeper, which was entering the
Roads came alongside and, when I told the Commander that the
not
Telemotor was broken and that I could/get out clear, he agreed
to take us on board. He pressed me to say that I wanted to
abandon the vessel but I would notuse that word, SO the Commander
said/
All the Engineers aia excellent work at unein
and we understand the 4th Engineer (A.M.Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward E.4.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D.McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
All the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were usea to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

STATE
in
STATE
THE
doing
-7-.
Box
227
said "Well, temporarily abandoned".
shy
Total
In the interests of the human beings left onboard, I
consented to this. The Chief and Fifth Engineers went below and
and
drew the fires as much as possible. The natives would not go
down below a second time. We mustered the natives and found
OF
only 23 onboard, 8 of whom belonged to the Saloon, 8 were Engine
Room men and 7 were deck men, and there were also 12 European
Members of the crew.
When we left the vessel she was burning fiercely aft.
H.M.S. "Pangbourne" then proceeded closer inshore and embarked
some troops, being subjected to several air raids in which a good
many lives were lost and the ship herself holed, so she went out
of action and proceeded homewards.
On the way we fell in with an Admiralty Trawler, the
"Gracie Fields" with troops onboard. She had been bombed and
wished to be towed. We towed her for several hours but as they
found she was sinking they took off the crew and abandoned her.
We reached Dover about 10 a.m., on 30th May, narrowly escaping from
a Magnetic Mine off the South Goodwin Lightship.
17 Derby Street
Edinburgh. 3rd June, 1940.
(sgd)R.W.Mackie,
Master.
ALL the Engineers aid excellent work au
and we understanu the 4th Engineer (A.M. Rivett) manned a Bren
Gun, by permission of the Chief Engineer, with effect on enemy
planes.
The Chief Steward E.u.Onions, 2nd Steward J.F.Brown and
Purser D.D. McMahon we understand aid heroic work in tending to
the woundea, there being no Doctor on board.
ALL the Medical Supplies and other consumable stores
of our Catering Department were used to give Medical Comfort to
the rescued.

Details

Dynam 162.
-_330
330
H.M.S. HARWICH. "Stella Rigel" 308
7th June, 1940.
Report on patrol of May 29th to June 3rd.
At 1515 on May 29th we cast off and proceeded out of harbour,
icking up H.M.T. "Argyleshire" and "Lord Melchett" outside. We
rrived off the position at 2200 and proceeded to our patrol area east
f S. Buoy. At 0030 on May 30th we observed a vessel stopped which got
nder way as we approached. As she did not answer the challenge we
ave chase and eventually stopped her. She proved to be M.S. "Ricas"
rom Ostend with troops.
At 0750 we picked up "Argyleshire" and returned to area of
Walls Buoy for patrol.
At 2100 on 31st May we received orders from "Argyleshire" to
atrol S. Buoy to West Hinder during night.
At 0230, having lost touch with "Argyleshire", and having
efound her, we were closing when she was struck by a torpedo and sank
mmediately. We lowered the boat and recovered five survivors, the two
fficers, the signalman, wireless operator and one Able Seaman. During
he course of the rescue a plane circled overhead and dropped parachute
lares, but took no action. The Captain reported having seen a
ubmarine crash dive, and while manoeuvring to attack he was struck
midships by a torpedo. We received instructions to land survivors at
earest port and proceeded towards Ramsgate. Artificial respiration
las carried out on A.B. Laycock for 3 hours until we transferred all
urvivors to H.M. Drifter "Gerrars Rontoul" outside Ramsgate to be taken
.nto port. Picked up "Lord Melchett" and patrolled area of S. Falls
Buoy during daylight of June 1st.
3. Buoy to West Hinden.
At 2015 received orders from "Lord Melchett" to patrol from
At 0430 on June 2nd we picked up a motor boat with 23 soldiers,
aking them aboard and the boat in tow. During this operation the
'Lord Melchett" had closed us, and reported seeing a torpedo passing close
inder our bow.
the soldiers and boat to her, rejoining the "Lord Melchett" on patrol.
At 0745 we were signalled by H.M.S. "Pangbourne" and transferred
enemy plane, which attacked us and dropped a salvo of four bombs close to
At 1100 all ships in neighbourhood were in action against' one
the "Lord Melchett", doing no damage.
daylight, and arrived at Parkeston at 1135.
At 0130 on June 3rd we received orders to proceed to Harwich at
(Signed) J.W. Wykeham.
Sub Lieutenant, R.N.V.R.
p.p.